ESCAPIST picks: The Scream Queens: 4 Actresses Who Defined A Horror Genre

Marilyn Burns—RIP. I agree.. a legend..

Jamie Lee Curtis, another agreeable selection by the ESCAPIST.

Janet Leigh from PSYCHO.. Good pick, didn’t think of that one.

But the fourth should have been one of the best: Heather Langenkamp from NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET.. I often think her role as Nancy defined the 1980s comeback kick and set into motion a generation of feminist strength. I am serious about that.. I believe she was an inspiration for a lot of girls.. Her roles in the Freddy films she appeared in should never be forgotten..

Doesn’t get any better than Nancy..

ESCAPIST picks: The Scream Queens: 4 Actresses Who Defined A Horror Genre

Ferguson cop who arrested journalist being sued for tying up and choking 12-year-old boy

The HUFFINGTON POST broke that news..

This:

According to the Post‘s Ashley Alman and Ryan J. Reilly, the lawsuit, filed in September 2012 in a Missouri federal court, accuses Officer Justin Cosma of choking the boy around the neck and throwing him to the ground during a June 2010 encounter.

At the time, Cosma was working as a deputy for the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. The lawsuit states that he and his partner, identified as Richard Carter, approached the boy while he was checking his mail outside his home and asked if the boy, identified as “DB” in the suit, was playing on a nearby highway.

No words..

Ferguson cop who arrested journalist being sued for tying up and choking 12-year-old boy

A Secret Code in Google Translate?

A glitch in translating Latin placeholder text is sparking conspiracy theories.

Oh fun times.. 
Lorem Ipsum —NATO

A Secret Code in Google Translate?

Syfy's 'Lost Girl' Ending After Fifth Season

The show will end after its upcoming fifth season—even though ratings in Canada are high and the show has a dedicated following in the United States. Fans flocked to LOST GIRL and it became a sensation with a cult following who spend time reading and writing fan fiction, and Tweeting live during programs.. 

The HOLLYWOOD REPORTER reports, 

Showcase ordered 16 episodes for season five, to be split into two parts.

The first eight episodes will start airing on Showcase on December 7, with the second batch to air in fall 2015.

Syfy did not indicate when the fifth season will air on its network.

My wife is also very upset about this…it was her favorite show for four seasons..  The only thing I could say to console her is that I went through the same thing when Art Bell retired. And retired. And retired. And retired. And retired. 

Come to think of it…

Maybe I should have watched this show, too..

Good thing for her fangirl series: There will only be one series finale.

Syfy's 'Lost Girl' Ending After Fifth Season

A Man Known As ‘The Penis Collector’ Was Found With Jars Of Human Penises In His Home

Read it and wince.

A Man Known As ‘The Penis Collector’ Was Found With Jars Of Human Penises In His Home

NBC news reports: A construction boom of pipelines carrying explosive oil and natural gas from “fracking” fields to market — pipes that are bigger and more dangerous than their predecessors -– poses a safety threat in rural areas, where they sometimes run within feet or yards of homes with little or no safety oversight, an NBC News investigation has found.

We’re fracked..

NBC news reports: A construction boom of pipelines carrying explosive oil and natural gas from “fracking” fields to market — pipes that are bigger and more dangerous than their predecessors -– poses a safety threat in rural areas, where they sometimes run within feet or yards of homes with little or no safety oversight, an NBC News investigation has found.

A must read from the LA TIMES: Complicated case of a leaky radioactive dump in New Mexico

The main gist of what to know: In February, a 55-gallon drum of nuclear waste erupted and began spewing radioactive foam. Oh, and then it went airborne. And this: 150 workers were NOT TOLD TO MOVE away from it until about 10 hours after the white foam eruption.. Oh, and this: Nine days before the radiation release, a truck caught on fire underground and burns for hours before people knew about it.. And the best: The government failed to do any radiation tests despite peaks after the leak..

A must read from the LA TIMES: Complicated case of a leaky radioactive dump in New Mexico

Court: Silence can be used against suspects

The California Supreme Court has ruled that the silence of suspects can be used against them.

You have the right to remain silent. But now that means you’re guilty.. 

Miranda once mattered..

Court: Silence can be used against suspects

Saudi Arabia executes 19 in one half of August in 'disturbing surge of beheadings'

So.. that’s what “allies” are for?

Saudi Arabia executes 19 in one half of August in 'disturbing surge of beheadings'

The blue sky blues

The weather is perfect today here in my home town.. the low 80s, no humidity.. perfectly blue sky with no chemtrails in sight.

It must have been really insulting as kids headed off for their first day of school of the 2014/15 year.

I myself recall these days, back in the grind of high school, sweating through 7th period and hating every minute of the walk home in heat.

But as you get older, you appreciate this warmth.. the winter begins to set in.. and the cold hurts. It bites at you like it’s sucking away life and time …

But today is beautiful.. Just amazing. Unless you’re on a big yellow bus coming home from hell.

The family of Michael Brown said that, days before his shooting death at the hands of the Ferguson police officer, he confessed Jesus was his savior and said soon the entire world would know his name..

The family of Michael Brown said that, days before his shooting death at the hands of the Ferguson police officer, he confessed Jesus was his savior and said soon the entire world would know his name..

VOODOO returns to New Orleans

VOODOO returns to New Orleans

Hundreds of gas plumes have been found off the Atlantic Coastline of the United States, bubbling away..  They may have been bubbling for a while. But how would we know, we just discovered them..

The aftermath of the 6.1 quake in San Francisco:  Large cracks in highways, some cracks 10 feet deep and hundreds of feet long.. Apart of the reports of the quake: An explosion happened first and then shaking for about 30 seconds later.. One witness interviewed said that the shaking from this quake seemed ‘worse’ than previous quakes..  And it’s just the start?

But here’s a great example of CREATIVITY after the quake!  Rock on, sk8ters.

Add this to the weird mix of quake news: On August 22, before the San Francisco earthquake, the Salton Sea stink caused an ‘odor advisory’ to be issued.. There was a ‘rotten egg’ smell before weeks before..

Reports indicate that the SAN FRAN shakes may cost a billion bucks..

California quake: Was this the one before the 'Big One'?

California quake: Was this the one before the 'Big One'?

7.0-magnitude quake strikes Peru, USGS says

Tension builds somewhere and must be released somewhere else. I have a feeling that the strong quakes are not done yet

7.0-magnitude quake strikes Peru, USGS says

This Is What Northern California Looks Like After Earthquake

This Is What Northern California Looks Like After Earthquake

I wrote this back in March of this year along with the cartoon posted of a new tree limb going into a classroom.. It’s interesting to note that originally, this cartoon implicated that there was a positive in the Axe, molding students into identical pieces of wood..

I wrote this in March:

This is a piece of art from the Internet I found.. no clue as to its origins or who created it—I’d give credit if I knew. But I just love it.. Who DIDN’T feel like this as they walked into school classrooms each morning? And for those still in school who are reading this, I felt this way too. I fear my son, only age 3, will one day be thinking the same thoughts.. so often it feels like a big PINK FLOYD song as you go through your childhood. There seems to be so many adults who are dead set on ruining a kid’s dream or stomping down imagination.. There are teachers, parents, bus drivers, and principals who become a nightmare for children.. There are moments in time when living in childhood is a prison unto itself—where bullies thrive and hopes dive. But to those who read this facing the same hell of the brain: Be strong. School will one day be out forever. And when you’re 15 years post high school graduation, the good memories may remain and the bad will shrink.. Some of them.

But I also say this, to those who are reading this right now being bullied: You don’t have to be the victim. You’re better than the bully.. you’re smarter.. you’re more intelligent. And you’re more honest with yourself. Be as strong as you can be, don’t allow the darkness of sadness creep in, it’s not worth it. And more than anything else, don’t ever lose who you are.. then a bully wins. I’ve been down paths similar.. And it’s rough. But after the storm passes you’ll see how beautiful the sun can be..
I fear future moments with my own child.. I fear what other kids—and adults—are capable of. Having a child changed everything, and continues to do so.. E V E R Y T H I N G.

I felt it was appropriate to re-blog the matter for everyone’s enjoyment, now that school is beginning all over again.. Whether it’s the indoctrination of grade school, the prison of high school, or the supposedly free minded slavery called college, keep your minds fresh, young, and immune from it all.. Learn what you can but forget what is untrue.. realize the truth is deeper than skin and goes far beyond this planet. 

And though school for me is a long memory, I am watching my own son grow and soon be shuttled off on a big yellow bus—the bus I used to get sick seeing this time of year. As a matter of fact, even at the age of 33, I still get sick when I see them every morning..

Education… be molded .. but do some of the molding yourself.

Good luck students..
Eat your pudding.

Injuries, Fires After 6.0 Quake Rocks Napa, State of Emergency Declared

Injuries, Fires After 6.0 Quake Rocks Napa, State of Emergency Declared

San Francisco quake: The fault line responsible was dormant for over a million years

San Francisco quake: The fault line responsible was dormant for over a million years

Structural problems in buildings after Napa quake

Structural problems in buildings after Napa quake

Icelandic volcano could trigger Britain's coldest winter EVER this year

BRITAIN could freeze in YEARS of super-cold winters and miserable summers if the Bardarbunga volcano erupts, experts have warned.

Not sure if friends in the UK have any more luck than the Americans across the pond saying the name of the volcano, but apparently they will most dramatically be affected first by a big quake—well, after Iceland and global air travel..

It’s not a nuclear winter.. but an Iceland type.. 

Icelandic volcano could trigger Britain's coldest winter EVER this year

Miley’s twerking caused San Fran to shake. Someone needs to stop her now

Shake at the witching hour: San Fran quake!

A 6.1-magnitude earthquake hit the northern San Francisco Bay area early Sunday, the U.S. Geological Survey said.

Twitter lit up with images of people’s wine collections broken on kitchen floors, but there does not appear to be much more damages than that.. Extensive kitchen appliances hit, but buildings remain intact—compared to what could have been, the Napa valley (wine central) can count itself lucky.

No reports of injuries…
Some power outages.

But lots of jittery people being woken up at the witching hour. 3:20am on the left coast.

And perhaps a lesson and reminder of fright to come. There is always the chance of a big quake hitting. With such fault tension lately, the pressure needs to release somewhere..

Am I weird for subscribing to print newsmagazines? I have been a happy TIME magazine subscriber since I was 13 years old.. And recently started getting THE WEEK at my doorstep. I’m so 2000 and late.. Partying like it’s 1999 thinking print still matters. But to hold a magazine in the hand—smell the pages as they turn. Now that’s news to use..

US considers broad military action against ISIS in Iraq and Syria

thepete:

coalspeaker, you got that story from rt.com? Don’t trust those guys. They’re owned by Russia. Might as well be trusting CNN to be accurate!

;)

Ok.. FAIR POINT about RT thepete.. But try this: The UK GUARDIAN reports that the United States is aiming for air strikes on targets in Syria..

Now it’s real.

US considers broad military action against ISIS in Iraq and Syria

MAUREEN DOWN HITS OBAMA: "THE GOLF ADDRESS"

You can read her full ultra-sarcastic op-ed in the NEW YORK TIMES..She writes as President Obama ..  I picked some of the money quotes worth reading:

THIS:

Now we are engaged in a great civil divide in Ferguson, which does not even have a golf course, and that’s why I had a “logistical” issue with going there

This:

I’ve heard all the carping that I should be in the Situation Room droning and plinking the bad folks. I know some people think I should go to Ferguson. Don’t they understand that I’ve delegated the Martin Luther King Jr. thing to Eric Holder? Plus, Valerie Jarrett and Al Sharpton have it under control.

Another:

I know it doesn’t look good to have pictures of me grinning in a golf cart juxtaposed with ones of James Foley’s parents crying, and a distraught David Cameron rushing back from his vacation after only one day, and the Pentagon news conference with Chuck Hagel and General Dempsey on the failed mission to rescue the hostages in Syria.

And finally: 

We here highly resolve that these golfing greats shall not have competed in vain, especially poor Tiger, and that this nation, under par, shall have a new birth of freedom to play the game that I have become unnaturally obsessed with, and that golf of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth. So help me Golf.

A few things to remember—and in all fairness, one major thing to remember: Obama has spent less time on vacation then his predecessors ..  It may not seem so, but it’s true.

What does not look good, however, is a nation at war with itself churning and ISIS or ISIL gaining and beheading Americans while your sway away like Meryl in SIGNS. 

Also, if you read the full op-ed by Dowd, take a peak at the comments section.. already very angry pingbacks are happening and equally angry critical comments at Dowd’s obvious sarcastic criticism of the President..

Minus away the obvious political debate that will come from such a column and post.. and enter this: The president, some will say, is solitary by nature. Obama is to himself.. often appearing aloof and even in another world.. The isolation of the office has been spoken about by a number of Presidents in the past—and the argument has been made that a vacation clears the mind of a Chief Executive constantly mired in crisis..

But ti just looked awful to see the President hitting up the links as the Foley family wept for their deceased son—the same way it looked terrible for President Bush to say terrorism will not stand, followed by ‘now watch this shot’ as he too chipped away on a golf course..

MAUREEN DOWN HITS OBAMA: "THE GOLF ADDRESS"

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoISDUAPNgc?feature=oembed&enablejsapi=1&origin=http://safe.txmblr.com&wmode=opaque&w=500&h=281]

Here is a LIVE Youtube stream of the Barðarbunga  volcano in Iceland.. For those who don’t know, an eruption of it may have begun..  Although the latest update from the scene has some wondering if it really has..The LIVESCIENCE report says that there appears to be no indication of volcanic activity..

It’s worth noting, mainly for this: A few days back, there were fears of an ‘explosive’ volcanic eruption.. earthquakes rocked the volcano.. Also this today: The BBC reported a ‘red alert’ was issued by Iceland—and there are lots of concerns that air travel will be highly hit..

Sadly, as this event occurs, the one problem that people may have: Pronouncing the name of the Volcano. Luckily SLATE thought about that a few days ago too, and gave us a link to another source on the way you should say the word..

We’ll just stick to say the big Iceland volcano. That is safe..

(Source: https://www.youtube.com/)

How the Market Affects What Horror Makes it to Hollywood

Recent torture pornographers such as Eli Roth arguably have aligned themselves with 1970s American horror auteurs not only to legitimize their work but to cash in on their rebel credibility.

The NEW REPUBLIC article is an interesting way to follow up on my previous essay written earlier this week about horror movies.. I actually made the point that horror movies, in general, are a lot less scary in our current reality—and even more, who wants to look at torture porn films and slasher gore galore when you can turn on the nightly news and see edited versions of beheading videos and then download the real deal yourself should you wish to..? 

The NEW REPUBLIC article follows how the market—and current events—lead to the horror we see in cinema..  Author Yo Zushi writes, 

It wasn’t long before horror directors such as Eli Roth were claiming that their work could trace a direct lineage to the “war on terror”. “I really try to load up the films with ideas,” Roth insisted, citing with pride the university seminars discussing his Hostel series as “a post-9/11 response to Iraq and torture”. The ecstatic violence of that franchise at first attracted the scorn of many reviewers, who dismissed it as “torture porn,” but Roth’s articulate justifications for his on-screen cruelties seem to have won over the academy.

This strategy of media management isn’t new—Night of the Living Dead’s George Romero said in 1973 that his pioneering zombie film was intended as “a statement about society,” and its semi-documentary style and black hero, murdered by white authorities, served to corroborate his claim. Yet, presenting Romero with a lifetime achievement award in 2009, Quentin Tarantino characterised his movies as consisting of “heart-stopping violence, explosive bloodshed, undead flesh-eaters and dismembered ghouls.” So does the political content really give life to the films, or is it ancillary to the thrills of gore and suspense? And does the meaning that a filmmaker attaches to his lurid tales ultimately matter?

And more:

Although it would be a folly to dismiss interpretative readings of the horror genre entirely, I am skeptical of the claims of critics and filmmakers alike that a zombie or torture movie is primarily to be approached as political allegory. That attitude seems to conform to an apologetic attitude to art, in which the work serves, at best, a medicinal function: the Hostel series is valid because it negotiates, even purges, society’s anxieties about Abu Ghraib, and so on. Yet Eli Roth is not Noam Chomsky. And who thinks about Nixon or Vietnam when confronted with The Texas Chainsaw Massacre?

I don’t know if the  movies are always set to be political allegory, or if the interpretation comes after to defend the amount of horrific violence that often accompanies torture porn flicks. But I know this, and will defend the notion to the end: Pick any horror movie of any decade and you will get a pretty decent idea of what that time’s people, thought patterns, and headlines were like. 

I have a few friends that disavow all things horror—people who avoid the genre at all costs. I myself avoid the torture porn flicks simply because I’d rather a deeper scare than one which simply attacks my sense of decency.  But I believe that horror films are from the rough end of town, and they are emblematic of the life and times we are from..

Oh, and wrestling does, too.

 

How the Market Affects What Horror Makes it to Hollywood

FROM GQ: The Strange Tale of the North Pond Hermit

For nearly thirty years, a phantom haunted the woods of Central Maine, creeping into homes, and surviving on what he could steal. He became a legend. Then one day last year, the hermit came out of the forest. His name was Christopher Knight

And this is him:

While it may seem tough to believe, the story is true..

This from GQ: 

His name, he revealed, was Christopher Thomas Knight. Born on December 7, 1965. He said he had no address, no vehicle, did not file a tax return, and did not receive mail. He said he lived in the woods.

Everything that he ate and used was apparently stolen.. 

The oddest part of all to fathom: He says he didn’t speak a word the entire time, besides once in the 1990s when he passed a hiker on a path in the forest and he said a simple ‘hi’ ..   

And now all of the paranormal fears and strange occurrences that haunted this part of central Maine for decades may very well be solved. No ghost.. no UFO.. no beast from the East.. Instead a thin hermit living in the forest, eating the scrappings of others and stealing the possessions of them, too..

It’s like THE VILLAGE gone wrong.. no one else joined in..

READ MORE AT GQ..

FROM GQ: The Strange Tale of the North Pond Hermit

If you’re like me, and I certainly hope you’re not, you’re shocked that it’s been 20 years since the theatrical release of the best movie of the late 20th century: CABIN BOY

MESS WITH THE BULL, GET THE HORNS

Eventually fate catches up with someone.

NICKI MINAJ gave us lots of classic hits that will never be played 10 years from now.. her latest achievement is ANACONDA. 

During a rehearsal for the MTV music awards, one of her dancers got a Boa Constrictor BITE.. imagine the scene, as reported:

The dancer’s fellow performers looked on in fright as the giant snake slithered to the woman and bit her. Boa constrictors don’t strike unless they feel threatened, so many believe that the woman had unintentionally startled the animal.

I wonder if Nicki’s fake voice screamed in shock!? I wonder if they broke out into a musical interlude while they waited for the medics to arrive..

I wonder if someone thought to themselves: If only this would have happened live, it would have far surpassed the 2013 Miley Cyrus gyration on stage. 

Not that Nicki would ever put a valued dancer in danger……
No animals were hurt in the rehearsal of this program. But a dancer was.

'Mythbusters' Cast Kari Byron, Grant Imahara & Tory Belleci Out

The show’s fan-favorite hosts are making an exit after a good 10 years.

I think this is bad news.. 
I also think this show should be mandatory viewing for science classes in schools..

'Mythbusters' Cast Kari Byron, Grant Imahara & Tory Belleci Out

US considers broad military action against ISIS in Iraq and Syria

US considers broad military action against ISIS in Iraq and Syria

What you know: In December, 40 million credit card numbers and 70 million addresses, phone numbers and additional pieces of personal information were stolen from the retail giant Target. What you didn't know: 1000 other businesses were hit, too

What you know: In December, 40 million credit card numbers and 70 million addresses, phone numbers and additional pieces of personal information were stolen from the retail giant Target. What you didn't know: 1000 other businesses were hit, too

Give some credit to the Russians.. This is a lightning bolt that was used to start the Soviet Era Tesla Tower.. It’s been dormant for some time. But now the little ‘Tesla Tower is complete,’ as said in a voice of Emperor Palpatine.

The video here.. Amazing.

timemagazine:

TIME’s new cover on the tragedy of Ferguson: How the shooting of Michael Brown reignited the race conversation. 

Good cover image, captures the moment well… but even more interesting is the group of people who write about it: Joe Klein, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Rand Paul.. 

Tropical winter

Two news events taking place in the weather department today.. First off, there is a possibility that the storm, Cristobal, will become a threat to the United States next week..MORE HERE. Notable news: Most models are not taking this towards New Orleans or New York City as they were previously, but some have it dangerously close to the East Coast.. while others have a Florida impact. Models will soon come together..until then it’s anyone’s guess.

But what is not a guess: Montana and Wyoming are bracing for SNOW! That’s right.. winter beginning before the fall even happens for these two states.. It’s not a sign of the end of the world—but it’s about three weeks ahead of schedule.

I think too often we look at weather anomalies and scream “proof” of climate Armageddon

. Sometimes these freak events occur, and just eventually get used to ‘average’ things out.. we have averages because it’s the middle of the highs and lows that have happened.

But… snow in August? That is a little weird.

Things didn’t go well for private space exploration Friday. This is a Space-X rocket. It self-detonated after an ‘unexplained malfunction,’ causing the explosion in the blue sky..

The flight was a test run..The video of the explosion can be seen here.

Space-X issued a statement regarding the explosion, saying in part that they were pushing the limits further than any other tests..

But what no one, including this company, wants to happen: This with wealthy affluent space explorers on board..

Microbial life found living on the exterior of the International Space Station, say reports

The report says that Russians found it..

I think this is just amazing..

Microbial life found living on the exterior of the International Space Station, say reports

If things don’t seem real, maybe they’re not..
Sometimes you feel you’re a part of a play.. an act.. a movie.. or a stunt. Maybe you are..
Battle bombs an war bonds, 
Dirty wars and porn..
The gambling addicts are playing
With the lives of unborn..

We’re all a part of a big grand plan..
But the plan is shrouded in secrecy..

When things seem scary, and you turn to fright,
The solution may be laughing with all your might..

Because power brokers aim to scare,
Battle scars of truth.. they shall wear.

We don’t know the masters, but we sure know the slaves..
We are confused by the aims, which is why we behave..

As the summer wanes and the cold begins,
Think to these days…let’s pray truth wins.

GPS Discovers the West Is So Dry, It's Rising

Wow..

GPS Discovers the West Is So Dry, It's Rising

guardian:

Tourists running naked through the streets of Barcelona have sparked protests from local residents fed up with “tourists who do whatever they want”. 

Tourists often outnumber the city’s 1.6 million residents, with 7.4 million visiting in 2012. Read more

Photo: Vicens Forner

Too much to drink.. Too little to wear. You thought the running of the bulls was something to see, imagine the running of the balls..

My sons sidewalk chalk request: A three armed zombie, or as he calls it a ‘Jombie,’ being chased by a happy sun. I did my best.

Two thumbs and a bum

The Latino Post has reported before that Shia LaBeouf and Megan Fox are rumored to make a comeback in the Transformers movie franchise..

It’s all good, and all. I actually really liked the first TRANSFORMERS .. and of course Megan Fox’s cheered on scene of bending over a car hood still is iconic in the history of movies..

But so much as changed since then..

Megan Fox now believes in Bigfoot and Shia often looks like one..

BUT IT’S ALL GOOD..

…MEANWHILE..

FBI, Homeland Security Bulletin Asks Police To Be Aware Of ISIS

Federal authorities sent a bulletin to U.S. law enforcement Friday in light of the threat concerning militants from the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), according to CBS News.

This on the heels of these other newsworthy events:

• A potential threat to Chicago from ISIS


• A warning from the White House of 9/11 style terror possibilities..


• A Senator is warning of a city blowing up..


• The PENTAGON is offering a chilling ISIS warning.


• A Jihadi cool culture is hitting Britain 
  


• Syria strikes are now being considered..


• Austria is seeing a rise of militants.. 


• The ISIS killer of Foley may have given himself away..


• Obama is playing LOTS of golf..

FBI, Homeland Security Bulletin Asks Police To Be Aware Of ISIS

Think Wilson from 1984.. Think the future.

Actually think now since it is all happening before our eyes..

Here are some corporate headlines to scare you today. Read and weep—and know your boss will know that you know they are watching you when you don’t know it .. 

How your boss will rule your life in the coming years.. Imagine a world where your boss keeps tabs on you.. see when you’re drinking or what you’re eating, who you hang out with or what you say about work. Oh, and you post all of that on Facebook for your boss to see..

The future: Corporate indoctrination will continue to increase..

Mexican campaign: Stop using Facebook as mental health therapy..

Comcast labeled the worst company in America for second time in four years..

Cristobal is cooking. Models all over. Get out your crystal ball and pick your favorite track..

The empty vessel of yesteryear: SEARS shows no sign of improving.. and instead is becoming more irrelevant by the day..

I still utilize the store for my oil changes and tires… but the last time I went there for a suit, I had a choice of one or none.

The store is dying a slow death…

This graphic photo shows what a comet the size of Rosetta’s Comet would look like if it struck downtown LA.. Life would change forever..If we live..

Wow.. I know the photo is fake—but just imagine the prospects of this actually happening

Former Deputy CIA Director: ‘I Would Not Be Surprised’ If ISIS Member Shows Up To US Mall Tomorrow With AK-47

The former deputy director of the CIA fears that the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria could carry out attacks in the United States.

Fear in ‘14. 
It’s stating to feel like the run up to a war, all over again..?

Former Deputy CIA Director: ‘I Would Not Be Surprised’ If ISIS Member Shows Up To US Mall Tomorrow With AK-47

This is a downright scary image taken by Getty of the situation in Liberia.. the victim, obviously is suffering from Ebola..

Some news to know today:

From NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC: Liberia is in free fall as Ebola spreads out of control..

75% of Ebola victims are women..

Police open fire on slum to keep 50,000 within..

This is the cover of THE SPIDER-WOMAN #1 COMIC BOOK..  Regardless of your gender, there’s probably one thing you are initially fixated on, and it’s not her face mask.. It’s that large rear end protruding high into the city sky..

And it’s for that butt shot that it’s also causing a rise of controversy..

In fairness, a not safe for work Spider MAN appeared this year, too, but that was removed after complaints. In this instance the comic may be bought up in some big numbers by the teenage boys that it may be aiming for. Just a thought.. Sometimes controversy equals sales.. In this matter, a rump roast of comics await..

Large fissure opens in North Mexico -- 1km long / 8 meter (24 feet) deep

it is a massive crack..

But why is it there.. and does it have anything to do with further earth changes on the horizon?

Large fissure opens in North Mexico -- 1km long / 8 meter (24 feet) deep

Asymmetric Solutions goes to Facebook to talk about their Ferguson work

This has been very controversial—especially since this company has assisted in operations in war torn nations in the Middle East. Some felt uncomfortable with their newfound role in Ferguson. Addrressing those concerns, someone authored a lengthy response on the company’s Facebook page, which in part says this:

We were not hired to work for the state, for the police, to work as peacekeepers, mercenaries, cops for hire, etc. We have done similar personal bodyguard and high risk logistics work with journalists who are interested in reporting from hostile areas all over the world.

We normally do not comment on this side of our work. At suggestion of our client who felt our position was unique, our public message was one of frustration that someone who would typically call upon us to escort them to Baghdad, Kabul, etc. would feel the need to ask us to take them into a suburb of St. Louis, our own wonderful city. It is tragic that things have degenerated to this point. The metro area is our home and we believe the coverage of St. Louis and this incident by major media is fueling the issue unnecessarily for their own benefit.

And this:

We strongly support The US Constitution and have sworn an oath to it. The First Amendment Rights to assemble and speak and print are not limited to only pretty, popular, or mainstream opinions. They are among the most sacred things that are to be protected by Government. A free society is not always a convenient or easy society.

It’s not likely they strange public statement will end worries about them.. 

Asymmetric Solutions goes to Facebook to talk about their Ferguson work

Horror movies in a time when reality is far scarier

Horror movies have changed over time because of real news.. But in our current climate of horrid death across the planet, what is scary?

Horror movies in a time when reality is far scarier

Missing: a life-size statue of President Obama in Wilkes-Barre. Someone swiped the statue off the porch of a home in Wilkes-Barre, and it upset the owner so much, she ended up in a hospital.

Missing: a life-size statue of President Obama in Wilkes-Barre. Someone swiped the statue off the porch of a home in Wilkes-Barre, and it upset the owner so much, she ended up in a hospital.

Atheist Richard Dawkins: It would be ‘immoral’ not to abort a fetus with Down syndrome

While some may agree with Dawkinsgod, I offer this question: Would it not be just as immoral to force women to abort children with Down Syndrome?

Atheist Richard Dawkins: It would be ‘immoral’ not to abort a fetus with Down syndrome

'Dating Naked' cast member sues after crotch-blur fail

….well…she was on DATING NAKED. 

'Dating Naked' cast member sues after crotch-blur fail

'SNL' Political Secrets Revealed: Hillary's "Entitlement," the Sketch Obama Killed and the Show's "Karl Rove"

The 2002 Saturday Night LIVE book has been updated.. and information is now becoming public about the new contents..

This is appearing in the Hollywood REPORTER, and it’s a fascinating tale of the inner workings of the program..

Saturday Night LIVE is an institution.. I personally think the show has lost its zeal and luster over the last few seasons, and the comedy appears to be toned down to appeal to a safer audience as opposed to the risky humor that made the show a hit to begin with.

But according to this story in the HR, there’s much much more than meets the eye behind the scenes..

Interesting read..

'SNL' Political Secrets Revealed: Hillary's "Entitlement," the Sketch Obama Killed and the Show's "Karl Rove"

Twitter trying to block gruesome images of Foley killing

Twitter and some other social media outlets are trying to block the spread of gruesome images of the beheading of journalist James Foley by Islamic State militants, while a movement to deny his killers publicity is also gaining momentum.

Twitter trying to block gruesome images of Foley killing

Supernatural 'Jinn' Seen as Cause of Mental Illness Among Muslims

This could be a symptom of a culture widely believing in paranormal phenomenon.. Muslims, it’s reported in this study, believe that the supernatural Jinn are attributing to their mental illnesses when they have them. Scientists and astute psychologists obviously say that the Jinn, since they aren’t real, cannot be doing this and culturally Muslims have simply been conditioned by their religious backgrounds to perceive the Jinn as being the reason for their problems.

Of course, if the Jinn were real, that would throw off the findings..

Nonetheless, here’s a money quote and conclusion of why certain cultures are haunted by certain entities:

Across societies, beliefs in the supernatural as well as other aspects of culture may influence how mental disorders manifest, the study said. Previous research has found that people with schizophrenia may experience different delusions depending on their cultures. For example, fears about technology and surveillance play a large part in the delusions of people with schizophrenia in the United States. Meanwhile, in Japan, which has an honor-oriented culture, patients’ delusions more commonly involve fears about public humiliation.

In a recent study published in the British Journal of Psychiatry, U.S. patients with schizophrenia reported hallucinations that involved hearing voices with a negative tone, whereas in Ghana and India, patients reported voices with a generally positive tone.

However, culture is not the only factor that influences psychiatric patients. Blom and his colleagues previously treated a young Muslim patient who had schizophrenia, and who, contrary to the doctors’ expectations, didn’t attribute his hallucinations to jinn. Instead, the patient had searched the Internet for cases similar to his experience, and had concluded that he was a werewolf.

"He could not be persuaded to accept any other explanation," Blom wrote in an article describing the case that was published in March in the journal History of Psychiatry.

All in the mind..
The Jinn aren’t real. Just keep telling yourself that..

Supernatural 'Jinn' Seen as Cause of Mental Illness Among Muslims

This is a giant developing crack in the ground in the Costa de Hermosillo in Mexico. But how did it get here?

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GsifM96YDgo?feature=oembed&enablejsapi=1&origin=http://safe.txmblr.com&wmode=opaque&w=500&h=374]

Tremors and tension in Nevada.. an odd earthquake swarm developing

(Source: https://www.youtube.com/)

Eyjafjallajökull ready?

The world’s most dangerous volcano may be set to blow..

Eyjafjallajökull ready?

White House Knew of Recent ISIS Threat to Kill James Foley

And the official reaction:

White House Knew of Recent ISIS Threat to Kill James Foley

This is a story worth paying close attention to.. If you look at the map, check the city of New Orleans.. this forecast is being made for August 28 2014. The same date as another famous hurricane hit, Katrina in 2005. Could this be a repeat? The path looks frighteningly the same.. The factors are obvious subject to change, and a hurricane may not necessarily strike in the same fashion —or strength. But this map encourages negative thoughts about the near future in that area..

Here is another forecast map from the Canadian run..

Again.. the map would portend to show a potential direct eye-wall strike on or near the city of New Orleans..

It would be a definite hope and prayer that these maps unfold as false hits.   Best place to go for amateur coverage of INVEST 96L here..

Hospital: California patient may have been exposed to Ebola

Kaiser Permanente reports a patient at its Sacramento hospital may have been exposed.

The CDC is going to be testing blood samples..

And more:

"In order to protect our patients, staff and physicians, even though infection with the virus is unconfirmed, we are taking the actions recommended by the CDC as a precaution, just as we do for other patients with a suspected infectious disease," according to the statement. "This includes isolation of the patient in a specially equipped negative pressure room and the use of personal protective equipment by trained staff, coordinated with infectious disease specialists."

The patient is in isolation. But news of him is not.. fear and intrigue in California today.

Hospital: California patient may have been exposed to Ebola

DIMENSION IS READY FOR THE NEXT 'HALLOWEEN'.. BUT I DON'T THINK FANS ARE

Horror sites and movie message boards have been a buzz today after BLOODY DISGUSTING linked a SCHMOEKNOW report indicating that Dimension Films is ready for a new Halloween movie.. with a new Akkad..

It will be entitled HALLOWEEN: THE NEXT CHAPTER. Apparently it will be set for a fall 2015 release—imagine the first one came out in the late 1970s and we are STILL talking about the Michael Myers franchise *(amazing)*..

According to the report, too, Rob Zombie will not reprise his role as the official ruiner of something great.. No gorefest? not sure.. no storyline? maybe not.. But.. it’s going to be a ‘fresh’ take on the Zombie films. Whatever that may mean.

A new chapter, I guess..

The first thing I thought about the new film.. Didn’t we already have a slasher ‘chapter’ before? We did.. it was called FRIDAY THE 13TH: THE FINAL CHAPTER. Which was not the final chapter at all.. this new HALLOWEEN is the new Chapter.. And the second thing I thought: I don’t want a new chapter. I don’t want another Dr. Loomis, or another tale of Michael Myers.. or any other references to him in new films. I want him confined to Halloween 1 and 2.. I wanted him to have blown up in a Haddonfield hospital, never to return again.. I wanted Mr. Sandman to be the last thing I thought about when I recalled the Halloween movies. 

Instead we have ended up with years of crap.. just plain garbage.. trashed heaped on us like weighted down rubbish .. Halloween 4? It was …alright. 5? Oh too much… 6? Ungodly.. 6 the director’s cut? Even worse.. H20? Josh Hartnett couldn’t even save it.. 8? Oh God live streaming from the Myers house? Rob Zombie..? Please stop this madness.. A new chapter? CLOSE THE BOOK.

This all needs to end..

Dr. Loomis shot him six times. And then set him on fire.. And John Carpenter wanted it that way.

Take the mask off.
Shatner called. He wants his face back.

Horror movies called.. they want the Akkads to stop making Halloween.. And now someone just needs to pass that along to DIMENSION—the company living in another dimension where reality doesn’t seem to exist when it comes to horror movie series that have just gone on toooo long..

Sorry Mike. We’ve had enough!

More Sinkholes Open Up at Indiana Sand Dune

More Sinkholes Open Up at Indiana Sand Dune

So many tries.. so many fails.
By now your newsfeed has been slammed with ‘ice bucket challenges.’ I have gotten into some heated discussion with fellow humans about whether this is just a egocentric trip into nonsense territory or if the ice bucket idea actually generates attention for ALS.. 

Nonetheless, there’s been a whole slew of fails in the ice bucket category.. Some of them have been monumental. This video attempts to capture some of the best.. 

Enjoy..

45 Years Later: Remembering Hurricane Camille's Deadly Landfall, Aftermath

This storm was a monster..

Accuweather reminds us of this:

The storm famously destroyed the Richelieu Manor Apartments in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where the storm made landfall. The building was destroyed by the storm surge, killing nearly all of the people inside who were gathered for a supposed “hurricane party.”

A dated but still excellent cautionary tale not to mock Mother Nature ..
45 Years Later: Remembering Hurricane Camille's Deadly Landfall, Aftermath

Live Blog: St. Louis City police shoot, kill knife-wielding suspect

I’m following FOX2NOW on this one..

Live Blog: St. Louis City police shoot, kill knife-wielding suspect

This just now ..

Officials: Man shot, killed in St. Louis

(CNN) - A police officer was involved in a shooting in St. Louis on Tuesday, and a man was pronounced dead in the incident, authorities said.

The Chief of Police for the Metropolitan Police Department, City of St. Louis, Missouri, tweeted that no officers were injured.

"Officer involved shooting in the sixth district. Suspect brandished knife at @slmpd officers," wrote Chief Sam Dotson.

Islamic State message to America: 'we will drown all of you in blood'

Islamic State message to America: 'we will drown all of you in blood'

Cnn reporters suggests that water cannons should be used in Ferguson

Oh good God.. The coverage is getting out of hand..

This is what happens when there is a
Vacuum in reporting . No more Dan Rather, Peter Jennings, or Tom Brokaw.. Instead amateur has taken over all the cable news networks, and people cannot discern and logically report anything without a TelePrompTer telling them so..

And people wonder why the citizen journalist is more respected than the highly paid newsman.. Look no no further than dithering comments about police using water cannons on protesters..

This whole situation is amazingly spiraling out of control..

Cnn reporters suggests that water cannons should be used in Ferguson

3 in Pope's extended family die in Argentina car crash

The number 3 stood out at me…

3 in Pope's extended family die in Argentina car crash

This happened during a cnn interview last night in Ferguson.. During live coverage of the protests, someone held up an ‘ISIS IS HERE’ banner for cameras to see..

A provocation of violence? A show of solidarity with terrorists? All a fraud to scare the nation?

We do know this: Many outsiders are attempting to hijack the message from Ferguson. Some want violence to drown out the important facts relative to the shooting of Michael Brown..

That may be what this ISIS sign is intended to do..

Or .. They are here ..

4.2 magnitude quake shakes central Oklahoma

Another big one..

4.2 magnitude quake shakes central Oklahoma

Don Pardo is dead at 96..

You may not know him by his face, but you would definitely know him by his voice. He was the longtime voice of Saturday Night Live, only missing one season throughout the entirety of the programs lifespan.

He is done a number of other voice over jobs, you may also recognize him from the program Jeopardy..

Television may not be the same without him, regardless of how bad or good Saturday Night Live was, his voice being the mainstay and permanent fixture of the program was comforting..

May he rest in peace..

TIN FOIL HEADS UP: God will give me two or three more years, says Pope

For anyone worrying about that old prophecy of the popes, better get your tin foiled hat ready and prepped.. If Francy has two more years, then theoretically we would, too.. Right? If Malachy was right.

If the bible told you so..

TIN FOIL HEADS UP: God will give me two or three more years, says Pope

Protesters, police in riot gear brace for tense night in Ferguson

LIVE FROM FERGUSON..

Major media now covering the events..

FOX looking for community leaders that are pushing back the crowd..

MSNBC is quaking in its boots every time a protester mentions that he is smiling because he’s on CNN..

And CNN is bringing in legal analysts, safe in plush apartments somewhere in a midtown of peace..

It’s another hot night in Ferguson.. Riot gear ready..
Gas masks prepped.. Protesting underway..

Protesters, police in riot gear brace for tense night in Ferguson

Ghost coffee: Megan Fox Believes in Everything Paranormal

In a recent interview, Megan Fox revealed that she is a strong believer of paranormal activities.

In an MTV interview, the Hollywood star who often bares everything down to the thumbs spoke about her belief in all things strange and paranormal—Bigfoot and UFOs, and everything in between..

On aliens, Fox asked: 

If they are a more advanced species, why would we be able to find them if they don’t want to be found? 

On ghosts: 

She never saw one, but said someone—or something—poured her a cup of coffee while she was out of the room in a hotel. She said no one else was there.. But coffee was ready..

It’s assumed that you’ll most likely immediately forget the FOX paranormal logic when you see this:

Ghost coffee: Megan Fox Believes in Everything Paranormal

The Colorado Purge: Internet hoax worries fans of horror movie

More weird PURGE worries.. this time from Colorado. 

A teenager has said sorry for starting a nationwide fear campaign. Regardless of apologies, the fear paranoia continues..

The Colorado Purge: Internet hoax worries fans of horror movie

PROTESTERS STORM GOVERNOR’S ST. LOUIS OFFICE – Demand Removal of National Guard in Ferguson

AND THE NIGHT BEGINS TO FALL ON THE TOWN OF FERGUSON…

PROTESTERS STORM GOVERNOR’S ST. LOUIS OFFICE – Demand Removal of National Guard in Ferguson

THE VACATION IS OVER

The events taking place in Ferguson Missouri are being watched by all states.. the national divide appears strong in some quarters of the country.. Racial tensions are exploding .. rage is developing like a summer heat wave of emotion and hate.. And charges of overreach are being hurled at Ferguson police over their use of Pentagon style weapons in the face of looters and protesters in the killing of Michael Brown.. Things progressed Sunday night into the chaos terriroty.. Governor Nixon is calling in the National Guard to secure a sense of order in a town consumed by anarchy and anger.. This latest turn of events taking place after a week and one day of protests, often coupled with tear gas and more..

However, though an important illustration of life and race relations in America at this time, the story taking place in Ferguson goes beyond just colors that are skin deep.. Something else is in clearer focus: Police actions throughout this nation..

There seems to be an increased presence of cops in Darth Vader gear, military style weapons, tasers and guns constantly drawn..

When my wife and I were traveling home on Easter with our son from a family dinner, we were actually pulled over by police for going 5 miles over the speed limit in a construction zone–an inactive zone on Easter Sunday.. The police offer gave us a near $200 citation (no points as illustration of ‘kindness’ on a holiday) .. But the way the officer acted was absurd. While I understand his job is dangerous and without any real moment of safety, to place your hand on your gun the entire time you’re talking to a family on a Easter Sunday afternoon is a bit much. But continuing to do so while looking at my son, holding his Easter basket of candy and nickles, is ludicrous… my wife and I sort of froze in our seats as we saw him eye us up with the possibility of drawing out his weapon at any point, wondering if any wrong move may have equaled an uncomfortable moment or something even more dire..

Whether it’s real or just perception, police action and the reaction from the citizenry is getting dicier by the day..

Even the biggest proponents of law, order, and police are uncomfortable with allegations of brutality, video evidence of brutality, and local police forces ditching blue uniforms for those that look more like a Central American army ..

This is not just a story of Ferguson.. this is a story that goes deeper. There are hundreds if not more websites and Facebook pages popping up daily to document what many deem as police abuse. Stories of such nature garner thousands of comments at a time..

The latest example I have seen making headlines: Ocala Florida police are defending their forces against charges of abuse after cops after a 30 second video made the rounds online showing Roy Sherman being tased and mistreated.. Cops released their own footage showing that there’s much more to the story than a 30 second mistreatment, and that the altercations stemmed from resistance to cooperate and attempting to drive away from the scene.

And that seems to be the common denominator: For every example of mistreatment, police forces circle their wagons and release their own story. Their own point of view–a view obviously shaped by common criminals and high profile scum that they regularly have to deal with. Even in Ferguson, police seem to be standing their ground by showcasing a video of Michael Brown supposedly robbing a convenience store before police killed him for unrelated reasons..

The tension between police and the policed is not going away, however. Instead, with each passing day and each new cell phone camera videptaping arrests, the situation is being antagonized.

Meanwhile, FBI and state threat fusion centers are busy documenting the ‘bad guys’ .. The victims are often innocent. The police often over react. Things happen–bad things. Tasers..guns.. weapons of war.. All at the center of this debate.

Judging from the scenario still unfolding in Ferguson, there does not appear to be a relief from the allegations of police abuse, or police abuse, as well..

A national trend .. We all need to calm down.

My son used to watch Caillou, before his 3 and a half year old brain figured out it was a ‘baby show.’ But I recall one episode called CAILLOU THE POLICE OFFICER. Caillou is outside on a hot day and a police officer is giving parking tickets. Caillou offers the cop water and is told why the cop gives out tickets: Because cars park too close to fire hydrants and if Caillou’s school catches ablaze trucks won’t be able to hook up their water. Quick and easy solution–but of course that will never explain why cities have imposed strict fees on tickets and fines for not paying. The city of Harrisburg PA actually has seen three major restaurants shut down due to parking costs–patrons just want to avoid the meters. The Caillou episode also represents a peaceful scene of friendliness.

If only it was that way.

Gone are the days of a police officer walking the beat down a friendly street.. (unless those moments of tranquility were just confined to old movies and comedy shows to begin with).. Enter the days of war of the worlds. Police, armed to teeth with Pentagon gifts of battle, and the homegrown citizen, often angry and unemployed. Stretched to the limit by a troubled economy. Some black, some white.. some Hispanic.. some Muslim–but seldom the rich. The masses are increasingly cased by classes.. Rich vs poor is more common than people admit. The real color blind foe: Elitism and classism.. But the wealthy don’t want you to know that..

Different strokes. Different folks.
Different standards .. different hazards..

The ties that bind us often blind us.
We’re in this together..

All people. The police, included.. The quicker we realized that we are a nation united to stand the faster we’ll prevent the divided fall.

Person critically wounded in Ferguson shooting

Person critically wounded in Ferguson shooting