I've just returned from an exciting and emotional trip "across the pond" to see family and friends in Germany, and Jet Lag is kicking my butt. I don't know what's happened to me, but it took me almost the entire trip to feel better than a zombie...I have the most acute envy for first class travelers who seem to always be reveling in what I imagine are the utmost luxuries.
Seems that we got out of Europe in the nick of time, since Olympic madness officially hits tomorrow in the UK, and really, everywhere else. Rumor has it that during the opening ceremonies, J.K. Rowling's "Lord Voldemort" is going to be battling "Mary Poppins." This type of stunt could never be accomplished by the truly incompetent Olympic Deliverance Team that populate BBC America's fantastic satirical comedy Twenty Twelve, which premiered a while ago in the UK, but has only been showing here in the U.S. this summer, supposedly in preparation for some real Olympic coverage.
If you're a Downton Abbey fan (and I'm most assuredly not), you'll notice that the well dressed chap standing next to the weird looking giant clock is none other than Lord Grantham himself, Hugh Bonneville. He's the leader of this group of misfits, and just watching him ride his fold-up bike to his office every morning is hilarious--especially because he cannot fold his bike, and crushes his hand EVERY TIME. Bonneville won a BAFTA for Twenty Twelve before Lord Grantham was even a twinkle in the eye of U.S. pop culture, and he deserves it. Here's hoping that the Olympics are "brilliant," despite the deliverance committee's ability to make everything go all "pear-shaped."
Speaking of Olympic madness, though, even the city's vermin are getting into the act. Check out Leo Bridle and Amael Isnard's short animated film, Olympic Vermin.
I love how these adorable cardboard vermin re-purpose London's trash in their own version of passing the torch. Yet, they're all paper thin creatures, so one fears that they may self-immolate through their incendiary devices. Oh NOOOO!
Speaking of imminent danger, I also wanted to post this light-hearted little animated film that's an ode to Red Shirts and their all too soon demise. If you're thinking "What the heck is a Red Shirt?"--well, you're not alone. The term comes from the fans of the original Star Trek television series. If you recall, cast members wearing red shirts were always marked for early destruction. Seems fitting that so shortly after our own Pop Olympics, known as San Diego's Comic.con, M.J.Hibbett and the Validators would see fit to create this lovely video. We should all pray for Darren, since he's not long for this world.
Perhaps once my brain solidifies from it's Jet Lag fondue state, I'll get down to more serious criticism, but for now, enjoy!
