Photos
If you will allow me for a moment: there are lots of things that are much older than two years old, and the tininess of this accomplishment is not lost on anyone. We know our place! We are human beings in a complicated world with open eyes and a healthy respect for priorities and keeping things in perspective. That being said, Videogum did launch two years ago yesterday, and if nothing else, this is a good opportunity to take a moment and thank everyone for being a part of that. One of the strengths of this site, besides reliably delivering an incomparable wealth of Topher Grace information, is its ability to generate interesting discussion and debate on a daily basis between really smart, funny, thoughtful, and engaged people who all (probably) have their hearts in the right place, and are doing the work of trying to figure out what it all MEANS. Or at least make a joke about it. I’ve said something to this effect in the past, and I will continue to say it for the rest of my time at Videogum (4 MORE YEARS! 4 MORE YEARS!). It bears repeating! We really would not be much without our community, and so thank you for that. In a sense, this is all of our birthday. Not really, but you know what I mean.
Last night was really fun, for sure, and thank you to everyone who was able to make it out. It was a really nice event (thanks to Jessica Amaya for the photos!), and a great celebration of a fun thing that we spend what is most definitely way too much of our time doing. (These guys appreciate it, though, and that’s what counts.) But for those of you who could not be there, due to geographical limitations or diapers, please know that you are still appreciated, and that you can still celebrate with us right here and now. Again, not really, but you know what I mean. In the words of Michael Walsh, this is our time down here.
And so, let’s keep the party going with a special birthday song:
Once again, thank you to everyone who came last night, and to Tim Heidecker, Eric Wareheim, Kristen Schaal, Kurt Braunohler, Rich Sommer, Rob Huebel, Sasha Grey, Todd Barry, Nick Kroll, Fred Armisen, Zach Galifianakis, Jenny Slate, Paul Scheer, Andy Samberg, and Jon Daly, in that order. Thanks also to everyone at Stereogum: Scott Lapatine, Amrit Singh, Brandon Stosuy, and Jessica Suarez. Special thanks to Dean Fleischer Camp for helping to edit this video and Michael Mahon for designing the birthday party flyer. Thank you to our freelancers over the past year, including Gabe Liedman, Mary H.K. Choi, Julie Klausner, Alex Blagg, and Joe Mande. Thank you to Lindsay Robertson. And an extra special thank you, again, to ALL of you monsters. Without you, this site would be really really good. C’mon son. But it would be less good for sure. Lots Of Love.
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Holy crap famous people! They can see us! SORTA!
I CALL DIBS ON THE KINDLE!
DAMMIT!!!
It’s weird that all these famous people know about us. It’s like when you have a special spot to eat lunch at school and all the cool kids start hanging out there, too. But the cool kids wear masks so when they say something funny you don’t know which cool kid it is, but you laugh anyway.
you went to a strange school.
I feel one step closer to Zach Galifianakis because of that video, even though I’m really not.
We should probably put some pants on then.
Well, we had a great time at the Monster Chat party, too!
Proof:
Fun times, I felt I really got to know some of you better
The chat party was the best, and it might not have been without Tony and all his hats. We learned way too much about each other but may have got some successful stalkings started.
Gangy, your avatar makes me love your name, thus you, even more.
Why thank you *blushes* And you are certainly not the wurst.
There were hats! and also songs! And contrary to possible belief, I’m not stalking anyone.
I had fun on the chat AND made a microwave lasagna.
Are you sure?
Ha, oh, Meaverly, you are definitely the best.
Well that is certainly disappointing.
Look guys, if any of you wants a stalking, you should be more direct about it. I’m an older monster, my immediate reaction is to respect your privacy. Also my memory isn’t so great so your identifying details don’t really stick the first time unless they’re really remarkable, like how Skinny Tie is my Canadian cousin.
I ate way too much toenail pizza!!!!!
This conversation is going to seem so weird to people who weren’t on the chat.
I was chatting and I don’t know what’s going on!
I think it was the drugs.
Whoops Gladvillain, I think we’re all in chat jail now.
Hey I also had fun times in the times chat! I’m glad we’re all i-pals and e-friends on the Twitter machine now!
You monsters are pretty good lookin’. I just assumed that the event was scheduled at night because monsters were all allergic to the sun.
These guys know what I’m talking about
I want to know those guys! They should be a comedic duo (IF THEY ARE NOT ALREADY)
I know, they look so fun! One of them has to be a Chaz.
OH MY GOD LOOK IN THE BACKGROUND
CHAZ IS PHOTOBOMBING THIS PICTURE
JEFF I DOWNVOTED THAT PICTURE BUT I MEANT TO UPVOTE IT I’M SO SORRY! Can someone upvote it please in order to counterbalance this. Also WHAT is with the disappearing reply buttons.
Anyway what I like about that photobomb is how it looks like his photobomb-senses were tingling and pulled it off at the last second all nonchalant like a total pro. Do you think he dates me?
Looking as if one is effortlessly photobombing actually requires a lot of effort, and he just NAILED it. Bonus points that Brandon kind of looks like Will Ferrel (srsly!). Chaz would so date you, but he would so respect your boundaries as a woman.
Carrie, this was a reply to you, although it’ll probably show up at the bottom of the page behind a photo.
Did you see their dance picture? They are awesome!
I want them to hang out with me at all times referencing movies we all like, but nobody else remembers. It would be awesome.
Considering the dude in blue already has a mustache, you are one guy away from your own movie.
Carrie, I upvoted your downvote so the universe is whole again.
I upvoted it too! Fuck, now the universe is out of whack!
That’s why we Always Be Crefreshingthepage
Something occurred to me. What if one of those two guys is Kenny Powers?
That would be very crafty. Insert b-hole joke here. (whoops, terrible phrasing, oh well posting it anyway)
Dude on the right kinda looks like Merton. Where’s your hoodie?
Look at all the beautiful people! This should be the required uniform next year:
we are tangentially famous!
Your avatar and name are both kickass (in theaters April something-th)
Shit, Gabe! You’re stubble is looking prime, my friend. I’m crazy for that one.
(Also, hetero male/beard aficionado here, I promise.)
Aww… thanks! I’m pretty crazy for you as well.
I like how the photo captions are basically the same as an overworked yearbook staff.
Picture from left to right: Joe Vallers, Name Goes Here, Sally Smith, That Guy I Had PE With, Cute Crush Girl, William Hapsburg.
Haha I made a creepy photobomb appearance! Thanks again Gabe! fun times. I only got burned by one monster…
Who burnt ya?
OMG is that the notorious/always hilarious clown coffee? I’m your biggest fan, CC!
I can’t believe I didn’t meet CC.
One day.
I had to leave before ?uesto went on, though. LCD SOUNDSYSTEM, YOU GUYS!
me too! (insert that J Franco go good picture here.)
Us baby monsters just sat at home. Alone. Thinking about the fun we could be having if we were months older…. Or rich enough for fake IDs.
Or rich enough for PLANE TICKETS.
I’d say the prices are comparable.
But we don’t all need fake IDs. Different obstacles for different folks.
Oh. So that’s what all those mysterious tweets were about.
I don’t see Topher Grace in that video!!?
(Waits for Tophersuxbuttz for an explanation)
The day that Topher WISES THE FUCK UP to his biggest fanbase on the internet will be a good day, but it will also be the end of the Internet. Everything will have come full circle. SHUT IT DOWN.
It seriously would have made my week if he popped up in that thing. One can dream.
Facebook : Betty White : : Videogum : Topher
Us faraway monsters started blogs to deal with our existential crises.
Not me; I stayed in and watched The Marriage Ref.
The marriage ref is part of said existential crisis. Not mutually elusive (wut?).
Damn, no Chicago Shouts Out?
OOPS I didnt get to the End in time!
Probably the best night possible!
Can you tell us who is who in that photo, Ds3m?
Yes I can
Front Row:
Lurker – Michael D; Shellbomba – Michelle D (Planner); PattyO – Pat O; Jabberwocky – Jessica J.
Second Row:
(I forgot her username, she hasnt logged in since Lawnmower man took over) – Erin B.; Her lurker Boyfriend (And Master Photobomber) Mickey R.; Another Lurker – Emilie S. (She promised she would make an account now though!!); Patrick M. – Patrick M.; And Me, Richard S.
Cramazing Night, Awesome ppl IRL, we will be meeting again, and All Midwest Monstahs are invited next time, no diggity, no doubt. It will be on a weekend to accommodate everyone (mostly werttrew)
There was a period of time when I was so convinced Patrick M. was my IRL best friend (same name, similar sense of humor) and it sort of drove me insane because I couldn’t bring it up to my friend without revealing my Super Secret Videogum Identity (which is no longer a secret, THANKS JAWBONE). After a while I sort of figured out they weren’t the same person. But it’s nice to have unequivocal proof, FINALLY. I am sure you are very nice and funny though in real life, Mr. M!
yes all Midwest Monstahs plz and thank you.
Carrie: my real name is Matrick P, so no. (also, I’m only funny on the internet)
There is nothing that could keep me from the next Chicago event. Werttrew needs to send me an outlook appointment about his Chicago plans stat so I can keep that shit free and clear!!
Agreed, Chicago monsters represented. So glad to put avatars to faces.
MICHAEL D.
HES NOT A LURKER ANYMORE
Yes Michael!
Our regional birthday party was pretty awesome. The best part, for me at least, was how everyone would sheepishly approach the table and whisper “monsters?”, then be greeted by a round of thunderous applause. Nerding out in groups is the best.
Yes! Our table and “irish nachos” made it! (And I also fixed my login, or rather sat down for 5 minutes and figured it out)
And Erin B shows up!
That party was sick, you guys. SICK! We were clearly having a better time than the NYC monsters.
You’re so Awesome Erin, No Promo
http://eburkeblog.blogspot.com/
I don’t think it was our intention to make it look like we were lighting Topher Grace’s photo on fire. That’s just how it worked out.
Patience, my friend. Also, I can now say that, since I actually met you! Monsters of the Midway, FTW!
You guys are arriving in VG comments in the order you showed up last night LOLS
So much When!!!
OOPS
I meant WIN
I am still so excited from last night I onomatopoeia’d myself
I will not miss the next Videogum Chicago Chapter meeting.
I’m enjoying reading through the meeting’s minutes. Glad you guys had a good time!
Where’d you monsters party in Chicago? I can make out an “Irish” sign, so that narrows it to 100+ bars?
Why didn’t I know about the Chicago party?!
I’m not sure why you didn’t know; It’s not like I was an obnoxious asshole and kept reminding all of the completely unconcerned and nonplussed monsters of its impending arrival. Guess I will Amp it up next time!
Are you wearing a Psychopathic Records hat in that picture?! Please say yes…
LOL SURE
(Red White Sox Cap)
(Check out Erin’s Blog Up above to see more of us mashing and being Awesome)
It’s my fault! No one else’s! I am just bummed I didn’t even get the chance to have a social anxiety attack and not show up!
i went home and had a dream that we all had a video pizza (and popcorn) slumber party in Erin’s studio apartment…. dreams are sadly only dreams… im also no longer a lurker. but photobombing is a way of life.
New Favoritest Monster
I laughed at every single one of your photobombs. You will always be lurking… IN MY HEART.
Awww I recognize that little sippin’ kitty.
Are Milwaukee Monsters invited to Chicago, too???
ALWAYS –
The Next Meetup is June 13th (Sunday)
I hate you all for having more fun and being better looking than me.
Last picture.
Whoops, that was to DS3M and is now moot.
So is this video supposed to be interpreted as a “yes”, Jenny Slate?
I guess I’ll just let you answer in the comments. So my query remains-
“Do you date me?”
– Ben (waiting for the perfect G(I)F)
It must be said again – goddamn, those are all some really attractive monsters!
I no rite? I’m just assuming most monsters are also somewhat crazy, because the universe doesn’t allow one to be good-looking, funny, and sane at the same time.
Guess the awesome pic of me and Jeb wasn’t monstery enough to get posted… Come on, I had two—TWO—margaritas!
Jeb’s head is visible in shot #17, just to the left of Amrit’s head.
Wow, I had no idea emoticons showed up like that on here.
I was looking for you guys! I could post a picture here if you want, but it wouldn’t be as fun for any of us.
One of my said margaritas was for you.
That picture was not in the pictures the photographer sent me. :/
It’s OK. I know I was there and that’s what counts. That and the fact that I had a massive hangover this morning. #tequilaFAIL
You all look like you had so much fun! I’m jealous.
I really need to start commenting more so when I finally go to one of these things (I become a real adult this year!!!) people will be all like “Hey, it’s Josh is like Germany Ambitious and Misunderstood! That guy is pretty cool and kinda handsome.” and not all like “Who let the ginger baby in?”
You know, I never really tried to imagine what Brandon Stosuy would look like in real life. But if I had, I would have nailed it.
I’m on my way to your house to kill you.
Laughing so hard. Wait no it stopped. Oh wait no still laughing.
Of all the death threats I’ve received (and I get them like biweekly), this one made me the happiest.
Now we know: Rich Sommer is Steve Winwood. Unmasked!
Nope, I don’t know who that is. Try again, friend
Snopes Winwood.
It just so happens that I do enjoy a good Faulkner novel now and then, as per your Snopes reference. Silas J. Snopes just so happens to be my favorite of the Snopes clan.
I tried to drop by, but the yellow caution tape I was wearing got caught in the harness that was meant to lower me from the ceiling and I spent all night stranded in the rafters at Brooklyn Bowl.
Seriously tho: that video made me really smiley. I’ve been here since day one, and though I am now logged in irretrievably through my Facebook account due to my own foolish mistakes, I feel there’s still many happy years of commenting ahead. I love you Videogum! I love you monsters! Let’s paint, exercise, and hold hands as we skip off into the internet sunset.
-kgh
Nivana is coming! The mystic portal awaits!
http://videogum.com/wp-admin/index.php
Maybe Zayin is trying to make the same point but here is what I did- go to facebook and under account somewhere you’ll find a list of installed apps. One of them is the videogum app- delete it and it no longer defaults to your fbook account everytime you go on vgum. Hope that helps.
Right. That’s what I did too. I forgot about that important step, and jumped ahead to this step which allowed me to change my password. So, after I was no longer signing in through facebook automatically, it was possible to sign in normally.
You saved the day Ben! I was just sitting here accidentally converting people to Buddhism by casually quoting Toy Story.
This marks the third Videogum celebration which I have totally meant to go to and ended up not going to. Damn that whole working at night thing. … At restaurants. Also as always I am a bit shy of going to these things by myself, and sadly, my friends don’t know what the words “Videogum’s 2nd Birthday” mean. Some day, I WILL show up with my gaffer tape mustache and impress you all with my sarcasm.
(Also, I plan on singing happy birthday like Tim & Eric for the rest of my life.)
What a day for my dick of a friend to be born on, so I couldn’t attend (that, and being on a different continent). But in honour of Videogum I did drink a couple of shots of absinthe. Side note: I did not feel like an impressionist painter afterwards. Still, congrats Videogum and all Monsters!
Here’s a pic I snapped at the Denver Videogum branch:
Happy 2nd B-Day!!!
This is from the Toronto V-Gum party!
Us New Orleans monsters had a blast!
And, of course:
Birthday Wishes from the Kansas Branch.*
*Mr. Hausfrau not pictured.
There’s a Kansas branch? Can I be treasurer?
Sorry. that position has been filled. I mean, unless you want to fight my dog.
Where in Kansas are you at? It better not be Wichita.
Wichita is gross.
Heavens no, KC suburban sprawl
Is your dog in the market for an assistant treasurer? This is the midwest, and lord knows I would really hate to start something.
WooT! me too.
my dog’s term as treasurer could be coming to a close as evidence of his willful misappropriation of funds has recently come to light.
Did you hear about the RIOTS at the Plaza this weekend? Cops pepper spraying CHILDREN! Kansas City: just not safe anymore I assume as i have not been here long.
Kansas City: City of Nightmares. I don’t know whats happening to our hood, but thank goodness for videogum, $10 Carlo Rossi and the Zoo Bar. I couldn’t do it without these guys!
Alaska Group, Represent!
… hooray! …
I like the streamers! Festive! but you should be wearing a tuque: it looks cold.
Howdy from the Australian Party
[IMG]http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss282/Bettybb/donsparty.jpg[/IMG]
Photo fail from the australian Party….
Holy crap, I didn’t think there were other Aussies on here! And don’t worry about the photo fail, Lizardo. You and I are just used to linking on the *other* side of the road, that’s all…
Its tough being an Aussie Videogummer! We should get some kind of parade or something. By the time we read the posts their already old news, and when im ready to comment on thursday nights TV thread (i.e. downloaded and watched) everyones always moved on… sob…
I’m an Aussie Vgummer too.
Holla from the Springfield Missouri chapter!
Did you seriously draw and quarter a college student using 4-wheelers? I feel like I should be calling the police or something, but your eyes… your eyes keep telling me to just sit back and relax about everything.
I fucking love Videogum. (A gem of an insight from Pepper Ann)
Aw i know, right!? Everything about this makes me happy.
I laugh a lot at this, ’cause I can still remember Pepper Ann’s smokey-throated nasal voice, and I just use that in my head whenever I read your comments, making them even more. (If that’s even possible?)
So thanks for that, Skinny Tie. We fucking love you, too.
Even more hilarious*, even. (I guess it’s not possible…)
so, i used to have a secret videogum crush on gabe…but now not so much. monster in chicago in the blue sweater and the glasses, get ready to be stalked and sent locks of my hair…
on another note. my friends and i love videogum, but we are poor and living in new mexico so we cannot make it to these lovely events. next time would someone be willing to double up on the drinks for us so it’s like we are there in pretend world?
Aw, man!! I get too busy to lurk and I miss the big party. Any other LA monsters who can rep the westside? I’m not creepy in person, I promise.
Yo, where in New Mexico?
Yo, totally! Where? Albuquerque representin’ right here.
I wanted to talk to Gabe but I got so scared!
So if there is no Monsters Ball today (BC it was last night IRL, Doyoy) I will not be too upset.
Even though it would likely be my FIRST MB where I am on the Plus side as opposed to the Nonplussed side.
Seriously Though – A glad trade on my part, Last Night was Definitely the Best.
And I take solace in knowing Werttrew will appropriately document the results for the week, unofficially or otherwise.
did ?uestlove bump some ICP?
“Vimeo Jam” Oh Andy, that was pretty LOL
Lizzing, I just cut my hair like yours, but I am always pushing my bangs out of my face. You’ve inspired me to go get some hairspray already and keep trying to make it work.
lizzing inspires us all
patsy, you are fabulous dahling. you dont need style tips from me.
oh wow. i’m a little buzzed. and i just cried after watching that video. i love all you guys!!!
Wish I coulda been there to ugly-up the shindig.
I definitely would have canceled out some of those purty faces. One of the few times I wish I still lived in Brooklyn.
I physically can’t stop smiling at that video. Videogum, you are seriously THE BEST.
Oh good, I’m blurrily in pictures 20&21. Also Joe Mande wished me a “happy birthday”, which I’m pretty sure is how blog birthdays work. Thanks Joe!
All you monsters are pretty attractive. I would bang every one of you, and then call you the next day to meet up for cake.
Post-Coital Cake.
Aw, I want to wish Videogum a Happy Birthday in person too, but I’m not 21 or famous. I’m RSVPing for the 5th birthday party in advance!
all you beautiful monsters. monsterdating.cupid.com. you are of dating age.
I see myself in the snack table pics. Do I really look like that from the back?? Alas, I had stepped away when the photographer was snapping the smiley pics. Oh well, next time! It was very nice to meet monsters.
IWISHIWAS21GUM/DIDN’TLIVEINADIFFERENTSTATEGUM/COUNTRYGUM
Also that’s awesome. I’m glad all you monsters had fun.
Argh. This is why I still lived in the NYC area. Everyone is so good looking! I refuse to gain the 100 extra pounds to fit in here in this part of Texas, which makes me a pariah.
Damn you stupid oil industry job that I don’t even have anymore. I could have partied with Monsters! (the cool kind)
obviously I meant I WISH I still lived in the NYC area. Also if I did, I wouldn’t have gotten that damn DWI…
Hidden due to low comment rating. Click here to see.
I see Gabe got the memo about extra small t-shirts and standing next to people who are sitting down as a strategy for appearing less diminuitive. “Like a midget standing next to a smart car. You ain’t tall, midget! You just clever!”
I got really drunk in Ireland in your honour, you guys. Hope you had fun!
If I ever become an economic migrant and start building ships or whatever over there I’m totally going to the next one.
Lets share a bunk! On a coffin ship!
Happy Birthday!
I knew Amrit and Scott were both NYC hipsters (obvs), but I figured both were the pudgy w/messenger bag kind of hipsters. Turns out that just describes Scott. First time I’ve seen pictures of any of these guys, and it’s a surprise–seriously–that Amrit is a muscle-tee and barbed wire tattoo kind of hipster. That, to me, is out of nowhere. My mental image has to completely change… I guess Amrit isn’t an internet nerd after all.
Corrections: 1. I am completely and totally an internet nerd (RSS is my best friend), and 2. my tattoo is not barbed wire, it is a sword (there’s a pen involved too, you have to peel back my muscle-tee to find it). FACTS.
I know what you mean, Ausgummers. By the time I’ve read the latest posts (yesterday’s) I just know everyone else has moved on already, so I don’t bother adding any comments. Also, all you monsters are too intimidatingly witty…
Uggh. This was supposed to be a reply to @Lizardo. The reply button just disappeared!
Mmm, convienently drunk the day after for my cousin’s birthday party was secretly a ruse to celebrate Videogum in dumb old Beantown – mwahaha! Happy delayed Birthday, Videogum! Thank you for letting me luk and laugh and be all the creep that I can be (on days I feel brave enough to post…) !
i think yea this is absolutely.
Zetaclear