February 14, 2010 by traveler.

See…not everyone hates the snow! Shanti, the snow leopard in the Akron Zoo, looks like she’s having a great time. A fresh snowfall brings such pure joy (until it gets all slushy and gray).

Check out the video of Shanti playing.

Wish I could enjoy the snow- instead I am nursing a sunburn after spending a little too much time under the Saudi sun. Not quite the same.

Posted in Video, Environment | No Comments »

December 25, 2009 by traveler.

Merry Christmas everybody! Here is a great Christmas nugget closer to my neck of the woods.

Hope you have/had a Merry Christmas, Hanukkah, Diwali (I know, it was way back), and/or Ashura.

Posted in World, Weird, Video, Funny | No Comments »

October 11, 2009 by traveler.

Talk about Outta Left Field. I’m not sure where this came from (and I totally missed out on all the predecessors), but you gotta check out this awesome stop-motion video featuring Mr. Bean and Michael Jackson:

If you liked that (and what’s not to like?) there are plenty more. Patrick Boivin even has some ‘interactive’ videos, although they aren’t quite as compelling as the sit-back-n-watch variety. Love this stuff- need more! Good work, PB.

Posted in Comedy, Weird, Art, Video, Toys, Funny | No Comments »

September 24, 2009 by traveler.

Since the Segway hasn’t injured enough users, Honda has released a motorized, self-balancing unicycle to really amp up the hurt. You know it’s up to the task, because Honda included the balancing skills of their Asimo robot. (Fall 1, Fall 2).

Wow- I can close my eyes and picture all the fractured ankles. If you enjoy laziness and danger, the new U3X is a dream come true.

———
Check back soon for the second part of my Cairo/Giza photologue.

Posted in Tech, Junk, Weird, Video, Toys, Funny, Design, Gear | No Comments »

August 23, 2009 by traveler.

Wow- that was a long drought. Sorry for the delay. I am back and better than ever (perhaps) and ready to bring you more. Keep an eye out for my latest Photologue. But first…

Do you like Legos? 80s Videogames? 8-bit Music? No? Well, if you did, you would totally dig this Youtube masterpiece. And it was so easy to make- only 1500 hours of work! What could be easier?

There is so much to love in this video, but I particularly enjoyed the Karate Champ references. If you liked this post, you may enjoy my Lego Mario post. And the 8-bit trip video even included a hint to my next Photologue post. Here’s a clue- it is the scene with the pyramid. Oh wait- that’s a terrible clue. Yes, my Photologue features my trip to the Great Pyramids of Giza. Stay tuned.

Posted in Video, Art, Weird, Toys, Nintendo, Style, Retro, Design, Games | No Comments »

July 18, 2009 by traveler.

What hasn’t yet been said about the King of Pop? MJ has seemingly been on TV more after his passing than during his entire lifetime. It struck me that there was one aspect not entirely explored, however- the worldwide urge to recreate his performances. Browsing Youtube videos yields a TON of tribute videos, and I’ve saved you the trouble of sifting for the golden nuggets. Here’s a small sampling of MJ’s influence- the 23 Best Michael Jackson Youtube Tributes.

MJ around the world-

Thriller- Phillipine prison

Thriller- Sydney Opera House

Thriller- Indian ‘homage’

Billie Jean- Saudi dance (Billie Jean added to unrelated dancing video)

Billie Jean- Yemeni kid

Beat It- Mariachi version

Beat It- Eritrean kid

Dangerous- Chinese kids

Billie Jean- on Britain’s Got Talent

Does the costume make the performer? Here are a few more MJ tributes-

Beat It- Mini Michael Jackson

Smooth Criminal- Mario style

Worst MJ dance EVER (but kinda funny)

Of all MJ’s performances that people love to recreate, Thriller is by far the most popular. There are dozens of Thriller versions on the net. Here are some of the best-

Frame for frame LEGO remake

OU Marching band

Darth Thriller

US Marine

W&M University (new record?!)

‘13 Going On 30′ clip

Enthusiastic 3-year-old Girl

Mario Paint recreation

There is also a meme of Thriller dances at weddings. Here are two of the best matrimonial Thrillers-

Groomsmen Get Down

Entire Wedding Party

No tribute would be complete without a performance from the real deal. Here is Michael himself performing “The Way You Make Me Feel” with Britney Spears. Britney is then at her peak, but is still no match for Michael.

MJ & Britney- The Way You Make Me Feel

Posted in Comedy, Junk, Weird, World, Video, Retro, DJ, Old News, Funny, Music | No Comments »

July 6, 2009 by traveler.

And try to avoid doing this…

(warning- language)

Posted in Weird, Video | No Comments »

June 9, 2009 by traveler.

…The better to entertain you with, my dear. A little backstory- when I go to work I turn on the tv for my dog. It seems to comfort him while he’s alone in the house. Like a little kid, one of his favorite tv characters is Elmo. I remarked to my wife that she’d be surprised to see who performs Elmo’s voice.

She didn’t believe me, so I tracked down the youtube proof. Here it is for your amusement and amazement.

Now that’s voice acting. I wish I had that sort of talent. And Kevin Clash plays more than just Elmo. He also performed Splinter in the Ninja Turtle movies and Baby Sinclair from Dinosaurs. I love Baby Sinclair- simultaneously grating and lovable. Here’s a little behind-the-scenes shenanigans during a Dinosaurs taping. Enjoy!

Posted in Weird, Video, Funny, Old News, TV | No Comments »

June 7, 2009 by traveler.

This has got to be the best promo I’ve seen.

Viral marketing is often attempted and rarely achieved. This video really hits the mark, though. In the short time between when I viewed this video to when I wrote about it, the video’s views have shot up from ~30k to ~190k. If Hammertime the show can match the entertainment value of this promotion, A&E will be all set. As Don King would say, “Only in America!”

Posted in Art, Comedy, Business, Weird, Video, Retro, Music, Style, Funny, TV | No Comments »

June 7, 2009 by traveler.

Like many Americans, I grew up playing soccer. Like many more Americans, I have no interest in watching professional soccer. Why the disconnect?

Soccer’s got to be great, right? I mean, the rest of the world adores their ‘football’. So why have Americans so thoroughly rejected this sport? Perhaps Jim Rome can shed some light.

Sorry, world- we’ve seen what ‘football’ has to offer. We’re not interested. Please take it off our hands (not like we’re very good at it anyway). And while you’re at it, take cricket along also. Thanks. We’ll just stick with our own football…the good stuff.

Posted in Gripes, Video, Sports, Funny, Games | No Comments »