Archive for the 'Humor' Category

• Tagline : A three minute daily videoblog based in New York City.
• Website : Rocket Boom
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• Parental Rating : 15
• Star Rating : 9 out of 10

If all new readers were as effervescent and bubbly as the host of Rocket Boom, Amanda Congdon, the news wouldn’t suck the life out of you, with it’s tails of doom and gloom. As it is, the news is grey and so’s the bleedin’ weather at the moment, but don’t get me started on that. I’m English after all, the weather is our favorite pastime.

Rocket Boom is a 3 minute, daily vidcast of news, with an arts, science and technology bent. What really makes this vidcast work, is the ever expressive and enthusiastic Amanda. Started in October of 2004, there’s certainly not many vidcasts older and certainly not many released as frequently. You’re not going to hear about the latest murders downtown, or what’s happening with the latest drug busts, but you can be assured that a smile or two is coming your way.

The subject matter covered is diverse and there’s even the occasional guest presenter, which usually means those particular episodes aren’t as light and jovial, but it’s always entertaining stuff.

Conclusion : For a brief respite to the everyday drudgery, this is a great way to while away a few minutes. Even if you have no interest in the days subject matter, Amanda is always a pleasant distraction.

• Tagline : Cooking for the Hapless Nerd
• Website : Ctrl+Alt+Chicken
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• Parental Rating : G
• Star Rating : 9 out of 10

If you ever wanted to see a total spazz in the kitchen, look no further than Alex Albrecht, the Diggnation Demi God. OK maybe that’s a bit extreme, maybe a bit of a tit is more apt. This is a programme showing nerds how to cook the dishes that will please the “Laaaadies!”. Oops and “Meeen!” depending on your jiggy preferences.

The first episode had Alex, ably assisted by Heather Stewart, preparing Chicken Cordon Bleu. I’m not going to spoil the ending, suffice to say, there’s room for improvement. A lot of improvement, with the cooking of course. What really makes this show is the enthusiasm, even if it’s not backed by the requisite skill. However that’s not really needed or required, as this is what makes the show. It’s nice to see a cooking show where everything doesn’t come out perfect. Even the “here’s one I prepared earlier” moments, sometimes don’t go to plan and I love it.

So far there have only been three episodes, but I’m looking forward to many more. Tech shows are great, but the target audience is a lot smaller than for more conventional shows and it’s these shows that will see the explosive take up of vidcasts. Alex is also apparently working on a sitcom, also coming from the Revision 3 stable, the makers of Diggnation, Martin Sergeants’ Infection and Systm, so he’s a pretty busy bunny at the moment.

Conclusion : A great show if you aspire to prepare anything more than cheese on toast, all in the inimitable Albrecht fashion.