Andy

Andy Kaufman on the old Letterman morning show (1980). Watch the faces in the audience at the end. This is a great example of what made Andy so special.

Sabbath Chucks

These limited edition Black Sabbath Converse Chuck Taylors are simply fantastic.

Back in high school, there was a guy who had a cool little business painting album artwork on fellow student's denim jackets (we all wore them). One of his clients had the same Black Sabbath "Vol.4" design. The only other one I recall was Meatloaf's "Bat out of Hell".

Another example I found via Google: Molly Hatchet. Now I'm thinking someone at school actually had this too.

Mystery

An interesting question has popped up over at Ask Metafilter. If this doesn't hook you...

"A few years ago at a restaurant in a small Southern town, I witnessed a strange event involving a group of serious-looking elderly men, a bunch of coins, and a mysterious contraption…"

...you're a different sort of person than I.

The Autoharp Guy

During the mild and warm months, Tracy and I make an effort to walk down to Port Dalhousie almost every day. The pier is a great place to sip a Tim Hortons' coffee while gazing out into Lake Ontario. When the sun's out, there's a guy who is pretty much guaranteed to be there, sitting on the same bench every day, over on the east pier, wearing only shorts and playing his autoharp. He's not busking, he just seems to be playing for his own entertainment. Regular visitors to Port will know who I'm talking about. Who is this guy and what's his story? I'm intrigued.

Frankie Venom

I spent many beer-fueled nights watching Teenage Head turn bars upside down during the late 70's and early 80's. On a good night, they were as good as a rock and roll band can get. I was a huge fan. Sadly, I've just learned that singer, Frankie Venom died today after a battle with throat cancer. He lived fast and hard for many years from what I've read.

One cold winter night in the mid 80's, I finished a 3 to 11 shift at the mill (Ontario Paper Co.) and walked down to Smuggler's Tavern in lovely downtown Thorold to catch the last set by Long John Baldry (they actually had some decent acts come through from time to time). I'm standing near the bar, halfway through my first beer, when I turn and realize Frankie Venom is next to me. He's by himself, beer in hand. I have no idea why he's there, alone at a dive in Thorold, Ontario watching Baldry. I say hello and tell him how much of a Teenage Head fan I am. He shakes my hand and promptly asks me "Got any drugs?" I didn't, and he moved onward, looking elsewhere for medication.

Bye, Frank. Thanks for some kinda fun. I enjoyed it.

From Above

Yann Arthus-Bertrand photographs the earth from above. There's no point in trying to describe the wonder of his photos. I'll just say you really should see these 10 examples from his upcoming exhibition in NYC.