5. Benedict Cumberbatch Plays the Imitation Game
Benedict Cumberbatch has catapulted to fame in the last few years, distinguishing himself as a variety of characters, from title role in the acclaimed series Sherlock to Khan in the Star Trek reboot to a giant dragon in The Hobbit. Here, promoting his new movie The Imitation Game, he plays another version of the game by tearing through a double digit tally of imitations in sixty seconds.
4. NBA Game-Winning 0.3 Second Basket
Courtney Lee has had a journeyman’s career in the NBA, playing for Orlando, New Jersey, Houston, Boston, and now the Memphis Grizzlies. He’s never been a star, but he had a big role to play nonetheless on Thursday against the Sacramento Kings. Down 110-109 with 0.3 seconds left on the clock, Vince Carter threw an alley-oop inbound to Lee which he caught and scored with a reverse layup all in one motion. For good measure, there’s also NBA “Phantom Cam” slo-mo footage of this beautiful clutch play.
3. Porn Stars Explain Net Neutrality
Net Neutrality is a tough nut to crack. It’s hard to get anyone interested in what it is or why it matters, as John Oliver wisely pointed out a few weeks back (Oliver also does a good job explaining it himself). In the wake of the president’s declaration of support for neutrality, and Ted Cruz’s boneheaded tweet in response, Funny or Die has enlisted some spokespeople on behalf of neutrality with a vested interest in keeping the internet open: porn stars. If this doesn’t get your attention, I’m not sure what will.
2. Elephant Fights Off 14 Lions
It might be time to re-evaluate the king of the jungle. This video, shot in Zambia, shows a young elephant being attacked by a pride of 14 lions. Somehow this guy survives, alternately running into the nearby water and charging at the lions. It probably helped that they did a poor job of coordinating their attack, but it’s impressive work from the big chap nonetheless.
1. Dad Sings ‘Blackbird’ to Dying Son
Musician Chris Picco was on top of the world just a week ago, happily married and with a son on the way. In a twist of heart wrenching tragedy, his wife was forced into an emergency C-section at 24 weeks pregnant and passed away in her sleep after the procedure. His son, Lennon James Picco—Chris is a massive Beatles fan—was put in intensive care but was never likely to survive. Lennon did pass away, but not before Chris could play a song from his favorite band for his son.
Careful where you watch this one—the tears will flow.