Cool Shit 2/12

There's a new Between 2 Ferns out!

Between Two Ferns: Oscar Buzz Edition Part 1 from Zach Galifianakis      

Some movies are so good they don't let you take a moment to question the logic of some of their decisions.

Every year Sony holds a competition for the best photography. Here are the 2012 winners.

Country music, at its heart, its not really about Taylor Swift's ex-lovers. Its history is much more colorful.

Want to see great art but can't stand the thought about not enjoying an alcoholic beverage? Or perhaps you want to get a drink but hate staring at drab, bare walls. Well, if you're in New York, we have ten solutions for your conundrum.

Zach Galifianakis Early Stand Up

From 1999...comedian Zach Galifianakis takes us on a journey:

He gathers the crowd with the first two jokes, and then veers completely off course. Honestly, I hoped a little bit he just stayed in that vein to see where he would go, but it seems like he knew he was about to lose the crowd, so he reined himself in, before peppering the rest of the set with some absurdist humor.

New Between Two Ferns

A new Between Two Ferns, this time with Will Ferrell...

Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis: Will Ferrell from Will Ferrell

I've been on record as saying I don't think Between Two Ferns has "jumped the shark," yet, but with this latest installment I might have to rethink that. I happen to enjoy both Zack and Will, but here I'm not sure they work well together. They're too much alike, and this whole series has been based on the idea that we're not entirely sure the "guest" is completely in on the bit. But with Will Ferrell, you immediately know he's in on it because of his attire. After that, they try a few things that seemingly go nowhere. The Jon Hamm cameo is brief, and not funny enough to throw the sketch into the weird territory so many of the previous ones go. I think Jon Hamm should have trashed the set to find his keys, but that's just me.

However, I will say that the chair breaking made me laugh. Both times.

New Between 2 Ferns

It's very easy to burn out a joke, especially if the entire concept is based on it. That's why I have such admiration for Between 2 Ferns. While it would be easy to simply go back to the well each time, Zach Galifianackis is at least trying some different things...

Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis: Sean Penn from Between Two Ferns

Now, is this funny simply because it's Sean Penn, and he is notorious for being over serious? I think so. Does it fizzle a little at the end? Again, I believe that to be the case. I even wonder if Sean Penn had to ok certain stuff, which might have weakened the skit a little. Still, I don't believe Between 2 Ferns has run it's course yet, and I'll be excited when the next one comes out.

New Between Two Ferns

Perhaps not the funniest one, it still made me laugh. Especially the end gag, so stay with it!

Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis: Steve Carell from Between Two Ferns

The Latest From OK Go

You know the band Ok Go. No, not from their music. From their videos! Like this one:

And this one:

Have done it again. This time no music - it's all viral. Enjoy.

Links of Interest 3/3

Rube Goldberg devices are awesome.

I'm glad The Haunting was brought up. Liam Neeson's second best role!

The AV Club tastes a durian.

I can't imagine how long it takes to make these Etch-a-Sketch sketches.

Ghost towns are scary. But add a Japanese element, and for whatever reason, they become terrifying.

So...what's in your drinking water? I'm getting so high off mine.

It's hard to pass on Zach Galiafianakis articles.

Martin Scorsese talks about vintage movie posters.

Dissecting the Letterman extortion situation.

So how did the band Ok Go create their latest video?

Links of Interest 9/9

Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis from Between Two Ferns

((Note: This might be the funniest Between 2 Ferns I've seen. Agree? Disagree? Let me know.)

Tyra takes off her hair. Should we care? Seriously, I know Tyra is trying to break down the traditional stereotypes of beauty with this stunt, and that’s a noble endeavor, but it’s also impossible for her to do. Why? Because she’s Tyra Banks! Yes, makeup and hair styling and clothes can help transform a woman. But models aren’t picked because they can wear makeup well. They’re picked because they’re beautiful. Tyra won the genetic lottery, and no matter how frazzled her “real” hair looks, she’s still gorgeous.

Huh, never heard of this show. And since it only survived 6 episodes, it appears not many other people have either.

The A.V. Club over at The Onion begins it’s preview of the new fall season for television. It doesn’t look pretty. It looks familiar.

When will the Zach Galifianakis backlash begin? I say Summer of 2011. I’m not condoning it, simply taking action on it.

Ok, so maybe Al Franken does deserve to be a senator, based solely on this.

Esquire interviews Bill Clinton.

Steven Seagal is getting his own reality show?

I’m not 100% sure what to think of this video. I will say I probably shouldn’t have watched it at work, and therefore neither should you. But I can’t pass up Hitler getting a piece of ass.

The (long) story of bringing the children’s book Where the Wild Things Are to the big screen.

If you haven’t heard, The Beatles Rock Band comes out today. Here are 5 songs that are anticipated, and 5 that will be missed.

Links of Interest 7/7

The French may hate us, but they love McDonalds.

I guess there’s something to be gleaned from this, but I can probably already guess what it might feel like.

It was the AK-47’s birthday yesterday.

What’s Zach Galianfianakis’ next move?

The internet has unofficially adopted the cat as its mascot.

Bad economy means more women look to turn tricks.

Is how the media covers plane crashes an indictment of how we value some lives over others?

At least half of The Popcorn Trick enjoys the work of David Foster Wallace.

Not all child pornography is equal. However, the question is, does that matter?

Designers take a crack at making business cards for prostitutes.

And to continue with designers imagining what if scenarios – here’s a look at how retirement might affect superheroes.

Links of Interest 6/4

If you’re looking to get into science fiction, these 50 films are a great place to start.

Unripe fruit. A delicacy?

Read the summary paragraph about this guy (new president of South Africa). If you’re not intrigued, then the article isn’t for you.

What made these weird rings in the ice of a Russian Lake. I’m leaning toward the devil refusing to use a coaster for his drink. Prove me wrong!

A look at some of the more interesting beers from around the world.

Talking to the cast of The Hangover. With all this publicity, you’d think I was a schill for the movie. I’m not. I could be. For a nominal fee. Just throwing that out there.

The Beatles: Rock Band is coming out soon. Here’s how it all happened.

An interview with Bjork.

We might be going slightly overboard when society creates a need for a water sommelier.

The “hidden dark side” of soy?

Talking with Larry David. I have no idea who the interviewer, Scott Raab is (other than working for Esquire) but to me he comes off as a real douche in this piece. I’m not sure if he went in with the intent to “lock horns” with Larry David, or not, but the interview doesn’t come off as great. I’ve also heard some bad things about the movie, which can’t be good for Larry David’s psyche.

Links of Interest 6/3

Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis from Between Two Ferns

There are some great pictures of abandoned pools at old motels.

The goofy guy from The Office we first learn to hate, then learned to love is interviewed.

Are these people sexy or ugly or both? Or neither?

The history behind the names of some famous rock bands.

Who do you think the most famous fictional character is? (I’m saying “Jesus” to ruin your wit.)

Oprah as a modern day snake oil salesperson.

If you enjoy the occasional all-you-can-eat shrimp specials (and who doesn’t?) you might not want to read this.

Because he’s the it man of the moment, an interview with Zach Galianfinakis.

Cool article on North Korea and what we know about it due to citizen spies.

Warped, or molded? That’s the real question.