Water cooler: Checking back on some of the most poular videos in YouTube history
The internet domain name “www.youtube.com” was activated on Valentine’s Day 2005. The world has never been the same since as YouTube quickly became the gathering place for some of the internet’s oddest, funniest and most unbelievable videos.
Take a moment from quarantine today to revisit the greatest YouTube hits of the aughts, back to the days of 10-minute video limits, glorious 480p (if that) video quality, and ad-free entertainment. There are no guarantees – this could make you laugh, cringe, ponder or who knows what, but at the very least it will leave you entertained and perhaps a bit nostalgic.
“Charlie bit my finger - again!” posted by HDCYT: Now with over 870 million views, this is the place to start for all the original YouTube cuteness. Originally posted in 2007, this video had 2.6 million views by February 2008 and by the end of that year became the 12th most viewed video on the site.
“Keyboard Cat” posted by Keyboard Cat 2020: Directed by Spokane local Charlie Schmidt, this VHS recording of a cat “playing” the keyboard in a blue T-shirt was originally created in 1984. Schmidt decided to digitize and upload it to YouTube in 2007 after the featured cat died. It was originally under the title “charlie schmidts ‘cool cat.’ ” It now comes in at over 58 million views.
“Grape lady falls!” posted by yankeesfan22vt: This poor woman had no idea what fate had in store for her the day she decided to take up a grape-stomping competition on air for the WAGA-TV station in Atlanta. Turns out she actually broke a couple of ribs from the fall, but that has not stopped people from flocking to this video. The oldest copy of it on YouTube has over 20 million views and the incident has even been adapted in an episode of “Family Guy.”
“ ‘Chocolate Rain’ Original Song by Tay Zonday” posted by TayZonday: Originally uploaded in April 2007, this video was ranked as the hottest viral video of the summer by CTV. The nature of the song itself is actually very somber as it is a metaphor for systemic racism faced by African Americans. It is hard to articulate exactly why people went crazy over this video, but most of it has to be due to the fact that Zonday’s voice at the time sounded at least 10 years older than one would expect for his age.
“Potter Puppet Pals: The Mysterious Ticking Noise” posted by Neil Cicierega: This hit at the height of Harry Pottermania. I even recall strangers signing it together while awaiting the midnight premiere of the next Harry Potter movie. The puppet parody web series created by comedian Neil Cicierega was released on Newgrounds and then re-launched on YouTube in 2006. “The Mysterious Ticking Noise” is by far the most popular of the series now having over 191 million views.
“Evolution of Dance” posted by Judson Laipply: You can’t help but realize that times were much simpler and YouTube used to be a whole different beast when you watch this hit. With over a staggering 307 million views, this is probably one of the most straightforward viral videos of all time. What started as a simple act featuring 12 popular dance songs, comedian Judson Laipply made internet history when he uploaded a video of a performance he did in 2001 to YouTube five years later.
Honorable mentions: “David After Dentist” posted by booba 1234; “RickRoll’D” posted by cotter548; “Leave Britney Alone (Complete)” posted by madringkind1119; “Shoes the Full Version” posted by LiamKyleSullivan; “Hey Jude” posted by kladblog; “Daft Hands – Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger” posted by Fr. Eckle Studios; “Charlie The Unicorn” posted by Geoff Swanson; “Diet Coke + Mentos” posted by zorro103.
Social circle
Brain train
Test your knowledge with today’s trivia question
What is the most watched nonmusic video in YouTube history?
- Masha and the Bear – “Recipe for Disaster”
- “Learning Colors – Colorful Eggs on a Farm”
- “Charlie Bit My Finger”
- “Evolution of Dance”
Thursday’s answer: Lullenton
Mood swing
Although this sunshine has helped lift the mood here in Spokane, there are many other things we can do for ourselves to help ease the general malaise that living in a pandemic may cause.
Think about something you are thankful for: This is a great way to focus your perspective on something that is positive and unique to you.
Take a walk: Walking is an excellent way to get fresh air, remove yourself from distractions and reconnect with the present moment. If you find yourself in a negative thought cycle, walking can help reroute your thinking by giving you pause and releasing endorphins.
Laugh: Throw on a comedy, read a funny story, do something goofy or whatever it takes. Laughing relieves physical and emotional tension and can even strengthen your immune system.
Eat fruits or vegetables: A nutrient-dense meal may give your body and mind the micronutrients you need to help feel renewed and energized. Not a fan of veggies? Try blending some spinach or kale into your morning smoothie.
Declutter: Being home all the time means you can no longer run away from your messes. Even if you don’t have the motivation, time or energy to do a full overhaul, just tidying things into neater stacks will help you create a more positive space for yourself. Put on your three favorite songs, do whatever chores you can while they play and you might feel a bit better at the end.
Video chat with family and friends: Sure, social distancing has put happy hours and gatherings on pause, but you can still take time to chat with loved ones. Whether it is a Zoom chat with your parents or a game night on the Houseparty app with friends, there are plenty of ways to virtually stay in touch.
Try yoga: You likely won’t be doing headstands on the first day, but a quick yoga session will help heal the body and mind. There are thousands of free classes available online for all skill levels.
Pandemic playlist
Here’s round two of your pandemic playlist to help you make fun of and dance to all the weirdness that is living in quarantine.
“Fever” by Peggy Lee
“Sick, Sick Sick” by Queens of the Stone Age
“Mr. Lonely” by Bobby Vinton
“Dancing with Myself” by Billy Idol, Generation X
“All By Myself” by Eric Carmen
“Our House” by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
“Basket Case” by Green Day
“Last in the Supermarket” by the Clash
“It’s The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)” by R.E.M.
“You Need To Calm Down” by Taylor Swift
“So Fresh, So Clean” by OutKast
“I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor
“Someday We’ll Be Together” by Diana Ross & The Supremes
“Shut-Ins” by Curtis Stigers & Larry Goldings
“Another Saturday Night” by Sam Cooke
“Hello Walls” by Willie Nelson
“Why Can’t I?” by Liz Phair
“Somebody Get Me a Doctor” by Van Halen
“Trapped in a Box” by No Doubt
“People Ain’t No Good” by Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds
“Toxic” by Brittany Spears