Economic Recession Leads to Family Reunion
It all depends on who you ask. The optimists say that we're in a recession that will be solved with federal assistance, but the pessimists say we're heading for a time that will make the Great Depression look like a trip to Disney Land (note: I didn't say Disney World). With projections of unemployment over 15%, it's a sure thing: parents can expect their empty nests to be full again. We predict that children with college degrees will be moving back in with their folks in droves, so we made a special video just for them to use:
Anybody have immediate plans to extend that time back at home for Christmas indefinitely? What about stories of moving back in? The comments section below is your canvas.
Happy Birthday Phil
Teddy bear, badger, and friend, shaycarl asked us to wish Phil DeFranco a happy birthday. We did, and that became part of this video. Below is the part you didn't see, which proves that we are not "one-take wonders."
This video was posted to the rhettandlink2 channel, which you should subscribe to if you want to see more behind-the-scenes stuff like this.
On the News!
Here in rural North Carolina, it doesn't mean much when you tell people that you've got an internet video that has been seen over a million times. But, if you tell them you're on the local news, you've hit the big time. Well, here you go:
Thanks so much to Scott Mason and Tom Normanly for dropping by and featuring us! (We also performed the BBQ Song live in their studio for the Noon News a few weeks back. You can see that here.)
Youtube Live: The Aftermath
Wow. The entire Youtube Live weekend was overwhelming, and we're still processing it all. The actual event was definitely entertaining (with our personal favorite being Bo Burnham's Song), but the highlight for us was all the people we met. There was so much potential for pretentiousness, with everyone obsessing over subscriber numbers and viewcounts, but we can honestly say that we were privileged to get to know some amazing people. Last night's late-night scene really captures how surreal the whole thing was. We were playing a highly competitive game of Cranium at 3AM with sxephil, smosh, nigahiga, happyslip, kevjumba, Mr. Safety, charlestrippy, Bo Burnham, Joe Bereta, shaycarl, and a number of other people. We kept thinking we should turn on a camera and create the best collab video in history, but we really didn't want to be "those guys".
The whole weekend really captured the fact that the internet, and more specifically Youtube, has created its own culture and community. People with unique talents are able to do what they love for people who appreciate it, and the combined voice of that community (both the producers and the consumers) holds great potential and requires great responsibility. We're just glad we were able to be there and be part of something much bigger than Rhett&Link.
Here's some video evidence of our time at Youtube Live, including MC Hammer losing his phone at his after-party:
Our interview with Maria Sansone of poptub:
A small portion of our live performance at the pre-show festival:
So, did you guys watch Youtube Live? What did you think? Let us know.
Youtube Live
We're in San Francisco this weekend for Youtube Live. We'll be broadcasting live on and off from our phones on each of our Qik channels, below:
Let us know what you'd like to see at Youtube Live!
The expression when you bite into that ice cream concoction is priceless. You look like you're about to bust out laughing, leaving PB-chewed SB-chocolatesyrupicecream goo all over the lens (or its hopeful protector...
Laura in Greensboro · Dec 6, 2008 10:02pm
I just finished my last undergraduate class for university today and i still live with parents now. I don't owe tuition, OSAP (student loans), or debt that would cause someone to threaten to break my legs, because of all the rent and residence fee i saved. I have been working since my second year of uni and i dont think i will move out of the nest in the next two years. I don't see what the big deal it is about living with parents. Maybe it is a boy--> man, or Western nuclear family thing. Asian families dont have that much trouble living with extended families (as long as it is not bachelor apartment). Rent in TO is high and I do contribute with groceries and whatnot around the house.
If i were a parent, I would find it so much worse if i got a video saying: can you loan me $_00,000 I want to start a business/ restaurant with this crazy concept (even though i dont know what i am doing)? Now that would be harsh...
CLaire · Dec 4, 2008 6:19pm
Im actually on break from school now (SCAD) and I'm staying in a hotel for a 2 weeks up in NC.
danthemontageman · Dec 4, 2008 8:33am
chocolate ice cream...peanut butter....starbursts....chocolate syrup
Link · Dec 3, 2008 10:32pm
I'm in college right now... I'd love to extend my Christmas break and continue to live at home, but I couldn't afford the gas or the time to drive back and forth everyday. Besides... I think I've enjoyed my independence WAY too much to just give it up again.
I still love my family though and if worse comes to worse, I'll move my butt home back home for awhile. I'll still be living at home during breaks from school though. The only way my dad would allow me to move in again is if I was working and being productive (like going to school and not lazing around the house).
I enjoyed this video.. and what exactly is the snack combination that you were eating Link? I think I saw Starbursts in there...
Anna · Dec 3, 2008 7:46pm
I'm not sure if its funny because it is true, or if it would be funnier if it wasn't so true, my poor parent just had one kid move back in (along with spouse and 2 of her own kids) and my spouse and two kids are staying rent free in my grandma's house (she is living else where so we are "house sitting"
I think I'll send this video to my parents just to scare them a bit, heeheehee :)
caytw · Dec 3, 2008 4:14pm
im still at home..cant move out now!
athena · Dec 3, 2008 4:03pm
I'm with JoJo. Darn high school.
But if I was an adult who lost their job, my parents probably wouldn't let me move back in. Hehe. I would probably invent something amazing and make millions off of it.
Raquel TWG · Dec 3, 2008 1:52pm
I think that was peanut butter, Lynn...chunky style? O_0
I have two adult kids still living at home, both have jobs, help out with home expenses, and do chores around the house. I don't think there is nothing wrong with adult kids living at home as long as they are being productive, responsible and contributing to the household.
Unfortunately the person who hired the Surrogate Sharers to make this announcement to his folks would get an icy reception from me if I were his Mom, at least towards the cavalier attitude he was expressing. It's called 'tough love'. ;)
Another excellent video, Guys!!
Mamacitax7 · Dec 3, 2008 12:15pm
Hilarious-each of these surrogate sharer videos is!!
northwestlivin' · Dec 3, 2008 10:59am
I still live at home during college breaks. I'll probably end up living with my parents until I'm 30 even without all this recession talk. haha. I do not look forward to paying student loans AND house payments once I graduate. Couldn't imagine doing that without even a job! Luckily, I have wonderful parents who would never throw me out...At least I think they wouldn't...xP
Ydnim · Dec 3, 2008 10:49am
Ha! Well, since my parents live in a condo that my husband and I own, I don't guess it would benefit us much to move in with them!
What the heck was in that snack, Link? I think I saw Starburst candies, chocolate ice cream and chocolate syrup...but there was something yellowish and gloppy that is disturbing to me.
JardinPrayer · Dec 3, 2008 10:37am
Bravo, wonderful!
Peter Coffin · Dec 3, 2008 10:02am
I am still in highschool, so i still live with my parents. But if I was out in the real world and lost my job, id probably consider moving back......It would be a possiblility :-)
JoJo (soccerboy2011) · Dec 3, 2008 9:49am
We went through layoffs at work a few weeks ago and thank goodness I still have a job. But in that week of not knowing who was going and who was staying, my parents and I had my move back home all planned out. I think my mom was actually kind of excited about it...
sunny_gf · Dec 3, 2008 9:46am
LOL! Sooo awesome....of course, I know what I'd say if I got this message from one of mine..... >:[
Keep 'em coming, guys!
Ashy (from Alabama)
http://wanderingmen.com
Ashy · Dec 3, 2008 9:44am
Way ahead of you two as while I'm getting my college degree I'm getting the free rent. xD
Go Community Colleges!!!!!
WOO!!!!
Coffee · Dec 3, 2008 9:33am