Cool Shit 3/28

I've mentioned the Barkley Ultramarathon before, but here's another take on it. I'd love to go and visit the starting point, if not actually sign up to run, but it seems basically impossible to find out where it is. Which of course is part of the allure for me.

Love Dick Cavett. So of course I'm going to link to an essay of his recalling his days as a writer for the Tonight Show. And then it also gives me an opportunity to link to Cavett youtube clips...



...and now I'm down the rabbit hole and will most likely spend the next 6 hours watching Dick Cavett clips on youtube - a phrase probably not uttered too many times throughout history.

Want to taste whiskey made from the original recipe of George Washington? Well, it's going to cost you $95. And it most likely will taste awful. Enjoy!

Game of Thrones season 3 starts up this Sunday. Get ready for it by purchasing some of this sweet schwag!

Some of the best hiking trails around the globe.

Ok, this is incredible. A transcript of a brainstorming session between Spielberg, Lucas and Lawrence Kasdan (screenwriter). Not only a look at how the movie became what it became, this is a fascinating look at how the creative process is a journey (cliche!) and takes more work than simply coming up with an idea and putting it on paper.

Cool Shit 3/27

Oh those crazy Russians, sneaking to the top of the pyramids and taking photos.

I had no idea The Real World existed past 2001. Then again, I'm old.

Who better to learn comedy from than other comedians?

I want to believe this video purportedly showing one of President Obama's secret service agents transforming into a reptilian creature was created to be completely serious; there's just no way my rational mind will allow that thought to take.

Cool Shit 3/26

I'm a sucker for lists of cool places on this big blue marble we call Earth. This one even had a few I've never heard of.

It's difficult to have too strong an opinion on a list that is essentially based on opinion. But I'll still give it a try. This list of essential albums to own on vinyl seems a little short sighted, and very "modern." For example, it has no Pink Floyd albums, which, while it might be cliche to have them on such a list, that doesn't mean they don't deserve to be on it. Other choices I might suggest would be Steely Dan, any OTHER Radiohead album than the one they chose and Yes. And that's just off the top of my head.

Rolling Stone interviewed (separately) the living members of Pink Floyd and discussed the band in general, and the classic Dark Side of the Moon.

And speaking of Dark Side of the Moon, here's a writer who allegedly is listening to the album for the first time, which...what?

Care to see what the most popular file is in the FBI's vault of declassified documents?

Cool Shit 3/25

If you're a movie buff and haven't yet seen Hearts of Darkness, I suggest you do so right now.

A look into what makes Shane Carruth tick, the creator of Primer and the new movie Upstream Color.

First hand accounts of having famous authors as professors.

Man, first Q*bert, and now Missile Command. I gotta get to an arcade!

Ugh. I love zombies, and I'm sure I will see this, but seriously - what have they done to World War Z?

Cool Shit 3/22

Greece paid a lot of money for the Olympics and now no one is using the venues.

When Lil' Wayne crosses over into stodgy, white America.

Here's a fun game to play on a lazy Friday...is it a picture from NASA or MOMA?

If you like Gary Oldman like I like Gary Oldman, you might enjoy this supercut of him losing his shit...

Gary Oldman Loses His Shit from Flavorwire on Vimeo.

Do you think these changes would have helped these movies? (Honestly, I don't think Superman II needs to be fixed).

Of course sometimes changes suggested for movies can easily ruin them, as suggested here (click on it just for the Steve Martin Passion of the Christ parody notes).

Cool Shit 3/21

You know when you see them all together like this, it almost seems like Donald Trump's lawsuits are for publicity!

Alright, still looking for some last minute tips to help you fill out your bracket? Check here.

Want to know who played what in every Beatles song? Now you can - in poster form.

Everything is better in slow motion...



If it wasn't in Italian, I would swear I knew who created this replica of the Ghostbusters HQ.



Big Arrested Development fan? Want to do more than just anticipate Season 4? Why not help fund the Arrested Development documentary? (I'd link to the video explaining why the creators need the money, but after watching it, I'm not sure you would donate. So instead, I'll just offer up the trailer).

Cool Shit 3/20

Want to see what the George Saunders hoopla is all about (he's an author)? Check out ten of his stories here.

While I agree right now that television is really kicking out the jams, another police procedural about a woman who gets really tangled up in the case so soon after The Killing has me worried slightly.

In just a few short years, Jimmy Fallon went from the guy who couldn't keep a straight face in an SNL skit, to the hot commodity in late night television. And he did it all with a smile.

The drug gangs of Mexico have implemented many ideas in order to get drugs into the US. And I'm sure however they're doing it now is just as creative.

Oh yeah? I once skipped breakfast like 3 days in a row!

Cool Shit 3/19

The story of a man attempting to achieve the high score on Q*bert, and yet so much more. A great read, especially if you enjoy video games.

Great interview with Patton Oswalt, who seems to have his head on straight about life.

If it keeps adding places like these, we might have to come up with a better name than Google Street View.

There seems to be a need out there for a "toothless" zipper, if these statistics about penis-related injuries is correct. Quick - to Kickstarter!

Looking for new music? Or even better, music that no one has heard of and might blow up so you can honestly say "I knew them before they were big?" Here you go. Here you go too.

Aided by wing suits, two guys go for a jaunt into the city of Rio De Janeiro. I predict this becomes more of a thing, with more wing suit videos popping up at cities all over the world.

Cool Shit 3/18

With the NCAA College Basketball tournament starting soon, you will see a plethora of bracket style tournaments popping up all over in the next few days. And while I normally think the gimmick has been slightly overplayed, I feel this one with Star Wars characters is mildly interesting. At first glance, it's hard to not predict Han Solo and Boba Fett facing off in the finals, but then there are some factors that could ruin it. This genuinely has the potential for upsets, something other pop culture bracket tournaments don't have. I feel I could write another 2,000 words on this, but will stop here.

Even famous authors get rejected.

The good, the bad and ugly of films at SXSW this year.

Was the Death Star's destruction cause by rebels? Or was there something more going on? If you've seen Loose Change, this is definitely for you.



This is an interesting article on the potential of a beer monopoly coming, and what it would do to prices on a global and national scale.

Sometimes tagging with graffiti isn't just about gangs; sometimes it can be quite literary.

Cool Shit 3/15

It's no secret this blog is in love with Michael Caine. So it should be no surprise we link to this list of 80 quotes for his 80th birthday.

From Mental Floss - Here are 50 misconceptions debunked:



When funny people go serious.

What was it like to be the secretary for... The Beatles?

Did these shows jump the shark or almost jump the shark?

Cool Shit 3/14

While I'm questioning the validity of some of these (after all, we do live in the age of Photoshop) they still are a great assortment of perfectly time photos.

Be careful when you go abroad. Especially so if you're a successful businessman.

Who never had a dream to be a deep well diver?

In my top five of places/times I would head to would be hanging out with Michael Caine in the 60s.

A possible answer to what's been plaguing all of our minds for so long: what is the meaning behind Britney Spears' video Toxic?

What if we didn't need the Papal enclave because the real pope didn't resign? Because the real pope might be living in the midwest of America. Hey, it's a theory. And here's a documentary about that theory...

Cool Shit 3/13

Couldn't get to SXSW? Here's a guide to track much of it down from the comfort of your home.

When I started this blog, I swore that I would immediately link to any article with the title, "Ukrainian Attack Dolphins on the Loose." My work here is done.

A movie about a traveling salesman. A traveling salesman is a person who goes on the road and sells things door to door. It's a dying art, which makes this movie interesting. Also, this may be the greatest traveling salesman ever. How can I say that? Because he sells bronze baby shoes. To people door to door. In 2013.



Check out what your neighbors are searching for when they search for porn.

Are you a twist tie person or a plastic clip person? Apparently your answer influences the 10.6 BILLION dollar bread bag closing industry.

Cool Shit 3/12

A crazy story of a physics professor a "model" and a suitcase full of cocaine.

The art of urban exploration. Not for the faint of heart.

And I thought Numbers Stations were dead. Maybe they're alive and well on Twitter?

For the uninitiated, here's a definition of numbers stations, and then some examples:



I for one am shocked that "sexual favors" might be in play when a woman is recruited for a beauty pageant.

Shopping at Trader Joe's for something good? Then this website is indispensable!

Cool Shit 3/11

A lot of people today will probably be talking about how great Saturday Night Live was this week, with guest host Justin Timberlake. While the show had its moments, I don't believe it deserves the hype I've been seeing it get on the Internet. Too many of the jokes relied on nostalgia and not actual humor, (the 5 Timers Club just rolled out cameos, and other than Martin Short, no one seemed like they wanted to be there; the "Veganville" sketch is a rehash of the same sketch Timberlake always does when he's on and is getting old, also Bobby Moynahan was not a great foil) while the original sketches did not seemed to be fleshed out whatsoever.

I understand that anticipation establishes excitement which leads to people maybe wanting to have enjoyed something more than actually enjoying it. I think that's what happened with this SNL episode. I think Timberlake is a very talented host and I enjoyed him on his earlier episodes. I just wish instead of falling back on the characters he's successfully done in the past, he (and the rest of the SNL crew) pushed to find new and interesting sketches/characters.

Have you really dived into the sordid mess that used to be NBC's sitcom Up All Night?

Things you never knew about Pink Floyd's classic album Dark Side of the Moon. Or, if you're a crazy fan of that album, maybe you do know these things.

A deeper look into Disney's acquisition of LucasFilm.

The latest update with what's going on with Arrested Development.

If you're a woman, and use a computer, I would probably skip this story about hackers.

SXSW is currently happening. And that means music. Lots and lots of music. Download it all here.

Cool Shit 3/8

Fictional products in movies are cool; fictional ads for fictional products are cooler.

The Matrix, defined in 60 seconds as an animated video game level. I'm predicting if they do this for the second and third films, they'll outperform the originals.



Put this next video on loop, throw some Aphex Twins on, and you'll be able to skip your daily ketamine dose to get through the pain of the day. What? That's just me? Carry on then.



I foresee a lot of classier Beer Pong games in the near future.

Buying a house can be awesome and it can suck. Based on how you think, this story might be both.

Cool Shit 3/7

It's one thing to take inspiration from the men you've dated and turn them into pop songs that millions of people enjoy. But going after those who have garnered a lot of respect and are considered 2 of the smartest/funniest writers currently working - women no less - and accusing them of insulting you simply for making a small joke about you, a joke that directly correlates to the foundation upon which your success is built?

Hmm. It seems the backlash may have begun. And seriously when you do something like this...



...you might start preparing yourself for some sort of backlash. Miss Swift is starting to remind me of the person in high school who was sweet and nice and said "hi" to everyone, regardless of their social level or status, but would fly into a rage if she felt slighted in anyway.

And also would never put out.

I can't believe a sitcom with Hitler as the central focus would only last one episode. Take a look at that and 27 other shows that only lasted one episode.

If you haven't seen Capturing the Friedmans, a documentary about a Long Island family torn apart by accusations of pedophilia (it's much more), then don't click on this link yet. Watch it first. Then come back and see what's happening today in regards to the outcome of the movie.

A list of movies you wouldn't think were expensive, but were. Insanely so. Also, until reading this list, I had completely blocked out the memory of ever seeing Stealth, so now I'm depressed.

On the one hand, it shouldn't be too surprising to anyone that processed meats increase your risk for death. On the other, let's just pretend this study never happened and go back to enjoying salami, bacon, hotdogs, etc.

Don't ever tell me again you can't make a movie trailer because you don't have a SFX budget. Check this out:

Here's the original Iron Man 3 trailer:



And then here's a shot for shot remake:



Now, which one would you be more excited for? Yes, obviously the first one, but doesn't the second one look like a ton of fun?

Cool Shit 3/6

A look at the varied career of Beck - one of my favorite artists. I wish I could hear his most recent release, but since it is simply sheet music and not actually recorded, I will have to simply want and never have. Unless he does indeed record it one day.

While a list boasting the "50 best albums you've never heard," is absurd, it's almost delightfully absurd. Delightful in the fact that while it's boasting an impossibility, it still manages to uncover some cool things, and let you enjoy new treasures.

Tom Sizemore has been in a lot of movies, and has worked with a lot of great directors. A lot.

Existing movies you will probably never see. The Day the Clown Cried is still one of my favorite go-to punchlines.

Most petitions people start are stupid. But not this one. Can I get a toot toot?

Having a bad day, feel a little stressed? Sit back and enjoy this beautiful time lapse of Lake Hallstatt in Austria.

'The Lake' from geoff tompkinson on Vimeo.

Cool Shit 3/5

It's always a good thing to continue your education. And with the help of universities and the Internet, you can take free online classes right in your home. Over 700 of them!

Sigh. I realize lists on the internet are completely subjective, and impossible to be comprehensive, but really, any "Best underrated sitcoms" list that doesn't include Newsradio can then no longer be considered a decent list. As for some of their other entries:

• Just Shoot Me is an inspired choice
• My brother would agree with the inclusion of Dr. Katz
• Daria is not underrated, it's just old
• The Fresh Prince of Bel Air is definitely not underrated
• It's a crime more people didn't watch It's Gary Shandling's Show

As for some glaring omissions aside from Newsradio?

• Get a Life
• WKRP in Cincinnati 
• Sledgehammer
• Police Squad!

Jimi Hendrix has a new album out! Man, it's been awhile, what has this guy been doing? If you'd like to purchase People, Hell & Angels go for it. Here's a...single? I have no idea whether something like this will get radio play...



Also - if you have Spotify, I think you can click here and start listening to the album.

Waffles. They're not just for breakfast.

What goes into creating a can of Coke? Here it is. Quick, read it before the Coke spies get to me.

Cool Shit 3/4

Check out these floor plans of famous fictional places. I understand Frasier was a successful radio talk show host and psychologist, but I'm still having a hard time he could afford that space! (And, speaking of Frasier, if you were a fan, who particularly hated the show, this article is for you.)

I've seen the future, and it involves Google making driverless cars.

The 12 o'clock Boys: A film about an urban dirt bike gang in Baltimore. I think. Honestly, my suburban white ass has not context for what is going on here.



Maradona - Argentinia's mercurial soccer star. And of course, every time I mention Maradona on this blog, I have to show the clip of him winning Lo Copa Mundial for Argentina and celebrating by sniffing a bag of cocaine. The clip is one of my favorites...Maradona here isn't just a soccer player; he's a gladiator, and when he senses victory, even before his shot, he goes over and pats one of his opponents on his head, not in a patronizing way, but in a "you really did try your best way."

And of course, there's Maradona's drug guy, the guy in the aqua shirt. The guy who you first look at and immediately say, "Hey, that guy looks like a drug dealer" even before he rushes out with a bag of coke for Maradona to bury his head in.



Looking to fight crime, Batman style? You probably want to crunch some numbers, because that shit be expensive.

Maps can be cool. Really cool.

Cool Shit 3/1

What I want to know is, how did the Girls Gone Wild franchise get 16 million dollars in the hole?

A story of the hunt for a Californian serial killer who was never caught. Yet, justice still might be served.

Always fidgeting because you don't know how long your food will keep? Fidget no more.

Looking for something to kill some time on a Friday? How about a documentary on the behind the scenes production of Empire Strikes Back - a documentary few people have seen...



Just because you've died doesn't mean you cant't still do something cool.