Harry Finocchiaro

YouTube always has had a way with pranks. Some time in the last hour, the world’s largest video portal activated a new button on some videos that looks like a tiny soccer ball. Clicking it will activate an endless, incredibly annoying sound that sounds vaguely like a swarm of insects. Or, for anyone who has been watching the World Cup, like the dreaded Vuvuzela — an instrument commonly played in South Africa at football (soccer) games. South Africa is, of course, the host country for this year’s World Cup, and fans watching the games have been subjected to the vuvuzela’s mindless drone for hours on end.

The noise is so annoying that television networks have taken measures to filter it out, and guides have popped up showing viewers how to block it from their TV sets and computers. But despite complaints, FIFA has decided not to ban the vuvuzela because of its traditional significance. Fun fact: one report says that the guy who brought the plastic vuvuzela to the market in South Africa is also in the business of selling ear plugs. Smart guy.

I’m not seeing the button show up on all videos, but it is definitely appearing on some clips that aren’t soccer related. Here’s one that has it.

Thanks to Ambuj Saxena for the tip.

I’ve discovered something amazing. However, it’s not that youtube video. It’s something even more amazing. And more than likely, you’re like myself and haven’t heard of it — it’s a TV show called Three Sheets.

I found out about the show when I was having a discussion with one of my friends. He was telling us about how his little brother does not drink alcohol, but was absolutely intrigued with the TV show Three Sheets. The explanation I got was: “It’s a show about this guy who travels around the world and investigates the drinking traditions of each place he visits.” That sounds fun already, right? It was no wonder that this dry, twenty-one year old was so intrigued.

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This looks promising.  I’m going to need a bigger living room space!

Must… have… now!