Still from 'Story Bud?' by Jenny Keogh
We take a look at some of the most-viewed and most-shared videos on the web. This week features a discussion on the inevitable zombie apocalypse in the Canadian House of Commons, a defence of the world’s most hated font, an affectionate look at Dublin slang, some great tricks to impress your friends, and a Harlem Shake video to end all Harlem Shake videos.
More than 72 hours of video are uploaded to YouTube every minute, 500 years of video watched on Facebook every day, and more than 700 YouTube videos shared on Twitter each minute, ensuring there is always video trending on the web. This week, the phenomenon that is the Harlem Shake saw more than 12,000 uploads in just 10 days, showing just how quickly a viral video can catch on.
We’ve already compiled our round-up of the best Harlem Shake videos, so now let’s take a look at some other viral videos that caught our eye this week.
10 more amazing bets you will always win
Author and psychologist Richard Wiseman (who goes by the moniker Quirkology on YouTube) holds Britain’s only professorship in the public understanding of psychology and is an honorary fellow of the British Science Association. He’s also a great man to teach you how to win bets with your friends (or against small children – whatever’s your bag, really).
Uploaded: 10 February 2013
Story bud?
Come here ’til I tell ya, ‘Story Bud?’ is the first in an only massive series of short films by Jenny Keogh that celebrate Irish slang and unique phrases. We’re known for the gift of the gab around these parts and Keogh kicks off her series with a look at Dubliners’ loose ways with language. Janey Mac, I’m marvin now. Give us a package of crips, will ya?
Uploaded: 13 February 2013
When the zombie apocalypse was mentioned in the House of Commons
I tell you what, those Canadians are prepared for anything. In this video, Winnipeg MP Pat Martin asks the Foreign Affairs Minister if they are prepared for the inevitable zombie uprising that could decimate the country. Perhaps they were motivated by the recent zombie alert broadcast in their neighbouring country? The volume on this video is extremely low, so be sure to boost your speakers in order to hear the full, and extremely important, discussion.
Uploaded: 13 February 2013
A defence of Comic Sans
Through bad design and misuse, Comic Sans has become the world’s most hated font. So hated, in fact, that it has also become ironically cool. Here, viral video favourites Vsauce give us a glimpse of the history of typesetting and attempt to explain why one font has so many haters, introducing us to the uncanny valley of typefaces. In its defence, Vsauce claims the people that use Comic Sans inappropriately are the real problem. However, I think we can all agree that Papyrus is ugly and should never be used by anyone ever. (You hear me, James Cameron?)
Uploaded: 11 February 2013
Bill Gates answers some Reddit questions in advance
In case you missed it, Microsoft chairman Bill Gates did an AMA (ask me anything) on Reddit this week and answered all sorts of questions fielded by Redditors. In anticipation of the actual event, he posted this video to YouTube where he provided answers to some pre-empted questions, such as ‘How much money is in your wallet?’ and ‘Can I have a million dollars?’ How efficient of him!
Uploaded: 11 February 2013
Harlem Shake vFinal (NODE edition)
OK, let’s face it, we weren’t going to get through this without reference to the biggest viral video meme of the week. But if you’ve had your fill of Harlem Shake tributes, I guarantee that this is the one for you. Is this the end? I guess we’ll find out next week.
Uploaded: 12 February 2013
