Week 15 - Middle of May, 2011

Ugh, I want to send our some apologies. These last few weeks have gotten away from me and that meant no posts. But I’m back and ready to boogie.  Last week was fascinating: Sarah Palin’s boss thinks she is an idiot, Russell Brand was thrown out of Japan and, shocker, the apocalypse didn’t happen …  and wouldn’t you know it, I just got a haircut so I’d look my best for God. Ah well, next time. Here’s what I am obsessing over this week.

The Doo Wop Shop’s Disney Medley – Considering I just was at a UMass graduation, this very clever a cappella mash-up of Disney Songs by one of the college’s signing groups feels very timely … or, you know, it’s just amazing. Either way, it’s good.

Dick In the Box Dudes Part 3: The Golden Rule – Andy Samberg. Justin Timberlake. Lady Gaga. Threesomes. Go. Watch.

DJ Danger Mouse’s New Album “Rome” – It took five years for Mouse and Italian composer Daniele Luppi to create this new Spaghetti Western style album, with Jack White and Norah Jones singing vocals. I need to give the album a few more listens to see how I really feel about it, but the concept has to be the most badass thing ever. 

Steve Hely’s How I Became A Famous Novelist - When I fly, I like to read things that make me laugh. None of this sentimental garbage about people in loveor mysteries where someone gets shot in the first five pages. Oooooh, intrigue (barf). No, I want the funny. So I did some research and what I learned was that, according to literally everyone, this is one of the funniest novels of all time. I’m halfway through and I LOVE IT. The concept is a man get’s an invite to his exes wedding and decided to become a world famous novelist to spite her, and hilarity ensues. Damn, I love it so.

The Sun – We finally have sun in Cincinnati. I’m not listening to anyone who talks about rain for the next twelve thousands days. F’that. Nope, it’s sun now and forever …. I said, forever.

Lonely Island & Michael Bolton’s “Captain Jack Sparrow” – Look, I saw the new Pirates movie. Meh. Better than 2&3 but almost instantly forgettable. Wait for DVD and watch this video instead. Trust me, it will blow your mind with happiness. (Man, Andy Samberg is everywhere in this post today!)

The New Film “Super” – This movie was as insanely good as it was just insane. The concept isn’t anything new: a man get’s left by his wife and decided he can be a superhero to clean up the streets … only he has no powers or skills and he basically just bashes people with a monster wrench. It’s bloody, it’s funny, it’s shocking, it’s everything you never knew you wanted out of a film.

How I Met Your Mother Season 6 – Great season and great season ender. Can’t wait for the next one. (And who the hell is Barney marrying!)

Book of Adam: Never Be My Friend – A man finds his friend’s Facebook photos and then makes them into cartoons. It’s pretty much as awkward and wonderful as you hope it would be.

Obsess about that!

-Alex 

“And kids, that’s how I met your mother … Pysch! It was just some chick.” - Bob Sagat, How I Met Your Mother, Season 6 finale

Week 14 - End of April, 2011

What’s with this rain, people! This is not what I ordered from April. It’s been quite the week though: Nintendo’s going to 1-up their Wii, it’s a bad time to be a Chineese Christian and Paul Reiser was cancelled from life. Here’s what I am obsessing over this week.

This Nerdy Oregon Trail Street Sign – Yep, you got it.

This Video of a Girl Turning to the Dark Side at Disney – Children are precious … especially when they decide to go with Vader instead of the other light side Jedi during a show at Disney’s park. I love how it throws this dude off, but you know, only for a second. Actors and Jedi are both trained to think on their feet … and starve for their craft … and be in terrible Star Wars prequels that ruin their careers. Ah, fun.

OTR Rec Center’s Final Friday Skate - Yes, this is indeed awesome. On Final Friday, the rarely used (and little known about) OtR Rec Center will open it’s doors and become a Roller Disco. Food, art, amazing. You must check it out. Must.

Six Comedians We Wish Would Return to Standup – Sandler, Murphy, Carrey, Please, please, please stop making terrible movies and go back to doing what you do best: Telling jokes and snorting cocaine. I beg of you.

Ray Davies’ “See My Friends” Album – The Kinks front man returns with an album of Kinks covers … well, not so much covers, as tributes … well, not so much tributes, as Ray singing Kinks songs with his famous friends, who include Bruce Springsteen, Mumford & Sons, Jackson Browne, Alex Chilton, Spoon, Paloma Faith, Jon Bon Jovi and more. It’s a pretty terrific album. (Check out this fantastic cover of This Time Tomorrow here.)

Boomshakalaka! NBA Jam on the iPhone – I’m finally got around to downloading and playing this game and, truly, it’s AMAZING! Just as addictive and ridiculously fun as it was on the Super Nintendo. And it was only $1! And it now had multiplayer mode, so I can play against you jerks. So bring it on, bitches!

Eight Movie Special Effects That Aren’t Actually CGI – This is amazing. Amazing, amazing! The wall of flames in Independence Day! The size difference between Gandalf and Frodo. The dream sequence in Eternal Sunshine! All filmed without computers. Holy god, movies are amazing.

Before I die… - An art project over an abandoned building that allows people to fill in the bkank: “Before I die I want to ___________.” The answers are fascinating and the finished work is beautiful.

The Music App SoundHound – Do you like Shazaam to find out what song is playing on the radio? Screw that nonsense! This is the app. Not only is it free AND unlimited (which beats Shazaam right there), it’s also much better at hearing and indentifying songs in places like crowded bars. Get it. Get it now.

Obsess about that!

-Alex 

“This time tomorrow, what will we see?” - Ray Davies, “This Time Tomorrow.”

I just flew in from Seattle…

…and boy are my arms tired. And wet. Because it rains there a lot. Ah, you know the joke.

I thought I would be able to get a post done today, but I’m exhausted. And so, we’re taking a break. I’m on vacation, dammit, just let me enjoy it!!!!!!!!!!

Love you, see you next week.

Alex

Week 13 - Middle of April, 2011

Working our way through April now. Last week, you had to stop covering your face in France, Katie Couric and Matt Laurer may form an evil partnership and you can learn even more about Steve Jobs. Hooray! Here’s what I am obsessing over this week.

West Chester’s KiteFest – On the plus side, there were tons of crazy kites at this annual festival celebrating, yes, kites. There were giant kites and trick kites and colorful kites and synchronized badass kites. Kites. On the downside, there were more children than I could kick in a day even if I warmed up and stretched first. Oh well, at least their were kites. (See my pics here)

Rebecca Black’s “Friday” Video Watched By Kids In Disgust – Speaking of children, they do seem to know what things suck so much faster than we do. Is there nothing we can’t learn from them? 

The Nicest Most Horrible Thieves Ever – A woman got her credit card stolen and later received flowers, yes, from the thieves, with a card that read “thanx for ur money.” Ah, will the wonders of the day never stop 

Cracked’s 7 Things You Won’t Believe You’re Doing Wrong – Scentifically sound reasoning on everyday things you are doing incorrectly: Brushing your teeth. Bathing. Breathing … Pooping? Yes.

The Onion’s “GOP Completely Fixes Economy By Canceling Funding For NPR” – Pretty much what it says.

Charlie Sheen’s Booed Off Stage in Detroit – And suddenly, the world seems a little brighter.

So You Want To Make A Movie – Well, let this handy flowcharts walk you through the process, dummy. (Here’s another for making an An Action Movie and a Horror Movie)

Big Wheel vs NYC Bus Video – Who will win in this mile-long epic race. Oh, it’s on… 

The 20th Century presents Fitz and the Tantrums and April Smith – These two amazing up-and-coming bands played together at the 20th Century Theatre on Sunday and They. Were. Amazing. I’ve pushed them before, I’m going to push them again. Just listen, fools! What. Do your ears hate good music. No, I didn’t think so (See my pics from the concert here.)  

Obsess about that!
-Alex 

“Is this a real song!?” - 11-year-old Jake listening to Rebecca Black’s “Friday”

Week 12 - Start of April, 2011

Holy moly, it’s April. Time for flowers and sunshine and all that junk. Last week, all your information was hacked (and are belong to us), Obama wants to be President again and Southwest planes are coming apart at the seems, so that’s all good news. Here’s what I am obsessing over this week.

The Drunktastic Cincinnati Yelp Drinks - It starts today! Like, right now today! Cincinnati’s first ever Bar Week. 21 bars across Cincinnati are holding half-off specials on three drinks. Beers, wines, cocktails. There will also be free food at a different bar each night of the week! Huzzah! (Full disclosure, this is my project and I can’t wait to enjoy watching it happen … mostly by drinking for the next seven days straight.)

One Man Disney Movie Video - Holy hell, in eight minutes this Pixar animator does a Disney medley all by himself, singing the parts of the hero (his Aladin is spot on), the villian (who doesn’t love a good Scar) and yes, even the princesses. It’s fantastic. 

The Documentary Beer Wars - Ever wonder why you see so many Budweiser ads and if they really make you drink more Bud? No? WELL YOU ARE NOW! This documentary talks about why three companies own close to all the retail space on shelves for beer and the hardships craft beer makers are going through. It’s not a perfect documentary, but it’s damn interesting all the same.

Brothers Mario (Part One and Part Two) - My brother Bryan (god know how he finds these gems) sent me this. It’s Mario done in Grand Theft Auto style and it’s holy hell amazing. I thought I would be bored 30 seconds in and then ended up watching all of part one and immiaidetly going to part two. You a nerd? (What am I saying, of course you are.) Then give it a watch and thank me later.

This Photo Here - Me, Terry of Terry’s Turf Club and Jim Tarbell. And win.

The GoDaddy CEO Kills an Elephant For The Good Of Mankind - Basically just that. GD’s CEO Bob Parsons wanted to help out the farmers in Zimbabwe, who’s fields had been crushed by elephants. So he waited till dark and when an elephant returned, he shot it in the face, then patted himself on the back for a job well done. Needless to say, GoDaddy’s higher-ups are batsh*t crazy. 

The Bronx Zoo Cobra - The escaped snake is alive and captured and back in it’s cage. That doesn’t make it’s hilarious Twitter stream any less hilarious.

The Best Online April Fools Jokes of 2011 - Youtube in 1911? Controlling Google by waving your arms? Happy owls? Yelp renting out puppies? Harry Potter’s new TV show. Dear god, I love the Internet!

Obsess about that!
-Alex 

“It’s time to do the Mario” - Mario Mario, “Brothers Mario”

Week 12 - Really Late March, 2011

March is almost at an end. Did you do all the Marchy stuff you wanted to? Last week, we found some Libyan rebels all out of bubblegum, Lois Lane is a redhead and the creator of Super Glue died. Now that’s a sticky situation. Here’s what I am obsessing over this week.

The new film “Rubber” – It’s about a tire that kills people with its mind. It’s also about the people watching the movie of the tire that kills people with its mind. It’s also kind of not about either of those things. I loved it.

The site Paula Deen Riding Things.com – Just what the name says.

Bioware’s Awesome Blog Post – This is truly awesome. When a user complained to the video company that they should make games for the “straight male game majority” (and that that he didn’t like his character in the new Dragon Age 2 being hit on by another guy), the company basically told him their games are for everyone and he could go fuck himself … but in a much nicer way, of course. Read the post, you’ll love the company. Oh Bioware, you are so awesome, even if you are slowly sucking away my soul with your addictive games.

This dog – Want something stuck in your head all day? Sure you do!

Do You Need a Social Media Detox? – Yes. Yes you do. You really do.

The new PopShop on Final Friday – I had a chance to be part of this new pop-up shop on the corner of 13^th and Main on Friday (we set up a Yelp booth there and played “Cincinnati Trivia!”). It was fantastic to see an abandoned space in OtR to be used for something kickass amazing. The girls told me they want to do it every final Friday. I hope they do, we need as much awesome in the area as we can get.

The Blog: Catalogue Living – Ever open a catalogue and go, “Why is there a rubber duck on top of that $800 coffee table?” These guys did too… and it’s hilarious.

Cincinnati’s Opening Day – Baseball, baby! I cannot wait for this to begin. I’m going to be drinking at Arnold’s at 8am (mostly so I can snag a seat for the Jake Speed show starting at 9:30), then parading, then watching the game at a friends house. I’m not the biggest baseball fan in the whole world, but I do like beer and Cincinnati, so I’ll take it all!

Obsess about that!
-Alex 

“Wait, it’s not over. It’s been reincarnated as a tricyle.” - Man in Wheelchair, “Rubber”

Week 11 - Late March, 2011

What a week! We attack Libya. Radiation attacks Japan. And Google and China attack each other. Here’s what I am obsessing over this week.

What Does a Tsunami Do To a Country - Much of Japan, before and after. If you haven’t seen just what the Tsunami’s done, give this a go.

Sandman as a TV Show – This graphic novel series affected me personally more than maybe any book or thing in this entire world. I would go through horrible and dangerous surgery just so I could have Neil Gaiman’s babies. The fact that he’s going to be involved in turning this into a TV series makes me think it might not suck. Pray that it won’t suck. Oh please don’t let it suck. (Thanks to, once again, Bryan for the find)

This horrifying short film Blinky - Holy shit. This 10 minute short, starring Where The Wild Things Are child actor Max Records about a helper robot named Blinky, is maybe the most disturbing thing I’ve seen this month. It’s … amazing. Amazingly horrifying. Seriously, give this one a go.

This comic - Fridge of Shame. You’re on it.

Fitz and the Tantrums and April Smith and the Great Picture Show at The 20^th Century Theatre – If you remember (and I know none of you do, what with your Walrus-like attention span), I’ve actually plugged both April Smith and Fitz in this blog. Fitz will be playing Cincy on April 10th and I bought tickets as soon as I learned they were coming … then learned April Smith will be opening! *brain explodes* (I actually found this out after April Smith tweeted about it to my friend Scott, which made my brain explode, explode again).Tickets are like $18 with service and tax and all that crap. Get here, buy them, see it. It’s going to be brain exploding good.

Simon Pegg and Nick Frost’s Star Wars – The two Shawn of the Dead actors create shot for shot the entirety of Star Wars: A New Hope … only, they only do one scene. And not very well. It’s beyond wonderful.

The “Where Do Traffic Jams Come From” Infographic - Want to know what cause traffic jams? Maybe it’s you, asshole! … or maybe it’s all the other terrible drivers on the road. Either way, this explains it with colorful pictures. Weeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!! (Thanks Adam for this one)

Bored to Death Season 2 – I loved Season One of this very strange, sometimes so boring it’s hilarious show about a writer turned PI with no experience (Jason Schwartzman), his cartoonist best friend (Zach Galifianakis) and his stoner millionaire publisher boss (Ted Danson). I’ve moved onto number two and it’s just as good as the first. Plus, it has Kevin Bacon for a scene. So there’s that going for it.

The Zoo’s Tunes and Blooms – Free shows from local bands. Free zoo tour. Free flowers. What more could you want? (Man, you guys are needy). Each year, the zoo puts on no cover concerts every Thursday in April from 6 to 8:30pm. They just released the schedule and some of my favorite Cincy bands are playing, like The Seedy Seeds, Jake Speed & The Freddies & The Turkeys. Others, like Walk The Moon, I’ve wanted to see for a while. It’s free and you can bring your own food. Aw yeah, Thursdays just got interesting again.

Obsess about that!
-Alex 

“Ready or not … here I come.” - Blinky, “Blinky”

Week 10 - The Middle of March, 2011

We’re rocking our way through March. Tough times for Japan and good times for iPad2s last week. And today is Pi Day. Huzzah. Here’s what I am obsessing over now.

The Closing of Grammer’s – First of all, it’s time for you “it was better before” people to quiet down. I understand this turned from a neighborhood hangout into a hipster infested mockery of a bar which was about to collapse into itself if someone put one more PBR on the ground,  and that’s what I loved about it. Granted I hated coming here on the weekend, but to watch a movie during the weekdays or eat free popcorn with seasonings or play pool on that terrible pool table? Amazing. I really do hope it reopens even in a “new direction” – whatever the hell that means.

The Closing of ForkHeartKnife  – Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo…*sobs* (I talked with Sierra about this and she said they will be having a giant party on their last day, May 5th, and then she’s going to travel for the summer and figure out what comes next. I pray it’s more quiche.)

The Thriving of Arnold’s – The opposite of Grammer’s and FHK! *sobs* Polly Campbell’s story on the history of Arnold’s is amazing and makes me want to go there immiaidetly. Curse you, taboo of not getting wasted on Bock Beer at 11am!

Right Now, it’s Restaurant Week! – More food and drink! Tons of restraunts, tons of amazing food, tons of places doing three-courses for $26 per person. This right here? This makes me happy.

College Humor’s new vid Troopers – Aubrey Plaza (the bored intern on “Parks and Rec”) is amazing. Aubrey Plaza being a faux-Princess Lea in this hiliatrious Star Wars parody blows my mind. And watch it. (Thanks to Bryan for this one)

Your Worst Nightmare: Karate Kyle – First he mastered math, now he’s mastered death.

The Lavish Life of Teachers (as explained by John Stewart) – Teachers, who needs them. I gots the internet right here to do mah schooling.

The Carnegie’s Art of Food – If seeing a giant Mona Lisa made out of toast while eating toast is on your bucket list, then friends, have I got news for you. This crazy cool exhibit happening at The Carnegie is art about food or made from food. It’s almost as good as eating food … almost. (Check out my badass photos from the event here.)

Cincinnati’s First Bar Week: Yelp Drinks - Ok, this one I’m obsessed with because I’m putting it together, but still, it’s badass! From April 4th to April 10th, I’m going to be holding Cincinnati’s first ever bar week. 21 different bars will be offering half off three of their best drinks (It’s like $3 cocktails or $1 really good beer!) And it’s tons of bars you want them to. Go on, read about it, block off the week to get drunk and then thank me later.

Obsess about that!
-Alex 

“What the hell is destructanate?” - Aubrey Plaza, “Troopers”

Week 9 - The Start of March, 2011

What a week. Bockfest got me drunk and … I can’t really remember anything else that happened last week. Here’s what I am obsessing about now.

Charlie Sheen’s Winning Mashup Video – This will be stuck in your head for the rest of the day. hashtagwinning

This ubernerdy Death Star infographic - Want to know way more about The Death Star that you ever really wanted to know, and done in the best damn designed way possible? Sure you do. Who said they didn’t? Slap that man, he’s out of his mind.

Geeksaresexy.net -  In fact, that whole damn blog.

This photo entitled: “BFFs forever.” – Awwwww *dies of cuteness overdose* *barfs*

The amazingly pop-culture art of Coran Kizer Stone – These are just … wow. Now, I can’t claim to understanding all of them, as my cred lies somewhere between badass geek and full-on nerd. Still, the artwork is just fantastic, whether you know these or not (and I’m betting you at least know a few, like the one above.)

The new indie pic Cedar Rapid – Did I love this movie? No, but I liked how quirky and cute and strange it was. Plus, Ed Helms and John C. Reilly. Yes. I’d wait for DVD but give it the watch. I promise, if you’re going to do one movie this year about sex and drugs and bribery and cheating and insurance, this is it, friendo.

The Gilded Throwback Awesome of The League of Cincinnati Steampunks – I met this ragtag group of costumed badass misfits at Bockfest, while signing them up to walk in the parade (Ronda, the owner of Arnold’s, had asked them to march with her bar, which was just perfect, as the blog explains better than I can.) I hope they continue to grow upwards and onwards, because Cincy could use more of their fantastic strangeness.

Peach and Zelda Catch Up - So awesome. So geeky. So geeky awesome. (Thanks to Bryan for sending me that one this way.)

Obsess about that!
-Alex 

“I am on a drug – it’s called Charlie Sheen. It’s not available because if you try it, you will die. Your face will melt off and your children will weep over your exploded body” - Charlie Sheen 

Week 8 - Right Before The Start of March, 2011

Woah, March, you snuck up on me, you sneaky bastard you. Last week was full of spaceships and Sheen and spoilers for the Oscars. Here’s what I am obsessing about.

The tale of Two Mayors on Twitter - Think storytelling comes only in books? You couldn’t be more wrong, you idiot. While Chicago was electing a new mayor, an anonymous genius was writing the harrowing tale of @MayorEmanuel and actually ended up telling a story that was funny, emotional, twisted and fantastic all on Twitter. Give the whole thing a read at the link above. You won’t be unhappy.

ArtsWave new ISpyArt app – So I’m not usually one finds art in everything, (sometimes, say, a garbage pile is just a garbage pile.) However, I am interestingly intrigued by ArtsWave’s new iPhone app. This is the same group who did Paint the Street, which was phenomenal. This app’s all about the community as well - They give a theme, you take pictures to match and they create online exhibit of the work. Maybe I’ll be surprised and find art in everything after all! … (probably not, but I’ll still like looking.)

The Depressingly Wonderful Winter’s Bone – Bleark. Dark. Gray. One-level. Truly amazing. It didn’t win the Oscar, but damn if it didn’t earn that nomination.

Why Save PBS Infographic – Yeah, why!? Who needs it! It’s old and boring and everyone hates it! … maybe I should have clicked on the link first.

The Honey Badger Don’t Give a Shit Video – People are going to be quoting this for as long as people quote things and then get bored and move onto something else that’s equally funny, so I’d give it a watch so you know what the hell they are talking about (also, it’s pretty damn amusing.)

The Girl Who Loves To Levitate Photos – Get camera with timer. Jump. Take photo that look like you’re hovering. Repeat. If you haven’t seen this series that does just that, it’s worth it. They are beautiful.

Pickles at Mayberry Foodstuffs -  Pickles? Yes, pickles, obv.! I learned this weekend that Mayberry is selling the freshest, crunchiest most delicious homemade pickles in this city for $1. I ate a full tub with Allison and want more. Dammit, I WANT MORE!

Modern Warefare Pt. 2 on Community - Oh yes, there will be paintball (well … more paintball.)

Obsess about that!
-Alex 

“Look at the honey badger getting stung by thousands of bees but the honey badger don’t give a candy.” - Randall