Tivo and Bittorrent have allowed viewers to cull through the dreck of mainstream network television and the onslaught of nearly 18 minutes per hour of commercials to create an experience they will not give up easily. With vidcasting, viewing video entertainment has become an absolute joy again. Of special note is Rocketboom, hosted by the luminous Amanda Congdon, with two episodes last week that showcase truly creative and cutting-edge video art.

The first was on Tuesday, September 27, 2005. The brilliant use of yesteryear science-themed tunes, a recent astrophysical discovery, remakes of remakes of remakes of physical mechanics in motion, the blurring of image and reality, and Fidel Castro’s rant on American beer…beep, beep, indeed

Then, on Friday, September 30, 2005: silent film-era host/disco diva Amanda and a postmodern music video in BASIC…beautiful ground, indeed.

Other fantastic Rocketboom moments have included Amanda’s dance through Saint Petersburg, Russia, and her impassioned two-word impeachment plea.