:: The Silver State Chronicles ::

Settle down, girls…

There is a little known tv cable news network called MSNBC, and lately there has only been one reason to tune into their programming - the behind-the-scenes feud that occasionally bubbles up to on-screen hijinks!

The two combatants are the irrepressible Chrissy Matthews and the midget boy wonder, Keith Olbermann. Olbermann, as you may recall, suffered the indignity of his former girlfriend writing up juicy details of their love life on her blog. She revealed how remarkably inept he is off screen, as well as chronicled his inadequate bedroom abilities and his genetic shortcomings. That may explain much of Olbermann’s deep anger at life!

Sit back and watch the pissy duo get snippy while covering the Democrat National Convention!

• Matthews & Olbermann Fight For Lil’ Russ’s Job

Puts all the Loch Ness Monster videos to shame

I gotta say I am impressed with this video that comes our way from Sweden.  It’s certainly worth a look, but it comes from a group of ‘filmmakers’ which does make me a bit suspicious.  Still, it’s intriguing video of Sweden’s Great Lake Sea Monster, Storsjöodjuret.

Swedish sea monster ‘caught on film’

A group of filmmakers claim to have successfully captured Sweden’s legendary Great Lake Sea Monster (Storsjöodjuret), which is said to lurk in the waters of the Storsjön outside Östersund in northern Sweden.

A film crew which set up cameras on one of the lake’s islets last spring now say that they have an image of the seamonster, according to Svergies Television.

The film clip shows a blurry, long and narrow silhouette moving in the lake’s depths.

“It clearly shows that it’s warm and is made up of cells, otherwise our cameras wouldn’t indicate red, so it can be a sea snake or some other kind of sea animal,” said a female member of the film crew to Sveriges Television news in Jämtland.

The effort to find the monster has generated a great deal of interest, with the American television network NBC planning to document the hunt.

Next summer, the number of special cameras placed in the lake will increase to thirty.

This isn’t the first time that crews have hunted for the Great Lake Sea Monster.

Back in 1894, a Swedish sea captain named Dedering created a stock company with the express purpose of catching the renowned beast.

The hunt, which was also sponsored in part by King Oscar II, even featured whale harpooners.

In 1986, Jämtland’s county administrative board banned anyone from “killing, injuring, or trapping a live animal such as the Great Lake Sea Monster” or from “removing or injuring the Great Lake Sea Monster’s eggs, roe, or dwelling”.

• Gnome, Sweet Gnome
• Bigfoot Near Las Vegas?
• Haunted High? Video Captures Ghost at Asheville High School
• Angry Red Planet

I enjoyed this one!

I always enjoy the work of Investor’s Business Daily’s Pulitzer Prize Winner, Michael Ramirez!  I particularly liked today’s cartoon, taking a shot at Hillary Clinton!  Enjoy!

• Hillary Clinton’s Truth Problem
• Hillary Clinton’s New 3:00 AM Ad
• George McGovern Abandons Hillary, Endorses Obama
• WWE Enters The Political Fray
• Barack Obama visits 57 States on the Campaign Trail
• Golden Girl Hillary Trips at Dem Debate

No snide comments but it’s clear what I’m thinking…

The Daily Mail reports…

Author of ‘100 Things to Do Before You Die’ is killed in fall
And he only managed to achieve half his list
By Annette Witheridge

Dave Freeman, co-author of the bestselling adventure travel guide ‘100 Things to Do Before You Die,’ has died in a tragic accident at the age of 47.

Mr Freeman fell over at his home in Venice, California, and hit his head. He had only managed to visit half of the places recommended in his book.

The irreverent guide to the world’s wackiest places included a voodoo pilgrimage to Haiti, running with bulls in Pamplona, Spain, nude night surfing in Australia and taking part in the loudest yelling competition in North Carolina.

Advertising agency executive Mr Freeman co-wrote the 1999 book with his friend Neil Teplica after collecting weird locations on a travel website they ran.

It was an instant bestseller and inspired a publishing industry all of its own with dozens of ‘100 Things’ spin-offs.

Mr Freeman, who was single, liked to travel alone, believing he met more interesting people and went to stranger places that way.

He starts the book by explaining: ‘This life is a short journey. How can you make sure you fill it with the most fun and that you visit all the coolest places on earth before you pack those bags for the very last time?’

Mr Freeman’s relatives said he had visited half of the places listed, whilst Mr Teplica had covered the rest.

One of Mr Freeman’s favourites was the Las Fallas festival in Valencia, Spain, where firework-filled papier-mache statues of politicians and celebrities exploded at the stroke of midnight.

…

Last night the circumstances surrounding Mr Freeman’s death were still sketchy but he appeared to have tripped over in the hall of his beach-side house and banged his head.

‘It’s very odd, very sad and very freaky,’ Mr Teplica told the Daily Mail.

‘There was no heart attack. He was physically very capable - not the sort of person to just fall over. His death is unfathomable.’

Mr Teplica said his friend’s mantra was: ‘You should live every day like it would be your last. There’s not many people who do.’

I ain’t ‘fraid of no ghosts!

I’m a lifelong student of the unusual, so I was intrigued by this video from Asheville, North Carolina that appears to have caught the image of a wandering ghost in the early hours of August 1, 2008.

Interestingly, it appears this ghosts casts a shadow…

WSPA reports…

Haunted High? Some Say Camera Captured Ghost at Asheville High School

By Connie LeGrand

Is an area high school haunted? Asheville is abuzz after video was captured by a motion-activated camera at Asheville High school at 2:51 a.m. Friday, August 1. In the video, a dark image –some say looks like the silhouette of a child- appears by an elevator. The image advances forward and is again captured in the hallway.

It’s something, so far, the Asheville School District says can’t be explained. Charlie Glazener, Executive Director of Public Relations for the District says, “I’m a logical person, and I wanted to be able to explain to these folks, or anybody, this is what I think it is. It’s a bat flying around here, and it casts a shadow; but then why is the shadow down here from a different angle, and it’s not in the shape of a bat?” It’s that shadow cast on the floor that has even the skeptics perplexed.

Sarah Harrison, of the Asheville Paranormal Society says, “Well, I have watched the video and I can’t debunk it. The fact that it set off the motion detectors means something physical was there. The shape morphed into something that was human shaped. I have seen many video surveillance footage of alleged ghosts and this is the only one that I can’t debunk. Many video’s of “ghosts” are hoaxes, but I think this would be impossible to hoax.”

Teacher Martha Geitner has her own theory! “It’s a ghost. Of course it’s a ghost. It’s the ghost of some former student who is really angry with his teacher and has come back to get back with the teacher, and he’s just making himself known at this time.”

A school custodian told New Channel 7’s Connie LeGrand it’s not the first time he’s seen an image like this; but he says that’s what you can expect from a building built in 1929.

• Angry Red Planet
• Bigfoot Near Las Vegas?
• Swedish sea monster ‘caught on film’
• Gnome, Sweet Gnome
• RIP Charlton Heston

Jim Steranko Draws The Quintessential Captain America

Well, I had some fun yesterday with the newest superhero on the scene, Barack America!  So I got to thinking a bit and realized I haven’t written an entry in the Greatest Comic Covers series since May 13, 2008!

Since the next entry in that series would be the milestone 25th entry, I decided to get on it posthaste!

It’s common knowledge that I am a big Silver Age Marvel fan.  In fact, I consider that era in comics to be the Rolls Royce of comics - it’s doubtful we will ever see that kind of creativity and synergy in comics ever again.  Under the sure hand of Stan Lee, Steve Ditko, and Jack Kirby, the Marvel Universe was born and comics would never be the same.

That being said, quite a bit of new talent hit the scene in that era.  One of the most notable is the legendary Jim Steranko.  His run on Nick Fury Agent of SHIELD was groundbreaking, but he also contributed quite a bit to the legend of Captain America, too.   That brings us to the classic cover of Captain America #111, Tomorrow You Live, Tonight I Die!”

In the issue, Captain America survives a Hydra assassination attempt and then gets to work training Rick Jones for his role as the new Bucky. Rick is unfortunately kidnapped by Hydra and used to bait Captain America into a trap, but Rick escapes in time to witness the apparent demise of Captain America at the hands of Hydra agents!

They just don’t make them like this anymore.  Enjoy!

• Greatest Comic Covers # 23
• Greatest Comic Covers # 19
• Greatest Comic Covers # 20
• Marvel Comics Animation Theme Songs
• Greatest Comic Covers # 17
• Greatest Comic Covers # 16

Barry thinks Biden is running for President, and Biden reveals Barry’s secret superhero identity!

Well, it didn’t take the Democrat Dynamic Duo long to screw up.

In their first joint-appearance after Barack Obama’s 3:00 AM text message (take THAT, Hillary!), it was The Ted Mack Amateur Hour for the Democrat Braintrust.

First, Barry was so excited that he evidently almost wet his pants, introducing Senator Joe Biden as “the next president…..the next vice president of the United States.”  Well, Barry has a lot on his mind and its a natural mistake, I suppose.  Yep, that Agent of C.H.A.N.G.E. thought that Biden was on top of the ticket!  It’s one thing to talk about much needed change and then actually pick a guy who has been in DC longer than McCain.

I suppose being a liberal democrat means never having to make sense.  But we already knew that.

Not to be outdone, Senator Biden referenced Barry, but in doing so announced him as “Barack America.”  Well, now we know who that masked superhero Barack America really is!  Evildoers will have a field day!  I hear he has a cape and a cool shield!

And I hear Barack America is one clean dude, too!  “That’s a storybook, man!”

• It’s not always all about you, Barry…
• George McGovern Abandons Hillary, Endorses Obama
• Barack Obama visits 57 States on the Campaign Trail
• Barack Obama and ‘Hollywood’ Jeremiah Wright
• Barack Obama - about as ’scary’ as an ill tempered stockbroker
• Obama: “Hold on one second, Sweetie…”

Bikini Clad Olympians Make the USA Proud and Infuriate NBC

America’s sweethearts, Misty May-Treanor & Kerri Walsh, fulfilled their destiny by repeating their Gold Medal win at the Olympics.  Fit and photogenic, the duo was celebrated as the rock stars of the American delegation.  Their dominance wasn’t in doubt, and they managed to bring the Gold home to the USA.

Congratulations, ladies, and kudos to you and to all of the Olympians for their outstanding accomplishments and efforts.

May-Treanor & Walsh did tick off their network overlords at NBC, though.  In their post-victory interview, they managed to sneak in a shout out to President Bush, noting him as personally inspirational to them.  NBC, of course, cut them off…

Special thanks to MsUnderestimated.com for getting the video and making it available, because the gang at NBC worked overtime to yank this file off of YouTube!

• Here come the Italians…
• President Bush Sends Good Wishes on ‘Deal or No Deal’
• Secret Olympics Set to Start - United States Oblivious!
• Spaniard Hoopsters in Hot Water Over Olympics Ad
• Vancouver 2010 Olympics: Meet Quatchi!
• Swedish wrestler shows true colors

Funny how the Agent of C.H.A.N.G.E. decides to run with a 35-year Washington insider

I’m very pleased that Barry picked the naturally obnoxious gaffe machine, Joe Biden!  I’m not joking!!!!!

Here’s a hint, Joe.  When you go to Hair Club for Men to get some plugs, at least have it be about the same amount of hair you had in your ‘hair’ days.

• And The Gaffes Start Early….
• Bob & Barry, sitting in a tree….
• Barack Obama - about as ’scary’ as an ill tempered stockbroker
• “Auto Maintenence Tips” with Barack Obama
• Barack Obama and ‘Hollywood’ Jeremiah Wright
• Obama’s 10 year Presidency?

One of the alltime greatest descriptions of Russia & Russians

Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili had a joint press conference the other day with US Secretary of State, Dr. Condaleeza Rice.  During the event, he took time to call the Russians like he saw them.

Punctuating his comments with powerful hand gestures, he noted that Georgia has done so much in recent years: built schools, hospitals, wonderful kindergartens, new roads, an amusement park, a theater with a snazzy new Dolby stereo system, a concert hall, and even an Olympic sized pool.  And then he really lets it rip by calling the Russians exactly what those lowlifes are:

“Everything that is nice and new makes them sick!  You are dealing with people who despise everything human, everything nice, everything modern, everything European, everything civilized.”

Right on, President Saakashvili!  I cheered wildly at your clear commentary!  I’m on your side and so are millions of Americans!

And may I add, you have quite a lovely young bride!  Kudos, you are a King of Men!

Don’t apologize for feeling emotional, Sir. I feel emotional now, too!

• Georgia Baseball Team Plans ‘Eliot Spitzer’ Theme Night

Maybe if we’re lucky some of the judges might be legit

Our friends at The Irish Times report…

Minority ethnic groups used in Games’ opening were fake
CLIFFORD COONAN in Beijing

FAKE FIREWORKS, fake singers and now fake ethnic minorities. Beijing Olympics organisers have admitted that children from China’s dominant Han population were used in the opening ceremony last week, not youngsters from all 56 ethnic groups as previously claimed.

The news brings the issue of China’s treatment of the minority ethnic groups within its borders back into sharp relief, following accusations that Beijing has sought to drown out dissenting voices from different ethnic groups during the Games.

The Han ethnic group accounts for more than 90 per cent of China’s 1.3 billion people and is the dominant cultural group.

The 56 children who carried out the Chinese flag in a moment intended to showcase national harmony were all Han Chinese, but organisers played down the significance of using Han children to represent China’s ethnic diversity.

“It is typical for Chinese performers to wear different apparel from different ethnic groups,” said Wang Wei, spokesman for the organisers.

“There is nothing special about it. They will wear different apparel to signify people are friendly and happy together.”

Organisers often use Han Chinese instead of the genuine ethnic groups in national displays to avoid any spontaneous outbursts of independence.

• Olympic child singing star was a fake: ceremony director
• Spaniard Hoopsters in Hot Water Over Olympics Ad
• Here come the Italians…
• China ’sets up Olympic sex determination lab’
• Vinnie Vegas’s Great Olympic Moments #1
• Secret Olympics Set to Start - United States Oblivious!

Removes all doubt that he is a jackass - now it’s certain!

Thanks goodness he didn’t pose for a picture with slanted eyes!

If this incident gets more mainstream publicity, I wouldn’t be shocked if he shows up on WWE tv soon!

SI reports…

Wrestler tosses aside bronze medal

Swedish wrestler Ara Abrahamian threw away the bronze medal he won in the Greco-Roman category in disgust in a protest over judging in his semifinal bout.

Abrahamian was beaten in the 84 kg class by eventual gold medal winner Andrea Minguzzi of Italy but was disgusted by the verdict, shouting at the referee before confronting the judges. The Athens silver medal winner had to be restrained by teammates and later went on to win a bronze medal match.

But the row continued at the medal ceremony as he only grudgingly mounted the podium and after receiving his medal made a point of taking it off and leaving it in the center of the competition mat.

Swedish fans in the arena disagreed strongly with the original decision, jeering the judges, while coach Leo Myllari also weighed in.

“It’s all politics,” he said.

The medal was later returned to the sport’s governing body.

• Olympic child singing star was a fake: ceremony director
• More Olympic Fakes: Han solos?
• China ’sets up Olympic sex determination lab’
• Here come the Italians…
• May-Treanor & Walsh Win The Gold and Thank Dubya
• Spaniard Hoopsters in Hot Water Over Olympics Ad