A blog about societal, cultural, and civilizational collapse, and how to stave it off or survive it. Named after the legendary character "Crazy Eddie" in Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle's "The Mote in God's Eye." Expect news and views about culture, politics, economics, technology, and science fiction.
For over 120 years, The Bon-Ton stood as a significant, regional department store brand which grew increasingly larger more influential as time went on. The company at one point was bringing in over $3 billion in revenue across over 270 stores with 22,000 employees. By all accounts, it was a massive American success story. However as time went on, the brand had totally collapsed by 2018, declaring bankruptcy and disappearing from the retail landscape. Join me in this episode of Bankrupt as we find out what happened.
As I've writtenseveraltimesbefore, "no bankrupt company's story is complete without both Bright Sun Films and Company Man making videos about it." It only took Jake eight years to contribute his take on the tale.
That's a wrap for today's tale of the Retail Apocalypse. Stay tuned for 14th's nominations as the Sunday entertainment feature.
Avedon (Netflix)
Jean-Michel Basquiat (Netflix)
Lorne (Focus Features)
Marty, Life Is Short (Netflix)
Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man! (HBO Max)
Musk (Bleecker Street)
Musk leads the nominees for Best Biographical Documentary with three nominations, including Best Documentary Feature and Best Political Documentary, followed by Lorne with two, and all the rest with one each. On that basis alone, I think Musk is the favorite.
An incisive look behind the legend of Elon Musk, the wealthiest, and most unchecked, man on the planet.
I have only one thing to say — WOW! It might just earn a third nomination for Alex Gibney at the Oscars, even though that's not the way the Documentary Branch rolls. They have issues.
The untold story of the legend behind the legends. LORNE is only in theaters April 17, from Academy Award winner Morgan Neville.
From Morgan Neville, Academy Award-winning filmmaker of 20 Feet from Stardom and Won't You Be My Neighbor?, comes Lorne, an unprecedented, behind-the-scenes glimpse at the man who built the inimitable empire of comedy, shaping television and culture for generations. The documentary features exclusive footage, archival treasures, and candid interviews with the show’s most iconic cast members and writers including Tina Fey, Maya Rudolph, John Mulaney, Andy Samberg, Conan O’Brien, Chris Rock and many more.
This looks like a documentary that would do well at the Creative Arts Emmy Awards; it's their kind of subject.
The life and work of legendary photographer Richard Avedon come into focus through archival footage and new interviews in this intimate documentary.
On the other hand, Avedon would be a lock for an Arts and Culture Documentary at the News & Doc Emmy Awards if the Creative Arts Emmy Awards don't want it because of Avedon's celebrity subjects, not Richard Avedon himself.
From directors Judd Apatow and Michael Bonfiglio, the two-part documentary #MelBrooks: The 99 Year Old Man! premieres January 22 and January 23 on HBO Max.
That looks like fun. Here's to Spaceballs: The New One being as funny and successful as the original and to Mel Brooks being around to enjoy it!
Follow over the jump for the other categories in which Musk and Lorne earned nominations.
The Atlantic Meridional Ocean Circulation, or AMOC for short, is the Atlantic's heat conveyor belt. And experts have been warning us for a while that it may be on the verge of collapse. But brand new research suggests the AMOC's tipping point may be different than we previously thought. So what is this new tipping point? And do we have time to save the AMOC?
The good news is that the tipping point for AMOC collapse isn't a set temperature point; the Earth could theoretically warm a lot more without the AMOC collapsing. The bad news is that the rate of warming determines the tipping point and we're warming fast enough to make it happen. YIKES! Humanity needs to slow down the rate of warming, which won't happen during the "Godzilla" El Niño; that will only speed up warming.
After the Democrats' best midterm performance in 68 years, CNN chief data analyst Harry Enten breaks down how this may spell the end of the Trump era; cross referencing the President's net approval rate with Dem seats gained to frame this election's consequences.
That's a good summary of the reasons for what Harry Enten and others at CNN called a "blue-nami" and what it means. It's also a good distillation of how Harry tried to keep his audience entertained as he explained the polls this year, props and all. As for it being at least the beginnning of "the end of the Trump era as we know it," I sure hope so. On the other hand, I can wait for the 2028 presidential contest to begin. First, the Democratic leadership in Congress will have to hold Donald "Pervert Hoover" Trump accountable, which reminds me of what I wrote in Randy Rainbow sings 'WHERE THE HELL IS OUR CONGRESS?'
The Democrats in Congress are probably doing everything they can think of. It's just that they seem so unimaginative and are so uninspiring. Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries may be good leaders of their caucuses, but they leave activists and rank-and-file Democrats cold. We could use leaders that make us feel like they're doing something, even if it would be merely therapeutic. That would be helpful; I think a lot of us need therapy while watching Hoover Harding Cleveland and his administration doing his will with the support of the Republicans in Congress!
Here's to the Democrats in the next Congress wielding power effectively.
MS NOW rates both the Mississippi and Alaska Senate races too close to call. MS NOW Senior Capitol Hill Reporter Ali Vitali is at the Big Board to break down the numbers.
Time to be patient as Alaska and Mississippi count their remaining ballots and Alaska goes through the ranked-choice voting process.
CNN chief data analyst Harry Enten unpacks the "blue-nami" wave of Democratic flips in the Senate and House of Representatives from Tuesday's midterm elections. He also delves into gubernatorial races across the country, what we've learned from voter polls, the razor-thin margin in the Mississippi Senate race as well as the continuing returns from the Alaska Senate race and the ranked-choice voting system used there.
That was worth it just to hear Enten call the result a "blue-nami."
The major Michigan races have been called, with Michiganders electing a new governor and U.S. Senator. Some counties are still reporting results the next day. We take a look at what’s outstanding, what counties have flipped and results at other major races.
That may not have been slickly produced, but it was informative about all the major statewide contests and the three Congressional districts in Michigan that flipped, so I appreciate it.
That's a wrap for today. I promise not to blog about the election tomorrow, so stay tuned to see what I do write about.
On Tuesday 3rd November, US voters will determine whether Trump's political machine is able to plough on for another two years, or whether it hits a roadblock, as they determine the makeup of Congress - including 35 Senators and all the House of Representatives - in the critical midterms. If you have been distraught about the direction of travel that Trump has forced the US into over recent years, it is hard not to hope that the election could bring some respite. Polls suggest that the cost of living crisis, corruption scandals, and foreign policy decisions are among the issues that could see Trump stumbling - amidst his brazen claim that "he is on the ballot" ...
Two years ago to the day, we released our song "Bohemian Trumpsody" by Queen about the presidential election in 2024, so it felt fitting to return to an absolute belter of a song - written by the inimitable Freddie Mercury in 1978 and released as a single in 1979 - which we were reminded of recently in a viewing of the cult British zombie movie "Shaun of the Dead". We patched in our own version of some multitrack harmonies by recruiting Alfie and Tess after the main shots had been filmed.
Ahead of this week’s midterm elections, John Oliver discusses why things aren’t looking great for Republicans, how they’re desperately trying to get ahead, and why Hamilton was a mistake. You heard us, Lin-Manuel. You’ve done more harm than good.
That's a good summary of my midterms experience and a listing of why I'll be relieved when this election is over. That written, I'm not done with the midterms, as I have a Marsh Family song about them for tomorrow. Stay tuned for Tuneful Tuesday!
A spooky mausoleum ride attempts to scare its passengers (Jeremy Culhane, Grace Reiter) with characters like David S. Pumpkins (Tom Hanks) before getting interrupted by something even scarier.
Weekend Update anchors Colin Jost and Michael Che tackle the week's biggest news, like Ted Cruz saying Americans will die if Abdul El-Sayed wins the Senate race.
Weekend Update anchors Colin Jost and Michael Che tackle the week's biggest news, like a woman who went viral for reporting a car crash while dressed as a banana.
Of course the woman reporting a car crash while dressed as a banana was in Florida. Florida Man (and woman, too)!
Follow over the jump for the Weekend Update interviews, Inde Navarrette's monologue, and a seasonal skit.
"Thriller" is a song by Michael Jackson. It was released by Epic Records on November 11, 1983, in the UK and on January 23, 1984, in the US, as the seventh and final single from his sixth album of the same name. "Thriller" is a disco song featuring a synthesizer bassline, lyrics, and sound effects evoking horror films. It includes a spoken-word sequence performed by the horror actor Vincent Price. It was produced by Quincy Jones and written by Rod Temperton, who wanted to write a theatrical song to suit Jackson's love of film.
"Du Hast" is a song by German metal band Rammstein. It was released as the second single from their second album Sehnsucht (1997). It has appeared on numerous soundtracks for films, most notably The Matrix: Music from the Motion Picture, How High, and the home video CKY2K. It is featured in the music video games Guitar Hero 5 and Rock Band 3. The guitar riff is similar to Ministry's "Just One Fix". The music was written by keyboardist Flake and guitarist Richard Kruspe. The intro section and the verses were a combination of a synth sequence by Flake and a guitar riff by Kruspe, and the chorus was written around a chord sequence by Flake.
"Somebody's Watching Me" is the debut single written, co-produced, and performed by American singer Rockwell, released by Motown in December 1983. Serving as the lead single from Rockwell's debut studio album of the same name (1984), it features uncredited guest vocals by Michael Jackson, additional backing vocals by Jermaine Jackson, and co-production from Curtis Anthony Nolan.
I had been wishing Broken Peach would redo "Thriller" for Halloween since 2017 as I wrote in 2019.
Of course, the ultimate Michael Jackson song for Halloween is "Thriller," which Broken Peach also sings...Two years ago, I left [this] request in a comment on this video: "I have a suggestion for you all. Next Halloween, dress up like zombies and sing 'Thriller' again."
It only took nine years, but it finally happened.
Broken Peach also donned their skull makeup for a series of songs this spring that they called "Old Skull" (Old School). Follow over the jump.
Bats have long been symbols of death and darkness. But why? Their rise as Halloween’s spookiest icon traces back to ancient Celtic traditions, revealing how these harmless creatures turned into something far more evil. Join us under the Congress Street Bridge in Austin as we unravel the spooky myths, vampire lore, and Halloween history that turned these sky puppies into creatures of the night!
Ah, the intersection between folklore and biology! That's what got me into Monstrum seven years ago. I couldn't resist.
I also can't resist the Halloween-themed shorts Dr. Z has been posting, beginning with Why Ghosts Wear White Sheets.
Here's the long and storied history of why we see ghosts this way!
I'm glad YouTube recommended this channel to me. It's a great resource that I plan on using for...Halloween, Christmas, and, of course, English Language Day. Those entries will be fun!
In this episode of Words Unravelled, Rob and Jess dig into the spooky origins of Halloween words. From 'ghosts' and 'ghouls' to 'warlocks' and 'witches', they uncover the hauntingly fascinating roots of supernatural lingo.
What is the 'were' in werewolf?
Why is there a 'monster' in 'demonstrate'?
What does 'vampire' literally mean?
These creepy questions answered and many more. Join us... if you dare
Jess and Rob promoted her book Words from Hell. I found another podcast video by Grammar Girl about it, which I might use next year. I'm an environmentalist, I conserve my resources.
In the middle of talking about hoaxes and ghost words, Jess made an aside about the hoaxes purporting to explain the origin of the word cocktail. Shake Stir & Mingle almost certainly included some of them in The Origins of the Word Cocktail.
The term "cocktail" for mixed alcoholic drinks has an interesting and somewhat debated history, with several theories on its origin. One popular theory dates back to the 18th century in the United States, where mixed drinks became popular.
Here are a few stories that have circulated about the term's origin:Horse Dealers and Ginger:
One theory suggests that the term originated from horse dealers in the 18th century who would put ginger up a horse's derriere to make it appear more lively and spirited, thus artificially "cocking" its tail up. This practice was known as "cocktailing," and by extension, drinks mixed to make spirits more lively or palatable were called "cocktails."Cocktail as a Decoration:
Another theory suggests the term comes from the custom of placing a feather (often from a cock's tail) in the drink as a decorative garnish, indicating that the drink was mixed or adorned.French Influence: Some believe the term derives from the French word "coquetel," which was a drink served to French soldiers during the American Revolution. This theory posits that Americans adopted the term from their French allies.
The Tavern Tradition: Another story involves a tavern keeper named Betsy Flanagan, who during the American Revolution, is said to have served French soldiers an alcoholic drink garnished with feathers from a rooster's tail, leading to the drinks being called "cock tails."Cock-Ale:
There's also a reference to a drink from the 17th century called "cock-ale," which was made by steeping a cock in ale, along with other ingredients to add flavor.
However, this concoction is quite different from what we consider cocktails today.While these stories offer colorful origins for the term "cocktail," the true source remains somewhat of a mystery, enveloped in the mists of history. What's clear is that the term was firmly established by the early 19th century to refer to a mix of spirits with various ingredients to enhance or complement their flavors.
I don't know which, if any, to believe, although a corruption of the French "coquetel" appeals to me.
Dark, fruity, and dressed to impress! The Black Cat Martini combines blackberry liqueur, vodka, cranberry, and lemon for a deliciously smooth cocktail with a deep purple color, sparkling black sugar rim, and fresh blackberry garnish.
*Black Cat Martini Recipe*
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz blackberry liqueur
- ½ oz cranberry juice
- ½ oz lemon juice (fresh or bottled)
- Ice
- Optional: Fine black cocktail sugar for the rim
- Garnish: 2 fresh blackberries
Drink responsibly and stay tuned for more Halloween posts through the end of the month plus a bonus Day of the Dead entry. Trick or treat!
