Monumental Musings of Minimal Meaning

It will be a VERY merry Christmas this year!

2010-09-28T03:25:00.003-04:00

New Album 'A Christmas Cornucopia' Artwork, Tracklisting And First Single Revealed
September 26th 2010.

New Album 'A Christmas Cornucopia' Artwork, Tracklisting And First Single Revealed
September 26th 2010

Ladies and gentlemen it gives us great pleasure to reveal for the first time the cover artwork, tracklisting and details for Annie Lennox's forthcoming album A Christmas Cornucopia.

'A Christmas Cornucopia' will be released on 15th November 2010. The first single has been confirmed as ''Universal Child''. All of Annie's income from 'Universal Child' will be paid to the Annie Lennox Foundation,” Annie's own charity that raises money for charitable projects supporting and educating women and children in Africa with HIV/AIDS. To find out more about the The Annie Lennox Foundation's work click here.

annielennoxsing.com

You can pre-order the album from Tuesday 28th September from Amazon.co.uk Amazon.com, Amazon.de, Amazon.co.jp

One of the most successful, iconic and talented artists of the late 20th century is back – and back like you’ve never heard her before.

On November 15th 2010, Annie Lennox releases her sixth solo album. A Christmas Cornucopia is a collection of new, inspired interpretations of 11 traditional festive songs, rounded out by a new Lennox composition, Universal Child.

“All the income that I earn from Universal Child will be paid to the Annie Lennox Foundation.” The Annie Lennox Foundation, the stars own charity, raises money for charitable projects supporting and educating women and children in Africa with HIV/AIDS.

“I’ve known these songs, these carols all my life, I’ve sung them since I was little,” says the songwriter and singer of The Holly And The Ivy, Silent Night, The First Noel and other, less-widely-known songs such as Il Est Ne Le Divin Enfant, and Lullay Lullay. “ They’re just in me. They’re a huge part of my life. So it’s not an arbitrary selection. Those relationships with those pieces of music were there intrinsically before I approached the recording.”

The music on the album was mostly played by Lennox, in collaboration with co producer Mike Stevens, and recorded in his southwest London studio – at the bottom of his garden. But to achieve the resonance and vibrancy that were integral to Lennox’s ideas for these re-energized reboots, the pair also worked with a 30-piece orchestra at Pinewood Studios. And they travelled further afield too: to South Africa, to record with the African Children’s Choir, a remarkable organization with which impassioned campaigner and activist Lennox has long had a relationship.

“There are 34 different choirs. They’re like a big extended family – the people who work with them, their careers, are called aunties and uncles. And it’s so precious – if you asked them, as we did with these eight and nine year olds, ‘how is your life different now that you’re in the choir?’ They would say things like, ‘Now I get really good food to eat.’ Or, ‘Now I wear nice clothes.’

“I had met them several times before, through 44664 (Nelson Mandela’s HIV AIDS foundation) – we had this ongoing connection, and I felt that if I was to record any children’s voices it had to be theirs.”

A Christmas Cornucopia is no sweetly packaged selection box. As befits its title, it offers an abundance of songs – drawn from British, French and German traditions – and a host of ideas. On Lullay Lullay, “a lullaby I’ve known for years and the darkest carol I think,” Lennox draws direct links between the Nativity and the plight of Africa’s child soldiers. “Lullay Lullay alludes to the killing of first-born boy children by King Herod… and going back more deeply into the story of the song, I kept getting images of child soldiers in my head…The violation of children is endemic in many so places. Even though this carol is ancient, the brutality of the subject matter is just as relevant today.

Vibrant but vintage, classic and contemporary, glorious but with a polemical edge – notably in Universal Child – A Christmas Cornucopia also marks the beginning of Annie Lennox’s relationship with Universal/Island.

“The Island team were so enthusiastic, and so excited to be working with me, and I was blown away that they felt like that. It feels very energized, and fresh and new. And that’s a great feeling for me.”

You can hear as much in A Christmas Cornucopia.

A Christmas Cornucopia is available for pre order from Amazon.co.uk Amazon.com, Amazon.de, Amazon.co.jp from Tuesday 28th September, keep checking back for more details and for regular updates follow Annie on : Facebook, Twitter,Myspace or join the Annie Lennox forum here

Tracklisting:
1) Angels from The Realms of Glory
2) God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
3) See Amid The Winter’s Snow
4) Il Est Ne Le Divin Enfant
5) The First Noel
6) Lullay Lullay (Coventry Carol)
7) The Holly and The Ivy
8) In The Bleak Mid Winter
9) As Joseph Was A Walking
10) Oh Little Town of Bethlehem
11) Silent Night
12) Universal Child

Not so long time ago...in a Stadium not so far, far away...

2010-06-07T20:24:00.002-04:00

This didn't catch me until the end...watch the two guys in the back especially the one who discovers something lying on the floor after Snoop makes short work of the loud mouth.

adidas Originals - Star Wars™ Cantina 2010 @ Yahoo! Video

Time for WTF? Theatre.

2010-05-04T23:56:00.000-04:00

A Doozy for today...

To Pull Off The Prank, You May Have To Pay The Price.

2010-03-06T17:45:00.002-05:00

Bet both the pranker and the prankee didn't see that coming.

The Greatest Music Video To Come Down The Pike In The Last 10 Years!

2010-03-05T00:49:00.001-05:00

Thanks to the sponsorship of State Farm Insurance...
This is totally legit and was shot with one long take.

His Orc Was Defeated By His Level 83 Wife

2010-01-08T19:37:00.012-05:00

From "The Scottish Sun" Newspaper
By VICTORIA ALLEN
Published: 04 Jan 2010

Robert Cushnie, 42, had happily shared his home with a giant model of an Orc - a creepy character from a computer game - for six years.
But his Canadian spouse Dee, 42, warned that if he didn't ditch the gruesome creature, she'd move back to her homeland without him.
So now distraught Robert, of Aberdeen, has been forced to have his giant toy ADOPTED.
Last night the telecommunications manager explained "It came down to the wife or the Orc.
(PHOTO - 2008 News Group Newspapers Ltd)

"She said there wasn't any room for him in our life. I've had him for six years but Dee means more to me, so he had to go."
Orcs are bloodthirsty warriors from the fantasy computer game World of Warcraft.
And Robert was thrilled when he landed his life-sized metal and plastic figure from a Falkirk toy shop that shut down.
But he and Dee, who married last February, will move to Canada later this month - without the Orc.
Dee said: "I just don't like it. I'm only 5ft 3in, so it towers over me, which is quite creepy."
The Orc has found a new home in Aberdeen with Michael Thomson, 61, and wife Patricia, 55.
And their granddaughter Kimberlea Logie, 16, is already a fan.
Last night Patricia said: "We wanted him because he's so unusual. Our grandkids love him."
Robert said: "I'll miss him - but I'm glad he's gone to a good home."

Now For A Short Movie Break...

2010-01-06T23:51:00.000-05:00

Taylor has quite the 19th birthday!

2009-12-29T14:44:00.004-05:00

Every other birthday in this kids life will suck in comparison...have a great life Taylor.

Ladies, keep those hedges tidy!

2009-12-28T21:35:00.001-05:00

Sometimes Justice is served red hot!

2009-12-22T02:10:00.004-05:00

Insurgent firing on either coallition forces in Iraq, or Hamas firing on Isralie targets...regardless...Allahu Ak-BOOM!

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It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas...the quick and easy way!

2009-12-22T01:45:00.001-05:00

I so want a couple of these!

I CAN'T LOOK AWAY.

2009-12-08T22:32:00.002-05:00

More musings on this after I have mulled over my first reactions to this.

My Favorite Version...

2009-12-08T21:49:00.004-05:00

Ah, Christmas... one of my least favorite times of the year. NOT because I hate Christmas, but rather with the occupations I have in the theatre, I usually spend most of my December trying to make other people's holidays merry by running multiple shows at the venues I oversee. But this year is different, the Deadly X-mas Tree has come and gone, There is no other events scheduled at that venue for the rest of December so I can safely put aside that theater till January 2010, And more importantly I am collaborating on a X-mas project with my best friend. It has been a struggle at times, but I wouldn't trade the experience and the friendship with him for anything in the world. I am proud of what we have built together and look forward to every performance we have left.

That, and It gives me a reason to put this little ditty back up...lol

Well...I for one am creeped out!

2009-12-08T21:45:00.002-05:00

Is it just me or does this gentleman seem a bit TOO enthused about this?...i.e. CRAZY?

oh well, I guess you have to be a bit crazy to want to be int he insurance business.

Genius!!!!!!

2009-07-17T02:46:00.000-04:00

Should we leave a note?

2009-07-15T23:37:00.001-04:00

Amazing Crash And Crazy Machine - Click here for more blooper videos

Lost Eurythmics

2009-07-12T01:48:00.004-04:00

Its time once again for this months installment of Hidden Gems From Eurythmics.

The first caused quite a stir back in the day and was even pulled off of MTV for its in your face Anti-Americanism. Guess MTV never heard of biting satire? Brilliant song and brilliant video.

This next is the video that started my obsession with Annie. I fell in love watching this video with her wearing the blond wig back in 1982 and haven't stopped since....god those eyes!!!

And finally...although this is undoubtably Eurythmics most recognizable song, this video version of it is relatively unknown in comparison to what is quaintly called the cow video...enjoy.

Thank God For Saturday Morning Cartoons

2009-07-11T01:11:00.003-04:00

For any fan of The Watchmen and "Old School" saturday morning cartoons circa 1973-1985 this just will tickle you raw. If this is REAL and not just a gag...somebody better SHOOT me!

A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words

2009-07-10T14:36:00.002-04:00

And a video clip is worth a million...

Toga! Toga! Toga!

2009-06-10T01:54:00.001-04:00

So I guess the Romans had it right all along.

Album covers of the week

2009-06-09T22:58:00.003-04:00

Ah, the fine art of the 33/rpm album cover...we miss you so!

Ummmm...I count five...unless this is one of those cults where the woman doesn't count for anything.

And My lawyer is SOOOOOO happy!

She's a Super freak, super freak....

I so need to photoshop a pistol lying on the bench next to this guy...it would make the image so much more complete. Also, is it just me or does the chick seem to be thinking..."and his dick is bigger and he makes more money"

And my personal favorite for sheer "coolness"!

Photos of the week...

2009-06-09T22:46:00.005-04:00

These are shots that I have discovered online in the past week or so.
Copyrights, if any are held by their respective owners and these are posted for review and comment purposes only...on with the show

Nothing like a little mid-twentieth century sexism...

"Hey honey, whats this little trigger thingy do again?" BOOM!

Let the whole family in on the fun of the George Lucas Merchandising Machine!

This had many layers of meaning for me!

2009-05-23T01:23:00.002-04:00

That and I laughed my ass off....

100 Movies, 100 great lines, 100 number countdown

2009-05-23T01:13:00.001-04:00

I wish I had this much time to figure out stuff like this.....BRILLIANT!!!

Two of Annie's most hauntingly beautiful songs!

2009-05-22T02:09:00.005-04:00

The First is from Francis Ford Coppola's Movie - Bram Stoker's Dracula.
The Second is from her debute solo album from 1992 (lordy I'm getting old) DIVA.

Watch her character expression and her eyes.....Sigh......She is almost as beautiful as my wife!

2009-05-10T14:15:00.006-04:00

by Aaron Muszalski on March 25, 2009 from Laughingsquid.com

The Original Inspiration For Batman’s Joker, German Actor Conrad Veidt

While there’s an ongoing debate over who actually created the character of Batman’s iconic nemesis The Joker (comic book artist Bob Kane, writer Bill Finger and artist Jerry Robinson have all variously claimed the idea) one aspect of his origin seems to be relatively free from dispute: that the creators drew their visual inspiration from German actor Conrad Veidt’s portrayal of the character Gwynplaine in the 1928 film The Man Who Laughs. An adaptation of a Victor Hugo novel, the film was directed by German expressionist filmmaker Paul Leni, with Veidt in the title role.

A well-known film actor with a long career, Veidt also appeared as Cesare the somnambulist in The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, Grand Vizier Jaffar in The Thief of Bagdad, and as Major Heinrich Strasser in Casablanca. The latter role being especially notable as Veidt himself was a fervent anti-Nazi, who emigrated from Germany to England in 1933, one week after marrying Illona Prager, a Jewish woman. Veidt also played what is likely the first homosexual character written for the screen, in Richard Oswald’s pioneering gay rights film, Anders als die Andern (”Different From The Others”).

Veidt died of a heart attack in 1943 while playing golf in Los Angeles.

The Joker died of a drug overdose and won an oscar.

Arrrrr!!!!

2009-05-09T17:41:00.000-04:00

What kind of pirate am I? You decide!
You can also view a breakdown of results or put one of these on your own page!
Brought to you by Rum and Monkey

PC IS FIXED!!!!!

2009-04-22T00:35:00.000-04:00

And to celebrate...some classic Eurythmics

This Week On WTF Theater!...

2009-02-02T01:12:00.003-05:00

I do not have the technical skills to do what I think would improve this...just imagine the music from Ernie Kovacs' Nirobi Trio while this video plays...

THe Exploding Banana Mask - Watch more free videos

And here I thought she was just annoying...

2009-02-02T00:39:00.005-05:00

This little missive is from the Hon. James David Manning, PhD, pastor of the ATLAH World Missionary Church located in ATLAH, New York. He seems to find some disturbing trends in Miss Winfrey's behavior...website here... http://atlah.org/

Annie IS BACK!!!!!!

2009-01-30T22:01:00.001-05:00

Watch more VH1 videos on AOL Video

A "lost" gem from a legendary lady..

2009-01-23T14:33:00.001-05:00

Eartha Kitt - January 27th, 1927 - December 25th, 2008
She will be missed!

On with WTF Theater!...

2009-01-22T00:05:00.001-05:00

Now for something pointles, bizzare and I am sure some would say even slightly disurbing...

We could comment about the bikini, her VERY buff six-pack, the fact she is wearing shades indoors...and on and on...but I just like to groove to that drum line!

One of the most powerful versions of Amazing Grace I have heard.

2009-01-21T23:17:00.000-05:00

Sung by Dr. Wintley Phipps of the Palm Bay Seventh-day Adventist Church in Palm Bay, Florida, at the prayer service at the National Cathedral in Washington DC this morning.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Now, I don't consider myself a believer in the truest sense of the word. I suscribe to no one creed or faith structure and do not feel the need for a personal god that is interested in the day to day activities of we humans...but I do appreciate that others do, and I DO know the power of music and Dr. Phipp's baritone combined with this wonderful melody moves the soul, chakra, psyche, spirit, chi...etc.

And Now For War On The War Reporters...

2009-01-21T21:44:00.000-05:00

Poor Joe...or rather Sam...He must be really upset that his 15 minutes of fame were up about 15,000 minutes ago. And since he isn't a real (i.e. licensed) plumber, I guess he felt he could be a real unlicensed journalist.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

That's One Way To Shoe Him The Door...

2009-01-21T02:37:00.000-05:00

From The HuffingtonPost.com on Jan 19, 2009

Ryan Grim - Reporting for the Huffington Post

Bush Protest: Shoes Thrown At White House

President Bush was given an Iraqi-journalist-style sendoff on his last full day in office Monday, as tourists and demonstrators lobbed shoes, pumps, boots, sandals and Crocs from Pennsylvania Avenue onto the White House lawn.
Before launching the operation live, the shoe-chuckers took target practice in Dupont Circle on a 20-foot-tall blow up doll of the outgoing president, decked out in the flight suit he wore aboard the "Mission Accomplished" aircraft carrier

Unlike Muntazer al-Zaidi, the Iraqi reporter who inspired the protest, none of the shoe-throwers in the group were arrested. (Later that day, reports NBC, one man was arrested for chucking a shoe at the White House.)
Marching down Connecticut Avenue with handfuls of footwear, the group of about a hundred was on the receiving end of enthusiastic honks, thumbs-up and waves from people in the street.
The reception was almost as warm from the people guarding the White House.
"Don't hit me!" one officer behind the White House fence joked as shoes rained around him.
Tracey Primavera, a shoe-lobber from Provincetown, Massachusetts, shouted at the guard that she had a pump that would look nice on him. "I tried that. It didn't look good on me," yelled back the officer. Primavera tossed him the pump anyway.
Tourists on Pennsylvania Avenue picked up shoes and lobbed them at the White House as well. "A lot of random people joined in," noted one organizer, David Swanson. "Everybody wanted to be photographed with an "Arrest Bush" sign.
The tourists also joined a spontaneous chorus that formed. On the night of the election, thousands of people swarmed the White House and sang the old sports classic, "Hey, Hey, Hey, Goodbye." The song made a reappearance Monday, as did a number of tunes apparently written for the occasion, with lyrics such as "Hang down your head, George Bush/Hang down your head in shame," and "Take him to the Hague" -- the latter sung to the tune of "Working on the Railroad."
The target practice on the giant Bush doll began around 11:00 in the morning and was still going five hours later, as thousands of people walking through the circle stopped to pick up a shoe and wing it at the outgoing president. Some threw fastballs like al-Zaidi. Others tied several together in an attempt to land them on Bush's long Pinocchio-esque nose. Children took part. ("Okay. One more shoe, kids," said one parent.) Some folks simply walked up to the doll and kicked it in the shins. It fell over at one point and people rushed it, beating it with shoes.

Still others, like al-Zaidi, missed.
"Ah! I missed!" yelled Sharon Kerr, in town from Austin, Texas, after chucking wide of her presidential mark. She said that she felt a little like the Iraqi reporter for missing. But she noted in his defense, "He had people blocking him."
Kerr began to leave the circle but stopped. "I'm gonna go one more time. I'm gonna nail him this time," she said before winding up and striking him cleanly in the belt.
Cheryl Upshaw, in from Atlanta and sporting a full-length fur coat, hit the Bush doll high on the shoulder. "I was really trying to aim for his heart," said Upshaw, a registered nurse who owns a home healthcare agency. The throw was cathartic, she said, and it seemed to relieve some of her anger.
"It's not that I hate him," she clarified. "I don't hate him personally. I hate what he has done to this country."
Medea Benjamin, a cofounder of the antiwar group CODEPINK, said the protest was a way to "get the Bush era out of your intestines."
"I was a little reluctant because I want to be in a positive mood," she said. "I don't want to be seen as doing something violent. The shoe-throwing is borderline, but the intent is to insult, not to hurt. There's a fine line."
Once all the shoes had been tossed onto the White House lawn, the officers collected them and piled them into the back of a small truck. "The next person who throws them gets arrested," said one, though the entire pile had already been thrown.
As the protesters headed back toward Dupont Circle, a Secret Service agent left them with a parting observation.
"You all won," he said.
(Photo credit: James Sappington)

Bishop Gene Robinson's prayer

2009-01-20T01:06:00.000-05:00

President-Elect Obama's Lincoln Memorial Concert Speech

2009-01-19T03:26:00.000-05:00

The Ice Storm Cometh...

2008-12-25T01:40:00.000-05:00

Ice and snow have hit Indiana like a coal shovel to the back of the head this past week...and quite a few people lost power for days...but thanks to the hard work of electrical workers from eleven states most everybody has their power back. But in spite of the carnage the loss of power left behind you could not deny that the results of the storm were in essence incredibly beautiful to look at.

So with that in mind....Eurythmics, Winter Wonderland

Have a very Merry Christmas this year and may you get all that you asked Santa for...and may we finally find peace on earth, goodwill toward all!

It's beginning to sound a lot like Christmas...

2008-12-23T00:13:00.000-05:00

For those of you who are in the know, my partner in crime, my compadre in chaos, my Minister Of Silly Walks, you get the idea... simply put, my best friend, is a fine fellow named Rob. Rob runs a little blog called christmas yuleblog.

http://christmasyuleblog.blogspot.com/

He is in my opinion, and probably most of the uncivilized world's as well, the foremost collector of Christmas music and trivia there is. With well over 1900 Christmas CDs, and god knows how many LPs, 45s, 78s, 8-Tracks, cassettes, Edison wax cylinders, inscribed cuneiform clay tablets and papyrus scrolls of Christmas songs past he has in his collection... ( I am sure he will let me know a close approximate number)
And these are not the common tripe you see peddled in the $5.99 and under bin at the local mega-mart. These are truly gems of Christmas music history.

It has been my quest for the past couple of years to find him as a present from me at Christmas a recorded song or album he has not heard of or doesn't have...Trust me it is easier getting Adolph Hitler to send you a Happy Hanukkah card than to get something Rob doesn't know about.

In his honor I bring you a few sites I have come across that he probably knows about already...but if not...hee hee hee...maybe he'll find something new.

http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/11/29/the-cinnamon-bear-an-old-time-radio-christmas-tradition/

http://www.otrfan.com/otr/series/commandperformanceusa.html

http://www.mikesoldies.com/christmas/index1.htm

http://www.ilovewavs.com/Holidays/Christmas/ChristmasMusicPg1.htm

http://www.santasearch.org/music.asp?PID=2

http://www.hipchristmas.com/about/index.php

and be sure to read this entry from hip christmas.com...one of the funniest I have ever read, especially the entry about Kenny G...

http://www.hipchristmas.com/lists/jews.php

Merry Christmas Rob...I couldn't ask for someone better for a best friend!

For a great time look Rob's blog up

http://christmasyuleblog.blogspot.com/

We are experiencing technical difficulties...please stand by...

2008-12-22T23:02:00.000-05:00

We apologise for the inconvieneiance...please stand by...Operators are waiting to assist you in the order you have called...please enjoy this weeks selections of "Lost treasures of Eurythmics" to ease your wait for the return of the blog...

We Mourn A REAL Hero...

2008-11-25T15:17:00.000-05:00

http://www.yahoo.com/s/992783

Taken from KATU.com Portland Oregon.

By Elisa Jaffe
Note: This is a story from our sister station in Seattle, KOMO News.

BOTHELL, Wash. -- The day I met Brenden Foster, I met an old soul in an 11 year old's body."I should be gone in a week or so," he said calmly.When I asked him what he thought were the best things in life, Brenden said, "Just having one."I didn't understand how this child, who was a year younger than my own son, could be so courageous facing death."It happens. It's natural," Brenden told me.

Three years ago, doctors diagnosed Brenden with leukemia. The boy who once rushed through homework so he could play outside found himself confined to a bed. But there was no confining his spirit."I had a great time. And until my time comes, I'm going to keep having a great time," he said.Brenden's selfless dying wish was to help the homeless."They're probably starving, so give'em a chance," he said, "food and water."But Brenden was too ill to feed them on his own. So volunteers from Emerald City Lights Bike Ride passed out some 200 sandwiches to the homeless in Seattle.Then Brenden's last wish took on a life of its own.A TV station in Los Angeles held a food drive. School kids in Ohio collected cans. People in Pensacola, Florida gathered goods.And here in Western Washington, KOMO viewers from all over took part in the Stuff the Truck food drive in Brenden's honor. Hundreds with generous hearts donated six and a half huge truck loads of groceries and more than $60,000 in cash to benefit Northwest Harvest and Food Lifeline.

Brenden touched hearts all over the world. His wish came true, and he lived to see it.
"He had the joy of seeing all of the beautiful response to his last wish," said his grandmother, Patricia McMorrow. "It gives him great peace and he knows that his life has meaning.""He's left a legacy and he's only 11," said his mother, Wendy Foster. "He's done more than most people dream of doing just by making a wish."Days before dying, Brenden surprised us with a sudden burst of energy. He wanted to get off the oxygen, hop out of bed and go buy a video game. Wise beyond his years, but still a kid."I have been so blessed to have this child. A mother couldn't ask for a better son," Wendy said.The B-Man, as his family called him, had one more wish before going: sprinkle wildflower seeds to save the bees. He had heard bees were in trouble.Someone answered B-Man's wish. A retired pilot asked his pilot and flight attendant friends to sprinkle wild flowers around the world, from Bali to Brazil, on Brenden's behalf.When asked what made him sad, Brenden said, "When someone gives up."Brenden Foster never gave up. Even as he clung to his last hours of life, Brenden kept giving."Follow your dreams. Don't let anything stop you," he said.

I can add nothing more than this...

...And a little child shall lead them...

Isaiah 11:6 KJV

NEWS YOU CAN ABUSE

2008-11-19T20:39:00.000-05:00

A Weekly Dose Of News Items That Amuse Me In Some Way or Another

Source: Associated Press - Dateline: Wilimington, North Carolina

A North Carolina sheriff's official has apologized for plunging a funeral into chaos when undercover agents tried to arrest the dead man's son — and used a Taser on him in the process.
It happened as the coffin was being loaded into a hearse. The officers planned to quietly arrest pallbearer Gladwyn Taft Russ III, The Star-News of Wilmington reported Wednesday.
Relatives said two deputies dressed in coats and ties grabbed Russ and kneed him in his back before Tasering him. One deputy's gun fell out of its holster.

Russ' sister, Taffy Gause, said when she got out of the car a deputy "was waving a gun at me and my mom and yelling to get back or he was going to shoot." She said some mourners went home instead of going to the cemetery. Russ, 42, had failed to surrender after being charged with threatening his ex-wife who lives in another state, officials said. Following his father's death Nov. 11, Russ agreed to surrender after the funeral.

When deputies approached Russ during the Saturday funeral, he "went wild" and spat on the officers, said New Hanover County sheriff's chief deputy Ed McMahon. McMahon said the officers should have waited until after the cemetery service. "It was never my intention to create any more problems for the family, and I am truly sorry and apologize for that," he said. McMahon said the officers pointed Tasers at people because the crowd was moving toward them.

Russ was charged with assault on a government official, resisting an officer, disorderly conduct and felony malicious conduct by a prisoner. "Everybody was so scared. We thought it was a drug deal gone bad," said Ronnie Simmons, a pallbearer and Russ' brother-in-law. "We almost dropped the casket."

Now, aside from the fact that almost anything that happens at a funeral in some bizarre way causes me amusement, there are quite a few "gems" of hilarity in this story.

The riot at the back of the hearse would be a great youtube video posting. I just picture some sort of Monty Python sketch involving John Cleese playing "the Vicar" yelling at Grahm Chapman "the Police Sgt." whilst sliding the casket back and forth between them arguing about jurisdiction issues...

Then there is the name of the arrestee..."Gladwyn Taft Russ III"? Sound like one of the rich bastards from Alpha Beta Fraternity in Revenge Of The Nerds.

And Gladwyn's sister doesn't fair much better in the name game, he gets the classy one while she sounds like a New Jersey Stripper... "Taffy Gause". (Not that I have anything against New Jersey strippers)

"Mr. Russ agreed to surrender to authorities after the funeral"...I guess the deputies figure that once the stiff is in the wagon the funeral is pretty much over. To bad they never heard about the graveside service.

But the winning moment in this news story for me is the name of the Chief Deputy. Ed McMahon. Must make serving summonses and arrest warrents easier. "Honey?...Ed McMahon's at the door and he says you might be a winner!"

2008-11-16T04:07:00.000-05:00

This is either really really useful to you... or really really useless....

http://www.instantrimshot.com/

"call it...a hunch!...Rrraa-ching!"

New SpringWidget

2008-11-16T03:33:00.001-05:00

Get this widget!

America...this is your electorate!

2008-11-15T00:03:00.001-05:00

This just sort of boggles the mind!

http://www.visualbully.com/media/464/Idiot_Voting_for_Bush/

Now I certainly have been no Fan of "W" as President. I have nothing personally against the man as a human being, in fact if after he leaves office he starts drinking again, i'd be happy to join him for a pint of Guiness, but even if I WAS a "bushite" I know about the Twenty-second Amendment to the United States Constitution.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twenty-second_Amendment_to_the_United_States_Constitution

Bring back DICK NIXON!!!

A Mother Lode for All Of Us In The TV Generation!

2008-11-14T23:38:00.000-05:00

I have a habit of doing what I call stream of consciousness surfing. I will just start with a topic and follow links around in no order and with no destination in mind and sometimes I is a vast wasteland of uninteresting information...but every so often I find something marvelous...something that makes the long hours of fruitless searching worth it all.

This is one of wondrous finds. If you are a TV junkie who watches the boob tube 24/7 or someone like me who has a penchant for the classic B/W shows of yesteryear, this website will sate your appetite for reminiscence.

I SOOOO Love the internet!

http://www.televisiontunes.com/

They have almost every TV song on their site and a list of the ones they are on the lookout for.
There are even some BBC shows on here...Can anyone say Blakes' Seven?

It Has Come To My Attention...

2008-11-14T19:43:00.000-05:00

...that there isn't enough opinion of the witty, intelligent variety on the web...

and since I am not normally one who is givin to withholding my views from anyone, (just ask my friends and family), I have decided to grace the internet with my services, i.e. in the form of opinions, musings, observations, rants, etc.

I feel that in the general cacaphony that is the public discourse in this wilderness that is the web my voice is sorely needed, and so I launch this blog which will cover a wide range of topics and issues from the earth-shattering to the mundane, the sacred to the profane, the banal to the bizarre.

I find that in my minimal amount of free time away from my work and family, I tend to find myself ruminating on a wide variety of seemingly non-connected subjects, although I am sure a detailed analysis of the subject matter would find a connective thread that runs from point to point between these seemingly disparate items.

So join me in this quest of bringing chaos to heel, and rasing the bar for the internet in general.

Thanatos