The DailyHelping has delved deep in the archives for just the right “pick-me-up”, that a productive person in society needs. It’s with great pleasure that the crew unearthed this little musical number from 1944. It stars the Ross Sisters, a trio of female sibling singing dancers consisting of Aggie Ross, Elmira Ross, and Maggie Ross (whose real names were Veda Victoria, Dixie Jewel and Betsy Ann Ross.

They enjoyed a moderate amount of success in the 40′s, but its this rendition of a song called, “Solid Potato Salad” that has made them a YouTube revival story.

The song may be a bit inane, but keep watching past the 60 second point of the song.  This may not be suitable for viewing while at work.

Enjoy…

The rants are in their original German, but the subtitles are in English and absolutely brilliant.  Here’s one that’s a favorite of DailyHelping.  Hitler responds to Apple’s recently released, iPad.

There was a vigorous debate as to whether this would be posted.

This is one of a growing number of “lip-dub” videos spreading through video sites like YouTube.  A lip dub is a type of video that combines lip synching and audio dubbing to make a music video. The popular, highly watched  videos provide more than just adequate lip syncing. The song has to be engaging and there’s no substitute for energy and imagination.

This song, “I gotta Feeling”, by the Black Eyed Peas,  may be so overplayed these days that you probably hate hearing it.  The DailyHelping prefers this version performed by 172 communications students at de l’Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM). This is a terrific effort that utilizes one single camera shot.  Not so easy, and you’ll appreciate it more once you’ve taken a look.  (We’re sorry if you hum this song all day now).  We gotta feeling you’re going to really enjoy this! (It’s already been downloaded over 2 million times.

Thomas Kuntz is an amazing artist blending ancient aesthetics  and modern technology for the ultimate in Steam Punk puppeteering. 

His father, a surgeon, and his mother, a doll maker, providing the perfect DNA for an artist inspired by minutiae and the macabre.

Thomas has been a professional artist for over 20 years, but his projects speak to the  dark and  sad aspects of human experience. He’s a  skilled designer, sculptor, mechanic, animator, model maker, painter and story teller.

The art of his work is not just in the finished product, but also in how his moving dioramas operate.  The gears whir and spin, each having a purpose though resembling a jumble of delicate metal fittings and sophisticated details…from the buttons on a jacket to the mesmerizing malleable faces that humanize his work.

Kuntz’s work is highly collectible and according to the website, selling out fast.   The video shown above is of one of his recently sold pieces called, “L’Oracle du Mort”. Watch not only as his miniature fortune teller answers a randomly chosen question, but then watch as he shows you how this little machine works. Watch this with sound if you can for the full effect.

For more examples of his “moving” work, go to his You Tube page.

The Daily Helping salutes such a talented artist.

]]> http://dailyhelping.com/2009/05/06/scary-puppets-from-thomas-kuntz/feed/ 0 http://dailyhelping.com/2009/02/02/239/ http://dailyhelping.com/2009/02/02/239/#comments Mon, 02 Feb 2009 18:28:07 +0000 admin http://dailyhelping.com/?p=239 My fear is that I’m going to turn this blog into a YouTube portal.   The best thing to do under the circumstances is attempt to be selective in what I provide and hope for the best.

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I love impersonators.

Not all impersonators;  but really original performers who may not even be professionals. Their subjects are sometimes obscure personalities that are rarely impersonated…and that just makes it all the more fun.    I came across a few that I really enjoyed and I hope you do too.

The first one is by a comedian named, Reggie Regg. He’s going to do an impersonation of Denzel Washington that is dead on.  In fact he does both Denzels. (You’ll understand after you see this…)

Next is a young entrepreneur living up in his Mom’s attic selling subscriptions to his performances or podcasts or whatever…we’re not going to pay this kid anything but you do have to like his impersonation of little Stewie on the Fox cartoon, Family Guy.

The next clip is from a television show that apparently had a huge cattle call for anyone who thought they looked and sounded like someone else. That means tons of Lucys, Elvises and Chers.  Cast a big enough net you’re going to catch something worth while every so often. In walks a guy who not only sounds like Howard Stern, but looks like him too.  The guy’s attitude is equally convincing.  Very impressive. Check it out here.

There are some actor/comedians who have made a name for themselves doing particular people. Kevin Pollack is one of my favorites and most people consider his Christopher Walken or William Shatner as good as they get.  Personally, I think Kevin Spacey’s version and Jay Mohr’s version are better Walkens.  What Kevin Pollack does that I really enjoy is the wonderful Albert Brooks.  This is an outtake from the movie “The Aristocrats”, (which doesn’t explain the terrible lighting).  Enjoy.

The last one is all about simplicity and the unexpected source.  Matt Damon, who seems to have an incredible sense of humor, served up this beauty on the Letterman Show some time ago.  He impersonates his old roomate, Mathew McConaughey. Watch here.

Time to listen to the marketing department.

Upon launching this blog I’ve had to contemplate what type of content I would need to provide in order to build readership. Common sense said porn and guns would be my best bet.  I say no time like the present to  bring out the heavy artillery.

This is a YouTube clip of what seems like a commercial for the big, black Secret Service Yukon XL that tends to be right behind the President’s car during a motorcade.

I don’t know much about these or any guns, but I can tell that a 6 barrel gattling gun can certainly make a statement.  I estimate at least five cameramen were killed making this video. Take a look here.