Cool Shit 6/3

Seems like this video of top 10 laser gun battles has some loose criteria, and then they barely stay within that criteria. Oh well. Maybe I'm just mad that they didn't call out the battle from Ice Pirates.



So Indiana Jones probably isn't the prototypical archaeologist, but there are some similarities with these guys.

There will be more Arrested Development. While the last season was pretty inconsistent, this is still good news.

Is anyone really excited about the Wachowski's Netflix series Sense8? If you are, here's a deep dive into it.

A look at submarine terms, for the next time you watch Das Boot (the director's cut of course).

Cool Shit 3/11

Look, Back to the Future was a good movie, but the blossoming fandom around it in recent years seems somewhat bizarre to me. It was popular, and a classic, but it doesn't hold up to cultural phenomenon that some people seem to be pushing. A documentary might be nice, but as a special extra on a DVD at best.

Sam Simon, one of the principles behind the Simpsons passed away. Here's a look into why he was so great, and why he wasn't recognized early on as one of the bigger voices behind its success.

Anyone interested in the new Daredevil series on Netflix?



Or maybe you're just in the mood for Pixar's latest, Inside Out?



I'm not sure what to make of this news coming from FOX about suspending the pilot for the remake of Luther. On one hand, it was pretty obvious to everyone that finding an actor like Idris Elba wasn't going to be easy, but on the other hand, it's somewhat heartening to hear that they at least are taking it relatively seriously enough to try to find a good fit (though the Marlon Wayans suggestion/rumor is frightening).

Back in college, in a 3 month period, I was attacked by no less than 4 dogs. While I don't think I was antagonizing them, who knows for sure? I just wish this piece on how to survive a dog attack had come out 20 years ago.

All this talk of legalization getting your weed juices flowing, but not sure how to go about scoring some of the stuff? Here's a helpful piece to get you started down the drug path.

Cool Shit 9/26: Has Bigfoot been found?

Ever wonder about how Lorne Michaels put together Saturday Night Live? Hear how it all began from the horse's mouth!

You can't complain that Netflix streaming doesn't have anything on once you click this link to check out the some awesome documentaries. And yes, just because it might be true doesn't mean it will be boring.

Maybe you're aware that Nick Offerman was a huge breakdancer in the 80s. Maybe I'm the stupid one who never had this knowledge. But just because I might be stupid doesn't mean you won't enjoy this interview with him about it.

Could you imagine at the end of Return of the Jedi if Luke had put the Vader mask on and destroyed the rebels? I guess Lucas is just a pussy for not going all dark side on this. That's just one thing you'll read about the making of Return of the Jedi.

The 2013 TV fall season is soooo 2013. We need to get excited about what's coming next. NEXT! It's always about NEXT! (Yes, I know this list of anticipated shows has some from 2013, but to acknowledge that would have meant I couldn't write that scathing joke commentary about our culture. Duh.)

The legalization of marijuana in Colorado is a big deal, bigger than we're even thinking about right now. And the ramifications it has put in play will influence our lives for years to come. Both economically and socially. And it's kind of amazing to me that there's not much attention put toward it. Relatively speaking of course. But seriously, an illegal drug was made legal!

If you're a fan of Bigfoot, this map representing all the places he/she/it/they have been reportedly spotted is essential for your research.

Cool Shit 9/24

In 2013, I'm posting an article about a school banning a book. We are doing something wrong.

A quick little video with facts about Playboy. What an interesting, wonderful magazine. Especially true after the book banning article.



I haven't seen it yet, but it sounds awesome. It's a Norwegian film called Troll Hunter, and it's on Netflix. While this article talks about the director getting a chance to make an American remake, take a moment to at least watch the trailer here:



If you're a child of the late 80s/early 90s, you'll enjoy these 15 facts about Nickelodeon. Also, it gives me an opportunity to link to this article I wrote way back about the top Nickelodeon kids' game shows.

I'm not even sure where to begin with this Japanese robot karate movie. The trailer below simply doesn't do it justice, so after watching, read this article about it.



Our continuing coverage of the movie Escape from Tomorrow, the movie shot on the Disney property, takes us into a detailed account of just how the movie was made exactly. And Disney? They're still mum. Conspicuously mum.

Punk rock couture can be purchased for $375 at Urban Outfitters. You know, I don't blame Urban Outfitters for trying to cash in. I mean, sure it's disgusting and expensive, but that's what capitalism allows. No, I blame punk rockers. In their quest to destroy the tradition and identity of other groups they deemed stupid and materialistic, they instead simply created their own identity to be cashed in on. Instead of mocking others for their look, they should have shredded any sense of materialism, or at least not put such effort into the rebellion of style. But now, that's where we are.

Cool Shit 6/7

This is a crazy video that gives us a perspective of just what the infinite of space means, using the Hubble telescope and 3-D.



Netflix is chugging along, producing original content at a faster and faster clip. Here's Orange is the New Black, from the creator of Weeds:



A good list of what you should be doing with your life this summer. You know, if you want to take advantage of it being summer.

This woman plans to live on nothing but sunlight for the foreseeable future. Apparently this is a thing. A thing at least in the sense that people actually believe it's possible, not that it actually is possible.

Cool Shit 2/4

For any of you who wanted to understand the Star Wars universe a little more, here's a map with everything laid out, that...probably won't help much, but it looks kinda cool.

A couple hangover cures from bartenders. Though, to be fair, why should we listen to bartenders about hangover cures? They're not the perpetually drunk ones - they're the scary shadows in the corners that provide the rest of us with the poison! They're the pushers. We're the victims. Shouldn't we be telling the bartenders the cures so they can provide that information to other people in their times of weakness?

Sure Super Bowl Media Day is crazy in and of itself. But what is it like on acid?

Netflix released a new series this weekend called House of Cards -- and released all of its episodes simultaneously. Many out there are suggesting this release is going to change the way we watch television, which I guess is possibly true, except didn't the release of entire shows' seasons on DVD already do that? Articles like this one seem to be the old media trying to catch up with the present entertainment landscape.

Here are 50 reasons to be excited about music in the upcoming year.

Cool Shit 2/1

If you're a fantasy novel fan, you'll easily lose yourself (pun fully intended) in this collection of maps.

Art Bell and former host of the Coast to Coast radio show, is quite possibly getting a new show! (Honestly, it might be worth checking out his wikipedia page for some entertaining Friday reading.)

If you can slog through the atrocious layout and design of the site, you'll be able to enjoy a comprehensive look at the influences and homages in Quentin Tarantino films.

4 volcanos erupting at once! Check out the photos, and don't miss the navigable video (use your arrow keys and you'll be able to take in a 360 degree view of the eruption sites).

House of Cards, a new series on Netflix, comes out today. Here's a look at the first two episodes (Netflix is releasing the whole thing at once so you could make it a weekend watch if you'd like).

And here's a trailer for it to give you an idea of what it will be about:



This is incredible. A look at one of the original drafts (I think the 5th) of Raiders of the Lost Ark - complete with Harrison Ford's notes. A cool look into what really goes into finishing a script - long before the cameras start rolling.

Netflix new Series: Lilyhammer

Netflix is about to break off some original programming. Their first foray? Lilyhammer, a show starring Steven Van Zandt as a mob informant transplanted to Norway. Allegedly it's a comedy...

Thoughts? Personally, I think this is another misfire for Netflix. I don't see Van Zandt being a capable lead, don't see Norway as a location that is going to grab American viewer interest, and don't think blending comedy and drama is the right move.

But what do I know? (Aside from the facts that I could have guessed a pay increase would have been met with negativity, a split of two services was a bad idea, and would have never named a company after something that sounded like an Atari 2600 game.)

RIP Peter Falk

I know I'm late to the "Peter Falk is dead" news, but that doesn't mean I can't pay my respects.

While Falk will always be remembered for playing the iconic Columbo, I choose to remember him from a seldom watched movie called "Murder By Death."

(If you're intrigued enough by the above clips, and have Netflix, you're in luck - you can watch it immediately!)

Links of Interest 3/16

Karl Rove's new memoir might not be correctly labeled as "non-fiction."

Want to be the next Howard Stern? Make sure you have the right equipment.

SXSW is a great place to keep up to date with new bands. Here are 10 you should keep your eye on.

Those Jason Bourne movies might not be as fictitious as you think.

Find out what will be streaming soon on Netflix.

Directors talk about their favorite movie scenes. (via kottke)

Found out your the last person on Earth? You have more responsibility than you think.

There are so many places I want to travel to around the world. This is one of them.

What do you think the most dangerous drugs are?

Feeling ripped off? Don't worry, it's probably true.

Links of Interest 8/5

Join the debate about which film defines the 2000s here.

Keep eating your corn syrup, and enjoy your mercury poison.

Need another reason to hate Wal Mart? They’re ripping off the Girl Scouts.

The term “Birthers” has been in the news recently, describing a person who questions Obama’s birth, and therefore the legality of his presidency. Pretty sure truthers look down at these people.

The best baseball players as chosen by science!

Ever wonder about those Netflix warehouses? Wonder no more!

Profile of Christina Hendricks. You know, the redhead on Mad Men.

I may be the only one, but the more I hear about Inglorious Basterds, the more I roll my eyes. Here’s a trailer for a movie within the movie.

Just a cool picture of many hot air balloons taking off.

Who doesn’t love a good leprosy story?

Traveling to the Congo soon? I’d be careful of the raping. Regardless of gender.

Links of Interest 7/1

A "best of" books list that skews toward contemporary literature.

Kinda cool, but first a little backstory. Netflix has been running a “contest” where people could win $1 million dollars for improving upon their “recommendation” engine. Seems like someone was able to pull it off.

Are you interested in a list of the best movie robots?

No one is really sure what this is. Be careful, it’s a little disturbing. The video is apparently of a sewer drain and what people have found in it. I dare you to watch the whole thing. And no, there's no surprise at the end. Just 2+ minutes of icky.

The cup holder. A bigger innovation than you might have imagined.

Is it possible to create a space shield?

Anyone remember soda fountains?

The seemingly impossibility of running out of fish, is becoming a possibility.

Is the mall as we know it disappearing? This list of malls in trouble suggest that.

Sometimes, it’s not always good to be the good guy.

Links of Interest 4/3

How people survived during the Great Depression. You know - just in case.

Admit it, you’re curious just how Netflix works, and what ti looks like inside their hubs. Well, wonder no more.

Feeling down on yourself? Feel better immediately after looking at these terrible excuses for Star Wars costumes.

A-list celebrities weren’t always A-list celebrities. Remember, there are 26 letters in the alphabet.

Concept cars that never really got off the ground.

Lists are cool you know. Here’s a list of the top pop culture heroines.

Here’s a great example of what branding can do – both good and bad – for your product.

A look at the many influences director Wes Anderson has.

A conservative film festival that at least one conservative didn’t find too good.

Do you think if I show this to my boss his reaction would be positive or negative?

Cool site that collects pictures from cookbooks found in thrift stores. It’s not surprising these things were donated.