I normally do not care one bit about “the latest internet sensation”, or which videos have “gone viral”. But Miriam knows what I like, and yesterday she showed me a video that has me amazed and is totally worth watching, whatever limited free time you may have.
Actually, it’s two videos. The first is simply a local news report about an attempted rape in the projects. That’s not very funny in and of itself. But the victim’s brother has a lot to say, and his expressiveness and odd word choice is mildly entertaining. Still, this isn’t what is so great, but you must watch this video first in order to appreciate the second one.
In the second video, someone has seen the entertainment value in this gentleman’s manner of speaking, and, using computer magic, turned it into a great R&B song. I don’t know how they did it, but it is amazing. (The good stuff ends at 1:15.)
The summer before I began sixth grade, I started staying up late. I would watch The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, followed by Late Night with David Letterman. I preferred Late Night. It was quirky, while The Tonight Show was, in my child mind, too middle-of-the-road. But I remember watching Johnny Carson’s last episode, and David Letterman’s first episode of The Late Show on CBS. I never got into Jay Leno’s Tonight Show.
Shortly after high school, I began avidly watching Late Night with Conan O’Brien. It was the wackiest show around, and it perfectly reflected the sense of humor my friends shared. I spent years staying up until 1:30 in the morning watching that show. In one episode, Conan talked about (fictional) guests he wouldn’t have back. One was named “Johnny Airhorn”, and he had a helmet with two airhorns mounted on either side. Whenever Conan would try to ask him a question or say anything, Johnny Airhorn would blast his horns in deafening fashion. Unfortunately, these old clips are impossible to find.
Miraculously, one of my favorites is on YouTube. I’ve posted it before, but it’s a perfect example of what Conan does so well. The premise alone is insane, and the execution is perfect.
Tonight is the premiere of The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien. Andy Richter is back, Max will be there, and my hopes are high.
Last night was the season premiere of SNL–which Sara and I watched while Miriam slept on the couch–and though the rest of the show was rock bottom unfunny, the opening was an instant classic that will be talked about for years to come.
UPDATE: Yes, this video will probably not work when you go to play it. That’s copyright for you.
