The Popcorn Trick

An Apocalyptic Tale You're Probably Not Expecting

noreply@blogger.com (Goose) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 15:13:00 +0000

You know, one that stars an super intelligent panda bear running from marauders...

Cleveland (news) Rocks

noreply@blogger.com (Goose) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:57:00 +0000

I've heard people suggest CLeveland wouldn't be a good place to live. But I dare you to find me a place that has a local news station with better court coverage than this:

And while we're here - do you remember the great Cleveland bear scare? And this is a DIFFERENT news station!

Yosemite Time Lapse

noreply@blogger.com (Goose) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:46:00 +0000

This should be able to get you out of bed in the morning to start your day. And if it doesn't, it's possible your heart has been replaced by a large piece of machinery...

This is not the "worm..."

noreply@blogger.com (Goose) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 16:25:00 +0000

This is a travesty...

Seriously, why the tables? why not just do it on the floor? It's not like people couldn't see...there were like 8 people in that place? And his worm really wasn't that good to begin with.

Cool Shit

noreply@blogger.com (Goose) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 14:04:00 +0000

It's weird. There was an uproar when Frank Darabont was fired from The Walking Dead, but there's also been some strong criticism about the show so far. I'm not sure anyone really knows what he's had his hands on up to this point. I'm pretty sure the episodes to come are Darabont-free, but I have no idea about the episodes we've seen. Regardless, we do know what he had planned for at least one episode, and it sounds like it would have been pretty cool. Check out the description here.

Craig Finn, the lead singer of the band The Hold Steady, has a new solo album coming out that I'm excited about. Don't know who The Hold Steady are? Shame on you...

(Yes, if you can't get past his nasally delivery, then yes, it's possible his solo album is going to do much for you. But I would still ask you to check out an album called Separation Sunday, and enjoy the lyrics. It is a criminally underrated album. Here's a taste - I'll best describe it as Led Zeppelin meets punk sung by a guy who screams. And that's a good thing:)

Anyway, here's a song from Mr. Finn's upcoming album.

Speaking of music, Jeff Mangum has a box set coming out. Who's Jeff Mangum, you ask? Only the creator of one of the most influential albums of the last 20 years, In the Aeroplane Over the Sea. But don't take my word for it...you can go here, here, and here to get an idea of how much people laud this album.

Now, that the guy may or may not be crazy is not a debate for you or me...I'll just say simply that he hasn't really been in the public eye for a really long time. So, when out of the blue, news that he had a box set coming out, I got excited. And so to keep my linking to youtube a pattern, here you go:

I think it's safe to say that Crispin Glover is an odd individual. This interview goes a long way to cement that belief. And please don't take that the wrong way...I think it's great. Too many of Hollywood's actors are cardboard cutouts that agents and publicists stand behind and marionette. Glover is far from that. Case in point, his entire experience with the Back to teh Future series.

Finally, here's something I had never heard of...Star Wars Uncut...basically, it's a crowd sourced project asking people to submit 15 seconds scenes recreating the original Star Wars movie (A New Hope. Combing through those submissions, they were then stitched together to recreate the movie. Ingenuity at its finest! Check it out!

FUNK FRIDAY - Jimmy Castor edition

noreply@blogger.com (Goose) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 18:22:00 +0000

The Greatest Movie Trailer Ever

noreply@blogger.com (Goose) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 16:34:00 +0000

Checking out blog io9, I stumbled across an article (since removed, apparently) suggesting the trailer for the 1983 Filipino movie The Killing of Satan had the greatest trailer ever. So Of course I had to check it out.

30 seconds in, I thought, It's good, but best ever?

1:00 minute in (right around the gang of naked women) I thought, Ok, maybe not the best, but top 10.

Then when the woman ripped off half of the guy's face, I conceded. It probably is the greatest movie trailer of all time. The guy running to get steamrolled by the boulder and the ocean zombie are just cherries on top of this cinematic sundae.

Warning - there's some full frontal nudity. The 80s apparently were a crazy, censorship free time in the Philippines.

FUNK FRIDAY!

noreply@blogger.com (Goose) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 14:03:00 +0000

Jimmy Castor passed away earlier this week; so throughout the day we'll be posting some of his work here...out small, but funky tribute...

So This is Happening...

noreply@blogger.com (Goose) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 16:00:00 +0000

I kind of wanted to believe this was a joke; and kind of didn't. I'm very conflicted. Take a look and decide for yourself. Without further comment, I offer you the trailer for FDR: American Badass (warning: Language!)

Apparently, it's real, and it will be given a "limited release" this year. And while you might suggest it doesn't have the star power of Spielberg's "Lincoln," you have to admit you at least recognized one or two faces.

It remains to be seen how they're going to explain the whole "werewolf being a werewolf without a full moon" thing.

RIP Jimmy Castor

noreply@blogger.com (Goose) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 14:03:00 +0000

Sad to learn today funk legend Jimmy Castor passed away recently. He was 71. If you don't know who he was, look up some of his stuff on youtube, or just enjoy this...

The Downfall of Civilization Begins with Mutant Ninja Turtles

noreply@blogger.com (Goose) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:10:00 +0000

Well, I certainly don't want my children influenced by Hinduism!

From this clip shows just how Hollywood and other entertainment industries are really trying to do with their "messages." And while I'd love to say this is simply a piece of nostalgia, I'm quick to point out that I'm sure their message is relevant to many in the present. Ok, maybe not the Vanilla Ice or Michael Jackson stuff.

[From The Daily What]

New Wes Anderson Movie

noreply@blogger.com (Goose) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 14:02:00 +0000

Trailer for Moonrise Kingdom...

Hmmm.

Literal James Bond Song

noreply@blogger.com (Goose) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 14:06:00 +0000

Fantastic regardless if you like James Bond or not:

In fact, it's almost as good as this. Almost.

Yes that's right, as we enter 2012, the Quincy intro with lyrics has indeed won the coveted, "Greatest Youtube Video of the Year." And frankly, it's going to take something ginormous to unseat it (Possibly lyrics to Klugman's other awesome television show, You Again?)

I will say this - it is not the following video of someone else trying to add lyrics to the Quincy theme song. I hesitate to include this and give him more publicity, but since The Popcorn Trick is technically a news blog we have to provide all viewpoints so...

Epic Bee Battle

noreply@blogger.com (Goose) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 14:08:00 +0000

This is more emotional than any movie battle whatsoever. Because it's real. Even if it is just bees fighting bees. I found it completely fascinating, and terrifying, to watch.

More Presidential Candidates

noreply@blogger.com (Goose) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 13:57:00 +0000

Listen, I don't want to hear you complaining there are no viable presidential candidates out there anymore...

This Guy Can Skateboard Better Than You

noreply@blogger.com (Goose) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 15:55:00 +0000

Yes Tony Hawk, I'm including you in that statement as well.

Brain Playing Tricks on You?

noreply@blogger.com (Goose) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 14:17:00 +0000

Ok, first let me admit I've come to the party late on this one. Over 11 million hits on youtube...but for some of you out there this might be new so...

First, you need headphones for this to work. Obviously the better the headphones, the better this will work, but use whatever you got.

Second, listen to the whole thing through. It's worth it.

Pingu Meets The Thing

noreply@blogger.com (Goose) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 14:16:00 +0000

Apparently, Pingu is a claymation television show about a penguin created for Swiss television. I'm willing to bet this episode wasn't necessarily run on public television...

So, for all you people who always wanted to see what a reimagining of The Thing using claymation and penguins, but never thought you would - your dreams have been answered!

Jaws: The Ride. A Retrospect

noreply@blogger.com (Goose) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 15:59:00 +0000

Not sure if you heard the news that Universal Park's Jaws ride is being phased out after over 20 years of scaring/reliving the famous movie moments. And while it's probably too late to get on board now, this cool video gives you the next best thing. Enjoy.

The Price is Right: Snoop Dogg Edition

noreply@blogger.com (Goose) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 15:12:00 +0000

Apparently it's Celebrity Week on The Price is Right. And who better to help out than Snoop Dogg?

Mildly related: I'm pretty sure if this rapping thing doesn't work out, Snoop Dogg could fall back on life coaching. The man is nothing but positive!

Netflix new Series: Lilyhammer

noreply@blogger.com (Goose) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 14:19:00 +0000

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.)

Happy New Year

noreply@blogger.com (Goose) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 13:02:00 +0000

Let's start off the New Year with a bang...specifically a Danish bang:

Homemade cannon? Awesome.

Johnny Cash playing in the background? Awesomer.

The outcome of combining the two? Awsomest.

(from The Daily What)

Norwegian Base Jumping

noreply@blogger.com (Goose) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 14:04:00 +0000

This is probably as close as one can come to BASE jumping without actually BASE jumping. If that makes sense.

Last Walk Around Mirror Lake - Boom Bip (Boards of Canada Remix) from FroschYankee on Vimeo.

(From: Unlikely Words)

A closer listen to Do They Know it's Christmas?

noreply@blogger.com (Goose) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 16:50:00 +0000

Reprinting this piece I wrote back in 2008...certainly relevant to the season, and I still think it's strangely offensive. More so now, probably.

In doing some minor research looking for the most awesomest Christmas videos, I came across Band Aid's Do They Know it's Christmas? a charity song put together by Bob Geldof to help out starving people in Africa.

A catchy tune, it's one of the few Christmas songs I enjoy listening to (call me Scrooge or whatever, but I just can't get into the majority of the Christmas songs out there. Occasionally Feliz Navidad, but even that is starting to wear thin).

After watching the video of who's who in the 80's music world of Britain a number of times, however, I've come to an unfortunate realization about the song.

These lyrics are barely coherent, extremely bizarre, and borderline insulting.

I realize the song was written in a very short amount of time, but still. Perhaps just a little more time spent with the lyrics and a little less time demanding Boy George get on the Concorde to be a part of this, and we really might have had something here. Anyway, let's take a closer look...

It's Christmastime There's no need to be afraid

Who's afraid? It's Christmas time! A time for love, sharing, gift giving and cookies. So I'm not sure why anyone would be afraid. At first I thought the people afraid might be the people in Africa, who obviously aren't very aware about Christmas, but on repeated listen I don't think that's the case. I think Band Aid is telling the listener not to be afraid. And since I doubt there were many radios in the Sudan and Ethiopia, I'm guessing that's not the target audience. Who's afraid around Christmas?

Depressed? yeah, maybe a little.
Angry? Sure, mall traffic can be maddening.
Frustrated? Hey, who doesn't get a little annoyed when they're flopping around under the tree trying to get the damned lugnut on the bike at three in the morning Christmas Eve?

But afraid? Only on the set of Silent Night Deadly Night should people feel afraid during Christmas.

At Christmastime, we let in light and we banish shade And in our world of plenty we can spread a smile of joy Throw your arms around the world at Christmastime

Ok, though a little clunky, I can't think of anything much better to rhyme with afraid. Which does of course make me question it's inclusion in the song even more, but I digress. These lyrics here actually do a great job of capturing the spirit of what Geffen was driving at, I think, so I have no problem with them.

But say a prayer

Now why can't I throw my arms around the world AND say a prayer? Both messages seem appropriate for one another. There doesn't seem to be any reason to choose.

Pray for the other ones
At Christmastime it's hard, but when you're having fun
There's a world outside your window And it's a world of dread and fear

Uh, this seems a little drastic. Dread and fear? Way to bring me down Bono/LeBon/Sting/Michaels/Other guy

Where the only water flowing is the bitter sting of tears

Bitter? Who's bitter? Are they bitter with me? But I'm praying and stuff!

And the Christmas bells that ring there are the clanging chimes of doom

This is sounding less like a plea for charitable donations and more like the announcement of the impending apocalypse with each line. Besides, who would use Christmas bells to chime doom? I can't imagine creating a sense of doom with the same sound as the beginning of Jingle Bells.

I gotta be honest, the song gets a little schizophrenic in places.

Well tonight thank God it's them instead of you

While I certainly do thank God that I'm not one of the less fortunate, it's not something I necessarily want to be reminded about. I carry that guilt in my heart. I don't need to think about it every time I hear this song on my way home from work between October and December (Yes, some radio stations began playing Christmas music in October. I'm going to go out on a limb and say we'll have year round Christmas stations in two years' time).

And there won't be snow in Africa this Christmastime

This is misleading. First of all, there will be. Africa is a huge continent, boasting a variety of different eco-systems, including ones where temperatures get low enough to produce snow. Ever see Mt. Kilamanjero? Snow.

Second of all, if we're to assume that the lyrics are alluding to the regions where many of the starving people were from, well of course it's not going to snow during Christmas time. There's never going to be snow there. I don't need a song to tell me that.

The greatest gift they'll get this year is life

Yeesh. That's a little blunt. Do we really have to bring that up at a time like this?

(Oooh) Where nothing ever grows No rain nor rivers flow Do they know it's Christmastime at all?

Ok, this is a little disingenuous and rather ethnocentric. While I understand that missionary work is successful in some of the more remote sections of the world (and this is neither the time nor the place to argue the merits of Catholic missionary work) I can't imagine many of the people stricken by the drought in Africa during the early 80s had the religious knowledge to even understand the concept of Christmas. That makes the question about knowing whether it's Christmas time a moot point. Why would they even care? They just want something to eat.

(Here's to you) raise a glass for everyone

Ok, now they're just being mean. Didn't they just confirm the absence of rain and river flows? I really don't feel the need to toast at a time like this. The irony feels especially cruel.

(Here's to them) underneath that burning sun

Oh yeah, three cheers for the starving people that are struggling to live day to day while these pop stars show up in their limos, perform a little diddy, and then head off to shower in champagne with one another.

Do they know it's Christmastime at all?
Feed the world Feed the world
Feed the world
Let them know it's Christmastime again
Feed the world
Let them know it's Christmastime again

repeat then fade

Not sure they ever knew it ever was Christmas time, but at this point we're just quibbling. Heck, I'm glad the song was successful and people got the message out about the starving nations in Africa, but I wonder what would have happened had the lyrics been coherent. We may never know.

Hall & Oates - Devil Worshippers

noreply@blogger.com (Goose) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 14:06:00 +0000

Remember when music videos were awesome?

And if that's not enough Hall and Oates for you, give 719-266-2837 a call (trust me, it's what you want) and sit back. You won't be disappointed.