Author Archives: Ryan Jacobson

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Best Documentary Short Subject – Oscars 2017

While movies like LaLa Land, Hidden Figures, and Moonlight have created quite the buzz this Oscar season, perhaps the most important films from 2016 are the ones that you have likely never heard of.

Odds are, if you have heard any conversation about the 2017 Academy Awards Ceremony, or ANY Academy Awards Ceremony for that matter, you heard movie-goers making their predictions for the major categories of Best Picture, Best Actor in a Leading Role, and Best Actress in a Leading Role, etc.

Additionally, when watching the Academy Awards Ceremony, when you hear the presenter announce to the crowd “I am here to present the award for Best Documentary Short Subject,” you use it as your cue to make some popcorn, grab another beer from the fridge, or even fast forward through the “boring” category.

While I have watched all nine Best Picture Nominees, and enjoyed each of them in their own way, I am here to tell you that if you watch anything in preparation for the ceremony, the nominees for Best Documentary Short Subject are, without a doubt, the most important.

Each documentary is between 20 and 40 minutes long, and focuses on hot-button issues such as immigration, end of life decision-making, the Holocaust, and the daily airstrikes targeting innocent civilians in Syria.

Anyone that says “I can’t watch those, they are way too depressing,” is exactly what is wrong with humanity. They are sad, they are uncomfortable, and they will very likely make you cry at some point. But they are also touching stories about the good in people and how behind every terrible situation is a hero that deserves to have their story told.

Each of the following documentaries deserves to be awarded, but nevertheless, I will rank them from least to most likely to win the Oscar.

* The documentary Watani: My Homeland, the story of one family’s struggle to survive the Syrian Civil War, is not yet available to be watched online. Therefore, will not be included in the countdown. It will be ranked as soon as it becomes available. The trailer is below.

https://youtu.be/NK2JLee2xHk

 

Best Documentary Short Subject

4) 4.1 Miles by Daphne Matziaraki (21 minutes)

“The world needs to know about this. We can’t be going through this alone,” yells one of the citizens in the community of the small Greek island that has been bombarded with over 600,000 refugees fleeing from Turkey over the past few years. The refugees attempt the 4.1 mile trek across the Aegean Sea to try to begin new lives.

But instead of focusing on the fleeing refugees, 4.1 Miles tells the story of the Greek Coast Guard that is in charge of rescuing the refugees as they approach their homeland. Perhaps the most unbelievable part of the entire 21 minute documentary is the fact that just 4.1 miles can separate a luxurious, elegant, Greek island from what many would consider to be Hell on Earth.

The story is tragic, as not all the refugees survive the trek, but the heroic acts of the Coast Guard, combined with the hospitality and acceptance of the refugees from the Greek community will make you thankful that such kind-hearted, selfless people exist.

Watch the documentary in its entirety below, or follow the link to their website.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPeCn82oIfU

 

3. The White Helmets by Orlando von Einsiedel and Joanna Natasegara (40 minutes)

CURRENTLY AVAILABLE ON NETFLIX

The White Helmets tells the story of a group of volunteer first responders that report to the site of the daily airstrikes that take place on civilians in Syria. The men are responsible for saving the lives of over 58,000 civilians since 2013.

Even as heartbreak and tragedy are happening all around them, including their own families, they risk their lives to find survivors in the post air strike rubble.

These men are heroes in every sense of the word, and 40 minutes almost doesn’t seem like enough time to honor the work that they do. Not since Baby Jessica was rescued from the well has a baby rescue scene been so miraculous. And the immediate bond and love the men have for the baby is about as beautiful as a moment can get.

Watch this documentary and if you can, support these heroes by considering making a charitable donation to their cause by following this link.

 

2. Joe’s Violin by Kahane Cooperman and Raphaela Neihausen (24 minutes)

Joe’s Violin is the story of an unlikely friendship between a 92-year-old Holocaust survivor, and a 12-year-old girl from the Bronx.

Both avid fans of the violin, the two form a deep bond over one very special instrument. One day Joe hears a commercial that a local drive is taking place where people can donate instruments that they no longer find useful. He decided to donate his 70-year-old violin that he purchased after being released from the concentration camps once the Holocaust ended.

The violin makes its way into the hands of Brianna Perez, along with a description of Joe’s story and why the violin is so special.

It is the most heart-warming of all the short documentaries nominated this year, but that doesn’t mean you won’t cry. In fact, have your damn tissues nearby when watching this beauty.

Watch the documentary in its entirety below. Or visit the website to learn more about Joe and Brianna.

 

1. Extremis by Dan Krauss (24 minutes)

CURRENTLY AVAILABLE ON NETFLIX

Extremis is the heartbreaking documentary that follows the end-of-life decision-making process of doctors, patients and their families. It is a topic that many are scared to touch upon, as it can be quite controversial and harrowing.

Krauss, however, beautifully captures the step-by-step decision process from all ends, and flawlessly relays to the audience the sincere emotions of all parties involved.

One would think that the families going through the process would want privacy in such a tragic moment of their lives, but the truth of the matter is that the vast majority of families have, or will have to go through the exact same stages of decision-making for a loved one at some point in their lives.

It

may be the most depressing documentary you have seen in a very long time, but it will also help you to realize how short, precious, unpredictable and beautiful life can be.

Watch the trailer below, or the documentary in its entirety on Netflix.

 

For who should win Best Supporting Actor click here.

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Top 100 Songs Of 2016 (Part 10) Songs 10-1

FOR THE FIRST NINE LISTS CLICK BELOW.

#100 – 91       #90-81     #80-71       #70-61       #60-51
#50-41      #40-31     #30-21     #20-11

 

10. “Ain’t No Man” – The Avett Brothers

The first release off The Avett Brother’s ninth studio album, True Sadness, was the soulful sing along, “Ain’t No Man.”

Bassist Bob Crawford told Consequence of Sound that “Ain’t No Man,”… there is a higher level to it. I’m trying to avoid the word ‘religion’ and ‘spiritual,’ but there is something about finding your place in the universe, or being able to put your finger on where you sit in this life, whatever your religion is or your worldview is.”

Regardless of how you interpret the song there is no denying that it is fun as hell and one of the Avett Brother’s most catchy songs in their extensive, and impressive catalogue.

9. “Pride” – American Authors

American Authors scored a top 10 spot on last year’s “Top 100 Songs of 2015” with their hit “Go Big Or Go Home”, and the boys from Boston have followed that up this year with their ultra fast paced, “Pride.”

I’ve had a few moments of pride in 2016, but learning the tongue twisting chorus to the American Author’s single has to be near the top of the list.

The first time I heard the song, I knew that I would not let myself sleep until I was able to sing along flawlessly. To this day, I still give a little fist pump each time I nail the vocals. It may have taken my entire commute to and from work, but I accomplished my goal, and nobody can never, ever, ever, never, ever, take away my pride.

8. “Roll Up” – Fitz and the Tantrums

Fitz and the Tantrums burst onto the scene in 2010 with their debut studio album, Pickin’ Up the Pieces, and I’m convinced that they have not taken a day off since. Not only have they released two additional incredible albums, but each track they release continues to be better than the previous one.

“Roll Up” is arguably Fitz’s best effort to date, and has enough energy “rolled up” into three minutes and thirty-eight seconds to get even the most miserable buzz kill you know to start tapping his feet and pumping his fists.

7. “Talk Too Much” – COIN

“Talk Too Much,” about one’s inability to leave it unsaid, was the first track that Nashville rock band, COIN wrote for their still unreleased sophomore album. “The song came easier than any other song I’ve ever written,” says lead singer, Chase Lawrence.

If “Talks Too Much,” is any indication of how good the new album will be, 2017 will be the biggest year yet for the Nashville foursome.

 

6. “Put Your Money On Me” – The Struts

If The Struts next album is a fraction as good as Everybody Wants, their debut studio album, they will solidify themselves as one of the best new bands in the past 20 years. With last year’s “Kiss This” and “Could’ve Been Me,” combined with this years “Only Just A Call Away,” and “Put Your Money On Me,” they have proven they are a massive force to be reckoned with.

“Put Your Money On Me” is 80’s, 90’s and modern alt rock all rolled up into one song that is as addictive as the band themselves. If I were a gambling man, which I am, I will put all of my money on The Struts to be releasing gems like this for a very long time to come.

 

5. “Cleopatra” – The Lumineers

Recently the Lumineers revealed on Facebook the real story behind their summer hit, “Cleopatra.”

“It’s inspired by a true story about a female taxi driver who, when was younger, was proposed to. But her father had just passed away, so she didn’t give her boyfriend an answer. So he left the village broken-hearted and rejected, and never returned again. He was her great love and she wouldn’t wash the footprints off the floor after he left.”

If that doesn’t make you appreciate the song than you need to check your pulse. Paired with their massive radio and chart topping hit, “Ophelia,” The Lumineers are cruising into 2017 after accomplishing their most successful year yet.

4. “Supermassive Automatic” – Kick the Robot

I can’t exactly recall how, when, or where I heard this song for the first time, but I am forever grateful that I did. “Supermassive Automatic” by the Atlanta trio, “arena garage rock” band, Kick the Robot, is badass.

It is the definition of rock and roll, and far and away the most underrated song of the year. The fact that this song isn’t the most requested song on every major radio rock station in the country, is nothing short of a travesty.

Of the 50+ people I have personally sat down and forced to listen to this song, every single one of them (fans of all types of genres) were thoroughly impressed. I implore you to spend the next four minutes rocking out to this track. The last minute and five seconds is without question the best ending of any rock song this year, or in recent memory.

3. “I Need Never Get Old” – Nathaniel Rateliff and the Nightsweats

Nathaniel Rateliff burst into the spotlight last year with his hit “S.O.B.” And this year, not only did he continue to stay in the spotlight, he shone even brighter.

“I Need Never Get Old” is a song that everyone can relate to no matter what age you are. I recently had the pleasure of seeing Rateliff and the band in concert, and their performance of this song was one of the most electric performances I have ever seen in my many years of concert going. Every ounce of all of their bodies are performing, and their energy is as contagious as the black plague.

Additionally, their appearance on Late Night Jimmy Fallon is in the top 5 late night performances I ever recall seeing. I dare you to watch it and not get the chills.

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2. “You and Me” – The Hunna

https://youtu.be/pjXX8uyjkRY

If you have not caught onto The Hunna train yet, you better hop on now before you’re left in the dust. The four piece band from London had a breakout year in the States much in part to the wildly addicting “You and Me.” I am not exactly sure that the hell a hunna tree is, but my mission in 2017 is to find one and smoke underneath it.

“You and Me” is meant to be played in an arena, and after this year The Hunna is well on their way to being able to fill that arena with adorning fans. Their other US release, “Bonfire” was amazing, but “You and Me” is easily one of the most memorable songs of 2016.

1. “Spirits” – The Strumbellas

I’m certain that I could just attach the video, and no words would be necessary for why this is the song of the year. If you’ve heard this track already, you know how catchy it is, if you have not heard it yet… what the hell were you doing with your life in 2016?

The Strumbellas, formed in 2008, are from Ontario, Canada, and made up of a six piece band. After 8 years, they have struck radio gold with “Spirits.” The inspiring song that reminds you to live your life to the fullest, will have you in deep thought about whether or not you are enjoying life as much as you should be.

“….And I don’t want a never-ending life
I just want to be alive, while i’m here.

And I, don’t want to see another night
lost inside of our own life, while i’m here.”

With the success of “We Don’t Know,” “Shovels & Dirt,” and specifically “Spirits,” it is undeniable that 2016 was the year of The Strumbellas.

 

Top 10 Playlist

Top 100 Songs of 2016 Playlist 100-1

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Top Ten Tips For Completing Disney’s Monorail Pub Crawl

For a detailed breakdown of Disney’s Monorail Pub Crawl and to help you figure out what route is best for you, click here.

Top 10 Tips For Completing Your Monorail Pub Crawl

(photo by Ryan’s Countdowns)

 

Tip #10

Do not let your kids be an excuse for not partaking in the pub crawl. Just about all the stops are kid friendly, and clearly, nobody has to drive. Many of the stops even have kid’s menus. Maybe they can do their own crawl with a different non-alcoholic drink at each stop. What better way to bond with your under aged children than go on a Disney Pub Crawl with them?

Tip #9

If time is a factor, ask for a plastic cup and bring your drink on the monorail to the next stop. Or walk with it as you make your way to the next stop at the resort you are at.

Tip #8

Vary your drinks. If you are drinking martinis and wine all day/night, if will get pretty rough. Do not be afraid to try a local beer every once in a while. On the other hand, if you drink beer, try switching it up and ordering a specialty cocktail at some stops. That “beer before liqueur” saying is just a myth, anyway. You’ll be fine.

Tip #7

Ask for the bartender’s speciality or the signature drink at each of the bars.

Tip #6

Be respectful. This is Disney World after all. If you can not enjoy some drinks without getting loud, screaming, swearing like a sailor, getting sick, passing out, taking off your clothes, etc. maybe the Monorail Pub Crawl is not for you. Nobody in Disney World wants to have their vacation ruined by foolish, drunk people. Not even foolish drunk people.

Tip #5

Instead of a heavy sit down dinner, try sharing an app or two at each of the resorts. That will keep some food in your system, and prevent you from getting too full and ruining your chances of finishing the crawl. I recommend having apps at “Wave,” “Trader Sam’s,” and “Cítricos.”

Tip #4

Trade off buying drinks at each stop. To save time, and to avoid driving your bartenders crazy, take turns paying for the tab. Splitting checks is a pain, and if it can be avoided, do it. The prices for drinks are roughly the same at each stop, so it all should work out in the end.

Tip #3

Talk to strangers. Make friends at each stop. Sitting at the bar is a easy way to do this. After all, people are probably sick of their travel companions by now. They will be looking for anyone else to talk with. Mention you are doing the Monorail Pub Crawl, and odds are you’ll find people that are doing the same thing. Compare notes and get their advice on where to go next. And direct them to ryanscountdowns.com for their very own guide to the Monorail Pub Crawl.

Tip #2

Drink only one drink per stop. This is the saddest rule, I know. But no matter how badly you want to stay somewhere, or have one more drink with your new friends, you need to move on. You will probably like the next stop better, and make even cooler friends. After all, you are getting more and more loose, and your inhibitions are quickly going out the window. We even went back to some favorite stops a few nights later and stayed for longer periods of time.

Tip #1

Try doing the crawl on a night that the Magic Kingdom has extended hours. We did Magic Kingdom for a few hours in the morning and used a few of our fast passes. Around lunch time we started the crawl (yes, we drank our lunch, don’t judge.) When we ended the crawl around 9pm we had two more hours to finish the rides we didn’t visit earlier. There were no lines and the temperature was perfect. The evening was much cooler than the mid day heat, had much less children and much fewer wait times. Plus Space Mountain after a pub crawl makes the ride infinitely better.

 

Comment below with any questions you may have about the crawl. And make sure you come back after your trip and let us know about your Monorail Pub Crawl adventures.

Cheers!