I don’t know about you, but after this week, I need a laugh in the worst way.
And just in case SOPA and PIPA do actually pass next week, I figure I might as well share as many of my favorite videos as possible with as many people as possible as soon as possible.
So here you go, a recent, random assortment of clips that make me do that laugh I warned you about a few Random Thursdays ago.
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Best Benign Use of Just Because We Can Technology
It’s amazing what a couple of Wii controllers and some remote controlled Nao robots can, um, “accomplish” . . .
For extra JBWC technopoints, I found this through a Twitter retweet.
oooooooooooooooooooooOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOooooooooooooooooooooo
My New Braincrush
Lyra recently did a great post on her blog about what makes certain people sexy. I shared a (cough) brief list of well-known people I found (cough) rather attractive.^
On that list—and let me know if you find this in any way a surprise—are several comedians. One of these is Dara O’Briain.
Mr. O’Briain is so my type: big, brilliant, and funny like you wouldn’t believe. Even a brief clip from one of his stand up routines can dissolve me into a helpless, sobbing laughpuddle, which has always been my personal kind of sexy.*
There’s a touch of strong language in this clip. But since it’s spoken in an Irish accent,** it sounds like music, anyway.
He also hosts—or hosted, not sure if it’s still in production—a BBC show called Mock the Week, a sort of political Whose Line is it Anyway with the commentary provided by some scathingly funny comedians, one or two of which are also in my comment to Lyra’s post.
Segment clips can be found all over YouTube, though most of the show isn’t entirely safe for work or kids, unless you enjoy explaining insinuating or outright graphic (looking at you, Frankie Boyle,*** but who isn’t?) jokes to your boss and/or children. My very favorite clip from the show is probably this one, though the outtakes are hilarious, too.
oooooooooooooooooooooOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOooooooooooooooooooooo
Just One of the Many Reasons Bill Bailey Should Also Be on That List
I’m a huge fan of both Metallica and Bill Bailey’s musical comedy. Put them together with my adoration of eclectic musical instruments, and you get yet another braincrush:
Sorry for the momentary memory lapse, Mr. Bailey—it was late and I was tired. Won’t happen again.
oooooooooooooooooooooOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOooooooooooooooooooooo
And finally, another love song from the incomparable Tim Minchin, just to prove that he is the natural heir, one hemisphere removed, to Tom Leher:
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^My husband, while deserving to be on any and all listings of attractive, sexy people, is not universally well-known and therefore wasn’t up for discussion at the time. How was that, honey?
*And also explains why Rowan Atkinson is on the list, though, as I mentioned over at Lyra’s place, when Mr. Atkinson is being interviewed, but not actually performing, he’s attractive in a more conventional, cerebral way (the frontal lobes on that man . . .)
**Which alone makes this man swoonworthy, in my opinion. Voices, accents, and syntax have always fascinated me, though in a way slightly closer to My Fair Lady than A Fish Called Wanda. Hush, I said slightly.
***Mr. Boyle looks like a man-sized boy scout—clean cut handsome with red hair and black-rimmed glasses—and has a beautiful Glaswegian accent. But he tells some of the filthiest, most tasteless and scathing jokes and one-liners you’ll ever hear—funny and clever as hell, but Not Safe For Most. The kicker is that right after he fires off one of these things, he does this mischievous little grin that makes him look about twelve—it’s fascinating that the most normal, charming thing about him actually seems the most off-kilter in comparison.
Tim Minchin again! I dig that guy. His eyes are so creepy, and the hair. . . .
(What would we do without your video clips, Sarah??)
He also performs barefoot, when he’s not playing orchestral concerts.
(use the time to live fuller, more rewarding lives?
)
Dara O’Briain…oh my. How have I never heard of him? I laughed the entire segment and then had to go to the Mock of the Week. So funny!
I thought you’d like him! His good friend Ed Byrne is on Mock the Week, too—I’ll see if I can find the story he tells about Dara and the cops . . .
Here’s the clip: http://youtu.be/ntFrKqeVmt0
They were apparently best men at each other’s weddings.
I was shocked the first time I saw Rowan Atkinson interviewed. So so so not funny. I can’t think of any other comedian who’s like this.
When he’s off, Mr.Atkinson is a different person. But I like that person, too.
Sarah! You should be living over here!
We lived in Edinburgh for awhile about 5 years ago and I saw both Tim Minchin and Dara O Briain
live at the Edinburgh Festival. Excellent both. Tim Minchin wrote the music for the new musical Matilda (Roald Dahl) which is getting rave reviews.
I KNOW!!!
I want to move over there so badly . . . but there are some real obstacles and I’m not as brave as Bobbi.
Matilda ?! You sure no how to torture a Yank, don’t you . . .
Like a cool drink of water after an overheated week.
And then I snorted the water out of my nose.
You’re welcome! XD
I’ve been following PoliTits for a while, but don’t want to reveal my ignorance by commenting. But I’d vote for you in a minute, no question. Do it.
Hang on, did I miss something? Heading over to Lisa’s now.
It would be the end of me to run for office. My kids would die of embarrassment if some of those stories came out in the press. And my mother? Holy cats. I’d be GROUNDED.
A few more election cycles and maybe my shenanigans won’t make a blip.
I’m pretty sure you’re in the clear on any shenanigans now, Lisa . . .
I too love Dara, and Mock the Week is still being filmed, although without Frankie Boyle. He got fed up with the BBC keep telling him off, and resigned, sadly. And thanks to you, since Christmas, Tim Minchin is one of my new favourite people
I’m not surprised the BBC told him off, nor am I surprised he resigned over it. I wish him well—with his comedy and his sobriety.
Hooray! A new Tim Minchin fan! I want to go to one of his concerts someday . . .
If you’ve not seen Dara’s appearances on QI.
Yours,
Agatha
Everyone Needs an Algonquin