The Lost Civilization of Lemuria

This book by Frank Joseph details much of the evidence that suggests the ancient civilization of Mu (named "Lemuria" by the Greeks). Released in 2006, the information is up to date and includes a lot of new archeological findings and information.

While Churchward started all of this back after the turn of the 19-20th centuries, his information was mainly heresay and unusual circumstances. Joseph expands on that with real science findings, cultural studies, and more.

Tying together Chinese, Japanese, South American, and Pacific Islander cultures as well as some hitherto unexplained stuff like Easter Island. This book is well written and documented, though I prefer in-line documentation rather than end-notes.

At any rate, it's an excellent read and full of great information. Be prepared to concentrate, take notes, and go online to find out more.

I highly recommend this book!

Supernatural

Graham Hancock's latest is a great read. This book, while being similar to his other books, is on a subject hitherto unexplored in great detail by other authors. While many authors look at ancient prehistory and alternative archaeology, as Hancock has done, few look at the subject of shamanism and religion as it may have evolved along with those civilizations.

Hancock begins by detailing his first experience with a hallucinogen that shamans in South America use (derived from a mixture of local plants) to induce a trance. This is how he begins his journey, which actually started much earlier (this was, in true Tarantino style, actually the END of his journey).

The basic premise is this: around 35,000 years ago, man began painting in caves and making religious-themed art items. Before that, nothing. Yet man has been, according to mainstream archeology, on the planet in our present physical form for over 100,000 years. So what about the other 2/3 of our history? What were we doing?

Hancock's premise is that the breakthrough was hallucinations. More specifically, shamanism--the oldest known religion type. The idea is that these seeds and a whole host of related things built what we recognize now as a whole host of separate phenomenon: hallucinations, aliens, polymorphism, etc.

This is probably Hancock's best work so far and I highly recommend it to everyone. Very eye-opening, whether you agree with the premise or not.

Planet Earth (BBC dvd)

One of the greatest nature documentaries of all time, for sure, bar none. This series is breathtaking, informative, interesting, and is something that everyone will enjoy. From polar bears to the Serengheti in Africa. From birds to fish. Everything is in this series and it's all captured in beautiful HD camera shots.

They spent months filming in various parts of the world: from helicopters, off boats, in Jeeps, and more. The result is an awesome display of nature in all its different aspects, various forms, and differing climates.

I can't come up with enough adjectives to describe how much I enjoy these films. The five-disc set is worth having, for sure, and you'll probably end up getting the next set as well. AWESOME!

Secret Societies (DVD)

This is a DVD from Philip Gardiner, who is well-known in the "conspiracy" world for his studies of ancient/secret societies and the various groups and forms they've taken, such as the Illuminati and the Knights Templar.

This movie is kind of the overview or the holistic look at all of these societies he's delved into and is basically the History Channel documentary Gardiner did a couple of years ago.

Sadly, it's barely an overview and is even shallow for just being that. Very little proof, information, or even naming of names is proffered here. Just a slow, historical view of most of the already-well-known groups like the Freemasons and Knights Templar. Nothing new or interesting here unless you don't know much about the secret societies that have existed or currently exist.

This is probably a good start for the novice or those brand new to the genre of "Illuminati" or "conspiracy" thinking. Otherwise, skip it. There's a reason this sells through Reader's Digest and Publisher's Clearinghouse...

Snatch (movie)

This movie is one of the best flicks I've seen in a very long time. It stars some pretty recognizeable names like Jason Statham and Brad Pitt. Despite all this star power, it manages to be a great movie with a hilarious plot line and sequences of events.

It features London underworld characters like Boris the Blade, Frankie Four-Fingers, Bullettooth Tony, and more. A lengthy explanation of how many dead people a group of pigs can eat in how much time and, thus, why you should beware of any man who keeps pigs highlights this movie's wittier moments.

This is one of the greatest movies I've seen, bar none, and is definitely worth owning on DVD so you can watch it, the outtakes, the extra scenes, and loan it to your less enlightened friends. Awesome.

Half Baked (movie)

This is one of my favorite comedies of all time. It's definitely a classic and ranks up there with Cheech & Chong's Up in Smoke for greatness. Why?

Dave Chappelle is one of the funniest comedians I've seen in a very long time. The rest of the cast are all awesome too, with great comedy from Harlan Williams and Jim Breuer. These guys are hilarious.

The movie is pretty basic in its plot line, in so far as having your best friend get arrested as a cop killer for feeding munchies to a diabetic police horse plots go.

I bought this movie on DVD and find myself watching it every so often. Even after two dozen views, it's still funny. I definitely highly recommend this movie to anyone who likes to laugh and isn't all hung up on marijuana's legalities.