You know who this is? Hmmm...she kinda looks like Janet Jackson. You're so close.
It's a video still from Rebbie Jackson's "Centipede." A song that probably no one remembers except for me. Released in 1984, on the coattails of brother Michael, the album was "written, arranged and produced by Michael. The song also featured Jackson's famous brother on backing vocals. It reached number 4 on the Black Singles Chart and was subsequently certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America. 'Centipede' marked Michael's first effort at writing and producing since the release of his successful Thriller (1982)." Still no recollection?
How is even possible that it didn't go to number 1 you ask? The video has everything! Rolling mists! Tigers! Sequins! Cobras! Lightning bolts shooting from Rebbie's hands! You can view it here, presented for your enjoyment. This is probably one of the worst (best) videos ever made from the 80's. Completely forgettable, or possibly haunting. This song has been on my mind lately. As the video states, it's a "treasured masterpiece. A portrait of a woman with true romance and beauty." Still, one has to wonder why they tried to make the idea of a centipede sexy, when actually they are repulsive.
Do not confuse this "centipede" with the upcoming film "The Human Centipede: First Cycle," a completely unnecessary horror film about a crazed surgeon who specializes in separating siamese twins. Instead of using his skills for good, he realizes his dreams of creating a human centipede by connecting his victims together with one continuous digestive system. GROSS. I wouldn't recommend searching for trailers or further information on this soon-to-be-released gem, but if you do, be warned. (Mom if you are reading this PLEASE don't go there. It's really bad." The poster alone is enough to make me want to run for the hills. And look forward to a sequel...
Which brings me to thinking about one of my favorite things—or in this case, places. A place that specializes in human anomalies. Let me introduce you to the Mütter Museum. It "was founded to educate future doctors about anatomy and human medical anomalies. Today, it serves as a valuable resource for educating and enlightening the public about our medical past and telling important stories about what it means to be human. The Mütter Museum embodies The College of Physicians of Philadelphia 's mission to advance the cause of health, and uphold the ideals and heritage of medicine."
What this translates to is one of the largest collections of medical oddities in the world. Everything you can think of medically related is here on display. Not necessarily one for young kids, the collection includes such things as:
—Chang and Eng's conjoined livers (with plaster cast of their bodies)
—The "Soap Lady": the body of a woman who's tissue was literally turend into SOAP from the soil's chemistry in her grave
—The wall of Siamese fetuses (every combination you can imagine, in jars)
—A very large collection of "things removed from patient's throats and stomachs" (my personal favorite)
—The world's largest human colon!
—The world's tallest and shortest human skeletons
Now this is a national treasure. Highly recommended. When I was there they had a special exhibit about plagues, which happens to be another favorite subject of mine. Enjoy!
