Ken Block - Gymkhana Video #1

The first in a 3 part Crunchy Blog series on Ken Block's spectacular, amazing, preposterous, sublime, virtuoso stunt drift driving - also known as Gymkhana (jim-KA-na). If you guys think Ken shredding on this abandoned airfield is impressive, wait until you see videos 2 and 3. This is merely the warmup lap.

Balls of Steel

Its one thing to know you cant do the stunt - but doing it is simply insane.

Insane Clown Posse - Miracles

This video, wow, where do I even begin? It operates on more levels than an elevator and a Japanese RPG combined. First and foremost, I find the song and video to be completely hilarious - not to take anything away from ICP, but they take this music stuff seriously, this isnt some sketch comedy album. These guys have made millions of dollars with their music, and they have thousands of fans from around the world. Most of all, I am entertained by this video. They are entertainers, I am entertained: great success. Do I think that ICP make great music? Well, yes and no. Obviously, the people who bought the albums think its great and Im happy for them that they can enjoy the music in different ways than I can. Unfortunately for me, I cant enjoy it as purely music - I mean, is there even a melody? In terms of musical content, this registers on about the same level as closing a car door or sharpening a pencil - but couldnt you say the same thing about Brian Eno?

This song, "Miracles," has less melodic and rhythmic depth than a shampoo commercial - its literally a default demo beat for a drum machine played on a continuous loop. The lyrics are truly genius, although the guys cant rap for shit and their idea of rhyming is creative at best. There are many people who would argue that Insane Clown Posse are one of the worst musical acts in the history of the profession. I refute these arguments, and take the position that Insane Clown Posse are legitimate, talented artists with a unique vision which I happen to not share completely yet find totally hilarious: this isnt audiophile lie down on the carpet and turn the speakers up music, this isnt put on the headphones and bop to the beat inside your head music, this is get another can of cheap light beer and pass the joint music - and theres a time and a place for that, and I respect it. I mean, how the fuck do magnets work, really?

Gran Turismo 5 TGS Trailer

Video Games | Gran Turismo 5 | TGS 10: Red Bull Trailer

XBox 360 | Playstation 3 | Nintendo Wii

Dead Space 2: Multiplayer Trailer

Video Games | Dead Space 2 | Exclusive Multiplayer Reveal Trailer

XBox 360 | Playstation 3 | Nintendo Wii

Dead Space 2 was a game that I really didnt think needed a sequel. The original game was awesome in all its gory glory and had a great ending that seemed to be conclusive. If you havent played it, I really think its one of the must play solo experiences of this generation - especially if you like a good scare, and its available for download on the XBL marketplace. When they announced the sequel, my reaction was the same as when I heard about Bioshock 2 (and most sequels): they're gonna remake the same game and cash in again. When I saw this trailer, my opinion changed and now Im pumped for the game - from what I can tell its essentially Left 4 Dead Space, and thats a concept I can get on board with. Also of note, this music in this trailer is made by Mogwai - one of my favorite bands.

Auto Tune The News - Bed Intruder Song

In a twist of fate only possible through the internet, a news clip about an attempted rape featuring a man from the projects of Hunstville Ala. was reworked into a song by a group of musicians in Brooklyn, who then uploaded the song onto youtube and iTunes and are now sharing the profits with the man and his family - enough money that the family is now going to move out of the projects. The song actually hit the Billboard Top 100 in August and has sold over 91,000 copies on iTunes.

Ultimate Nerd Rage

Sure, we've all played Gears of War 2 online or some other cold hearted bitch of a game which just slaps you down no matter how much love you show for it. We've all died at that one point in Ninja Gaiden or God of War where you really dont want to die - for the 30th time. We've all raged. But there are some people who take it to another level - they take rage as a form of art or entertainment. Chozo is one of those people.

The first minute or so, yeah, its pretty abrasive. But then it starts to take on a lyrical quality about halfway through, and has a couple hilarious moments like @ 0:50-1:15, and later on when one of the guys on his team asks him to call for medic - and a truly a classic moment in Team Fortress 2 gaming occurs. There are already mods made for TF2 and L4D2 using his voice samples. Whats next for Chozo? I think he should do voicework for games or anime, he clearly has some talent. Can you imagine being his roomate?

HD Starcraft 2 IdrA v Drewbie p1/4

Pretty epic Zerg vs Terran match by two very high level players. I recommend watching the complete match (4 videos) in 1080P quality in fullscreen mode. The HD Starcraft announcer guy gets pretty excited although to his credit he knows the game very well and does provide good commentary. Watch the match closely and read the chat between the two players regarding game balance - in light of the final results it certainly makes for an interesting discussion.