Mashup | Make It So

Mashup | Acting Explained

Language | Nonsense English

We always knew that the only thing being butchered by John Belushi in his famous SNL samurai sketches was the Japanese language. But after watching such performances by the likes of Robin Williams issuing forth a stream of fake Italian or Chinese, I've had a desire for years to hear what nonsense English sounds like from the perspective of non English speakers.

Recently, I've seen this topic arise on other blogs (Today's Big Thing) and have finally found an example. Nonsense English from the perspective of Italians as expressed through a music video

See more funny videos and Music Videos at Today's Big Thing.

genetics | mnemonics for codons

Start and Stop Codons
transcription starts in AUGust
U Are Good Amber
U Are An Ochre
U Got An Opal


Simple Wobble Rules (for E.Coli)
C->G = CG (as in computer graphics)
U->AG = U Are Good
G->UC = Gee, U Cee?
I->CAU = I See A U (or IG doesn't work)

Looping | Star Trek The Random Generation

Conservatism | Frank Zappa on Crossfire

You don't have to be a fan of Frank Zappa's music to appreciate the following clip of his appearance on Crossfire in 1986. The debate took place a few weeks after Zappa's testimony in the famous "porn rock" hearings at the US Senate which ultimately lead to the recording industry's placement of parental advisories on music albums.

It is difficult for me to think of Zappa as a conservative by the current day definition, but listening to his arguments and then reading more about his personal and professional history, his family life, management of his musicians, and work ethic, it becomes clear. What is also clear is how striking the difference is in the tone of what was considered heated political discourse compared with today.

FX | Hollywood Vs. New York