Thursday, January 31, 2008

Super Bowl Frenzy

I love Chris Berman. I really do. This video just came out after 8 years of hiding. Apparently Chris takes his work seriously and some of the off camera crew was upsetting him.


Sick Sk8 Video Bro

Amazing slow-motion skate video intro by Spike Jonze. Thanks to Kottke for the link.

Don't get too excited



This is a tribute video to all of the classic internet fads, mostly youtube related. Supposedly this all stuff that "We've all seen one billion times" but actually I'd only seen or heard of about 60%. Admittedly, much of it isn't funny- Did anyone like Numa Numa really? But it's a great "did you miss this" compilation and it's kind of catchy to boot. It just seemed like a natural end to this experiment, since for me it was launching point into other stuff like "Chocolate Rain" or the Kubrick Audition.

Well that wraps up our little experiment- thanks to Leah, Erin, Meghan and Zoellers Pants Down for all their help. See you soon with "In Defense of Tom Cruise" and "Two perspectives on Spinozan metaphysics in Tin Cup ."

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Almost done

I've known what the last youtube post was going to be for awhile, but the second to last? not so much. These past 30 days John and I have posted videos that were largely unique and at least somewhat under the radar. I mean, there was no "evolution of dance" or anything that had over 10 million views. The goal was for 8/10 of the videso the be ones you hadn't seen and hopefully we did it right. These videos are Gi Joe parodies, which apparently made a pretty good splash on the internet long ago. I completely missed it though and when I saw these recently i was thrilled/delighted since I remember how every GI Joe episode ended with a little PSA. Always with the lesson "and knowing is half the battle." The best thing about these videos is that they don't really make fun of the GI Joe PSAs so much as they just use the videso as a springboard for funny random shit. There are tons of these but here are my faves.



Homestretch

Christian the lion was adopted by these two guys as a cub and when he got too big he was released back into the wild. After a few years they go to try and meet with him again along with several members of the media (standing safely back and expecting the worst.) Do yourself a favor and watch it.

Sunday, January 27, 2008

Still going



This news organization screw up the video of a woman who's recovering from a lightening strike and the skips make her look like a spaz. The best part is the guy's reaction though- I guess I just love seeing people trying to hold back laughter.

Saturday, January 26, 2008

Polar bear costume

This little girl is terrified of a polar bear, understandably so since the polar bear seems to be convinced her polar bear costume is the real thing. It's in a zoo so don't expect to be too disturbed but it's funny.

Thursday, January 24, 2008

Not Sure

I feel like i certainly would've put this on the blog before but I can't find it. I'll double up tomorrow if this one has been on here. Anyone?



My best guess is that this is some English instructional aerobic video. Yes i admit that's not a creative guess but it's worth a look nonetheless.

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

There is nothing better than this video

Nothing.

The Scientist and The Stairmaster



This article blew my mind. It's about exercise and weightloss and about how exercise seems to be uncorrelated. It's fascinating and a highly recommended read. I knew there was a reason I didn't exercise!

Interesting Stuff

This is the video of an experimental "anomaly" from a person trying to construct a perpetual motion machine. It's strangely riveting I thought- especially at the point where he shuts down the magnets and the device actually speeds up, despite the fact that the magnets are apparently propelling it initially.

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Back in the day

I used to collect videos on my computer because there was no youtube. You'd have to search the P2P networks like Kazaa for keywords like "funny" "hilarious" and "monkey pees in mouth" to find the really good stuff. Because not many people had the patience or this, having new people in my dorm room ofen meant showing them the 10-15 awesome videos I'd collected. This is one of them, but remember that this was before youtube. It was like picking your favorite song back when the only new music you found was from 98.7 The COBRA when the morning DJ wasn't blasting Foghat so go easy. It's still funny though:

Sunday, January 20, 2008

Jake E. Lee



Shredding like you wouldn't believe. Ozzy's clapping is what really makes it- this video is utterly surreal.

Transition Back

Matt's back for a bit. If this video doesn't absolutely blow you away then I don't know what to say. Hat tip to Nhoj for reminding me that youtube is blocked as some people's work. This is non-youtube.


-

By the way, these are dolphins blowing air rings in the ocean if it wasn't obvious.

Friday, January 18, 2008

Roller Coaster

I just never know what to expect from Terrell Owens. It's been a roller coaster ride since he orchestrated his landing in Philly so he could play with McNabb. (after the 49ers attempted to trade him to Baltimore) He then attacked McNabb after losing the Super Bowl and was eventually forced to sit out much of his Philly career. So when Dallas lost last weekend I didn't know what TO would say.... turns out he has a softer side.

I'm Sorry

I had no intention of posting this video that consists of nothing more than toilet humor. (no pun intended) But when I watched the video I couldn't help but LOL.

Maddenisms

Just about everybody does an impersonation of John Madden. It's easy to nail his over the top obvious statements. The hard part is getting his grumbling voice. Frank Caliendo does one of the better impersonations I've heard.

I Am Your Brother... Your Best Friend Forever

At the risk of appearing obsessed with American Idol... I'm going to post another video from this weeks 4 hours of auditions. This is probably my favorite audition in 7 seasons and it will likely be the best moment of this season. Just try not singing along with this guy. I dare you.

Thursday, January 17, 2008

American Idol is Back

I know that literally everybody loves American Idol... yet nearly everybody I know personally seems to hate it. I watched Tuesday's Season 7 premier episode, and was delighted to be introduced to some very colorful characters. Without American Idol I would likely go through my life without meeting the dozen or so stand-out oddballs whose stint on AI typically lasts no more than 30 seconds.

I'm going to try and post some of my favorites this season. Props to Leah for emailing me this gem today.



On Tuesday's episode we were treated to nearly 8 minutes of Alexis Cohen. Simon went surprisingly easy on her, but Alexis didn't see it that way.



I couldn't help but feel bad for Christina Tolisano, and even worse for her Grandparents.



And finally.. Here is my early pick for the top 12 based on the Philly audition. If anybody knows her please tell her I have a place she can stay just minutes from Hollywood.

How did you spend your Tuesday?

Tuesday was the annual Macworld Expo Keynote Address. It's the annual speech given by Steve Jobs in which he reviews recent Apple innovations and announces upcoming products. The 2008 Keynote received mixed reviews. Steve Jobs did not mention a 3G iPhone although he did present the much anticipated Apple Macbook Air. There is so much hype around the keynote that many investors buy and sell Apple stock before and after the speech in anticipation of revolutionary product announcements. Last year the iPhone was announced and stock surged. This year, investors would have lost.

If your wondering what all of the hype is about and you have an hour and a half to kill... Check out the speech in its entirety here. If you would prefer a much more entertaining 60 second version of Jobs' speech, watch below.

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Best Street Party Ever

All this guy did was throw a sick street party (that resulted in thousands of dollars in vandalism to the neighborhood) and now the Melbourne Police Department is fining him $20,000. For some reason the interviewer thinks that an apology must be sunglasses free, but the young lad refuses because his "glasses are famous".

My favorite line is when the interviewer suggests he "go and take a good long hard look at yourself". He replies, "I have, everyone has, they love it".

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Favorite Youtube Video

What kind of blogger would I be if I didn't post my favorite youtube video of all time. I could watch this video every day for the rest of my life and I don't think it would get old.

Monday, January 14, 2008

Green Team

I'm going to start off my week of video posting by amending Matt's resolution. Matt made the resolution to post a "youtube" video a day for a month. I'm going to mix things up a bit and start things off with a non-youtube video. I know a lot of companies block youtube.com so I'm dedicating this post to their very unfortunate employees.

I'm sure most of you have already seen The Landlord. The same guys decided to make this inspiration video about saving the environment. Will Ferrell, John C. Reilly, and Adam McKay make up the "Green Team". My favorite part is when they beat up a guy for driving a Prius. "Just because it's a hybrid doesn't mean it doesn't burn gas". (*language may be nsfw)


Sunday, January 13, 2008

Don't sleep on the posts below (the weekend posts)

I actually posted some this weekend. This is just a video post but the one yesterday is well worth while. This is an alternate Duck Tales intro that's very WTF. It's short and weird enough to be worth your time- Webby Vanderquack gets abducted by a child molester. Yes I had to look up "Webby Vanderquack"- does not sound familiar at all.



Okay, now

Friday, January 11, 2008

Finding Online Music, free --- the best methods



There's no point in holding back anymore- I might as well explain all of my free music tricks. After all, I'll be making another Oink post in the coming weeks that'll attempt to make you feel guilty for not supporting bands so I might as well set this up beforehand. I'm currently digging in the vaults for music (going through a phase as I do once or twice a year where I'm sequestered in the computer room blaring weird music like "No more mosquitoes") so I figured I would take this opportunity to go over how to hear music.

1. My most recommended method for downloading music free is elbo.ws. Say there's a band you're dying to hear- Vampire Weekend, say. You use Matt's special hack to and utilize the following address: elbo.ws/tracks/vampire+weekend. If you want a different band replace the words "vampire" and "weekend" keeping the plus sign there. Trust me it's so much more readable this way. You are presented with a list of every Vampire Weekend song posted on a major music blog in the last 2 years or so, along with links to the relevant posts. The most glaring advantage of this is that you get to take advantage of this "wisdom of crowds" phenomenon you're always hearing about, and actually download the most blogged about song. You've heard good things about Caribou but you don't know what to get? Heading on over to elbo.ws will show you that "Melody Day" is the one to get and, guess what, that's correct.

You just have to be smart here- remember elbo.ws is just indexing blogs not hosting files and so if a blog post is 422 days old, chances are the file's no longer hosted (though it happens, certainly.) You will click the link of a recent blog post and navigate the blog post to the to the link for the song and then right click it and save it (I actually always left click first to ensure it'll work.) I would grade this a 10/10 method for finding new, cool music. Substantially less for finding some old U2 song off War that you really gotta hear now. Which is fine- the thing to enjoy about free online music is broadening your musical horizons, not fattening your musical library for stuff you know you like already. It gets another 10/10 for introducing you to good blogs though- i found the leather canary from there (Checked out the year-end top 10 and while browsing ran across a few posts about the wire which set my heart aflutter.)



2. The best way to listen only is to go with either hype machine or youtube. Yes you already knew the youtube thing but if every song you want to hear is on youtube then well, you suck. Hype Machine will not let you download the songs but you can basically stream any song that's been posted to a blog recently, even if that song is no longer on the blog. That last part is key. Simple enough- go to hypemachine and search then hit the play button.



3. I feel bad telling you this because it's such a kick-ass method and it's also something that can be abused. Go to blogsearch.google.com and enter the name of an artist and an album, probably in quotes if you can. Finally enter the name of a popular file hosting site (c'mon I can't hold your hand through all of this- I've linked several in my top ten post.) The search results will pull up several blogs that have simply hosted entire albums to be downloaded, free. You will likely need to deal with a .rar file but, c'mon is it worth it to you to spend 2 minutes figuring it out and heading to download.com to pick up extractnow? I hate to be a spoilsport but if you download any albums that you don't own already, I would highly suggest that you support the band via merch or concerts. Another option is to just make sure you send a check for 97% of what you would've paid to the Major Label record company, since that's roughly how much they make off of CD sales. I can't stress this enough.

4. Shareminer works off of a very similar principle to #3, but you should understand what you're doing.

5. Amazon's pretty decent- DRM free mp3s for cheap. Not free though.

Finally, here's a Gucci commercial by David Lynch:


Having a TV on but only showing snow is very Lynchian (is that like that kid in squid in the whale calling The Metamorphosis "Kafkaesque"? The pulsing bassline that introduces the chorus is made so much better and more significant by Lynch coupling it quick cuts of a ceiling lamp (?). It makes the chorus sound bigger (it sounds like the increase the volume too) and improves the song which is one of the best things about it.

So...

I'll post this weekend- a rarity in the blog world- and then TOR will pick up the posting for the next week and post his favorite videos, possibly coupled with random musings. This is my favorite Mr. Show bit: Mayosturd. The "Wow you used seperate jars of mustard and mayaoniase" MOM: (wink) bit kills me.

Thursday, January 10, 2008

American Gladiators


I remember watching American Gladiators all the time when I was a kid. I don't remember much except for the padding and the names: laser, turbo, nitro, etc.

Whatever 14-year-old was allowed to name all the gladiators*** must have grown up to name trendy bars.
Dazzle, Tryst, Sutra, Tabu, Ice, Chemistry etc. really just sound like the same "American Gladiator" naming principle now expressed through the mind of a vapid 20-something. I feel like this could've been a good joke with more work, but I think I'll settle for "witticism" here with my self-imposed daily-post requirement.

It brings to mind Malibu, probably the greatest American Gladiator. I don't remember him at all but based on the two clips available on youtube I willing to stand by the claim. Even though it seems like you should probably watch the injury video before you watch the post-injury interview video, I don't think that's right. It seems funnier to watch him first that way you can appreciate the full injury video all the better (in which he apparently gets injured by kicking himself in the head!) His style/image is fascinating because it seems like over-the-top parody and yet somehow you feel that Malibu's persona is absolutely real.

Malibu talks about his injury (the last line is clearly the best FYI):


Malibu's complete injury clip:








*** Though someone must've forbade "ninja" unless I'm mistaken.

Wednesday, January 9, 2008

This is actually day 9 if you count my music post.

Keeping track is the toughest part. There's an awesome reader top-ten list in the comments of last post- the aforementioned Matt C. His top song, "Ain't it strange" by Dr. Dog is highly recommended as well. The UGK song just missed my list and is one of the best rap songs this year- also awesome. Checking out many of the others now...

Here's a high school prank utilizing an underground tunnel between a high school and a cafeteria. The Endless Crosswalk.

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Day 7 I owe 2

Leah pointed out, rightly, that I posted Jonathan the Zombie twice. It was a pretty good clip but damn, that's some forgetful shit eh? So here're two to make up for it.

Human Tetris (Japanese style)



A wedding video that impersonates the entire Dirty Dancing dance, including that retarded solo on his knees head-roll thing that Swayze does.



See you tomorrow!

Monday, January 7, 2008

Top 10 songs from top 10 lists



I already mentioned my love of year end top ten lists; I find more music out during this 1 month span than I do during the rest of the year. It's because of this that I'd like to do something a little tricky, which is to post my "top 10 songs that i discovered via top 10 lists." The glaring flaw in this is that you don't know what songs I already know/like and therefore couldn't make the list. Okay, so at the end of this list I'll give my "pre december 07 top 10 list" (not that it's changed much) and that can provide some insight. In the meantime, enjoy discovering new stuff/making fun of me for not hearing that one song earlier.

Top 10 songs of 2007 that I discovered/rediscovered in the last month. These links take you sites where you can actually download the songs by the way (I uploaded them for you) so take a listen and tell me what you think:
1. Franz Ferdinand- All my friends. Sorry guys but keeping the melody and ditching the repetitive goddamn piano bit was a good call.
2. Yeasayer- 2080. everything about this song kicks. You can stream this one too:
3. JUSTICE- DANCE This track is a great illustration of why I love year-end lists. I heard this song way back, loved it and forgot about it.
4. Santogold- LES ARTISTES She doesn't have an album out yet but she's already garnering comparisons to MIA and the Yeah Yeah yeahs. MIA cause she's not white and the Yeah Yeah yeahs because it actually applies to the music.
5. MGMT- Time to Pretend It's about becoming a rockstar or something but it's instantly likable.
6. Patrick Wolf- The Magic Position One of my favorite pure pop songs of the past few years.
7. Electralane- To the East
8. Heart it Races- Dr. Dog I'll actually give the credit to this Matt C. on this one since he convinced me to listen to more than just "Easy beat" (which I love.)
9. Sea Wolf- You're a Wolf love the cello harmony on the chorus- reminds me of the end of Nirvana's cover of "man Who Sold the World." Seriously.
10. Chromatics- In the city great sound this band.



1. Radiohead- Reckoner there are a lot of Radiohead tracks that could've been selected for this list (a normal year would have 15 step, Nude and Arpeggi at 1,2,3.) I went with this one because its so original- It's rare to hear such a beautiful song over an almost jungle beat- compared with the equally beautiful Nude which is presented in roughly standard Radiohead ballad format, this one gets the nod.
2 MIA- paper planes Just because "Banner Prepaid wireless" is mentioned in this song, I want to get it now- that's how good this song is.
3. Arcade Fire- Well and the lighthouse The "Resurrected
Living in a lighthouse" section is absolutely irresistible. You will learn it and you will sing it. Even though there are better overall songs on Neon Bible (Like Ocean of Noise) the sing-along ending is one of my favorite musical moments of the year, so I couldn't resist.
4. The National- Fake Empire (the most elegant and subtle political song since Bulls on Parade by Rage against the machine***)
5. Wilco- you are my face – Pulling off this song is something that only Wilco could do. Taking a sleepy gorgeous ballad and injecting squaling guitars and a rocked-out middle section and somehow improving it.
6. Bishop Allen- news from your bed One of those songs where you want to learn all the lyrics so you can sing along loudly.
7. deerhoof +81- After I heard it I couldn't rest until I learned it on guitar. Best Riff of the year. (no arguments about how this song leaked in 12/06 please.)
8. Bros- Panda Bear – I don't understand why I don't listen to this song all the time. It's amazing.
9. Stars- Sleep Tonight (junior boys remix) This would be higher except I was SO pissed about the Jr Boys remix of "perfect crime #2"- abysmal. Sorry- grudge.
10. Radiohead- 4 minute warning. This actually 1 or 2 but I've already pumped up this song so much that I don't need to waste anymore capital on it.

Also, so this cop grabs a dude's penis. Turn the sound up- really.



*** yes of course that's a joke, though I'm not knocking the band or their politics.

Sunday, January 6, 2008

Day 6? Anyway- still going



This is probably the most oddly funny video on youtube, and I don't say that lightly. Your guess is as good as mine.

Saturday, January 5, 2008

Day 5: probably putting too many good videos upfront

This is a video of reasons why Celine Dion is amazing. This video actually starts a little slow, but stick around and you'll be thoroughly rewarded.

Friday, January 4, 2008

Post number 4 in the 30 day challenge!

A true classic: Jonathan the Zombie. make sure you watch it several times to get the full effect. Then go watch the parody threads.

Wednesday, January 2, 2008

Top 5 Comedians of the Year



I love end of the year lists. I always discover so much new music because, seriously, how can you not want to listen to someone's favorite song of the entire year (even if it's, without exception, "All My Friends" by LCD Soundsystem)? Kottke always posts a great year-end list of his best links (which makes for excellent retrospective reading) and there are countless good year-end lists for almost anything else you can think of. Almost. That's because I ran across a compendium of year-end lists at Fimoculous and excitedly pored through the lists only to be stopped dead in my tracks by the lack of comedy lists (even though they were thoughtful enough to have a column for it.) There were zero at the time of writing!

What's funny is that this is year I deliberately set out to find good comedy. Sure I waded through some crappy stuff (like Jimmy Norton) but actually think I'm in a position to produce a top 5 comedians of the year list, no joke. So here goes:


1. Patton Oswalt.
This is the year of the Patton. He made an animated comedy watchable and he released the comedy album of the year, Werewolves and Lollipops. He's consistently funny and appealing to every cool person, which is nice. This is the opening track from the album meaning it's a joke I've heard WAY too much (playing it for people) but it's 1st for a reason. KFC's famous bowls:



I read a review pointing out how Patton seems somehow completely in control of every moment he's onstage while still seeming to maintain a looseness and free-flowing effortlessness. Yeah.

2. Maria Bamford.
She released the comedy album "How to Win!" this year and she has a really phenomenal act. Her voices are always an awesome effect, but I think she's at her best parodying standard gender comedy ("Am I right ladies?")



3. Demetri Martin
Yes, that "Mitch Hedberg with a guitar" label haunts this guy and it's clear he owes a serious debt to Mitch (especially with the food one liners and naming conventions jokes) but it doesn't make his stuff one bit less funny. This is probably the best youtube video on this list as someone was nice enough to compile the very best of the best from Demetri. I especially recommend #3.



4. Daniel Tosh
Basically he's Dane Cook but funny. He makes faces like Stifler and seems to have some women issues but I have to admit that he's pretty effing good. You do get the sense that there's a very obscure edgy side to him that he keeps under the gauze of Waverunner jokes- I wouldn't be surprised if he wound up being one of the funniest, darkest comedians around, playing to small clubs. I also wouldn't be shocked if in 5 years he was doing horrible observational stories in front of Arena's packed with 20000 people who laugh at inappropriate times. In fact, I will state for the record that I refuse to be surprised under any circumstances with regard to this guy's career.

Check out this video: Daniel Tosh



Add to My Profile | More Videos

His whole special is on youtube so you can keep following the links to watch the whole thing.

5. Paul F Tompkins
New CD called Impersonal out this year and it rules. Like Louis CK this is a guy with so much material that every thing I hear of his seems to be new. The downside of that is that you've got all of your favorite jokes on some obscure bootleg and nobody's heard them. Youtube videos work the opposite though- here's an obscure one about the RAZR's grease feature that I like (though it's no "Migrant Worker Fantasy camp" from Impersonal.)

Paul F. Tompkins Stand-up

Posted May 01, 2007

Paul has a cell phone and it does amazing things... like spell.



Honorable Mention:
6. Sarah Silverman makes it with her hit show that was hilarious for 1 season and is still eminently watchable. Here's her star making turn (I suppose) in the Aristocrats.



7. Louis CK. The only guy on this list that doesn't have a new CD or special, he
s been touring endlessly this year and has a ton of new material. I'm including a few Louis CK jokes because I literally can't recommend anything purchasable of his (Live in Houston is decent but it's not even the same guy really.) Go see him Live and you'll get it. The first video is "Duck Vaginas"



This one is on Gay marriage and is top-shelf Louis. Yeah I'm running out of superlatives so I just used "top shelf." Blogging is tough.



4:45 into this one features one of my favorite jokes ever, entitled "Why?"

Day 2: I like Turtles



A true classic. Worth a few viewings in a row, as it's just pitch perfect. The lady's reactions, the kid's dead-faced stare, the accent on "turtles."

In other news, it turns out that David Simon reads Chomsky so that feels good.