Ghost of a flea

The Kylie Bible

Ahh, the elusive Kylie Bible. So near. Yet so dear. Independently wealthy Flea-readers might consider this deConstruction promo book as if it was on my wish list. A snip at £224.99! I would move to any country with the correct power supply for this out-of-stock Spinning Around lamp. Sadly, I even yearn for this Kylie branded Evian water.

The Birthday Massacre: Blue

Now is the time at the Flea when we dance.

Harry Potter sleuthing

Some theories about the shocking finale of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince may be had by following this link. Once again, if you have not read the book and plan to then best forget this post for now (via Xiaxue).

Dungeons & Dragons made simple

The Joycean complexity of Dungeons & Dragons made simple at last (via KiP).

Collins-class

A May 2002 internal report to the Australian navy, obtained by The Weekend Australian, revealed their six Collins-class attack submarines have been "plagued by far more serious safety issues than has been publicly admitted." More worrying still is troubling evidence of an "out of sight out of mind" attitude to the problem.

Cameron Stewart suggests a culture of secrecy, invaluable to the submarine service in a war-fighting context, may have contributed.

Where the Wild Roses Grow

"Do you know where the wild roses grow
So sweet and scarlet and free?"

Nick Cave says skepticism at his writing a song for Kylie Minogue was a pure idea, systematically debased. Tabloid headings like "Kylie Strips For Satanic Video" notwithstanding.

I had never heard an urban myth about Nick Cave and a London flat replete with Kylie posters and paraphernalia. But then I had not thought of "Where the Wild Roses Grow" for some time. I was reminded of it as I watched Kylie, Nick Cave and the Pogue's Shane MacGowan stumbling through a television performance of Bob Dylan's "Death is Not the End". Sublime. It turns out the song Nick Cave wrote for Kylie afforded him a long held desire to work with the Pop Pixie. A 1995 Australia Rolling Stones article quotes him as saying that shooting a video together was "close to a religious experience."

Well, I can only imagine. Watching Where the Wild Roses Grow is close enough to a religious experience. And watch the hands, you cad!

Little Britain

Despite worrying reports of the seriousness of her cancer battle, Flea-readers will be pleased to learn of Kylie Minogue's continued pluck in making her recovery. Kylie's sister, Dannii explains that "laughter is the best medicine" and to that end the two have been snuggling up to watch Little Britain.

Shapeshifters: Lola's Theme

Now is the time at the Flea when we dance.

Wizard Challenge

I managed 7 on this Harry Potter trivia wizard challenge.

Machine Gun Vs Katana

It is not so much that the outcome of this machine gun vs katana match was in any doubt. It is how impressive the katana is as it stands up to the rounds in slo-mo. Flea-readers better informed in gunnery than I am might be able to say the kind of forces involved.

Thank you for listening

This Slate article about L. Ron Hubbard is remarkable largely for a link to the noted poet/lyricist singing "Thank you for listening". Scientology pop music experts explain the song utilizes "elements from several genres—from honky-tonk and free-swinging jazz to cutting-edge electronic rock. The result is a wholly new dimension in space opera sound." The man was clearly a genius. A genius. I know what a genius is. I know. The man was a genius.

Rock Star INXS report

Last night's supposedly shocking installment of Rock Star INXS saw two contestants shown the exit instead of the expected one. All bets are off! This just shows anything can happen! One bad performance and it's all downhill from there!

The singers looked genuinely flabbergasted. Don't these people watch television? First off, I am reasonably certain I am the only person watching the show and, while I am prone to buy any old crap they might advertise, an audience of one is not going to support three nights a week of '80s Australiana indefinitely. No matter how many times the show floats that stadium audience of 100,000 fantasy figure, this is INXS we are talking about. When at this late date people are still making (arguably tasteless and hurtful, shame on you) jokes about autoerotic asphyxiation you have some rebranding to do. Barring an aesthetic epiphany (hey, we were never that great a band in the first place!) and retirement to the Outback these guys had to start kicking off more than one person at a time or face cancellation.

Second, and following the same logic, how many weeks are there until the fall season? One less would be INXS member a week was still going to leave too many would be INXS members surplus to requirements for the scheduling train-wreck on the horizon. I am shocked Mark Burnett has yet to cut to the chase and cut all the no hopers for the benefit of those of us in the reality-based reality-television community. Inked up and angsty, J.D. Fortune is the next lead singer of INXS so let's just have the camera follow him around getting drunk and having feelings. And if his inter-personal skills keep him from taking his coveted place there is always the ludicrously named MiG to do the job.

The Raveonettes: Love in a Trashcan

Now is the time at the Flea when we dance.

Stirling Prize

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has announced its shortlist for the 2005 Stirling Prize. Nice, but nothing that meets last year's Gherkin gold-standard.

The Backstroke of the West

Fun with Engrish. And the Presbyterian Church (via Bow. James Bow).

Spammer beaten to death

Now there's a tagline that writes itself. Well known Russian spammer, Vardan Kushnir was found beaten to death.

Our Beer, version 1.0

At the instigation of Copenhagen-based artist, Rasmus Nielsen, and demonstrating a striking productivity, creativity and initiative given these are university undergraduate students, some Danes have created open source beer.

The Our Beer source code can be found at the Vores Øl website.

Doctor Who theme music

A BBC Radio 2 piece explores how Ron Grainer's Doctor Who theme "still sounds like the pop music of an era we have not got to yet, where all the pop music is made by robots." Also absolutely critical to learn about the role of Delia Derbyshire* in, oh, say, actually recording the theme and her pivotal, not fully recognized, role in the history of electronic music. She was a genius and deserves a posthumous award of some kind.

Daphne Oram and story of the BBC Radiophonic Workshop are also important. Once you have given some thought to their work you might take a hand at composing your own with this handy BBC Radiophon-A-Tron. Diddly-Dum and Wee Wah Woo are wonderful but Weirdly Happy brings a tear to my eye. Perhaps this only makes sense if you grew up hiding behind the sofa.

*I am amazed I have not heard Delia Derbyshire's "visionary piece", Ziwzhi Ziwzhi oo-oo-oo from "The Prophet" sampled anywhere. "Reason" is a great Asimov short story. You will soon be chanting along too (too too too).

Ziwzhi Ziwzhi oo-oo-oo-oo
Ziwzhi Ziwzhi oo-oo-oo-oo
Praise to the master,
his wisdom and his glory.

Doctor Who classic clips

These Doctor Who classic clips are a nice alternative to getting any (non-time travel related) work done. Flea-readers unfamiliar with the Who oeuvre should pay special attention to "Royal Blood" in the How Evil! section for an introduction to Flea-fav Romana. That was a great episode.

10th Doctor

David Tennant has the ideal Flea-ish look as the new Dr. Who in this BBC promotional image. Tennant is calling the look geek chic. Now to find a pair of cream plimsolls in downtown Toronto (hat tip to the Sister of the Flea).

Chemical Brothers: The Test 2002

Now is the time at the Flea when we dance.

A Clockwork Orange

It is hard not messel some shilarnied parents, and Bart Simpson as that lil malchick Alex, if you smot at this prodding of A Clockwork Orange. Now how about some of the old Ludvig Van, my malenky droogs?

(hat tip to the Flea's Nadsat Droog)

How it works

The computer circa 1971 (and 1979).

Thongs, public transit and civil liberty

I recently filled in a "customer feedback" form for the Toronto Public Library to thank them for installing bicycle hitching posts outside their Lillian H. Smith Branch (home of the Merril sf collection). My praise was not without reservation, however, as I pointed out that as a Toronto resident I am a patron, not a customer, of the public library.

This is a distinction I take seriously. If I want to be a customer I will go to a private business. As a library patron of a public service I have different rights and obligations than I do as a customer of a private concern, a distinction that applies not only to myself but to library staff, the character of the library's collection, its hours of operation and so forth. As a patron I am not buying a service but making use of a service to which I am entitled as a citizen, a tax-payer and a city resident.

All of these issues in mind, it is worth pointing out a somewhat perfunctory ritual I go through every time I leave the Metropolitan Reference Library branch. The Reference library is, as the name suggests, not a lending library but made up of archives, periodicals and other research materials. As such, patrons do not remove materials from the branch and, to provide some certainty light-fingered patrons should forego temptation, security guards check bags on the way out the door.

Is this a dramatic inconvenience? No. More important, is this a violation of my civil liberties? Hardly. The right of the people of Toronto to protect our archive collection from theft supercedes my right to have access to that collection without the marginal limitation of consenting to a bag check. So what precisely would be the difference between a search conducted to protect a library collection and a search to protect myself and my fellow passengers in the public transit system? I understand many people, including myself, will not be entirely comfortable with peace officers rummaging through our backpacks and there is an undeniable, if slight, loss of privacy in undergoing such rummaging. But then I think it is a stretch to suggest there is a constitutional right to using public transit under any circumstance. The TTC would not let me ride the subway clad only in a sequin, maple leaf thong or brandishing a Frank Frazetta battle axe (or both... there's your unwanted visual for the day) so I am not certain by what right I should be able to carry whatever I want in my baggage unchallenged.

Privacy is a right. But so is a reasonable expectation the TTC is exercising due care to reduce the odds I will be blown to bits by religious maniacs. The preponderance would seem to lie with protecting the latter at a slight detriment to the former. Casual observation of the subway platforms at Yonge and Bloor, or the Go Train terminal at Union Station, during any evening rush-hour suggest the horrendous casualties that could be inflicted by suicide bombers. Or for that matter by bombers less convinced of their heavenly reward. There is no need for them to engage in a "self-sacrifice operation" when they can still exploit the majority of commuters who have yet to take seriously the risk of unattended packages. I am now convinced this country will only learn its peril when the atrocity is upon us.

Women on the verge the Flea would give rubies to date even though it would almost certainly end in disaster

1. Björk
2. Winona Ryder
3. Mylène Farmer
4. Anne Heche
5. Angelina Jolie (obviously*)

*I am placing this link to Angelina Jolie naked in some early film outing as its contents may be distressing to sensitive Flea-readers in search of a plot. I cannot make out why Angelina would press herself up against a chain-link fence or why this would necessitate a blonde woman I don't recognize deciding the appropriate response would be to take off her clothes and press herself against the other side of said fence. Nowt so queer as folk as they say in't the North.

1.5 million dollars

Following Glenn Reynolds' calculations and comparing our most recent weeks' SiteMeter statistics the Flea should fetch US$1.5m from Rupert Murdoch's News Corp. I could only agree to a sale at that price with the greatest reluctance.

Duran Duran: Wild Boys

Now is the time at the Flea when we dance.

Postage paid

Jason Bell offers tips on replying to snail-mail spamming, a phenomenon that used to quite aptly be referred to as junk mail. Now I wonder if the same tactic would work with Canadian postage paid envelopes (via Gay Orbit).

Halley Research Station

A "futuristic design" has been chosen for the new British Antarctic Survey Halley Research Station. The Faber Maunsell concept looks straight-forward to build. Perhaps it was the climbing wall that sold it. I wonder if they are looking for an anthropologist...

Hans Island update

The Flea continues to report as two arctic titans clash once again over the tiny, isolated, desolate and uninhabited disputed territory of Hans Island.

Which would all be laughable if Denmark and Canada did not have rather more pressing matters of security and defense demanding their attention. Or for that matter if anybody else on earth recognized either country's sovereignty over these Arctic territories or water-ways let alone any badly defined exclusive economic zone. For the moment I expect Canada to bumble along while the Vikings rove around the place in their rather impressive Thetis-class ice-cutting frigates (supposedly fisheries OPVs).* And in irony related Arctic news, while Canada cannot decide what aircaft might best be used to assert our hypothetical sovereignty in Nunavut the Danes are buying new patrol aircraft from... drumroll please... Canada.

*On a related note: Canada has a warship! (via the Castle)

Update: July 29, 2005 Anyone wondering just where Hans Island might be when it is at home can check this CTV piece for a map. Wikipedia, ever resourceful, has a better map and the above photo first published in the ship's newsletter of the HDMS Triton, a Danish frigate. The Associated Press reports Danish and Canadian Google ad buys promoting their respective territorial claims (though I have yet to see them appear at the Flea). Canadians feeling patriotic stirrings can visit Rick Broadhead's website... just turn up your speakers.

South Park Studio

South Park Studio presents the Flea. This representation is close to 100% accurate.

Sugar Crash

Sugar Crash takes a moment to load but may be the single greatest webgame ever.

Bees: Chicken Payback

Now is the time at the Flea when we dance.

Fuji TV Building

Fuji TV Building. So. Freaking. Cool.

Decorer

MasaManiA documents Decorer, a Japanese trend that demonstrates its lineage in Japan's fashion history, noted for muted palettes and public restraint in interpersonal etiquette.

Haado Gei

Haado Gei fans... welcome! Please come back and visit Ghost of a flea for more pop culture news. Think of it as an entertaining, free English lesson!

***

Razor Ramon "Hard Gay" Sumitani offers more of the personal restraint and caution in nonverbal interaction for which Japan is noted. It is reliably reported his somewhat less than credible leather hot-pants routine has made him "a firm favorite of Japan's fickle schoolgirl fans". These Haado Gei video clips are slow-loading so I have only seen two or three though hip-thrusting to Ricky Martin music is a recurring trope. Perhaps a Flea-reader in Japan could offer some context... though they are hilarious without understanding a word that is said.

Update: A fast-loading clip of Haado Gei in action can be found at Transbuddha.

Namie Amuro: Body Feels EXIT

I would have made Body Feels EXIT a Flea-dance but at 44 Mb only the most dedicated, high-bandwidth, too much time on their hands Flea-readers are likely to enjoy it properly.

I went in search of Namie Amuro videos after reading in Japan Today about her recent public appearance at Daiba Aquacity. But did I have any luck? Hardly. I am not certain what it means that it should be simpler to track down Danish viking metal on "the internet" than almost any J-pop video. Perhaps even media giants like Sony and so forth shudder at the thought of the bandwidth it would require to satiate J-pop's on-line audience. At least Namie Amuro's website offers a catchy loop from her latest single, "Queen of Hip Hop".

Zero Landmine

There I was innocently downloading review materials using eMule when I stumbled across Zero Landmine, a heartfelt plea to rid the world of landmines through the power of song. Suffice to say the charity anthem genre is not for me. If I could find an on-line copy I would link to it for the consideration of Flea-readers everywhere (a couple of these ads suggest the piece). No reason I should suffer alone.

This is what I get for deciding to watch anything provided the name David Sylvian or Sakamoto Ryuichi is attached. Even Cyndi Lauper does not manage to save this from its Ewok destiny. I had to download a Modesto Muñiz rendition of Nightporter from Sylvian's website to remind myself of my eternal devotion. And on the plus side clicking around lead me to this elephant in boots Chara website. Neat.

Tricky Dick

So you know Richard Nixon was a Quaker, right? Click through "to hear the greatest political song ever recorded." I freaking love that Norman Osborn hairstyle. Herbert Hoover was also a Quaker but a Gurneyite, a subject on which I should remain silent, lacking in any obvious supervillain powers and Bunnyless to boot. We're all Ranters now besides.*

*Esp. the Flea.

The Donald

I am adding this link late (12:00 EST) because I just spotted it on Instapundit but don't want to bump my Nixon photo. Having spent several years working in construction research this testimony by Donald Trump regarding the renovation costs for the United Nations building in Manhattan is fascinating.

Update: Moving the UN to the old WTC site... "Put them in on the top floor." Excellent, excellent idea even if that last detail was not the Donald's.

Blue Lagoon: Do you really want to hurt me?

Now is the time at the Flea when we dance.

Escape from Balmoral 3D

Do you have what it takes to Defend the Faith? I found this one terrifying.

Stiff upper lick genetic, study says

It turns out Adrian Targett is not alone in belonging to a family that has not moved around much. Despite invasions, occupations and migrations by Celts, Saxons, Romans, Vikings, Normans and the rest Oxford archaeologist, David Miles says British genes are much the same as they have been since the last Ice Age.

Rain on your parade

Miss Universe, Natalie Glebova, was briefly barred from opening an event in the square outside Toronto city hall thanks to a fifteen year old city ordinance. Some folks think this displayed an unwarranted hypocrisy considering the skin on display at Toronto Pride. In fact, it only demonstrated the left-wing prudes had one last gasp in them at City Hall while the right-wing prudes on "the internet" have lost their fight to keep people from having fun at Pride. This blog has been attacked by prudes of the right and prudes of the left so I can relate to Miss Universe even if I will never remotely resemble her in a sash and tiara.

I hate to break up the, ahem, parade in comments to this scandalized post at Small Dead Animals but the Mayor of Toronto has apologized and made it clear Ms. Glebova is welcome.

So that makes Toronto intellectually and politically consistent on this subject. Which is more than I can say for many of the comments to Kate's post or, for that matter, the rest of Canada which apparently still has a lot to learn from downtown Toronto. Seriously folks, in a world where religious maniacs want to blow us to kingdom come, if you think this stuff is worth getting het up about (ha ha, I make joke) you need to get your priorities straight (har har, I slay me).

Those advocating a "Straight Pride Day" should consider the unfortunate resonance the demand has with those of scandalized folks who want a "White Pride" alternative to Black History Week. That said, the Flea says the sooner we have a Toronto Mardi Gras the better. It would be a cross to bear but if bare-breasted women in the streets and a Canadian version of the Hurricane are what it takes to quiet the anti-Pride lobby I imagine Toronto can shoulder the burden.

Update: Canadians exhibiting a natural curiosity about our winning Miss Universe entrant may want to peruse these images of Natalie Glebova doing various bikini and elephant related good deeds (and be sure not to miss Glebova's commentary on Toronto Bollywood fashion through that Miss Universe link).

Update: I think I have figured out the problem. All those socons sit transfixed at their computers obsessing over images of Pride and dangerous erototoxins have deranged their reasoning processes! Best not to keep looking and mind their own business lest they get over-erototoxed (via Instapundit).

Kate Ryan: Libertine (live)

Now is the time at the Flea when we dance. And to the video echoing with the spirit of Flea-goddess Mylene Farmer. That second one is possibly nsfw but what are you thinking looking at French pop videos at work in the first place? Hadn't thought of that one had you? No, I thought you hadn't.

I for one welcome our feline overlords

Some might say this piece suggests cats are not that bright. I think it is only one more example of cats messing with our heads (possible nsfw ads and who knows what the Dutch commentary is saying).

Google Moon

Google Earth is cool;
Google Moon is cooler.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

No spoilers

As the first signed copy of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince arrived in New York by armoured truck some folks already thought they knew how the story would end. One of them decided to casually mention the rumour they had heard to me some time ago and I am afraid that purported knowledge, thankfully innacurate as it turned out, coloured my reading of the book. Reports of Harry Potter spoiler related suicide are only a slight exaggeration. So, for heaven's sake, if you have not read the latest Harry Potter do not read the rest of this post let alone follow the links!

Spoilers follow:

Some have expressed the wishful view that in her latest book J.K. Rowling has taken a rhetorical stand against the "war on terror". Slate quotes Darren Cahr's reading of the novel, finding in it "a terror campaign that disrupts the lives of ordinary people and results in the deaths of innocents."

This much is true but Mr. Cahr has nevertheless missed the point. It is entirely possible, reasonable, even at times important to be skeptical of specific actions, policies or motivations of the Ministry of Magic or indeed of any government no matter how representative. Anyone who imagines a perfect bureaucracy really is living in a world of fantasy. It is another thing entirely to imagine this excuses the actions of Voldemort and his followers let alone pretend some finger-pointing at wizarding authorities substitutes for the need to confront and defeat evil directly. The Ministry of Magic may be handling the fight badly but at no point does Rowling suggest the real fight is with the Ministry rather than the Death Eaters. Quite the opposite. Slate's readership imagine itself to be too sophisticated to believe in good and evil. Fortunately, Rowling's readership is capable of grasping the simple moral fact of evil and the duty to challenge it. I am delighted a generation of children are being raised under her tutelage.

Though Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince was released only a few short days ago, Wikipedia is already listing continuity errors. But not everyone is content to enjoy the book. This drive-by Harry Potter spoiler video shows the depths to which some will sink to have fun at the expense of other people. The spoiler has morphed with lightning speed, a sure sign of this publishing event's place in the culture.

Update: Speculation about the identity of R.A.B. leads some to suggest Sirius Black's brother, Regulus Black.

The binnacle and the bat'leth

Details from Ron Moore's concept memo outlining the "naturalistic science fiction" of the new Battlestar Galactica and much more besides in this New York Times Magazine article (via the Neighbour of the Flea).

While I am not surprised die-hard fans of the original series would have preferred a continuation of the original story I am astonished anyone could hold on to their antipathy to the new series having actually seen it. But then these supposed die-hard fans find it convenient to ignore, or in the case of the author of the New York Times piece are evidently unaware of, the fact there already has been a continuation of the original series. In addition to the 24 Battlestar Galactica episodes of 1978-1979 were 10 episodes of Galactica 1980. This was exactly what these supposed true Battlestar fans claim to want: a continuation of Glen A. Larson's story for the most part written by Larson himself and in the case of one final, desperate episode starring Dirk Benedict as Lt. Starbuck. It was horrid. Horrid beyond belief. Take this creepy summary of that last episode, "The Return of Starbuck", for example.

Most sensible people would compare this horror to the new series, one of the best science fiction series ever produced, and admit they were wrong to doubt Ron Moore.

Charles Chibitty

Charles Chibitty, the last World War II Comanche code-talker, has died (via KiP).

Update: The Castle says, Hoka Hey!

Mustafa Sandal: Isyankar

Now is the time at the Flea when we dance no matter what.

A "cabal" of parliamentarians

Now the Senate has passed Bill C-38 and the legislation has been given royal assent the governments of Alberta and Prince Edward Island will, at long last, have to choke back their righteous indignation and issue civil marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Sounds like the work of a cabal of parliamentarians, encouraged by activist courts and abetted by a compliant media foisting a new tyranny on Canadians! Well, if you stark raving mad. Comment on the issue at LifeSite quotes Campaign Life Coalition, branching out from their opposition to abortion, waxing Klingon at a development they say "reeks of dishonour, dishonesty and public disdain". But they are just getting warmed up. To continue:

Remember: opponents of same-sex marriage say they don't hate gay people. I know for a fact some of them don't. But some of them, it should be noted, are so devoted to their opposition to same-sex marriage they are prepared to call an act of Parliament a coup or a form of tyranny. Given the real tyrannies with which our freedoms are threatened, and given their motivation by an unreasoning, implacable religious fundamentalism, this sort of language by some on the extreme Canadian right is a stupidity so perfect it approaches wickedness.

Exclusive Brethren

II Timothy 2: 19 "Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, the Lord knoweth them that are his. And, let everyone that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity."

It turns out that as much as a third of the anonymous anti-gay mail barrage Canadian MPs were subject to in the run up to recognizing same-sex marriage is thanks to a single, secretive Christian sect, the Exclusive Brethren.

Writing as a fringe member of a not terribly secretive, but small and fervent, Christian sect I have to say I find all the secrecy and exclusivity most appealing. That said, their ideas about gay marriage are wrong on two counts: first, they are wrong about gay marriage, and; second, there is no point is being an exclusive brethren if, after only two hundred years, you go soft and decide to start sending out leaflets. My suggestion is simple. If you want to be a Christian and take an active hand in politics you are much better off joining the Roman communion. Catholics have been at this stuff since almost the beginning, are much better organized and certainly do not need to resort to an expired 7/11 post-box as a cover. When I was lending a hand with the Quaker food runs around Westminster we knew we might as well give up when the Catholics turned up. We had sandwiches and blankets. They had a mobile soup kitchen. It was no contest really.

Interesting fact: Aleister Crowley was raised as a member of the Plymouth Brethren (or Open Brethren) who, in a peculiar reading of I Corinthians 3:4, split with the Exclusive Brethren in the late 1840s. Crowley's family were Quakers but his father turned to the Brethren presumably in the feeling the Friends were insufficiently hard-core. And just look what that got him.

The final frontier

I was preparing a radio piece for the CBC asking sf actors what they made of their most devoted fans, their experience of interacting with their fans and, most important, just who it was the fans thought they were meeting when they approached the actors at conventions. The piece was never produced due to some unfortunate timing, my interviews were carried out a week before September 11, 2001, but I nevertheless am pleased to have had the opportunity to meet and chat with the actors behind Chewbacca, Neelix, Greedo (though not that Greedo), Admiral Motti (a bit intimidating with his Imperial guard) and Leeta, the pneumatic Dabo girl from Deep Space Nine. While I met Traci Lords she was not giving interviews but Ted Raimi was bafflingly pleased to be interviewed for a CBC piece having grown up listening to it from near Detroit. I had interviewed his friend Bruce Campbell for a National Post article so knew enough to ask him what it was like to grow up "north of Canada"...

Perhaps the main reason I am a moderately successful anthropologist is I am prepared to be a bit nosey in asking people questions and, given that many folk prefer not to be pestered in this way, it is important to have something to offer in return if only an honest curiousity about what people think. This curiousity lead me to be lying in wait for James Doohan at the bar at Planet Hollywood in the hopes I could stand him a drink and ask him a few questions. I was not quite prepared for the man when he arrived with his family. He had a presence it is difficult to describe, quite different from the raw charisma of William Shatner, but in some ways more impressive in its quiet strength. A surprise perhaps in speaking of a man best known for playing an engineer in a fanciful space opera. No surprise at all in a man who who fought at Normandy. I let the man have a drink in peace.

James Doohan has died, aged 85. This is what I wrote about him last year:

Most installments of the Flea Presents Great Canadians™ are somewhat tongue in cheek. This one is not. Recent news coverage of James Doohan's poor health has revealed aspects of his biography many fans knew nothing about. Doohan was a Captain in the Royal Canadian Artillery, stormed the beaches of Normandy on D-Day and was wounded after taking out two enemy snipers only to go on to fly an artillery observation plane for the Royal Canadian Air Force. This is a stand up hero and a great Canadian. The Campblog has more to say.

Update: The Castle offers a moving tribute to "the craziest pilot in the Canadian Forces".

Rap about Trek

The BBC hosts a number of interviews with actors and other stakeholders* from a variety of Star Trek series. Patrick Stewart offers advice on how to remember your lines and there is something strangely gripping about Jeri Ryan on getting in and out of her 7 of 9 costume. Jonathan Frake's observation about the importance of science fiction is an important one.

*I am so pleased with myself for that stakeholders thing.

Alcazar: Physical

Now is the time at the Flea when we dance to a catchy London Beat sample. And that tricky, not quite safe for work banner ad... just turn up your speakers and look at the left side of the window. Your office will transform into a gay bar and nobody will be distracted by the bare-breasted lady.

Update: The more I look at this video the more I think it does more to advance freedom and liberty than every humour-challenged Ya Basta! protester at Gleneagles. If I can't have a dance party, I don't want to be part of your revolution.

Lt. Morris Costello

Firefighter Morris Costello should be commended for the dramatic rescue of a woman in Tampa, Florida. This one is difficult to watch.

Swastika building

Either my latitude and longitude skills are deficient or this Google Earth image is not what it purports to be.

Kenilworth Castle

English Heritage hopes to recreate a garden created for Elizabeth I by Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester at Kenilworth Castle. Archaeological research and a rereading of a descriptive letter by Robert Laneham, a gentleman usher to Dudley, offer guidance.

Eliminate the negative

A professor on a hiring committee at Quaint Old College in the American midwest writes that candidates with blogs found themselves at a disadvantage. S/he seems to imagine that just because a non-blogging candidate can obscure their interest in electronics, cats or countries we should invade that these views are somehow less likely to have any such interests because they have not written about them on-line. Trust me, I have read enough student blogs (not you, Agent C) to have an idea of the range of things I did not need to know about as their professor. Heck, I have graded enough student papers to have worked that one out. I assume the same would apply to any potential colleague, blogger or not. It may be a small comfort to Ivan Tribble that I would not want to work with him or his nosey colleagues either (via WitchyProf).

Ahh, so different than using the Chronicle of Higher Education for anonymous petty venting of frustration at the existence of "the internet". It seems to me that with every new cohort of increasingly wired students cranky grumblings at the strangeness of blogging will be harder and harder to credit. But by then I imagine clever Professor Tribble will have invented the whole idea.

Gone but not forgotten

Some forgotten pictures of popular people. Once again the ever increasing beauty of Kylie Minogue is an unfortunate figure of fun.

A probing analysis of Gwen Stefani’s "Hollaback Girl"

Greg Stacy comments on Gwen Stefani's "Hollaback Girl", "one of the most baffling pieces of music of the modern age".

Peter Griffin: Rock Lobster

Now is the time at the Flea when we dance.*

*If that is not enough fun with genre for one day I can also point you to Yoda getting down to Britney Spears' "Oops (I did it again)" (nsfw banner ads).

PawSense

PawSense has the technology to cat proof your computer.

Ball Revamped III

Flea-readers with compulsive personalities, completion issues or a tight deadline had best avoid this Ball Revamped III game.

Trebuchet

Build your own trebuchet and start flinging things at the neighbours. A cow, for instance.

Waiting for Kate Bush

Kate Bush is set to release an album this fall. Oh yes. Just the thing to celebrate Katemas.

Not that the Guardian could have left it at attacking her fans but had to have a go at the leg-warmer goddess herself. The Flea stands by Kate Bush as a fellow oracle, mystic waif, seer, conduit for the world of ethereal sprites and essentially, incorrigibly, a show-off. Let's have another listen to that Futureheads cover of Hounds of Love.

Nightwish: Nemo

Now is the time when we dance. So gothique.* **

*Don't miss Deltra Goodrem attempting to seduce Captain James T. Kirk. I should point out that German speaking Flea-readers will find many of the incidentally linked videos quite diverting. The Austrian ski and winter paradise of Arlberg looks lovely. I don't expect the bikini model videos to be of a broad interest to Flea-readers German-speaking or otherwise but I mention them here in the interests of journalism or something.

**A nsfw image has been added since I wrote this post. It is fairly tame, however, so you are probably taking a much bigger chance by cranking your speakers playing music at the office.

Damn you, Han Solo

There is something about gawking at people in costume at Star Wars conventions that never gets old.

Mirai Arcadia Seek

You might think it would be easy to meet women who paint themselves blue and make their way around the world in inventive PVC cosplay outfits. You would be wrong (or possibly be a font of suggestions).

Captain Sao Feng

DC Media Girl has some good news and some bad news.

Treasure Chest of Fun & Fact

Ok, I'm confused after reading this comic book. Is life under communism more like life when we get our news from blogs instead of the CBC or more like life where video games are censored? Let's ask J. Edgar Hoover.

Healthy competition

It is by no means obvious how the agency responsible for this Xbox ad come up with its premise but it captures an undeniable truth nonetheless.

First person shooter

This guy's PC owns. Not safe for work due to language and the possibility your co-workers will think this is how you interact with your computer when you are not at work.

Weapons of mass moderation

Evidence now suggests the chiches were timed to be activated within seconds of each other (via Silent Running).

King Kong

Peter Jackson's King Kong is a return to his roots. And casting a digitally-mediated Andy Serkis as King Kong is inspired. Seeing as it is inevitable I may as well be (one of) the first to suggest having King Kong climb Minas Tirith and swat at the Nazgul buzzing around his head. Skull Island is doing a remarkable Mordor impersonation... otherwise there is a distinct Sam Raimi feel to the trailer.

The name Kong of the original "one-ape revolution", it turns out, is a Malaysian word for gorilla.

While I could not agree King Kong was "the most terrifying movie monster of all time" the 1933 original is a classic. And while I know it is classic movie monster heresy to write this but I prefer the Dino De Laurentiis "tiger in your tank" 1976 version with the spooky, John Barry soundtrack.

Shakira: La Tortura

Now is the time at the Flea when we dance even if Jeff thinks we dance funny. It's hot outside.

Bouncy and fun

This Jeep commercial is safe for prime-time but possibly not for the office. I get the impression Jeep's ad agency has a low opinion of the intelligence of its market base.

Mazda 5

The folks responsible for this Mazda ad think mini-van drivers will be put off by an organic love interest.

Annett Louisan: Das Spiel

Now is the time at the Flea when we dance. This is wonderful. Like the world is alright after all. As if Vanessa Paradis recorded a German-language single. Which she really should.

Fantasy plot generator

This fantasy plot generator should come in handy.

Federline

Kevin Federline establishes a new fashion benchmark with this trend-setting socks and flip flops combination (via Gay Orbit).

Tom Cruise is nuts

Xenu. Yes, you heard me. I. Said. Xenu. What we've got here is a failure to communicate.

The E-Meter

This secrets of Scientology website discusses the working and operation of the E-Meter. The John Travolta* and Priscilla Presley images are just perfect. The inventor of the E-Meter deserves some attention and the piece on how to audit aphids should come in handy.

*More John Travolta goodness thanks to the Onion.

Orwellian

"The notion that you can somehow defeat violence by submitting to it is simply a flight from fact. As I have said, it is only possible to people who have money and guns between themselves and reality."
- George Orwell, "No, Not One" (1941)

Cited in a sensible piece by Max Boot (via Instapundit).

Jessica Alba laughs at naked men

Jessica Alba says she will not be making any nude film appearances because "I don't do nudity, I never do nudity. I just don't feel comfortable being naked around other people. Julia Roberts doesn't do nudity. A lot of people don't."* The Flea-included (mostly). Probably a good idea about that Julia Roberts policy too.

In related news, Alba reportedly finds naked men "hilarious". I imagine this is especially true of naked men with no discernable legal philosophy.

*So what is this all about then? (nsfw) You know I have to question these matters. Otherwise the terrorists have already won.

NailJet Pro

Fun with printing technology.

Veto Silver: When you're with that girl

Now is the time at the Flea when we dance to the "electro-fuelled art pop" of Veto Silver (no video yet...).

The new thing

That's the new thing. We all decided on it last night. Anyone using a conjunction before a preposition gets punched.

Funky Truck

Funky Truck has a nice interface and is strangely enjoyable considering my driving is too incompetent to finish the first level of the game.

The Anti-Potter

Cardinal Ratzinger, now Pope Benedict XVI, had some unkind words for Harry Potter.

While this may seem like a derangement of reason, it is a small thing in comparison with the real Harry haters (via the Flea's Publishing Panel of Experts).

Bill has more!

Omarion

Omarion, in London for Live8, reportedly asked his fans to pray for his safe return home.

His official website denies involvement with the PR firm that released the statement. The PR firm, in turn, has disavowed any relationship to the singer or the press release. What seems clear is that somebody paid PR Newswire $635 to issue the statement. This seems a bit steep for a prank.

Mr. Window

We have all seen some deranged things thanks to the panoptic eye that is "the internet". Despite the sheer variety and scope of the human condition so represented I do not believe I have seen anything more disconcerting than the sight of a Shanghai maintenance man perched on a rusty air conditioner mount some thirteen floors up from the pavement.

Shanghai Diaries has details of his afternoon working at home.

And then the man climbed out the window...

Chemical Brothers: The Boxer

Now is the time at the Flea when we dance.

Telecomparisons

I have belatedly given a hard look at those multiple hidden fees in my Bell telephone bill and am now doing some shopping around with this Telecomparisons website. Do Flea-readers have a preferred alternate carrier?

Hufu

Hufu is the next logical step in soy based meat substitutes. Sounds delish with fava beans (via Spirit Fingers... "Hufu is fake people!").

Concentrate

I found this concentration test for men over at Knowledge is Power. This should be all the warning you need not to test yourself at work.

Swayze

One of the participants in Spy was admiring his suit and tie disguise and said, "All I need is a briefcase and I'm Swayze." Swayze, it turns out, is Cockney rhyming slang for "crazy". Though in this case I believe he meant he would be ready.

Harry Potter plot points

Details and plot points from one of the leaked copies of Harry Potter and the Halfblood Prince, including an explosive revelation about one of the main characters...

... are subject to a British Columbia court injunction! I hope you did not expect me to violate a court order. While that might make me a hero to some grumpy folks out there given the on-again, off-again kvetching from the Canadian right about Judge Gomery (it's about the freedom of speech) I think there are plenty of good reasons to accept the court's decision. More importantly, I admit it is sad to troll for hits in this fashion but it is the summer doldrums and this is all part of an ongoing Google experiment in any case. You may spank me now.

Rock Star INXS

Rock Star INXS is the reality television I have been waiting for. No, wait. The reality television for which I have been waiting. It even has Canadian content (no offense). Mark Burnett, what would I do without your ever increasing reality tv oeuvre? I am not sure what I think of ersatz citizen journalist reality show contestants but involving Dave Navarro as a pseudo-judge and host was a good choice.

So... early Flea-favs include Jessica Robinson, Heather Luttrell and former Elvis impersonator J.D. Fortune (love the tats).

Update: 22:12 EST And Daphna Dove, obviously. Except you could hardly put her in front of INXS. Nobody would notice them in the background.

New Order: JetStream

Now is the time at the Flea when we dance.

Astromech

Astromech has all the droid-building instructions you have been looking for. For all your DIY R2-D2 needs...

Coca-Cola formula

I would test these Coca-Cola secret recipes if I had any ingredients handy.

Interviews

This BBC Four website hosts short interviews with a variety of interesting characters including such notables as Iris Murdoch, Alfred Hitchcock and Margaret Thatcher.

HMCS Toronto

Multi-role patrol frigate, HMCS Toronto and her friendly crew are visiting her namesake city on a tour of the Great Lakes. The HMCS Toronto website has details for people wishing to visit the ship in Toronto. Lots of fun. And nice to learn up close our democracy still has some teeth. The Canadian Navy was distributing collectible recruitment mini-CDs and the Flea is pleased to offer one to the first three commenters to this post who would like one.

Update: Taylor & Company has a more detailed post on a visit to the HMCS Toronto. I too owe a great debt to Tom Clancy.

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe

The Flea sends a shout out to the geography of New Zealand for this teaser trailer to The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. The whole of it looks absolutely wonderful (via Gay Orbit).

The Jacquard Club

I had forgotten the Jacquard Club, goth bar of Norwich (having only been there once). Reports have it an increasing Chav presence is changing a once horsey, middle-class city. Thank you, Delia Smith. Now I have no idea what to do with my Canaries jersey.

Emo haircuts

As someone with a surfeit of embarrassing '80s hairstyle photo evidence I am all in favour of today's youth facing similar consequences. I also think Emo haircuts (nsfw language/ads) are no more embarrassing than any other possible displacement of hair. I just wish I had hair.

Esthero: We R in Need of a Musical Revolution

Now is the time at the Flea when we dance.

Pyoro

I was doing rather badly at Pyoro until I worked out the spacebar let me eat the falling plants.

Complete defeat of the Corsican uprising

This George Orwell quotation has been shamelessly lifted in its entirety (and more!) from Harry Hutton.

Fairytale wedding

Despite snarky remarks from the Superficial, I see no reason why St. Paul's, Westminster Abbey or Windsor Castle, overrun with tourists at the best of times, should not make an exception to the royal rule and allow the run of the place for Paris Hilton to wed Paris Latsis. Failing that, perhaps Beckingham Palace is available.

Morrissey: We Hate It When Our Friends Become Successful

Now is the time at the Flea when we dance.

Cactus buzzer

Ahh, the legendary English sense of humour.

Vive les pommes frites!

Vive les pommes frites libre!

I am quite pleased with that p'tit bot mots (via Boing Boing)

Theory of gravity

Warning: gravity is only a theory (via Chapel Perilous).

Mountain Dew Energy

I was doing some poking around to write something about current Flea-fav soft drink, Mountain Dew Energy. This green nectar is actually Diet Mountain Dew but marketed as a "natural health product" to get around Canada's deranged caffeine regulations. I came across an article from the Edmonton Sun by a scary looking man named Mike Jenkinson.

There is something both amusing and pathetic in the state of Alberta journalism that even a slightly humourous piece about a soft drink cannot pass without an introduction lambasting "the Liberals for destroying this fine country, running an unconstitutional government, poisoning political discourse and generally acting like a bunch of nitwits." Anyone feeling "Western alienation" who wonders why central Canada cannot take you seriously: look no further. You may say you enjoy Mountain Dew Energy but some of you read more like you have been drinking the Kool-Aid.

The Long Blondes: Appropriation (By Any Other Name)

Now is the time at the Flea when we dance with some timely hot feminist lyrics.

The Da Vinci Code

My gut-wrenching jealousy of Dan Brown makes it difficult for me to look on this Da Vinci Code trailer with any proper enthusiasm.

Day of the Jackal

One would imagine the Day of the Jackal loophole passport scam would have been closed 32 years after Frederick Forsyth's book was published, let alone two years after the attacks of September 11, 2001. This 2003 BBC article considers the question.

There appears to have been some movement on the loophole by 2005.

Britain, F* Yeah!

The admirably named it comes in pints? offers a tribute to Britain (via the Daily Dish).

God Save the Queen

London attacked

My first thoughts are with friends and family followed by the rest of the city I love best. My first effort to call my cousin has not worked though I expect I have got the dialing code wrong. No email from anyone though I expect that is a lack of technological know-how on the part of various friends and relatives. I am going to run updates here as I learn more.

Update: 7:23 EST A call to Gloucester got through where an email had been sent. My most immediate relatives are well. That email explained phones are down in London (but the internet is working). There is no public transit.

I will start keeping updates on news items in the extended entry of a post to follow this one. Personal thoughts will follow in this post.

How to disappear completely and never be found

The Globe and Mail reports that Karla Teale, the woman seeking anonymity from her former life as Karla Homolka through the peculiar tactic of granting a national television interview two hours after her release, has read a book on how to disappear. The book is rather grandly titled How to Disappear Completely and Never Be Found: Planning a disappearance, arranging for new identification, finding work, establishing credit, pseudocide (creating the impression you're dead), and more.

Considering this Homolka publicity I would have imagined it would attract more than one satirical Amazon review.

Not having read the book I am not certain if it offers anything more than Day of the Jackal* baptismal certificate tips, though I gather these were more than enough for Ahmed Rassam to generate a fictional identity as "Benni Noris". One note to the psychopath seeking anonymity: stay away from the Tim Horton's iced cappuccino. It is a dead give-away.

*"In the third cemetary he visited the Jackal found a gravestone to suit his purpose, that of Alexander Duggan who died at the age of two and a half years in 1931. Had he lived, the Duggan child would have been a few months older than the Jackal in July 1963…." - Frederick Forsyth, The Day of the Jackal, NY: Bantam, 1971, p. 78.

How to remove an electronic house arrest anklet

This evening I watched a CNN report that was making a flap about Martha Stewart's claim she had worked out how to remove her house arrest electronic monitoring anklet from that source of improvisation that is "the internet". While the report was somewhat tongue in cheek, CNN could not find the website Stewart claimed to have seen and so I decided to have a look myself. I gather Sentinel is the likely manufacturer of Stewart's accessory based on an article on how to bling up your house arrest anklet. But otherwise I have to say I am with CNN and against Martha Stewart... unless her Googling abilities found the "how to" instructions that have eluded me.

London Olympics

As someone planning to invest in London real-estate, news of the forthcoming London Olympics sent a shudder through me. Still, if it is two fingers for the French President then no expense should be spared (good for Wales too, apparently).

Though why Tony Parker should blame "Anglo-Saxon" bias I cannot imagine. Two Finnish judges and French rudeness seem more probable.

The EUobserver has Jacques Chirac's remarks for any who may have missed them.

The Stendahl Syndrome

So here I am gearing up for the life transition that is sure to be George Romero's Land of the Dead, Asia Argento's first horror appearance in a film not directed by her father. George Romero, as she put it, is God. As a reminder of Argento (the daughter) in a classic role, I decided to rent The Stendahl Syndrome and it delivers on the premise and the Argento (the father) disorienting creep factor. So close. Only to discover those poltroons at Troma have released a version with Asia Argento's voice dubbed over and no subtitle alternative. Their introduction took care to point out Maxim's determination of Argento (the daughter) as the hottest woman in the universe. While this is true, Troma evidently does not understand fully fifty percent of her hotness is in her voice.

Don't miss the Argento (the father) interview Easter egg. A final thought: unless your last name is Argento this is not even remotely a family film.

Zombie dogs

While I am all in favour of medical research these canine reanimation experiments are literally morbid.

Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra

Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra (Chapel Perilous, his arms wide).

Daft Punk: Technologic

Now is the time at the Flea when we dance.

Ghillie Suits

A Ghillie Suit should come in handy for the Flea's everpresent need to move unobserved amongst the crowd.

Body Thetans be gone!

The more I learn about Scientology the more creeped out I become.

Flea problems

MT3 has been acting up for several days now. The main page will publish up to one of several entries it is apparently having trouble digesting, or even a link within an entry, and then refuse the publish the remaining posts and the sidebar. And then sometimes it will publish them all without complaint. I have tried rebuilding the site as a whole to no result though republishing the main index will sometimes right the balance if only for a time. Explorer and Firefox read the page until the some break so the difficulty appears to be independent of the browser. Has anyone seen this problem before?

Yamamoto Taro

So, I started to write this post about a movie but got sidetracked by research into a secondary character. I am now convinced that if I could understand the performance of Yamamoto Taro (Age: 31, Height: 175cm, Sun Sign: Sagitarius) in this NEC Cinema Paradise ad (yellow bandana/green shirt) I would understand all of Japanese popular culture and thereby achieve Bodhisattva status of something. For starters, what's with the snippet of Italian opera from out of nowhere? Though I am completely in accord with his astonishment when the keyboard pops out of the entertainment centre.

Toshi the pizza delivery guy, the part that lead me indirectly to consider NEC products that may not be available in North America in my lifetime, was one of the more straightforward characters in the film that started this business. I rented Moon Child in part because I was after watching a low brain-wattage vampire film but also because the cover said it starred HYDE of L'Arc~en~Ciel and Gackt, formerly of Malice Mizer, both of whom are J-pop/rock slash J-Goth figures about whom I remain sadly ignorant. I was so ignorant of Wang Leehom I had not heard of him but Taiwanese pop music is not quite yet on the Flea's radar. Suffice to say this is one of the best vampire films (à la clan Toreador) I have ever seen. It is an ongoing wonder to me how thoroughly Japan gets Goth and a more immediate wonder they have figured out how to make form-fitting loud Hawaiian shirts très gothique. Also guns. Lots of guns.

iPod Flea

This iPod Flea ad makes me think I should be registering a trademark. Not that I need more than six songs anyway (via the Flea's Enochian Correspondent).

OK Go: A Million Ways

Now is the time at the Flea when we dance like there is no tomorrow even it it will take a moment to load (via Raymi).

Make Poverty History and Get Robbie Laid

This is London comes through with the details of life backstage at Live8. The £7,000 A-list goodie bag sounds good too. So nice to do these things for charity.

Though much may be forgiven for the first Pink Floyd appearance in twenty-four years.

Unequivocal welcome

Even if I was not delighted to learn recent news about their decision to acknowledge same-sex marriage, the fact the United Church has a sense of humour would be more than enough to endear them to me.

Treaty of Tripoli

Article 11 of the Treaty of Tripoli, approved unanimously by the Senate on June 7, 1797, is worth a look.

Update: Dr. Rusty Shackleford writes with the following interesting observation. It reminded me that Virginia used to impose a fine of 100 pounds on ship's captains landing Quakers in the colony. That was before the formation of the United States. So... now I am curious when the various states relinquished/had taken away their established churches!

I am now looking through a pamphlet called "Memorial and Remonstrance" by James Madison (June 20, 1785) addressed to "the Honorable the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Virginia."

Defense of Fort M'Henry

The words of the Star Spangled Banner are an account of the siege of Fort McHenry and a condemnation of British artillery skills but their meaning is something evoked, and never captured, by the meaning of the words alone. A literal truth can be important but rarely so much as a mythological truth. The first one may tell you what the weather is like but only second can describe the feeling of the sun rising on one more day of hard won freedom or, more important still, remind us it is still worth defending. Happy birthday, America.

Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
In full glory reflected, now shines on the stream:
'Tis the star-spangled banner: O, long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
- Francis Scott Key

Röyksopp: The Understanding

Now is the time at the Flea when we dance.

BASEketball

I somehow managed to miss BASEketball until it turned up on CityTV, another heroic performance for Trey Parker and Matt Stone. A fan has thoughtfully provided rules to the game.

Wilderness survival

This guide to starting a fire using a Coke can and a chocolate bar should come in handy.

Freedom Medal of Valor

A website offers some unflattering and arguably unkind depictions of Tom Cruise but is interesting for its high-resolution image of Scientology's Freedom Medal of Valor.

18 U.S.C. § 2257

Either the authors of 18 U.S.C. § 2257 do not know much about the internet or they know enough to imagine gumming up the works will have any effect on the production, and rather more importantly the consumption, of pornographic images. The very best they can hope for is a multi-billion dollar industry going offshore. Assuming, of course, the bill survives an inevitable, well funded First Amendment challenge. Remember: freedom isn't free!*

*That would be a buck o'five.

Libertarianism

Sean Kinsell writes a classic line.

While Eric Scheie offices a classic example in the comments.

Jessica Alba 1, Shark 0

While filming her new movie Into the Blue, Jessica Alba reportedly fought off a shark by punching it in the nose. Kick ass!

Update: In related news, the Superficial has high-resolution images of Jessica Alba in her spanking new Invisible Woman outfit from The Fantastic Four.

MTV Date School

MTV Date School offers a number of useful pointers.

Fischerspooner: Just Let Go

Now is the time at the Flea when we dance.

Shatnerology

This First Church of Shatnerology Handbook for New Operating TOUPEE's (NOT) should come in handy.

In case this looks like utter nonsense with no happeningness in the time-track, it is worth a comparison with the Oxford Capacity Analysis test. Some years ago I tried to get the Church of Scientology to send me a copy of this, the personality test their representatives are after getting people to take. I ended up having to change my phone number to be rid of their pestery phone calls and never did get a copy of the test. But lo, the wonder that is "the internet" now provides both the test and L. Ron Hubbard's optimal answers.

Some Scientology documents prove more elusive which is a shame as this is rivoting, if poorly written and conceived, latter-day gnostic fun. Some otherwise unavailable materials, subject to copyright and so forth, are nonetheless in the public sphere as part of the Fishman Affidavit made available by multiple Dutch court rulings and, of course, thanks to the technological marvel that is "the internet". Take this ostensibly super-secret inner-revelation of Scientology OT VIII B document, for example. But then the Church may or may not claim it is a forgery so no harm no foul. Excepting perhaps the bit about Jesus "being a lover of young boys and men" and "given to uncontrollable bursts of temper and hatred". The idea that the man we knew as L. Ron Hubbard was some kind of alien Anti-Christ messiah might also be off-putting to some still labouring under an excess of Body Thetans and the genetic manipulation of the Galactic Confederacy. Tell me about it.

Estrogen explained

Brooke Shields explains what Tom Cruise does not know about estrogen.

Update: Scientologist, Tom Cruise claims psychiatry is a pseudo-science. Because he knows the history of it. Do you know the history of it? Because he knows. He knows the history of it.

All there is to know about Karla Homolka

Christie Blatchford quotes a letter written by Karla Homolka to crime writer Stephen Williams from prison.

Only Homer could go to China

TaiwanIndependence reviews an episode of the Simpsons unlikely to be aired in the Chinese mainland any time soon (via the Taipei Kid).

Roommates

Guys who have shared housing in college will recognize the outline of this roommate story even it if, in fairness, it does represent an extreme. Excepting a handy map there are no visuals but this remains not even remotely safe for work or anywhere else.

The Vimy Flag

"In those few minutes I witnessed the birth of a nation."
- BGen A.E. Ross

I recently had the opportunity to visit the new war museum in Ottawa. It is impressive both in terms of its collection and its architecture but the moment that impressed me the most was the privilege of chatting with a commissionaire as I stopped by the entrance to the main exhibits area. He suggested I start my tour with a look around the "used car lot" on the lower floor, lots of tanks and such. I followed his suggestion and on the way found this, the Vimy Flag.

It is difficult to imagine a more pointless struggle than the Great War but even more difficult to conceive of the heroism it must have taken to fight in it. The meaning we find in that flag suggests some divine purpose may be at work in even the most pointless conflict. We may never know the ultimate end of our actions but it seems to me we can be certain of our intentions. This week I felt proud to be Canadian for the first time in a long time even as I believe we have much more work to do. Perhaps both are for the best. Happy Canada Day.

Clone Wars

Only Neal Stephenson can make the Star Wars prequels sound interesting as inadvertent social commentary. And it sounds as though I need to read those six Clone Wars novels (via C. Buddha).

DJ Daft Fader:

Now is the time at the Flea when we dance. Prepare. To freak. Out.

Also, DJ Keltech presents War of the Worlds (via C. Buddha).

Bling It On!

I do not know what it says about me that I cannot tell if this tween-oriented Bling It On! ad is a parody. Or that I am now possessed by a mad urge to bling up my monitor and possibly my telephone.

Hermes

FormerlyRosie comments on Oprah's recent Hermes humiliation, Brooke Shields v Tom Cruise and quotes Joni Mitchell.

The Commonly Confused Words Test

This Commonly Confused Words Test described me as an English Genius. Well, that is nice to know (via Shaolin Tiger).

Secret Archives of the Vatican

Rotten offers some thoughts on the Secret Archives of the Vatican. Dan Brown fans, take note!

The Scientology Secret Library

Operation Clambake presents the Scientology secret library. Remember: information wants to be free.

Rehabilitation Project Force

CESNUR, the Center for Studies on New Religions publishes a study of the Rehabilitation Project Force, reportedly operated by the Sea Org programme of Scientology.