Yes... We're Posting Karmin... Again....

Here's the appeal of Karmin, in our humble opinion, they're two regular kids off the street who are just amazingly talented.  They're not the children of someone famous, they don't seem to have giant egos and they're not trying to sell you a forced or fake sound, and overall don't you just want to be their best friends?  Watch as Amy and Nick discuss their early celeb popularity on Twitter and which artist Amy doesn't want to cover.

Why? Because It Had Us Giggling Like Fools...

HAPPY SATURDAY!

Just Because: Will Ferrell on Swag

"I hate it when I forget to turn my swag off at night and I wake up covered in bitches..."

Rick Perry Debate Gaffe Gets Remixed...

You may have already forgotten about Rick Perry's fabulously awkward misstep during the most recent Republican Debate but never fear... it's been REMIXED. It's the EPA Rick, the EPA:

YouTube Find: Alabama Shakes - You Ain't Alone

In all that is holy, how did we miss Alabama Shakes for so long? This is the real deal, the music isn't manufactured and Brittany Howard has a voice that will stir your soul, whether you want it or not. Hailing for Athens (Alabama, not Georgia or Greece), they are progressing forward in the world on pure talent alone. Forget the crazy dance steps, insane stage makeup and flashy lighting gimmicks, this is the kind of band that will floor you simply on their given talent alone:

Meditate On This: Omarharmonics

Meditation is a great way to reduce stress and center yourself during your normal hectic life. Problem is, for most of us, meditation takes practice time... time we don't have. Omarhamonics promises to get you into that meditative state you've dreamed of in a faster and more effective way. Below is a video explaining what meditation can do, followed by a sample of the new Omarharmonics. So what do you think? Is it legit or just another ploy to get you to buy into a program?

Karmin Releases Their First Single: CRASH YOUR PARTY!

After the adorable intro by Amy and Nick thanking all their fans for the opportunities they've been given, you'll be treated to the very first Karmin single from their upcoming album. The album isn't scheduled to release until 2012 but if it's anything like this catchy tune, we know we'll be hearing it all over the airwaves! What do you think of Crash Your Party?

Just Because: "That's Not My Dad! That's a Cell Phone!"

Andy Samberg, The Lonely Island, Ryan Reynolds, Elijah Wood, Saturday Night Live cast members + hilarity = this blast from the not to distant past:

Equality IS Beautiful: Neil Patrick Harris and Family

This is just one stunning image of a very stunning family. Neil Patrick Harris and family show that it doesn't matter who the parents are, as long as there is love:

The CUTEST Reaction to the Happiest Place on Earth!

Just so we're clear... this might be the cutest reaction to going to Disneyland that's been seen... like EVER!

Thank You for So Many Wonderful Toys, Steve Jobs!

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You will be missed.

Indie Flicks You Should Know: Take Shelter

Take Shelter, director Jeff Nichol's most recent release, is most likely not on the top of your to-do list, but it should be. Combining economic hardships, possible schizophrenia, visions, weather disasters, and a truly powerful performance by Michael Shannon, Take Shelter turns out a sensational ride on a small budget.

Take Shelter stars Michael Shannon (Boardwalk Empire, Revolutionary Road) and Jessica Chastain (Tree of Life, The Help) as a couple trying to make it work during hard economic times. They are already faced with hardship, all the while trying to provide for their deaf daughter. Curtis (Shannon) begins to have visions of storms and weather disasters, prompting him to wonder if his family medical history might have something to do with it. Samantha (Chastain) tries to cope with this new turn of events but finds herself struggling to hold the family together in their home. Take Shelter is thrilling and psychological whirlwind that you certainly don't want to miss.

Fire in the Sky and On the Ground - Beautiful Moving Imagery from Space Station

"Astronauts on the International Space Station captured these views of the aurora australis ("southern lights") and wildfires in Australia in mid-September 2011."

Just Because: Surfing Dogs!

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"Five competitors pile on a surfboard during Sunday's Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon in Del Mar, Calif. The event welcomed 4,000 spectators, 80 pooches, and raised more than $100,000 for orphaned animals. Canine surf competitions have recently grown in popularity, and a number are held in Southern California each year."

Check out the entire slide show at ThisWeek.com!

Need a Laugh? How I Met Your Mother Bloopers

You are in serious need of a truly gut-wrenching laugh, aren't you? Fortunately Neil Patrick Harris, Alyson Hannigan, Jason Segel et al are here to satisfy that need. (FYI: NSFW due to minimal language)

[via The Daily What]

R.E.M. Officially Breaks Up

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After 31 years of incredible music, the band that walked the fine line between commercial and indie rock, R.E.M. has called it quits. Unlike most major band breakups, R.E.M. is once again handling things with a quiet dignity and parting on good terms. It seems as if the band mates are ready to try new things and collaborate with other artists. Although it's all very amicable, we can't help but be a little sad. Automatic for the People was one of those albums we had in rotation for decades...

"To our Fans and Friends: As R.E.M., and as lifelong friends and co-conspirators, we have decided to call it a day as a band. We walk away with a great sense of gratitude, of finality, and of astonishment at all we have accomplished. To anyone who ever felt touched by our music, our deepest thanks for listening." R.E.M.

See the full announcement as well as commentary from the individual band members: R.E.M. HQ (Official Site)

New Music You Should Know: Able by Needtobreathe

Needtobreathe has been around for a long while but they just get better and better with every single album. Now they're turning out their best work yet on their latest, The Reckoning. Hands down, one of the best tracks is Able, turn this up and listen to it as loud as you can and let it move you:

Check out more Needtobreathe awesomeness at Needtobreathe.net

Some of the BEST Moments of the Otherwise "Eh" 2011 Emmys

The Emmys came and went and despite the fact that the awesome Jane Lynch was the host, for the most part, it wasn't all that exciting a broadcast. So we thought we would give you a few of our favorite moments to recap the night, instead of a long play by play diatribe... you are welcome.

The MOST Awesome Moment of the Night:
The cast of Friday Night Lights is no doubt one of the greatest ensembles of all time but there are two who seem to drive them to victory (no pun intended) with every episode. Connie Britton and Kyle Chandler. We actually got a little emotional over Kyle's win last night:


The BEST Lesbian Joke of the Night:
Jane Lynch is one of the funniest women out there and while a few might disagree (we're looking at you Kevin Dillon) this Entourage joke was pretty.darn.funny:


The BEST Mad Men Moment of the Migh... ahem, Night:
The only downside to Kyle Chandler taking home the Emmy is that Jon Hamm didn't get one too. Although, to be fair, he's doing just fine and although it might be blasphemy, we think Chandler deserved it more! But the funniest moment of all in the entire Emmy's opener last night was almost Ron Swanson's box step (3:50 mark) but it was trumped at the last minute by Jane Lynch explaining to Don Draper et al that DVRs allow you to skip commercials (4:23 mark):


The BEST Upset Moment:
A little known fact? Gilmore Girls is still one of the best shows on television... in syndication.... Another little known fact? Samantha Who? was one of the funniest shows to ever grace the small screen.... Another hardly known fact? Chuck Lorre (aside from a few recent departures, ahem... Sheen) can put together one heck of a cast. So what do all these facts have in common? MELISSA FRIGGIN' MCCARTHY!


The BEST Sketch Filled With Actors We Love Moment:
There's no need for a set up other than this, The Office, Breaking Bad, 30 Rock, Mad Men, Law and Order: SVU, The Voice, Parks and Recreation, The Big Bang Theory, Castle, Game of Thrones, Keeping Up with the Kardashians, and Ashton Kutcher's sho... sorry, Two and a Half Men:

College Hijinx: The Rules of Quidditch as Told by Appalachia State University

Brilliant or insane? Check out Appalachia State University's Quidditch Team explain the rules of the game (sans flying of course) and promote their upcoming tournament. For those who have lived in the dark ages over the last decade... Quidditch is a game that is played at Hogwarts in the Harry Potter stories. The players travel around on flying broomsticks in the fantasy genre books... soooo... brilliant or insane? You judge:

How to Use a Semicolon - The Most Feared Punctuation on Earth

It would be nice to sit here and lecture you on the insanity of not knowing correct punctuation but let's face facts... it's not being taught in school like it used to be and as adults we've consumed too much beer over time to remember half the crap we learned to begin with. Fortunately The Oatmeal (one of the best sites ever) steps in where alcohol has failed us. Take a look at the full article giving a sure-fire and HIGHLY entertaining way to remember when and where to use a semicolon: How to Use a Semicolon - The Most Feared Punctuation on Earth

Geek Awesomeness: Star Trek Next Generation's Captain Picard Says "Make It Tso!"

[via Archie McPhee]

Just Because: Threat Level Midnight Trailer

Are you already missing Michael Scott (Steve Carell) on The Office? It's exciting to see what the new incarnation of The Office has in store for us this fall but one thing is certain, Michael Scott will not be forgotten. Reminisce as you watch the trailer for the Michael Scott-made movie, Threat Level Midnight, staring the entire office gang:

PLEASE JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE, Make Music Again! (NSFW!!!)

While Justin Timberlake is still one of the most versatile and beloved performers out there today, he's been acting quite a bit and neglecting the thing that made us all love him in the first place... music. Watch as fans come together in this hilarious public service announcement to urge JT back to music...

Fall TV Preview: Homeland Premieres Oct. 2nd

Staring two of the best small screen actors around, Homeland promises an exciting ride. Damien Lewis (Life, Band of Brothers) and Claire Danes (My So Called Life, Temple Grandin) are joining forces in Showtime's new drama premiering on October 2nd.

Centers on Marine Sergeant Scott Brody, who returns home eight years after going missing in Iraq, and Carrie Anderson, a driven CIA officer who suspects he might be plotting an attack on America. [IMDB.com]

Check out the extended trailer below:

Classic TV Moment of the Day: Saved By the Bell - Jesse FREAK OUT!

Here is Saved By the Bell's Zack Morris (Mark Paul Gosselaar) being a good friend to druggie Jessie Spano (Elizabeth Berkley) as she tries to take more speed caffeine pills to get through her complicated life. As a PopShocker friend put it "It's even funnier now that we've all seen her vajayjay!" Here's a pick-me-up for your Friday morning - Happy Labor Day Weekend and kids, don't do drugs!

YouTube Find: Foster the People's Pumped Up Kicks Gets Covered

One of the coolest features of YouTube is that you don't have to be a celebrity to get your music out there. Just posting a video here and there can get you worldwide recognition and fame. So it's no surprise that YouTube is constantly on our lists of sites to check throughout the day. Today we're bringing you Jess Delgado who features a number of tunes on her YouTube page that we highly recommend checking out but today we're bringing you a particular favorite. Delivering a cool and easy version of Pumped Up Kicks by Foster the People, Jess proves she's a force to be reckoned with, take a look:



For more information on the sweet sounds of Delgado, visit her site at: JessDelgado.com

THIS Is How Most of Us East Coasters Handled the Earthquake...

The West Coast is still laughing at us for our insane response to the earthquake this past week on the East Coast... and rightfully so. But truthfully most of us were fairly calm DURING the whole ordeal. Why? Because we didn't know it was an earthquake! In fact if you ask any of us D.C. or NYC residents about our initial reaction, we'll tell you our immediate thought was another terrorist attack... no joke. We have experience in those... but not in big shaking natural disasters.

The MLB Fantasy 411 team that was filming reacted as most of us did. A few choice words, a few looks of confusion, a few nervous gestures... but we never left our desks! And it wasn't until after it was over that we really started making a big deal out of it with stories of past experiences, shock and excitement.... as you'll see in the video.

Please note this video does contain some strong language and may not be safe for work...

I'm A Goner: Converse Brings Together Matt and Kim, Andrew W.K. & Soulja Boy

Matt and Kim, Soulja Boy, and Andrew W.K. have risen from the dead to throw a raging dance party in a morgue. The mortician has left for the night, the limbs are fresh and there's formaldehyde on ice. Check out the brand new video for "I'm A Goner." [via YouTube]

Religiosity: Alex Reads Creation

YouTube favorite Alex is back with his thoughts as he reads the story of creation from The Bible. Alex admits in the very beginning that he believes the Bible to be a work of fiction but even the most religious of the bunch should not be offended by this. Alex goes on to thoroughly entertain you with his interpretation and he somehow manages to do it without being offensive to those who believe. In fact, his thoughts are probably not that far off of the everyday young Christian anyway. However, a word of caution, if you are one of those folks easily offended by any questioning of the Bible, this might not be the video for you:

GORGEOUS! Time Lapse 'Tempest Milky Way' by Randy Halverson

Randy Halverson spent time in South Dakota shooting this time lapse video over a few months. This is one of the most vivid and alluring time lapse videos to date and you would be doing yourself a disservice if you don't check out Halverson's brilliant talent: