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10 Funniest Green Viral Videos

August 7, 2008 at 10:12AM By Brian Clark Howard | comment

As this oh-so-useful timeline of Internet memes shows, viral videos have long kept cubicle warriors smiling through their TPS reports and teenagers laughing all the way to MySpace. It's not all fun and games though: from Obama Girl to Tea Partay to OK Go, effective viral videos can shape elections, push millions of products and establish artists.

Short, catchy videos can also draw attention to causes and motivate people to action. Just ask The Nature Conservancy, or even TDG's own Glen, The Global Warming Groundhog.

While it can be debatable whether serious "mission" movies like Blood Diamond or thrillerized fare like The Day After Tomorrow really make an impact with viewers, history shows that humor — done well — can be a powerful force for social change. Think Jonathan Swift, Lenny Bruce and Shakespeare. Or arguably the good folk of JibJab.

You also might want to check out the new site Go Green Tube, which offsets a pound of carbon for each video viewed.

So here are the picks for the most viral green videos. Add yours in the comments, and tell us what you think of these selections!

Note: Several of these videos include strong language and adult themes, and are not suitable for children. Also note: the videos get funnier as you go down the list. So let the countdown begin...

10. Best Student Film – Save the Animal Crackers!

This video has great production values, and executes a smart, amusing concept really well. We didn't find it sidesplittingly hilarious, but it definitely makes an impact. Plus, we like the fact that it was made by college students.

The National Geographic Channel had asked college kids to create something for their Annual Preserve Our Planet Film + PSA Contest, with the theme “what you do counts.” This finalist is by Genna Duberstein of American University.

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tags: funny, humor, videos, jokes, urth, viral

Of Pirates and Planet Green

June 5, 2008 at 5:20PM By Brian Clark Howard | comment

So yesterday evening was the world premier of Discovery's 24/7 green cable TV network, Planet Green. Since I don't have cable (my TV is crappy and blurry anyway), I was happy to attend a launch watching party, hosted by my friend the green impresario (and Las Vegas-effect web designer) Remy C.

It was held at the Pirate Restaurant in Norwalk, which is more awesome than a peg leg with a kickstand. When I first started going to the place several years ago (it was right down the street from where I used to work) the wait staff wore real wench outfits. That didn't last, but you can still get tall and frosty Polish bears, savory cheese and mushroom pierogi, and have your picture taken with some of the awesome Pirate regalia, including a swarthy mannequin that looks like he was boosted from a Disney ride. Yes, the owner is Polish, in addition to being a good cook.

And the whole place has wood paneling that makes it look like an updside down boat. Sometimes I dj upstairs.

Anyway, last night Norwalk Green Drinks folk were munching snacks provided by Arogya natural healing and Patagonia, as well as divine sea salt truffels from local chocolate guru Knipschildt. I did also get my first chance to sample Tru organic vodka, which was fantastic. I had it on the rocks with lime, and it was very smooth.

Planet Green's new shows were scrolling across a large flatscreen. The sound was off, so I can't say too much about the channel's content, but what I did see I liked. I appreciate the fact that nothing seemed in the least bit overproduced (I know a little about video and editing, and I can barely stand to watch morning shows these days, due to their speed-freak focus on peripatetic journalism and constant repetition). Planet Green seems to have a good start in mixing up a wide range of offerings, from cooking to home content to newsy features, talk and more.

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