2001: Space Odyssey is one of those Stanley Kubrick classics that will be regarded as the greatest sci-fi film of all time. But to the 6-year-old Muttpop Bob it had one of the SCARIEST sequences ever put to celluloid. For some reason, that final sequence with the epic orchestra music and baby-in-a fetus was the most disturbing combination of sound and visuals I had ever seen. My parents would get weirded out by me because every time I'd hear the music or, WORST, see the scene on our family tv, I'd run behind the couch to scream and cry until the television was shut off. To my 6-year-old mind, the fetus-baby was some alien planning to invade Earth. You can blame it on all those alien conspiracies they'd talk about on 'Unsolved Mysteries'.

THE SEQUENCE OF SHEER TERROR:

Don't you love it when fact is zanier than fiction? For a few months now, I've been hearing about a weird dome shaped building near Joshua Tree built by some mechanical engineer based on discussions he had with spacemen from the planet Venus (I am not making this up!). In a few days Jerry, Ohm, Nico, and I will be driving to Arizona for the Red Hot Robot show. Since it's not too far off from our road trip, I'm trying to get the whole Muttpop crew to visit this interesting place called the Integratron.

George Van Tassel left a successful career in aerospace to move near Giant Rock in the Mojave Desert with his wife and 2 children. During one of his regular meditations beside Giant Rock, George claims to have had a telepathic connection with aliens from Venus. He also claims that he was abducted by those same aliens in a spaceship orbiting Earth during which the Venusians asked Mr. Van Tassel to build a structure that can extend human life and travel through time.  The Integratron was constructed by George Van Tassel from 1954-1959 based on the aliens' plans. Van Tassel continued to do minor bits of construction on the Integratron until his sudden death in 1978.

If we end up going, I'll be sure to share my thoughts on the experience on this blog!

CLICK HERE for FLICKR photos of the Integratron.

Jerry's been obssessing over these painted spray paint cans that have been randomly nailed into telephone poles throughout the Silverlake neighborhood. He had pulled one down on a recent walk (with some muscle; those nails are in there good!). While I was over at his house yesterday, Jerry charmed me into assisting him in taking down a few more.

We have no clue who's putting them up. I guess its by 'RW' as a part of his 'Art Is Alive' street campaign. Each spraypaint can is carefully crafted with nifty spraypaint patterns and illustrated with paint markers. The artist put a lot of time and care into them.

I hope the artist isn't bummed that we took a few of them down. They're too lovingly crafted to be left on a telephone pole. I have a feeling Jerry's itching to start a collection. His daughter has Pokemon. Jerry now has 'Art Is Alive' spraypaint cans. Collect Them All!

The life size replica statue of a Gundam RX-78-2 Mecha in Odaiba, Japan now appears to be complete! The statue was built to commemorate 30 years of Mobile Suit Gundam. 'Mobile Suit Gundam' is the 'Star Wars' of Japan. The Gundam RX-78-2 Mecha is its X-Wing Fighter. Despite the many mechas and robots that exist in Japanese Pop Culture, the Gundam RX-78-2 has proven with time to be one of the most iconic. I believe part of its popularity is that it has the spirit and shape of a Samurai warrior, particularly with the decorative head piece. The animated series is also known for introducing a more realistic portrayal of Mechas use in war and politics. The details on the robot statue are phenomenal!

CLICK HERE FOR MORE PHOTOS AS SHOWN ON SANKAKUCOMPLEX.COM

I just discovered this gem of a blog. There is little that is more entertaining than unintentionally weird portraits. We've all got 1 or 2 in our own family albums, but it's way funnier when they're not yours! Level of hilarity varies greatly from photo to photo; but the good ones are real good. I picked three of my favorites below. For the rest be sure to check out the blog by CLICKING HERE.

AWKWARD FAMILY PHOTOS BLOG

El Gladiator exists and he fights crime in Cincinnati. "Shadow Hare" is a 21 year old who dons a Mexican Wrestling mask and fights crime with his group of homemade-costumed companions in the streets of Cincinnati. Adventures include feeding the homeless and chasing after criminals with pepper spray and tasers. El Gladiator in our comics has a better figure, better voice, and better costume. But the spirit of "Shadow Hare" has a strong semblance to our beloved El Gladiator. Who'd a thought that Jerry Frissen and Bill were psychic? ;-)