Getting the Most from Psychedelics (Part 1/10)

A mind-moving Q&A session with some of the most respected and loved members of the psychedelic network: Ann & Sasha Shulgin and Myron Stolaroff.
This is the first part, see more on youtube.

Elephant Jumping on Trampoline

A short, funny film by Nicolas Deveaux. (Now I know where that GIF came from!)

(via the presurfer)

Todd, Kathy and Naoto

The death of the great musician John Martyn has considerably saddened my day. Then a good friend (the same who gave me the bad news) sent me some images of wonderful paintings by well known 'pop surrealists' and visionary artists Todd Schorr and his wife Kathy and Naoto Hattori. That helped me to improve my mood a little, so I can't help but share them with you...

1-4 paintings and sculptur by Kathy Schorr

5-7 paintings by Todd Schorr

8-9 paintings by Naoto Hattori

John Martyn R.i.P.

My beloved John Martyn (born in 1949)died in Ireland yesterday. He was one of the most prominent English songwriter and guitarist. He was also a great experimenter with his instrument and a fabulous mixer of musical genres.

His releases in the '60s and '70s are already in the book of musical history and deep in the hearts of his numerous fans. Among them I like to name a few: his first album London Conversation (1967), Stormbringer ('69), Bless the Weather (71), Solid Air ('73, probably the best known of John's albums. He dedicated the title track to his friend and peer Nick Drake), Live at Leeds ('75, 10.000 signed and numbered copies directly mailed to fans).

In the early '80s his marriage with Beverley broke down and John heavily pushed the button of self-destruction: "You name it, I soaked myself in it...It was a dark period in my life". Yet his music went on with albums, anthologies and live performances until most recent years ( Grace and Danger ('80), Foundation ('87), On the Cobbles (2004) ), even though his health progressively deteriorated and in 2003 he got an infection that resulted in the amputation of John's right leg below the knee.

I'm sure that now John has found the peace and real happy time that he searched during all his life. Have a great party up there, sweet man!

(John Martyn and Kathy Mattea singing/playing "May You Never" with Danny Thompson on bass and Jerry Douglas on dobro)

Legendary Hands

When even hands have a long, intense story to tell...Guess who's the 'owner' of these...!
(Please click to see larger format)

New Coke Smart Commercial

A new rather smart - and little disturbing - Coca-Cola commercial...

Coke Open Happiness - Library
by firat

Cute, Funny, Bizarre (and sometimes even Smiling) Animals

Eye Candy: (Some Really) Great Poster Art

Some stunning examples of 'classical' and more recent 'poster-art'. The first one is dedicated to Chet Helms (1942-2005), who founded "The Big Brother & Holding Company" band and the "Family Dog" music promoter, organized the first psychedelic light-show concerts in San Francisco and was considered the father of 1967 Summer of Love.
Since I received the poster images from friends and 'blog collaborators', I couldn't give credits where due, but I am ready to do it if someone points out to me authors, sources, links, etc.
Enjoy and click on images to see larger format...
(thanks Maurizio for great researchin'...)


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Sean Christopher's Surreal Worlds

Sean Christopher, another very talented and inspired artist deserving our attention. You can find him on myspace.

Amazing Illusions

I don't like magic shows particularly, but when they're extremely well done and have a fast rhythm like this one, I can't help but appreciate them. From the New Year program of the French TV5/Monde.



Cool Magic Show - video powered by Metacafe

Obamania

Without doubt, having a bi-racial President of USA is a great changement in itself and we all hope in a best future for that country (and the planet too.) That said, being an anarchist and an old hippie at heart, I always distrust power, in particular at top levels. Unfortunately, who really leads the political agenda (in America and other countries) are the usual suspects,i.e. the various 'hidden' economical and power lobbies/corporations that, as we all well know, don't exactly like sudden changements, in particular those which go against their interests. Perhaps I'm too cynical and disillusioned, but I fear that many of the Obama's dreams will soon break against the usual, old, frustrating 'realpolitik' and we'll get just some minor changements at best. Obviously I strongly hope to be wrong...we'll see...

But nobody can deny that Obama gets a heavy load upon his shoulders, probably a too heavy one. Somebody considers him almost a messiah (and when people put their destiny in the hands of just a single man, is never a positive thing) and currently he is one of the strongest icons of the planet. So lately you can find a lot of 'Obama merchandise' around - posters, t-shirts, stickers, tattoos, etc.,etc. - some funny, some clearly kitsch and/or excessively optimistic. So enjoy this short gallery testifying the current Obamania (the Obama Sgt. Pepper and Obama/Krishna and Hillary/Radha are a must-see for sure!!)

(click on images for larger view)

Faesthetic

The new issue of the beautiful art magazine Faesthetic is now available. Issue #10 showcases 128 pages of "Scams & Deceit" themed art from over 35 artists. Featuring high quality 2 color offset printing, original cover art by Mike Perry & Jim Stoten, and a 16 page photo series by SKULLPHONE. Featuring in order of appearance: Gluekit, Panayiotis Terzis, Pedro Lourenço, The Artist's Guide, Think Faest with Playlab by Forest, MOMO, Craig Atkinson, Skullphone, Anke Weckmann, Zeke S. Clough, Colin henderson, Maxwell Loren Holyoke-Hirsch, MWM, Tan Nuyen, Daniel Hipolito, Dan Zvereff, Philip Tseng, Nanami Cowdroy, Jon Contino, Sandy Carson, Mitch Beige Brown, Lorin Brown, Julia Heglund, Dave Z Franzese, Wotto, David Creighton-Pester, Toby Neilan, Mike Marsicano, Susan Coady, Aaron Hogg, Nicholas Gazin, Robin Footit, Samantha Hahn, Jemma Hostetler, & Adam White.Get issue #10 for only $10 (copies of 7, 8 & 9 are also still available) here.

Rik Allen's Space Sculptures

Inspired since childhood by sci-fi imaginario, American artist Rik Allen creates his fascinating spacecrafts with glass and metal. Make a visit to his site.