The most famous shot in "A Trip to the Moon." Special effects have gotten slightly better in the century since. Welcome once more to The Spark, your weekly digest of events and happenings and information in the Yahoo! Directory to help you appreciate them more. As we begin this last Spark before the Labor Day holiday, we have to ask just where in the heck the summer went. Seems like it was Memorial Day about five minutes ago, and now kids are back in school and Fall is lurking around the corner. Anyway, let's look at the week ahead. Monday: It's a day for monsters and creators. In the former category, we have Benedict Arnold, who on this day in 1780, secretly promised to surrender the Continental Army's fort at West Point, NY, to the British. Arnold was an egomaniac, who was frustrated with the lack of attention he had received, and what better way to get attention than to commit treason? Speaking of outsized egos, we note that today would have been the 127th birthday of Huey Long, the "Kingfish" who ran Louisiana like a private fiefdom until he was gunned down in 1935. Long ruled the state as both governor and senator, and his campaign slogan of "Every Man a King" mixed populism and fascism in equal measure. But let us not mention only those who destroy, let's celebrate those who create. When thinking of monsters, one almost automatically turns to thoughts of Dr. Frankenstein and his creation, for which we owe thanks to Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, born in 1793, she wrote her novel, "Frankenstein, or The Modern Prometheus," at the tender age of 18. And where would kids (and parents) be today without Babar? Laurent de Brunhoff (born in 1925), is son of Jean de Brunhoff, who created the elephant king, and who continued his adventures when his father died. Of course, those kids grow up to be teenagers and young adults, and where would they be without Robert Crumb, who turns 73 today? Crumb was in the vanguard of the underground comix movement of the 1960s, and he’s still active and creative, and his influence on modern pop culture is incalculable. And what would pop culture be without the Beatles? One hesitates to guess, but you can try to get a handle on it this week at the International Beatle Week in Liverpool, England. Of course, the Beatles played in the Ed Sullivan Theatre in New York when they made their American debut in 1964, and that theatre is today home to the Late Show with David Letterman, which made its own debut in "the Ed" in 1993. A nice contrast to end the day. Gazillionaire Warren Buffett hits the big 8-0 today, and out in the Nevada desert, Burning Man begins. The best thing we can say about Burning Man is that it gets all those people who want to go to Burning Man in one spot away from the rest of us. Tuesday: More monsters. In 12, Gaius Caligula was born. Though the surviving sources are incomplete, Caligula was one of the most notorious Roman emperors of them all, known for the stories of his cruelty, instability, and sexual perversion. (We won’t deal with them here, but you can find the stories easily enough.) But Caligula isn't the only monster we note. On this date in 1888, Mary Ann Nichols was murdered and became the first of known victim of Jack the Ripper. And, of course, in 1928, Berlin saw the premiere of Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill’s "Die Dreigoschenoper" (known in English as "The Threepenny Opera"), with its main character, the vicious murderer Captain Macheath, better known as "Mack the Knife." In 1959, Bobby Darin had a huge hit with that song (which is really odd, when one considers it's about a mass murderer killing people), and Friday will see the 51st anniversary of that song being banned by WCBS radio in New York City. At the time, there had been a series of teenage stabbings in the city, and the station didn't want to those crazy teens any ideas. And while marijuana possession is small potatoes compared to all of the above, we see that, in 1948, actor Robert Mitchum was arrested in a Hollywood drug bust, and was eventually sentenced to 60 days in prison, a scandal which in those days threatened to kill his career, but nowadays would rate only a passing mention on "Entertainment Tonight." All this talk of criminals and murderers makes us long for a hero, and fortunately, in 1942, "The Adventures of Superman" radio series began airing on the Mutual Broadcasting System. Wednesday: All we have for today is that in 1902, George Melies’s "A Trip to the Moon," was released in France and became the world’s first science fiction film. Thursday: So, in 490 BCE, the Athenian army was at Marathon, battling with Persia. The herald Pheidippides was sent to Sparta for help. He ran the 150 miles in two days, but because of religious laws, the Spartans couldn't send any help, so he ran back. In spite of not having the extra troops, Athens won the battle. And poor Phidippides took off again, this time running the 26.2 miles from Marathon to Athens to carry the news of the victory. He gasped out his last words, "We have won," and dropped dead of exhaustion. The lesson: do not underestimate the usefulness of warm-ups and warm-downs. In 1666, the Great Fire of London began in the wooden house of King Charles II's baker. By the time it ended three days later, more than 13,000 houses, including St Paul's Cathedral, had burned to the ground -- but amazingly, only six people had died. If you were living in England in 1752, tomorrow would have been September 14th. While most of the rest of the world had switched from the Julian Calendar to the Gregorian Calendar in 1582, the stubborn Brits had stuck to their guns. But, after nearly 200 years, there was an eleven-day discrepancy between the two calendars, and the English had no choice but to convert. There were actual riots, as people cried, "Give us back our eleven days!" But it was to no avail. Great Britain and her colonies were dragged kicking and screaming into the 18th century. Speaking of fighting against reality, in 1934, singer Russ Columbo accidentally shot himself to death. Columbo was a wildly popular singer and actor, and when he killed himself (with an antique gun that was supposedly unloaded), his friends thought the news would prove fatal to his mother, so for the last years of her life, those friends created an elaborate ruse, sending postcards and letters from far-off locations, and using his records to simulate a radio show. In 1944, Mrs. Columbo died, never suspected that her son had died a decade before. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday: Let's talk about pioneers this weekend. First, there's Louis Sullivan, born in 1856. Sullivan is, for all intents and purposes, the man who invented the skyscraper. Since Chicago had had its own giant fire in 1871, Sullivan had the opportunity and the laboratory to erest steel-framed buildings that towered over anything built before. In 1833, 10-year-old Barney Flaherty answered an ad in "The New York Sun" and became the first world's first newsboy, which is why we celebrate Newspaper Carrier Day today -- at least for those relatively few Americans who still have newspapers carried to them. Sunday would have been the 163rd birthday of Jesse James. Jesse was not the first Western outlaw, but he was the first to become world famous while plying his dubious trade. 1885 saw the opening of the Exchange Buffet in New York City. It was the first self-service restaurant (read, "cafeteria") in the United States. We don't know if they served chocolate (we'd guess yes), but whether they did or not, it's World Chocolate Day Friday, so you can serve yourself and indulge. In 1888, George Eastman registered the trademark "Kodak" (for the clicking sound a camera's shutter makes) and received a patent for his camera that used rolled film. Eastman's "Brownie" camera came from the factory loaded with enough film for 100 photos. When the roll was complete, the customer would mail the whole camera back to the factory in Rochester, NY, where the pictures would be developed and sent back along with a new camera. Sunday is the 81st birthday of comedian Bob Newhart. Newhart is a two-time pioneer, having been in the forefront of the stand-up comedy revolution of the 1950s, when he transformed himself from "button-down accountant" to a comedian with the top-selling album in America. Then, in the '70s, his sitcom, "The Bob Newhart Show," set new standards for writing, ensemble acting, and just plain goofiness. The weekend before Labor Day always marks the annual Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon. While it's easy to criticize the telethon for its corniness and out-of-date show business aesthetic, it's impossible to deny Lewis's commitment and ability to raise money -- nearly a billion-and-a-half dollars since 1966. Lastly, we'll note the 98th birthday of the late avant-garde composer John Cage with 4 minutes and 33 seconds of silence. Suggested Sites... United States Military Academy at West Point - for sale, cheap. Contact Gen. Arnold. Official R. Crumb Site - keep on truckin'. The Beatles - the core of the apple. Dangerous Minds: Early Technicolor - the good folks at Kodak bring you color movies from 1922. Jerry Lewis Telethon - mock him if you will, but he does good work.

Directory categories: Revolutionary War, Children's Literature, Rock and Pop Artists, Musicals, Running

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It's not a Casio, that's for sure (Photo by Don Pezzano) What do you get when you combine Victorian corsets, aviation goggles, and rocket ships? Why the glorious world of steampunk, of course! This week we celebrated International Steampunk Day, and although June 14th has (like the Victorian Era) sadly come and gone, there are still plenty of ways to embrace your inner 19th century Western space explorer. Steampunk is as much a fashion statement as it is a quirky sub-genre of science fiction. Although the genre is itself inspired by such Victorian science fiction writers as H.G. Wells and Jules Verne, steampunk is a relatively new artistic movement. Coined in the 1980's, the term is generally attributed to writer K.W. Jeter, who used it to describe a new type of science fiction novel that combined futuristic technologies with 19th century fashion and old-fashioned steam power. Today, some of the most well-known examples of steampunk fiction include such films as "Van Helsing" and "The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen," and Joss Whedon's television series "Firefly" and its companion piece "Serenity" -- although some fans argue that the last two more closely resemble space opera than true steampunk. Beyond the silver screen, many steampunk fans have adopted elements from the genre and turned them into a lifestyle. Fans spend hours creating intricately-designed costumes, retrofitting modern machinery, and crafting sculptures that look like they belong on the inside of a pocket watch. However, unlike other fantasy genres, steampunk culture often requires a large investment of time (and money) to recreate its unique look. Since the genre heavily revolves around 19th century machinery, aficionados find that simulating the mechanical look of spinning cogs and brass gears takes long hours and a keen eye. When you're finally done creating your souped-up Victorian look, you'll want to show all that hard work off, of course. There are several steampunk conventions in the United States, each paying homage to neo-Victorianism, bastardized industrial fashion and other mechanical marvels. So strap on your goggles, hop into your Utopian flying machine, and set sail for uncharted territory. It's going to be a stylish ride. Suggested Sites... Steampunk Magazine - all about steampunk events, fiction, music, and other topics. What Kind of Steampunk Style Do You Have? - take this style quiz and find out which look suits you. Steampunk Empire - photos, forums, events, and links all about culture. Steampunk Workshop - fashion, projects, music, and more. Aether Emporium - links to all things steampunk.

Directory categories: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Sci-Fi Authors, Victorian Era, Conventions

Archived under: 19th Century, Authors, Books, Creativity, Cultures, Events, Fanatics, Fiction, Homemade, Nostalgia, Science Fiction, Society and Culture, Technology, Vintage

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All roads lead to stories (Photo by umjanedoan) We all love a good story. As children, we're treated to bedtime stories that lull us to sleep and spark our imaginations. When we get older, we seek out good stories in novels, films, and television shows. Although stories are important in our lives, we seem to be losing the art of spinning a good yarn. Just a few generations ago, people still passed down tales of family and culture from generation to generation. They would tell the stories, orate them. It's easy to forget how the oral tradition was lost after the printing press was invented when you’re in the middle of a page-turning beach read. Efforts are being made to preserve the oral tradition on many levels. As the transmission of stories is fading in many cultures, programs like the World Oral Literature Project are working to record and preserve the poems, tales, and chants of communities that are in danger of losing them. On a smaller scale, people are recording their aging parents' stories to share with future generations. This weekend provides a good opportunity to get into the tale-telling mood. March 20th is World Storytelling Day. The aim of this global event is to get as many people as possible to tell as many stories in as many languages and places as possible -- all on the same day. If you can't make it to any of the scheduled events, consider inviting some friends over for an informal kaffee klatsch and some good old-fashioned conversation. Maybe you’ll hear some good stories. Suggested Sites... World Storytelling Day - find an event or learn how to host one. StoryCorps - nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the stories of our lives. The Moth - storytelling program based in New York (with a lovely podcast). "How to Tell a Story" - advice from master storyteller Mark Twain. Toastmasters International - brush up on your public speaking skills.

Directory categories: Storytelling, Storytelling Organizations, Storytelling Festivals, Storytellers, Stories

Archived under: Arts, Communication, Cultures, Events, Mythology and Folklore, Organizations, Society and Culture

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The 442nd Regiment slogging their way through France in 1944 The Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, marked the immediate start of World War II for the United States. While all Americans rallied to the cause, things did not go well for Americans of Japanese descent. While the vast majority of Japanese Americans were patriotic and committed to winning the war, they were discharged from military service, classified as "enemy aliens," and many were relocated to internment camps. In May 1942, however, the U.S. Army reversed its decision to exclude Japanese Americans from the armed forces and created the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, also known as the "Nisei Squadron." The 442nd, comprised of more than 16,000 men and women, fought in Europe -- most notably rescuing the so-called "Lost Batallion" -- and went on to earn the nickname the "Purple Heart Battalion" because of its bravery. Its soldiers earned more than 18,000 awards, including one Congressional Medal of Honor. Their give-it-all-you've-got spirit inspired the regiment's motto, "Go for Broke!," which became the title of a 1951 film celebrating one of the toughest fighting units in the history of the United States Army. Suggested Sites... Go For Broke Educational Foundation - celebrating the accomplishments of Japanese American soldiers in World War II. Asian-Pacific Americans in the U.S. Army - featuring history, narrative of events, and photographs of the "Go For Broke" combat unit. Wikipedia: 442nd Infantry Regiment - history of the combat unit. 442nd Regimental Combat Team Historical Society - facts, photos, and tributes.

Directory categories: 442nd Regimental Combat Team, 442nd Regiment Personal Accounts, WWII U.S. Army Units, World War II, Japanese American Culture

Archived under: 1940s, American History, Cultures, History, Military, WWII, War

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The Principality of Sealand -- all of it There's an old saying that, in America, anyone can grow up to be the President -- and it's true. You could be President tomorrow. Of course, you couldn't be the President of the United States of America, but if you lower your expectations just a little, you could rule your own country -- or, more to the point, your own micronation. Creating a micronation of your very own is an easier task than you might think. You can do it for political reasons, as an act of protest, or to create a safe haven for a like-minded community of people. Do it as an experiment in diplomacy, an educational project, or just for kicks, we don't care. You don't even need to own a private island or a prime piece of real estate. For that matter, you don't even need any real estate at all. All you need is a dream and a flag. Some micronations exist only online, or as sketches in the journals of their monarchs. In fact, we could declare this space Sparkylvania or Sparkistan right now if we wanted to ... but, frankly, going to all the trouble of setting up a constitution and establishing diplomatic relations and printing our own passports and currency and stamps sounds like too much hassle. Of course, you could save yourself the trouble and just buy an pre-existing country. Sealand, possibly the world's most famous micronation, could be yours for a mere 750 million Euros. Of course, if you buy it, it'll be you who's responsible for fighting off all those invading armies, and who needs that headache? Suggested Sites... CBC Interview With Prince of Sealand - His Royal Highness Prince Michael of Sealand discusses the micronation's past and the royal family's plans to sell it. Micronations of the World - Smithsonian Magazine explores micronations and the people who found them. Hutt River Principality - a successful secessionist state that split from Australia 37 years ago. Imperial Collection - stamps, bank notes, and other ephemera from micronations around the world.

Directory categories: Micronations, Sealand, Countries of the World, Hutt River Province, International Law

Archived under: Cultures, Government, Invention, Micronations, Regional, Society and Culture, Travel

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