Just a few years ago, there were huge barriers to entry into the computer animation. The computers cost zillions of dollars and the artists were often required to work with mathematicians and "animators", high-tech math whizzes who can apply three-dimensional movement algorithms to flat pictures. 

Using three one-dimensional drawing called an "orthographic projection", the computer takes the top, front and side view of an object and reconstructs it in three dimensional space.

It's time for "Amateur Hour"

Back in the 1960's there was a TV show called "Amateur Hour", where aspiring talent could leap the hurdle into stardom.  Amateurs like Frank Sinatra, Gladys Knight, Nick Carter, Pat Boone, and crooner Connie Francis all got their "break" during the Amateur Hour.

Well, it's now amateur hour on the internet, a great source for really good, or really bad homemade videos.

Today, the falling prices of computers allows anyone to compete for a world-famous video.  CPU power  is 2x faster every year and disks are now under $1k/gig.  This shifting economics has leveled the playing field, and it's no longer necessary to be "endowed" to be published.  No money, no talent, no formal training, no problem, you are a computer animator.  The results are fascinating.

The cream rises to the top

Having instant access to video web sites like YouTube (Google Videos) is the vehicle to stardom.  It's a 24x7 virtual clone of the American Idol TV show, a platform where anyone, regardless of background, might rise into instant stardom with a smash hit video.

That's just a few reasons why I like watching YouTube and Google Videos, and here are some of my favorites.  Please note that some of these links are not appropriate for children.  Evidently, one criteria for web video fame is the ability to include gratuitous profanity, sexual innuendo and the heart-wrenching gore of "Apocalypto". 

Technology videos:

Since many folks with Mac G5's can create their own videos with ease, it's no surprise that many of the most creative talent chooses computer-related topics:

• The Sys Admin song

• Why PC's are better than Macs

• David Letterman's tribute to Bill Gates
   

Is this a real airplane crash caught on tape,
or a magnificent work of animation?

Fun Stuff:

 
The best laptop computer ever made

 
Gassy TV commercial

• Who's on First?

• The GE guide to avoiding sexual harassment claims

• Unusual TV commercial

• Meteorite caught on film?

• Talking Deer Prank - raunchy

• Amazing Photoshop work - Jet lands on freeway

• What old people do for fun

• Amazing scuba trick

• Why it's important to learn English

• Ghost caught on tape?

• Tiger Woods golf tricks!

• Is soccer "happy"?  Judge for yourself.

• Amazing soccer goal shot

Amazing animals:

Animals are the perfect source for unusual videos, some true, and some exercises in professional Photoshop techniques.

 
A smitten Yorkie Dog is hilarious. . .

• Sneezing Panda

• Dancing dog

• Talking cats

• Indian attack (on tiny ponies)

• Cat herding

• Talking dogs

• Elephant taught soccer

• The world's smartest horse

Not for Kids - These, from Google videos (may have bad language), but some folks like them:

• Harry Potter meets South Park