Today is Groundhog day. I can always remember what day groundhog day is on because of the 1979 Rankin Bass TV Special "Jack Frost." Which is a pretty ok movie, I guess.
Specifically the song that starts at 6:30. I would actually recommend skipping right to that. After all, the movie is just pretty ok.
Plot: Jack Frost turns human, then turns back to a spirit, saves the day. The end. OOPS SORRY I FORGOT A SPOILER ALERT!
After this creepily mild winter, I wouldn't be surprised if the groundhog gave us spring today. The most popular 'hog, Punxsutawney Phil, predicted it would be early spring last year, and we all remember how that turned out though.The snow didn't melt till April!
His record is a lot more varied than I realized. There's a nice chart going back the 1800's on the wiki. As a kid it always seemed like we were getting 6 more weeks of winter- but there was a fair amount of hopeful spring in there too.
Showing posts with label childhood classics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label childhood classics. Show all posts
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Friday, January 13, 2012
Particle Man is from the Water Nation
I haven't been this excited about a video I stumbled across on the internet in awhile. This is so good!
Who knew that all the characters from "Avatar: The Last Airbender" and the relations between them could be summarized by the 1990 TMBG hit "Particle Man"?
OF COURSE - Aang is so Triangle Man. But my favorite part is Universe Man's watch.
Who knew that all the characters from "Avatar: The Last Airbender" and the relations between them could be summarized by the 1990 TMBG hit "Particle Man"?
OF COURSE - Aang is so Triangle Man. But my favorite part is Universe Man's watch.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
I'm handing you no blarney.
Did you have a favorite Christmas song when you were growing up? I did, and it's a little unusual...
I blame/thank it for single-handedly inspiring the obsession with Celtic music that I went through in Middle School.
I'm also only really partial to this version by Dennis Day, a second generation Irish immigrant (born Owen Patrick Eugene McNulty - talk about switching it up with your stage name!). The vocals are nice and casual and gentle, and the instrumentals are the best. Go ahead and shop around, I doubt you'll find a preferable Irish-inspired holiday tune!
I blame/thank it for single-handedly inspiring the obsession with Celtic music that I went through in Middle School.
I'm also only really partial to this version by Dennis Day, a second generation Irish immigrant (born Owen Patrick Eugene McNulty - talk about switching it up with your stage name!). The vocals are nice and casual and gentle, and the instrumentals are the best. Go ahead and shop around, I doubt you'll find a preferable Irish-inspired holiday tune!
Monday, December 5, 2011
He's too much!
"The Year without a Santa Claus" - 1974 is one of the most beloved Rankin-Bass holiday stop motion animation cartoons. Perhaps it's not quite as ubiquitous as "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" - 1964, but it's characters are definitely more popular- Namely, the Miser Brothers.
Afterall, Yukon Cornelius and that elf who wants to be a dentist don't have people making awkward tribute videos of them, do they?
I'm not sure which one I like better. The dour pre-teen Snow Miser has better special effects, but the Heat Miser Dad has way better dance moves!
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Rapunzel Rapunzel Let down your hair....
So I can climb your golden stair.
I know I've kind of been talking about this a lot lately, but I really really enjoyed Disney's new-ish film Tangled (2010). After seeing an early teaser for it way back when, my expectations for it were really low.
The cheesy jokes, the hair with kung fu skills, the people falling off a cliff, it all seemed a little.....hackneyed. It distinctly reminded me of the type of worn out humor that you'd see in *shudder* Dreamworks talking animal movies. It turned out though that a lot of the footage in that trailer was either changed or not used.
I will admit that the story was still kind of predictable.But, such are fairy-tales and adventure stories. I think it was a really solid, straight forward telling of a classic children's tale.
I liked the characters. Rapunzel's character was surprisingly dynamic, far beyond the impression you get initially from her big-eyed bobblehead look. And Mother Gothel was a really awesome villain. I also got a kick out of the horse, he was a good mix of anthropomorphic personality and realistic mammalian behavior. The only one I didn't like was the lizard sidekick, he kind of only existed to cut away to during emotional moments.
I think what I enjoyed particularly about it was the music. The tunes are still popping into my head. I like this one best:
I'll admit too that I was a little skeptical of the animation style, being brought up in the era of hand-drawn Disney. I have to say though that I stopped noticing that the style wasn't old school pretty quickly, and the 3-D look actually allowed for a really pretty style for the film.
I also appreciated the Monty Python homage in the bar scene. Aw yeah!
Anyways, it's quite a good movie. It's making me excited for the next generation of Disney films.
I know I've kind of been talking about this a lot lately, but I really really enjoyed Disney's new-ish film Tangled (2010). After seeing an early teaser for it way back when, my expectations for it were really low.
The cheesy jokes, the hair with kung fu skills, the people falling off a cliff, it all seemed a little.....hackneyed. It distinctly reminded me of the type of worn out humor that you'd see in *shudder* Dreamworks talking animal movies. It turned out though that a lot of the footage in that trailer was either changed or not used.
I will admit that the story was still kind of predictable.But, such are fairy-tales and adventure stories. I think it was a really solid, straight forward telling of a classic children's tale.
I liked the characters. Rapunzel's character was surprisingly dynamic, far beyond the impression you get initially from her big-eyed bobblehead look. And Mother Gothel was a really awesome villain. I also got a kick out of the horse, he was a good mix of anthropomorphic personality and realistic mammalian behavior. The only one I didn't like was the lizard sidekick, he kind of only existed to cut away to during emotional moments.
I think what I enjoyed particularly about it was the music. The tunes are still popping into my head. I like this one best:
I'll admit too that I was a little skeptical of the animation style, being brought up in the era of hand-drawn Disney. I have to say though that I stopped noticing that the style wasn't old school pretty quickly, and the 3-D look actually allowed for a really pretty style for the film.
I also appreciated the Monty Python homage in the bar scene. Aw yeah!
Anyways, it's quite a good movie. It's making me excited for the next generation of Disney films.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Somebody Come and Play - 1970
This video is of the original appearance of the song on the show, and features a very bummed baby orangutan with nobody his age in his pen. Later incarnations of this song used significantly prettier and cheerier scenarios. But I think the original bleak setting was a really interesting choice - it makes the song seem sadder, and more pressing. Somebody get that monkey a playmate already, I can't stand it! Poor guy.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Pottermore!
Oh hai guys! I've been lucky enough to get in on the beta testing of the new Harry Potter fan site Pottermore. I thought I'd dish a little on what it's like and what I liked.
Basically you get to go through little interactive vignettes from each chapter, finding objects that you can collect (like books, important props from the story, and the golden snitch) and uncovering new content about characters from JK Rowling. I think getting to read the exclusive content is probably my favorite of the site so far. Getting the life stories of Prof. McGonagall and Quirell, and the story of how the Dursley's met was very fun and interesting!
The art style on the site is very rich and beautiful. It really captures the mood of the books well. And I think that's something kind of important to keep in mind about the site: It's meant to serve sort of as an accompaniment to the books. Reading the feedback comments from other people in the Beta, it was clear some people were expecting there to be a lot more to it, for it almost to be a living movie you could act out. It's more like a series of explorable moments. With that said, there were a few things on it that I'd like to see improve.
1. There's no music - I think that would enhance the feeling of the site a lot.
2. The two most exciting interactive pieces, that enable you to earn house points, are not functioning optimally right now. You're supposed to be able to do spells in a wizards duel, but that piece has been "under maintenance" since I first signed in. There's also a place to make potions - but they take a REALLY long time to brew and sometimes the interface is a little clumsy. I wasted a whole bottle of Billywig Stings because I couldn't figure out how to hold the bottle properly. What a waste of Galleons!
3. You can buy pets on Diagon Alley, and they become your avatar. You have to pick really carefully because you can't change it. Not that I hate my choice of the traditional black cat, but now I wish I'd picked the Siamese instead and there's no turning back!
OK though- Here's the cool stuff. You get to go through a series of personality tests to get your wand and sort you into your houses. Here's what I got!
My Wand: 11 1/2 inches, Ash and Unicorn Hair, unyeilding
My House:
Slytherin Bitches! Haters Gonna Hate!
I'm actually really pleased with it. I feel like the test got it right. I'm ambitious and resourceful.Plus, I think I would kinda hate those foolhardy Gryffindor jerks if I was at Hogwarts. F pointless heroics.
Right now we're in second place with in the House Cup - Ravenclaw is winning. Despite having the most members, Gryffindor is in 3rd (BOO LOSERS) and, naturally, Hufflepuff is a losin'.
Anyways, it's a lot of fun, a great way to rediscover the books and learn more about the characters. I can't wait till they put up the rest of the content. Pottermore is pretty sweet.
EDIT: I forgot to mention that they randomly assign you a user name. Mine turned out to be pretty alright: WolfsbaneRose139. Look me up when you can get on!
Basically you get to go through little interactive vignettes from each chapter, finding objects that you can collect (like books, important props from the story, and the golden snitch) and uncovering new content about characters from JK Rowling. I think getting to read the exclusive content is probably my favorite of the site so far. Getting the life stories of Prof. McGonagall and Quirell, and the story of how the Dursley's met was very fun and interesting!
The art style on the site is very rich and beautiful. It really captures the mood of the books well. And I think that's something kind of important to keep in mind about the site: It's meant to serve sort of as an accompaniment to the books. Reading the feedback comments from other people in the Beta, it was clear some people were expecting there to be a lot more to it, for it almost to be a living movie you could act out. It's more like a series of explorable moments. With that said, there were a few things on it that I'd like to see improve.
1. There's no music - I think that would enhance the feeling of the site a lot.
2. The two most exciting interactive pieces, that enable you to earn house points, are not functioning optimally right now. You're supposed to be able to do spells in a wizards duel, but that piece has been "under maintenance" since I first signed in. There's also a place to make potions - but they take a REALLY long time to brew and sometimes the interface is a little clumsy. I wasted a whole bottle of Billywig Stings because I couldn't figure out how to hold the bottle properly. What a waste of Galleons!
3. You can buy pets on Diagon Alley, and they become your avatar. You have to pick really carefully because you can't change it. Not that I hate my choice of the traditional black cat, but now I wish I'd picked the Siamese instead and there's no turning back!
OK though- Here's the cool stuff. You get to go through a series of personality tests to get your wand and sort you into your houses. Here's what I got!
My Wand: 11 1/2 inches, Ash and Unicorn Hair, unyeilding
My House:
Slytherin Bitches! Haters Gonna Hate!
I'm actually really pleased with it. I feel like the test got it right. I'm ambitious and resourceful.Plus, I think I would kinda hate those foolhardy Gryffindor jerks if I was at Hogwarts. F pointless heroics.
Right now we're in second place with in the House Cup - Ravenclaw is winning. Despite having the most members, Gryffindor is in 3rd (BOO LOSERS) and, naturally, Hufflepuff is a losin'.
Anyways, it's a lot of fun, a great way to rediscover the books and learn more about the characters. I can't wait till they put up the rest of the content. Pottermore is pretty sweet.
EDIT: I forgot to mention that they randomly assign you a user name. Mine turned out to be pretty alright: WolfsbaneRose139. Look me up when you can get on!
Friday, October 7, 2011
DIsney Confessions!
OK! My latest obsession is http://waltdisneyconfessions.tumblr.com/.
It is like the seminary confessional website Post Secret, but it is all teenagers posting their opinions about disney.
It's actually gotten me thinking about the music and movies from this media giant that I like best. OMG I should write a confession you guys!
It is like the seminary confessional website Post Secret, but it is all teenagers posting their opinions about disney.
It's actually gotten me thinking about the music and movies from this media giant that I like best. OMG I should write a confession you guys!
My Top 5 Favorite Animated Disney Movies - As Depicted by Disney Confessions!
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Bubble Bee- 1949
Fun Fact- Did you know that Dogs love Gum?
Yes! They are willing to go to all kinds of screwed up lengths to get it - even destroying somebody's home!
Not a whole lot of interesting subtext here. Just fun with gum and slapstick. Enjoy!
PS: 5:43: Another Fun fact, this happened to me when I was little, a bee getting stuck in my gum and bumbling in my mouth like that - admittedly under much different circumstances!
I was doing one these - and it flew into it! Gross!
Yes! They are willing to go to all kinds of screwed up lengths to get it - even destroying somebody's home!
Not a whole lot of interesting subtext here. Just fun with gum and slapstick. Enjoy!
PS: 5:43: Another Fun fact, this happened to me when I was little, a bee getting stuck in my gum and bumbling in my mouth like that - admittedly under much different circumstances!
I was doing one these - and it flew into it! Gross!
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Caturday XXXV- Oliver and Company - 1988
What's that? You want to see something that makes me get all teary eyed this Caturday?
Well, ok, but just for you dear reader!
Particularly if there has been beer drinking involved, this can bring the sobs. *sniff* He just wants a home!
Well, ok, but just for you dear reader!
Particularly if there has been beer drinking involved, this can bring the sobs. *sniff* He just wants a home!
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Society Dog Show - 1939
Mickey Mouse is such a incorrigible optimist! Look at him here, trying to fit in with the upper crust at a fancy pure bred dog show. Can't he see that Pluto can't compete with these privileged pooches?
The story takes a Romeo and Juliet turn, as Pluto falls in love with a sassy little terrier who can see through the class lines.
The whole tale of class warfare comes to a head when vanity takes down the whole event in a fiery blaze of hubris!
Moral of the story: Blue collared folks are more likely to be heroic, so you better be nice to them and stuff!
The story takes a Romeo and Juliet turn, as Pluto falls in love with a sassy little terrier who can see through the class lines.
The whole tale of class warfare comes to a head when vanity takes down the whole event in a fiery blaze of hubris!
Moral of the story: Blue collared folks are more likely to be heroic, so you better be nice to them and stuff!
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Around - 1971
Grover was always the Muppet on Sesame St. who seemed to take the most abuse. Here's a classic example of him being put through his paces.
Grover is pretty cool, because he can not use contractions!
Also, thanks to this, calling each other Grover and requesting that you count one thing has become a recent commonplace in our household.
Grover is pretty cool, because he can not use contractions!
Also, thanks to this, calling each other Grover and requesting that you count one thing has become a recent commonplace in our household.
Monday, June 6, 2011
The Brave Little Tailor - 1938
This classic Disney Tale takes us to the heart of the middle ages, in which entire cities of strange dog-people lived harmoniously side-by-side with mice and humongous humans. Well, I guess not so harmoniously with the latter.
Mickey Mouse is essentially going about his day, minding his own business at his insect infested clothing shop; when suddenly his poorly timed pride at squishing bugs gets him man-handled into being a genuine folk hero.
Mmmm...BLT's....
Anywho, it's pretty standard fare. Using the tools of his trade and his wiles, Mickey proves that size isn't everything, defeats the stupid giant and wins the heart of the beautiful princess Minnie, whose dad is a dog for some reason also (I think???????).
Bonus points for smoking any old thing you find lying around, and for using alternative energy to save the planet and run your amusement park. Whoopee!
Mickey Mouse is essentially going about his day, minding his own business at his insect infested clothing shop; when suddenly his poorly timed pride at squishing bugs gets him man-handled into being a genuine folk hero.
Mmmm...BLT's....
Anywho, it's pretty standard fare. Using the tools of his trade and his wiles, Mickey proves that size isn't everything, defeats the stupid giant and wins the heart of the beautiful princess Minnie, whose dad is a dog for some reason also (I think???????).
Bonus points for smoking any old thing you find lying around, and for using alternative energy to save the planet and run your amusement park. Whoopee!
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
So it's true...
On Sunday Paul and I went to the Old Hadley Flea Market. This is our favorite place to buy new video games. I picked up Lego Harry Potter, Years 1-4 for a song.
My excitement was doubled when I realized it came with a free copy the movie "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" (2001), which I watched with great enthusiasm not too long after. I don't think I had seen it since it was in theaters originally, and I enjoyed it much more now than I think I did then. Seeing these actors all grown up today, it was weird to go back and see how they were so widdle!
My excitement was doubled when I realized it came with a free copy the movie "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" (2001), which I watched with great enthusiasm not too long after. I don't think I had seen it since it was in theaters originally, and I enjoyed it much more now than I think I did then. Seeing these actors all grown up today, it was weird to go back and see how they were so widdle!
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Thursday, May 5, 2011
The Three Caballeros - 1944
In honor of Cinco de Mayo, enjoy the signature number from Disney's strange celebration of Latino culture.
Donald Duck receives a magical birthday present that transports him to an abstract plane of existence. Here, he learns all about the cultures of Mexico and Brazil in a singing, dancing tourism fiesta. That's some gift!
This film is way less racist than many of the cartoons about "the other" from this period, mostly because it's celebrating the multiculturalism and the positive aspects of these countries, not just stereotyping them through one character. It's also one of the first movies to combine cartoons and live action together.
I also like this because it focuses on bird-heroes, and the birds have awesome names. Panchito Pistoles! You can't top that.
Is it time for a Corona yet?
Donald Duck receives a magical birthday present that transports him to an abstract plane of existence. Here, he learns all about the cultures of Mexico and Brazil in a singing, dancing tourism fiesta. That's some gift!
This film is way less racist than many of the cartoons about "the other" from this period, mostly because it's celebrating the multiculturalism and the positive aspects of these countries, not just stereotyping them through one character. It's also one of the first movies to combine cartoons and live action together.
I also like this because it focuses on bird-heroes, and the birds have awesome names. Panchito Pistoles! You can't top that.
Is it time for a Corona yet?
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Bongo - 1947
This is my favorite Disney short of all. It's a fish-out-of-water tale of a circus bear who escapes his cruel captors for the instinctual glory of nature. I have really distinct memories of so many parts of this, I must of watched about 500 times as a kid.
It's got good songs, and I like that there's a female narrator, cuz it was made in war-time.
I was talking to Paul too about how this cartoon distinctly informed my young romantic sensibilities. F Alpha males, the smart Beta is where it's at!
It's got good songs, and I like that there's a female narrator, cuz it was made in war-time.
I was talking to Paul too about how this cartoon distinctly informed my young romantic sensibilities. F Alpha males, the smart Beta is where it's at!
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Unbelievable
Nick Pitera is the amazing "one-man-disney-movie". You will not believe he's doing all these voices.
The production quality of the video is A+#1 too - I love the interaction between the frames.
The production quality of the video is A+#1 too - I love the interaction between the frames.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Birds in Spring - 1933
Hey! A 'toon on one of my favorite topics! The beginning chronicles how warmer weather encourages feathered friends to get all sorts of sexy. The bulk of the story is devoted to a little punk fledgling who thinks he can make it on his own. Hey kid - you're no Lil' Brudder!
The very end of the clip is interesting though - Disney totes condones corporal punishment for foolhardy youths! And who knew you could pull down a bird's feathers like they were pants!
The very end of the clip is interesting though - Disney totes condones corporal punishment for foolhardy youths! And who knew you could pull down a bird's feathers like they were pants!
Friday, March 11, 2011
Alphaquest
The magical theme song to this Sesame Street feature sometimes pops into my head randomly. This segment featuring the awesome letter "d" premiered in 1990.
I also agree that Dinosaur = Delightful. Wink!
I also agree that Dinosaur = Delightful. Wink!
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