Four Eyed Monsters: New episodes (ep 9 to 12)
It has been a while since we heard from the Four Eyed Monsters (filmmakers Arin Crumley & Susan Buice). We have interviewed them in the past. I have fond affection and respect for them and their work. Many times, since all hoopla died down, I found myself defending them, their work, their way of doing things.
The biggest objection I hear is that they teeter on the obnoxious. A feeling akin to an older person feels to a younger person describing their lives as a grand-new-once-in-a-lifetime event when it is actually commonplace and repetitive. If you are in your late 20’s or later, these podcasts and the drama it revolves around remind you how silly, shallow life is in your early 20’s. But that could be intriguing in its own right.
These new podcasts will not change any of those perceptions. We are in our middle 20’s. The relationship is past the film and focused on itself. The big twist is that Susan has decided to be a stripper. I am a little confused on the reasons. Money, sexual exploration and a bigger-middle-finger-fuck-you to Arin are thrown in the mix. One reason, not touched upon, but in the mind of the viewer, would be that Susan, like Arin, are exhibitionists. It does boggle the mind how much recording taking place. Newest fetish: videoblogging!?
Like all of their earlier podcasts, they are honest about what is going on but not truthful. What I mean is that they are stating and describing what is going on. But nothing else. They have added what must be the most annoying cutaways to enhance these statements. But they stop there. What could be incredible conversations are cut short by a montage of beat-over-the-head physical illustrations of what has already been said.
Still following, still interested. As I have plead to the creators of Lost in the past, be easy with the fill.
Episodes nine, ten, eleven, twelve.
Photograph from Susan’s flickr account.
Dapper Detectives
Two dinosaurs still roam the streets of NY with suits: Wall Street & Cops.
The Onion: Are We Giving Robots Too Much Power?
I love my Robot overlords. Please don’t kill me!
Jill Bolte Taylor: Stroke of Insight
Neuroanatomist J. B. Taylor had an opportunity few brain scientists would wish for: one morning, she realized she was having a massive stroke. She studied and remembered every moment as feeling her brain functions slip away one by one: speech, movement, understanding.
A powerful story about how our brains define us and connect us to the world and to one another.
Watch it. (Flash Video)
via Ehrensenf
On the Fourth Floor - Kick in the Nuts
Kinda like The Office but with a kick in your nuts. Episode 7.
Balloons to wire America?
Brilliant but crazy idea.
According to the Wall Street Journal, Google is considering either a partnership or a full-on buyout of Space Data Corp—a company that provides balloon-based wireless networks. If you think that seems a little strange, consider this: the balloons can help bring wireless service to individuals in rural areas and they can be launched on the cheap—about $50 to launch the balloon, $1500 for the receiver, and a $100 finder’s fee for recovery after the balloon returns to earth.
The one major problem is that the balloons only survive for about 24 hours before they are destroyed in the upper atmosphere. However, if that shortcoming can be overcome, Google could build wireless networks using a 700 Mhz spectrum in a fraction of the time and at a fraction of the cost of traditional cell towers. And as a BusinessWeek article from last month revealed, Space Data believes it can cover the whole country with a WiMax broadband network with just 370 balloons. Compare that with the 22,000 or so towers that would be necessary using traditional methods. It may be non-traditional but it is a dammed good idea. My mind has just been blown.
Use Of ‘N-Word’ May End Porn Star’s Career
I nearly pissed my pants.
Online Dating Helping Pathetic Women Get Their Hopes Crushed More Efficiently
I couldn’t resist, it seems perfect for VD.
Lawrence Lessig on Barack Obama
I find myself rooting for Barack Obama. The more I see of him, the more I like him. I think politics is becoming too divisive, I have found myself doing several times. But as my passions in these matters cools, I have come to understand that George Orwell’s point in 1984 of people being enslaved in battle is not just limited to foreign forces. Whether it be Americans versus Al Qaeda or Democrats versus Republicans or, even more, Barack Obama versus Hilary Clinton, people seem constantly in battle with each other. And that is largely why I have enjoyed Obama speak, I don’t think he poisons the discussion. He doesn’t get my blood boiling, he simply inspires.
Lessig, who I respect greatly, released this 20 minute video comparing the two Democratic candidates. He believes in Obama, much like I do but is able to say it a lot more eloquently and substantively.
P.S. I wish Senator Russ Feingold had run for the Democratic ticket but that is another story.
Goodiebag - Punchline Piracy
I have been a victim and also a pirate at times. Watch it.
The Corporate Assassin
Here is a great idea for a videoblog. To enter the site, you have to choose between employee or an executive. You are then asked about who you hate at work and what method you would like to use to get rid of them. The suggestions are then picked by the videoblog creators and are recreated for your cathartic pleasure.
Official site (you have to submit your idea just once)- the teaser.
The New Pop - Frenchie
A little gym holds out against the commercialization of Williamsburg. What a character!
P.S. their New Years videos are insanely fun.
This American Life - Super (Simply incredible)
I have mentioned my love for NPR’s This American Life before. But a recent episode was just out of this world. Act 2 had one of the best stories I have ever heard. The theme for the episode is Super, you know, the guys that take care of the apartment buildings. I would suggest you stop reading and start listening. Don’t miss act two.
The show page - the direct link to the mp3 (this may stop working after a while).
Human Dog for Carpe Caviar
A year late but I couldn’t not post this. It is simply out of this world.
The Naked Campaign: Elections through the art of Steve Brodner
This should most likely be my favorite coverage of the elections.
A series of short videos featuring the illustrator Steve Brodner as he draws the Presidential candidates and discusses the race for the White House. The videos are directed by Gail Levin, with animation by Asterisk and camera by Ben Shapiro.
I don’t think he is right as much he is original with what he decides to focus on. He reacts, he isn’t just another echo. Of course, we haven’t come here to listen to him talk about politics as much as see him draw, which he does beautifully. Sometimes I wish I could drop everything and grow a talent like that.
Go to the list of videos with my favorites being the ones on Romney and Obama. Rudy’s might be the funniest, however. (via Drawn)
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