Another Monday.
Sometimes, I just wish the weekend kept going a few extra days.
Sometimes, I just wish the weekend kept going a few extra days.
Showing posts with label YouTube. Show all posts
Showing posts with label YouTube. Show all posts
Monday, 25 November 2013
Friday, 4 October 2013
Have you heard of Stairway to Stardom?
I hadn't, until Heidi shared some of its glorious clips from YouTube with me.
The public-access TV show "aired in New York City from 1979 to the early 1990s" [source]. I'd say it was kinda like our current American Idol or America's Got Talent, but without money or talent.
It is indeed amazing/hilarious/tragic to watch.
We're talking pure train wreck stuff here.
Since it's been a long week, and we could all use a laugh, here are a few of my favorite clips:
This is the theme song, sung by the show's emcee
Best rap by someone who shouldn't be rapping
Best comedy routine featuring the entire Nat King Cole "Christmas song"
Best song performance by this amazing lady
And finally, best dramatic monologue (warning: hilarious graphic language)
"That was beautiful, Precious."
To be fair, all of these people deserve props for having the guts to go on TV and perform.
I certainly don't have the cajones to do it.
Of course, more can be seen on their YouTube page.
Have a great weekend, everybody!
Wednesday, 12 June 2013
The movie Raiders of the Lost Ark hit the big screen 32 years ago today.
Nine Academy Awards nominations and four wins followed, as well as plenty of fans over the years.
Including, of course, my family and me.
So to celebrate the birth of the Indiana Jones series, here's a Robot Chicken video:
Spot on.
Let's just hope any future Indiana Jones movies follow after Raiders and not after Crystal Skull...
Nine Academy Awards nominations and four wins followed, as well as plenty of fans over the years.
Including, of course, my family and me.
So to celebrate the birth of the Indiana Jones series, here's a Robot Chicken video:
Spot on.
Let's just hope any future Indiana Jones movies follow after Raiders and not after Crystal Skull...
Wednesday, 3 April 2013
How did I not know about this?!?
I quite enjoy NPR's programs, especially Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!, This American Life, and Prairie Home Companion.
So I was tickled pink to discover the Tiny Desk Concerts while perusing music videos on YouTube.
It's like having personal concerts in a small setting, but without the high ticket price and sticky floors.
Check out these gems:
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
Note: contains strong language, but the first song is safe
Adele
Also, The Cranberries, Yo-Yo Ma, Juanes, They Might Be Giants, The Decemberists, etc.
But they also play some less-known talented artists, and I've loved finding new songs I like. For example:
Robert Cray
Spirit Family Reunion
Flaco Jimenez
I quite enjoy NPR's programs, especially Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!, This American Life, and Prairie Home Companion.
So I was tickled pink to discover the Tiny Desk Concerts while perusing music videos on YouTube.
It's like having personal concerts in a small setting, but without the high ticket price and sticky floors.
Check out these gems:
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
Note: contains strong language, but the first song is safe
Brandi Carlile
Adele
Also, The Cranberries, Yo-Yo Ma, Juanes, They Might Be Giants, The Decemberists, etc.
But they also play some less-known talented artists, and I've loved finding new songs I like. For example:
Robert Cray
Spirit Family Reunion
Flaco Jimenez
Anais Mitchell
If you want to just listen to the entire series (that's what I've begun doing--it provides a whole work-week worth of enjoyment), you can click here for the full playlist.
You're welcome.
*drops mic and walks away*
hahaha
Thursday, 3 January 2013
What's that? You don't know what VVS is?
It's an acronym for the very serious issue of Vertical Video Syndrome.
This PSA can explain it better than I can:
I've seen the horrible effects of this disease, and I've felt first-hand the pain of being exposed to it.
We must eradicate it as soon as possible.
Will you join in our crusade? Who will be strong and stand with me?*
*Yes, I just quoted Les Mis. So sue me.**
**Please don't actually sue me.
It's an acronym for the very serious issue of Vertical Video Syndrome.
This PSA can explain it better than I can:
I've seen the horrible effects of this disease, and I've felt first-hand the pain of being exposed to it.
We must eradicate it as soon as possible.
Will you join in our crusade? Who will be strong and stand with me?*
*Yes, I just quoted Les Mis. So sue me.**
**Please don't actually sue me.
Tuesday, 4 December 2012
Public service announcements (PSAs) can get lost in the clutter of TV programming.
So I'm impressed when a PSA can catch my attention and actually make me think about its message.
Which is why I decided to share some good ones today.
Now, I'm going to warn you up front.
If you start watching these, it could take a while.
You might not get much work done the rest of the day.
You've been warned.
First, a few classics.
This is Your Brain on Drugs (drugs, obviously)
GI Joe PSA (sunscreen)
Nostalgic for this series? Some guy has posted all 35 of the GI Joe PSAs (watch here).
Next, some using fun and humor.
Bottle Bank Arcade (recycling)
What a Difference (mental health)
Dumb Ways to Die (traintrack safety)
A good one reminding adults to be more child-like.
Smoking Kid (smoking, of course)
Embrace Life (seat belts)
Let's all be smart, friends.
We have a lot left to do on this planet.
Now you know, and knowing is half the battle.
So I'm impressed when a PSA can catch my attention and actually make me think about its message.
Which is why I decided to share some good ones today.
Now, I'm going to warn you up front.
If you start watching these, it could take a while.
You might not get much work done the rest of the day.
You've been warned.
First, a few classics.
This is Your Brain on Drugs (drugs, obviously)
GI Joe PSA (sunscreen)
Nostalgic for this series? Some guy has posted all 35 of the GI Joe PSAs (watch here).
Next, some using fun and humor.
Bottle Bank Arcade (recycling)
These guys also did one for littering (watch here).
What a Difference (mental health)
Dumb Ways to Die (traintrack safety)
A good one reminding adults to be more child-like.
Smoking Kid (smoking, of course)
And finally, a beautiful but sobering one.
Embrace Life (seat belts)
Let's all be smart, friends.
We have a lot left to do on this planet.
Now you know, and knowing is half the battle.
Thursday, 25 October 2012
I heard of Ingrid Michaelson for the first time when a friend shared "The Way I Am" with me.
Loved the song.
Loved the music video, too.
Some of her songs are simple, some are complex, but I like that I can relate to a lot of her songs.
She seems to think like me on a lot of topics, or at least her songs convey messages I agree with.
Equality, being non-judgmental, and of course various aspects of dating/love.
Perhaps it helps that my new glasses are kinda like hers.
But more than likely that has nothing to do with it.
Yesterday, Rachel introduced me (via her blog) to this nice Elvis Presley cover by Ingrid:
"(I Can't Help) Falling in Love with You"
In case that wasn't enough for you to decide if you like her stuff or not, here are two more:
"You and I"
"Blood Brothers"
Are you convinced yet? I hope so.
If not, that's okay. I'll take you the way you are.
Loved the song.
Loved the music video, too.
Some of her songs are simple, some are complex, but I like that I can relate to a lot of her songs.
She seems to think like me on a lot of topics, or at least her songs convey messages I agree with.
Equality, being non-judgmental, and of course various aspects of dating/love.
Perhaps it helps that my new glasses are kinda like hers.
Yesterday, Rachel introduced me (via her blog) to this nice Elvis Presley cover by Ingrid:
"(I Can't Help) Falling in Love with You"
In case that wasn't enough for you to decide if you like her stuff or not, here are two more:
"You and I"
"Blood Brothers"
Are you convinced yet? I hope so.
If not, that's okay. I'll take you the way you are.
Friday, 14 September 2012
Last night Megan shared a remarkable short film with me. She'd seen it at the Sundance Film Festival last year, and I enjoyed it so much I figured it's worth sharing with my readers.
Warning: while the short has an awesome blending of horror and music, it also has some pretty gory violence. Just FYI, so those that can't stand violence can leave the room for a minute.
It took me about 4 viewings to fully absorb. Oh, and that song is stuck in my head now.
What do you think of it?
PS Stumpy Sam, Stumpy Sam, Stumpy...
Warning: while the short has an awesome blending of horror and music, it also has some pretty gory violence. Just FYI, so those that can't stand violence can leave the room for a minute.
It took me about 4 viewings to fully absorb. Oh, and that song is stuck in my head now.
What do you think of it?
PS Stumpy Sam, Stumpy Sam, Stumpy...
Wednesday, 25 July 2012
My friend Jen asked what bands her readers are into at the moment; here's my blog response.
My big new one right now is called Boy.
No, there aren't any boys in the band.
Which means they get bonus points for being cool like that.
I don't recall how I came across their tunes, but I'm really digging this Swiss-German duo's songs.
Boy - "Skin"
This one is pretty melancholy, but I really like it. Sad topic, but the simplicity and vocals are great.
Boy - "Little Numbers"
Much more upbeat and fun. And how cool is it to use that tiny little piano?
I just wish they'd put their album on Spotify, so I can listen to them there and they'd get some pennies.
And if they ever do a US tour, I'd definitely find a way to catch one of their shows.
My big new one right now is called Boy.
No, there aren't any boys in the band.
Which means they get bonus points for being cool like that.
I don't recall how I came across their tunes, but I'm really digging this Swiss-German duo's songs.
Boy - "Skin"
This one is pretty melancholy, but I really like it. Sad topic, but the simplicity and vocals are great.
Boy - "Little Numbers"
Much more upbeat and fun. And how cool is it to use that tiny little piano?
I just wish they'd put their album on Spotify, so I can listen to them there and they'd get some pennies.
And if they ever do a US tour, I'd definitely find a way to catch one of their shows.
Friday, 20 July 2012
Maybe I don't watch the right channels to have caught this commercial earlier, but I really like how cleverly they put the lyrics to Bohemian Rhapsody into a short story at a poolside bar.
Well done, Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.
Well done, Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.
Saturday, 14 July 2012
This blogpost is about 2 things:
1) We all have those moments when a bad picture is taken.
And I guess when you're in front of viewers often, there's more likelihood that it'll be seen.
For example, this is the opening frame of the Friday, July 13, 2012, Vlogbrothers video:
Unfortunate, isn't it?
I probably wouldn't have even noticed it, if not for the loooooooooong wait for the video to buffer.
Which leads me to my other purpose in this post.
2) My internet connection can be so slow in different parts of my house, and depending on the time of day, too. It doesn't rely on proximity to the wireless routers, but on some other reason beyond me.
Oh bother.
But I guess some internet is better than no internet.
When you want internet.
Which I should probably want less of anyway.
Alright, I'll go out and get some fresh air now.
1) We all have those moments when a bad picture is taken.
And I guess when you're in front of viewers often, there's more likelihood that it'll be seen.
For example, this is the opening frame of the Friday, July 13, 2012, Vlogbrothers video:
I probably wouldn't have even noticed it, if not for the loooooooooong wait for the video to buffer.
Which leads me to my other purpose in this post.
2) My internet connection can be so slow in different parts of my house, and depending on the time of day, too. It doesn't rely on proximity to the wireless routers, but on some other reason beyond me.
Oh bother.
But I guess some internet is better than no internet.
When you want internet.
Which I should probably want less of anyway.
Alright, I'll go out and get some fresh air now.
Friday, 13 July 2012
It's Friday, so let's keep it light.
Somehow, I'm still not quite sick of Carly Ray Jepson's song "Call Me Maybe".
So here are two clever parodies of her song that I came across this week:
Make a Baby (featuring the girl from Harvard Sailing Club)
Share It Maybe (featuring Cookie Monster)
Any bets on how much longer I can stand listening to "Call Me Maybe"?
I'd say maybe another month, tops.
Friday, 29 June 2012
It's been a while since I did a Flashback Friday, but yesterday I was inspired.
Being back in Utah, I saw a commercial for Primary Children's Medical Center, and it ended with the old "Hold on to Dear Life" jingle from my childhood. Thank goodness for YouTube and people uploading old commercials, because I thought of another Utah commercial to go with that one.
Don't Waste Utah
Hold on to Dear Life
They're maybe kinda downers, but isn't the 'Don't Waste Utah' production value classic?
And didn't you want to be this guy when you were a kid?
Because I did.
Being back in Utah, I saw a commercial for Primary Children's Medical Center, and it ended with the old "Hold on to Dear Life" jingle from my childhood. Thank goodness for YouTube and people uploading old commercials, because I thought of another Utah commercial to go with that one.
Don't Waste Utah
Hold on to Dear Life
They're maybe kinda downers, but isn't the 'Don't Waste Utah' production value classic?
And didn't you want to be this guy when you were a kid?
Wednesday, 20 June 2012
I spend more time on YouTube than I probably should. But can you blame me? There are all kinds of gems to find and watch on that site.
For example, I recently came across a series of short films called Jameson First Shot, which were written by (to my knowledge) unknown writer-directors, and which star Kevin Spacey.
Note: I have to admit that I'm a huge Kevin Spacey fan. The guy just knows how to pick good movies, and then he nails the performance. So anything that he's in, I know I'm likely going to like it (that sentence sounds strange with "like" being used in multiple ways, but I'm going with it anyway).
The goal of Jameson First Shot was to find new, talented writer-directors in America, Russia, and South Africa. Not sure why they picked those locations, but I think they got some pretty good submissions (or at least the winning short films are interesting/fun/clever). Oh yeah, and I believe the submitters actually got to direct their films, starring Kevin Spacey. Very cool.
"Envelope"
He also starred in their shorter "The Ventriloquist" and light-hearted "Spirit of a Denture" videos.
I'd love it if more actors teamed up with companies (whether alcohol-based or otherwise) to create these kinds of short films and give young and/or undiscovered talent the opportunity to shine.
So what do you think of the program, and of these films in particular?
For example, I recently came across a series of short films called Jameson First Shot, which were written by (to my knowledge) unknown writer-directors, and which star Kevin Spacey.
Note: I have to admit that I'm a huge Kevin Spacey fan. The guy just knows how to pick good movies, and then he nails the performance. So anything that he's in, I know I'm likely going to like it (that sentence sounds strange with "like" being used in multiple ways, but I'm going with it anyway).
The goal of Jameson First Shot was to find new, talented writer-directors in America, Russia, and South Africa. Not sure why they picked those locations, but I think they got some pretty good submissions (or at least the winning short films are interesting/fun/clever). Oh yeah, and I believe the submitters actually got to direct their films, starring Kevin Spacey. Very cool.
"Envelope"
He also starred in their shorter "The Ventriloquist" and light-hearted "Spirit of a Denture" videos.
I'd love it if more actors teamed up with companies (whether alcohol-based or otherwise) to create these kinds of short films and give young and/or undiscovered talent the opportunity to shine.
So what do you think of the program, and of these films in particular?
Tuesday, 1 May 2012
The Hunger Games movie came out just over a month ago and, not surprisingly, made a ton of money.
I know fans of the books had some gripes (as did I), but we won't get into that here.
Generally it was well received and got people even more excited about the remaining books.
As expected, fans are making YouTube videos from and about Catching Fire and Mockingjay.
Some of these fan-made videos are pretty good... and some are abysmal.
Here are some depicting back-stories related in the 2nd and 3rd Hunger Games books.
Warning! Spoilers in these videos! I recommend you read the books first, then watch.
The Second Quarter Quell (Haymitch's year in the arena)
Finnick and Annie (mostly fiction, but I think it does a great job explaining some things)
I know fans of the books had some gripes (as did I), but we won't get into that here.
Generally it was well received and got people even more excited about the remaining books.
As expected, fans are making YouTube videos from and about Catching Fire and Mockingjay.
Here are some depicting back-stories related in the 2nd and 3rd Hunger Games books.
Warning! Spoilers in these videos! I recommend you read the books first, then watch.
The Second Quarter Quell (Haymitch's year in the arena)
Finnick and Annie (mostly fiction, but I think it does a great job explaining some things)
What did you think of them? Pretty cool stuff, eh?
Both of these were made by MainstayPro, which has lots of great videos. Check them out [here].
Makes me excited for the official movies to come out!
Both of these were made by MainstayPro, which has lots of great videos. Check them out [here].
Makes me excited for the official movies to come out!
Friday, 27 April 2012
This past weekend, there was a conference in Washington DC for LGBT Mormons, friends, and supporters. While I wasn't able to attend, I think it's a wonderful sign that some members of the LDS Church are changing their viewpoint about homosexuality and gender issues from exclusion to inclusion.
Recently, a couple videos have come out from LDS groups in support of LGBT Mormons, using the "It Gets Better" tagline. I applaud the makers and participants in these videos, because hatred and fire and brimstone are not productive. Love and compassion and caring are.
BYU students
Family and friends
Well made and to the point.
I'm hopeful that more people will speak up, and do so in a spirit of love and inclusion. All are welcome and loved, or should be, especially by followers of the LDS Church, who have so much to give.
Sidenote: While researching, I came across the MoHo Directory, which links to blogs by gay Mormons and supporters. Thought I'd share, just in case anyone would like to read more stories or thoughts on this topic.
Thursday, 12 April 2012
I was/am in need of a major pick-me-up today, and sometimes YouTube fits that bill.
Especially when it involves running and overcoming the odds and obstacles.
Here are a couple that gave me a boost, just in case you need one, too.
Eric Liddell, Chariots of Fire
Heather Dorniden, 2008 Big Ten Indoor Track Championships
Derek Redmond, 1992 Summer Olympics
Especially when it involves running and overcoming the odds and obstacles.
Here are a couple that gave me a boost, just in case you need one, too.
Eric Liddell, Chariots of Fire
Heather Dorniden, 2008 Big Ten Indoor Track Championships
Derek Redmond, 1992 Summer Olympics
I feel a little better already.
Friday, 24 February 2012
To make up for my lack of blogging this week, I'm sharing a set of real gems from YouTube.
I hope you can handle the awesomeness of the "Guy on a Buffalo" saga.
Is that song stuck in your head yet? You're welcome.
Semi-regularly, I've been narrating my life using the song since I saw these clips.
But not out loud. Only in my head, because I'm weird enough already.
Also, I want to go ride a buffalo.
So, friends, what's the strangest animal you've ever ridden?
Monday, 23 January 2012
Special theme for this week's Metallica Monday: Plants vs Zombies.
Creeping Death
I found this YouTube video where they dubbed the song over Ten Commandments clips, which is an extra bonus since this song was inspired by the Biblical account of Moses and the first Passover.
Great video with a great song, isn't it?
So watch out for the creeping death of the plagues and zombies this week!
My brother Adam and my nephew Gunner introduced me to this game, and I'm hooked.
It's incredibly fun using plants of varying skills, defenses, and attacks to repel hundreds of zombies coming by land, air, and sea. Well, it's more swimming pool than sea, but that doesn't sound as cool.
Beyond the action of the game, the scenes between levels also have some great humor. For example:
So make sure you've got plenty of sunflowers so you can plant corn cob missile launchers and lots of spikeweeds, because if you don't, the zombies will eat your brains!
All these zombies reminded me of the song I chose for this edition of Metallica Monday:
I found this YouTube video where they dubbed the song over Ten Commandments clips, which is an extra bonus since this song was inspired by the Biblical account of Moses and the first Passover.
Great video with a great song, isn't it?
Wednesday, 11 January 2012
My pre-ordered copy of John Green's new book arrived yesterday. Oh happy day!
As promised, and as documented in countless Vlogbrothers videos, the author signed it.
Turns out I wasn't lucky enough to receive one of Hank Green's Hanklerfish drawings, but that's okay. It was only a 5% chance. So there are 18 more people in my situation for every one person that got one.
Which means... we are the 95%. [Get it?!? It's kinda like those silly Occupy people!]
Anyway, I'm already into the book and it's really good so far. Yay for reading actual, physical books!
On that note, here's an awesome video with books:
Which means... we are the 95%. [Get it?!? It's kinda like those silly Occupy people!]
Anyway, I'm already into the book and it's really good so far. Yay for reading actual, physical books!
On that note, here's an awesome video with books:
And another video that has some books in it, but mainly I just think it's super cool:
Ok, back to "The Fault in Our Stars". Later!
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