To piggyback off of Tin’s last post, some things other than TV (well, one or two TV shows) to divert your attention:
Podcasts
PTI and The B.S. Report
Both of these are sports related as they are ESPN products, although in the B.S. Report, Bill Simmons will delve into pop culture on occasion. Highly entertaining but steer clear if you’re not remotley interested in sports. (Yes, you could count PTI as either a video podcast or TV show.)
Filmspotting and Slate Spoiler Special
These two are movie related. Filmspotting is an hour long weekly podcast with two regular Chicago guys getting into a discussion about 2-3 movies per show. The first couple will usually be a new release, and the later review is something from a whatever themed marathon they are on. Currently it is the films of Pedro Almodovar. They also have a pretty cool bit called “Massacre Theater” where the two hosts re-enact a scene from a movie and listeners try to guess what film they are “massacring”. Winners get a free DVD.
Slate Spoiler Special is just about how it sounds. Dana Stevens and a rotating second reviewer go over a movie they just saw, typically a new release, and give away just about everything. It’s like eavesdropping on a conversation between two friends that just left the theater.
I just came across this one recently. The Moth is a cool place in New York were famous folks and average joes alike step to the mic and share a story to a live audience. How much is true and how much is exaggerated? It’s hard to say, but it’s always entertaining.
If you are familiar with The Onion, then you will know what you are getting here. The short (usually less than a minute long) little blurbs by ace reporter Doyle Redland are always good for a chuckle.
Video Podcasts
Following the adventures of Dr. Tiki, Johnny Johnny and LaLa, the trio that makes up the main cast of Tiki Bar TV as they reference old school TV conventions and concoct tasty beverages.
Everyone’s favorite question answering ninja. I thought I had plugged this podcast before, but a look through the archives turn up empty. For those who don’t know, a masked ninja takes in a question(s) supposedly from actual viewers, and answers them as only a ninja can.
Comics strips
A daily strip that has a decidedly skewed sense of humor. I think it’s pretty funny, but it’s probably not for everyone.
Describes itself as “illustrated jocularity”, it is wonderfully wry. I’ve posted the Valentine’s Day strip below.
Email subscriptions
Ruminations by Aaron Karo
The self proclaimed “recovering frat-boy” now writer and stand-up comedian, you might have seen his stuff on College Humor. His weekly Ruminations column is always good for a laugh. Whether he’s going over “brogreements” (a business arrangement between good friends) or the differences in NY and LA, he gives a entertaining view on twentysomething life.
I think my interest in this one is less about manners and more about seeing how jacked up everyone else is. I know, I’m horrible. It’s probably the same reason I read PostSecret.
Actual TV
MTV… you always get me with one show somehow. The last one was Pimp My Ride, and before that it was The Inferno Challenge. Now it’s ABDC. Was it the curiosity of seeing 5 dudes dancing on skates, or that 6 asian kids are actually one of the best groups? I blame Hy for getting me on this.
