Elephants etcetera...

The ability to recognize oneself (in a mirror for instance) is a rare phenomenon in the animal kingdom.  Many researchers believe self-recognition to be the first stepping stone in establishing a sense of identity, a trait that only humans possess (as far as we know).  Self-recognition has been found in only a few species, with great apes, dolphins, orcas, and elephants being the only known species to possess this faculty.  This acknowledgment of the self is one thing, being able to bust out a decent self-portrait is another.  Check out this recent video of an elephant painting a self-portrait, using artistic skills such as depth perception (notice how he/she illustrates the hind legs) and contrast of color.  It's no surprise that these elephant paintings are making big money in the art world. 

As a fan of Mad magazine in my youth, I was usually ignorant of the political undertones within each issue.  Most of my peers had bought these magazines for film parodies and Spy vs. Spy cartoons.  In light of Mad T.V. (a horrible show in my opinion), there are many efforts to preserve the artistic and intellectual endeavors of past contributors, Al Jaffee and Sergio Aragones in particular.  Here is a collection of the "fold-ins" that used to grace the back page of every issue, graciously provided by the New York Times.  

For those of you who are looking for some spiritual outlet but don't know where to look, here is an alternative religion for avid science-fiction geeks like me.  I am sure that if there are people willing to translate the entire Klingon language, then there are people willing to worship the brainchildren of George Lucas.

Can anyone direct me to the nearest W.C.?  If you've ever done any amount of traveling overseas, you are probably familiar with a plethora of different bathroom signs.  The following link is a photojournal of international bathroom signs, each making serious effort to help travelers discern men and women facilities.  Some of them are OVERLY obvious!

Finally, I want to relay some musical resources that I've had recent access to.  If you're anything like me, you love to hear the occasional video game song.  For many of us, it's not only good listening, but it's also a form of nostalgia.  I feel the same way about television programs too.  A good theme song ("Charles in Charge" for example) can go a long way.  Here are websites that contain midi files of video game music (categorized by console) and television theme songs.  The midi cheesiness adds to the nostalgia.

Musical Fancies

Last week, a bootlegged copy of a 1967 live performance of The Velvet Underground surfaced, being the only live recording of the band from that year.  While mostly elaborating on previously recorded material, this recording also includes the previously unreleased single "I'm Not a Young Man Anymore" as well as a 19 minute version of "Sister Ray".  Apparently, this is relatively important news in the rock community, since the recordings are over 40 years old.  Check out the new (I mean, old) V.U. single here.

The saga-metal quartet Man-o-war, who in 1994 shattered The Who's world record of loudest concert (129.5 decibels and 126 decibels, respectively), are the cheesiest musicians alive.  One must wonder if these guys are actually serious.  Here is a 1987 video of their song "Gloves of Metal", in which their rehearsed performance plays out like a Frank Frazetta (Conan the Barbarian, Heavy Metal) calendar.

For those of you who are into Electric Light Orchestra (which should be the case if you like The Beatles), you may be familiar with popular songs like "Telephone Line" and "Strange Magic".  You might not be familiar with the musical efforts of previous E.L.O. band members, such as Roy Wood's doo-wop inspired Wizzard.  Here are videos for "Angel Fingers" and "Rock and Roll Winter".  A quick warning to those who are into contemporary, baby-faced pop:  these guys are kind of ugly.

Lastly, I wanted to post a video of old Sly and The Family Stone rehearsals from 1971.  There are four or five songs in this compilation, including a tear-jerking version of their classic "Stand!".  This is the kind of band practice I would love of be part of.

Robots and Puppets/Monuments and Saxophonists

     What does one discuss as an ice-breaker in an assignment like this?  The range of topics is almost too large to feel comfortable with, so I suppose I'll start my assignment with a brief list of some things that have peaked my interest lately.  My generation has the technological savvy to relay their passions, opinions, and experiences through a web log, but it seems awkward to do so under classroom conditions.  Having worked on a blog before, I know the content of most web logs as merely streams of consciousness.  Sometimes I'll discover a fierce stance on an important issue.  Other times I'll be reading a list of opinions, the likes and dislikes of the author's fancy.  To keep things simple and introductory, I will indulge in a list of things that have caught my eye over the last several weeks.  

     

     As a huge Jim Henson fan and an aspiring puppeteer, I have watched many episodes of the original "Muppet Show".  You know, the one with the heckling elders sitting in the balcony?  For the last year or so, Hastings has carried rentals of the first season of "The Muppet Show" (1976-1981), but I haven't seen any new seasons available.  Luckily, YouTube features a plethora of muppet clips.  Here is a demonstration of crocodile etiquette.   Everyone thinks that Animal is an incredible drummer, but he pales in comparison to swing great Buddy Rich.

     Why bother with puppets when you can have a violin-playing robot?  Toyota seems to be entering the robotics craze with the introduction of this musician model.  They have also designed wheeled robots for human or cargo transport, utilizing wheelchair design and the technologies made possible by Segway scooters.  This is a positive leap for Toyota, but they still have huge competition in the humanoid robot market.  This "simroid" model is used for training dental students and is human enough to creep you out.

     As a history major, I suppose it fitting to discuss current historical/archeological news.  This Associated Press article describes a recent discovery of the oldest known monument in South America (proven by carbon dating).  Found in modern-day Peru, this archeological find will raise questions about the origins of civilization in the Americas.  The monument is estimated to be 5,500 years old, contemporary with the ancient civilizations of Egypt and Mesopotamia.  

     Finally, as a jazz geek, I felt it necessary to include some links to live performances of a few of the greatest names in avant-garde jazz.  This John Coltrane piece is called "Naima", which was the name of his first wife.  There's a part in this rendition where the drummer starts what could be defined as a disco beat, although I don't suppose that disco existed at the time!  Here is a performance of Thelonious Monk's "Round About Midnight".  It seems this performance is taking place on some television program.  If any of you enjoy these artists, I would suggest hearing two albums: Coltrane's "A Love Supreme" (1965) and Monk's "Solo Monk" (1964).