Internets: Proposals & Head Shots

Today, the big movers on the interwebs, Greatest Marriage Proposal EVER!!! and Diet Coke + Mentos FAIL, are each a combination of the classic attributes needed for a viral video.

First, Diet Coke + Mentos FAIL:

Here we have a mix of the Diet Coke + Mentos fad of early youtube fame, the FAIL aspects of the America's Funniest Home Videos, and the surprise value common in most "you won't expect this/this won't ever happen again" clips.  Good stuff.

Last, Greatest Marriage Proposal EVER!!!:

On the other hand, this video uses the marriage-themed viral attribute that Youtube came up with a year or two ago made famous with that one with the dancing procession, builds off the commonly seen "greatest ask out/prom/wedding/surprise", and finally adds the "we can see their face/reaction" of many good, and not so good viral hits like that one where we see people get sick on rides, and that one where we see people get sick watching disgusting videos.    

However, I personally didn't really like this video as I believe it suffers from being way to long. 

• What did you think about these two virals?
• Disappointed at the state of virals these days?
• Or do you think its okay to combine old themes to make new virals?

Let me know below!

Other: Planning Ahead

The blog's been a little dry lately, I know, but I am hoping to get a few new things rolling out very soon! One of these things, hopefully, will be a movie review of PoTC 4, providing I can find a way to get in to one of the showings this weekend.

Crazier things have happened!

TV: Survivor Finale & Predictions!

All logic is against me doing this article today, as almost no one voted for TV in the poll and the last time I commented on a reality TV show I got a lackluster response; but I can't not comment on this topic, as it is an important media event. Don't hate! Haha.

Finale season is upon us! In the case of the Survivor reality series, Redemption Island has evolved into what can be described as a revival of the aging series. 

For those who've never experienced Survivor (who are you?), the game starts off by dropping 18 (give or take) citizens into an area (usually an island), and forcing them into a set of tribes to live for the next 36 or so days. They are tasked to compete against one another in challenges for rewards such as fire, food, tarps, and trips, as well as immunity. Those who do not win immunity are forced to vote one person off the island at tribal council, a process that is repeated every 3 days (every episode is 3 days).

Back to this season...

Redemption Island honestly should just be renamed Survivor: Boston Rob, as hardened reality star Boston Rob has dominated every aspect of the game. He's one of the few people in the history of the game to play so effectively, avoiding any sort of inter-tribe cracking before the merge, and in turn keep himself in as he eliminates his old tribe mates one by one.

The twist however is Redemption Island, the place where eliminated castaways are sent to compete in their final challenge(s). 

Sporadically throughout the season, a person still standing on Redemption Island would be allowed to reenter the game, a feat which only will happen twice, once already, and once in the finale. 

My Predictions

Okay, right now we have Boston Rob (BR), Natalie (N), Phillip (P), and Ashley (A) left on the main island, as well as Andrea (AN), Mike (M), Grant (G), and Matt (MT) on Redemption Island (RI). 

If someone is brought back from RI before anyone is voted off, and if its a physical challenge that determines who comes back, then its going to be either M, MT, or GT who comes back. No matter who comes back, BR will attempt to get his "group" to vote the new person off. The only chance of this going wrong for BR would be if G is the one who comes back, and A gets G and N to vote BR, because if it isn't G, no one would be that stupid to give M or MT a free million dollars, and AN is just a loose end.  Although, if I was in BR position and the vote was for one of BR, AN, A, P, and N, I would probably attempt to vote out A, as she is more of a threat to BR then AN. 

However, if someone from RI is brought back after the first vote, then BR is in a lot of trouble, especially if A wins the immunity. That is because if A wins immunity, and the choice is then between P, BR, and N, then N will definitely side with her "friend" A, and P would be stupid not to recognize what was going on. Then BR would have to win his way back in to get a chance at the million. 

If the final four is BR, P, A, and N, and BR wins the final challenge, the final three would be BR, N, and P. If P wins then it would be P, BR, and N. If A wins, it would be A, N, and P, and if N wins it would be N, P, and "?". If any of the RI people somehow get to the final four, then you would replace BR with them in this equation.

Therefore, no matter what combination the final four is, P and N will be in the final three, and the remaining slot will be fought over by BR, A, and if a miracle occurs, the RI person. 

In the final vote, assuming each person gives a speech that is in sync with what the viewing audience has been provided, and the jury votes in line with that, then if MT or M are in the final three, they automatically win the million, more so MT then M. If they are not and BR is in the final three, he wins the million. The only chance A can win the million is if MT, M, BR and G are not in the final three. If its G, P, and N, then G wins. P and N have no chance of winning, especially P. 

In conclusion, I can't just say, for example, BR will win or MT will win, because as you can see from my thought processes above, that would be a lie. There are so many possible outcomes, but all I know is that it will be a fun watch to cap off a great season.

• Anyone else watching the finale tonight?
• Any problems with my thought processes?
• Who do you think is going to win?
• Who do you hope is going to win?

Let me know below!

Other: Reset FTL!

As you probably all know by now, Blogspot is back at full speed, minus everything done on the site since about 2 days ago. That kind of sucks, however, as it wiped a full article, as well as all the comments off my X-Men post.

/sigh

• How bad was everyone hit?

Other: Okay, Now I'm Confused!

Just a random occurrence that I cannot explain, and will now reveal in hopes that someone else can make sense of it.

That is, ever since I posted my "TV: Game of Thrones" piece, I have been getting an unusual amount of page views solely on that topic. When it was the top article, it only got up to 7 comments, which was a decent haul, but normally after a topic has fallen from the top position, it no longer gets any serious viewership. 

For some reason, however, that article has almost tripled the next leading page view article count, and continues to garner the top position almost every day. It's not even on the default front page anymore! 

This stuff just boggles my mind. Anyone know what could be happening? Haha.

Thanks, Jonny.

Movies: X-Men - First Class Expectations

If it worked for Star Trek, then it should work for X-Men. 

At least that is what the makers of X-Men: First Class are hoping, as they prepare to release the new film next month world wide. In First Class, the history dial is set back to the dawn of the mutants, 1963 to be exact, and follows the upbringing, and life of the more aged mutants of the original X-Men series such as Professor X and Magneto. 

So far, I am liking what I am seeing from this new take on the series. I remember seeing the first two or three X-Men movies years back, and I quite enjoyed them, but as the series dragged on, the quality went south, especially the disaster that is know as Origins: Wolverine. 

So as long as they keep the story fresh, stay away from the gimmicky plot devices that have become the kryptonite of many recent comic adaptations, and respect the audience's need for a good film, First Class should be the first in what appears to be three new X-Men films.

Out in theaters June 3rd 2011

• Anyone excited to see this new film?
• How did everyone like the previous X-Men film?
• Do you think they can pull a "Star Trek"?

Let me know below!

Music: 5 Great Zeppelin Songs You Have Never Heard

Today I have complied a list of five Led Zeppelin songs that I think deserve more attention then they usually get.

1. The Ocean - Houses of the Holy (1973)

• The speaking intro by drummer Bonham stating that "We've done four already, but now ... , 1, 2, 3, 4!" was an unplanned addition; Bonham said it as a way to cheer up the band after they had bombed the previous four attempts at the song. This was the fifth.

2. South Bound Saurez - In Through the Out Door (1979)

• One of the few Zeppelin songs never played live, South Bound Saurez is also one of only two songs in the Zeppelin catalog not to involve Jimmy Page as a songwriter.

3. Hot Dog - In Through the Out Door (1979)

• An interesting song from an interesting band, Hot Dog builds off Rockabilly influence, a rare occurrence in Zeppelin songs. Fans of Jack White and the White Stripes will recognize from this song where White received much of his influence.

4. Bring It On Home - Led Zeppelin II (1969)

• The beginning portion of this song is a homage to the original writer of Bring It On Home, Sonny Boy Williamson, whereas the second portion is all original. The band, however, was sued for not providing a writing credit to Sonny Boy.

5. Bron-Y-Aur Stomp - Led Zeppelin III (1970)

• Named after the cottage in which the band retreated after the long tour supporting Led Zeppelin II, this cottage was the location in which many of the Led Zeppelin III songs were written, as well as a handful of future Zeppelin songs such as "Over the Hills and Far Away" and "Friends". 

• Well, had anyone ever heard of these particular songs before?
• Did you like them, or are they not known for a reason?
• Any other Zeppelin songs that should be noted?

Thanks for checking me out!

Internets: Obama's REAL Speech

Internets, eh?

I am adding a new section to mix things up a bit. I will see how it settles in and go from there.

Currently the funniest thing on the internet, Youtube bigshot Alphacat, real name Iman Crosson, has exploded up the charts once again with his spot-on Obama impression; presenting an alternative take on the announcement of Bin Laden's take down.

Song starts at 0:54. Hilarity ensues.

Other: Quick Little Post...

How you doing guys?

Just a quick little post letting everyone know I have activated a little poll at the top right of the main page, and I was wondering if you could take the time to let me know what types of blogs you most prefer. Be aware that you are able to pick more then one option, so feel free to vote for what option(s) fit you best.

I realize that sometimes it is difficult to take the time out of your day to check in on the world of blogs, so it is always my goal to refine my topics to best meet the interest of the majority, as it is always easier reading about something you enjoy! 

Thanks, Jon.

TV: The Office "Inner Circle"

The Office episode “The Inner Circle”, premiering this Thursday, was the first episode of the award-winning series that did not include head boss and main man Michael Scott, and boy was it different. Will Farrell stepped in to complete his episode arc as temporary office boss Deangelo, in the writer’s attempt to settle the transition period between the changing dynamics.

Within the episode, Deangelo’s maniacal self was let loose, and his true colours came out to the dismay of the office. By creating the inner circle of office workers, and attempting to psych out his underlings, Deangelo feeds his need to have total acceptance, something that Dwight denies.

This episode also included the first of three new possible characters, Jordan, and according to reports, each new character’s future on the show will depend on audience favourability. The other two casts will be a new male accountant, and Stanley’s daughter. Mhmm, interesting. Does this hint at a departure of one of the current accountants, as well as a possible internship with Stanley’s daughter? 

In an interesting turn of events, Dwight will become the next temporary manager in next week’s episode, holding the fort after Deangelo’s departure and the season finale’s description of “Deangelo’s new replacement is sought out”.

I personally felt it was a decent episode, with the knowledge that the majority of the lacking involved Will Farrell’s departing character. To get a good gauge of the future quality of the show, I am holding my judgement until the finale next week, and will at least watch next season’s premiere.

• What did everyone think about the episode?
• Will you continue to watch the show even after Michael Scott's departure?

Let me know!

Other: Slight Delay!

Hey, I just wanted to let you all know that my real blog for today will be posted slightly later then normal.

I plan on doing a complete review of the first post-Michael Scott episode of The Office, and I have to watch it first. So hopefully I can get this up shortly after the episode airs.

All I know is that I am really excited to see it.

Movies: CFotW - Rock N Roll High School

Hey guys! 

          Before I begin, I would also like to remind people that the only way I know if someone specifically has viewed my blog is if they please post a comment. Therefore, please make sure to post one when you visit so that I can make sure I put you at the top of my list!
          This week I will be starting up the previously proposed section Cult Film of the Week. Let me know in the comments if this is something you would like to continue seeing on my blog.

Rock N Roll High School (1979)

Set in the, then-present of 1979, Rock N Roll High School follows a set of teenagers trying to make sense of their typical, confusing, boring, and imprisoned high school lives. You get all the stereotypes in this film, the geeky girl, the rocker chick, the good looking shy boy, the sinister hall monitors, and an evil new principle. 

Okay, so far this sounds like any other high school film of the time. 

What makes this a cult film? 

The Ramones. And not just their songs. The ACTUAL Ramones. 

On top of the zaniness of the members of the Ramones attempting to say lines and not laugh, the film also takes the approach of what could now be called the "parody" movie, in the sense that, unlike some movies of its genre like Pretty in Pink and The Breakfast Club, it contains many elements that separate it from "reality". If you watch it you'll know what I mean. 

All in all, this is a great film, Ramones fan or not, and I would definitely suggest you check it out. To end it off, here's the trailer.

• Had anyone ever heard of this film before today?
• Do you like hearing about cult films?
• Any suggestions for future editions of Cult Film of the Week?

Thanks!

TV: Game of Thrones

EDIT: To those who are viewing my map from google, please check out my blog, you just might like it! Thanks, Jonny.

Today I will be discussing the new HBO series Game of Thrones.

Game of Thrones, a medieval fantasy set in the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros, revolves around the seven ruling families, and their fight to hold the Iron Throne, and control of the whole land. 

While the world of GoT has many aspects seen in reality, its world is more akin to worlds like Middle Earth, containing Dragons, Zombies aptly called the White Walkers, intelligent animals, among other architectural and cultural oddities. 

The first season of the TV series is a direct adaptation of the stories within the book series by George R. R. Martin, and the show has already, after showing just the first episode, been bought for at least a second season.

Starring such actors as Sean Bean as Ned Stark, Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister, Lena Headey as Cersei Lannister, Game of Thrones takes the epic film style of Lord of the Rings, the quality of some of the more recent successful adaptations such as The Walking Dead, and combines them into a unique and thrilling series that definitely will be here for years to come.

Sunday 9PM ET

• Anyone watching Game of Thrones?
• Any other new series that I should check out?

Let me know!