J. Keith van Straaten » admin

truth in signage

admin — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 22:23:43 +0000

Grateful

admin — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 21:27:15 +0000

I felt a deep sadness following the assassination of Benazir Bhutto. I saw her as a great source of hope and truth in the world. There was something in the narrative of the story of the human condition that seemed right: the exiled daughter returning, the people rallying around her, the world ready for a change of peace despite violence.

I see Barack Obama last night and as I am inspired, I also worry. I hear even a newscaster on FoxNews praise his speech. One on MSNBC remarks how he reminds him of Bobby Kennedy. Hope does take audacity. It’s quite something how people who preach the hate and fear that become violence rarely become victims of it themselves. It’s those that challenge us to look within ourselves and others, look past our differences, be the change we seek –it’s the Gandhi’s, King’s, Kennedy’s, Bhutto’s, that are slain.

I’m not saying we should even the score.

What I’m saying is that when Ms. Bhutto was killed, I was tempted to give up. I had to ask why.

Keeping It Raw – Baby Carrots

admin — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 01:16:56 +0000

Hey you, wanna know about baby carrots? Here’s a short video that explains as it entertains!

VIDEO: “What’s My Line? – Live On Stage” – Sells Chocolate Candies

admin — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 00:49:47 +0000

Panel: John Oliver, Stephanie D’Abruzzo, Austin Pendleton, Raven Snook.

Guest Marty Koffman.

Hostess: Patti Goettlicher.

Band: Shane Rettig & The Occupations.

Recorded live in New York May 25, 2008.

The Waiting Game

admin — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 00:13:18 +0000

Here’s a video I shot for a show idea I have. All the sponsors are just placeholders, but doesn’t it just make you want to use your MasterCard to buy a ticket on JetBlue, then snack on some Doritos and wash ‘em down with Sierra Mist?

J. Keith on the Street – “Why Vote?”

admin — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 02:26:44 +0000

Here’s some brand new man-on-the-street footage we shot earlier this week. Just some simple questions with some regular folks we found hanging out in my neighborhood.

Hey you… get off my lawn!!

The Political Pop – McCain/Obama Debate

admin — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 17:40:56 +0000

I recorded my commentary on this while driving back from Vegas, where I’d spent the weekend registering voters. If it looks a little crappy, it’s because the camera is built into my cell phone. If the comedy I’m spewing is crappy, it’s because it’s built into my Vegas-addled brain.

The Political Pop – Quick Hits & More

admin — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 21:09:04 +0000

So we haven’t been doing the weekly full eps of our web series “The Political Pop” as much as we’ve been doing “quick hits” on political ads that come out.

We’ve been turning these around overnight and they don’t have the quite the same production values as the full episodes, I think they still pack a punch. Check ‘em out and make sure to subscribe at http://www.youtube.com/thepoliticalpop

The Political Pop – Quick Hit on Paris Hilton

admin — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 17:30:34 +0000

It had to be done.

Subscribe here… http://www.youtube.com/ThePoliticalPop

The Political Pop!

admin — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 05:32:57 +0000

A look at the world of politics through the webcams of some snarky comedians (including me). I also am one of the creator-producers.

Subscribe at youtube.com/thepoliticalpop

The Political Pop – Episode #1

admin — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 02:18:58 +0000

Here’s the first episode of a project I helped develop called The Political Pop, where we take political comedians and insert their commentary via webcam into the week’s political events. More to come!

Go Penguin

admin — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 02:14:52 +0000

This is exactly what I would make if I were a Japanese teenage girl. Or knew how to edit video.

DillStrong

admin — Sat, 10 May 2008 09:02:36 +0000

I love the Internet. So much so, that I capitalize Its first letter still, even though the New York Times doesn’t.

The Internet brings me things like I Love Pickles wristbands, $3.00 each, with proceeds, it seems, going to Pickle Packers International, Inc. –a trade association for the pickled vegetable industry.

Screw you, cancer!

Two Important Things

admin — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 22:12:52 +0000

1. Please Vote

2. Please check out my latest blog entry on Yahoo! Movies.

USA! USA! USA!

Highlights of the High Life

admin — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 10:26:56 +0000

J. Keith van Straaten – Yahoo! Answers On The Street – Demo

Add to My Profile | More Videos

I think this should work. It’s the final edit of the demo of the Yahoo! Answers on the Street video. 28 webisodes condensed into 3 minutes. Now the question is… which looks/sounds/plays better/faster/stronger?

Above is the MySpace version. Below is the YouTube version…

Please post a comment and let me know which you think loads faster and overall provides a better viewing experience for you. Thanks!

If This Is History

admin — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:24:30 +0000

Then I watched it happen

One day I hope to be aboard a victory projectile. I believe right now I’m aboard a mediocrity puff.

Suddenly Last Summer

admin — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 03:01:52 +0000

The Yahoo! Answers On The Street Show posts its final episode on Monday. Here’s a 3-minute retrospective on how I spent my summer in Los Angeles.

Note: This is a rough edit. The smoothified version is coming soon.

My New Balls

admin — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 01:52:55 +0000

Here’s a me-centric mini-version of the pilot I did in January called “Balls of Steel.” It was to be for A&E, but alas, they passed. Apparently there was not enough A nor E for them (though I maintain we delivered plenty in the “&” department). There are zillions of clips from the British version of the show on YouTube. Apparently it’s a huge hit over there. It’s also gotten traction in other markets around the world. Perhaps it will still find life on another American outlet. Whatever happens, I’m glad I got to keep the shirt that Michael Davies bought for me to wear. In fact, I wore it on my last pilot. Hopefully that show doesn’t suffer a similar fate.

What’s My Dream?

admin — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 01:24:53 +0000

Surreal, eh? In MY dream, of course, I’m the host and the panel isn’t British. Still, though, quite well done.

Yahoo! Answers On The Street – Episode #6

admin — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 11:06:13 +0000

Organic food and poop jokes! All in one!

See it in context with its own special blog entry here.

MeTube

admin — Thu, 15 Mar 2007 21:16:16 +0000

My updated reel. Watch it! Hurry! Before Google goes bankrupt!