tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36963073676932574582024-02-06T23:40:58.330-05:00Down for WhateverBobbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02714017435876590572noreply@blogger.comBlogger202125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3696307367693257458.post-61004324976727142902010-06-21T11:44:00.005-04:002010-06-21T12:16:09.774-04:00I'm not dead.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN9OetruuqTxvNCx5npKb0aAMMlsenP2alxi3AAf3OgezIDJsXlJ3snmC4_05qqlEjKSoyeqrxu16x1BDqgpNy2Hpq3GLpKSseKC3RTQ9A00mG_f_m64tpivtJF58ANEkWP5RtgydSL6o/s1600/0F3Bv.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 197px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN9OetruuqTxvNCx5npKb0aAMMlsenP2alxi3AAf3OgezIDJsXlJ3snmC4_05qqlEjKSoyeqrxu16x1BDqgpNy2Hpq3GLpKSseKC3RTQ9A00mG_f_m64tpivtJF58ANEkWP5RtgydSL6o/s320/0F3Bv.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485261447366541762" /></a><br /><br />Oh, hello there. I see you have stumbled onto my blog somehow. Now, you are probably looking at my last post and thinking to yourself, "Wow, that poor sap, he writes a post specifically pointing out how he hasn't been blogging much lately and then assuring everyone in the strongest possible terms that he is going to be returning to his prolific writing ways in short order. That was almost one year ago, with nary a cute cat picture, nonsensical cultural commentary, or blatantly biased political rant to show for it. He probably lives a pathetic, lonely life, living in his mother's basement. How sad." Now, while you may have been more or less correct about that last part, I do assure you, I haven't given up writing. Basically what happened was, I became pretty obsessed with Twitter (follow me <a href="http://www.twitter.com/robrousseau">here</a>,) and once I got so accustomed to sending out my every thought, no matter how random or banal, as it occurred to me, I realized I didn't have much to write in this space anymore. I also started a Tumblr blog (located <a href="http://robrousseau.tumblr.com">here</a>) where I still post pictures or videos or other things that amuse me, without having to come up with 500 words about exactly what it is that I enjoy about a video of a bunch of guinea pigs eating a watermelon. It's just self-explanatory. Anyways, I'm going to leave this blog up so if you have never been here before, feel free to go through the 200+ posts, and if you enjoy my unique insight into this zany world we live in, feel free to follow my further adventures elsewhere on the Internets. Good day to you.Bobbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02714017435876590572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3696307367693257458.post-30022730797169790092009-08-08T12:10:00.004-04:002009-08-08T12:18:26.181-04:00i have returned.Well hello there. As you might have noticed, I have been on a bit of a sabbatical from blogging as of late. It was somewhat tough to do it with any regularity while I was away in the UK, and since I have been back, I have been still quite busy with my musical endeavors, but more than that, I have just had a difficult time getting back into the habit of posting things here. Well, I'm here to tell you that this ineptitude is going to stop TODAY! (if this were a Michael Bay movie, I would be moving in slow motion right now with an epic rock soundtrack blasting in the background. Man, I wish my life was a Michael Bay movie. But not one of the Transformers movies. Fuck that.)<br /><br />Anyways, there are all kinds of funny, bizarre, and exciting things going on in the pop culture universe. But you know what, I have to start small. <br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/DS5h3cX8sHI&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/DS5h3cX8sHI&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />It's good to be back.Bobbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02714017435876590572noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3696307367693257458.post-91076364155456295932009-07-27T12:16:00.010-04:002009-07-27T14:00:11.256-04:00Noah's nineties endorsements part 1: The Indian Runner.<a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3201/2790793980_066143a6bb.jpg?v=0"></a>This is the first in what will hopefully become a series of posts by yours truly in which I recommend a film from the decade that gave me the love of the medium. This is my no means the golden age of cinema, but it was a pretty damn good one to come of age during. I will try to find titles a lot of people may of missed, but I'll also be encouraging you to take a second look at movies you may have dismissed the first time around. The first film is one I've wanted to blog about since I first started writing for Action and Action and remembered that Rob is a big fan of Springsteen, who's connection to the film will become clear as you read on.<br /><br /><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 342px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 504px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3201/2790793980_066143a6bb.jpg?v=0" border="0" /><br />Long before Sean Penn was milking the Academy for a yearly acting nomination, he made his directorial debut with an extremely cool, underrated film called <em>The Indian Runner</em>. The few films he's directed since (<em>The Crossing Guard, The Pledge</em> and <em>Into the Wild</em>) have generally been well received as mature, realized projects, but I still feel this often overlooked first film is his strongest. The year was 1991, and the barely 30 year old actor demonstrated that he was a lot more than just that, and was in fact very well adversed in cinema, its past masters and capacity for artistic expression.<br /><br />When people think of independent cinema in the 90's, most think of Tarantino, Kevin Smith, and all those that tried to be like either Tarantino or Kevin Smith. <em>The Indian Runner</em> came out before either of them had made a film, and features a cast that I'm sure had Tarantino seeing it at his first opportunity. The film stars David Morse as the 'highway patrolman' Joe Roberts and Viggo Mortenson stealing every scene as his enigmatic, trouble-seeking brother Frank. The supporting cast boasts names like Charles Bronson, Patricia Arquette, Dennis Hopper, Valeria Golino, and even a brief appearance by a young Benicio Del Toro. As if this cast wasn't already enough to give it a 10/10 on the ultra cool scale, Penn got the story idea for his original screenplay from Bruce Springsteen's 'Highway Patrolman.' Refer to song below for plot summery.<br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/BJxt17_dizE&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><br /><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/BJxt17_dizE&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />Probably because the film takes place prior to the Boss's day, the song is not featured in the film, but the badass classic rock soundtrack compliments several scenes beautifully.<br /><br />Attesting to Penn's well placed influence and awareness, is the film's dedication in loving memory of John Cassavetes and Hal Ashby. Myself being more familiar with Cassavetes (actor turned father of independent cinema, created very personal projects such as <em>A Woman Under the Influence</em>), I can certainly see moments reflective of the great director. My favourite being a hilarious little scene which relates little to the rest of the plot, all done in one shot where a nosey local tries to console Joe who is clearly annoyed as he washes his police cruiser while she follows him round and round. Sean Penn apparently developed a bit of a relationship with Cassavetes before his passing and had planned to collaborate. Penn later starred in <em>She's So Lovely</em> directed by John's son, Nick Cassavetes.<br /><br />For the most part a heavy, serious drama, the film will often surprise you with strange little touches of humour, such as the aforementioned car washing scene, and several other moments which seem almost Lynchian to me.<br /><br />After watching the film, I recommend checking out the trailer on youtube, which I see as a humerous demonstration of advertisers' total inability to market what is essentially an art film. I'm reminded of the classic re-cut 'Shining' trailer, particularly when the trailer's cliched voice states “Franky and Joe have one more chance to make everything right” making it look like a fun filled film of two brothers re-kindling a childhood relationship.<br /><br />Anyway, I think I've ranted on long enough for now. Just see it, and hopefully you will recognize how elements of the film pay homage to some of cinema's most inspiring auteurs while others make it truly unique and one of the first in what was to become a great decade for independent cinema.<br /><br />Fun fact: The film has a birthing scene with a 'crowning' shot pre-dating <em>Knocked Up</em>'s by 16 years... eat that Apatow! (Judd Apatow has also named Cassavetes as an influence... I guess they both directed movies, I see no further connection).Your Best Friendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11491219746178187739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3696307367693257458.post-61945241824324585792009-07-14T18:42:00.005-04:002009-07-14T19:49:25.775-04:00waaAAIHHaaAs Action and Action's patriarch figure travels back from his extended tour around the land of snogs, scarves, and casual attitudes towards dental hygiene, here's a cool video that has nothing to do with any of that. <br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/_PxALy22utc&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/_PxALy22utc&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />There's all kinds of compilations of the Wilhelm scream on youtube, but I found this video to be the most interesting and informative, though they fail to mention its common use in video games as well. <br /><br />Years ago I brought this familiar scream up to a film studies friend of mine who said 'Oh yeah, the Wilhelm scream.' I always wondered how he knew that, and in the back of my mind thought he could be making that name up to sound knowledgeable. Score one for him.Your Best Friendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11491219746178187739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3696307367693257458.post-46133641768160878142009-07-11T16:47:00.003-04:002009-07-11T21:58:32.337-04:00March of the long-hairs '64This feels like a Monty Python sketch. Regardless of whether or not he's being sincere, the fact that David Bowie founded The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Long-haired Men at 17 years old makes me love him all the more. <br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/m5zxeLwUSdk&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/m5zxeLwUSdk&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />He's continued to push the boundaries of what's conceived as 'masculine' in our society, and probably even began to let people call him 'darling' and carry his handbags somewhere along the way too.Your Best Friendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11491219746178187739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3696307367693257458.post-14927483761151718432009-06-30T16:04:00.004-04:002009-06-30T16:54:00.273-04:00Ryu Wannabe rages against machineAnother video game re-enactment from those lovable Japanese. I had always felt that the 90's movie adaptation of <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fwkPW8DAj4&feature=related">Street Fighter</a> failed because it completely skipped over these bonus stages. <br /><br /><object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/4n_9Nd9bhco&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/4n_9Nd9bhco&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object><br /><br />I wonder what this guy's story is. Over a million views in less than a month is pretty impressive, particularly for a youtube user with no previous videos. I did find this comment on his profile pretty funny: <br /><br /> donksvilesghost (5 days ago)<br />hey stop sending me videos advertising cameras UNSUBBED!!!!!!!!!!!! <br /><br />All of a sudden all those cutaways to the camera make a lot more sense. Oh you crafty Japanese :D <br /><br />I'm sure Rage Against the Machine would have a thing or two to say about Samsung if they knew about this.Your Best Friendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11491219746178187739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3696307367693257458.post-49186278820866592132009-06-30T09:28:00.005-04:002009-06-30T13:06:57.906-04:00a few thoughts about Michael Jackson.I had just finished playing a show in Cork, Ireland, when I heard the news about Michael Jackson's death at the age of 50. I've been quite busy touring and without internet since this happened, so I haven't really been able to write anything about it, and now that I'm sitting here in front of a computer, I'm realizing there's not a whole lot I can say about it that hasn't been said already. His life and death are going to be endlessly analyzed and scrutinized over the next few months and years and I doubt there's much I can really add to the to the conversation. But I'll do my best.<br /><br />Michael was a childhood hero of mine, I listened obsessively to records like Bad and Thriller when I was growing up in the 80s, and would amuse my family to no ends trying to mimic his legendary dance moves (I was especially fond of his famous crotch grab.) I loved Michael long before I really even started listening to or taking an active interest in other kinds of music, there was just something about it that absolutely captivated me even as a child with no knowledge or understanding of what exactly makes music great, or what makes a particular song a well-written one.<br /><br />Of course, over the last 10 or 15 years, Michael has been far better known for his increasingly bizarre personal life and his legal troubles, but I don't think any of that will ever take away from the incredible musical legacy that he left behind. <em>Update:</em> I don't want to simply gloss over that part of his life and pretend that some of his extremely disturbing behaviour never happened, as so many have been willing to do over the last few days, so if you are interested you can find all the Vanity Fair articles that were published on Michael after his first court case in 1994 <a href="http://www.vanityfair.com/online/politics/2009/06/michael-jackson-is-gone-but-the-sad-facts-remain.html">here</a>. None of these Vanity Fair articles were ever challenged legally by Jackson or his team. So despite the overwhelming amount of praise and support that he has been shown since his death, no one can possibly deny that he was, at the very least, a deeply troubled man. If anything, his life will serve as a chilling reminder of what the highest levels of success and a lifetime of the decadent excess of celebrity culture in America can do to someone. <br /><br />In any case, despite the controversy and terrible accusations that plagued him over the last 2 decades, I would like to believe that my love of Michael's music as a child played some part in my eventual decision to pursue my own career in the music industry and I am incredibly grateful for that, and for the happiness that I felt listening to his music when I was younger. Because when I think of Michael now, I don't picture the pale, skeletal looking-man with the strange, surgically altered face...I just think of an awkward white kid in Landsdowne, Ontario, standing on his bed and dancing like an idiot while that legendary voice played out of the cassette player in his room.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Ey_fowOcRxA&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Ey_fowOcRxA&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Bobbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02714017435876590572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3696307367693257458.post-90439401013557731362009-06-28T16:28:00.007-04:002009-06-28T17:21:06.693-04:00More shameless self promotionLast weekend some friends and I took part in <a href="http://www.filmracing.com/Cities/toronto.htm">Toronto's 24 hour film race</a>. At 10pm on Friday night we were given a theme (payback) and a surprise element (Action - Spraying perfume / cologne). By 10pm the following evening we submitted a 4 minute short film which was written, filmed and edited all within 24 hours. Less than a week later, they screened the 34 entries at The Bloor cinema. After the screening, the audience voted ours as their favourite! In about four weeks, we find out what the judges thought and if we get any of the big <a href="http://www.filmracing.com/prizes.htm">prizes</a>. <br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/wXiHH-Jg_Hw&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/wXiHH-Jg_Hw&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />I have to give a lot of credit to our creative nucleus consisting of the lead actors (Jake Mednick as the sad blockee and Paul Bullock as the cock blocker) and the multi-talented Joel Harvey (director, cinematographer, composer and editor). <br /><br />Fun tip: try to figure out what dirty words 2625 can make on a telephone.Your Best Friendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11491219746178187739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3696307367693257458.post-22024039766902732352009-06-18T20:40:00.003-04:002009-06-18T20:49:10.017-04:00just dance (and shamelessly promote yourself.)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim-X-X49Q2wMA6HgS04f7JGUo3xuqG8Wl8M8wDmTysB-_rQeiuc_mWJs1y9UKlpbars2yYfblpsNmgc0-mIdYlMDZXgkOyeuxf0ptBrtVi4DTKkbIqEvm2WXuW26t4bMomrhK6Yyu7Nbc/s1600-h/lady+gaga+(1).sflb.jpeg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 318px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim-X-X49Q2wMA6HgS04f7JGUo3xuqG8Wl8M8wDmTysB-_rQeiuc_mWJs1y9UKlpbars2yYfblpsNmgc0-mIdYlMDZXgkOyeuxf0ptBrtVi4DTKkbIqEvm2WXuW26t4bMomrhK6Yyu7Nbc/s320/lady+gaga+(1).sflb.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348832371183464178" /></a><br /><br />Lady Gaga is an artist who has kind of come out of no where to dominate the pop world, and from all indications will probably be around for a long while. Her songs are amazing, and her whole look and image is just so well-crafted, and she is just pretty awesome. A few weeks ago my band started playing a totally over the top cover of her first big hit, Just Dance, along with a few other songs in there for good measure. You can listen to it or download it <a href="http://bit.ly/lmgGS">here </a>if you so desire.Bobbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02714017435876590572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3696307367693257458.post-71581401365072925472009-06-18T13:09:00.003-04:002009-06-18T13:11:28.850-04:00tripping kitties.I've had less and less time lately to scour the internet for weird crap, or let alone to do anything creative to post here, but today I uncovered this little gem which I think you will enjoy. Watch out for the cat that is so high he is drooling everywhere...it makes me nostalgic for high school!<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/J5Xrcp6k8VE&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/J5Xrcp6k8VE&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Bobbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02714017435876590572noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3696307367693257458.post-31612420072357306852009-06-11T18:31:00.014-04:002009-06-11T21:04:58.883-04:00a Top Shelf site for geeks.Having spent most of my teenage life as a bit of a movie toy collector (also called 'figurines' if you own a comic book store, or 'dolls' if you're a jerk), I still have several 'dork shelves' in my parents' house dedicated to my Star Wars and Mcfarlane obsessions. I think this phase reached it's peak when I was in the 11th grade and went to Zellers on my lunch break to pick up most of the newly released Episode 1 figures, Jar Jar and all (keep in mind the movie wasn't out yet). I took solace that I did not go it alone, as on that particular day I was joined by someone who is now the co-creator and main contributor of a very comprehensive site on comics, film and video games called '<a href="http://dorkshelf.com/">Dork Shelf</a>.' I think he deserves some credit here as I have posted several videos to Action and Action which he has brought to my attention (Hard Ticket to Hawaii, He Loves a Fat Girl), including this one which was recently posted to their site. (If you're not familiar with Magnum P.I., I may recommend going straight to the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEigvdbzia8">side by side comparison</a> of that show's opening and the video posted below).<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/rYntjR4-pY4&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/rYntjR4-pY4&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />The astute observation was also made that Tom Selleck was originally cast to play Indiana Jones but couldn't due to a conflict with his Magnum P.I. schedule, so George Lucas agreed to free Ford of his carbonite prison long enough to film 1982's <span style="font-style:italic;">Raiders of the Lost Arc</span> before re-freezing him in time for <span style="font-style:italic;">Return of the Jedi</span>. This adds another coincidental layer to the likening of these two characters. <br /><br />Other things worth checking out on Dork Shelf include Will's list of '<a href="http://dorkshelf.com/2009/05/30/great-moments-in-stop-motion-animation/">Great Moments in Stop Motion Animation</a>' (which was featured on popular site <a href="http://www.fark.com/">fark.com</a>) as well as the soon to be posted 7th podcast featuring a very special guest (I'll give you a clue, it's me).Your Best Friendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11491219746178187739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3696307367693257458.post-51947878641048401572009-06-10T07:07:00.004-04:002009-06-10T07:13:07.069-04:00new kanye single.In case you missed it, here's the video for the new Kanye West track, Paranoid. This is pretty much the first time anyone has seen Rihanna since the whole unfortunate, "getting beaten by Chris Brown" incident happened, and although she doesn't even sing in the track, she appears in 99% of the video and looks fantastic, as per usual. If I were Chris Brown I would be watching this video while simultaneously stabbing myself in the face with an icicle. Made of acid.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/3QotGHaAHPk&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/3QotGHaAHPk&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Bobbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02714017435876590572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3696307367693257458.post-87937975103855550212009-06-07T03:31:00.008-04:002009-06-08T18:40:05.531-04:00Honor, diplomacy, and the 'ultimate shamed ballplayer'Since this show has been lauded once or twice on this site, I thought I'd throw in my two cents along with a couple updates and one 'funny or die' video that has me laughing to death.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B001IBIDLI.01.LZZZZZZZ.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 235px; height: 302px;" src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B001IBIDLI.01.LZZZZZZZ.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />When I saw the first episode of 'Eastbound and Down' it was presented by someone who told me that HBO had already pulled the plug on the series due to it's crass, lowbrow humor tarnishing their reputation, even though the first episode hadn't even aired yet. Now six episodes with Kenny Powers have gone by faster than six with David Brent, marking the end of the first season. I thought the makers would try to push a DVD release as soon as possible so as to get fans clamoring for a second season. About half of that assumption was correct. The DVD is being given a semi-quick release in about three weeks (June 30) but apparently it's been almost two months since HBO announced that it's been renewed for a second season, though there's no word yet and when it will air or if it's even been written yet.<br /><br /><br />I have yet to find a website that lists the special features of a DVD long before its release date. No word on this one yet, but I hope it includes this hilarious video I came across over at 'Funny or Die.' Though it has no direct connection to anything in the show, it was clearly shot on the set of 'Eastbound and Down' while Will Ferrell was in his Ashley Schaffer costume. I particularly like Ferrell's singing style and the sound editing in the last minute.<br /><br /><br /><object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" id="ordie_player_426608ab8c" width="512" height="328"><param name="movie" value="http://player.ordienetworks.com/flash/fodplayer.swf"><param name="flashvars" value="key=426608ab8c"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed flashvars="key=426608ab8c" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" quality="high" src="http://player.ordienetworks.com/flash/fodplayer.swf" name="ordie_player_426608ab8c" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="512" height="328"></embed></object><div style="text-align: left; font-size: x-small; margin-top: 0pt; width: 512px;"><a href="http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/426608ab8c/bat-fight" title="from Will Ferrell, Craig Robinson, and Jake">BAT FIGHT with Will Ferrell</a> from <a href="http://www.funnyordie.com/will_ferrell">Will Ferrell</a></div><br /><br />To learn a more about the show's genesis, check out this <a href="http://www.tvguide.com/News/Danny-McBride-Previews-1002891.aspx">TV guide interview</a> with Danny McBride.Your Best Friendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11491219746178187739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3696307367693257458.post-76934905372529141682009-06-05T08:10:00.001-04:002009-06-05T08:11:23.599-04:00no one sleeps when i'm awake.I mentioned the new Sounds record a few weeks ago, and they just released the video for first single 'No One Sleeps When I'm Awake,' so here it is. It's pretty cool!<br /><br /><object width="400" height="300"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=4873853&server=vimeo.com&show_title=0&show_byline=0&show_portrait=0&color=ffffff&fullscreen=1"><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=4873853&server=vimeo.com&show_title=0&show_byline=0&show_portrait=0&color=ffffff&fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="400" height="300"></embed></object><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/4873853">No One Sleeps When I’m Awake</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user844873">Davis Artist Management</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>Bobbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02714017435876590572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3696307367693257458.post-20298382161296796242009-06-02T04:47:00.002-04:002009-06-02T04:55:29.373-04:00One of those days......Ralph Kramden eventually stopped attending anger management classes and this stopped being funny for about 50 years. That was now 51 years ago. <br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/lEAOGZwmIhA&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/lEAOGZwmIhA&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Your Best Friendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11491219746178187739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3696307367693257458.post-85914725987771340852009-05-29T08:25:00.003-04:002009-05-29T08:28:04.821-04:00even more keyboard cat.Keyboard cat is the internet meme that just keeps on giving. I'm not even remotely sick of it yet, and let's hope you aren't either, cause here he is again:<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/qv0z0FURQbk&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/qv0z0FURQbk&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Bobbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02714017435876590572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3696307367693257458.post-43049750486887896782009-05-22T17:34:00.001-04:002009-05-22T17:36:21.618-04:00This Big Fat BlogHappy 1 year Action and Action. <br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/BuVctTeQ7xg&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/BuVctTeQ7xg&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Your Best Friendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11491219746178187739noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3696307367693257458.post-70833783922977185112009-05-22T07:39:00.004-04:002009-05-22T08:42:29.346-04:00action and action 1 year on: what have we learned?The answer is nothing.<br /><br />But it has been a fun year sharing all the random shit that I find on all my web adventures with all of you. We've laughed, we've cried, I even put on my internet-journalist hat and covered the US election (if you consider making ridiculous photoshops of Sarah Palin "covering" anything.) I've also been happy to bring Mark and Noah aboard to help me out here while I am busy with my real job (note: I don't have a real job.)<br /><br />Anyways, I'm not sure what the future holds, but I know that it is highly doubtful that I will quit wandering the internet aimlessly in search of weird stuff, so in all likelihood this blog will continue to exist, and hopefully it will continue to improve to the point where it is a daily source of amusement for all of you.<br /><br />Thanks to everyone who has stuck around.<br /><br />I'll leave you with this bad boy:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFs_NG1eHGxDiQF_HldD3d3wc9XL2nNd5gp3u4wdgS_kGErsjTMQnV6Iid8worIHV5c_A4U-zo6rVfZDgjcVejbQRZ2iJ_UQCzExYN89_kBnpscJRtnnidwscYbiiqsYqMkSc1pR65lh0/s1600-h/wtf_pics-old-granny.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 219px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFs_NG1eHGxDiQF_HldD3d3wc9XL2nNd5gp3u4wdgS_kGErsjTMQnV6Iid8worIHV5c_A4U-zo6rVfZDgjcVejbQRZ2iJ_UQCzExYN89_kBnpscJRtnnidwscYbiiqsYqMkSc1pR65lh0/s320/wtf_pics-old-granny.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338624163054906322" border="0" /></a>Bobbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02714017435876590572noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3696307367693257458.post-63705415831820857982009-05-20T11:03:00.006-04:002009-05-20T11:19:35.113-04:00Guy Ritchie's Sherlock Holmes trailer.As you can probably tell from the incredibly clever title to this post, Guy Ritchie's reinvention of Sherlock Holmes, starring my man-crush, Robert Downey Jr, just released a trailer, and it looks pretty good. I like the idea of upping the action and laughs, and it looks like Ritchie's style is going to work rather nicely. And RDJ with an English accent? Yes please.<br /><br /><object width="430" height="245"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/LiBzbNk0lZ0&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/LiBzbNk0lZ0&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="430" height="245"></embed></object>Bobbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02714017435876590572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3696307367693257458.post-86220731557349698442009-05-19T07:49:00.005-04:002009-05-19T07:55:37.759-04:00crying vlogger angry father.In the following, absolutely amazing video, a frustrated father has had enough of his wimpy, video-blogging son's crying, and gives him some sound advice about why recording yourself sobbing like a little girl and then broadcasting it on your Youtube channel for the entire world to see, is maybe not the best idea (apologies to little girls everywhere.)<br /><br />And of course, keyboard cat is waiting in the wings for the perfect opportunity to make his presence felt.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/hJqhGuy46H8&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/hJqhGuy46H8&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Bobbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02714017435876590572noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3696307367693257458.post-29223120023285869252009-05-18T13:29:00.006-04:002009-05-18T13:49:35.161-04:00new album from the sounds on june 2nd.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXUGlsYCHHyY4rZkWGocENt8gR3pHKG5JcdTfbYH1O90C7Wgo0b2u1acNQI9zvNu0XwxpDGdo6YLG7WXshJvNkj97uCwnvCIiLP71lCpAiT3NrrGYwa5vQJG8RhnzFVmSx4cIpnWjturA/s1600-h/The+Sounds.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 257px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXUGlsYCHHyY4rZkWGocENt8gR3pHKG5JcdTfbYH1O90C7Wgo0b2u1acNQI9zvNu0XwxpDGdo6YLG7WXshJvNkj97uCwnvCIiLP71lCpAiT3NrrGYwa5vQJG8RhnzFVmSx4cIpnWjturA/s320/The+Sounds.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337218455300189346" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The Sounds 'Dying To Say This To You,' is hands down one of my favourite albums from the last...well, ever. And what's not to like about the Sounds? They write amazingly catchy, synthy dance rock songs and feature an unbearably attractive frontwoman with one of the best voices in rock and a propensity for flashing her crotch at the camera, or audience, or really whoever is around to look. It's a win-win situation for everyone. Their new record, Crossing the Rubicon, is coming out June 2nd, and you can hear the first officially released track on their <a href="http://www.myspace.com/thesounds">myspace page</a>, but for now, here's Painted by Numbers.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/jN41MDONgOA&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/jN41MDONgOA&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Bobbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02714017435876590572noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3696307367693257458.post-91022580992928411702009-05-09T08:00:00.002-04:002009-05-09T08:12:35.574-04:00I am a grown man and I listen to:<span style="font-weight: bold;">Taylor Swift.<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW8SitqEpoRqoCkwiYIFYrIZOOaln8Rxw3lZoczo-StJGy2bKRKuR77J4uRbUbUXzNlXlY_C_mNBfDKvj92DF2iz4mjWQodom8szrZkNZOwTvLgPkcITK8Xn1jE23_igmVug7ofXnERw8/s1600-h/taylor_swift.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 265px; height: 258px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW8SitqEpoRqoCkwiYIFYrIZOOaln8Rxw3lZoczo-StJGy2bKRKuR77J4uRbUbUXzNlXlY_C_mNBfDKvj92DF2iz4mjWQodom8szrZkNZOwTvLgPkcITK8Xn1jE23_igmVug7ofXnERw8/s320/taylor_swift.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333793129294321618" border="0" /></a><br /><br />It's been a while since I've done one of these, and this installment of IAAGMAILT (how's that for a seamless acronym) seemed like a no-brainer. Taylor Swift has a fantastic voice, has just the right amount of American cuteness, and is a genuinely good songwriter to boot - and not the type of songwriter who will rearrange a few words in a prewritten song and then demand a co-writing credit like some other female popstars who shall remain nameless (Avril Lavigne.) And hey, she was the top selling artist of 2008 and she's sold 4 million copies of her last record, <span style="font-style: italic;">Fearless</span>, so she's clearly doing something right. I was hooked after about one minute of the first song on that record, Love Story, but this rock mix is particularly epic.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/qTlcxXByERA&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/qTlcxXByERA&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>Bobbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02714017435876590572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3696307367693257458.post-910337168241801142009-05-01T20:59:00.007-04:002009-05-29T02:14:02.478-04:00Seriously, this shit is important.Before you read on or watch the video below, I would like to begin by apologizing for this departure from 'Action and Action's usual lightheartedness and humour you've come to know and love us for, but this is a serious issue that affects all of us and is often overlooked. I applaud these young kids for their bravery in speaking out against what we've all been guilty of from time to time.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/HTNv2dOBFJk&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/HTNv2dOBFJk&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />To learn more about this matter, please visit the <a href="http://www.nocussing.com/index.html">no cussing website</a>, where you can find out more about how this video came to be. Don't forget to visit the e-store to purchase fabulous items such as <a href="http://www.nocussing.com/hugcard.html">this</a>.Your Best Friendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11491219746178187739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3696307367693257458.post-58630699679666819182009-04-29T23:23:00.001-04:002009-04-29T23:26:04.075-04:00a tiny man dancing with a cat.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx1LE3f0are3sgpaBD3nStypzkJ1fk_t7pqDJwtGvyGjiuznBsXHLT5daYvwO-XTNimwdVKtE_DVWBGv5WGNaybJwU8dLzR5x5MNo4FSmxAHnfuW0T5xWGvkYFrkOlOCrakZPzdVeVKT8/s1600-h/smallman.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 399px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx1LE3f0are3sgpaBD3nStypzkJ1fk_t7pqDJwtGvyGjiuznBsXHLT5daYvwO-XTNimwdVKtE_DVWBGv5WGNaybJwU8dLzR5x5MNo4FSmxAHnfuW0T5xWGvkYFrkOlOCrakZPzdVeVKT8/s400/smallman.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330320111331523058" /></a><br /><br />via <a href="http://www.urlesque.com/2009/04/28/the-littlest-man-and-his-dancing-cat/">Urlesque</a>Bobbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02714017435876590572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3696307367693257458.post-54066875210349728602009-04-28T16:36:00.010-04:002009-04-28T17:36:51.774-04:00The Kindness of Strangers<span style="font-weight: bold;">Like Blanche DuBois</span>, I can confidently say that I’ve always relied on the kindness of strangers. I will willingly slurp up any drink that’s bought for me, crash out on any couch available, and take travel tips from lazy-eyed hostel dwellers (NB: this mantra isn’t recommended for everyone). And, for the most part, it’s a strategy that’s worked for me; yes, I’m fully aware that I might <a href="http://www.snopes.com/horrors/robbery/kidney.asp">wake up in an iced bathtub <span style="font-style: italic;">sans</span> kidneys</a>. But usually, I’ll just end up underneath a Nova Scotia underpass with a bunch of gregarious Australian backpackers, a purple grill, and a collection of noteworthy (if not hazy) stories. It’s a risk that I’m willing to take.<br /><br />But then there’s the flipside, the jarring reality that the great unknown isn't always populated by bleached-blonde, kiwi fun-seekers. Take, for example, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/edarem">Edarem</a>, Youtube’s newest – and potentially creepiest – starlet. Now, he is <span style="font-style: italic;">probably</span> what your mom had in mind when she cautioned you about strangers. But don’t believe us – check the videos below.<br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/n77auNQDiPk&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/n77auNQDiPk&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object><br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/5wdmSL2-Ock&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/5wdmSL2-Ock&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object><br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/k9ujkqrWaoY&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/k9ujkqrWaoY&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">(just forward to about 2:30 in that last video)</span><br /><br />Now, despite that fact that he resembles a hybrid of …<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.rowthree.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/nosferatu2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="http://www.rowthree.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/nosferatu2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />… and …<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.faniq.com/images/blog/FamilyGuyHerbert.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 206px;" src="http://www.faniq.com/images/blog/FamilyGuyHerbert.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />… We’ll give him the benefit of the doubt. Mostly, he’s just a lonely coot who shares strangely perverse relationships with his dogs, possesses an uncanny singing ability, and films himself scratching his back with a toilet brush. Get your mind out of the gutter: there’s nothing that suggests that he’s a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ephebophilia">ephebophilic</a> sexual deviant-vampire – <a href="http://offender.fdle.state.fl.us/offender/flyer.do?personId=2530">his status as a registered sex offender</a> notwithstanding. <a href="http://services.sled.sc.gov/sor/view.aspx?SRS=16493">Honestly.</a><br /><br />I don’t think that I’ll need to take a cold shower ever again.Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06683539715534266296noreply@blogger.com1