Being the hardcore martial arts warrior that I am invariably invites comparisons to that most beastly of warriors, Chuck Norris.
Once a hardcore fighter, Chuck is more of a running joke now....although I wouldn't say that to his inordinately hairy face.
Anyhow, whilst perusing Hotsgusting this morning, I saw this post and nearly pee-peed in my shorts with the laughterz. Stolen, reprinted and uncredited here in all of it's glory:

15 little known facts about chuck norris

1. Chuck Norris’ tears cure cancer. Too bad he has never cried.

2. A man once asked Chuck Norris if his real name is “Charles”. Chuck
Norris did not respond, he simply stared at him until he exploded.

3. Rather than being birthed like a normal child, Chuck Norris instead
decided to punch his way out of his mother’s womb. Shortly thereafter he
grew a beard.

4. Chuck Norris built a time machine and went back in time to stop the
JFK assassination. As Oswald shot, Chuck met all three bullets with his
beard, deflecting them. JFK’s head exploded out of sheer amazement.

5. The original theme song to the Transformers was actually “Chuck
Norris–more than meets the eye, Chuck Norris–robot in disguise,” and
starred Chuck Norris as a Texas Ranger who defended the earth from
drug-dealing Decepticons and could turn into a pick-up. This was far too
much awesome for a single show, however, so it was divided.

6. Chuck Norris was the fourth Wiseman. He brought baby Jesus the gift
of “beard”. Jesus wore it proudly to his dying day. The other Wisemen,
jealous of Jesus’ obvious gift favoritism, used their combined influence
to have Chuck omitted from the Bible. Shortly after all three died of
roundhouse kick related deaths.

7. Chuck Norris once shot a German plane down with his finger, by
yelling, “Bang!”

8. When Chuck Norris plays Oregon Trail his family does not die from
cholera or dysentery, but rather roundhouse kicks to the face. He also
requires no wagon, since he carries the oxen, axels, and buffalo meat on
his back. He always makes it to Oregon before you.

9. Chuck Norris can make a woman climax by simply pointing at her and
saying “booya”.

10. Before each filming of Walker: Texas Ranger, Chuck Norris is
injected with five times the lethal dose of elephant tranquilzer. This
is, of course, to limit his strength and mobility, in an attempt to lower the fatality rate of the actors he fights.

11. Chuck Norris does not sleep. He waits.

12. When Chuck Norris’s wife burned the turkey one Thanksgiving, Chuck
said, “Don’t worry about it honey,” and went into his backyard. He came
back five minutes later with a live turkey, ate it whole, and when he
threw it up a few seconds later it was fully cooked and came with
cranberry sauce. When his wife asked him how he had done it, he gave her
a roundhouse kick to the face and said, “Never question Chuck Norris.”

13. Chuck Norris took my virginity, and he will sure as hell take yours.
If you’re thinking to yourself, “That’s impossible, I already lost my
virginity.”, then you are dead wrong.

14. Chuck Norris is currently suing NBC, claiming Law and Order are
trademarked names for his left and right legs.

15. Chuck Norris once tried to sue Burger King after they refused to put
razor wire in his Whopper Jr., insisting that that actually is “his”
way.

Blue 42, where are you?

Meet DJ Blue 42. Apparently, this guy is, or was at some point, a popular and successful house DJ on the West coast.
This is not how I remember him. I recall a skatepunk buddy of mine in high school that looked very similar to this fellow and went by the name Duane Whiting. Interestingly, this DJ Blue 42 guy doesn't respond to emails sent to his Hotmail address, so this is a call to my boy to holla back at a brotha.
Meanwhile, a few memories ought to suffice....

Make me wanna Holler!!!

This is old news, but Stumble! sent me to this BBC article about US students.
I had no idea that the programming had clawed so deeply into our youth!!!
This is bad...really, really bad. This is the true epidemic; not that fucking bird flu!!!
You've been sneaky, Uncle Sam, but now you've pissed me off!!! I'm finally mad enough to get off my lazy ass and come after you, so this is your warning!

A car company that gives me the warm and fuzzies?!?

Toyota just keeps givin' me the straight up num-nums!
Treehugger reports about the crazy green design and philosophy that these guys keep coming up with.
Added Bonus: The Georgetown, Kentucky plant is the one workin' the latest eco-cool angle and putting Kentucky on the map (read "heavily-trafficked websites") for something positive!
WOOT!

Checked in on Red Meat for the first time in months and it looks like Max is back to form, so if you've got nothin' better to do and ya need a laugh.....

Apparently, I'm not the only one in the area that's upset with our current political climate.
I see these two most mornings on the way to work, but today they presented themselves together at the same light, begging to be photographed.
Note: Plates have been obscured to protect the dissident.

Now that the national Hypnobeam is broken and people are emerging from the spell to see more clearly, let's revisit some of the old faux pas of our current administration/President.
I think we should start with this little reminder from 1115.org:

Big and Far

Is it really blissful like they say, Georgie?

Just when I'm lookin' the other direction...

Wowzers, the white coats are comin' up with some next level shit while we're sleeping. Check this out.
Initial knee-jerk reaction: Flatliners flashback.

The camera is back from the shop!!!

Hip, hip, hooray!

I discovered this little web of information sometime in the late 20th century while looking for sites about chocolate.
Chocolate.org is not what you might think it is.
So, today, some eight or so years later, I actually spent some time reading a little bit of what these folks have to say. Wow. Not sure what to make of it. Love the topics (drugs rock!) and certainly enjoy reading more about Leary, Shulgin and McKenna (the real space explorers), but some of the stuff borders on crazy-go-nuts. Have fun.

WTF?!?

The Contortion Home Page!!
Need I say more?!?

I neglected to mention that, at Jackie's goinawayforawhileandidunnoifimcominback party, I had the pleasure of meeting (aggressively introducing myself to) the illustrious and pulchritudinous A, of Crapfest fame.
Lo and Behold, she has ended the long suffering endured during her posting drought. Brilliant as always, her free and easy writing style makes me feel a bit inadequate and leaves me wondering where my place in this vast blah-ging landscape may be.

Neil Diamond is a rock god!!!

If you missed CBS Sunday Morning today, you missed one of the best stories broadcast on the show.
Yes, you guessed it, Neil Diamond was featured on the show and well deserving of it.
The first few minutes of the piece made some rather confusing statements about Neil's fame and his loyal fans. "Let's face it, it's never been "fashionable" to be a Neil Diamond fan." was uttered by the narrator.
Huh? What? Are you out of your mind?!? I have been singing Diamond's praises as the greatest performer in history for more than two decades and you're telling me I was being "unfashionable?!?"
Now, before any more of you speak such foolishness, be aware that later in the segment, Rick Rubin admitted to having grown up with and loving Neil Diamond's music...and that, my friends, is and should be more than enough to convince anybody of the man's talent and value.
I, too, grew up with Neil Diamond as a soundtrack for my childhood. Before I even appreciated specific artists, "Song Sung Blue" was my favorite lullaby (on 8-track tape, of course.)
During the eighties, I was honored to have seen him perform eight times. In the early nineties, I saw him one last time, bringing the total to my personal record of nine performances by the same artist. Note: Incongruously, Depeche Mode comes in a close second with eight concerts, none of which I actively pursued tickets for.
Believe me, this acknowledgement was long overdue and Neil is still rocking his ass off.

P.S. Another favorite, Robert Downey Jr., was also favorably featured on the show. Stay strong, Robert, more people love and respect you than you will ever know.

Score one for the big D

This is old news for sure, but this months issue of Computer Power User has a blurb on page 9 about Dell's nSeries E510 that comes without an OS!
Yes, Redmond-haters, this PC is completely MS free....even coming with FreeDOS!
Dell, are y'all trying to get back in the good graces of us geeks? 'Cause if you are this is a good start.
Linux anyone?

Daniel Schorr speaks some truth

If you're able, click here to go to the site where you can listen to what Daniel Schorr had to say on All Things Considered tonight.
I hope it works because his words can not be said enough...nothing profound or original, just unfortunate truth about the reality that we perceive....and probably create.
If we are to play a part in this (fabricated) drama and come out of it with some integrity, vigilant adherence to the unpleasant, but clear, truth is necessary. This is just a fraction of it.
What am I talking about? If you don't know yet, stick with me a little while and you'll eventually understand enough of it to choose a side.
It's late, I should stop, but please listen to this short piece if you are able.

Music to be murdered by

I'll tell ya, there are days when BoingBoing hits on all cylinders for me and today is one of those days. They have a post about John Peel's personal favorites that someone found stored, lovingly, in a box following his death. Apparently, the Times Online has published the full list of 142 7" singles that made up the music that was closest to his heart.
Oh, if you don't know who John Peel was or have never heard of his famous Peel Sessions, you obviously have never been a big fan of music (no judgement here.)
As music is what keeps my blood coursing through my veins, it has been impossible to avoid owning copies of Peel Sessions from the Smiths, The Clash and many, many others.
So, without further ado, here is the list of what John Peel considered the best and most enduring:

1. Al Casey - Surfin' Hootenanny + Easy Pickin (PIE INTERNATIONAL) 1963

2. Al Ferrier - I'm Not Drinking More + Don't Play Blue Eyes' (MASTER TRAK) 1980

3. Alan Price Set - I Put a Spell on You (DECCA)

4. Andy Capp - Popatop + Reco - The Lion Speaks (TREASURE ISLAND) 1969

5. Anemic Boyfriends - Guys Are Not Proud + Bad Girls in Love (RED SWEATER RECORDS) 1980

6. Ann Peebles - I can't stand the rain + i've been there before (LONDON) 1972

7. Anti-Social - Traffic lights + teacher, teacher (DYNAMITE RECORDS) 1977

8. Arthur K Adams - Wildwood flower + It's a wild, wild, wild, wild wildwood flower (JETSTAR)

9. Big Stick - Drag racing + Hell on earth (RECESS RECORDS) 1985

10. Bill Oddie - Harry krishna + on ilkla moor baht'at (DANDELION) 1970

11. Boards of Canada - Aquarius + Chinook (SKAM)

12. Bobby Lee Trammell - If you ever get it once + Don't you know I love you (ALLEY RECORDS)

13. Cat Power - Headlights + Darling said sir (THE MAKING OF AMERICANS)

14. Charlie Feathers - Deep elm blues + Nobody's darling' (HOLIDAY INN RECORDS)

15. Charlie Feathers - Nobody's women + When you decide (KING) 2x copies

17. Charlie Feathers - Today and tomorrow + Wild wild party' (MEMPHIS RECORDINGS)

18. Charlie Feathers - Tongue-tied Jill + Get with it' (METEOR RECORDS)

19. Charlie Feathers - When you come around + Too much alike' (KING)

20. Cheeze - Dancin With The Dead - Dancin queen + Direwolf 1989 (BOB RECORDS) 1989

21. Clague - The stride + I wonder where (DANDELION) 1969

22. Clefs of Lavender Hill - Stop! - Get a ticket + First tell me why (DATE)

23. Cleveland Crochet - Sugar bee + Drunkards dream (GOLDBAND)

24. Don Covay - It's better to have + Leave him (MERCURY) 1973

25. Don French - Lonely saturday night + Goldilocks (QUALITY) (LANCER) 2x copies

27. Dreamland Express - Groovy + u.f.o (EMI)

28. Easy Teeth - Car noise + Her blade (DENTAL RECORDS) 1980

29. Eddie & Ernie - I believe she will + We try harder (CHESS) 1984

30. Eddie & Ernie - I'm gonna always love you + Outcast (EASTERN)

31. Eddie & Ernie - Time waits for no one + That's the way it is (EASTERN)

32. Electro Hippies - Mega-armageddon death (STRANGE FRUIT) Peel session

33. Elmore James - The sky is crying + Standing at the crossroads (FLASHBACK RECORDS)

34. Firemen - Old smokie + Louie's theme (LE CAM)

35. Freshmen - You never heard anything like it + Bombing run (RELEASE RECORDS) 1979

36. G L Crockett - It's a man down there + Every hour, every day (4 BROTHERS)

37. G L Crockett - Look out Mabel + Did you ever love somebody (CHECKER)

38. Geater Davis - For your precious love + Wrapped up in you (HOUSE OF ORANGE)

39. Gene Dozier & The United Front - Give the women what they want + The best girl I ever had (MERCURY) 1974

40. Golinski Brothers - Bloody + Toy (BADGE RECORDS) 1980 2x copies

42. Green Hornes - Stayed up last night (ITALY RECORDS)

43. Hooten 3 Car - Danny + Numena (RUMBLESTRIP RECORDS)

44. Idle Race - Here we go round the lemon tree + My father's son (LIBERTY) 45. Izzy Royal - Coronation St (WEA) 1983

46. Jane Bond and The Undercover Men - Hot rod Lincoln + Come on up (EAR MOVIES RECORDS) 1982

47. Jerry Byro - Memories of Maria + Invitation (MONUMENT) 1961 2x copies - different labels

48. Jody Reynolds - Endless sleep + Western movies (LIBERTY)

49. Johnnie Taylor - I've been born again + At night time (STAX) 1974

50. Johnny Adams - You're a lady + I wish it would rain (ATLANTIC) 1972

51. Johnny Fortune - Dragster + Soul surfer (SONET) 1964

52. Ken Colyers Jazzmen (TEMPO RECORDS) 1953

53. La Peste - Black + Better off dead (BLACK RECORDS) 1978

54. Larry Bright - Mojo workout + I'll change my ways (TIDE)

55. Laurie Anderson - O Superman + Walk the dog (ONE TEN RECORDS) 1981

56. Lee Perry - Bafflin' smoke signal + Black smoke signal (BLACK ARC) 1978

57. Lightnin Hopkins - Mojo hand + Glory be (FLASHBACK RECORDS)

58. Marc Bolan - Marc Bolan talking to Stevie Dixon, 1973. Jennifer Sharp, Steve Harley & John Peel talking to Stevie Dixon 1977. (CUBE/PYE RECORDS)

59. Mary Monday - I gave my punk jacket to Richie + Popgun (MALICIOUS PRODUCTIONS)

60. Max Romeo - Sipple out deh' Lee Perry + Revelation (UPSETTER)

61. MC5 - Looking at you + Borderline (A-SQUARE RECORDS) 2x copies

63. Medicine Head - Coast to coast + All for tomorrow (DANDELION) 1970

64. Medicine Head - His guiding hand + This love of old (DANDELION) 1969 2x copies

66. Mel and Tim - Starting all over again + It hurts to want it so bad (STAX) 1972

67. Meow - Kat nip + One night stand + Anthem + Kill kill kill + Catastrophe + Boy groupies (TWIST LIKE THIS RECORDS)

68. Mickey Lee Lane - Tuitti Fruitti + With your love (MALA)

69. Mike Spencer and the Cannibals - Good guys + Nothing takes the place of you (BIG COCK RECORDS)

70. Nice - The thoughts of Emerlist Davjack (IMMEDIATE)

71. Nilsson - Everybody's talkin' (RCA)

72. Nilsson - Kojak Columbo (RCA)

73. Nilsson - Without you (RCA)

74. O V Wright - That's how strong my love is + There goes my used to be (GOLDWAX)

75. Paul Blake & The Blood Fire Posse - Every posse get flat + Flat out (STUDIO WORK) 1984

76. Paul Revere & The Raiders - Him or me - what's it gonna be? + Legend of Paul Revere (CBS) 1967

77. Pavement - Demolition Plot J-7 (DRAG CITY) 1990

78. Pocket Fishrmen (sic) - Yr story + The leader is burning (NOISEVILLE) 1989

79. Quads - You've gotta jive + There must be thousands (BIG BEAR RECORDS) 1979

80. Ray Martin - Blue tango + Bell of the ball (COLUMBIA) 81. Revelino - Step on high (MUSIDISC)

82. Rod Bernard - This should go on forever

83. Roshell Anderson - The grapevine will lie sometimes + Such a beautiful thing (CONTEMPO) 1974

84. Roy Head - Treat her right + So long, my love (VOCALION) 1965

85. Sam & Dave - I can't stand up for falling down + Soothe me (STAX)

86. Sasha Caro - Grade 3 section 2 + Little maid's song (DECCA) 1967

87. Scrugg - Will the real Geraldine please stand up and be countered + Only George' (PIE) 1969

88. Sheena Easton - 9 to 5 + Moody (EMI) 1980 2x Copies

90. Sipho Bhengu - Tickey dopies + I saluti (INKONKONI) 1971

91. Soledad Brothers - Sugar & spice + Johnny's death letter, with Jack White (ITALY RECORDS)

92. Some Chicken - New religion + Blood on the wall (RAW RECORDS) 1977 2x copies

94. Spit Out - O from I + Tan + Rot'n'roll' (MA FROG RECORDS) 1996

95. Stanley Winston - No more ghettos in America + It's alright (JEWEL)

96. Status Quo - Down down (VERTIGO) 1974

97. Super Sister - No tree will grow + She was naked (DANDELION) 1971

98. The Beatles - Come together + Octopus's garden + Something (foreign pressing, country unknown)

99. The Big Three - You've gotta keep her under hand + If you ever change your mind (DECCA) 1964

100. The Buzzcocks -­ Ever fallen in love (UNITED ARTISTS) 1978

101. The Factory - Path through the forest + Gone (MGM) 1968

102. The Galactic Symposium - Y.M.C.A + Money (VAGUE RECORDS) 1978

103. The Legion of Super-Heroes - The great name dropper part 1 + The great name dropper part 2 (AMY RECORDS)

104. The Mark Four - Hurt me if you will + I'm leaving (DECCA) 1965

105. The Mighty Avengers - So much in love + Something they say (DECCA) 1964

106. The Misunderstood - I can take you to the sun + Who do you love (FONTANA) 1966

107. The Move - I can hear the grass grow + Wave the flag and stop the train (DERAM) 1967

108. The Negatives - Love is not real + Stakeout (LOOK) 1979

109. The Nightcaps - Wine wine wine + Nightcap rock (MUSICOR)

110. The Ramrods - Zig zag + Riders in the sky (LONDON AMERICAN) 1960

111. The Smoke - My friend Jack + We can take it (COLUMBIA) 1966

112. The Squirrels - Oz on 45 + Alone again (POPLLAMA PROD) 1988

113. The Undertones ­- Teenage kicks (GOOD VIBRATIONS RECORDS) 1978 3x copies

116. The Upholsterers - Makers of high grade suites (SYMPATHY FOR THE RECORD INDUSTRY)

117. The Upsetters - Bucky skank + Yucky skank (DOWN TOWN)

118. The Upsetters - Key card + Domino game (DL INTERNATIONAL)

119. The Users - Sick on you + I'm in love with today (RAW RECORDS) 1977 2x copies

121. The Versalites - Cutting rasor + Black belt Jones (DL INTERNATIONAL) 122. The White Stripes - Lafayette blues + Sugar never tasted so good (ITALY Records)

123. The White Stripes - Party of special things to do + China pig + Ashtray heart (SUB POP)

124. The White Stripes ­- Merry Christmas from.... (XL)

125. The White Stripes - It takes two, baby + Fell in love with a girl (SYMPATHY FOR THE RECORD COMPANY)

126. The White Stripes -­ Dead leaves and the dirty ground (XL) 2001

127. The White Stripes - Hand springs (EXTRA BALL RECORDS)

128. The White Stripes - Hotel Yorba (XL) 2001

129. The White Stripes - Lord, send me an angel (SYMPATHY FOR THE RECORD INDUSTRY) 2x copies

131. The White Stripes - Hello operator + Jolene (SYMPATHY FOR THE RECORD INDUSTRY) 2000

132. The White Stripes - The big three killed my baby (SYMPATHY FOR THE RECORD INDUSTRY) 2x copies

134. The Henchmen featuring Jack White - Some other guy + Psycho daisies (ITALY RECORDS)

135. 2 Star Tabernacle - Ramblin man' (BLOODSHOT RECORDS) 1998 cover photo by Jack White

136. The Wildbunch - Danger - Jack White backing vocals (FLYING BOMB)

137. Surprise Package vol 2 featuring White Stripes, Rocket 455 and the Blowtops (FLYING BOMB)

138. Surprise Package vol 3 featuring The Real Pills, MHz, The Dirtbombs (FLYING BOMB)

139. Travis Wammack - Fire fly + Scratchy (ARA) 140. XL-Capris - My city of Sydney + Dead bugies (AXLE)

141. Yami Bolo - Richer than Cory (JAMAICA INTERNATIONAL)

142. Yardbirds - Happenings ten years time ago + Psycho diaries (COLUMBIA) 1966

Why Geoffrey does NOT support the death penalty...

Boing Boing has a snippet today on a new film coming out about seven men exonerated from imprisonment based on DNA testing.
Take a look at the Innocence Project website and you will understand why I cannot support the death penalty.
If the fact that the people found innocent of all charges against them after DNA testing isn't enough to convince you of a flawed justice system, perhaps the fact that the majority of these prisoners are black men should tip you off.
Take a look at the faces on the splash page of the Innocence Project site. Even if there are more black men commiting felonies in this country (doubtful...more likely, the imbalance in convictions is due to the imbalance in wealth distribution...another topic for another day), the fact that there are four black men pictured on a site dedicated to the EXONERATED should give you pause when thinking about who is on death row.
How many more innocent men are awaiting execution?

Yes, innocent people will go to jail and that is wrong. Taking their freedoms and rights away is one thing, but what about the state-sanctioned murder of these innocent people? I, for one, don't want that blood on my hands.
Don't get me wrong, I certainly don't have a problem with killing human beings....it's just that one should be damned certain that the person in question is guilty; and I guarantee that no state bureaucracy will be able to determine that beyond a reasonable doubt.
Indeed, I am not sure that anyone can necessarily make that judgement without irrefutable empirical evidence, practically negating the justification for vigilantes.
Whoa, rambled for a moment. Peace, y'all.

Free Mumia!! : )

Bear with me...

While I am getting my ducks in a row to hit you with my discussion topics, here's some filler....

I visited Banksy's site last night before retiring to bed and thought my readers might enjoy and possibly benefit from checking it out:

Banksy

There are one or two additions since I last visited and I took a gander at his links as well.
I was turned on to this guy by the Wooster Collective that I think I've mentioned in previous posts. You could spend hours on Wooster without seeing it all.

Raise your fist and keep the faith!