Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Simpsons Clips - Food in Bar Form, Helper Monkeys, Paddlin', and Apes

Here are 4 unrelated, short Simpsons clips that always make me crack a smile.



After being inspired by Powersauce.  "I only eat food in bar form. When you concentrate food, you unleash its awesome power, I'm told. That's why I'm compressing 5 pounds of spaghetti into a handy mouth-sized bar."  Season 9 always gets a little hate for being the "start of the decline", but it has some of my favorite episodes (mainly this one "King of the Hill" and "the city of New York vs. Homer Simpson")







Good ol' Jasper Beardly takes over teaching at Springfield Elementary.  You better believe that's a paddlin'





Mojo the helper monkey after being assigned to Homer.  Pray for Mojo.




Simpsons Planet of the Apes featuring Troy McClure.  (Bonus: not a clip of the Dr. Zaius song)  The line that always gets me from that sequence is the "chimpan-a to chimpan-z" line.



I'm sure I'll think of another good one right after I publish this post.  

Monday, April 9, 2012

Game of Thrones Season 2 Episode 2 "The Night Lands" Power Rankings (Spoilers)


Lots going on in the land of Westeros these days.  The game of thrones is heating up with so many contenders for the crown that it's getting hard to keep track.  But it's making for a compelling watch.

I've read up to book 4, so I'm able to keep track of all the characters on the show.  I'd imagine for someone who hasn't read the books it can get a little confusing.  The main contenders for the crown at this moment:

Joffrey
Joffrey Baratheon
Currently sits the Iron Throne.  A Baratheon by name although he is the incestuous child of twins Cersei and Jamie Lannister.  Wields the might of House Lannister.  He's a ruthless, arrogant little shit bastard and basically everyone hates him.  His mother Cersei pretty much calls his shots, although the Robert Baratheon's bastard-baby murdering spree was his idea done without his mother's consent.  

Tyrion

Tyrion Lannister
The dwarf, wise-cracking (he gets the best lines on the show), acting hand of the king.  He's extremely clever and quick-witted, and openly hates his nephew Joffrey and his sister Cersei.  He also shows his balls by calling out Varys' subtle threat against him, and by replacing Cersei's appointment Janos Sylnt, head of the gold cloaks, with his hired-sword Bronn.  He's not actually a true contender for the throne at this moment, but he's such an awesomely badass character he deserved his own little write-up.

Stannis

Stannis Baratheon
Probably has the surest claim to the throne in the light of Joffrey's bastardness.  Has yet to really flex his muscle.  He knows his younger brother Renly has more men, and the men he needs to make a run at King's Landing and the Lannisters.  The major wildcard here is the mysterious red witch, Melisandre, servant to the lord of light.  What kind of power can she provide for Stannis?

Renly

Renly Baratheon
He's Stannis and Robert's little brother.  A popular, charismatic figure among the inhabitants of Westeros.  He has gathered an army of over 100,000 troops, many the bannermen of Stannis.  He has not yet been shown in season 2, only referenced by others.  He is a smart guy, as he realized the implications of Robert's death immediately and tried to warm Ned Stark to act.  Sadly Ned didn't listen and, like always, Sean Bean's character was killed off.  Look for Renly to have a big impact in the coming episodes.

Robb Stark

Robb Stark
Leads the armies of the North.  Brilliant so far on the battlefield, winning each battle he's had with the Lannister forces.  Captured Jamie Lannister, the kingslayer.  Robb has proved himself to be a clever commander, and so far has outwitted the more experienced Tywin Lannister.  Is currently looking to join forces with Renly and Balon Greyjoy to give him the man advantage he needs to crush the Lannisters, unseat Joffrey, and avenge his father's death.  Is he stretching himself too thin?


Wildcards and New Characters

Daenerys

Daenerys Targaryen 
The mother of dragons.  She is in rough shape right now.  Over the sea in the Dothraki lands.  She and her few followers are wandering through the desert, with little hope.  Her only asset right now is her dragons.  How can she use them?

Theon Greyjoy

Theon Greyjoy
Robb Stark's "brother".  Taken from his home and fostered with the Starks as punishment for his father's role in Robert Baratheon's ascension to the throne.  He now returns to the Iron Islands for the first time since his childhood.  Clearly trying to impress his father, Balon Greyjoy, and prove that he is now a man.  Seems like he is willing to turn on Robb to regain a place with his family.  Also led to this super awkward exchange with his (unknown at the time) sister, Yara (Asha in the books):
Sure is a lot of incestuous behavior on this show

(Bonus fun fact:  The actor who portrays Theon is Alfie Allen, brother of British singer Lily Allen and subject of the song "Alfie" on her debut album.)

We also get introduced to a new power player here, Theon's father Balon, who commands a large fleet of ships, and was once a king of his own right of the Iron Islands. RELEASE THE KRAKEN!
Balon Greyjoy


Littlefinger

Petyr 'Littlefinger' Baelish
A man of low birth with a mind to make coin and sky-high aspirations.  He's clever and dangerous.  Valuable to the Lannisters because of his skill with money.  Wields no real power, but remains a shadowy player.  Put in his place by Cersei in episode 1, but shows his ruthless ambition in his brothel in episode 2.  Will make whatever moves necessary to get ahead.

Arya (Arry)
Gendry

Arya Stark & Gendry
Both on their way to the Night's Watch.  Both sought by the Lannisters.  Arya as a bargaining chip with the Starks, and Gendry because he has a claim to the throne as Robert's bastard son.  Will they escape the Lannister's reach?

Jon Snow

Jon Snow
Raised as Ned Stark's bastard son at Winterfell.  Was never told the true story of his birth before Ned's death.  Vague who his real parents are.  Hasn't done much so far this season, but he is being groomed to take over as Lord Commander of the Night's Watch.  Still learning his place in the world.  Looks sufficiently badass and has a Valyrian steel sword and a red-eyed, albino direwolf, Ghost.  Sees Craster handing a baby (boy, presumably) over to a White Walker.


Gilly

Gilly, Craster's Daughter
Daughter/wife of that creepy old pervert, Craster.  She's pregnant and is concerned for the welfare of her unborn child, especially if it's a boy.  She befriends that lovable oaf Sam, and clearly wants Sam and Jon to help her escape Craster's pervy grasp.

Melisandre

Melisandre
Stannis' ace in the hole.  The red priestess of R'hllor.  Remains my favorite new cast member so far ( I really feel like they absolutely nailed this casting).  Mysterious.  We don't know much about her past or her true motivations.  We do know that she is powerful (magic?) and believes in Stannis.  She definitely has a role to play.


I'll stop here.  You can see how grand the scope of this show is.  I didn't even list all of the interesting characters. (I'm looking at you, Jaqen H'ghar)
Jaqen

There are plenty more.  And more yet to be introduced.  It's crazy.  But I don't feel like writing all day.  If you're new to the show, this should at least give you a little idea as to what's in store for the second season. If you haven't watched the first season yet, do.  Otherwise you'll be lost and all the explaining in the world probably won't help.  

Who's your favorite character?

Friday, April 6, 2012

Cadbury Creme Egg Commercial - Sure Sign of Easter

The true sign that Easter is upon us is the traditional Cadbury Creme Egg commercial.  Every year like clockwork.

And it's the same commercial every year.  This same commercial has been airing since at least the late 80's.  Basically as long as I can remember Easter, I can remember this commercial.  You know the one... Bunny Tryouts!



I think at some point they added the cat, and may have changed the contents of the basket at the end, but I'm dead positive that lion has been there for a good 20 years.  And he really is the star of this commercial.  His magnificent "BWAK BWAK" is as recognizable as any ad slogan I can think of (for me anyway).  You'd think they might try to update the commercial, try to modernize it a bit... but you can't mess with perfection.

For how much I love this commercial, I hate the candy itself.  I get at least one every year, and I'll bite into it for tradition's sake... but I won't like it.  It's a strange consistency, and is reminiscent of biting into a raw egg.  YUM!

I did also run across this recipe to make a Cadbury Creme Deviled Egg on Cakespy.  It sounds good, looks cool, and has to be a better sensation than biting into a normal CCE.  


So here's to you, Cadbury Creme Egg Commercial, for a lifetime of excellence in making the Easter  season what it is, and ensuring that children each year partake of your disgusting innards.

I was always partial to Peeps and Reese's Eggs anyway.

Happy Easter Everybody!

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Mass Effect 3 Extended Cut: Free DLC Announced - Bittersweet Victory



Reprinted from EA's investor website 


BioWare Announces Mass Effect 3: Extended Cut

Free* DLC Pack to Provide Additional Cinematic Scenes to the Ending of Mass Effect 3 this Summer
REDWOOD CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- BioWare, a Label of Electronic Arts Inc. announced Mass Effect™ 3: Extended Cut, a downloadable content pack that will expand upon the events at the end of the critically acclaimed Action RPG. Through additional cinematic sequences and epilogue scenes, the Mass Effect 3: Extended Cut will give fans seeking further clarity to the ending of Mass Effect 3 deeper insights into how their personal journey concludes. Coming this summer, the Mass Effect 3: Extended Cut will be available for download on the Xbox 360® videogame and entertainment system, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and PC for no extra charge*.
"We are all incredibly proud of Mass Effect 3 and the work done by Casey Hudson and team," said Dr. Ray Muzyka, Co-Founder of BioWare andGeneral Manager of EA's BioWare Label. "Since launch, we have had time to listen to the feedback from our most passionate fans and we are responding. With the Mass Effect 3: Extended Cut we think we have struck a good balance in delivering the answers players are looking for while maintaining the team's artistic vision for the end of this story arc in the Mass Effect universe."
Casey Hudson, Executive Producer of the Mass Effect series added, "We have reprioritized our post-launch development efforts to provide the fans who want more closure with even more context and clarity to the ending of the game, in a way that will feel more personalized for each player."
The Mass Effect franchise is one of the most highly decorated series in the history of games, having earned over 250 awards from critics around the world. Mass Effect 3 launched last month to universal critical acclaim, receiving over 75 perfect scores. For more information on Mass Effect 3, please visit http://masseffect.com, follow the game on Twitter at http://twitter.com/masseffect or "like" the game on Facebook at http://facebook.com/masseffect. Press assets for Mass Effect 3 are available at www.info.ea.com.

Making the rounds to all the major news outlets now.  Pretty big win for the fanbase.

Baseball Opening Day is Here!



Today marks the true start to the 2012 Major League Baseball Season, with a full slate of games.  There were two games played in Japan last week in MLB's continued efforts to expand the game globally (don't get me started), but today is the first day of baseball... all day.

For me, it's really marks the start of the summer.  In my mind, nothing says summer more than sitting out on a sunny day, watching a ballgame, drinking a beer and eating a hot dog (even though it may cost an arm and a leg at a Major League Stadium).  Now that I think about it, it may be the only time during the year that I eat a hot dog.

Unfortunately, it's not quite sunny out yet.  There's still a chill in the air.  But I'm ready.

I do think the first game of the season should be a bigger deal though.  The Cardinals and Marlins played the true opening game of the regular season last night... along with the final spring training games.  It doesn't make a lot of sense.  The opening game should be the only game that day, all the spring training games should be done by that point so everyone's focus can be on the actual game.  But I suppose the real event is today.

What event marks the real start of your summer?

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Doctor Who RPG: College Humor Spoof (Spoilers)

Came across this today from the folks at College Humor.  It's a funny RPG-cartoon based on Doctor Who, complete with a remade, 8-bit score.  They also made one for Breaking Bad a few months back which is equally brilliant.

But warning, only watch if you're caught up on the most recent season.

And Don't Blink...



I loved the pokemon evolution spoof, and especially the line "Rory left the party... also, existence"

Too bad it's not a real game.

I have to say I didn't enjoy this past season as much as Matt Smith's first season, but it was still fun to watch. Maybe the new companion coming in the next season will shake things up a bit.  

Any other Whovians out there?

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Ford Mustang Commercial Song: 'How it Starts' by The Features

Yesterday's Lowe's Commercial Songs post seemed popular, so I'm following it up with another commercial song post: The 2013 Ford Mustang Commercial.



The New 2013 Ford Mustang had been getting a marketing push lately, fronted by a new catchy tv spot.  I actually really like the redesign of the new Mustang.  I think the back end in particular recalls the classic look of the late 60's Shelby Cobras.  It helps that they've marketed this new-old look with a cool-looking/sounding commercial.  I also liked the Black Swan reference thrown in at the end.

Steve McQueen in a 1968 Ford Mustang GT 390 in the movie 'Bullitt'

The song featured in the ad is 'How it Starts' by The Features.  Bit of a hard edge to the song.  I almost want to compare it to The Black Keys... but for how The Back Keys are a throwback band, The Features seem like a more modernized version of that sound.  Not quite as raw and hard-rocking, but with some of those elements and a bit of synth thrown in there.

Here's a live version I've been playing a lot lately:


I'll try to make this the last "commercial song" post I do for a while.  I like to have the tv on low when I'm studying, and whenever a song catches my ear I make a note of it.  Just seems like it's been happening a lot lately.

Monday, April 2, 2012

Lowe's Commercial Songs: 'Good Morning' and 'Naked Eye'

I did a post earlier this year about a Lowe's commercial with a catchy song that kept getting stuck in my head.

Well, Lowe's is at it again, with two commercials making the rounds earworming their way into my brain.  Lowe's must be the new Apple as far as that goes.



The first commercial is titled "Fresh Cut Grass" and shows the aroma of cut grass waking someone up to go do yardwork.  The song featured is "Good Morning" by The Kicks.  

Here's the full song from youtube

It's very catchy and familiar sounding... Quite honestly I think the chorus bears a striking resemblance to Mott the Hoople's "All the Young Dudes".  Not that I'm complaining, I love that song.



The other Lowe's commercial floating around is a pretty cool concept.  It's titled "Coloring Book".  The commercial shows a man and woman in a new home, sketching out plans on their blank-canvas walls and the real things popping out.  And the girl looks just like Aubrey Plaza from 'Parks and Recreation'.


The song featured is "Naked Eye" by Oxford, and features a catchy 'do-do-dododododo' chorus.


The song itself is very bubbly and light with a quick beat.  It centers around some nice acoustic-guitar playing and a nonsense 'do-do' chorus.  But catchy nonetheless.  

I never thought I'd say this, but at this point I'm kind of looking forward to the next Lowe's commercial.

Sunday, April 1, 2012

SSSSSssssssssssssssssssssssssssss

Nice April Fool's Joke from ThinkGeek.  I wish these were real.

Marshmallow Creeps

Off to play minecraft...

Toonami on Adult Swim

[EDIT May 16:  Check this post.  Adult Swim just announced Toonami is coming back full-time on May 26th!]



Happened to be flipping channels late last night and caught Cartoon Network's Adult Swim calling itself Toonami.

Toonami.  That legendary programming block of cartoons and anime from childhood.

I sort of hope this is a permanent thing for Saturday nights and not just an April Fool's joke.

Tom was even back



Here was the full lineup:
12 am: Bleach
12:30 am: Dragon Ball Z
1 am: Gundam Wing
1:30 am: Tenchi Muyo!
2am: Outlaw Star
2:30 am: Big O
3am: Yu Yu Hakusho
3:30am:Blue Submarine No. 6  
4am: Trigun
4:30am: Astro Boy
5am: Gigantor


It was like a nostalgia grenade went off in my brain

Bang