We’re happy to report that the Ullage Group now owns a functional 1932 Violet Ray Generator.  One of your founders (Doug) and charter member Dr. Mamie Caton bought the device at an antique store in upstate New York.  We tested it before purchase; the spectacle of four clueless adults trying to work a potentially broken and/or dangerous electroshock machine struck me as a chilling indictment of American education.  That stuff on the glass electrode has been cleaned off, and it seems to be working.  It’s now in the hands of your other founder (Anthony), and may appear in future events.

Speaking of which, our next event is slated for May 18, at Jalopy.  It will be called “Microlithomania,” and will focus on unusual stones smaller than megaliths.  More details will follow.

The series of children’s card games will continue indefinitely; we plan to post a fresh specimen every Friday.  We hope to showcase those with imaginative and arresting graphics; feedback is welcome.

We’ve also acquired a large collection of stereoscopic slides from the early 1950s.  Doug and charter member Lisa Hirschfield found them at a Manhattan flea market, and immediately saw their ullagistic possibilities.  There are about 300 of them; the subjects include middle-aged couples standing in front of buildings, children on lawns scowling at adults, formally dressed diners enjoying fruit cups, and other precious documents of daily life.  They will soon be examined by stereoscopic specialists Greg Dinkins and Anthony Matt.

A DVD of the puppet shows and videos Doug did with Michael Smith in the ’90s has been released by 2nd Cannons.  You can now learn how to mix Doug and Mike’s signature cocktail, the Gibsonetto, while lounging at home in your underwear.  Human progress is slow, but heartening. 

(Posted by Doug Skinner)