Pop Culture Devo

Just For Fun - "Don't You Want Me Baby" Human League

2011-01-23T19:33:00.000-08:00

Conan Eviscerates NBC: Clip of the Day

2010-01-14T19:44:00.000-08:00

Conan's been on a pretty hilarious streak of letting NBC have it for the current late night fiasco. So entertaining that I'm starting a new series of the daily highlights. So here's today's!

"General" Larry Platt the new William Hung?

2010-01-14T19:02:00.000-08:00

Last night on Idol was one of those special moments when the usual reject/freak/never-going-to-make-it-to-hollywood contestant that was played not just for sheer evil exploitation (like when Simon called this guy a bush baby. that was just mean.), but because, even though they clearly weren't a viable contestant, they were compelling enough actually broadcast. And let's be honest, it's all about making good tv, and this guy is good tv. Check out the General in action.

just a gereral observation, but Larry is quite spry for 62! But seriously, Pants on the Ground probably could be a hit record! It's catchy, got a good beat, and culturally relevant. what more could you ask for? I haven't googled, but there are probably youtube remixes of it already.

wait, I did google it, and there are remixes.

For those who aren't into AI, or who just weren't paying attention back in 2004, we saw this same sort of phenomenon back in season 3 when William Hung auditioned. (in case you don't remember, go here to watch.) His earnestness and good attitude, along with his enthusiastic performance, won over the judges (well, Randy and Paula) and won over audiences. Hung was even brought back to the season finale and got a record deal, which is better than most contestants who actually compete on the program. I haven't checked, but I wouldn't be surprised if he sold more records than Taylor Hicks. Yeah...sometimes America gets it wrong. We love a good slogan, what can I say? (Soul Patrol!*)

* for the record I was not on the soul patrol.

Anyway, looking forward to hearing more about the General soon. You know he'll be out there.

I'm with Coco

2010-01-12T22:24:00.000-08:00

As you've probably already read, there's alot going down with NBC decision to cancel the prime time Jay Leno show, and possibly put on a modified version at 11:35. This would push Conan and the Tonight Show back to 12:05, Jimmy Fallon to an hour after that (and Carson Daly is pushed even further into the tv siberia that he kind of deserves). While parsing through all the different decisions that have been made and can be made, including the legal requirements of Conan and Jay's contracts with NBC, isn't necessarily an entertaining task, but getting to watch clips like these definitely is.

The BET idea is my favorite.

Lost - Mr Clucks commercial

2010-01-07T10:02:00.000-08:00

Here's one of the new promos for Season 6 starring Hugo Reyes in a Mr. Clucks commercial.

Ok nerds, start analyzing and tell me what this means.

Lost in 8 Minutes

2010-01-06T17:18:00.000-08:00

Not all people are in the convenient place, like I am, to have nothing to do but watch Lost online and catch up before the final season starts Feb 2nd. With that, and with the 9 months, or how ever exceedingly long break between seasons has been, ABC was nice enough to release this 8 minute recap of all 5 season.

Hearing the narrator say everything so matter of factly really emphasizes how ridiculous this show is. I still love it though. Can't wait to see what will make Jack yell, Sawyer take his shirt off and Ben take a creepy pause mid-sentence this season.

Muppets - so hot right now

2010-01-06T16:32:00.000-08:00

The Muppets are back big time and I'm loving it! They've got Lady Gaga's support, and are releasing their own music videos again. Here's another muppet gem for you - an outtake of some Late Night with Jimmy Fallon prep shots before their performance on his Christmas show.

Funny to think about the puppeteers having this totally impromptu moment completely in character still. Also I want a tiny little puppet frog in newsboy attire on my shoulder at all times. Perfect adorable accessory for every outfit.

The XX

2010-01-03T22:31:00.000-08:00

I've been on Pop Culture sabbatical for a little bit. Some voluntarily, due to packing, moving, traveling for holidays, etc, some involuntarily, due to only being able to steal internet from my neighbors in one tiny corner next to the sliding glass door in my apartment. In one of those brief moments of trying to catch back up on everything I was able to catch a few tracks by the british band, The XX. And since we're only 3 days into 2010 I can easily say they are my new favorite band for this year.

Heat Wave

2009-08-28T12:12:00.001-07:00

85 degrees in Santa Monica and no air conditioning. Sounds like a beach day.

Emmy Nominees

2009-07-17T00:00:00.001-07:00

A few new things going on with the Prime Time Emmys this year, with the expansion of several of the major categories. And while most of it stayed the same with the academy inundating us with already overrated shows and performers, we got a few new surprises. Not necessarily good or bad, but surprises. Like a little Neil Patrick Harris love, with a supporting nomination to go along with his hosting gig. Also Family Guy and Flight of the Conchords got in, which were both surprising.
Also surprising, no Friday Night Lights love? seriously, was anyone watching the show this season? And is anyone watching Grey's Anatomy? because that show sucks and it got nominated. repeatedly. and I'm a chick! criticising Grey's! so you know it's bad. Apparently FNL is the new Wire - everyone knows it's the best show on TV, but it never gets nominated. I'm also concerned that this may be the year of the real Tina Fey backlash. We'll see how it goes, but I'm bracing myself for some true jadedness to come out soon.

Anyway, here's the list of nominees:
COMEDY

BEST COMEDY SERIES
Entourage
Family Guy
Flight of the Conchords
How I Met Your Mother
The Office
30 Rock
Weeds

BEST ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES
Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock
Steve Carell, The Office
Jemaine Clement, Flight of the Conchords
Jim Parsons, The Big Bang Theory
Tony Shalhoub, Monk
Charlie Sheen, Two and a Half Men

BEST ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES
Christina Applegate, Samantha Who?
Toni Collette, United States of Tara
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, The New Adventures of Old Christine
Tina Fey, 30 Rock
Mary-Louise Parker, Weeds
Sarah Silverman, The Sarah Silverman Program

SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES
Jon Cryer, Two and a Half Men
Kevin Dillon, Entourage
Neil Patrick Harris, How I Met Your Mother
Jack McBrayer, 30 Rock
Tracy Morgan, 30 Rock
Rainn Wilson, The Office

SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES
Kristin Chenoweth, Pushing Daisies
Jane Krakowski, 30 Rock
Elizabeth Perkins, Weeds
Amy Poehler, Saturday Night Live
Kristin Wiig, Saturday Night Live
Vanessa Williams, Ugly Betty

DRAMA

BEST DRAMA SERIES
Big Love
Breaking Bad
Damages
Dexter
House
Lost
Mad Men

BEST ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
Simon Baker, The Mentalist
Gabriel Byrne, In Treatment
Bryan Cranston, Breaking Bad
Michael C. Hall, Dexter
Jon Hamm, Mad Men
Hugh Laurie, House

BEST ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
Glenn Close, Damages
Sally Field, Brothers & Sisters
Mariska Hargitay, Law & Order: SVU
Holly Hunter, Saving Grace
Elisabeth Moss, Mad Men
Kyra Sedgwick, The Closer

SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
Christian Clemenson, Boston Legal
Michael Emerson, Lost
William Hurt, Damages
Aaron Paul, Breaking Bad
William Shatner, Boston Legal
John Slattery, Mad Men

SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
Rose Byrne, Damages
Hope Davis, In Treatment
Cherry Jones, 24
Sandra Oh, Grey's Anatomy
Dianne Wiest, In Treatment
Chandra Wilson, Grey's Anatomy

Go HERE for the full list.

Wilco AND Feist ?!?

2009-07-16T23:57:00.000-07:00

It was like double your pleasure, double your fun night on Letterman last night with the musical guests of Wilco and their extra special guest singer, Feist! Just a cool summer jam with some ridiculous musical talent is all...

It's Finally Here!

2009-07-14T23:19:00.000-07:00

What could bring the blog back after over a month long hiatus? July 15th, of course. No, this isn't just any typical day after Bastille Day` celebration. It's Harry Potter!!! The only dilemma is deciding what theater and what time to go see it. And yes, I'm full prepared to walk away slightly disappointed with the end result. I always am. The book is always better than the movie. But still, any chance to relive the summer escapism of Hogwarts is good enough for me.

anyone else is irrational excited as I am? Check out Daniel Radcliffe, Harry himself, on Letterman last night just as a little warm up for the movie.

Trailer Watch: The September Issue

2009-06-29T19:04:00.000-07:00

I worked on this! ok, so not directly, but I paid people who worked on this. and since Devil Wears Prada has been running on repeat on FX all weekend I'm in the mood for another movie about a hard-assed, high powered fashionista.

MJ Tributes

2009-06-27T19:42:00.000-07:00

The prisoners from the Philippines notorious for their re-enactment of the thriller routine have put together a new routine in order to pay their respects to the King Of Pop in possibly the coolest way ever - with a montage of some MJ classic songs Ben, I'll Be There, and We Are The World.

2009-06-22T18:47:00.000-07:00

Beck covering The Velvet Underground and Nico. and hipsters rejoice! btw, the footage is meant to be grainy. just enjoy the song b/c it's great.

Record Club: Velvet Underground & Nico 'Sunday Morning' from Beck Hansen on Vimeo.

Here We Go Magic - Tunnelvision

2009-06-19T08:49:00.000-07:00

Another video from new personal favorite, Here We Go Magic

Shocking Twist - The Hills is Fake...(duh)

2009-06-18T22:29:00.000-07:00

Here's the thing, we all know that The Hills is clearly fake and is full of producer manipulated and re-shot moments. but even I, the most cynical of reality show viewers was a little surprised to hear what Lauren Conrad had to say about Spencer's "apology" on The View today.

Oh reality tv, it's always a love-hate relationship with you. And where was the follow-up question about where they actually pulled her footage and dialogue from? that's some crack interviewing there, View ladies. But let's be honest, I got alot of questions for Lauren Conrad. Like does she let the person that actually wrote LA Candy come to the book signings with her too?

Trailer Watch: Fame

2009-06-18T22:14:00.000-07:00

Time to get girly for a second, because a new dance movie trailer has been released! And usually I'm against remakes of classics just on principal (I mean, do we need another Karate Kid? I'm pretty sure they actually made replacing Mr. Miyagi against California state law at the last election. if they didn't, they totally should. will be as usefull as that high speed train thing we voted for. anyway....moving on to something applicable to non Californians). Where was I? Oh yeah, so I'm usually against remakes, but this one looks like it could rival Center Stage in it's ability to make me dance my way out the lobby and through the parking lot after it's over. And is that SYTYCD's Kherrington I spot in there?

Here We Go Magic

2009-06-17T10:38:00.000-07:00

Openers for Grizzly Bear on their current US tour, these indie rockers are really making waves. And with indie iconoclasts like GB, Sufjan Stevens ("Luke Temple has one of the most beautiful voices in pop music") and Death Cab's Ben Gibbard ("His voice alone is so damn good -- one of the prettiest voices in all of indie rock, hands down") backing them up, you know they've got to be good.

Thug Life

2009-06-16T22:59:00.000-07:00

I feel like this should make me annoyed with Taylro Swift, but it kind of makes me love her more. Yes, it is a complete atrocity on my senses of hearing and sound. But I have to admit that I relate to her secret desire to be a gangsta rapper. Let's be honest, anyone who knows me knows that Salt N Peppa are my go to karaoke songs for a reason.

What is going on?

2009-06-16T17:04:00.001-07:00

What you're seeing here is a picture of people protesting David Letterman outside the Ed Sullivan Theater. yes, you're reading that right. For those of you who have been living under a rock, or for whatever other reason are blissfully unaware of this recent scuffle, Letterman made what was apparently an offensive joke directed at Gov. Sarah Palin's daughter. After two heartfelt apologies, (ok, one heartfelt and one more humorous) the final one that was finally accepted by Gov. Palin, people are still protesting? Really? We're still at war, right? and the economy is not so good, and this is what people are willing to take it to the streets for? I'm all for defending women's rights when they are actually belittled or attacked. But I'm more offended by the lack of everyone's sense of humor. I mean, really? The video below pretty well sums it up.

Mariah Carey "Obsessed" - Summer Jam 09?

2009-06-16T13:46:00.000-07:00

It's getting around that time when we start taking nominations for the possible Song of the Summer. Yes, we're looking for our next Crazy in Love or Umbrella, or Since You Been Gone to be the soundtrack to our summertime adventures and outings for 2009. First up as a possible contender is Mariah Carey's newly released single Obsessed. It's heading out to radio stations today, and I'm sure will be in heavy rotation very soon. But what do you think of Mimi's new song? It's the first from her new upcoming 12th album, Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel, which she describes as "an uptempo summer fun record." I'm hoping there are some other classic Mariah jamz on the new record, but it sounds just like what the doctor ordered for driving to the beach with the windows rolled down. right?

2009-06-15T15:11:00.000-07:00

It's a high of 68 degrees in Los Angeles today. Gray and cloudy, what else could bring some sparkling sunshine to this Monday afternoon better than some pre-teen jams from Justin Timberlake, Ryan Gossling and JC Chasez. (oh yeah, and some other random guy who used to be on the Mickey Mouse Club.)

It Might Get Loud

2009-06-10T19:20:00.001-07:00

Answer to the question of what would happen if you got Jimmy Page, The Edge, and Jack White in a a room together. Also the title of a new documentary about "three virtuosos from three different generations". Click here to watch the trailer, and be prepared to have your mind blow. This one might just go to 11.

100 Greatest Movie Lines In 200 Seconds

2009-06-09T19:54:00.000-07:00

or click here to watch

Late Night TV Round Up

2009-06-09T13:35:00.000-07:00

Lots of late night talk show moments from last night that are must sees. Zach Morris makes a come back on Jimmy Fallon, Colbert gets his head shaved by orders from Obama, and Howard Stern digs deep into Jay Leno, calling him a "robot". that last one may seem tame, but how often do you hear such frankness on tv?

The Colbert Report

Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c

Obama Orders Stephen's Haircut - Ray Odierno

colbertnation.com

Colbert Report Full Episodes

Political Humor

Stephen Colbert in Iraq

(skip ahead to about the 4:20 mark for the Jay Leno outburst)

Patrick Duffy & the Crab

2009-06-05T15:31:00.000-07:00

guys, I don't know what this is or where it came from yet. It might just be one of those amazing aberations just created by the sheer will of the internet. (Seriously, I think that's where some of these viral videos come from sometimes. the internet just creates them out of it's interwebial magic). But all you need to know it's Patrick Duffy and a crab puppet, and it's hilarious. In this one the crab is teaching Patrick Duffy about Facebook. check it out.

Here's another hilarious one where the crab dares Patrick Duffy to eat a dime.
And another where they discuss Grey's Anatomy and threesoms with Courtney Cox

UPDATE: apparently it's just a little web series created and written by Patrick's son and daughter in law. Using their experience writing on shows like Entourage and Carpoolers, and an old theater prop stored in their garage, they bring us these hilarious little interludes where they actually introduce their dad to facebook and ringtones, and grey's anatomy. This article says there are 5 episodes online somewhere, but I have only been able to find these 3 so far. Let me know if you find the other two. I want to watch them!

Happy National Donut Day

2009-06-05T15:11:00.000-07:00

Magnetic Fields - All My Little Words

2009-06-05T15:04:00.000-07:00

Game Boy never sounded so good.

NYC Prep preview

2009-06-03T19:27:00.000-07:00

Anyone else having Gossip Girl withdrawls yet? Hopefully NYC Prep will be able to step up and fill your guilty pleasure teen drama needs. Yes, there won't be any priceless Blair Waldorf snobby quips, and no Chuck Bass purple velvet jackets and ascots. But from the look of the trailer Bravo just released there will still be some ridiculously entertaining reality tv moments.

The Beatles: Rock Band - Greatest "Commercial" Ever?

2009-06-02T14:06:00.000-07:00

The new trailer for The Beatles: Rock Band is out, and I have to be honest, I've never wanted to play a video game more in my life! Not since 7th grade when Super Mario Brothers 3 came out and I played that game until my sweaty little hands could no longer hold the controller. And since I am a recent admitted addict to Rock Band (it's like the most awesome karaoke but in your own house!) I'm especially pumped to have a crack at the Beatles songs. I pretty much celebrate their entire catalog.

Kings Of Leon - Notion

2009-06-02T13:56:00.000-07:00

New video for the Kings of Leon's latest single, Notion. It's no Use Somebody, but still, I'd pretty much love anything Caleb Followill sings at this point.

Kings Of Leon - Notion

Tom Hanks Gets Skunked

2009-05-29T11:14:00.000-07:00

Tom Hanks was on Letterman last night. I think it was actually a repeat, but as I didn't see it the first time around, it was new to me. And it was proof to me yet again of why he is the blockbuster movie star that he is. He's charming, hilarious, and always an engaging story teller. Like with this one about his dogs encountering a stray skunk up in the Hollywood Hills, or where ever it is they live out here.

He goes on to talk about how his grouchy neighbor, who doesn't know his name, calls him Siegfried and Roy because of his two giant white dogs. Obviously the neighbor isn't a Bosom Buddies fan.

James Yuill

2009-05-29T10:40:00.000-07:00

We've been playing alot of classic rock around here for the past couple of days, so now it's about time to bring it back to the 21st century. And what better way to do that than with laptop-pop musician, James Yuill. I just heard about him this morning thanks to my free track from Insound.com, and I'm already pretty obsessed. He fights right in there with Cut Copy and Postal Service, and all your other favorite electronica musicians. Check out my new favorite song, No Surprise, below.

He's on tour right now, so check his myspace for dates and times, and listen to his other great songs and remixes of those great songs. Seriously, I've been replaying them on repeat for the last two hours.

Happy Friday!

2009-05-29T08:46:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday John Fogerty!

2009-05-28T13:52:00.000-07:00

Between Two Ferns - Episode 5

2009-05-27T13:33:00.000-07:00

Zach Galafiniakis is back with his overly awkward and excessively hilarious interviews. This time it's with his Hangover co-star, Bradley Cooper.

Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis from Between Two Ferns

Now I just need a lawn...

2009-05-26T16:15:00.000-07:00

Grizzly Bear - Two Weeks

2009-05-22T23:25:00.000-07:00

New Album on Tuesday, Y'all! Yes, I've had May 26th marked and circled on there for weeks now! New Grizzly Bear! It's almost as good as Christmas. Also, this video is weird, but awesome. Which is pretty much Grizzly Bear's M.O.

Two Weeks

American Idol: Kris Wins

2009-05-21T09:46:00.000-07:00

This was pretty much the look on not only Kris's face, but everyone else who watched the show too. I'm still surprised that he actually won, and I loved his sweet response of "Adam deserved this, I'm sorry." With Simon telling him all season that he needed to be cockier and more arrogant, this final display of humility seemed to prove Cowell wrong once and forever.

My favorite moment of the night was probably their performance of We Are The Champions, with QUEEN!!, right before the results were announced. Is there any way we can get Idol to release that duet on Itunes? Forget this No Boundaries crap. If you missed it try to watch it before they take it down from youtube.

Stories That Deserve To Be Heard - Ed Gavagan

2009-05-20T20:19:00.001-07:00

These are two of maybe the greatest stories I've ever heard, both from The Moth Podcast (which I highly recommend subscribing to, btw) Both come from Ed Gavagan, a seemingly typical New York furniture maker who has a-typical experiences that change his life forever. I know the framing of the embeded players below is funky, but it was the only way I could find to post these stories on the blog. And trust me, it's totally worth it.
z

The stars at night ARE big and bright...

2009-05-20T16:43:00.000-07:00

(clap, clap, clap, clap) deep in the heart of Texas. Cool video of the day - a time lapse video of the Milky Way Galaxy Center as it passes over Texas. This isn't really pop culture related, I just think it's cool.

Galactic Center of Milky Way Rises over Texas Star Party from William Castleman on Vimeo.

Your Daily Craig Ferguson Fix

2009-05-20T00:40:00.001-07:00

Glee: Have You Set Your Season Pass Yet?

2009-05-19T22:29:00.000-07:00

you guys, Glee is awesome. which most likely means it will be cancelled, since that's always what happens with great shows that don't seem to fit the typical mold of tv. seriously, though, it completely lived up to it's title. It is joyful, comical, a little bit campy and theatrical, and just an all around good time. pretty much everything you get out of a typical glee club/show choir performance. I haven't been able to find an clips yet, but I did find this extended preview that has some of the great moments in it.

The cast pretty much plays the cliche student/teacher stereotypes that we have come to expect from years of The Breakfast Club, Bring It On, and High School Musical. but it does a great job of slightly mocking those stereotypes, even while holding a strong affection for them. There's the borderline obnoxious Tracy Flick-ish Rachel, the teacher, Mr. Schuester, attempting to make a difference in high school kids lives, the sassy black chick, Mercedes, making quick quips about being "Beyonce and not Kelly Rowland" (boom. roasted.), and the jock, Finn, with the secret talent who is tricked into becoming the glee star he never knew he always wanted to be.

Finn is actually the most compelling of the group, and his story and character seem the most rooted in reality. Even as the characters that orbit around him exist in exaggeration, like his celibate mean cheerleader girlfriend, and his meat headed football bully friends, he keeps the sense of a real high school kid just trying to have some fun and figure himself out.

all in all it was a great debut. But let's be honest, I'll endorse just about any show that has the line "come on...accounting is sexy." Oh, and Jane Lynch is hilarious, as always, as a sadistic cheerleading coach. she has a couple of good zingers in the episode. The gist of it is, it's definitely worth checking out. I've already got the season pass set on the DVR.

Trailer Watch: Sherlock Holmes

2009-05-19T18:55:00.000-07:00

So, he's like a 19th century Bond? I've watched this three times now, and I have to admit, there's something that really bothers me about this. Why wouldn't Holmes throw the hammer at that guy's head? Seems like the more logical choice, as he can clearly see he's outmatched. I get that this is just for comic effect, I'm just saying. It doesn't seem consistent with the character.

Are you ready for this?

2009-05-19T17:06:00.000-07:00

GLEE!!!

2009-05-19T16:18:00.000-07:00

I haven't even seen this show yet, and I already love it just based off the preview. High school drama, singing, dancing, choir-ific Journey covers - in a word, awesome. This is definitely going to fill the void of frothy, fun entertainment that Gossip Girl and American Idol are leaving behind.

Really?!?!

2009-05-19T14:50:00.000-07:00

Hahaha, check out this really funny article, I think it's from The Onion or something, because clearly it has to be satire. It's an interview with Jessica Biel talking about how being hot "really is a problem" and keeps her from getting roles.
wait....you mean this isn't a joke? this is a real quote? yeah, Jess, I'm sure it's your "modern look" and not your inability to actually act. For the record, I haven't seen her work since 7th Heaven, but I have a feeling that she wasn't really doing anything groundbreaking in Summer Catch or I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry. Oh, and nice backhanded compliment, if it can even be called that, to Natalie Portman and ScarJo. Yeah, you're right if only you were as fugly as poor, homely little Scarlett Johannson you'd get more movie roles.

play her off, keyboard cat.

Band of Singing and Dancing Hobbits Win Award

2009-05-18T18:24:00.000-07:00

We Americans tend to have an romanticised idea of Europe, with dreams of sitting at cafes along the Seine or the Danube, drinking wine, eating cheese, going to art museums, and discussing literature all day. And while the United States is definitely not without it's faults, at least we don't have to claim this guy as an award winning musician in our country. so we got that going for us, which is nice.

but now that I think about it, we do have to claim Miley Cyrus, so I'm not sure which is worse. At least this guy can play an instrument.

seriously though, the electric fiddle? I'm definitely going to have to start breaking out that rotating push-up move when I'm out at da clubs in LA. I also really liked the addition of the Lawrence Welk sisters as back up singers. I was just waiting for Kristen Wiig's character to join them.

warning: this song is can get stuck in your head easily - as I have discovered after watching it twice. "I'm in looooove, with fairytaaaale.." dang it!"

Phoenix - 1901

2009-05-18T17:49:00.000-07:00

You saw them, and hopefully loved them on SNL. You may have noticed a few rave posts on this blog. And now, just before the release of their latest album, Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix comes the release of the new video for one of the singles from the album, 1901. Could be a song of the summer for hipsters...and for people who just love good music.

Betty White is a Salty Old Broad

2009-05-18T17:20:00.000-07:00

I know some of you probably don't hold the same undying affection for Sandra Bullock as I do, so you might not find this as amusing. But any video that features Betty White doing unlady like things is hilarious in my book. Even if it is a thinly veiled advertisement for their new, probably horrible movie, The Proposal. But let's be honest, I'll probably still be lined up at the theater to see it. I know, I know, but did you not read the first sentence, and the "undying affection" part?
Anyway, here's the video. Laugh at Betty White. She's funny.

Sandra Bullock & Ryan Reynolds: Behind the Scenes of The Proposal from Betty White

Well Played Will Ferrell

2009-05-18T09:40:00.000-07:00

Will Ferrell hosted the season finale of Saturday Night Live this weekend, and it couldn't have been a better way to go out. I know many of you didn't even notice, or care that it was the SNL finale. But if you didn't watch you definitely missed out on some great absurdist comedy. From the opening monologue with his dramatic reading and requests for "no laughing, please", to the final skit which quickly devolved into an all cast, and a sprinkling of guest stars (hello Paul Rudd) sing-a-long of Billy Joel's Goodbye Saigon. That last skit was my personal favorite of the night, but for some reason it wasn't posted online. But it's okay, as I can post the other highlight of the night, the always classic, always hilarious Celebrity Jeopardy.

Something to make you feel good about the world

2009-05-16T18:58:00.000-07:00

This is the true story about two squirrels, a little squirrel and a big squirrel, and their adventures in trying to get over a wall on the UCLA campus. you cannot watch this without smiling.

Lonely Dear - Airport Surroundings

2009-05-16T15:44:00.001-07:00

Happy Friday

2009-05-15T11:57:00.000-07:00

What's up, girl?
He stood me up again.
Again?
Mmm-hmmmm.
Well, what's up with this guy? Do you really like him that much?
Yes, honey. I love him. He is fine. He does a lot of nice things for me.
I know he used to do nice stuff for you. But what has he done for you late-leeee?

The Hangover - the action/drama version

2009-05-14T22:52:00.000-07:00

sooooooooo, apparently some people are confused by this new red band trailer for the upcoming summer comedy The Hangover. I can see how it would be confusing, as it is a pretty spot on parody of a typical dude action movie. And while I am sorry to disappoint you that that's not actually the movie you'll be seeing, it also shouldn't have been such a surprise either. Let's be honest, the sight of Mike Tyson singing a Phil Collins song should have tipped you off that it's actually a comedy. I'm not saying, I'm just saying, use your context clues people.
Anyway, in light of consumer awareness, we at PCD would like to inform you that it is okay to laugh at the hilariousness of this movie. (cue the shooting star and the "More You Know" themesong.)

Office Highlights & Deleted Scenes

2009-05-14T22:15:00.000-07:00

So, Michael and Holly are the new Jim and Pam, eh? I always love a little self referential humor. And even though most of you out there are over all the Jim and Pam relationship dynamics, I am still one of their biggest fans. How can you not love this sweet moment?

Check out some of the deleted scenes from last nights finale.

Gotye - Coming Back

2009-05-14T19:14:00.000-07:00

Have you caught on to Gotye yet? Here's one more genius track from him. We've had a morose alt-pop track, and upbeat motown inspired song, and now I present Coming Back. Where else can you find a tango-tinged rock song with a campy, retro twilight zone music video?

A little Behind The Scenes Action

2009-05-14T19:03:00.000-07:00

The season finale of the office is on tonight! You lucky East Coasters have probably already watched it by now, as a matter of fact. Darn west coast time zone! hurry up already. I'll just kill some time by watching this super cheesy behind the scenes film-let from NBC.com.

Congrats on the Best 100 Episodes EVER! (thanks for that Jenna/Pam!)

Trailer Watch - The Road

2009-05-14T13:57:00.000-07:00

More literary blog posts for you today. This one is for the long awaited release of the trailer for Cormac Macarthy's Pulitzer Prize winning novel, The Road.
It's already been referred to as the "most important movie of this year", which is honestly kind of surprising since the release date has been repeatedly pushed back. This isn't usually a good sign for movies, i.e. The Soloist, and Fanboys.

Whether it's the "most important" or not remains to be seen, but from what little the trailer shows, the imagery and the scattered scenes are as stark, startling, and haunting as the book describes.

Lost Book Club

2009-05-14T13:22:00.001-07:00

Without giving anything away, last nights episode of Lost featured, for once not just a brief side shot of a book or magazine, or random mention in a line of dialogue, but a full zoom in close up of a character reading Flannery O'Connor's Everything That Rises Must Converge. For the way it was featured they may as well have put flashing lights around it with pulsating letters saying "READ THIS BOOK", or one of those Reading Rainbow kids saying "But you don't have to take MY word for it..."

So, since we've got a year to kill with no Lost until 2010, may I suggest that we make this the choice for the new unofficial Lost Book Club. Let's be honest, reading Flannery can only be good. And since we're about a week away from having absolutely nothing to watch on TV, it seems like a good time to dive into some soul-wrenching southern gothic prose.

Thoughts on Lost?

2009-05-14T12:39:00.000-07:00

thanks best week ever

Thoughts?
Without giving anything away for those who haven't seen it yet I will say there were some great moments. Actually, I'll just wait until tomorrow just to make sure I don't ruin anything good accidentally.

Just when I thought I was out....

2009-05-14T12:03:00.000-07:00

...They pull me back in. Yes friends, I am using that famous Godfather III Al Pacino quote to debut the big news....that Kristin Cavallari is going to be the new "star" of The Hills. Yes friends, the bitch is back, and I can only think that The Hills will be better for it. And by "better" I mean, taking one step up from the steaming pile of ridiculously entertaining garbage that it is. At least she's alot more up front about the reality, or non-reality, more accurately, of the show. In her interview with EW.com\ she flat out says "It’s a TV show,” she explains. “I’m not going into it like, ‘I’m going to make great friendships with these people.’ It’s work! And drama sells. I think that’s why they’re bringing me in, because I know what works."

Bring on the drama, please. As long as it's not involving Justin Bobby or Heidi and Spencer's sham of a marriage, I'm all for it. Let's check out some of her Laguna highlights so you can see what you have to look forward to.

Idol UPSET!!!!

2009-05-13T22:32:00.000-07:00

HOLY SH*ZZ!! sorry for the lame attempt at fake swearing, but seriously!!!! Did this just happen?

bye guy @ Yahoo! Video

Look at the look of surprise on Kris's face! So sincere and genuine. Even Adam seems a little shocked at hearing his own name called. It's definitely going to be a great show next week. With two contestans, first of all, that I actually like, and second of all, that could not be more opposite of each other. Kris is understated, shy, and quiet, Adam is louder, harder, more outgoing, but both matched in excellence (that sounds really cheesy, I know, but it's true!) it is going to be quite a battle to the end.

Adam is still predicted to win, probably by a landslide. But with Danny's fans votes up for grabs will they gravitate more towards the Kris who may be able to tap in with a slow quiet son?. Or will they be sucked into Adam's rock and roll charisma? Either way, Adam is still a star, and Kris will definitely be successful. and I for one can't wait to see it all play out.

Bye Danny! not sad to see you go. sorry! (not really.)

"IMAX" Scandal(?)

2009-05-13T21:27:00.000-07:00

I got a message from my friend Michael over at Don't Call Me Mike today about the apparent IMAX scam going on, or digital IMAX more specifically. Slashfilm has written a fairly good rundown complete with diagrams (shown below) on how Imax has slowly been diluting thir brandname with the release of their new digital format. Read the article below:

Digital IMAX is something I’ve been meaning to write about for a while now. I’ll be very clear about this — IMAX is watering down the name brand by licensing out their name and “technologies” to a series movie screens around the country which aren’t anywhere near the size of a traditional IMAX screen.
In the past, I’ve praised IMAX, specifically Christopher Nolan’s use of IMAX cameras in The Dark Knight. While I haven’t really been on board with the IMAX upconversions of Hollywood films, I’ve been a huge supporter of the format and the company. But digital IMAX is not something I can support.
Actor/comedian Aziz Ansari went to see Star Trek: The IMAX Experience at the AMC Theatre in Burbank over the weekend. He paid $5 more per ticket for the IMAX presentation, but was shocked to discover that the IMAX Digital screen was only slightly larger than a normal movie theater screen. You can read Aziz’s rant on the experience on his tumblr blog azizisbored.
Not only are the IMAX Digital screens much smaller in size, but also a much lower resolution. IMAX digital currently uses two 2K-resolution Christie projectors to project two 2K images over each other, producing an image that is potentially of a slightly higher resolution than common 2K digital cinema. But with AMC installing Sony 4K digital cinema projection systems in all 309 theaters and 4,628 screens by 2012, why would anyone want to pay $5 more for a lower resolution theatrical experience?
The most appalling thing about the practice is that the Digital IMAX theatres are simply marked as “IMAX,” drawing no distinction to the traditional 15/70mm IMAX theater. Read this article on LF Examiner for more information.

I also went to see Star Trek at the AMC theater in digital imax on Monday. And while I didn't notice it at the time, aside from a brief comment about the theater seeming alot smaller than normal, looking back I can definitely tell that it wasn't the full "wow" factor experience I was expecting. Aziz has since challenged Imax's CEO to an on air debate, and as more and more news and entertainment outlets pick up the story, the more and more explaining and clean up Imax will have to do.

Either way, Star Trek is great. Definitely one to go see on the big screen. Just don't waste 5 extra dollars on what certainly isn't a premium movie experience. more updates to come...

Wilco (The Album) - Streaming Now

2009-05-13T18:28:00.001-07:00

Due to early internet leaks Wilco decided to go ahead and stream their entire new album online. I haven't had a chance to listen to it yet, but you definitely should. Right after watching the Lost finale tonight.

Click here to listen to the album.

Battle For The Island

2009-05-13T18:24:00.000-07:00

Trailer Watch: Timer

2009-05-12T19:58:00.001-07:00

The premise of this movie seems a little ridiculous, but the trailer seems really interesting. Kind of like if Eternal Sunshine were a more light hearted rom-com. And while I am disheartened to see that one of Gossip Girl's biggest casting errors, Aaron Rose, is in this movie, he actually seems like a good fit.

Gimme Sympathy - Metric

2009-05-12T11:45:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Graham!

2009-05-12T00:36:00.001-07:00

New Ketcham man in the family as of May 11th. Meet my new little nephew, Graham! Happy Birthday little buddy. Can't wait to watch Raiders of the Lost Ark, and Big Trouble in Little China and stuff like that with you. And maybe some Elmo in there too.

Jonathan, Dean and Graham. The Proud Ketcham Men.

special video for Graham...

Happy Mother's Day!!

2009-05-10T00:29:00.000-07:00

haha, sooooo, I just watched this on SNL 10 minutes ago, so it hasn't been posted on Hulu yet. THe only think I could find was this ghetto version someone video recorded off the TV. Still hilarious!!! and a great way to honor your mother on this momentus day.

UPDATE: the real version is finally posted. but as my blog site is ghetto and isn't that conducive to posting the hulu videos full size, I recommend going here to see this clip in full effect.

Good Girls Go Bad

2009-05-09T00:52:00.000-07:00

Everyone knows I'm as little obsessed with Gossip Girl, and anything remotely associated with it. So, knowing that now, you can understand my interest in the new Cobra Starship song featuring Gossip Girls's own Leighton Meester.

I'm always a little skeptical when it comes to actresses turned singers. You never know if you're going to end up with Jennifer Love Hewitt or with Zooey Deschanel. But from the little that we can hear of her in this song she seems like a promising pop singer.

Norm MacDonald actually says something funny

2009-05-09T00:35:00.000-07:00

Just kidding, I've always had a deep appreciation for Norm MacDonald. But he was a surprisingly endearing, and yet still his typical inappropriate self on Letterman last night.

My Name is John Daker

2009-05-08T17:56:00.001-07:00

"I'm pretty sure I'm in a dance off"

2009-05-08T12:51:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday!

2009-05-08T10:35:00.000-07:00

Jimmy's Downstairs Neighbors

2009-05-07T18:53:00.000-07:00

Last night Jimmy Fallon's downstairs neighbors invaded the set for a few minutes. Hilarity ensued. As it usually does when Rachel Dratch and Amy Poehler are around.

More Gotye

2009-05-06T20:09:00.000-07:00

More of my new favorite experimental rock artist Goyte, but this time with a motown twist.

Gotye - Learnalilgivinanlovin

Gotye- Learnalilgivinanlovin from Gotye on Vimeo.

This could not be more opposite from Heart's a Mess if he tried. The sound, the feel, the colors in the videos. And yet they are still completely Gotye, and completely amazing.

Listen to more on his Myspace page.

Way to go Oprah

2009-05-06T17:00:00.000-07:00

Apparently Oprah has caused quite an uproar with her website linking to a coupon for free KFC grilled chicken. Long story short, people were swarming local KFC, the managers, probably tired of giving away free food all day, started refusing to honor the coupons, and then all hell broke loose. (Read more about it here, and here, and pretty much everywhere.)
I mean, I get it, I guess. But it all reminds me a little of this Louis CK comedy bit from Late Night with Conan O'Brien.

Goodbye to Kelly?

2009-05-06T13:04:00.000-07:00

Good news and bad news out of the NBC offices today. And really it's just all good. Mindy Kaling, other wise known as Kelly Kapoor from The Office, just signed a deal with NBC to develop her own show. The bad news is we might not get to see too many more of her J-Lo casual Friday outfits. But the good news is we'll get more than brief two minute quips from this highly underrated comedic actress. She will appear on the next season of the show, but I'm assuming that will probably be her last.

She's written several of my favorite Office episodes ever, including Diwali and The Dundies to name a couple, so I'm excited to see what direction she takes for her own show. A talented actress and writer, she's also a stand up comedian. Check out a clip from one of her shows below. Her impression of the deep voiced actresses still has me laughing just thinking about it.

Gossip Girl and Gotye

2009-05-05T17:49:00.000-07:00

OMG you guys. Gossip Girl was totes amaze last night, right? Ok, while I can't keep up talking like that for more than two sentences, Gossip Girl really may officially be the greatest teen soap opera on today, if not all time. Where else can you find dialogue like "Tell Jesus the bitch is back." nowhere.

Last nights episode was firing on all pistons, and with pretty much everyone in the entire cast featured, with the exception of Vanessa. Bad for her, good for the viewers. Even Eric had a brief cameo, with a sweet heart to heart with Rufus. Dan continued his stint as the wet blanket, although tonight his meddling was more justified than usual. Nate actually showed more than one emotion on his pretty, pretty face, when he stood up to actually fight for Blair. Chuck and Blair some how make it impossible to not care about their icy exterior-ed characters. I could watch that scene of the two of them at the Russian Tea Room forever. It barely beat out my other favorite part of the episode with the group scene reintroducing Georgina to everyone. How funny was Dan's "we gotta get this crazy girl out of here", and everyone else talking over each other. (skip to about the 5 minute mark for this scene)

The other great thing about Gossip Girl is the music. I know this is par for the course at this point in CW teen dramas. But seriously, I've found at least 3 new bands that I love from this show. The latest one is Gotye. Not even the "featured music" at the end, I had to do a little more digging to figure out who it was. totally worth it for this slightly creepy experimental rock. Check out the video for Heart's A Mess below.

Happy Cinco De Mayo!

2009-05-05T15:09:00.000-07:00

Cheap Trick like you've never heard them

2009-05-04T21:02:00.000-07:00

Gael Garcia Bernal singing I Want You To Want Me from/for the soundtrack of his latest movie, Rudi Y Cursi.

Rudi Y Cursi trailer below.

I already love Community

2009-05-04T18:41:00.000-07:00

NBC announced their fall schedule, confirming which shows would be brought back and debuting their new shows. The list included a couple that I'd heard some about previously, Parenthood, 100 Questions (which sounds like something they should just go ahead and cancel now). But there was one gem of a surprise in the bunch, which was Community, starring Joel McHale. As an avid fan of McHale and The Soup - I'm a sucker for anyone who has a love-hate relationship with the stupid stuff on tv as comperable to mine - I'm really excited to see how his comedic chops transfer over to this single camera comedy. Check out a couple preview clips below.

With Chevy Chase as the completely delusional older guy, (I can't wait to hear more from the self proclaimed "toast master") and Jon Oliver, of The Daily Show reportedly signed on as well, I think this looks like it could really grow into a good show. And did anyone else recognize Shirley? Yup, that's Dwight's old co-worker from Staples. (still working on finding a clip.)

Here's the official preview of the series, just to give you more of a sense of what to expect from this series.

Trailer Watch: Post Grad

2009-05-03T14:59:00.000-07:00

I'm not going to lie, I'm really excited to see this movie. Alexis Bledel plays Rory Gilmore, if Rory were a little less driven and a little more directionless. Definitely more relatable than her Gilmore Girls character, but still looks as equally entertaining. Especially with Friday Night Lights, Zach Gilford playing his Saracen-esq best as the nice guy next door. Michael Keaton looks to be doing his best work that anybody has seen since, well, Mr. Mom in 1983. And with Jane Lynch and Rodrigo Santoro (and was that Demitri Martin I saw in there somewhere?) filling out the cast, seems like it can only be a winning combination.

Your Moment of Zen

2009-05-01T08:21:00.001-07:00

The PS22 Chorus, which I talked about some in the previous post, singing Eye Of The Tiger.

Passion Pit - The Reeling

2009-05-01T00:01:00.000-07:00

Two of my new favorite things combined in this video - Passion Pit and the PS22 choir (they're the backup choir vocals towards the end)

You may have already heard of the PS22 choir, as their videos collectively have over 3 million views on youtube. I'll have to post more of them tomorrow. There's not much else that can really get you going in the morning like their cover of Eye Of The Tiger. It has such youthful sincerity I'd challenge you to be immune to their enthusiasm.

But back to Passion Pit. Here's an excerpt from the MTV review of the video.
And the video is hands-down fantastic. The rip and tear style, the gritty quality, the fun shopping cart excursion, the way the layers are scraped off Angelakos’s face until you are finally able to view him… all of this reflects the style at the core of a band who became one of my favorites in 2008.

I know what you're thinking, what does MTV know about videos anymore? But I have to agree. They are equally fun and thoughtful at the same time. I mean, who knew you could put the lyrics We dug these holes we crawled into/Now they’re my home/Now here I cannot feel the wind/Can’t feel the rainbow to a dance beat?

Happy Birthday Willie Nelson

2009-04-30T23:40:00.000-07:00

Willie's birthday is actually about 20 minutes away from being over, but I think they would take away my Texan card if I didn't recognize it. So, Happy 76th Willie!

There were almost too many great videos to choose from, like a great performance with ZZ Top, or his classic performance of Always On My Mind. But at the end of the day I had to go with this one, for sheer entertainment value alone. the quality isn't as great as others, but it's worth it just to watch this unlikely collaboration. and also worth it to see Snoop in a fringed leather jacket.

video starts about the 20 second mark...

Trailer Watch: Julie & Julia

2009-04-30T20:58:00.000-07:00

Amy Adams and Meryl Streep together again, but this could not be more opposite than their last foray together in Doubt. Adams, doing her best Cynthia Nixon in the Sex And The City early years impersonation with that dowdy haircut, plays a great everywoman. Streep looks fantastic as ever, as the spunky and "fearless" Julia Child.

I read this memoir a few years ago when I received it as a Christmas present, and I really enjoyed it. The narrator, Julie is relatable in her confusion and her struggle to get out of the rut she's found herself in. and Julia Child is presented in a deeply personal way that many of us never knew. It's probably something more up a chick's alley, but a guy might enjoy it too. maybe. I'll have to re-read it. either way,the movie looks charming.

Another Cover

2009-04-30T14:03:00.000-07:00

Cover songs can always be a gamble. You never know if you'll end up a brilliant reimagining of an already great song, like with Bat For Lashes cover of Use Somebody, which I posted earlier this week. OR on the flip side, you may end up with Celine Dion doing AC/DC's Shook Me All Night Long. I think we can all agree that this is a marriage of artists and music that should never have happened.

But luckily I bring you a song today that, in my opinion, belongs in the former category. I've never heard of Serena Ryder before, but she recently did a cover of my favorite Band of Horses song, Funeral. She really brought some Cat Power-esqe rasp and riffs to it. The song starts about 1 minute into the video.

Trailer Watch - Tip Toes

2009-04-29T19:23:00.000-07:00

Just when I thought I was sick of Matthew Maconaghey, along comes this gem of a movie.

It was direct to DVD. shocker, I know. I'm seriously putting this on my netflix queue right now.

Nyle - Let The Beat Build

2009-04-29T13:17:00.000-07:00

Burgeoning hip hop sensation Nyle is really catching alot of attention for his video cover of Lil Wayne's Let The Beat Build. First of all, it is pretty sweet, but for more reasons than you'd think. I'll list them for you. 1. It was shot all in one take. 2. it is all live music. 3. He did it on a $2,000 grant from NYU, where he's currently a student. It's definitely a low budget wonder.

Nyle "Let The Beat Build" from Nyle on Vimeo.

Here's a longer article and interview with Nyle from NYU Local.

Are you watching Craig Ferguson yet?

2009-04-27T23:30:00.000-07:00

Easily the funniest late night talk show on tv right now, until Conan comes back anyway, Craig Ferguson is continuing his run as my new favorite obsession. With the addition of his new kick ass rattle snake coffee mug, and his ability give celebrities the hard time that they deserve sometimes, he's developed the perfect late night talk show cocktail - just the right mixture of wit, sarcasm and craziness. Here his with Simon Cowell discussing my other favorite current obsession, American Idol, or as Ferguson likes to call it, So You Think You've Got A Pop Star On Your Hands.

Love that he calls him a "lying sack of crap". How many talk show hosts do that with their guests? Not enough, I think.

What's the deal with Swine Flu?

2009-04-27T23:01:00.000-07:00

Hasn't swine flu been around since the 80s?

wait, wait....that was just a clip from Willow.

Bat For Lashes covers Kings Of Leon

2009-04-26T22:55:00.000-07:00

Take that Magic

2009-04-26T18:34:00.000-07:00

Get your vitamin NPH! Everyone needs a little Neil Patrick Harris on a daily basis. Especially when it entails elaborate card tricks and a giggling Jimmy Fallon. hilarious.

Patrick Wilson - Drifters

2009-04-24T17:43:00.000-07:00

kind of like Nick Drake - Andrew Bird - Jeff Buckley

Your Morning Cure

2009-04-24T10:08:00.000-07:00

The cure just like heaven
by YoungFool

Matt & Kim - Lesson Learned

2009-04-24T00:25:00.000-07:00

check out the new, strange and yet still endearing video from Matt & Kim. Oh, also, it's, uh, clothing optional, so careful where you watch it.

Matt and Kim - New Music - More Music Videos

Inspired Bicycles

2009-04-22T11:52:00.000-07:00

Definitely Inspired. Danny MacAskill does ridiculously balletic tricks on his bike that makes me think I may have seen God somewhere in there. Probably right around the time he jumps from one store sign to another, and then jumps down 15 feet. Or when he rides his bike across a thinly spoke-d metal fence. How does he do it? it seems virtually impossible. Just watch.