September 3, 2011
Star in Leo shouldn't exist
ESO scientists have found an 'extremely primitive star' in the Milky Way's halo - 4/5 the size of the Sun, one of the oldest ever found - that theory says is impossible. It has fifty times less lithium in it than expected in the material produced by the Big Bang. [more inside]
CHIPMUNK ADVENTURES!
I Say Brook, You Say Bayou
Snap Judgement
Snap Judgement is a radio show airing on NPR stations; you can also listen to all of it online or via iTunes. The show bills itself as "storytelling with a beat". [more inside]
A History of Violence
Bethesda Softworks [the current owner of id Software] argued that the game's crude graphics had been surpassed by many modern titles and, as a result, the violence it depicted had far less of an impact.
As of 1 September, Germany has lifted it's 17-year ban on sales of DOOM ((previously)though not regarding the physical media) to minors. DOOM II, which contains several swastika-laden levels from Wolfenstein (previously), however, will still remain verboten.
As of 1 September, Germany has lifted it's 17-year ban on sales of DOOM ((previously)though not regarding the physical media) to minors. DOOM II, which contains several swastika-laden levels from Wolfenstein (previously), however, will still remain verboten.
Transient Man
Transient Man. "Transient is a black comedy about a homeless man who's visions lead him to believe he is an inter-dimensional savior of humanity, on a mission to save the universe. Is he indeed the 'one', chosen by mystical divine forces to embark on a crusade against ultimate evil, or a hopeless lunatic, aimlessly wandering the streets of San Francisco? Transient is a spoof on the hero's journey that's part Men in Black, part Raising Arizona, flavored with liberal portions of Ghostbusters and John Steinbeck. It is a ballad to the city by the bay, and a heartfelt tale of the sacrifices one man will take for his love for his family, his friends, and all of humankind." [Via]
Logan's Run
Logan's Run is a 1976 science fiction film... It depicts a dystopian future society in which population and the consumption of resources are managed and maintained in equilibrium by the simple expediency of killing everyone who reaches the age of thirty, preventing overpopulation. (related 2004 post worth clicking through for) [more inside]
Adventure's Best Friend
In September 1964, Jonny Quest began what was to be its only broadcast season on ABC with this rousing opening sequence (audio disabled). That sequence has now been recreated -- cut for cut, with the original music -- in high-definition stop-motion animation. [more inside]
What's in Apollo 18's name?
The movie Apollo 18 opened recently. The plot centers around a supposedly secret Apollo moon landing mission (the last actual mission was Apollo 17). But never mind the space stuff, what is up with the title of the mission? It's been used for a couple of non-space related music projects.
They Might Be Giants used it for the title of their fourth album.
Then there's a Korean indie rock band with the name, who won the Rookie of the Year award at the 2010 Korean Music Awards. [more inside]
The Monsterous Master Of Mystical Language
in 1976, surrealist icon Salvador Dali starred and directed in the fake documentary/travelogue Impressions de la haute Mongolie - Impressions of Upper Mongolia - about his quest to find a rare hallucinogenic mushroom. It was intended as a tribute to the late Raymond Roussel. It is available on Youtube in 5 parts. 1 - 2 -3 - 4 - 5 (70 min)
A pose is a pose is a pose
Poses, an art performance in which regular women replicate the poses struck by glamour models in fashion magazines, by Spanish artist Yolanda Dominguez (interview).
The GOP War on Voting
From Our Own Correspondent
For over 50 years, the BBC's From Our Own Correspondent has been an opportunity for reporters to share a bit of context, some relevant history, one or two of the characters encountered en route, some description of a foreign country or capital, in 5 or 10 minute segments. The program is available online in various formats: the weekly 30 minute version can be heard (in its entirety or individual segments) via the BBC website, or there are a wide variety of podcasting options available for those who prefer to download. Alternately, the BBC World Service daily 10 minute version can be heard online. For a different approach, the FOOC Archives have the past few years' worth of segments, sorted by geographical region. [more inside]
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