Tetherd Cow Ahead

This last week it has been my very great privilege to have experienced two extraordinarily moving works of art. The first was Bill Viola‘s heart-wrenching ‘Ocean Without a Shore’, a new permanent acquisition of the National Gallery of Victoria. Sadly, it is a large installation piece which you must visit in person to fully embrace. The next time you come to Melbourne, I’ll take you there.

The second is a little more modest but just as poignant, and was created by some dude who goes by the name of Colorpulse (and Melody Sheep). I am proud to be able to share it with you here on The Cow.

If ever anyone had any doubts that copylefting can create truly moving experiences and must be allowed and encouraged as a valid form of expression, let this wonderful observation serve as an example.

The surface of the Earth
Is the shore of the cosmic ocean
Recently we’ve waded a little way out
And the water seems inviting

Carl Sagan, we miss you.

You’ll remember that a couple of weeks back I retrieved my beautiful Big Briar Model 91C Theremin from storage for an unspecified outing… well I can reveal now that the producers of the Andrew Denton show Enough Rope had tracked me down and asked if they could borrow it for their interview with British comedian (and all-round genius) Bill Bailey, which went to air last night. They sprung the theremin on Bill unannounced, but he made a good fist of playing it (and believe me, that’s no small accomplishment). It’s not too surprising – he does use one in his stage show, albeit as a bit of a gimmick. Go here to see Bill Bailey showing the world how Zippity Doo Dah would turn out if rendered by Portishead.

Aside from all that, Bill is a bit of an authority on the history of the theremin as well, and has written about it for The Guardian.

You can see a snippet of the Enough Rope interview (unfortunately not the bit where he plays the theremin) here. And for some of Bill in the unmatchable Black Books alongside Dylan Moran, try this.

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Thanks to hewhohears for grabbing the above still frame from the show for me!

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So. It’s a hideously hot night, last night in Melbourne town, and Violet Towne and I are trying to get some sleep. Just as we finally doze off, there is an almighty explosion and flash of brilliant light right in front of our house. All the power goes out and the street is plunged into darkness. We both sit bolt upright. The night is dead silent, ringing with the echo of the sound. In a few minutes, the electronic devices in the house beep back into life and the streetlights flicker back on.

Adrenalin having propelled us from bed, we make a cursory investigation, but it’s too dark, and we go back to attempt to sleep.

This morning the grim scenario was all too clear.

At least the poor little blighter went quickly. I reckon that his soul was in cat possum heaven before his body hit the ground.

Off to get married. See you when I get back.

Well ladies, I know that ever since jedimacfan mentioned it the other day, you’ve been wondering how Cowlexâ„¢ has been progressing with their new model, the Tesla.

I’m pleased to say that all is going well, and it’s due out in the shops any day now. Cowlex is very excited about their new product. Here, let me quote from their press release:

It’s Electrifying!

Cowlexâ„¢ Industries is proud to announce their new Pleasure Product The Tesla. This elegant adult toy is lovingly crafted from the very highest quality titanium and molybdenum alloy and is guaranteed to put the sparks back into any relationship.

Turn your static love-life into a static love-life with The Tesla, and feel that old electricity again!

Not recommended for use in the bath. Batteries not included. May interfere with communications and avionic devices.

What our preview audience is saying:

☆“Ohm my God!!!” ~ Sister Veronica

☆“This has a lot of potential!” ~ Electrician’s Weekly

☆“I like it!” ~ The False Maria

☆“The best current sex toy!” ~ Fleshbutt

☆“Ow. Do it again!” ~ BDSM Review

☆“Forget the coil, get The Tesla!” ~ Wanda from Nantucket