Did You Know 4.0

In an update to their much viewed Shift Happens video from 2007, XPLANE Visual Thinking has released a new bunch-of-amazing-earth-changing-statistics-set-to-motion-graphics-and-ethereal-music-type video, with a focus on social media and connectivity. It's good, and at the very least, you can sit back and watch, be amazed by it, and then continue on with your 2272 text messages a month.

Mysterious Broom Stands Up

There is just so much to say about this news clip, and yet there really isn't anything to say at all.

Hot Pepper

Whatever kind of day you are having, it is about to change.



Needless to say, I have watched this a zillion times, can't get the song out of my head, have no idea what I am singing, and am loving every minute of it.

For the diehards, like me, who can't get enough of this little diddy, there are some alternate versions of varying length and content here, as well as a pretty swell extended remix here. Also, if you're wanting to delve deeper into the mysterious origins of this earworm, it's an ad for a local Japanese newsmagazine called Hot Pepper, and it features a J-Pop artist named Kaela Kimura, who really has some sweet dance moves.

(originally found via videogum)

SBTB FTW!

Here I was, going to post some things about the big Apple WWDC keynote yesterday, when news from Jimmy Fallon's Saved by the Bell reunion blew the importance of new iPhones right out of the water.

There is so much SBTB goodness in this interview that I can't even summarize it in a witty way. Let's just say that Jimmy Fallon has secured both the kingpin, and someone thought to be the hardest to convince, for the "class reunion", and he does it in true Bayside style. As a SBTB fan, you could not ask for more.

But if you're still hoping for some WWDC coverage, Jimmy's got your back for that too.

You Say You Want A Rock Band Evolution

Some of my favourite announcements from the E3 Conference are all the new musical releases. While Guitar Hero 5 has announced an impressive list of artists (everybody from Cash to Kiss to Coldplay), and Lego Rock Band seems interestingly entertaining, The Beatles: Rock Band sounds (and looks) the most amazing. With a keen attention to detail, a genuine rags-to-riches storyline, and of course that music catalog, it's sure to be a successful gaming experience.

Take a look at the trailer here, and notice the addition of multi-vocal harmonies, bonus sayings like "fab" and "double fab", and the care with which they've reproduced the locales (both real and imagined) as well as the varying hairstyles of the group.



via Raihan Sangherra

Clients: We've All Been There

No matter what industry you're in, I'm sure you can relate to clients behaving badly when it comes time to pay up, and this video puts them in more everyday situations without going too far from the truth.



via Brandflakes for Breakfast

Train Station Musical

I'm sure everyone wishes in some small way that a musical would break out in the middle of their daily life, so I'm sure everyone can't get too tired of these "impromptu" performances in train stations. Here's the latest, with a description automatically translated by Google (I gather it's a stunt to promote a How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria? style show):

"Antwerp Central goes out of his roof because Looking for Maria is coming! View more than 200 dancers and dancers of the station on his head onto the sounds of the Sound of Music!"

Twitter My Life Away

I may have just bought a minivan, I may have started to wear socks to bed, I may have only sent three text messages in my life, and I may have mistakenly believed that I was a year older than I actually am, but I'm not old enough yet to miss jumping on the Twitter bandwagon.

While I'm approaching level 5 on the "5 Stages of Twitter Acceptance" chart, I still realize the insanity of it all, which is magnificently lampooned in this animated short.



You can drop by and tweet hello: @nickfruhling

Prank War

The thing that first got me into College Humor was when my boss showed me the Prank War series, a group of videos that chronicles the escalating one-upmanship of pranks between Streeter and Amir. They start out pretty bad, but as they progress they get more elaborate, and consequently, more hilarious.

The latest one just came out and it is very much worth watching, in a train wreck sort of way. If you can't stand that good 'ol second-hand embarrassment, though, this one is not for you. If you're interested, you can find the rest of the pranks in reverse chronological order here.

Everything's Amazing, Nobody's Happy

This weekend, take a break from our modern world with a hilarious clip from comedian Louis CK. Give it time to load...

Natural Ketchup

Something very random for the weekend.

Previously On Lost

Lost is back and, I would say, better than ever. Whether you're a Lostie or one of the Others, you'll enjoy this short about one man's quest to watch the past 4 seasons, back-to-back, in 2.78 days.



Thanks Spence for the link.

Four Chords

Besides the occasional Australian band you've never heard of and some NSFW language near the end, this compilation of 36 songs that can be sung using the exact same 4 chords is pretty well done.

Blue Monday, Happy Wednesday

This week held the infamous Blue Monday, traditionally the most depressing day of the year, but according to Wikipedia, a bunch of bunk. I say, why wait until June 20th for the fictionally happiest day of this year? Some time today, take 14 minutes and 48 seconds to watch an actual movie on YouTube that is sure to make you smile.



Thanks to Industrial Brand for the link.

One More Thing

Two last things out of Macworld: one big Apple announcement, and one little one.

Macworld Live

When I was at Macworld, I had some unexpected fun dancing on stage with famous quirky dancer Matt Harding of Where the Hell is Matt? fame. Tech columnist David Pogue hosted the event, which was in a quasi-talk show format with parody songs, slideshows, and enlightening interviews with the You Suck at Photoshop creators and the guy who made the popular Ocarina iPhone app.

The highlight, however, was Matt's interview where he dealt with allegations that his video and resulting fame is all a hoax. I don't want to ruin the ending for you, so you should just watch it from this point on. If you need an introduction to who Matt is and what he has accomplished, though, watch it from the beginning.

The Final Countdown

This is it, the final countdown. It's a new year, and I'm here at the Macworld conference all week. It's currently 4:03 am and I'm sitting out in front of Moscone Center in San Francisco, waiting in line with a bunch of other nerds for the Apple keynote. I thought this was appropriate.

40 Inspirational Movie Speeches in 2 Minutes

Best. Movie. Ever. I don't mind admitting that I welled up when Sloth courageously ripped open his Superman shirt and when Bastian triumphantly raised his fist atop Falkor, and the Free Willy / Angels in the Outfield / Cool Runnings combo really hit me in the gut, but that sounded way nerdier after I typed it all out.

Cutest Lil' French Storyteller

This petit raconteuse weaves fantastical tales in a way that makes the little Star Wars girl sound so pedestrian.

Cow Poops On Live TV

This video is as funny as the title. Did he really need to set up a news desk directly in the stable?

No Deal or No Deal

This hurts.

Celebritics

There's been a lot of celebrities getting involved in ads for the upcoming US election, some good, others funny, but I think Natalie Portman and Rashida Jones have presented the most convincing argument either way in this one.

Piano Palin

Some musical genius makes Sarah Palin sound like she's singing in an episode of Mr. Rogers Neighbourhood.

Analog to Digital Conversion PSA

If you're still confused about the upcoming switch from analog to digital television signals, this PSA clears up the confusion once and for all.

Another Day At The Office

The Office starts back up again tonight, and in a tribute to my office (and some inspiration to the students in 4th Year Media Design) I present this class project from last year that is less of an advertisement for the GDMA program and more of a tribute to the show.



Also, my actual office space makes a guest appearance in this video at 0:38.

Amazing Game Footage

Even if you are not the type to watch gameplay footage from video games, you will enjoy this.

Exclusive: Inside the Lego Factory

Some fun for Friday, as we take an amazing adventure inside the Lego factory. Each video is fascinating, and if you have some time on the weekend, watch them all, especially the Galactic Empire cloning Stormtroopers.

Floating Heads

A funny faux interview with the guy responsible for the classic yet clichéd "floating head" movie poster.

Penny Gets No Respect

I've always wondered if businesses really accept pennies like the law compels them to. Apparently not.



You can watch all the individual experiences here.

Japanese Olympics

I'm back and I'm blogging, and as the Olympics in China have drawn to a close, the Olympics in Japan are just getting started.

Election Finally Gets Interesting

I'm finally interested in political coverage after seeing this...

Japanese String Movies

That settles it: I'm moving to Japan.

Oprah Audience Goes Crazy

This clip captures some of the emotion I am feeling on this, my last day of work before paternity leave.

Every Simpsons Couch Gag Ever

They could make an entire episode out of this: every couch gag from every episode of The Simpsons, compiled into one super-fast montage. If you're a super-nerd, you can also watch the 20 minute regular-speed version here.

Some of my faves from the regular speed one: stomping the FOX logo at 3:07, not even making it inside at 5:12, the amazing Rocky & Bullwinkle parody at 6:30, meeting the original badly drawn Simpsons at 7:26, a Peanuts homage at 8:46, guest appearance by Fry from Futurama at 8:48, the behind-the-scenes animation at 9:45, Matt Groening making cameos at 7:34 and 9:49, the Batpoles at 10:56 followed by hilarious Japanese superheroes, the mega-universal zoom at 11:27, claymation Gumby at 13:31, attack of the couches sequence at 13:52, the TiVo one at 13:46, a real live family at 15:26, the evolution of Homer at 16:52, built out of Lego at 18:09, Magritte at 19:05, and the best one to finish with at 12:29.

Space Boomerang

It seems to go against all the laws of nature, but there it is: a boomerang in space works.

Togs or Undies

Hint: togs means swimsuit...

Apple i Unveiling

It was only a matter of time. Go now and witness the unveiling of the newest Apple amazingness.

Talking Goat

There's no better way to celebrate Earth Day than by viewing this glorious creature: a talking goat. Ever since seeing this I can't hear the word "what" without giggling a little.

Note: you can turn it off after the 1 minute mark, unless you like shaky filmmaking and compelling observations of goat balls.

Lost Says What?

If you're feeling sad because there's no new Lost tonight, it's only two more weeks till they return with new episodes. In the meantime, this is the most amazing rundown of what has happened so far.

Lindy Hop Showdown

For the last 7 minutes I have not been able to take my eyes off the screen. Trust me, you'll watch for 30 seconds but stay for the other 6 and a half. Where are these underground Lindy Hop clubs and how can I sneak into one? This is seriously amazing.

Haiti Weather Report

It's rainy days like these that make this clip all the more appreciated. According to my friend Danika, it "seriously gets funnier each time you watch it".

See more funny videos at CollegeHumor

Actual Motorcycle Monkey

My apologies to everyone who got Rick Rolled yesterday and still can't get the song out of their head. Here is the real motorcycle monkey video. I love how he's wearing jeans and a sleeveless t-shirt, too.


Monkey Riding Mini Bike - Watch more free videos

Motorcycle Monkey

While I will always have a soft spot in my heart for this monkey, a video of this other monkey is one of the most amazing things I have seen. He even seems to wait for the traffic before speeding off! For some behind-the-scenes info on this crazy phenomenon, check out the Wikipedia article or the homepage.

Awareness Test

This video is a remarkably accurate awareness test in only one minute.

Food Court Musical

I've had the song from this Food Court Musical in my head since last night. This one's from Improv Everywhere, but if you haven't seen the original unexpected musical from Prangstgrup, watch it here.

Not-So-Mobile Office

Fresh from freezing in Grand Central Station, the people from Improv Everywhere are now schlepping their desktop computers to Starbucks.

Lil' Star Wars Girl

Way cuter than the original Star Wars kid, this 3-year old girl explains the main plot points of the first movie, Episode IV (spoiler alert).

Bot Energy Drinks

Both of these ads are twisted and cute, and both of them have nothing to do with energy drinks.

Valentine's Insanity

Here's a crazy Zune ad to get you in the mood, though for what I'm not exactly sure. And if you're having trouble coming up with the right words for your loved one, the Bureau of Communication guys have got your back.

Trajan Is The Movie Font

If you're going to the movies this weekend, look out for Trajan. Coming to a theatre near you...

Komodo vs. Cobra

Forget those fancy-pants Hollywood movies, all the good action sequences are on YouTube now. Case in point: Kimodo vs. Cobra.



I like how one commenter suggested that the gun shot sound effect came straight from the N64 version of Goldeneye.

Chewbacca Gets Tazed

I love how it takes the other guys almost no time to realize what we already know from the title of this video. Insert "Don't Taze Me Bro!" joke here.

Hawaii Chair Testers

Ever since I first saw the Hawaii chair I've been dying to try one, but now I don't have to because Ellen is hard at work taking the work out of her work day already.

Freeze Friday

This is cool.

The Rocketeer Of Sorts

I'm sorry, but this is the coolest thing I've seen all week. Imagine taking a trip to the corner store mere metres off the ground! The possibilities are somewhat limited!

Amazing Skating

The awesomest 5 minutes and 3 seconds of skateboarding you will ever witness. Thanks Veer.

10 Days Till Lost

Only 10 days till Lost starts up again, so it's a perfect time to renew your prescription of Losticil.

Charlie Bit Me

Cute alert! Charlie, you lovable little rascal, you.



Also, if you've seen the last scene of the second season finale of the OC and/or seen the resulting cultural phenomenon from the SNL "Dear Sister" spoof, you might appreciate this remixed spoof of good 'ol Charlie that made me laugh.

Marshmallow World

What a better way to kick off the new year than another fantastic Japanese game show. Despite what team may have won in this marshmallow eating game, for my money the red team put on a better performance. What I want to know is under what circumstances did someone realize this would be challenging and yet look so hilarious?!

the Story of Stuff

This is another practical yet fascinating video that goes beyond being green, but at the the same time isn't preachy, confusing or boring. If you can take 20 minutes to watch this video, I really think you will find it was worth it.

Less Left Turns

This is a short little video with a sweet little message. Fantastic.

Mouse Trap

This has made me laugh every time I have watched it, although the first time around I didn't realize it was in English.

I'm sure this kid is a completely normal adult now, and this video gets brought out to remind him how his whole family knew him back when he was a nutbar.

Best Halftime Show Ever

This one takes a little bit of imagination, some mirroring of your brain, and a little knowledge of video game history, but is undeniably amazing. How all these performers can play music while memorizing incredibly complex formations is beyond me, but man, is it fun to watch...

Sega Startup Screens

This is my youth condensed into 15 minutes: a video showing 143 classic animated Sega logos. The first 29 are with their original in game sound, and are the best, while the other 114 are accompanied by music and can be scrolled though at your leisure.

Human Tetris Strikes Back

The "Human Tetris" Japanese game show is back with and better than ever. The best ones are episode 3 and episode 4, the grand master tournament. Who wouldn't love to play this game?





Thanks Steph for the heads up...

Internet Stars are Viral

If you have been on the internet some time in the past 10 years, then I guarantee you have heard of at least 3 of the web heroes featured in this video, a comprehensive compendium of viral all-stars presented to the tune of "We Didn't Start the Fire".

I don't know if I'm proud of it or not, but I counted them all and I'm familiar with at least 83 of the 132 viral stars in the video. Maybe I need to read a book...

Darth Vader's Got Talent

This made me giggle.

Mirror Prank

This is an amazing prank that is pulled off very well. I love how all the people have such rational discussions about why they can't see themselves, and a bunch of them ask "What kind of mirror is this?" as if they're expecting some new breakthrough in mirror technology that only displays one person at a time.

Reverse Graffiti

A cool idea, an outlet for artistic expression, and a medium for change: everybody wins with reverse graffiti.

Hugo Hurley for Hardee's

So is this a flashback or a flashforward?

Fantastic Creative Ambush

This video speaks for itself without really saying much.

Anti-Helium

I had no idea such a gas existed, or that it could be so funny...

Surprise Wedding Dances

Unbeknownst to me, there seems to be a whole movement of couples surprising their wedding party by doing choreographed dances, which I personally think is awesome. From now on, I only want to attend weddings like these...

These guys had me fooled when the music goes off (skip to 1:34 if you can't wait).


From Johnson to Jackson at 2:26 remaining.


This one reminds me of Stephanie Tanner's infamous dance on Full House (2:50 remaining for the big moment).


And these two must have watched that movie way too many times, it's absolutely perfect.

Subliminal Advertising Works

Watch this and see if subliminal advertising really nick is cool works.

In the Air Tonight

I'm back from vacation and will be doing daily link business for this always fun first week back at school. Enjoy this glass and half full of joy...

I ♥ Skittles Commercials

Have I ever mentioned how much I love Skittles commercials? This should make up for it.

Charlie the Unicorn

I'll be at camp for a week, but this should keep you entertained/weirded out until I get back.

Party, My Jungle, Be There

This is what happens when all the animals get together for a party and someone brings a bunch of fermented berries. Their natural drunkenness is hilarious, but I really started to laugh when the monkeys got hangovers. At least no one had to drive home...

His Potential is Ours

Another great one from Germany, you just have to watch.

Super Mario Live Drumming Extreme Remix

If you need some fantastic music to get you through the rest of your Friday, put this on and try not to get into the groove. I've been hitting repeat for about half-an-hour now...

Do The Urkel Dance

No explanation needed, although I'm curious about what became of the spiking-the-punch-and-getting-back-at-Urkel subplot.

Nodding Off With an Audience

I really love how the crowd rallies around this guy. There's nothing that brings a vast group of people together better than a sleepy dude.

the Struggle to Stay Awake

I'm a sucker for these kinds of videos, and I've definitely been caught doing the same thing during a long math class, only with a not so satisfying ending.

Microsoft Surface is a Big-Ass Table

Have you heard of the amazing new technology that Microsoft has developed? Let this video show you how it can change your life...for the worse.

Human Tetris-Like Game

Nick's rule: if it's from Japan and it's a game show, that's all the info you need to know, because it will be good no matter what.

Pickle Surprise

Warning: this might very well ruin your day. I'm not sure if I should even post this, but for some reason I am.

I Like the Overall Concept...

Milk!

Conan Does Frisco

The whole time I was watching this I was hoping that Conan would visit my most favourite San Francisco landmark, and he did not disappoint.

Dwight Squared

Spoiler Alert! I hate to ruin upcoming episodes of the Office for anyone, so don't watch this if you enjoy your episodes in all their half-hour glory, but this is hilarious. Come back next week to watch it and reminisce!

Garden State it Ain't

Growing up with a little sister, the Baby-sitters Club series was often in the VCR, which is why it's weird that I don't remember this dreamy performance by Zach Braff. It's also weird that I don't remember the rest of the show being completely awful and cringe-producing. Also, pay attention to the name of the park Dawn is trying to save, as I think it has 3 too many nouns in it...

Crazy Taxi Prank

Just when you think these Japanese prank shows have taken it too far, they go just a little bit further. What sort of law system keeps these people from getting sued?! However, if they had a channel here that played only these shows, I would never turn it off, and I would be permanently wetting my pants...

Jim & Pam

A very tastefully done half-promo, half-sappy music montage of Jim & Pam from The Office which makes me even more excited for Thursday's new episode, and just a little bit teary.

World Shutdown Day

Tomorrow is World Shutdown Day where you are not allowed to read this blog, or any other blogs, for that matter. Can you do it? I'm not sure if I'll be able to...but this video gives me lots of other ideas. Actually it doesn't, but it's kind of funny.

Sliding Horse & Old-Timey Car Action

I'll Have What She's Having

And I thought coconut buns were good...

Insane Beat Boxer

Why is this guy bothering with Idol when he could put out a whole album with just himself and a microphone?

Stuupid Fuun

Office Season 2 Bloopers

The face that Rainn Wilson (Dwight) makes is priceless, like he realized how ridiculous it was.

The First Person in the History of the World to Dance

A little old now (in internet years) but my sister missed it the first time around.