Some housekeeping: Really been pounding the pavement recently with new releases and announcements! The blog gets a bit neglected because of that but the sidebar of tweets and quicklinks should be going strong. So, be sure to steer your eyeballs to the right a little bit if you're looking for more content. OR, if you're visiting on mobile, you're all set. Just enjoy.

Is it weird that I never, ever, look at my site stats? I could be yelling into the void with these posts. Sometimes ignorance is bliss.

Enjoy.

• Rick Dicks Rock Docs - this is a few years old but entirely new to me. I was very hesitant that this would be the least bit of actual funny but, ya know what?, it's solid.
• Apple Pizza Box Ad - yes it's an ad for Apple products but it's actually pretty fun and the product they pitch - the round Pizza Box - is real!
• Bill & Ted 3 Announcement - yea, you've already seen this but I have a question... is Keanu channeling Ted Theodore Logan or does he just shuffle around nervously like that all the time? Where does Keanu end and Ted begin?!
• America Exe - I think I know what I'm seeing but what am I seeing?
• Superbody - "Patricia" - been enjoying this song + video quite a bit recently. The random graphics really do it for me.
• JOKER movie trailer - I think it's an Internet requirement that everyone watch this. I think most folks are feeling the superhero fatigue at this point in time but, hopefully, this is something different? I'm not invested but I am curious.
• Weigh Down - Don't Give Up - "Weigh Down" is a faith based weight loss program. Seriously. The host is Gwen Shamblin and here she is offering some words of encouragement from a deserted street. There's a lot to say here but I'm speechless.
• Chaotic Neutrals at Their Most Powerful - there are a billion VINE compilations on YouTube. I dunno who takes the time to make them but I thank them for it.

Been a minute since a Friday Videos came together! Sorry about that but, honestly, I been busy! Between trips to NYC and NOLA, I just didn't have a ton of time to encounter the kind of absurdly distracting videos I know you all thirst for here on a weekly basis. That's not to say that I'm going to bring the best goods ever this week but I'll certainly give it a try!

• Cheese Camera - I'm headed to NAB in a few weeks and I imagine it will be this 100% of the time.
• Sharon Horgan & Rob Delaney, Late Night - I think Catastrophe is a wonderful show and I always love seeing these two be interviewed. Delightful.
• Ape Out - I assume this has been out for awhile before coming to Switch but it's new to me. It's a bizarre mix of Saul Bass typography, Raging Ape and outlandish drums... as video game.
• Now Apocalypse - look, I know no one has Starz but I've been fascinated by this show. It's a 90's Fever Dream mixed with the sexual energy of Skins (UK) with a dash of bizarre sci-fi. I endorse it but with the disclaimer to tread lightly.
• Fat Cat - short, sweet, Internet perfection.
• Pete Drake & Talkbox - I've shared Pete Drake here before several times but it's always worth a revisit.
• The Ugly Guide - Endurance Challenge! It's only 5 minutes but see how long you can endure this educational video on calling things out on being ugly. Great lessons here.
• Billie Eilish - Same Interview, One Year Apart - I know nothing about Billie Eilish but this interview of a teen that has found immense success is fascinating.

Happy International Women's Day! I am thankful for all the strong, insightful, talented, hilarious and reliable women in my life. I'm also thankful that I don't have anyone in my life that find's an International Women's Day to be a cause for alarm.

• Deeply Artificial Trees - here's something disturbing! Bob Ross run through Deep Dream. Apparently this was posted a year ago but it's a brand new nightmare for me. Scrub to a minute in and really let it set in.
• Alpha-ghetti - I was looking up various types of pasta this week (as you do) and found that Alphabeto is a recognized type of pasta. Even more amusing is a product called "Alphabetti Spaghetti" - just too pleasant.
• If You Get To Heaven... - Confidence through and through.
• Giant Dominos - I understand this is a great example of learning about energy but I'm confident that wasn't the intent. What a strange thing.
• Spiderman Forever - no getting out of this.
• Leaving Hope - caspar newbolt's short film is available to watch in its entirety. Carve some time out this weekend to do so.
• Jenny Lewis, On the Line - this is three and a half hour variety show hosted by Tim Heidecker with Jenny Lewis and a massive cast of guest stars; including Vanessa Bayer, St. Vincent, David Arquette, King Tuff, Natasha Leggero, Jason Schwartzman, Jeff Goldblum and more. I can't say that it's entirely entertaining but I can say that it exists.

March! Time really does fly as you get older. Maybe it's the repetition of the days, maybe it's the layering of responsibilities, maybe we're spinning faster and faster towards our inevitable demise.. but they really do get away from you.

That was a bit macabre. Things are good. Busy is good. At least, for me. Enjoy some things.

• Paul Rudd: SNES - did you know Paul Rudd was in a Super Nintendo commercial? Did you know he hasn't aged a day since then?
• Things I Wanted - yes, I just mentioned this but you really need to watch it
• Leaving Hope trailer - yes, I also mentioned this but, again, you need to watch it.
• Mission Impossible Cat - this is the Internet you come here for.
• The General Got Back - someone finally did it. The ultimate mash-up.
• Horoscopes for March - this defies explanation and, frankly, doesn't need it.
• I Gotta Go - note to self: watch the new Documentary Now with Paula Pell, John Mulaney and Taran Killam.

Busy week! Releasing new podcasts from Hott Minute, This is the Place, Everything Nice, San Dimas Today and Liquid Gold is enough to keep a man pretty busy. Oh, and also my day job (come work with me).

So, after a long week, we all need some distractions. Here's a few:

• Jet Li - Are You Ready? - a scene from The One complete with mouse bomb special effect, "Down with the Sickness" and a special effects wormhole. Once you're done with that, enjoy this masterpiece.
• Steve Martin, 1979 Academy Awards - for no good reason, I watched the 1979 Academy Awards this week and this bit from Steve Martin was pretty great.
• Chelsea Peretti, Writers Guild Awards Monologue - yes this is 10 minutes but it's an enjoyable little roast.
• VEEP Final Season Trailer - I love this show so much. Sad to see it go but I imagine it'll be a great sendoff.
• Steve Ross, Mountain Lake Falls - Bob Ross has a son and sometimes he'd sub in on the Bob Ross program and give you a fantastic little painting. Steve Ross is exactly what you'd hope for; a heavy metal rocker looking guy that's as sweet as can be. Relaxing as ever.
• Ice Pirate - I can't believe this doesn't end more poorly.
• Parkour Scooter Fail - I can't believe this ends as ridiculously as it does.

If you still need a little something, just go inside Zachary Quinto's $3.2 Million NYC Loft, I honestly found this to be endearing and enjoyable. Bonus, there's a bunch of Architectural Digest videos touring expensive homes and I'm not ashamed to admit that I watched a lot of them.

If that's not your thing, watch a Dutch historian own Tucker Carlson, always refreshing.

I must admit, I'm a little disappointed in the offerings for #wtf and #wtf #dance over on Giphy but it does yield some fruit, so I can't complain.

Been enjoying this Spotify playlist inspired by Mort Garson, early Moog and vintage synthesizer music. You will enjoy as well.

And now this...

• Yesterday - a new Danny Boyle movie in which only one man knows who The Beatles are. Seriously, that's the plot. As Forest said, there is no more hit and miss director than Danny Boyle.
• Missing Teens Friends Go On TV To Plead For Her Release - this Onion News Network segment is the pinnacle of acting.
• Bill & Ted & Chuck - the opening scene of Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure recut with the original track "I Can't Break Away" by Chuck Jackson, rather than Big Pig. One acquaintance of mine reviewed it as "too postmodern." Everyone's a critic.
• Windows 95: Hall of Tortured Souls - more Easter Eggs in software please, thank you.
• Little Diddy - you see it coming but it still hits home. I hate that I loved this.
• .flex Best Meme - you can tell from the title this is going to be Deep Internet. I really hate that I loved this.

A little motivational doggo to kick off your weekend. Enjoy some distractions and try not to work too hard.

• Two Old Men - Entertainment - with the release of the latest Hott Minute episode, I just had to revisit some bits from Two Old Men. Perfection.
• Bill Murray on his life - Murray is often championed as the Surprise Partier. There's even a movie about it. But the man is capable of eloquence worth hearing... imo.
• Cybertronic Spree - "Immigrant Song" - I shouldn't be but I'm baffled at the existence of a band that dresses up as the characters from the 1985 Transformers movie and plays songs from the soundtrack and occasional cover.
• Abbi and Ilana - Hot Ones - I hate myself for continuing to watch this Hot Wing Interview show but I'll be damned if the discomfort of the interviewees isn't proper entertainment.
• Goth Underpass - be honest, it's been too long since you've watched this.
• Cat Jump - fin.

This Sunday, Feb 3rd, I turn forty years old. I've got plenty of thoughts about such a thing but I won't bother with trying to eloquently express them here as this blog is certainly not known to be a haven of eloquence. However, I will say, it's a mixed bag of melancholy and excitement. My younger self didn't foresee 40 in the way it's actually turned out and I'm 100% comfortable with that. Younger selves don't know a damn thing.

But thanks for reading! I've been doing this blog since my 20's and it's crazy to think I'm still at it. With that being said, here's some healthy distractions:

• Say I'm Pretty commercial - hey, I made a little ad for the Patrick Damphier record I helped put out!
• King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard - Cyboogie - you may have seen this posted previously but this band, a favorite of mine, has officially entered their TRANS era.
• Deluxe Horoscopes for February - as far as I'm concerned, this is quality Internet right here. Don't know what it is. Don't want to know more. Just want to enjoy the oddity.
• Fat Juul Rip - less on the quality side, more on the stupidity enjoyment.
• Steve Buscemi + Jennifer Lawrence Mashup - in the future, nothing is real.
• Almost Struck By Lightning compilation - remember, death is all around you. At least stay for the tree strike about a minute in, unreal (but real).
• Chonky boi on escalator - and, just like that, delight embraces you.

Let's switch it up this week. Here's some distracting but longer form videos, peppered with the occasional stupidity.

Be sure to enjoy this entire series of GIFs from the Viktor & Rolf's 2019 collection. So easy to hate it and love it simultaneously.

• Laura Dern breaks down her most iconic characters - I love this series of interviews and Dern's career is a long one, worth a look at.
• Language and Translation in Isle of Dogs - mini-doc on the usage of various languages, subtitles and the perceived whitewashing involved with Wes Anderson's animated film. I've actually not seen the film yet but found this compelling, none the less.
• How Bergdorf Goodman’s Holiday Windows Were Made - these windows are always insanely impressive and it's nice to see a little peek behind the curtain of how they get created.
• How Tax Brackets Actually Work - tell your mom.
• Gordon Ramsay on Hot Ones - this show is not something I suggest watching from start to finish but if you jump ahead to the final few wings that Ramsay eats, it's delightful to see him painfully squirm.
• The Very Best of John Candy - a pleasant compilation of adoration and clips.
• Cat Breaks the Blinds - the anticipation makes it that much better.

I flew to NYC on Wednesday night and back on Friday morning. I'm beat. As we slide into the weekend, be sure to watch this Patrick Damphier video and then enjoy the distractions below.

• Ornament - Better Saturday - really enjoying this song and the video has a Beatles-esque vibe with its goofiness; which I find entirely endearing.
• Curse of the Weggy Board - 2 minutes of the same varying joke but I was locked in the whole time.
• Goalkeeper Cat - maybe I'm overly tired but I found great delight in watching this cat leap into the air.
• Ok Google Copy Me - as John Baldwin said, "we have failed this little boy." Actually sweetly endearing... and a bit sad.
• Homer reminisces about Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. for 10 minutes - ENDURANCE CHALLENGE. Can you even make it a minute? Via Ashley.

Before we dive in, here's another quick Garth Brooks Chris Gaines Countdown update - I've added a bunch of tools and extra code to make it easier to share the GIFs I made on Twitter. You can directly embed now (like a Giphy GIF) or more quickly download as well. It's pretty swell and I suggest you try it out because that just helps the cause even more!

Okay, on to the distractions:

• When VR gets too real - when you try virtual reality for the first time, don't drop a grenade. The very end sound bit is my favorite.
• The Secret of Tortilla Chips - this is absolute perfection. It's a gag in a gag in a gag and he nails it.
• Fake Neighborhoods on Google Maps - generally, these kind of semi-funny, semi-informative YouTube videos miss the mark and land on "too annoying to watch" but this one hit the mark for me. Amusing, insightful and possibly even worth pursuing more.
• How NeoPets was sold to Scientologists - flat out interesting if you've got 16 minutes.
• kittykay96 - don't question what you're seeing, just enjoy the ride. I did.
• Don't Underestimate My Fastness - this is what the founders of the Internet had in mind when they created this wonderful ecosystem for us all.
• Pon Pon Turtle - delight.

First Friday Videos of 2019 and I'm a little shorthanded. I've been enjoying the time off since Christmas and haven't really browsed a ton of "funny" lately. So, this one is going to be a bit more eclectic.. maybe that's an okay thing.

• Ball & Stick - I don't claim to understand what is happening here but I suspect there's a rich history behind Bill Wurtz that I should understand, I'm just not there yet.
• Phillip Seymour Hoffman & Paul Thomas Anderson - a mini-documentary showcasing the history and intense friendship between these two talents. Very much enjoyed.
• Blood Dome - Rick and Morty - in general, I keep Rick & Morty at arm's length because the intense fandom around it is just too much (for me). However, when it crosses paths with Paul Robertson, I can't look away.
• Amy Sedaris, Greenwich Apartment Tour - it's been this way forever but Amy Sedaris manages to find the balance between adorable and subversively strange. It's why Strangers with Candy worked and it's why this tour is worth your time.
• How Mary Poppins Changed Movies Forever - I can't explain why but this piece on Mary Poppins is really a brief history of the green screen and how Petro Vlahos revolutionized it. The most bonkers part is that the Disney movie was shot with a special camera they built that they could never recreate. One and done. How is that possible!?
• One Trillion to the Tenth Power - don't ask yourself if it's real or not, just enjoy it.

Good to see you again.

This GIPHY Top Gifs of 2018 makes no sense. I'm assuming someone hit Publish way too early.

But I digress! Hope everyone is having a lovely Christmas break and staying off the Internet as much as possible. I would be remiss if I didn't get at least one more Friday Videos in before the end of the year, so here's some healthy distractions for you and yours. I'll post some short distractions and some longer pieces as well, since I know you're looking for some time investments.

• Screaming Hairy Armadillo - it's all right there on the label and it delivers.
• Gabber Dance - this music may throw you for a loop here but the dancing... the dancing should keep you transfixed.
• Fireball Family Christmas - Whatever your weirdest family tradition is, it's not throwing flaming socks around. Tennessee Crossroads has hours of delightful content, so dive in deeper from here.
• ADBC: Get Out - this clip from the overlooked ADBC Comedy Special gets me every single time, without fail.
• Wakiki's - Snow in Hawaii - ran across this song from one of those K-Mart in-store compilations and can't stop playing it now.
• Orcas playing with New Zealand swimmer - this seems like it would be absolutely terrifying but the swimmer doesn't veer off course in the slightest.
• Kaizo Super Mario Bros 2 - I see an inordinate amount of ryukahr playing various Mario hacks but recently he took on a Super Mario Bros 2 mod and it's pretty fascinating.
• Kate Bush - Christmas Special 1979 - a 45-minute variety show with plenty of melodrama.
• A Muppet Family Christmas - the entire special with commercials, so you can really indulge.

Have a great break!

I threw a holiday party this week for those involved with yk Records and We Own This Town. Maybe that's self-indulgent but when do indie artists and smalltime podcasters get a chance to celebrate together? If you're interested, there's plenty of photos from the event, including one where I look alarmingly bald.

The above GIF is taken from the trailer for The Favourite, the new Yorgos Lanthimos film. He did The Lobster and Killing of a Sacred Deer if you're not familiar with the name and this one looks like another quality entry in his filmography. I can't recall the last time I saw Olivia Colman on the big screen but I welcome it.

Enjoy some additional distractions.

• Muppets - "Ringing of the Bells" - one of my favorite Christmas jams as sung by three unintelligible Muppets.
• The Internet in Australia - I should hate this but, turns out, I don't! Delightful.
• Snow Zoomies - I always find a Zoomie entertaining; this is true here too.
• XTC - Countdown to Christmas Party Time - I've posted htis before (it's not a compelling video per se) but it's a damn shame this only exists on Youtube. A fine b-side!
• Guide to Tom Hanks - I think this is an Endurance Challenge. It's unwatchable at times but stupidly enjoyable at others. Good luck.
• Alfie the Christmas Tree - as we descend upon Christmas, take a moment to revisit some quality John Denver.

Waaay back in 2015, I mentioned the work of Patrick Cowley, a musician that "besides Giorgio Moroder, is often credited as a pioneer of electronic dance music." That's high praise to say the least.

Looking at his discography, there are three albums that were released while he was alive and five posthumously. That is, until a very interesting sixth was found. This Bandcamp Daily piece on How the Lost Recordings of Patrick Cowley Were Finally Released is fascinating and more than a bit sad. Here's the intro paragraph just to wet your whistle:

In certain circles, the name Patrick Cowley carries the same weight as the name Giorgio Moroder. That admiration mostly centers around Cowley’s production work with disco singer and icon Sylvester, but in the past five years, a lost element of Cowley’s discography has been discovered: three gay porn soundtracks he secretly contributed to in the 1970s. The final soundtrack is called Afternooners, a 12-track collection of sticky, raunchy, hi-fi synth suites, the only one of the three releases recorded specifically as synth erotica. Some of this music he recorded in college; not even Cowley’s closest friends knew these soundtracks existed.

It's a damn good album and the history behind it makes it even more enjoyable. Unfortunate that Cowley was taken so early but at least his body of work continues to give.

December is right around the corner and I'm ready for it. The allure of some time off to catch up on various projects is gnawing at me. 2018 has been a good, productive, year and I can't wait to build on that with a little downtime here at the end.

But we're not there yet! So, onwards and upwards! Here's some video distractions for you:

• Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy with Will Ferrell & John C. Reilly - a rather faithful remake of the David Bowie / Bing Crosby special with just a tiny amount of Funny or Die spin to it.
• Doggo does a heckin' drift - I'm calling it, this is delightful.
• New Bevel Super Mario Remix - I'll be honest, this one is weird. I'm not even sure what I think of it but I couldn't look away, so that's something.
• The Script Supervisor - I'm sure anyone in the "biz" will find this rudimentary but I enjoyed the walk through keeping a scene consistent.
• I Wanted Donuts - sums it up nicely.
• Karen O & Dangermouse - Lux Prima - not a very compelling video but the song is superb.

I haven't a clue what the GIF is all about this week. I just searched Giphy for "absurd" and came back with the most enjoyable result. I could have used something like this but that felt a little too racey, even for me.

If all goes well today, there will be some fun news being announced this afternoon over on yk records but since it's still early.. I'll wait until it's official.

On to the distractions..

• Pikachu voiced by Alex Jones - I'll be honest; I kind of hate the idea of normalizing Alex Jones in any way - even if its just for humor. He's an awful, repugnant and downright dangerous person. So, I kinda hate myself for loving the "destroy the child" quote perfectly placed in here.
• Ya Hungry? - this cat verbally responds everytime being asked if they're hungry. I dunno about you but I find this delightful.
• Lag in VR - sometimes it's the little things that get the best chuckle.
• Swedish Metal Aid - the 80's were a big time for supergroup performances but this one is special... mostly because of the hair. Oh, that hair.
• Eric Chien, Grand Prism Magic Act - yes, it's a 7 minute video of magic but it's worth a watch. As discussed with some friends, it's actually maddening to watch because how is he doing any of that?
• The Slap Remake - AV Club posted about comedian Joe Kwaczala's recent slew of new videos - 31 new pieces in honor of turning 31 - and there's a lot to enjoy here. This one, an absurdist remake of The Slap, is right up my alley. If you don't love it, just dive in to find more.
• Why the Victorian Mansion is a Horror Icon - if you're not already watching these little VOX mini-docs, you're missing out. This isn't so much a funny video as it is informative and surprisingly historical. Sometimes Friday Video distractions can be educational, right?

I skipped Friday Videos last week because I'd already posted two rounds of Halloween goods, what more did you need!? Our appetite for More Internet is insatiable. I feel it myself.

Please take some time this weekend to read this Rolling Stone article on How Garth Brooks Predicted 'A Star Is Born' mania - basically citing that his stunt with Chris Gaines some 20-years ago laid some groundwork for the breakout movie. This is all great fodder for the Garth Brooks Chris Gaines Countdown to November 2019. Gotta get ole Gaines back in the cultural zeitgeist!

I digress. Here's some videos.

• Porch Hands - a horror movie trope turned adorable.
• Harriet the Singing Donkey - there's a LOT of buildup but it pays off.
• Vista Otters - more surprisingly and beautiful sounds from unexpected creatures.
• The End: In Praise of End Credits - this is deserving of its own post but take some time to watch this Kirby Ferguson piece on the meditative benefit of movie credits.
• CHAI "Neo" - I can not recall how I ran across this but CHAI is a group embracing the "cute" movement but going full-on weird with it. I love this song and video.
• Taking a Year Off - I don't know John from vlogbrothers but I like this take on how difficult it is turn off the attention the Internet requests of you. It's possible to tune out but I understand it's not always easy, he articulates that well.
• Orbit - A Journey Around the Earth in Real Time - "Orbit is a real time reconstruction of time lapse photography taken on board the International Space Station by NASA's Earth Science & Remote Sensing Unit." It's 93 minutes so I don't imagine you'll watch it at your desk but it's nice to have around.

You've already got a Halloween 2018 Playlist from last Friday but why not throw another one together that's culled from the years of making these? Not a Best Of, just a compilation.

• Crypt Keeper - Crypt Jam - I am still shocked this exists.
• Chordettes - Mr Sandman (breakmaster cylinder remix) - bonkers remix set to horror clips and memes; basically perfect.
• Sensual Harassment - Creature Feature - another music video built from horror clips. Less modern but still enjoyable.
• Simpsons Intro: Halloween Style - I was going to post this Ren & Stimpy style intro but John Kricfalusi is beyond problematic, so let's not.
• Haunted Toaster - still love this lady.
• Woody Woodpecker vs Death - laugh off.
• Dead Man's Bones Dance - still good.
• Pumpkin Dance, 10 Hour Version - bookmark it forever.

Reminder: there's also this Halloween mix from Shaboi and this Disney nightmare mix that never disappoint.

I suggest shirking your work responsibilities and just cruising Giphy for Halloween images. Sure, it's not a good use of your time but it's a good way to get into the holiday spirit.

It's not Halloween until next week but given that it's Friday, why not go ahead with a heavily themed playlist? No objections? Great.

• It's Spooksday My Ghouls! - appropriate, given that Halloween is on a Wednesday.
• Spoopy Scary Skeletons - some may say this doesn't work quite as well as the original but I disagree! It works great.
• Krispy Kreme - Halloween - sure, I've shared this on previous playlists but it holds up. I'd venture to say his finest work.
• Jack Stauber - Pumpkin Song - give it 20 seconds to kick in and then buckle up. Perfect.
• Crypt Keeper - The Crypt Jam - from the 1992 chart topping smash Tales From The Crypt (Original Music From).
• 3AM Halloween - a truly terrifying experience.
• Bongo Cat - okay, it's not Halloween related at all but you need to see it.

I'm actually baffled by how long some of my old playlists were. Hopefully the above is enough to satisfy!