Disinformation: The Podcast (Series Premiere)- The Egypt Code

Raymond Wiley and Joe McFall have long been supporters of my work. I was going to interview for a Halloween special however I am dying of the FLU~! Thus for Halloween folks I highly recommend listening to their new show and subscribing to their feed. HAPPY HALLOWEEN & SAMHAIN everyone~!

Disinformation: The Podcast – The Egypt Code

(C) Robert Bauval

In the inaugural episode of Disinformation: The Podcast, Raymond and Joe speak with author Robert BauvalThe Egypt Code. Robert Bauval is the author of The Orion Mystery and co-author, with Graham Hancock, of Talisman. His new book, The Egypt Code, explores the relationship between ancient Egyptian myth, ritual, architecture and astronomy. Mr. Bauval joins us from Spain to discuss his life, his work and his philosophy.

The feed.

David Tenant’s resignation as Doctor

LONDON (AP) – Britain’s best-known time traveler is ending his journey.

The BBC has announced that Scottish actor David Tennant will leave long-running science fiction series “Doctor Who” in just over a year.

Tennant has played the show’s time- and space-traveling alien hero since 2005. He will appear in a Christmas special and four hour-long episodes to be aired in 2009 and early 2010. But he said Wednesday that when the series returns for a full season in 2010, “it won’t be with me.”

“This show has been so special to me,” Tennant said. “I don’t want to outstay my welcome.”

“Doctor Who” was first broadcast in 1963 and is one of the BBC’s longest-running and most popular programs. Tennant is the 10th actor to play the title character, who has the power to regenerate in a new body.

Classically trained Tennant, 37, is currently starring in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” for the Royal Shakespeare Company.

John McCain’s health records must be released

Robert Greenwald wrote:

John McCain has not yet released his medical records to the public. McCain is 72 years old, and has been diagnosed with invasive melanoma. In May of this year, a small group of selected reporters were allowed to review 1,173 pages of McCain’s medical records and were allowed only three hours to do so. John McCain’s health is an issue of profound importance. We call on John McCain to issue a full, public disclosure of all of his medical records, available for the media and members of the general public to review.

More here.

Yokai Attack and related Synchronicities

Last Sunday I purchased the book Yokai Attack from the Borders at Penn Plaza. It is a very interesting book in itself with details on 42 plus yokai and their variations. Yokai, 妖怪, as pronounced Yaoguai in Chinese Mandarin (sort of that way in Cantonese also) are entities akin to “the good folk” i.e. fairies, ghouls, and elves to Nordic and Celtic culture, though some appear as bestial creatures. Within the pages of the book include: the ever popular Karakasa (umbrella ghost), Japan’s fastest growing legend Kuchisaki O-nna (the slit mouthed girl), and a frightening entity I never knew of before hand the O-dokuro (demonic skeleton). A profile would include the original Kanji or Katakana spelling, places of sightings (or attribution to where the legends begin), descriptions, and accounts themselves. A must for fans interested in Sino-Japanese legends and the Occult, as well as anime/video game fans.

(c) Kodansha International & Tatsuya Morino

**** 1/4

With that said, on that Sunday night right after I purchased the book, I heard whisperings in my sleep. The next night, I felt teeth clamped on my arm. The next two nights, despite it being Autumn in NYC, I was accosted by numerous mosquitoes, (whom old time Japanese believe were jealous spirits).

With that said, I am still fighting the flu and I dunno when it really began so take my word for a grain o salt.

Shill for Rachel Kramer Bussel’s new book, Spanked

(C) Rachel Kramer Bussel

Watch the Spanked book trailer now!

Get a sneak peek at my July book Spanked: Red-Cheeked Erotica by reading the introduction here.Want a spanked postcard? (U.S. only) Send your mailing address to spankingantho at gmail.com

The Invisible Web Episode 20 (The Incredibly Strange Interview)

The Invisible Web Episode 20 (The Incredibly Strange Interview)

The cover of Beer Blood Cornmeal (C) ECW Press

On this episode of the Invisible Web, I interview Bob Calhoun, also known as Count Dante of Incredibly Strange Wrestling, who released his book, Beer Blood and Cornmeal: Seven Years of Strange Wrestling this Summer. We discussed subjects such as V. Vale, Jello Biafra, the original Black Dragon Fighting Society, controversy over Judo Gene LeBell’s autobiography, Feral House, and Jack Kirby vs Stan Lee. Oh and this very stange wrestling promotion called ISW was discussed.

ECW Press

Count Dante and The Black Dragon Fighting Society

Count Dante and The Black Dragon Fighting Society’s MySpace Page

V. Vale and RE/Search Publications

Stephen Colbert makes his Marvel debut in Spider-Man #573

Thanks to Newsarama and Marvel (C)

Marvel is pleased to unveil the cover to Amazing Spider-Man #573 Colbert Variant, illustrated by Marvel EiC & superstar artist Joe Quesada, depicting the first team up between Spider-Man and Stephen Colbert! As the world-famous Colbert continues his bid for the US Presidency in the Marvel Universe, what could force him and Spider-Man to team up? And how will this affect the US Presidential race in the Marvel U? Mark Waid and Pat Olliffe bring you the special eight page story that had to happen!

Plus, don’t miss the stunning conclusion to the sold out “New Ways To Die” from the dream team of Dan Slott & John Romita Jr!

Retailers, please check the Marvel Mailer for special Amazing Spider-Man #573 ordering incentives. For the past few months, fans have been able to follow Stephen Colbert’s campaign in the Marvel Universe at http://blog.indecision2008.com/tag/marvel/, and excitement is building. Marvel urges retailers to check their orders on this landmark issue.

Don’t miss out on Stephen Colbert’s first full Marvel Universe appearance—in continuity!—and the team up that’ll have everyone buzzing! It’s the extra-sized Amazing Spider-Man #573—and no comic book fan can afford to miss it!

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #573 (AUG082317)
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #573 ZOMBIE VARIANT (AUG082318)
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #573 COLBERT VARIANT (JUL088167)
Written by DAN SLOTT & MARK WAID
Pencils & Cover by JOHN ROMITA JR. & PATRICK OLLIFFE
50/50 Variant by KEVIN MAGUIRE
Zombie Variant by MARKO DJURDJEVIC
Colbert Variant by JOE QUESADA
Rated A …$3.99
On-Sale—10/15/08

We here at the Invisible Web wish Mr. Colbert the best in his endeavors of United States Presidential Campaign of Earth-616. I, the editor, think the Skrulls have infiltrated our Presidential Race but feel that if he is elected, President Colbert needs to come up with a resolution that will mutually benefit both the people of 616 and the Skrulls.

Pucker Up Finale: Why People Get Off on the Sex-for-Money Scenario

By Tristan Taormino for the Village Voice

Every year at kinky sex camp, we create a multi-room erotic play-space for attendees, and for one night, each room has a theme. We like to keep things fresh, so we change up the themes every couple of years, but one never seems to go out of style: the Brothel. It’s a modest space with eight stations, each with a bed, a little table, and a flimsy curtain separating it from the next bed, plus a back room with a double bed and a little more privacy (which costs more, natch). We have our own currency at the event (kundalini kash), which campers can win, earn, borrow, and eventually spend. There’s a madam who recruits and organizes the whores, collects kash, matches clients with workers, and generally oversees the place. It’s always the busiest room.

People don’t tire of the sex-for-money fantasy. Actually, there is no one fantasy, but multiple scenarios, dynamics, and roles possible within the brothel setting. I talked to a bunch of this year’s whores (who included men, women, transfolk, and cross-dressers) about what they got out of their experiences. Some said they like being a whore because it’s taboo, naughty, and transgressive; the fact that it’s illegal prevents them from pursuing it in real life. For others, being a sex worker is a longtime fantasy, like Nikki, a newcomer to both the camp and the brothel: “Being paid for sex is an ongoing fantasy of mine. If I had had more confidence in my looks and body, and much less emotional baggage when I was still a young woman, I would have loved to have been a call girl or mistress in my real life.” Nikki said she enjoyed the experience so much—with one client, she had her first orgasm ever in a position she usually can’t come in—that she wants to do it again.

Playing this role can trigger other turn-ons, like having sex with strangers, no strings attached, and no pretense of romance. Mr. G., a fortysomething straight guy from New York, told me: “It creates a ‘container’ for the experience of sex. We’re both there for the same reason. There’s a beginning and an end, and no confusion about our roles once they’re negotiated.” Pink Pet, another whore, agreed: “At a club or even a play party, there is usually a certain amount of small talk and flirting that takes place. Don’t get me wrong—I love flirting, but I also love when that barrier is removed and you can get right to the lust. You can walk right up and suggest what scene you want to do. It’s a way to cut to the chase.”

Read more.

The Lucha Report for 10/11

Thanks to Kris Zellner

NEWS

There were some possible big happenings last night at Arena Mexico with full details in the results section of the report.

Perro Aguayo Jr. stated today that he expects Dr. Mario Garcia Orozco to clear him medically to return to action before the year is over with December in sights. Perrito said that his rehab sessions have been going well and that being at the 75th Anniversary Show motivated him even more to return as soon as he could. Perrito then said that he plans on adding more members to Los Perros del Mal and wants to talk to Marco Corleone about possible membership saying that he has the personality to be a great addition to the group. Perrito said that many guys can put on Los Perros shirts but they are not really members until they fill his requirements.

Dos Caras Jr. cleared his situation involving EMLL & WWE up on Friday saying that he definitely plans on staying in EMLL for the rest of the year after meeting with EMLL personnel on Wednesday. Dos said that he isn’t being offered enough money by the WWE to make him jump on a whim so he said that he would wait them out and would continue to work for EMLL for at least the next 3 months. Dos said that after speaking to Paco Alonso directly, his problems with the promotion have subsided and both sides are happy with their current situation but he said that he would still take offers although he is sticking around with EMLL. Dos then denied that he would be appearing on WWE shows next week when they tour Mexico because there is no contract and won’t be until they meet his demands.

RESULTS

AAA 10/10 – Auditorio Municipal Jose Maria Arteaga de Queretaro (TV taping)

Konnan started AAA is WAR in the ring holding the urn with Antonio Pena’s ashes in it and demanded that AAA President Joaquin Roldan show up so he can make his demands for handing the urn over. Roldan came out with his security who would be quickly neutralized by Electroshock, Jack Evans, Teddy Hart, & Zorro so Roldan called out reinforcements which would bring out Alan y Chris Stone, Octagon, Super Fly, & The Psycho Circus (Killer Clown/Psycho Clown/Zombie Clown) who all attacked La Legion. During the schmozz, Alan grabbed the urn from Konnan but it turned out to be a dud and Konnan told Roldan that he had until after his match to accept his demands.

1. Fabi y Mari Apache beat Ayako Hamada & Cinthia Moreno
2. Alan y Chris Stone defeated The Hart Foundation 2.0 (Jack Evans & Teddy Hart)

D-MEX showed up on the stage during the match and introduced their newest member who would turn out to be Alex Koslov making the jump from EMLL. Jack & Teddy would be distracted by all of this and it cost them the match then after the match Waltman & Romero attacked Teddy but prevented Koslov from attacking Evans because Waltman wants him to be part of their group. Teddy would be taken out with a sledgehammer (HAHA sound familiar) and had to leave via stretcher.

3. The Psycho Circus (Killer Clown/Psycho Clown/Zombie Clown) beat Cuervo/Escoria/Espiritu

Chessman would come out and accidentally speared Espiritu prompting them to lose this and they were pissed because they were on their way to ending the 209 consecutive match winning streak.

4. Electroshock & Konnan defeated Octagon & Super Fly

La Legion got their revenge here by destroying Super Fly then after the match Konnan demanded that Roldan show up to meet his demands. Roldan showed up but had his own idea of how to get the urn back and told Konnan that he wanted a match where if Konnan wins he would keep the ashes along with running AAA but if Roldan wins the urn goes back to him and Konnan must retire. Konnan accepted these conditions without problems since retirement stips mean nothing these days. Supposedly there will be guys representing each guy here in the match and not them wrestling each other.

5. El Mesias beat Chessman by DQ.

Chessman roughed up Hijo del Tirantes for the DQ and after the match, Chessman tied up Mesias in a crucifix position before trying to set him on fire by pouring gasoline on him. Chessman was about to throw the match until The Black Family showed up and turned on Chessman after he cost them their match earlier. They destroyed Chessman and then tried to burn Mesias on their own but Cibernetico made the save and then after that the Psycho Circus showed up challenging Ciber to match in a possible alliance with Chessman.

6. Cibernetico defeated Zorro

Zorro & Konnan had problems during the match regarding who is the lead dog of La Legion so that played into his defeat. Chessman showed up again and demanded a rematch against Ciber then after the match he attacked him before Charly Manson’s music hit. Charly showed up on the stage and teased on who he would side with in the war between Chessman & Ciber but just walked away.

Forget the Presidential Debates. Two Manga/Anime Legends Go Head to Head: Akira Toriyama meets Rumiko Takahashi (1986)

Taken from Terebaru 1986. Translation by Toshiaki Yamada via Rumic World.

It is rare that Akira Toriyama and Rumiko Takahashi, the two most popular mangaka in Japanese manga history give interviews, but we had an opportunity to talk about manga and anime with them.

First of all, we asked them to tell us about their new anime Dragon Ball and Maison Ikkoku!!

You are both writing very different stories than your previous series, going from Dr. Slump to Dragon Ball and from Urusei Yatsura to Maison Ikkoku. Please give us some comments about this?

Toriyama: For one thing, I wanted to change tempos and structures so as to draw a clear line between the old and new series. For example, I drew Dr. Slump in an American-like style and am writing Dragon Ball in a Chinese-like style.

Takahashi: Eventually, if you don’t change the tempos of your stories, making a new story becomes meaningless. And sometimes I can draw new manga because I changed tempos.

Toriyama: It would be difficult to draw manga if you don’t change your stories.

So, what elements did you take special care with when you changed the tempos of the stories?

Toriyama: I made it a rule not to play around this time. I reduced play-things as much as possible. When I wrote Dr. Slump, I really played with my stories. For instance, I myself appeared in the manga…(laughs). But this time the story is important.

How about you, Takahashi?

Takahashi: I have wanted to write apartment stories for awhile. In the past I lived in an apartment in Nakano. And next to my apartment, there was another strange apartment on the verge of collapsing.

So, is the life at that apartment the inspiration for Maison Ikkoku?

Takahashi: To be honest, that is not the only one. My room, for instance…

Perhaps, your room was empty like Godai’s.

Takahashi: Yeah! There was nothing more than what was necessary for living. These days’ people don’t live in shabby houses like that. In my mind, I imagined just a bed and stereo, etc.

Toriyama: I often take my ideas from my experiences as well.

Takahashi: Speaking of which, I think it was a few years after Maison Ikkoku began its run. One day I went back to my hometown, and for some reason I read my diary from my high school days. I was really convinced that the writer of this diary was destined to write Maison Ikkoku. And I thought that showed through there.

How do you create your characters, their appearances and natures?

Read more.

New Episodes of Ranma ½ and Inuyasha!

(C) Rumiko Takahashi

By BZou for Otaku International (August 02, 2008)

In celebration of her 30th anniversary creating manga, Rumiko Takahashi is exhibiting a collection of her artwork. As of 2008, Takahashi has sold 170 million copies of her works, an achievement few other creators have managed. The exhibit itself will be held from July 30th through August 11th in the Ginza district of Tokyo on the eighth floor of the Matsuya building.

For those who do not know who Rumiko Takahashi is, Takahashi is the creator of such masterpieces such as Ranma ½ and Inuyasha. Michihiko Suwa, producer of the Inuyasha anime announces that a brand-new, 30 minute animated special entitled Kuroi Tetsusaiga (Black Tetsusaiga) would be shown exclusively at the gallery. In addition to the Kuroi Tetsusaiga special, there will also be a new Ranma ½ anime special entitled Okumu! Shunminkou, which is based on a story from Ranma ½ volume 34 by the same name.

Read more.

THROUGH OTAKU EYES / Love conquers all, and Takahashi proves it

Kanta Ishida / Yomiuri Shimbun Staff Writer

Who is the artist who played the greatest role in the “globalization” of Japanese manga?

It might be Akira Toriyama, whose Dragon Ball became synonymous with manga. Or it might be Katsuhiro Otomo, who showed his skill at precise description in Akira, or Naoko Takeuchi, who excited enthusiasm among girls across Europe and the United States with her Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon. Or maybe it’s Fujio F. Fujiko, as there can hardly be a child in Asia who doesn’t know Doraemon.

All these names are necessary when talking about Japanese manga’s foreign expansion.

But I’m beginning to think it may be the works of Rumiko Takahashi that showed the world the essence of manga more widely and deeply in and after the 1980s.

Read more.