Our Top Ten videos were produced monthly for the Thrive Entertainment Guide from June 2009 to May 2010. Originally premiering on their website, the videos were produced as a fun supplement to the physical Top Ten list that appeared in the print edition of Thrive. The focus of the videos shifted drastically over the course of the year, eventually featuring an original Troupe adventure in each episode.
For those of you outside of the Central Illinois area, please note that some of these are regionally topical… BUT, having said that, they’re also universally silly. No worries!
(If you’d like to watch chronologically, start at the bottom and work your way up.)
May 2010: The Top Things We’ve Learned (After a Year of Top Ten Lists)
Mistaken Identity! Intrigue! Violence! Milt! It’s like the ‘Bourne’ series if the ‘Bourne’ series was made by a group of knuckleheads with no budget.
April 2010: The Top Ten Uses for Peeps After Easter
The SWEETEST Troupe Dynamic “Thrive Top Ten” video yet! In this edition, the gang tackles spring cleaning. Or does spring cleaning tackle the gang?
March 2010: Our Top Ten Rejected Top Ten Lists
The gang decides to start a business after watching a story from Dynamic News anchor Bruce Cookie. Plus, the gang finally meets the mysterious THRIVE publishers for a Top Ten brainstorming session!
February 2010: The Top Ten Ways to Spice Up Your Relationship
Our first standalone Troupe adventure! The gang is informed that Timmy’s mom has a Valentine’s date, and it’s up to them to ensure it runs smoothly. Meanwhile, we visit Dynamic Labs for this month’s Top Ten list!
January 2010: The Top Ten Trends We Expect to See in 2010
In this edition: Jay gets an email, Doug has straw trouble, Timmy loses a shoe, Janet gets physical, and Hugh has a crush. Featuring a return visit from Gary Fandango and Jean-Luc Skywalker!
December 2009: The Top Ten Ways to Secure Your Spot on Santa’s Good List
The Troupers head to the Photo-a-GoGo Photo Hut to get a picture taken for their holiday greeting card before revealing this month’s top ten list.
November 2009: Our Top Ten Favorite Thanksgiving Traditions
The Troupers gather at Timmy’s Mom’s house for their annual Thanksgiving feast. Presented as it was originally produced.
October 2009: Top Ten Things That Scare us SIlly
The first Top Ten video to feature the Troupers in a “comedic misadventure.” In this adventure, the Troupers attempt a seance to celebrate Halloween. Presented as it was originally produced.
September 2009: Top Ten Signs That Autumn in Coming
Originally presented with an interview featuring Karen Reed of Love at First Site.
August 2009: Top Ten Reasons “We Like It Here”
“We Like It Here” is the city slogan of Decatur, Illinois, so several of these are area-specific gags. Still, the list is pretty funny, so don’t let the whole “regional” thing stop you from enjoying it! Originally presented with a walk-through of Theatre 7 (Decatur’s Community Theater) with Jay and Janet.
July 2009: Top Ten Things We Expect to See at This Year’s Celebration
Featuring the debut of our breakout character, Old Man Milt! Decatur Celebration is the Midwest’s largest free family street festival, but anyone who has ever been to a fair will be able to appreciate this list. Originally presented with an interview featuring John Schilawski of Promax Construction.
June 2009: Top Ten Things We’d Like to See in Future Issues of Thrive
Our first Top Ten vid for the Thrive Entertainment Guide! Originally presented with an interview featuring Brook Paslay of Showcard Studio (publishers of Thrive).
