Robots Prepare To Torch Harry Houdini

Several people have sent me this link, and that is because they, and it, are awesome: the trailer for a new DVD of Harry Houdini’s film career. Gizmodo declares, based on this evidence, that “Houdini was the first person ever to fight a robot on film.” I think they mean to say, “the first person to fight a robot in a fictional film”–but now I’ve said too much. Click through for hot Houdini on robot action plus a couple of stern looks and many death-defying stunts. Eat your heart out, Gene Autry!

Cross-posted from Old is the New New. Comments welcome.

Au Clair de la Lune

Feast your ears on the oldest known sound recording–from 17 years before Edison’s phonograph. (Via Corn Chips & Pie.)

Cross-posted from Old is the New New. Comments welcome.