October 31, 2008
Hollywood Director Attack Ads
John McCain turns to famous Hollywood directors for help with his attack ads (Part I, Part II). This via Hot Air, correct to point out Part II is a great improvement over Part I. David Lynch has sealed the deal for me: Vote McCain!
A barack in disguise
One thing for which I thank the junior Senator from Illinois: Many supposed conservatives have shown their true colours as this man has slouched toward the White House. These are people I would have trusted if, say, we were faced with World War Z. Now I know better. No matter the outcome of next week's poll, and no matter what these charlatans will have to say for themselves should John McCain become President, I will not forget. With their every word I will hear the voice of Grima Wormtongue. They have chosen their master. Let them learn the species of generosity for which his camp followers are famous.
In this sense, Barack is indeed a blessing. I would call it a small blessing for a blighted world. But if things get ugly it may be the greatest favour he could have possibly done civilization. It is said the forces of darkness are often their own undoing. Now we know who to turn away at the gate; who to leave to the zombies.
Tim Curry: Anything can happen on Hallowe'en
This is goth Christmas, btw. Now is the time at the Flea when we dance (via Coilhouse).
Goth make-up tutorial No. 1
Adora BatBrat demonstrates (silly, nsfw lyrics in accompanying music).
Best. Vampire. Evar.
Which vampire kills the competition?
(via Agent Bedhead)
October 30, 2008
Dark times demand dark music
Attentive Flea-readers will have noticed The Summer Glau Chronicles was nowhere to be found this week. Not to worry, it returns November 3. What even the most attentive Flea-readers may not have noticed are the discreet star tattoos Lena Headey - Sarah Connor of the show's lay title - sports on each forearm. They are quite fetching.
Pic related. Is Lena Headey.
Now that I have your attention: I am playing a darkwave/industrial set at Savage Garden as part of tonight's Devil's Night festivities. M00nBass, DIFF_CULT and Witchmaker make up the rest of tonight's line up; I will be on at 10 (allowing my suburban friends to get home before the TTC turns into a pumpkin).
New Order: Touched By The Hand Of God
Now is the time at the Flea when we dance.
Television under the swastika
The Daily Mail reports Hitler's plan for Big Brother style television broadcast and surveillance; worth the read for the comments alone. Almost everyone agrees the BBC has seen Hitler's vision through (via Agent Bedhead).
All very interesting. But Michael Kloft’s documentary on the history of Nazi television, Television Under The Swastika suggests plans were much further along that this Daily Mail piece might suggest, Nazi television was broadcasting well before the War.
The cowgirl bathing suit lasso routine kitsch is fun, of course, and instructional in a bread and circuses way. But my favourite footage shows the Führer adopting his usual commanding position in his staff car and a brief look of consternation as it sets off in reverse. In the days of live television broadcast, Hitler's message was bound to suffer the occasional set-back of this kind. Today's left-stream media would have found a way to carry his water for him.
October 29, 2008
Nick Drake: Riverman
Wish I made this. Now is the time at the Flea when we dance.
Legend of the Seeker
Sam Raimi and Rob Tappert have a new television series based on The Sword of Truth novels by Terry Goodkind.
One can only assume Bruce Campbell and Ted Raimi have cameos. Some aspects of the world must still exhibit perfect symmetry.
October 28, 2008
Wear plenty of sunscreen
Fallout 3 launches today. To those of us without the right cultural capital, this Fallout Retrospective is an invaluable introduction to the before of the game. A five part gameplay demo introduces the new arrival.
Related: Killer ants. Also, girls, guns and garden gnomes.
Odds and ends
A number of Flea readers kindly keep me up to date with steampunk products on the internet; much appreciated though not always linked. One advantage of the (admittedly limited) popularity of the style is the increasing cottage industry of kit bashers large and small making their wares available for purchase. Take this Nerf rocket blaster modded as a cosplay steampunk ray gun. Sweeter yet, this Nerf Maverick steampunk mod. These auctions will soon be done but future retro-future eBay Victoriana may be found at Steampunk Attire, a specialized link filter dedicated to the subject.
Closer to the cyber end of the spectrum of post-industrial fashion is my new favourite design house, Alexander Hi Tek, a kind of style successor to Storm London. Sunglasses and watches are central to the current line but I am particularly impressed by this mask and - for the ladies - this extraordinary hat.
Flea Towers is undergoing redecoration and, were I to prioritize knick-knacks over ceiling fans, this Hunley Civil War submarine replica would be close to the top of the list. Given a larger budget, I would spring for this light up special edition Tokyo Disneyland opening 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea submarine Nautilus. With yet more mad money, Flea readers can say damn the torpedoes and mod their own Nautilus minisub and working Nemo suit.
Finally, my hat collection. Now wondering what a French military police M1912 goes for when such a beast is made available at auction. This is perhaps the ultimate in martial industrial stagewear.
Uniting Nations: Ai No Corrida (as interpreted by the Tokyo Dance Trooper)
Don't give up! Stand your ground! Fight! Now is the time at the Flea when we dance.
Bonus and extra: Tokyo Rock Trooper.
Messy war
As experience in Afghanistan and Iraq turns from theory to practice, opposition grows toward Future Combat Systems and the Revolution in Military Affairs.
In a new paper, Army Col. H.R. McMaster, definitely a member of the messy war group, calls for abandoning so-called transformation, which is intellectually rooted in the idea of a Revolution in Military Affairs (RMA). McMaster, of 73 Easting and Tal Afar fame, is a highly influential soldier-scholar who is currently putting together a brain trust for Gen. David Petraeus to review U.S. policy towards Afghanistan and Pakistan.
October 27, 2008
Dean Barnett, rest in peace
I am very sorry to pass on the news Dean Barnett has died, aged 41. I would like to offer my prayers to his family and friends. He will be sorely missed by those of us who were just his fans.
His appearances as guest host on the Hugh Hewitt Show were always welcome. He was gracious with people from across the political spectrum, had an engaging temperament and subtle wit that will not be replaced; in short, the model of a gentleman in an ungentlemanly age.
Hugh Hewitt remembers.
Had he had more time, he would have been one of the great influences on the GOP for as long as he lived, probably because he valued and used every minute he had.
Chowda. Rest in peace.
Update: Kathy Shaidle is linking remembrances and updates.
Generally speaking, people don't listen until it is too late
Your result for How Long Would you Survive in a Horror Film?...
The Horror Aficionado
Take How Long Would you Survive in a Horror Film?
Related: The Creeping Terror. Also, Sigourney Weaver almost gets naked at the end of Alien but then Ripley was not a virgin.
Where will China get the weapons and ammunition to wage a war of liberation?
Someone should tell the Onservatives about that last one.
More Robert Taber inspired thinking to follow, especially if things go badly on the 4th. I guarantee you the PUMAs are already thinking along these lines; you cannot steal an election in the United States - really steal, not selected/elected "steal" - without a revolutionary impulse rising in the hearts of patriots.
Important note: I am interested in means rather than ends with these links. I am four-square in favour of nuclear power and suspect I would disagree most policy issues with the author of these letters. Even so, he has interesting things to day about taking on tyrannical elites. There is the faith of our fathers. Then there is the practice of our fathers. Time to review the Federalist Papers too...
FYI: The tag line and question are quotes from Chairman Mao, a man who knew a thing or two about fighting and winning when out gunned. Again, ends vs means.
Related: The nuclear plant is everywhere!
October 26, 2008
Black Thong Stretching Trio
Knew I forgot something today. Basically I spend most of my time lately in a blood red rage. Fortunately, I have the internet. Now is the time at the Flea when we dance (nsfw but I take it you don't work on Sunday).
Update: Belatedly decided I should expand on the blood red rage issue having avoided it due to blood pressure issues. This business with the cigarette almost sent me off the deep end.
October 25, 2008
Rachel Stevens: Knock On Wood
Now is the time at the Flea when we dance.
October 24, 2008
Here are some pictures of Eva Green
I am having an honesty in materials moment. The article is interesting too, actually (via Agent Bedhead)
Related: Eva Green for Dior Midnight Poison, Breil and Heineken. She has a lovely laugh in that last one, all the more so for being unexpected.
In case I forgot to mention it earlier: Tom Ford is the new tailor to James Bond.
Gary Numan: Me I Disconnect From You
Now is the time at the Flea when we dance.*
* Yes, it's a Scientology reference. Numan had been reading William Burroughs who, in turn, had a fling with Scientology in the late '60s before getting turned off.
Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat
Despite recent unpleasantness in Georgia, and a dimwitted refusal to appropriately discern its friends from its enemies, a strong Russia is not only in the short term interest of the free world, it is in the long term interest of democracy. It is difficult to be too hard on Russia's corrupt leadership, blinkered as it is by anti-Americanism; these are features of every European government saved by the United States in World War II.
50 billion dollars in Russian military spending in 2009 may sound alarming but I find the prospect they may not be able to pay for it far more alarming. A Russian military "running on fumes" is inherently more destabilizing than even the most belligerent Russian policy in the near abroad.
Related to my point: India is building airfields along the border with China.
More than meets the eye: A previously classified Northrop Grumman video of the X-35 prototype for the short take-off/vertical landing variant of the F-35 joint strike fighter.
October 23, 2008
Damn you, Alexis Denisof
10/11: A day that lives in infamy (this disaster via Agent Bedhead, who is famous, btw). Console yourself with images from before the naqba.
Real Life: Send Me An Angel
Now is the time at the Flea when we dance.
In all the empty places where you must walk
The Indian navy sallies out against jihadi pirates based in east Africa. About time, observes an Indian public wondering what the point is of supporting a large navy if the Indian government is "too weak" to use it.
The Indian Navy currently has 156 ships and 35 under construction, ranking it in the top 5 in the world in total numbers. In terms of numbers of modern ships, the Indian Navy will soon have more aircraft carriers, more amphibious ships, more major surface combatants, more submarines, more ships in the flotilla, and a larger auxiliary than any Navy in Europe, including Britain, Russia, and France. True they will not be as advanced in terms of technology, but a decade of buying American could change that in a hurry for India.
The numbers are impressive and - with the will - could be the shield of the civilized world in the coming darkness.
Related and awesome: The Indian Navy saree uniform.
Also related: Sovereign and mobile territory. GlobalSecurity offers a nifty graphic representation of aircraft carrier size comparisons.
America has twice as many aircraft carriers as the rest of humanity combined, and America's aircraft carriers are substantially larger than almost all the other's aircraft carriers. The Navy likes to call the big Nimitz class carriers "4.5 acres of sovereign and mobile American territory" -- all two dozen American carriers of all classes add up to about 75 acres of deck space. Deckspace is probably a good measure of combat power. The rest of the world's carriers have about 15 acres of deck space, one fifth that of America's.
Also awesome: An animated naval gun turret, based on a British 15 inch gun turret Mark 1.
October 22, 2008
The Green Fairy
Perhaps the ultimate gothic tipple, Pernod Absinthe returns after a 93 year absence.
I am also on the market for a Danger Bomb Clock. I think these are a very good idea.
Unrelated: Some people liked my "big butts" post the other day but this is the best blog post headline of the year.
Adamski feat. Nina Hagen: Get Your Body
Now is the time at the Flea when we dance.
Related: Time for me to learn German.
Be regular and orderly in your life, that you may be violent and original in your work
If my financial situation was slightly better organized - and I had less work to do in the next few days - I would make my way to Chicago's Packer Schopf Gallery this weekend to take in Clive Barker's concept paintings for Midnight Meat Train.
Related: The trailer.
October 21, 2008
An unbroken line
Dan Gardner argues for a view of Canadian history that is not constricted to our current geography but part of a "grand, complex, interwoven saga spanning much of the globe". I could not agree more. While I am appalled to discover a new generation of undergraduates with no exposure to Animal Farm or 1984*, I cannot say Canadian history was taught well when I was teenager. Wet blanket, decontextualized nationalism was the order of the day and I expect this has not changed. The first formal exposure I had to Canadian history was through Manifest Destiny, a text on American history that shed some glimmer of light on events north of the border as part of a bigger picture.
Gardner goes on to critique Paul Gross latest acting/directorial effort about Canadian involvement in the War to End All Wars, Passchendaele.
The hero, a Canadian soldier played by Gross, is everything the Brit is not. Honest. Plain-talkin'. Brave in battle. He has no use for politics, doesn't care how the war started, and is loyal only to his comrades in the trenches.
The sharp division Gross draws between Canadian and Brit -- with the British Empire shoved over to their side of the line, thank you very much -- is also thoroughly modern. Canadians today see this country as a sovereign nation with no special link to Britain. The British Empire is, at most, an embarrassing reminder of the time when we were colonial subordinates; for many, it is a costume drama set in India.
Writing for The Torch, Mark C. points to a difficulty with this thinking - beyond its simple minded anti-Brisih cultural cringe; the bulk of Canadian volunteers were recent British immigrants. It is not clear to me if Gross' film draws the sharp line between British and Canadian an anachronistic nationalism would draw, I have yet to see the piece. If it does, this is as much a symptom of (English) Canada's failure to teach its own history as it is a repetition of it. It is also not clear to me the film will take a pacifist position or whether it will restate the opinion of every elderly relative I spoke with who lived through the thing, viz the Great War was a pointless, tragic waste. If so, this is at least a defensible point of view and one not to be confused with Hollywood's evil vogue for substituting a government conspiracy for every real world instance of jihadi activity.
I am prepared to give Paul Gross the benefit of the doubt. The Passchendaele trailer suggests to me a love story set in a time of great challenge and upheaval and, quite possibly, a story about what it is to be Canadian that includes bravery, sacrifice and feats of arms. I will put up with some (entirely justifiable) condemnation of Britain's decisions in the field for a Canada that includes an heroic army. It is nothing but the truth and it is a story we need now.
Paul Gross appears to believe the same. His words:
The Dominion Institute is on board with what appears to be a reasonable education guide and a film-related contest for young people. It is a start.
* It is not an accident these have disappeared down the memory hole. The Establishment has decided it is more important for you to feel empowered than for you to be empowered.
Mario Basanov & Vidis feat. Jazzu: I'll Be Gone
Now is the time at the Flea when we dance.
Float like a butterly, sting like a Flea
I AM THE GREATEST!
Your result for The Personality Defect Test... Braggart
To put it less negatively:
1. You are more RATIONAL than intuitive.
2. You are more EXTROVERTED than introverted.
3. You are more GENTLE than brutal.
4. You are more ARROGANT than humble.
Compatibility:
Your exact opposite is the Bitch-Slap.
Other personalities you would probably get along with are the Hand-Raiser, the Haughty Intellectual, and the Capitalist Pig.
Take The Personality Defect Test at HelloQuizzy
October 20, 2008
But that is another story
The Summer Glau Chronicles is now confirmed for the remainder of its second season including not only the two new episode orders but the full back nine. Which for some reason sounds like a double entendre in this context now I come to think of it (hat tip to Agent Bedhead).
Related: Girls with guns.
Also related: Cat that looks like Summer Glau (according to Kathy).
Totally unrelated expect for the River/Riverbank pun that is not coming to me and, let's face it, would have been a stretch anyway: Tales of the Riverbank - The Riverbank Clock.
Reason nobody is watching television: Girls burping, dancing and smoking cloves on YouTube is miles better. This last one makes me yearn for the days when eating a piece of cake could take an afternoon. Young people have a lot more time to waste. This blog keeps me too busy in the pixel mines for that sort of frivolity.
Martha And The Muffins: Echo Beach
Now is the time at the Flea when we dance.
< girlfriend =
> awesome!
Now all he needs is beer and pizza and life is complete.
October 18, 2008
I do indeed like big butts; I refuse to pretend otherwise
io9 tracks down Frank Frazetta's Battlestar Galactica on-line masterpieces (my headline stolen from an io9 commenter).
Worth every penny. And yet another reason George Lucas is doing it wrong.
That said, I got round to watching Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull and I have to say I am with Butters, I thought it was pretty good.
Tangentially related: Stills from the forthcoming Star Trek reboot. I am sceptical about the entire project but Sylar is rocking the Spock ears.
MGMT: Kids
Now is the time at the Flea when we dance (hat tip to SondraK).
Vet the media
An excellent idea.
After all, far more turns on the questions they ask and... refuse to ask, more importantly.
October 17, 2008
Tangerine Dream: Deadly Silver Crosses
Now is the time at the Flea when we dance.
October 16, 2008
No, Mr. Bond. I want you to get by on a UK civil servant's salary.
Yes, I would like to travel more and - given I have a week off for the first time in two years coming up in a few days - a little more time to pursue my various hobbies. As a general rule, however, I do not have ambitions to fantastic, unearned wealth and a life of sybaritic ease.
Which is just as well because if I did aspire to such a thing I would want to do it properly; no half measures. Mega-yachts are for the weak: I will have a giga-yacht.
You could hear the sound of penises shrinking from as far away as San Remo when “A” dropped anchor in the bay of Cannes recently. You could hear the sound of Billionaire’s accountants calculating the cost of building a more spectacular boat about thirty seconds later.
I will have an Aston Martin One-77 too, thank you very much.
Update: YouTube video of Blohm + Voss' monster creation.
Robyn: Cobrastyle
Now is the time at the Flea when we dance.
October 15, 2008
Please put me back in the water
All Canadians stop whatever it is you are doing.
Here at last: Paddle To the Sea.
The 1966 film version seen here was eventually nominated for an Academy Award two years later in 1968, for Best Short Film, because it was so beautifully done by the director - Canadian naturalist, master canoeist, artist and filmmaker Bill Mason.
Bill personally hand-carved from wood, in meticulous detail very faithful to the book illustrations, the beautiful wooden "Paddle" models seen in the film.
This story (both book and film version) has been loved by generations of school children for decades as they learn about the history of the Great Lakes region of North America while they follow the exciting adventures of a brave toy Wooden Indian in his tiny but sturdy Canoe (hand carved by a Native Canadian boy from Nipigon Country).
Relate: Wayne Omaha explain the emotional resonance of the film. Now is the time at the Flea when we dance.
This is your future
My American cousins, protect your republic from cultists. Watch this Los Angeles City Council public hearing on September 17, 2008 regarding L Ron Hubbard Way street closures and do something about it. This just leaves my blood boiling. Watch it and imagine a town, a state or the country were it to fall into the hands of Scientology.
Residents of L Ron Hubbard Way: This sounds like a class action suit. Do not bother suing Scientology, sue the City of Los Angeles. Embarrass them. Make it their problem.
October 14, 2008
Shania Twain: That don't impress me much
Now is the time at the Flea when we dance.
October 13, 2008
October 12, 2008
Gregorian Mode: Blasphemous Rumours
Now is the time at the Flea when we dance.
October 11, 2008
Talks to free Ukrainian arms ship collapse: pirate spokesman
So reads the headline of an AFP article. Flea-readers will be as shocked as I am too see their insensitivity repeated in the lede.
I see, so pirates have "spokesmen" now do they?
Note to AFP: This is 2008. Your pirate "spokesman" is more properly referred to as a "spokesperson" or simply "spoke"; an editorial change is in order. Your adoption of gender neutral/gender fair language could avoid perpetuating stereotypes of pirates as men engaged in hijacking, kidnapping, murder and rapine. A gender neutral diction would more properly reflect the possibility of female pirates engaged in hijacking, kidnapping, murder or rapine or, indeed, transgendered pirates. This discursive shift would open doors/portholes/hatchways for young people of any gender or of indefinite gender orientation previously discouraged from a career in pirate representation by the patriarchal language of domination sadly characteristic of French press reportage.
Shame on you, AFP.
Related: The IMB live piracy map for 2008. If only we could use this map to infer a shared culture or worldview serving to justify acts of piracy to the men who engage in them; some motivating ideology which leads the pirates to believe their victims are less than human and deserving of their fate. Oh well, some things will probably always be a mystery.
October 10, 2008
The Birthday Massacre: Remember Me (City of the Dead Mix)
Now is the time at the Flea when we dance.
Stephen Hawking: We must learn to live in space or we will not survive
"It will be difficult enough to avoid disaster on planet Earth in the next 100 years, let alone next thousand, or million. The human race shouldn't have all its eggs in one basket, or on one planet. Let's hope we can avoid dropping the basket until we have spread the load."
I want humanity to survive and, with it, a flotilla of arks carrying Earth's miracle some distance out of harm's way. If that means a future history written in Russian or Mandarin, so be it.
Directly related: The Starlost is available on dvd (hat tip to Mike Campbell).
Manatee squash
The internet is the best. Evidence.
Also: Panda babies!
October 09, 2008
October 08, 2008
Beat the Whites with the Red Wedge
I have learned something new both fannish and art historical thanks to the etherwebs: E.M. Lissitzky's Soviet propaganda poster may look eerily familiar to Flea-readers still missing the Uncharted Territories.
On a related note, I am planning to go out as a Peacekeeper Commando this Hallowe'en. Whether my outfit is going to be as elaborate as a hardcore Farscape fan's is down to scheduling...
Dobenbeck Feat. Joanna: Please Don't Go
Now is the time at the Flea when we dance.
Rewarding greed and stupidity
John Bird and John Fortune explain how markets really work (via Ace). Canadian Flea-readers should be advised several groups might risk being brought into hatred and contempt in the course of their analysis.
On an equally serious, if less satirical, note; some questions and answers on the Canadian economy. David Akin assures us Canadian banks were either too small to have participated in the sub-prime farce or were prevented from doing so by regulation. Consequently, Canada's direct exposure to the mess is not what it is for our cousins south of the border. In the medium term, our resource and manufacturing sectors may suffer but in the short term events may work out well for the aforementioned Canadian banks; the US Federal Reserve may be enlisting them as investors.
October 07, 2008
Death Cab for Cutie: Soul Meets Body
Now is the time at the Flea when we dance.
Obviously
Your result for The Your Type of Girl Test... The Goth Girl
43% Sexy-Cute, 21% Dark-Light, 16% Artsy-Stylish
Sexy, Dark and Artsy, the Goth Girl definitely catches your eye. And who can blame you, with her black eyeshadow, black clothes, and black expression? The Goth Girl tempts with the promise of sinful satisfaction.
Take The Your Type of Girl Test at HelloQuizzy
Fascinating
Your result for The Beautiful Faces Test... Mischa Barton
75% Eyes, 52% Nose, 61% Mouth, 65% SexyCute
You seem to like prominence in all of the features, and a cute demeanor. Mischa Barton has come to prominence on the hit show (and spiritual successor to 90210), 'The OC'. She's definitely full-featured, and more cute than sexy. She's also in no way the 18-year-old she plays on the show, but that's okay. We love her anyway.
Similar: Alyssa Milano (sexier), Hillary Duff (smaller lips)
If you liked my test, please remember to give it a decent score, and of course I'm always happy to hear feedback. Thanks!
Also, you could check out my Your Type of Girl Test.
Take The Beautiful Faces Test at HelloQuizzy
More like it
...I scored 13 on Hatred, higher than 90% of my peers, apparently. Also, 9 on Insanity, higher than 84% of my peers!
Your result for The Supervillain Archetype Test... The Megalomaniac
The Megalomaniac is the most prestigious of super-villain classes. If anyone is ever going to rule the world, it will probably be you.
Your main goal in life is power and domination, you have the tools to do it, and you know it. Megalomaniacs are intelligent and forceful, and they tend not to let their emotions cloud their judgment. Most of the time. They are usually found, or not found, working at the top of a huge structured organization, though many prefer to work by themselves.
The Megalomaniac has but one flaw, but its an invariably fatal one; arrogance. He knows that he can take over the world, and he isn't afraid to let you know, often elaborately and in great detail. They often do not foresee the fly in their ointment, because they do not want to admit that such a fly could exist.
Sample Megalomaniacs: Dr. Doom, Lex Luthor, Ras al'Ghul, Kang the Conqueror, Emperor Palpatine, Brain
Take The Supervillain Archetype Test at HelloQuizzy
October 06, 2008
October 05, 2008
Let us go forward together
It may seem strange to think of May 1940 as a better time but I believe something like that sentiment explains the enduring popularity of Foyle's War. The writing, the acting and the production were superb, the latter taking extraordinary care with period detail. But beyond that was an evocation of the spirit of the time, a sense of how Britain pulled together in the face of adversity and a representation of decent people upholding the law in the face of cynicism, opportunism and despair.
If only this were the spirit of our age.
It was was great disappointment I learned the show was to be cancelled and to find Season 6 skipping lightly through two years of the struggle to make it to VE Day for the finale. But there has been a greater disappointment still. I think I can speak for almost every man who watched Foyle's War in saying I am a little in love with Samantha Stewart. Sadly, Honeysuckle Weeks is not quite the woman she played on tv.
Flea-readers are advised to consider carefully before following that last link; the image is indelible. Safer by far to click the following for a post-Foyle Honeysuckle interview. And some good news: ITV may revive Foyle's War.
Related: It is almost impossible to credit, but the BBC used to represent British interests. Take this response to Adolph Hitler's "Last Appeal to Reason", for example.
I believe the British people still believe much the same in our current circumstances. They have almost no voice in their Parliament and none at all in their press. God bless the memory of Sefton Delmer and God bless the internet.
"For your first lesson we will take:
"Die Kanalüberfahrt… the Channel crossing, the Chan-nel cros-sing."
"Now just repeat after me:
"Das Boot sinkt... the boat is sinking, the boat is sin-king;
"Das Wasser ist kalt… the water is cold. Sehr kalt… very cold."
"Now, I will give you a verb that should come in useful. Again please repeat after me:
"Ich brenne… I burn;
"Du brennst… you burn;
"Er brennt… he burns;
"Wir brennen… we burn;
"Ihr brennt… you are burning."
"Yes, meine Herren, in English, a rather practical language, we use the same word ‘you' for both the singular and the plural:
"Ihr brennt... you are burning;
"Sie brennen… they burn."
"And if I may be allowed to suggest a phrase:
Der SS-Sturmführer brennt auch ganz schön… The SS Captain is also burning quite nicely, the SS Captain is al-so bur-ning quite nice-ly!"
Spike Jones & His City Slickers: Der Führer's Face
Now is the time at the Flea when we dance.
Canadian Flea-readers are advised caution: An HRC complaint might claim this sort of humour risks bringing one of several master races into hatred and contempt. If you think I am joking, I have a couple decades of cultural studies papers and Disney's take on a mincing Nazi stormtrooper, an exaggerated Italian accent and a cartoon General Tojo to back me up. In today's Canada, being the enemy makes you a protected minority. Or a former CBC executive. But I repeat myself.
Related: The Donald Duck rendition.
The falcon cannot hear the falconer
There was a time not so long ago when Brigadier Mark Carleton-Smith would have been hanged or, worse yet, shunned by society. Now I do not imagine he will be so much as cashiered for his defeatism. Far from it, I expect he can look forward to a warm welcome in SW1, some appearances as a military expert for the BBC and perhaps a sinecure as spokesperson for the winnable War On Second-Hand Smoking.
October 03, 2008
HPLHS: If I Were A Deep One
A warning to the professionally aggrieved: The following contains the expression "Mad Arab". Now is the time at the Flea when we dance.
A rare treasure: An essay by H.P. Lovecraft I have not read. Now I fear to turn the page -- or click the link -- lest I behold cyclopean vistas too terrible to contemplate. Or parse.
Now that is an opening sentence; the rest I shall pass over in silence.
Speaking of cyclopean: I must somehow restrain myself from buying the following... while I am sore tempted by A Lovecraft Retrospective: Artists Inspired by HP Lovecraft, I have quite enough monstrous tomes to contend with as it is.
Arm yourself because no one else here will save you
From a last redoubt of the culture that still remembers what Britain means... James Bond news. The Quantum of Solace theme is the bomb; tuck a little parallel compression under Alicia Keys' vocals and we are good to go. But seriously, who mixed this? The linked commentary is catty but it is not wrong.
Jack White's favourite Bond music is the title to OHMSS, btw. Good choice. John Barry is God.
Related: A compilation of James Bond title themes.
And for anyone who missed the Quantum of Solace teaser trailers.
October 02, 2008
I blame society
Why We Fight Week @ The Flea Chronicles... Episode IV:
Every time I run a picture of Summer Glau I get a traffic spike. Somehow the process does not seem to be working the same way for Fox and The Summer Glau Chronicles.
October 01, 2008
It is only a passing thing, this shadow
Why We Fight Week @ The Flea... Episode III: The Return of the Flea:
Even darkness must pass. A new day will come. And when the sun shines it will shine out the clearer. It's Kylie: The Musical. A bit obvious conceptually once the idea is pointed out (hat tip to the Sister of the Flea).
An even better idea: Kylie bedding. Dream the impossible dream.
Armin van Buuren & DJ Shah feat. Chris Jones: Going Wrong
Now is the time at the Flea when we dance.