

James Whale’s Manifesto

The UK is going to hell in a handcart. At least, that’s what James Whale thinks, so he’s taking matters into his own hands. Ladies and gentleman of the electorate, brace yourselves for James Whale’s Manifesto: Getting Britain Back on Track in 2012. In each episode, the outspoken broadcaster will be throwing down the gauntlet to a trio of opinionated guests to thrash out solutions to the country’s woes, from healthcare to housing, from economics to unemployment. An audio-jolt to jump-start the system, a hangover cure for political apathy, a slap in the face for a weary democracy- would James Whale get your vote?

The Splendid Table is radio's preeminent food program, airing on more than 300 public radio stations in the United States. Host Lynne Rossetto Kasper and producer Sally Swift create this award-winning program that explores the entire spectrum of food: from cheese making to finding wine bargains to the science of a great cup of coffee great to the best little greasy spoons in America.

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Each episode we tackle a topic that influences the way we view ourselves and the world. We hear from a variety of people: from scientists and philosophers to everyday people who are impacted by the topic. 

Subscribe to The Sporkful podcast wherever you listen. Hosted by Dan Pashman. We obsess about food to learn more about people!

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Mango Muffs – Active from 1985-1990

Mango Muffs founded by Blinky Nichols, “The Rodge,” Theodore Abbott and Rex Knuckles in March of 1985 shortly after attending a Black Flag performance in their hometown of Huntington Beach, CA. The band members were drawn together after an incident involving Blinky, “The Rodge” and Black Flag lead singer Henry Rollins: when an extreme surge from the moshpit propelled Blinky onto the stage, Rollins subsequently punched the young man in the stomach and handed him the microphone. Blinky, in a supreme state of punk ecstasy, pulled his own eyes out and continued to scream the lyrics for an impressive 15 seconds before succumbing to blood loss and thus shock. “The Rodge,” then jumped on stage to aid his lifelong best friend and in the process pissed his pants. Theodore Abbott and Rex Knuckles were also in attendance that night and were compelled to start the “gnarliest punk band there ever was with these two crazy motherfuckers.” 

Inspired by Rex Knuckles penchant for redheaded prostitutes, the burgeoning band decided to name themselves Mango Muffs. Blinky Nichols assaulted lead vocals, “The Rodge” raged on guitar, Theodore Abbott plunked the bass and Rex Knuckles bashed away at the drum kit. Mango Muffs performed primarily in the Southern California punk scene and gained a small yet dedicated following. In 1987 they recorded a 4-minute EP, entitled Bathing In Salt, which contained the song “Brain Slug,” which is featured on our anthropological anthology. After their experiences creating Bathing In Salt they vowed that, “recording was gay and we’re not doing it again...” They continued to focus on their machine-gun-fire live performances that usually lasted between 10-12 minutes, though sometimes featuring more than 20 songs. 

Tragically, an auto accident in the early morning hours of Christmas Day 1990 resulted in the untimely deaths of “The Rodge,” Theodore Abbott and Rex Knuckles. After a fairly successful performance at the Los Angeles dive-bar Scud’s Place, the band dropped Blinky Nichols off at his grandmother’s house in the downtown area. The three remaining band members decided to celebrate and picked up a large number of 40 ounce malt beverages to enjoy while cruising about the town. Sometime around 3:30 in the morning “The Rodge” passed out from alcohol consumption and lost total control of the band’s van, which subsequently careened into the nearby La Brea Tar-Pits. Within minutes the Ford Econoline van sank completely into the mire and all three band members lost their lives. According to toxicology reports from the LA County coroner, strangely Rex Knuckles passed away 15 minutes before the tragic auto accident. It was found that he had ingested 40 ounces of gasoline that the LA Police Department believes to have been replaced in lieu of his malt beverage as a practical joke by the two other band members. 

Blinky Nichols was devastated by the loss yet found some grain of peace in the fact that they, “died in a gnarly punk way.” Following the fatal accident, Blinky stopped making music and opted to place his loyalties elswhere. From 1997 to 2009, he was the teacher of mentally challenged students at Shady Grove Elementary School in Bakersfield, CA. Blinky unexpectedly passed away in March of 2009 after failing to receive treatment for what was later discovered to be undiagnosed and untreated prostate cancer. While still alive, Blinky was quoted saying, “Mango Muffs never broke up, three of its member just fucking died.”

Founded in 1996, Vagrant Records is currently the home to: The 1975, Active Child, Albert Hammond Jr., Alexander, AlunaGeorge, Bad Suns, Benjamin Francis Leftwich, Black Joe Lewis, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Blitzen Trapper, Bombay Bicycle Club, Circa Waves, CRUISR, DIVE IN, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, The Elected, Fossil Collective, French Kicks, James Vincent McMorrow, John Gold, Justin Townes Earle, Letts, Mark Lanegan, Maudlin Strangers, Mayer Hawthorne, PJ Harvey, Placebo, Rogue Wave, School of Seven Bells, Wake Owl and WATERS.

A complex distillation of classic punk rock, Celtic folk and American rock'n'roll, the albums put the band's diversity, intensity and sincerity on full display.

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