I keep thinking about this tweet. All day, every day. I feel this, a lot. Hopefully others understand but it really stresses me out!
In other news, I suggest you join this mailing list if you want an early treat for your ears.
Managed to squeeze in a bunch of graphic design this week and it was a welcome change from writing documents and putting out fires. Give it a try sometime!
On to the distractions!
Ween, Buckingham Green on Public Access - the above GIF is taken from this Ween performance. I've posted it before and I suspect I'll post it again. They seem coked out of their minds and it only gets more ridiculous the more you watch. I suggest watching the whole thing.
Johnny Lee "Looking For Love" - I recently watch Urban Cowboy, a 1980 film starring John Travolta in which the two main leads are absolute assholes and empathizing with either one is nearly impossible. But this song (and soundtrack) were great.
Mac Tonight, 2007 - did you know that McDonald's revived Mac Tonight in 2007 as a CG character for ads in Southeast Asia? It's not great.
Bring back the f**king Quaalude! - is this John Goodman's character from Treme? Hard to know. It is definitely a rant of a man who has done too many quaalude's, that's for sure.
Barrel Fit Ad - this ad features the music of You Drive, the collaborative project between Makeup and Vanity Set and Jasmin Kaset. What is this ad for?! I can not tell by watching, at all.*
You may be asking yourself - what's up with the lack of Friday videos last week? Why isn't my tiny dose of blog entertainment coming on the regular schedule I am used to?! I hear you but, frankly, I've been underwater with my job, my sideprojects and trying to actually give myself some space to relax offline.
That said, I hear you. I'll do my best to use that offline time to find plenty of stupid stuff to watch. Such as the following.
Jon Drinks Water - not a very exciting video until you look at the complete archive of 9,000+ videos of... Jon drinking water. Great use of Internet right here.
When I need a pick-me-up, I think of this D. Striker video. The man's got moves, plain and simple.
Without getting too Livejournal-y on ya, I have been absolutely buried the past few weeks. When my day job went into self-isoation for the whole company it amped up communications across the board 1000%. I am not sure if this is the result of people that normally don't work very hard finding themselves having to put in a true 8-hour day or if it's a result of not being able to lean over to a co-worker and just ask a question. Probably a combination of a lot of things but, regardless, it's been stressful. That said, it's a very privileged stress and I am happy to be gainfully employed.
Lots of PSA's floating around to remind everyone to keep social distancing. Julia Louis-Dreyfus did one, Larry David did one, Schwarzenegger did one with donkeys. Several countries are talking about relaxing the quarantine rules but I hope everyone is keeping it smart and staying in. It is, obviously, difficult to maintain the quarantine but please do keep in mind that the alternative is death - maybe not for you but potentially for others.
And on that light note! Here are some videos.
Climb Around a Table - you know, Quarantine activities or just regular everyday activities
Let's not talk about COVID-19 or self-quarantine or any of that. Let's focus on what's important right now. My Apple laptop with a butterfly keyboard is really miserable and types three "L's" for every one time I press the key. It's insane! How did this happen? Is this where we've gotten in the technology space, we're just bad at keyboards now?!
Alright fine, that's not really important (though, I promise, it is annoying). I hope everyone is safe and following orders to stay inside as hard as it is. Scary and sad times out there, please do your best not to contribute to socializing.
Here's some dumb stuff.
Drive to Work - sad but nice to see an Austin Power's meme make a comeback.
Watch Out! - see, told you it was making a comeback.
Slider Make You Lose Control - oddly, I actually understand this one slightly more while still being completely confused and delighted. It's a real maelstrom of emotions.
Thank you /r/youtubehaiku for being a constant source of idiotic content. Oh, and if you have anyone in your life that is not convinced that COVID-19 and The Flu are different, please send them this VOX video; as it does a wonderful job of explaining things with science and not involving anything slightly political; so there's no room for argument. Unless you don't believe in science; which I understand is a problem some have.
Missed Friday Videos last week because, frankly, things have gotten quite insane over in my neck of the woods. We're safe, keeping it healthy and keeping it quarantined. For whatever reason, when Vimeo enforced their Stay At Home policy, things really heated up. Is this true for anyone else? Has productivity and email volume gone through the roof?
Aside from being work overwhelmed, I feel a little down in the dumps about how all this is impacting so many folks I know. I won't bore you with the emotional details but it's rough out there and I'm doing all I can to help out. Please reach out if you need help, people want to help.
Embedded above you will, hopefully, find a sliver of enjoyment and distraction from it all. Stay well.
Can I Pet That Dog? - I have watched this 1,000 times. It is more rewarding on every single replay. If you need a respite from the madness, let this Country Child be your beacon.
How Soap Kills the Coronavirus - okay, a brief PSA on why hand washing actually works. I would assume this doesn't need to be said but there's plenty of idiots out there that still don't get it.
Hugh Laurie's Kitty Puss - maybe it's time to take a deep dive into the `A Bit Of Fry And Laurie` archives.
The Institute Trailer - have you been tempted to watch Dispatches from Elsewhere? Don't do it, just watch this movie that it is based on. You'll thank yourself.
Will YouTube Ever Run Out Of Video IDs? - I've been fascinated by the Tom Scott archives lately and this one is especially nerdy but all the more satisfying for it.
Tough week here in Nashville; hit by a tornado on Tuesday morning, coronavirus confirmed one county over and Trump is visiting the city to scope the damage. Oh, and Joe Biden won our Primary Election. If ever there was a time for the world's biggest Facepalm, this is it.
But we move ahead! Here's some fun distractions.
Cut for Time: Love is Blind - if you haven't watched the last John Mulaney hosted SNL episode; treat yourself this weekend. Pretty much everysketch is enjoyable, even those cut for time.
Hot Ones: Pete Davidson - if you've never seen someone massively suffer on Hot Ones, here ya go. If ya hate Pete Davidson, double bonus for you.
R Stevie Moore with Dave Gregory - maybe not the most compelling video to watch but Dave Gregory was a primary member of XTC and this track even pays a little homage to that band with the same drum opening as "Making Plans for Nigel." It's a treat.
Apollo 16: Upscaled and Resounded - this is a 4K, 60fps version of April 21, 1972 footage from the moon. I suggest you go fullscreen with this and let yourself be immersed in the whole thing.
Won't You Take Me to the Krusty Krab - here's the thing. I've never seen an episode of Spongebob and, honestly, can not tell you if this clip is a funny Internet Edit or just a literal extract from the show.
Been traveling a bit this week and spent a good bit of time actually interacting with other human beings and not staring deep into the Internet at all times. It was a welcome change and I suggest you all try it some time.
But for now, some distractions...
Bob Odenkirk's New Movie - this Kimmel sketch has a bit of a Mr. Show throwback feel to it. Always good to see Odenkirk do something utterly ridiculous.
For reasons beyond my comprehension, my day job is requiring me to format my computer today and start fresh. Something to do with policy installations and remote wiping and a bunch of other stuff that generally furrows my brow but also not something I can make even the smallest debate about. Wish me luck, formatting is the worst.
New Wave Nashville - in 1983, local news Channel 4 ran a four-part series about New Wave music coming to Nashville. It's... well intentioned. It's also filled with VHS imagery like the above GIF where Nashville New Wavers are really strutting their stuff.
The Strokes - At The Door - while not as upbeat and immediately grabbing as their other single, I was really impressed with this video. Multiple storylines across with a fantastic animation style. Loved it.
He-Man & She-Ra Fan Game - look, I don't care about He-Man. I'm 41 years old and my nostalgia only runs so deep. However, this is a fan made game. I'm just sort of blown away this is possible.
I've been absolutely drowning in email lately. I think I did it to myself but overwhelmed is not quite the word for it. If you're waiting on a reply from me, hold tight.
That said, instead of replying to those emails I'll compile a list of distracting and enjoyable videos for you. So, here you are:
Squeeze - I posted this previously but it requires multiple viewings.
Is Stephen Merchant a Living Landmark? - I've been watching an awful lot of Would I Lie To You?, a British gameshow where the panel members tell a story and the competition tries to determine if it's legit or not. This is a fine example of why I'm so entertained.
Time for Superbowl Sunday! A festivity that now regularly occurs in direct contrast to my own birthday and often goes up against Groundhog Day. Who wants to go up against Groundhog Day?! It's a fools errand, I'll say that much.
All that is to say.. sometimes an intro paragraph for a weekly collection of distracting videos does not come easy.
Here you go:
Jaminator Toy Guitar - there are many questions to be asked here and no answers to be found.
AMES Window - I already posted this guy but his accent is just too delightful not to share it again.
Randy Scouse Git - for whatever reason, I find myself revisiting some of my favorites from The Monkees this week. This track has always been a treat and continues to get better every time I listen.
Florence Pugh Eats 11 English Dishes - Florence Pugh was phenomenal in Midsommar and Little Women. She's also delightful here, eating some familiar favorites.
Bernie Sanders on The Today Show, 1981 - I know this isn't the typical fodder for Friday Videos but it is astounding how consistent Sanders has been with his message for forty years.
Some Nice Flutin' - nothing you haven't seen before but combined so well it deserves a play or two
Hedgehog Jazz - would also subscribe and ring the bell here.
I'll be honest, I'm overwhelmed with email. Drowning in it. I probably shouldn't even be posting a Friday video today as I desperately need to respond to a number of people. I am unable to break myself of the addiction to Inbox Zero. That's just a little personal admission from me, to you.
Here you go:
TECHNO DANCE! - it starts off good, then it just continues at a rate of escalation that is pleasing beyond words.
The Times of Bill Cunningham, Official Trailer - I had the distinct pleasure of seeing Bill Cunningham at some events in NYC, riding around on his bike and snapping photos. It was such a pleasant confirmation that I was in the right place. Really looking forward to this.
Spitfire: The Michael Jordan of Dogs - yea yea yea, you don't come here for 12 minute videos but how bout you jump to 1:15 and try to tell me you don't love seeing a dog leap further than any dog you've ever seen leap before in your entire life.
Negative Space - again, not your standard 30 second nugget of distraction but this stop-motion short film is Oscar nominated and quite a delight.
I find myself in a YouTube hole last night that began with old, local, commercials and diverged into new and mysterious places from there. I could not be more pleased with the experience. Here's a few distractions discovered during that deep dive and a few other gems for your regular distraction needs.
Have you watched the television series version of Fargo? If you answered no, cancel all of your weekend plans and start watching it immediately. Writer/Director Noah Hawley has done an incredible thing with that show and it's hard to articulate just how entertaining it is. If you're tired of overhyped Prestige TV, I hear you, but this one delivers.
Speaking of distractions.. here's a few.
Fargo: Season 4 trailer - every season of the show is in different times, locations and ensemble casts yet they feel like part of the same criminal world of mishaps. Season 4 looks real good.
Hellier trailer - if scripted dramas are not your thing, give Hellier a spin. It's on Amazon video and follows a group of paranormal investigators through a mind-numbing amount of twists and turns. This likely deserves its own post.
The $150,000 Banana - a 13 minute video may not feel like Friday Video material but this is a fascinating rundown of the high art world, this specific Maurizio Cattelan piece and what it all means.
John Mulaney and the Sack Lunch Bunch - I've posted about this before but if you haven't watched the new Netflix special from John Mulaney, please do so. It's the perfect blend of snarky, sweet, absurd and heartwarming. Not an easy balance to pull off but it's really stellar.
Zoomies - I don't care if this is too Basic for you, it's fantastic.
WHY does this exist!? It's an unanswerable question. Or, maybe, the answer is "we need more trash" but, regardless, it's a complete mystery.
As the year winds down, I am really feeling the need for renovation around these parts. I have plenty of thoughts about "blogs" in general and their place in the world but, regardless of that pondering, this place needs a change. If all goes well over the break, that will happen.
If you're reading this, thank you. I dunno why you come here but I have to assume at this point we know one another and I appreciate the support. I promise to keep the site entertaining, just in a new form.
With that out of the way, let's get into some distractions. Likely the last of the year.
A Complete History of Music - it started as a tweet thread, now it's a YouTube. You gotta stick with it for the enjoyment to really land.
TENET Trailer - the new Christopher Nolan movie looks... interesting. I'm definitely on board, whatever it is.
Baby Yoda loves Sandstorm - the likelihood of this getting pulled down is high but it's worth an attempted watch. Stupid.
I'm in NY this week for meetings and holiday parties and friend catchups so,very little blogging and no Friday videos. However, I hate to leave ya hanging so here's a single little treat for you to enjoy - Harry Hosono and The Yellow Magic Band with "Tokio Rush." Hosono and YMB is the precursor to Yellow Magic Orchestra and it's a fascinating track - where else you gonna hear such a fun little horn used so effectively.
I've had that GIF sitting on my desktop for weeks. It brings me joy every time I open it.
Can't believe 2019 is in the final stretch already. Ready to wrap up the year, do some reflections, break on work for a bit and then dive headlong into 2020.
Beck "Uneventful Days" - Kimmel - really unique performance from Beck on the Kimmel show. Love it when they do special performances like this.
Corned Beef Hash Comparison - "Featureman" has a giant repository of videos featuring himself cooking and reviewing the meals he creates. There's something absolutely delightful about this older gentleman completely understanding the YouTube format. Love this guy.
