Paul Twitchell - Knowledge and Understanding/Philosophy of No-Thing

Paul Twitchell - Knowledge and Understanding/Philosophy of No-Thing

released on cassette in 1995

I recently found this cassette in a local thrift store. I have been having a little luck lately finding "quality" stuff at the thrift stores. During most of the year, there was a long spell of not finding anything interesting. I should mention that I had not much time either to dig this year. Just about every time I had a little free time to browse the thrift stores, there was nothing interesting to be found.

Enough of my thrift store woes, it's onto the topic of the post. The cassette contains two lectures by an interesting fellow named Paul Twitchell who founded his own spiritual group called Eckankar in 1965. As mentioned on the cover, the first one, "Knowledge and Understanding", was recorded in 1970 at the 1970 International Youth Conference in Chicago, Illinois. I have not found anything about the 1970 International Youth Conference. Was it organized by Twitchell and Eckankar? Was it organized by some youth organization and happened to invite Twitchell to speak? The second one, "Philosophy of No-Thing", was recorded sometime in 1967. There is no mention of where it was recorded.

Since I am not highly familiar with Eckankar, which sounds like a melding of Buddhism, Hinduism, and Christianity, I'll post the explanation of Eckankar from its website:

Each of us is connected to God through Divine Spirit (the ECK), which can be heard as Sound and seen as Light. Eckankar offers a spiritual toolkit to help you experience the Light and Sound of God.
...
Eckankar means "Co-worker with God." It offers ways to explore your own unique and natural relationship with the Divine.

With the personalized study that is a part of Eckankar, you get divine guidance to apply in your everyday life and on your journey home to God. The full experience of God is possible in this lifetime!

Eckankar is mainly about your daily, personal connection with Divine Spirit. You'll also find people of like mind and experience in Eckankar who share your desire for truth.

Your spiritual experiences reach welcoming ears among ECKists, those who study the ECK teachings.

The What is Eckankar? page from which the above explanation is quoted also provides a pdf file for download a brochure that further explains Eckankar.

From the brochure:

The teachings of ECK define the nature of Soul more carefully than do other current religions. Each person is Soul, a particle of God sent into the lower worlds (including earth) to gain spiritual experience. Purified by the spiritual exercises, he comes into contact with the Holy Spirit. His goal is spiritual freedom in this lifetime, after which he becomes a Co-worker with God, both here and in the next world. Karma and reincarnation are primary beliefs.

Key to the ECK teachings is the Mahanta, the Living ECK Master. He has the special ability to act as both Inner and Outer Master for ECK students. He is the prophet of Eckankar, given respect but not worship. He teaches the sacred name of God, HU, which lifts one spiritually into the Light and Sound of God, the ECK.

The ECK (the Holy Spirit) purifies one of karma (sin), making it possible for him to accept the full love of God in this lifetime. Then he gains wisdom, charity, and freedom.

Personal experience with the Light and Sound of God is the cornerstone of Eckankar. Of all the religions on earth today, Eckankar offers the most direct teachings on the Light and Sound of God. These twin pillars are missing in whole or in part from the rest. People who truly find these two aspects of God undergo a complete spiritual change. Life becomes fresh and new again, as it was in early childhood. (Harold Klemp, current Mahanta, the Living ECK Master)

The Eckankar website obviously provides a biography of Paul Twitchell and so does the Om-Guru website and so does that awesome resource of information, Wikipedia. Wikipedia says that Twitchell was a plagiarist who stole from the likes of Kirpal Singh, L. Ron Hubbard, H. P. Blavatsky, Julian Johnson, and others. In the world of academia where I currently reside as a student, plagiarism is the biggest sin one can commit. Everywhere else, like in the real world, to steal would be genius or somewhere along the lines of what that quote is. This means that Paul Twitchell is a genius. After all, he is the original ECK Master.


Tracklisting:

Side 1

1. Knowledge and Understanding [side 1] {36:51}

Side 2

1. Knowledge and Understanding [side 2] {9:35}

2. Philosophy of No-Thing {24:40}

The Basement Still Lives

Hello. How are you all doing? The long hiatus was unintentional. There were some matters in real life that I had to deal with. There are still some matters to deal with, but I thought I needed to post an update to let you all know that A Basement of Curiosities is not dead. It's not even a zombie (is it just me or is the zombie thing already played out?). It is alive.

The cobwebs and dust have increased due to neglect and I need to do some more cleaning. The Basement may need some remodeling, but I will address that down the road.

Hopefully some new posts will be added soon. I cannot say for certain when there will be new posts. In the meantime, I updated download links for some of the "classics" in the Basement archives. If you're new to this place or have yet to get around to adding some of these things to your collection, be sure to grab them as they will make you a winner and a happier person and all that:

Stag Party in London Vol. 2

Corelli-Jacobs - Music to Grow Plants

Jimmy Nelson - Jimmy Nelson's Instant Ventriloquism

Louise Egolf - Train Your Bird to Talk

Dr. Paul P. Parker - How to Use Tact and Skill in Handling People

Earl Nightingale - The Strangest Secret

Sydney Omarr - Virgo

Sam Chalpin - My Father the Pop Singer

Tom Massey - Guided Visualizations

Dr. Ed Sceery - Advanced Elk Calling

Paul J. Meyer - Positive Expectancy to Win

Jack Van Impe - Marked for Death: Can America Survive?

George L. Boston - The Final Houdini Seance

Dr. Robert Parrish - Listen and Lose

Dr. Robert Parrish - Listen and Lose

released on LP in 1972

From looking at the album's title, you would probably think that I'm trying to turn you into a loser, you know being contrary to the pro-winning attitude championed constantly on this blog because this is a blog for winners. You could not be more wrong. In fact, the "lose" part refers to losing weight. That's what this record is all about. Yes, we here at the Basement (actually meaning my lonely self and that stray cat that keeps hanging around the porch trying to mooch food off of me) do encourage you people out there to lose some pounds if there are too many pounds.

This LP promises that you can lose weight not by going on a diet (which I always doubted would work), but by imagining yourself to be slim and trim. I think the liner notes explains this quite adequately:

All you have to do to begin this weight loss system is to listen to a recording. The recording teaches you how to relax - and then it teaches you some eating habits. You learn these new ideas quickly, simply because you are so relaxed and therefore receptive to fresh ideas. ... There is a conflict between your will power and your preconceived ideas. When you resolve this conflict, you can begin to lose weight. "Listen and Lose" doesn't give you new will power. "Listen and Lose" gives you new imagination - a new image, if you will, of yourself and a system to help you achieve this image. ... [The record] can really help you. It can open the way for you to turn the imagined image into the real image of you. All you have to do is listen.

The back cover also provides Parrish's background and credentials:

The author of "Listen and Lose", Dr. Robert E. Parrish, is eminently qualified to write about the psychological aspects of becoming slender. Through his professional experiences as a University professor and a practicing psychologist he has developed a deep sensitivity to the problems and struggles of individuals who are desirous of a change in their personal lives but who are without positive goals and a realistic workable plan.
Since 1960 he has been researching and developing procedures for relaxation, utilizing effectively the laws of suggestions, visualizing procedures, and goal setting for learning and personal development.
Dr. Parrish received his Bachelors degree, Masters degree and in 1962 his Ph.D. from the University of Oklahoma.


Tracklisting:

Side 1

1. Introduction {13:25}

Side 2

1. Procedure {20:07}

Stu Phillips - Jud [soundtrack]

Stu Phillips - Jud [soundtrack]

released on LP in 1971 (no date given on LP, but I found the release year of the film online)

I found a copy of this promo LP in some thrift store a few weeks ago. I've never heard of the film, but I'm familiar with Stu Phillips with having heard his music over the years thanks to various generous sharity blogs and sharity sites. He's composed music for biker flicks and that Buck Rogers TV show that was on the air seemingly centuries ago among other film and TV projects. Still, I was a bit hesitant at first whether I should purchase this copy. I didn't know anything about the quality of the music on this album. Since the asking price was $1.20, I figured it would be worth taking a chance on. I'm glad I did obtain this record. I find the all instrumental side 2 to be awesome (I think that's what I kind of expected and hoped for anyway). (Yeah, it's wild and groovy at times.) Side 1 has rock/pop songs with performers I've never heard of. If you're familiar with early 70s rock/pop, that's what it sounds like, music of the period. I enjoy the Crow song (track 4) the most from side 1, but I couldn't really get into the rest of the songs.

From what I read on the web, Jud is about a soldier who returns home from serving in Vietnam and tries to get his life back together. Instead, he ends up in some difficult situations and his life goes downhill from there. I read some review that said that it had potential to have been a really good movie, but turned out to be more of an exploitation film instead. I lost the link to that review so you'll have to take my word for it at the moment. Anyways, it sounds like a flick I want to check out.

Tracklisting:

Side 1

1. One Too Many Mornings [with John Hartford] {2:58}

2. Solitary Sanctuary [with American Breed] {1:59}

3. Comin' Down Easy [with Mason Proffit] {2:25}

4. Something In Your Blood [with Crow] {2:34}

5. Come to Me, Anytime [with Barbara Robison] {3:01}

Side 2

1. Solitary Sanctuary {1:57}

2. Jud Escapes {2:15}

3. Bill Flips {2:02}

4. Retrospection {1:49}

5. Comin' Back {3:52}

Dr. Eugene G. Weinberg - A Child's Cry: A Clue to Diagnosis

Dr. Eugene G. Weinberg - A Child's Cry: A Clue to Diagnosis

released on LP in 1971

This is one of the weirdest records I've ever heard. It certainly is among the top 1% of the weirdest, most frightening and most awesome LPs in my collection. As one can figure out, this is a collection of recorded sounds of children (mainly infants) crying. The cries differ by the various illnesses and diseases that the children are afflicted with. I'm not sure this is something that would be played during parties, gatherings of friends and family, or romantic moments, but then again you never know. I'm sure this record has been helpful to other pediatricians and medical professionals. Why else would something like have been released, right?

This was put out by Phizer which is one of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies or to be more specific Phizer Laboratories Division. The image below this paragraph is actually the back cover which is advertising one of its products which very likely has nothing to do with treating the children recorded.

Here's the liner notes I read that sealed the deal for me to pick up a copy of this LP:

Dr. Eugene G. Weinberg of the Department of Pediatrics, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa, has recorded characteristic sounds made by normal children and by those presenting with illnesses or defects. Here are the cries, coughs and sounds of infants and children - each cry or sound associated with either a normal state, a specific illness or a genetic defect. The physician who realizes the importance of his ability to recognize these and other pediatric sounds possesses an extra diagnostic tool of importance.

Now this is the part where I say enjoy.

Tracklisting:

Side I

1. The Cry of a Normal Newborn Baby {1:29}

2. The Cry of a Premature Infant {0:33}

3. The Normal Cries of Hunger, Pain and Contentment {0:55}

4. The Grunting Respiration of an Infant with Hyaline Membrane Disease {1:01}

5. The Sound of Stridor or Croup {0:48}

6. The Cry and Cough of Cystic Fibrosis {1:03}

7. The Soft Cry of an Infant with a Vascular Ring {0:44}

8. The Wheezing, Bronchospastic Sound of Bronchial Asthma {0:24}

9. The Grunting Sound of Severe Pneumonia {0:35}

10. The Cat-Like Cry of Cri-du-Chat or Cat-Cry Syndrome {0:34}

11. The High-Pitched, Laughing Cry of aChild with Microcephaly {0:46}

12. The High-Pitched Cry of a Child with Hydraencephaly {1:08}

13. The Weak Cry of Downs Syndrome or Mongolism {1:05}

14. The Characteristic Sound of Whooping Cough {0:36}

15. The Tremendous Cry of Kwashiorkor {0:42}

Side II

1. The Hoarse Cry of Congenital Hypothyroidism {1:14}

2. The Sound of an Infant with Snuffles {0:44}

3. The Forced, Artificial Psychogenic Cough {1:11}

4. The Persistent Spasmodic Cough of Bronchiolitis {1:36}

5. The Immature Growling Cry of the deLange Syndrome {1:19}

6. The Sea Gull-Like Cry of an Infant with Trisomy-E Syndrome {1:23}

7. The Hoarse, Whispered Voice due to Lipoid Proteinosis {1:21}

8. The Deep Sighing Respiration of Metabolic Acidosis {1:12}

9. The Mature Masculine Voice of Precocious Puberty {2:19}

Denby Brandon - Power for Your Purpose/The Secrets of Leadership

Denby Brandon - Power for Your Purpose/The Secrets of Leadership

released on LP

I suppose that winning sales contests or selling the most of whatever product or service in your company qualifies one to put out records like this one. Denby Brandon certainly qualified himself to put out a record. His Memphis office won first place in a sales contest that took place during one month in 1961 that was initiated by Pan-American Life Insurance company. Not only did Denby run an insurance office that somehow convinced lots and lots of people to buy life insurance, Denby also hosted some TV program called Your Future Unlimited. I think the show was about self-improvement. Denby dispenses tips on this LP on how to get power and keep power, inspiring advice for business leaders and leadership advice.

I sure learned a lot from this LP. Not only that, I feel inspired to gain power over others and create my own destiny and destiny for others. I'm sure glad my copy of this LP was sitting among the flea market racks for only one dollar. Who knew that the way to success could be so cheap?


Tracklisting:

Side 1

1. Power for Your Purpose {20:05}

Side 2

1. The Secrets of Leadership {19:32}

Arshad Mahmud and Majid Khan - Sitar Influence

Arshad Mahmud and Majid Khan - Sitar Influence

released on cassette supposedly in 1977

This album reminds me of those Balsara and His Singing Sitars LPs. It sounds like one of those cash-in pop sitar albums chock full of cover songs. I'm not really sure which ones are originals or covers as no credits are given. No liner notes or performer credits are given either (except for Arshad Mahmud and Majid Khan on the cover). It would have helped that this information be included on the release as there is really no substantial information about this release or about Arshad Mahmud and Majid Khan on the internet tubes.

I'm sure that anyone into pop-sitar or space-age lounge instrumental stuff could dig this. All of the songs performed have a slow tempo making suitable for playing while chilling out and trying to impress your cool friends who probably own actual copies of Balsara and His Singing Sitars or Lord Sitar LPs. Along with the sitar, tablas, violins, chimes and flutes can be heard. There is even a cheap-sounding drum machine used on a few tracks ("How Can I Be Happy", "Yesterday Gone", and "I'll Come Along") instead of tablas. It sounds like the drum machine feature on one of those Casio keyboards that cost just a little over 100 bucks at one of the national big-box retailers. The album is really pleasant and charming stuff although most of the time I prefer the more authentic or traditional Indian music.

Tracklisting:

Side One

1. 1/3 {2:38}

2. People {3:38}

3. Free For All {4:16}

4. Good Evening {3:15}

5. Tantalisation {3:24}

6. Hi Tides {4:34}

7. How Can I Be Happy {3:19}

8. Persuasion {3:42}

Side Two

1. Yesterday Gone {4:28}

2. Sometimes In Morning {4:04}

3. Velvet Touch {4:18}

4. Beautiful Day Today {4:22}

5. I'll Come Along {4:04}

6. In Your Arms {3:26}

7. Festival {3:37}

Art Wilson - The Religious Ecumenical Movement in Bible Prophecy

Art Wilson - The Religious Ecumenical Movement in Bible Prophecy

released on LP

I found a copy of this in one of the local flea markets a few months ago. I think the coolest thing about this copy is that the vinyl is red. I'm one of those people that still think colored vinyl is cool. Maybe it's because I don't often find colored vinyl in the field. I'm still trying to figure out what the cover has to do with the topic. Heck, I'm still trying to figure out what he's talking about. I think it's something about the Bible or the Book of Revelations predicting the various denominations of Christianity coming together which in turn leads to the end of the world with the Antichrist's arrival. Art Wilson seems to attempt to delve deep in what is called biblical scholarship. He never uses any pop culture references of the day or make any dumb outlandish statements about other people to make his points.

My new best friend, Bing, doesn't seem to know anything about Art Wilson. I tried my former best friend and nothing turned up. According to the back cover, Art Wilson has been the pastor at the Wichita Baptist Tabernacle for over 26 years at the time this record was released. The back cover also mentions that Art Wilson has spent many years in study of Bible prophecy and that he speaks about "Great Bible Prophecies" including the ecumenical movement or "one-world church theme". That is all I know.

Tracklisting:

Side 1

1. The Religious Ecumenical Movement in Bible Prophecy side 1 {22:03}

Side 2

1. The Religious Ecumenical Movement in Bible Prophecy side 2 {23:01}

The first Honorary Basement Dweller is...

Just the other day, I heard an interview that I thought was the best interview I've ever heard in my life. It had just about everything: insight, philosophy, inspiration, dialogue about political matters, humor, discussions about relationships, partying, love, hate, and even a conversation about baseball. If you haven't already heard it, I promise this will be the best interview you've ever heard in your life.

Now if you're wondering about the post's title, yes, I am granting someone the honor of not only Honorary Basement Dweller, but the first ever Honorary Basement Dweller. I'll make it clear that just not anyone will be given the honor of Honorary Basement Dweller. You have to be someone special or have done something really special or both. The first recipient is both. Now on to announcing this individual. The first Honorary Basement Dweller is ....

His name is Carlos Estevez, but he is better known as Charlie Sheen. He is the son of Martin Sheen and the brother of Emilio Estevez. I'm sure most of you are familiar with the man from seeing him in movies and/or on TV. Just in case you've lived under the metaphorical rock, he's starred in such classic films as The Wraith, Major League, Hot Shots, Men at Work, among many others. He's also starred in TV sitcoms Spin City and Two and a Half Men. I use the past tense because as of this writing, apparently the producers of Two and a Half Men halted production and it appears that they don't want Charlie around anymore. You may also have seen him on TMZ or read about him in tabloid publications.

Charlie's career as an actor while trying to ride the coattails of his more talented father and talented brother is not the reason why I'm naming Charlie the first ever Honorary Basement Dweller. There are other reasons. I found out that Charlie is one amazing bitchin' dude from listening to his interview with Alex Jones, an expert on international politics and current events, a highly acclaimed documentary film maker, and one of Charlie's best pals. I learned that Charlie is a Vatican assassin. But this gets even better.

Charlie is winning. That's right. The man is addicted to winning. He was able to overcome his alcohol and drug addictions with the power of his mind. Charlie is the type of person we like here in the Basement and that is why he has been named the first ever Honorary Basement Dweller. He is a winner in life who possesses great ability to use the power of his mind. Wait, there's more.

Charlie lives life to the fullest. He lives life on his own terms, the way it should be. While he is trying to uncover evidence that the New World Order or the Illuminati was behind 9/11, he is out partying in such majestic places as the Bahamas with young beautiful actresses who often act in shall we say a certain type of low-budget independent movie. He also does great things for his family too. He said that he loves them violently while he hates anyone violently who would oppose his family. You better believe it when Charlie says he is like an F-18. Charlie provides plenty of philosophical thoughts into how to live life or I guess they can be called gnarly gnarlyisms.

Charlie cares about his gnarly friends and family. However, if you make enemies with Charlie, you better watch out. I'm sure that dude what's his name again who created Two and a Half Men and his third ex-wife Brooke are finding out that it's not much fun to be among Charlie's enemies. Shortly after the interview, a few haters named Sarah Silverman, Zooey Deschanel, John Stamos, and Denis Leary posted derogatory tweets on Twitter about Charlie. They're just some second-rate actresses and actors who are jealous that they don't get to party with Charlie and be among his gnarly friends to learn lots of stuff from him everyday. They're among the numerous trolls and fools who live loser lives just like that weirdo cult Alcoholics Anonymous. They're also probably pussies just like Thomas Jefferson. I'm not sure it really takes much stones to call the man who wrote the Declaration of Independence a pussy. Now if he has called George Washington a pussy, I would probably bow down to him just because he called George Washington a pussy. Knowing Charlie, I'm sure he'll do just that sometime in the near future.

Charlie Sheen is one awesome gnarly Vatican assassin winning bitchin' badass and the first ever Honorary Basement Dweller. Charlie, you and your beautiful powerful mind are always welcome to inhabit the Basement. Not only did he and Alex put on a great interview, Charlie probably also caused Two and a Half Men to be canceled which frees up 30 minutes of airtime for CBS to air a better show. That in itself is awesome. I'm sure that you have adequate Internet search skills to find his fantastic interview with Alex. However, I am offering the videos of Alex's interview with Charlie as downloads so you can listen to it over and over without using your Internet minutes (for those of you still stuck with limited Internet usage) or you can transfer the videos on your iPod or whatever mobile device you use and play them anytime anyplace. The reason I'm doing this is because everyone should hear this interview as it will change lives and make everyone more enlightened.

Tracklisting:  (links will be back soon)

1. Charlie Sheen Interview with Alex Jones (02-24-2011) part 1 {14:59}

2. Charlie Sheen Interview with Alex Jones (02-24-2011) part 2 {15:18}

3. Charlie Sheen Interview with Alex Jones (featuring Lenny Dykstra) part 3 (02-24-2011) {13:25}

Kenneth McFarland - Are We Raising the Red Flag Over Ourselves?

Kenneth McFarland - Are We Raising the Red Flag Over Ourselves?

LP probably released in 1963 (no date given); McFarland references having spent time at some hotel bar in New York during the Cuban Missle Crisis

What he means by the title of the LP is that he believes the United States of America could end up becoming a socialist/communist nation just like the Soviet Union because of many things including the enactment of the New Deal to help the United States recover from the Depression (i.e. creating jobs for the millions of unemployed people and to help restart the economy) and of something called progressive education. Basically, progressive education focuses on the individual abilities of the child or student and that each individual has his or her own learning style. A key component of progressive education is diversity.

Before Kenneth McFarland embarked on a career of public speaking in front of rich businesspeople and recording many records like this one, he was a superintendent of the Topeka, Kansas school system which was the school system in the Brown v. Board of Education case during Mr. McFarland's tenure. I guess I know why he's bitter towards progressive education. McFarland is also not happy that schools no longer post all the students' grades on all students' report cards. McFarland advocates that everybody should live life in competition everyday including children. I guess that it doesn't matter that students may or may not actually learn anything despite getting A's and B's. It's all about getting better grades than one's classmates. It's not really about measuring how well students are learning. I always thought that letter grades are kind of pointless anyway and I made mostly A's and B's.

McFarland advocates that people should succeed on their own, that is by competing against others. He thinks that those who are rich are the most successful and they should be treated better than anyone else. I guess that anyone born into a rich family is automatically a winner in life. He gripes that the rich pay more in taxes than anyone below them in the economic ladder. This is another way that the U.S. was supposedly headed towards becoming a socialist/communist country. The American way is competition and what he thinks of as "free enterprise" which really means no government regulation of business. McFarland is mistaking economic regulation by the government as control of industries.

On this record, McFarland speaks in front of a group of hospital and healthcare executives somewhere in southern California. It takes McFarland about 11 minutes to get into the topics mentioned already in this post. McFarland implies that the premier of the Soviet Union at the time, Nikita Krushchev, laughed in an evil way at the Americans are becoming a bunch of commies for progressive taxation and progressive education. Okay, Khrushchev didn't really laugh in an evil way at the U.S. (maybe he really did), but McFarland mentioned that Khrushchev said in a speech that the U.S. would someday raise the red flag (communism) over themselves. I can imagine McFarland boiling into some rage and his blood pressure rising at the mere thought of Khrushchev's speech and the fact that not every American shared McFarland's points of view on life. I'm sure everyone knows what happened after this LP was released. You can say that the opposite took place instead.


Tracklisting:

Side 1

1. Are We Raising the Red Flag Over Ourselves? side 1 {27:32}

Side 2

1. Are We Raising the Red Flag Over Ourselves? side 2 part 1 {19:43}

2. Are We Raising the Red Flag Over Ourselves? side 2 part 2 {6:03}

Note: side 2 is broken into two parts because at one point the needle gets stuck in a groove; the stuck part lasted well over a minute and I had to gently nudge the needle forward

Cecil Todd - Wake Up America!

Cecil Todd - Wake Up America!

released on LP in 1975 or 1976

Like Jack Van Impe and his album in the last post, America in Prophecy, which was released around the same time as this LP, Cecil Todd is predicting doom and gloom for the USA. Unlike Van Impe, Cecil Todd does not mention anything about prophecy or hope in the end.

The album's cover and back cover says that this was recorded at a patriotic rally. Cecil preached at this rally about America's possible downfall because like 19 other nations or empires that once were mighty, America will fall because of all of the decadence that is taking place. Alcoholism, gambling, wife swapping, prostitution, and other similar enjoyable activities are increasing. Cecil emphatically claims that no one cares that these activities are on the rise. Also, Cecil tries to tie these in with illegal activities which he claims are increasing too. It sounds like the things that are legal to a degree (drinking, gambling, wife swapping) should be classified as illegal in the same group as murder and robbery.

Interestingly on side 1, Cecil does not blame these things on atheists, communists, or secular socialists. He hardly mentions them on side 1. On side 2, Cecil does talk about atheists. He says that they were successful in taking religious indoctrination out of taxpayer-funded public schools. At one point, he goes into a rant because Madalyn Murray O'Hair (perhaps the most notable atheist ever) was not too happy that some astronaut read from the Bible while in outer space. He points out that those commie nations and in general foreign nations won't cause America to fall, the downfall of America is coming from within (which I do seriously agree that the downfall of America will come from within). He thinks some people "want to take God out of America" and is afraid they'll succeed. Cecil never explicitly makes the connection between atheists and those fun things like gambling, drinking, promiscuous sex, but it seems to be implied I suppose.

Because of those immoral activities and atheism, Cecil says that America will lose its freedoms. I'm not sure how American freedom would be preserved by not allowing people to do things that could be interpreted as immoral but still legal or things that preachers don't like people to do. Is that what happens in other countries that do not have freedom where people are not allowed to do certain things or participate in activities because the rulers or governments say so? I'm not exactly getting the impression that Cecil Todd really understands the principles that make America a nice place to live (compared to most other countries) then again he is another guy that thinks that the founding fathers say that America is a Christian only nation.

The end of the album has a performance of Gospel music by The Gospel Lads.



Tracklisting:

Side 1

1. Wake Up America! side 1 {16:31}

Side 2

1. Wake Up America! side 2 {16:43}

Jack Van Impe - America in Prophecy

Jack Van Impe - America in Prophecy

released on LP

The first share on this blog was an album by Jack Van Impe. I thought it would be fitting if year #4 of the Basement starts out with something by Jack Van Impe.

On this album released probably in 1976 (notably America's bicentennial year), Jack tries to make the case that America was predicted as a political Babylon in the Bible although America is not explicitly mentioned (just as Hilton Sutton claimed that the Bible predicted important biblical events involving America). Back then, things were not so great. According to Jack, there was a rise in crimes, drug use, gambling, pornography and other immoral behavior and a decline in moral values. Naturally, the blame was placed on folks such as athiests, intellectuals, the public school system for no longer teaching religion including the Christian version of the creation story, those who create and implement sex education classes in schools, anyone who is pro-choice, anyone who accepts evolution as fact, homosexuals, and just about anyone else who doesn't agree with Jack's line of thought. Most of the time, Jack talks about how these people allegedly have contributed to America's decline.

Then comes the part that America is supposed to be in decline after all because it's predicted in the Bible. That's what Jack says. The state of the world is awful, but instead of trying to come up with ways to make the world a better place, all one has to do is wait for the Rapture. It could happen any moment now where a lot of people will be magically transported from this world full of problems to Heaven. I guess it was already supposed to happen in the 1970s if Jack's sermon is any indication. It's 2011, 35 years later, things are still not so great and still no Rapture. But it still could occur, right. I guess we have to be patient.

When the Rapture does take place, that is when the Antichrist will start to take over America and the rest of the world and rule with an iron fist for seven years. Then Christ is supposed to come back by defeating the Antichrist and his evil forces. Afterwards, the world that we know will become a blissful wonderful place free of problems such as robberies, gambling, drug use, sex education classes, etc. and likely free of those intellectuals, secular socialists, Darwinists (i.e. those who accept evolution), homos, and other undesirables. So does anyone who was raptured get to come back to Earth when Christ returns? America sounds like a depressing place to be when one listens to Jack's sermon. It sounds worse than it actually was (or is). Yet, Jack tries to be reassuring that if you're a good person, you won't have to be around when shit gets worse. Thanks Jack for another moment of terror and comfort at the same time.


Tracklisting:

Side One

1. America in Prophecy side one {24:33}

Side Two

1. America in Prophecy side two {23:50}

Tom Vu video clips

Come in. We're still having our birthday/anniversary party here in the Basement. There's a little cake and ice cream left. It's all chocolate, of course.

While I've been celebrating, I've been watching some inspirational video clips of a rich gentleman named Tom Vu. As you have seen from the video clip in the previous post, Tom wants to help people make money by conducting seminars explaining how he was able to make his millions and people can use his techniques to make millions too. He put out an infomercial back in the late 1980s advertising his services while displaying some of his possessions. Tom may have asked some of his female friends (which is quite notable that they conform to society's standards of beauty enabling them to have confidence for them to wear only bikinis) to help out on his infomercial just by hanging around with him. (Most likely, what really happened is that he paid them handsomely).

Tom Vu apparently made a killing in real estate investments especially from bankruptcies and foreclosures. He was able to buy yachts, cars, mansions, "waterfalls", polo shirts, etc. According to his infomercial, Tom used to be poor where he grew up with 9 siblings. Tom held low-status, low-paying jobs including one where he worked at a country club which he tells about in the video clip below. Then Tom ended up where he was because he is such a hard worker. I believe that Tom retired from real estate investing and is now a professional poker player. I also heard rumors that he's still doing real estate investments particularly with condos in Las Vegas.

The video clip below this paragraph is just Tom all by his lonesome. No young women in bikinis are present. It's just Tom by one of his luxury cars and in front of his "waterfall" installed in his front yard. Tom explains how he was determined to be successful. As mentioned already, Tom asked some old rich guy how he got rich and how Tom too can become rich. The old rich guy told Tom three words that is the secret to success. Of course, Tom does not tell what are those three words. Instead, Tom says that he will only tell those three words at one of his seminars. Tom goes on to say that his friends and strangers thought he was crazy for trying to be successful, to be rich. Those people who doubted Tom are losers while Tom is a winner. It seems he got some new friends when he became successfully rich.



The second video clip below this paragraph is more of Tom's infomercial. This time his friends, the women in bikinis, are in full display. Tom tries to inspire the viewers with his success stories and advertises his seminars. Tom says his course is not the same as everybody else's. If he brought along his friends in bikinis to his seminars, then he would be definitely be right. (I wonder if he actually did just that.)



I also have these clips and a few others available for the taking if anyone wants to watch these on their mp3/video players or not have to be connected online.

There will be the usual oddball LPs, tapes, and maybe CDs and Internet finds forthcoming. There's some "good" stuff in the pipeline. Also, sometime in the next few months, I may upload some videos myself from my collection rather than just posting other peoples' video uploads that are on YouTube. BTW, thanks to the folks who originally posted these video clips.

Tracklisting: (link will be back soon)

1. tom vu [waterfall clip in this post] {2:20}

2. Tom Vu commercial {4:51}

3. Tom Vu and his babes [clip from previous post] {1:39}

4. Tom Vu - another clip (with music) [also in this post] {3:20}

A Basement of Curiosities is Three Years Old!

I was hoping to gain fame and fortune as well as meeting a lot of hot chicks doing this blog. My pockets have not gotten fatter and I certainly am not famous (as I didn't think those things would happen anyway), but the big disappointment is that I have not met any hot chicks during my 3 years doing this blog. I have not even met any chicks who claims she is a hot chick but is really the opposite of hot. I don't get it. I'm charming and amazingly handsome and I have a blog plus I have a car that works. I would think that would be all I need. I am wrong. Perhaps I need to be like the guy in the video clip above this paragraph. He sure has a lot of babes hanging around with him. He seems to be charming and handsome. Interestingly, he also is wealthy which I guess he's generous enough to conduct seminars to teach people how to make boatloads of money like he has done.

However in all seriousness, I did meet quite a number of nice, interesting, funny, smart, and probably good-looking people during my 3 years running A Basement of Curiosities. First, I would like to thank all of the wonderful folks who kindly gave "love donations" to me for this blog during this blog's existence. (Yeah, I'm calling them "love donations". That's what Paul Crouch and his TBN (Trinity Broadcasting Network) station calls them so that must be okay.) I enjoy sending out "love gifts" to people over the webs (that's what Paul Crouch and TBN calls them too). The love gifts will keep coming and hopefully a few more love donations will come my way. That way, the love donations usually become love gifts to you all.

I would like to also thank all of the visitors to the blog. Without you all, this endeavor is just something to amuse myself with which is only fun for a short period of time. Of course, I do hope that this blog is inspirational and educational to you too. ;)

If I haven't already said it, happy new year to all of you and may your wishes come true in 2011. (Hopefully they will, cause the world's ending next year, right.)

Paul Scheele - Deep Relaxation

Paul Scheele - Deep Relaxation

cassette released in 1993

*note: both sides of the cassette are the same

Are you being stressed out by the holiday season (shopping for gifts, visiting relatives or being lonely because there's no family and friends available, being constantly bombarded by Xmas music, pressure to celebrate accordingly, etc.)? In the spirit of generosity by yours truly, I am offering this item to help you relax from all of the pressures of the holiday season. Yes, this is another present from me to you.

This is not anything subliminal, this is what is called "paraliminal" as the cover says. Dictionary.com nor any other similar dictionary-type site does not give a definition of this term "paraliminal". Apparently "paraliminal" is where a soothing voice can be heard. Then sometime later, two soothing voices from the same person are heard as what happens around the 21-minute mark of the recording. I think it sounds cool and it is my favorite part of the tape. The voice on the tape is by Paul Scheele, founder of an organization called Learning Strategies Corporation. He has produced and released many other "paraliminal" tapes focusing on self-improvement topics.
When you're finished listening to this tape, you should feel refreshed. That's what Mr. Scheele in his calm soothing voice says, so it shall be.

A few tips are provided in the liner notes. They include:

* Use stereo headphones. (If you are using a monaural tape player, place it at your left side.)
* Be in a place without distractions. [Duh.]
* Do not listen to this tape while driving or operating machinery. [Duh.]
* Sit or lie back in a comfortable position when listening.
* Give your attention to the tape. [Duh.]
* Do not force concentration.
* Relax as deeply as you like. You may move on to anything else whenever you desire by simply opening your eyes.
* At times two voices will be speaking simultaneously. At times they may seem to move. [Told you it sounds cool.] It is best not to follow the words of each voice, but go with the flow, rhythm and movement of the voices and sounds.
* HAVE FUN! [Does this mean I should play this at a party? The thought never occurred to me to relax and have fun at the same time.]

I hope all of you have a joyful and deeply relaxing Xmas and/or holidays.

Tracklisting:

1. Deep Relaxation {32:49}

various artists compilation - The V/Vm Christmas Cracker

various artists compilation - The V/Vm Christmas Cracker

released in 2000

More lovely Xmas music here to warm your heart and soul. It features "appearances" by Wham, Queen, and Gary Glitter. There's also a heart-stirring rendition of that Band Aid song "Feed the World" or whatever it's called.

Tracklisting:

Side A

1. Banned Aid with Jansky Noise - Do They Know It's Christmas Time? {4:20}

2. V/Vm with Rodd Dodd and Wham! - Last Christmas I Gave You a Heart {4:36}

Side B

1. V/Vm with Garry's Glitter - Another Cuban Rock 'n' Roll Christmas {4:33}

2. Butcher Claws with Queen - Thank Pig It's Christmas {4:16}

various artists compilation - Stuffing

various artists compilation - Stuffing

7" vinyl released in 1998

Yet another set of heartwarming music from those fine folks who released the items featured in the last two posts. I love Xmas and I love to give. That is why I love Xmas. [I also happen to love receiving :) ] So why do people want to wage war on Xmas? Why do they hate Xmas trees and ornaments? Why do they hate large gatherings or parties with lots of people and lots of delicious yet unhealthy food? Why do they hate the joy of shopping for gifts by hastily grabbing those things before that damn fool with the overloaded cart does? Why do they hate the joy of giving gifts to loved ones or those weirdos who happen to be loved ones? Why do they hate colorful displays of lights? Why do they hate Xmas music? Why do they hate Santa who blesses all of us with his blessings? What did he ever do to them? I just don't understand people. I suppose that these people decided to engage in subversive behavior by getting jobs as managers at retail establishments so they can order their hired help to say "happy holidays" to shoppers instead of "Merry Xmas."

We here at the Basement support Xmas and will defend it against all heathens and scrooges just to let you know. That is why I have been posting Xmas music every December this blog has been in existence and will try to keep posting Xmas music every December so that people can rejoice.

Tracklisting:

Side A

1. V/Vm - Christmas Stuffing Fanfare {0:30}

2. V/Vm - Santa Claws is Conning Your Town {2:33}

3. The Jon Matthy Quartet - The World is Waiting for Misery and Suffering Forever {0:30}

4. The Stranger - In the Bleak Mid-Winter {1:54}

5. Leon and Hits Ask >> - Who Gobbled Gobleys Wobblers Wobbler?? {0:26}

6. The Eggnog Chorus - Dog Ye Rest Gentlemen Merry {1:12}

Side B

1. Bored in Columbia - Dreaming of Turkey and Ham {0:32}

2. Alien Porno Midgets - Ding-Dong Merrily We're High (Altitude) {2:13}

3. Butcher Claws - Come Ride My Slay {0:24}

4. Animal - Last Kristmas* You Burst All My Warts,, {2:35}

5. Derek Plays Pops - The Gringo Bouncing_Butcher Jingle Balls {1:36}

various artists compilation - Turkey

various artists compilation - Turkey

7" vinyl released in 1998

Here's another heartwarming set of Xmas music from the same folks behind the Whine and Missingtoe compilation I posted yesterday. Be sure to play this when you gather with your friends and family to celebrate Xmas or one of those other darn holidays. They will love you again if you happen to be out of favor with them or they will love you even more if they already love you.
Tracklisting:

Side A

1. V/Vm - Christmas Turkey Fanfare {0:13}

2. Electronic Fly Symphony - Born of the Meat, From Heaven to Hell * The First Noel {1:50}

3. Stock, Hausen & Walkman - Simply {1:58}

4. People Like Us - Christmas Show [edit] {1:31}

5. The Stable feat. The Two Wise Men from Bethlehem - Once in Royal David's Cattle Shed {1:57}

Side B

1. V/Vm - What's in Our Christmas Stocking? {0:34}

2. Broxburn and the Xmas Guards - Please Stop the Butchering {0:55}

3. The Eggnog Chorus - Deck the Halls with Mince and Holly {0:22}

4. Butcher Claus - Merry Xmas Bastard {2:32}

5. The Bouncing Bucephalus Bellringers from Brinningt - Christmas Bells Interlude {0:47}

6. Stock, Hausen & Walkman with Arfer Daley and Terry Mk (Can S) - 'Er Indoors {1:29}

7. V/Vm - Pull Our Christmas Cracker {0:33}

various artists compilation - Whine and Missingtoe

various artists compilation - Whine and Missingtoe

7" vinyl released in 1997; CD reissue released in 2001

This is the CD reissue.

I'm back just in time for the Xmas (or holiday for you heathens) season. I hope all of you are doing well in your lives. I'm glad that school is at an end for this semester. It seems like my professors were trying to wear me out plus I've been learning a lot at my full-time job.

Anyway, I'm here to spread some Christmas cheer and joy especially with what's been happening on the nets lately especially for us sharity blogs. A lot of them have been shutting down with most of them taken down by the powers that be (whom I'm sure are rich, successful, powerful, glutinous, and greedy). That is a depressing turn of events piled on top of what's happening in the world.

Some of you may not be familiar with this one, but that is part of my mission here at the Basement to introduce you to new things you've never heard or seen. Here's another delightful set of tunes you can add to your annual Christmas music playlist. This is some heartwarming music that will be a part of that tradition to celebrate the one and only St. Nick (a.k.a. Santa Claus) who blesses us with his blessings.

Tracklisting:

1. V/Vm - Erald Hark Angel {2:28}

2. Hell Interface - Soylent Night {3:26}

3. Butcher Claus - A Sprig of Holly on the Electric Turbine {1:33}

4. Animal - Oil Come All Ye Industrial {3:53}

5. Professor Broxburn - Christmas Fractions and Brandy Snaps {2:09}

6. V/Vm - Xmas Live-Show 1997 {1:54}

7. V/Vm - Pipes of Peace Christmas 2001 {3:48}

The Jimmy Heap Show featuring Ken Idaho - Laff Clinic

The Jimmy Heap Show featuring Ken Idaho - Laff Clinic

released on LP (no date given)

Well, here's the last one of the bunch that I found at the recent local library sale. I believe there are a few more Heap/Idaho/Sex to Sexty albums out there. If anyone wants to kindly hook me up with any of those, drop me a note in the comments section.

From the liner notes:

Dear Fans:

Today medical science has come up with a pill for just about everything and they are wonderful. Even the birth control pills are changing a lot of won'ts into will's, and since there are so many Child Brides they even have the "Candy Coated Birth Control Pill." They've got pills to get up by and pills to go to bed by and even a new tranquilizer that doesn't calm you down but makes you enjoy being tense. Even the old people are getting a helping gland with the Monkey Gland and the Goat Gland or you can play it safe and get one of each just in case you are monkeying around and just happen to butt into something. Doctors are even changing men into women and women into men or half-and-half for the do-it-yourselfers, but we are proud to announce that we the first with a "Laff Clinic."

In this album Grandpa Flewhardy pays us another visit and he's still got that gleem in his eyes but he finds out it's just the sun reflecting off his bifocals.

Jukebox in the Bedroom is a story of a man and his "Beef Stew Marriage." His wife Beefs and he's always Stewed. He hires a Topless Waitress and finds out that the best things in life comes in pairs.

Peabody's Pills: They don't contain feathers and X-Lax but they'll still tickle the stuff out of you.

Beat Saint Nick is a routine about Santa's Swinging Helper who thinks a Trip Around the World is a form of making love while on L.S.D.

Percy Fillrod is a mixed up fellow that just "Blew" into town but when they try to take him into the Army they have to separate the men from the boys with a crowbar.

Dr. Seamore Rumps is a story about a friendly neighborhood doctor that dabbles in medicine and any other thing that might be in his office at the time.

We hope that this album will be as much fun as your favorite girlfriend, so lay it down and give it a spin. (Ken Idaho)
Tracklisting:  (link coming back soon)

Side 1

1. Grandpa Flewhardy {5:43}

2. Jukebox in the Bedroom {7:06}

3. Peabody's Pills {8:29}

Side 2

1. Beat St. Nick {8:17}

2. Percy Fillrod {7:01}

3. Dr. Seamore Rumps {6:31}

The Jimmy Heap Show featuring Ken Idaho - Laff-a-Rammer

The Jimmy Heap Show featuring Ken Idaho - Laff-a-Rammer

released on LP (no date given)

From the liner notes:

Dear Fans, Here we go again with our Sex to Sexty album. I've heard it said that the third time is a charm, well there's nothing charming about "Laff-A-Rammer", it's a Riot. (Riot: That's a sex maniac turned loose in a Cat House with a credit card.) So why not invite in your friendly neighborhood sex maniac and put on this album and you're in for a complete evening of "Laff-A-Rammer". If an old prude should drop by, forget it, hide the record. If you can't find a place to hide it then sit on it. This album may not be as good as sex but if you sit on it, it will be the next [best] thing to it. Get the gang together and play it for them, they'll get a bang out of it.

In this album Grandpa Flewhardy celebrates his 50th wedding anniversary. He goes all out but ends up all in. "Just Plain Crazy" is a song and story about a boy who meets a girl who tries to take him for everything. She thinks he's a real bargain because he's 50 per cent off but she ends up in the hole. "Snow White" is a story about an oversexed girl who woke up every morning feeling like a new man and got eight. In "Drunk Again" I portray a man suffering from bottle fatigue and proves that life is full of Urps and Downs. "Almost Persuaded" is a song about a girl who stays that way to keep from getting that way. The Nudist Colony was written in a nudist colony and it took a lot of poise. Poise: A man in a nudist colony that doesn't raise anything but an eyebrow.

This record may get scratchy like the record of life but you can have a lot of fun if you keep your needle in the groove. (Ken Idaho)

Tracklisting:  (link coming back soon)

Side 1

1. Grandpa's Anniversary {8:38}

2. Just Plain Crazy {7:31}

3. Snow White {6:53}

Side 2

1. Drunk Again {9:40}

2. Almost Persuaded {3:18}

3. The Nudist Colony {7:55}

The Jimmy Heap Show featuring Ken Idaho - Laff Fun-tier

The Jimmy Heap Show featuring Ken Idaho - Laff Fun-tier

released on LP (no date given)

This may or may not be the 2nd album put out by Jimmy Heap, Ken Idaho, and Sex to Sexty. More raunchy humor including Idaho's unique versions of the fairy tales, Cinderella and Red Riding Hood.

The liner notes provide some interesting tidbits about Jimmy Heap:

On the road with the Jimmy Heap Show is one big ball with seven of the greatest guys you'll ever meet. But that is to be expected because they work for the greatest boss man in the business, "Jimmy Heap". In all of his twenty years in the music business Jim has never fired anyone. He expects a night's work out of his band members and that's what he gets. [Apparently, Jimmy never had to go Buddy Rich on anyone.] That is why when you see the Jimmy Heap Show there is never a dull moment. A weekly rehearsal of songs and show routines keeps the band up to date on the latest songs in every field of music, with seven vocalists to sing the songs to give you variety in listening and watching pleasure. If you get a chance to see this sow, don't miss it, it's the show that everyone is talking about.

Credits from the back cover:

Jimmy Heap - guitar
Bill Glendening - bass
Butter Ball Harris - steel guitar
Ken Idaho - violin and saxophone
Butch Keith - trumpet
Lee Roy Eichler - drums
Johnny McMurtray - guitar


Tracklisting:  (link coming back soon)

Side 1

1. Grandpa Flewhardy {5:04}

2. Giddy Up A Go Go {6:13}

3. Cinderella {8:48}

Side 2

1. Little Brown Shack {10:50}

2. Little Red Riding Hood {6:47}

The Jimmy Heap Show featuring Ken Idaho - Laugh Potion

The Jimmy Heap Show featuring Ken Idaho - Laugh Potion

released on LP (no date given)

When I was sifting through the boxes of records at the most recent local library sale, I noticed an album cover with illustrations and the words "sex to sexty" on it. Then I saw a few others like it and grabbed those too. I figured they had to be worth checking out and there was something familiar sounding about "sex to sexty", but I couldn't recall what it was. Besides, I already went through a few other boxes and didn't find anything remotely interesting, just the usual boring pop and easy listening records everyone used to own along with Firestone Christmas albums. I finally found some potentially worthwhile stuff with these albums. Overall, it was not a great night at the library sale. I found just a few other good records and checked out.

I listened to most of the stuff on these LPs and I was laughing a lot although this stuff is a bit beneath my sensibilities. I learned that Jimmy Heap was a band leader who wrote and performed country and western music. He seems to be most remembered for writing a hit song called "The Wild Side of Life". Then apparently while out in Las Vegas, Jimmy Heap thought that he needed to add comedy to his act. He found a guy named Ken Idaho who not only could play the violin and saxophone, he was also a comic who specialized in raunchy or bawdy comedy routines. (Ken Idaho's real name is Ken Alderhold.) The comedy act became a hit and Heap and Idaho teamed up with a humor magazine called Sex to Sexty and released several albums on Heap's label Fame Records (which Heap started in the mid 1950s after leaving Capitol Records). Sex to Sexty was vaguely familiar. I think I may have sneaked a peak at an old issue or two at some used merchandise shop when I was a kid. Sex to Sexty often put out issues from 1965 to 1983 and I'm sure you can guess what subject the magazine focused on. (There is even a book released that has all of the covers from the magazine.)

Read more at these sources about Jimmy Heap, Ken Idaho, and Sex to Sexty which most of the info came from and used in the above paragraph:

Vintage Sleaze
Jimmy Heap interview with Ray Campi
Answers.com biography of Jimmy Heap

This particular LP may or may not have been the first one put out by Heap, Idaho, and Sex to Sexty. I am going by the catalog number and it is the lowest one of these albums I have. Three of the tracks are renditions of three popular tunes and the other one is a routine with Heap and Idaho about the game of golf. This one, as is the case with all of these albums I have, is a party album with "adults only" type of humor including double entendres and dick jokes. In other words, it delivers entertainment and we don't have enough of it in our lives, right.

The band members credited on the back cover:

Jimmy Heap - "leader", guitar
Bill Glendening - bass
Butter Ball Harris - steel guitar
Ken Idaho - violin and saxophone
Ken Frazier - guitar
Butch Keith - trumpet
Lee Roy Eichler - drums

Tracklisting:  (link coming back soon)

Side 1

1. Henry the VIII {6:33}

2. Golf Game {7:33}

Side 2

1. See the Big Man Cry {5:02}

2. Love Potion No. 9 {8:44}