Episode 29: Luke Cage

Episode 29: Luke Cage
Hosts: Frank Shaw and John Belliston
Special Guest: D'Artagnon Wells
Produced by Hobos in the Back Row
Scripting by Frank Shaw and John Belliston
Edited by: Frank Shaw
Graphic Design by: Nathan Newell
Intro Music: Piano Sonata mvnt 1 by F.G. Shaw
Outro Music: Piano Sonata mvnt 3 by F.G. Shaw

John and Frank are joined by D'Artagnon Wells to talk about Luke Cage: Did we like it? Did we enjoy the characters? Did we say say 'sweet christmas' several times during the episode? Give it a listen and you tell us!
 We also talk about Pandemic Cthulhu, the Arrow-verse, Black Mirror, the nihilism of John's nephew,  the Nintendo Switch (because Frank can't stop talking about it) and the computer game Sunless Sea. So dive in.

For the main meat of the episode we have links for you:

This is a Time article on the series. It gives a little bit of background on the series, and was initially published about a week or two before the series released.

Here's a story from WiReD discussing the political undertones of the series, as well as being an interview with the principle writer/creator of the series: C heo Hodari Coker. This article cam out in August. 

Finally an article discussing the music of the series, which is phenomenal by the way.

From the What's Interesting: 

Sunless Sea! John loves this game, and I suspect it'll come back up in conversation again, but if you're curious this takes you to the main page of Failbetter Games, the designer of this game and Fallen London. 

Here's a link to ZMan Games site for Pandemic: Reign of Cthulhu. We don't discuss boardgames a lot on the podcast though both John and Frank play a lot of table top games: John has regular RPG groups he plays with each week and Frank plays boardgames with his lady and with a local group on a fairly frequent basis. Someday we may take an episode and chat about our favorite games, but until then we'll leave it to D'Artagnon to bring boardgames into the conversation. 

If you have any thoughts, comments, questions or concerns just comment below or email us at relevant2rinterest@gmail.com

Next episode!

We're getting ready to record the next episode on Sunday.

Can you guess what the subject is?

Episode 28: Horror Movies pt. 2

Episode 28: Horror Movies pt. 2
Hosts: Frank Shaw and John Belliston
Special Guest: Chris Thames
Produced by Hobos in the Back Row
Scripting by Frank Shaw and John Belliston
Edited by: Frank Shaw
Graphic Design by: Nathan Newell
Intro Music: Piano Sonata mvnt 1 by F.G. Shaw
Outro Music: Piano Sonata mvnt 3 by F.G. Shaw

Just in time for Halloween, Notes! Not a lot of notes this week just movie lists!
Give these movies a watch, then listen to the podcast to hear our thoughts. 

Franks films:
They Look Like People
Creep
He Never Died
Would You Rather

All of Franks films are currently available to watch on Netflix.

John's Movies:
Troll Hunter
The Voices
Zombeavers
Deathgasm
Don't Blink

All of John's movies are available to stream on Netflix

Chris' List:
Sinister
Curse of Chucky
Trick r' Treat
Event Horizon
The Thing
John Dies at the End
The Witch

Curse of Chucky, Event Horizon, John Dies at the End are available to watch on Netflix.

Happy Halloween!

Episode 27: Youtube Absurdist Shorts

Episode 27: Absurdist Youtube Videos pt. 1
Hosts: Frank Shaw and John Belliston
Produced by Hobos in the Back Row
Scripting by Frank Shaw and John Belliston
Edited by: Frank Shaw
Graphic Design by: Frank Shaw
Intro Music: Piano Sonata mvnt 1 by F.G. Shaw
Outro Music: Piano Sonata mvnt 3 by F.G. Shaw

This post is going to have a lot of links to a lot of videos. I had considered embedding the videos, but I think it would be a bit unwieldy to browse, as I wanted to include all of the videos relevant to this episode.

First up Rob Cantor:
Shia Labeouf. If you watch any of his vids (and you should watch all of them honestly he's a great musician) watch this one! Then watch this short on the philosophy of Shia Labeouf. I have to admit he's become a bit fascinating in my mind, and could possibly be the topic of a future episode.
Celebrity Impressions. It's a bit of a stretch to put this here, but it's still a pretty awesome vid, a fantastic song, and a bit too good to be true.  
Finally, here's the video to All I Need is You. Watch it for the song first, then turn the volume down and watch it for the visuals.  

Rachel Bloom:
Her stuff is fantastic, first of all, but very much NSFW. This shouldn't be too surprising given the nature of our podcast. So make sure you have the headphones in. 
Fuck Me Ray Bradbury
Historically Accurate  Disney Princess Song
I Was a Mermaid Now I'm a Pop-star. 
Here's the link to her page: If you think any of the above links are funny, or relevant, or even interesting, please go check it out.  Her work, while not "weird" exams the absurdism of relationships, sex, and social interactions and expectations. 

Too Many Cooks
This video is linked in the heading of this section... it's weird, but there's some hope for understanding:
In this episode Renegade Cut he does a fairly good analysis of it, and it's one that I mention in the podcast that I like.  
Here's another interpretation that takes a slightly different take, keep in mind neither of us had watched this video before recording the podcast. There are parallels to the Renegade Cut episode, though it takes the stance of the Studio against the Creator, rather than the Audience vs. the Studio. I feel both are great interpretations. So watch Too Many Cooks, and then watch the interpretation vids. 

Finally, Don't Hug Me I'm Scared:
Episode One
Episode Two
Episode Three
Episode Four
Episode Five
Episode Six
Those are the main episodes of the series. There's a few shorter vids that are related, but are not completely necessary to watch to get the full effect of the series. (but are fun and disturbing). 
Now watch the Film Theories two part episode on the series, Part 1 and Part 2.  

We'll be revisiting absurdist Youtube videos again. There's so much we haven't touched on. But don't be shy, explore these yourself. 

 

Episode 26: Steven Universe and Nostalgia part 2

Episode 26: Steven Universe and Nostalgia pt. 2
Hosts: Frank Shaw and John Belliston
Produced by Hobos in the Back Row
Scripting by Frank Shaw
Edited by: Frank Shaw
Graphic Design by: Nathan Newell
Intro Music: Piano Sonata mvnt 1 by F.G. Shaw
Outro Music: Piano Sonata mvnt 3 by F.G. Shaw

There aren't a lot of show notes for this episode. Just a couple of links to some articles that we felt were quite relevant to the topic. Steven Universe is something that John absolutely loves (and if you've listened to the podcast that's quite apparent) and it's something that Frank enjoys as well. So this is a cartoon we'll revisit, probably next fall.

This first link is an article addressing nostalgia from the perspective of "queer kids" that grew up in the 90's. Neither John, nor Frank can fully identify with this perspective, but we can empathize and sympathize with this perspective. Homosexuality is something that society has become more comfortable and accepting of. The cautiousness of the 90's has given way to Steven Universe, a cartoon that openly shows same sex relationships, but in such a way that it never comes across as preachy. The genius of the show is how it embraces the idea of love and family and friendship. Those are the real themes of the cartoon, and ultimately it helps trigger those warm longing feelings of nostalgia that we seem to seek as we grow older.

The second article is an in depth commentary of the nostalgia of Steven Universe. This is the article where the quote from Mad Men is used that I quoted in the episode. It touches on some of the same stuff we did, but is worth a read, just for the author's enthusiasm for the series.

Nostalgia is subjective. John and Frank get that. They understand that that what triggers those wonderful feels in one person won't necessarily be the same for the next. We heavily criticized Stranger Things (despite enjoying the series) for forcing the nostalgia. Some people might be inclined to do the same with Steven Universe. Nostalgia will have a part 3 on the podcast, probably sooner than later.

Episode 25: John Hate's What You Love: Stranger Things and Nostalgia pt. 1

Episode 25: John Hate's What You Love: Stranger Things and Nostalgia pt. 1
Hosts: Frank Shaw and John Belliston
Produced by Hobos in the Back Row
Scripting by Frank Shaw
Edited by: Frank Shaw
Graphic Design by: Nathan Newell
Intro Music: Piano Sonata mvnt 1 by F.G. Shaw
Outro Music: Piano Sonata mvnt 3 by F.G. Shaw


Some rather involved note's this time. Partly to touch on a few things that we meant to discuss but neglected to, partly to clarify our position on the show.

First, in case it's not clear from the episode, John and I do like the series. Quite a lot actually. But we have, and the podcast illustrates this, some major complaints and criticisms about the series. Mostly how it seeks to completely create nostalgia whole-cloth by emulating intellectual properties from the 80's. This may work for some (a lot) of viewers. The next podcast explores nostalgia a bit more, and it's a subject that we'll come back to,  but now let's jump into the articles both sources for the podcast, and interesting articles that we discovered after the fact.

There's several well documented lists that detail the inspiration for the series. The Duffer brothers also detail many of the inspirational sources themselves in various interviews.  Some of the inspirations are blatantly obvious as you watch the series, some are more subtle. There are things the series does right. The fact that it is essentially a 7 1/2 hour film, and is able to explore characters that would not normally be explored through the course of the film. Winona Ryder's character, as well as her older son's story is developed and interesting. The character of Nancy is also explored, which would not have happened had this simply been a film.

The monster, the Demogorgon, both of us have some issues with. John is disappointed that it isn't stranger and more ominous than it ends up being. (I am too.) There was a lot of potential with the monster initially. The concept art for it shows that it could have been so much more than it actually was. My major complaint is that the Duffy brothers, and the series itself, doesn't bother to attribute the Lovecraftian horror influence that the source material that inspired them is clearly pulling from.

There's also something that we neglected to talk about (though I did tease it at one point with my E.T. comment), and that's the fact that Eleven is woefully neglected in many ways. And in many ways is a text book example of the "Smurfette Principle."  I had meant to bring up the idea that Eleven was essentially the token girl, but failed to during the course of the episode. Millie Bobby Brown is a great young actress and hopefully they explore her characters life, and move away from the horrible tragedy and making her the token magical creature (a la E.T.) that she ends up being in the first season.

Now for a couple of positive things: The Upside Down, what a fantastic idea! This is honestly one of my favorite parts of the show, and I'm very excited about being able to explore it more in the next season (I really hope they do.) The idea of a parallel universe is one of those sci-fi tropes that I just can't get enough of, and it's something that I fully embrace with this series. I love the idea of there being a side dimension along side our own and the fact that there is some scientific evidence that lends credence to the idea.

There are many questions left open at the end of the series. There's are fan theories about Will, Eleven, the Upside Down, the Demogorgon. We put forth our favorite theory about Eleven in the podcast as detailed in this video by Uproxx. There are other theories about the monster out there that are just as engaging. 

John (despite the title) and I really did enjoy the series. It's one of the reasons why we're so critical of it. We recognize all the things it does right (and it does a lot). While pointing out all of the things it does wrong. One of the things that we both feel missed the mark is the idea that it tries to manufacture the nostalgia for the viewer. This does, admittedly work for a lot of folks that watched the show, it didn't for us. It felt forced and unfortunately we both think it could have been better had it not attempted to do that.  The Duffer brothers have some genuine talent for creating interesting plots, and characters. There's a lot of potential in this IP and there's a lot of obvious love and passion that went into making it. So if you haven't, give the episode a listen for our full thoughts on the series and nostalgia. And if you haven't go watch Stranger Things, because despite our criticism it is really an enjoyable series.

Episode 24: Bob's Burgers.

Episode 24: Bob's Burgers
Hosts: Frank Shaw and John Belliston
Produced by Hobos in the Back Row
Scripting by Frank Shaw
Edited by: Frank Shaw
Graphic Design by: Nathan Newell
Music Loop for "What's Interesting" Autumn_Loop Wave created by M-Red
Intro Music: Piano Sonata mvnt 1 by F.G. Shaw
Outro Music: Piano Sonata mvnt 3 by F.G. Shaw

The Bob's Burgers episode was hell to finally get down. It took 5 separate attempts over the course of three weeks at either scheduling or actually trying to record before we got the above episode . One of the great disadvantages to John and myself not being in the same city. We got it though, and I'm pretty pleased with how fun the episode turned out.

Next episode (Episode 25) is going to be on Star Trek the Original Series. John will be missing, but I'll be joined by our friend Richard Sanders. So be sure to check it out.

Here's an interview with H. John Benjamin made just after the first season of Bob's Burgers.

One thing both John and I find fun to do (though it isn't always relevenant to the episode) is look at topics T.V. Tropes. It's fun to see how television, movies, and video games fall into place, or subvert the different popularized tropes. Here's the link to Bob's Burgers page.

Shortcast Episode 2: Miller's Crossing.

Shortcast Episode 2: Miller's Crossing
Host: Frank Shaw
Produced by Hobos in the Back Row
Scripting by Frank Shaw
Edited by: Frank Shaw
Graphic Design by: Nathan Newell
Intro Music: Images of Home: Morning Activities by F.G. Shaw
Outro Music: Images of Home: Morning Activities by F.G. Shaw

Only a few notes for this Shortcast. It's primarily a few fun facts and a couple of different reviews on the film.

But FIRST! Here's a link to the actual script. If you've seen the movie it's pretty cool to see some of the changes made, but overall it's very close to what ended up on film.  I honestly don't know how up and up this website is*, but while it lasts it's fun to look at the script.

*It appears that it hasn't been updated since November of 2015, so it may or may not be inactive.

Here's a Mental Floss episode on interesting facts about the film. I don't really touch on most of these, but a few are hinted at (when discussing Sonnenfeld). It's fun, but if you're a fan of the film you'll likely know most of these.

Now this is an interesting review, and it touches on a few technical aspect that I [Frank] have no earnest experience with. I disagree with some of his thoughts, but I definitely respect his opinion on the film. Mr. Moraes definitely knows his stuff.

A lot of love for the film in this review. 

This commentary from The Atlantic.... Read it!

Podcast update!

John and Frank have had a weekend full of technical and personal dilema. We tried to record our next podcast on Bob's Burgers Sunday evening, but alas our technology betrayed us. It'll be another week before we can give it another shot so later this week Frank will be releasing a Shortcast on the film Miller's Crossing.
Should be fun.
Stay tuned.

Episode 23: Captain America Civil War.

Episode 23: Captain America Civil War.
Hosts: Frank Shaw and John Belliston
Produced by Hobos in the Back Row
Scripting by Frank Shaw
Edited by: Frank Shaw
Graphic Design by: Nathan Newell
Intro Music: Piano Sonata mvnt 1 by F.G. Shaw
Outro Music: Piano Sonata mvnt 3 by F.G. Shaw

John and I discuss the latest Captain America movie. We talk about what we liked and disliked with the movie, including: the plot, Spiderman, issues with the film. The conversation also sparks three potential future topics: Regulation vs. Non-Regulation of WMD's, whether heroes create  their villains, and finally the importance of secret identities. We will eventually touch on these topics in future podcasts.

I also talk about Renegade Cut, a YouTube series that does deep analysis of films both new and classic. It's produced and created by Leon Thomas and I can't recommend this series enough if you like films. Mr. Thomas comes at each movie with a fresh take looking at each picture from an angle that you wouldn't necessarily expect exploring philosophy, film-making techniques, and even fan-theories of the movies.

In addition to his channel, here's Leon Thomas' Patreon for Renegade Cut. John and I discuss Patreon a bit, in both concept and execution. It's a great way for artists to connect with their fans and for the fans to give back to the artists.

Finally, here's the video a Meat Bicycle Built for Two to show off John's love of Borderlands 2. He really likes the game, and this video will give you an insite as to why. So please enjoy.

Shortcast Episode 1: The Hateful Eight.

Shortcast Episode 1: The Hateful Eight
Host: Frank Shaw
Produced by Hobos in the Back Row
Scripting by Frank Shaw
Edited by: Frank Shaw
Graphic Design by: Nathan Newell
Intro Music: Images of Home: Morning Activies by F.G. Shaw
Outro Music: Images of Home: Morning Activies by F.G. Shaw

I failed completely to talk about the music of this film during the episode. That's a grave error on my part. The score to this movie is fantastic! By far the best of any Tarantino movie, and it relies solely on the fact that Tarantino actually utilized composer Ennio Morricone in a way that showcases the mans considerable talents and ability to fit the music to the scene. Although Mr. Morricone's music does show up in previous Tarantino movies, this is the first time Tarantino fully trusted Morricone's ability to produce an actual score that compliments the drama on screen. The entire score (for the most part) is perhaps more enjoyable and riveting than the film itself. There's a certain ominous dread that permeates through out the picture. The music during Chapter 4 helps build the scene up, and compliments the insanity on the screen at the moment. If you're not inclined to watch a Tarantino movie, but you enjoy film scores, I still recommend checking out the score to this picture. It will not disappoint (even out of context of the movie).

The larger controversy of this film, at least from what I could tell through google searches, seemed to be the treatment of Daisy Domergue by John Ruth. As I mention in the podcast, it is uncomfortable.
The cast and crew of the film defend it quite thouroughly: Kurt Russell, Harvey Weinstein, as well as Tarantino and Jennifer Jason Leigh. There are some points to the idea that the film is heavily misogynistic, and perhaps if I had come from this with a woman's mind instead I may feel differently about the treatment. Then again my first view was uncomfortable, so maybe not.

Though I liked the film, quite a bit actually, I won't deny it's a brutish film. While I found specific portions quite compelling, it lacked the finesse that it needs to truly make it remarkable.

Episode 22 Year in Review

Episode 22: Year in Review
Hosts: Frank Shaw and John Belliston
Produced by Hobos in the Back Row
Scripting by Frank Shaw and John R. Belliston
Edited by: Frank Shaw
Graphic Design by: Nathan Newell
Intro Music: Piano Sonata mvnt 1 by F.G. Shaw
Outro Music: Piano Sonata mvnt 3 by F.G. Shaw

Here's what we got for this episode better late, then never:

Nintendo may be moving back to cartridges. I've just checked again (as of 6/3/16) and have found nothing to contradict this yet. Maybe something will come to light around E3, or not considering Nintendo is rumored not to have much of a presence during the conference.  If you've listened to the podcast already then you already know that I'm [Frank] keen on the idea. I guess we'll wait and see.

Trying Hearthstone? Check out some deck guides.

Variety's article on Agent Carter's cancellation. It's sad, but at least we'll be able to add it to the growing collection of the MCU.

Supergirl? John and I haven't actually watched this yet, but I'm looking forward to checking out the first season when it hits Netflix. DC's television franchises have been solid affairs, even while their movies are lackluster and mediocre.

Next episode will hit early next week on Captain America Civil War. Shoot us a message on Facebook, on Twitter @lojakz or shoot as an email at relevant2rinterests@gmail.com

Episode 21: Rick and Morty

Episode 21: Rick and Morty
Hosts: Frank Shaw and John Belliston
Guests: Richard Sanders
Produced by Hobos in the Back Row
Scripting by Frank Shaw and John R. Belliston
Edited by: Frank Shaw
Graphic Design by: Nathan Newell
Sounds from freesound.org Hiphop Beat, 110 Loop, Spring 1, Spring Drip Hit
Intro Music: Piano Sonata mvnt 1 by F.G. Shaw
Outro Music: Piano Sonata mvnt 3 by F.G. Shaw

John and I are joined by a summoned Richard Sanders to discuss Rick and Morty. We talk about the absurdism, the nihlism and the over arching ethics of the series. We also talk about a few interesting things in our 'What's Interesting' segment.

 Dr. Strange trailer on Youtube.

Faraday Future's new electric car plant.

Samsung's new contact patent.

Short article on Rick and Morty

 Philosophy of Rick and Morty by Wisecrack

Is Rick and Morty the ideal scientists? PBS Idea Channel.

The Original Morty Cartoon Conspiracy

The Secret of the Ticket The Save Point Guild

Rick's True Crime Exposed Film Theory

Rick isn't a super genius kitkatpaddywak

107 Rick and Morty Facts Toonedup@Cartoon Hangover

Episode 20: Daredevil Season 2

Episode 20: Daredevil Season Two
Hosts: Frank Shaw and John Belliston
Produced by Hobos in the Back Row
Scripting by Frank Shaw and John R. Belliston
Edited by: Frank Shaw
Graphic Design by: Nathan Newell
Intro Music: Piano Sonata mvnt 1 by F.G. Shaw
Outro Music: Piano Sonata mvnt 3 by F.G. Shaw


John and I got together and discussed Daredevil Season 2. We talk about the Punisher, Elektra, and what we loved and disliked about the season. We also talk a bit more about Kaiju films, Final Fantasy 15, Planet X and throw out some actual, real crazy fan theories.

 Here are the links to IFLS arcticles on Planet X/Planet 9. There are further links to more in depth articles and papers in each of the articles.

There may or may not be a Punisher spin off. There are a ton of speculative articles on this. I think it's likely, given the popularity of this instance of the character, but as of right now, there's nothing confirmed.

As for Crazy Fan Theories: The Hand the Blacksky are vampires!
Madam Gao is a Skrull!
Daredevil is the actual Devil!!!



 

Episode 19: Kaiju Films

Episode 19: Kaiju Films
Hosts: Frank Shaw and John Belliston
Produced by Hobos in the Back Row
Scripting by John Belliston and Frank Shaw
Edited by: Frank Shaw
Graphic Design by: Nathan Newell
Intro Music: Piano Sonata mvnt 1 by F.G. Shaw
Outro Music: Piano Sonata mvnt 3 by F.G. Shaw


John and I discuss Kaiju movies. John goes into detail about the history and craft of film making the movies. We talk about the major franchises that have become popular over the years. We also discuss a couple of things that we found interesting.

Show notes are coming. John has a list of films that will be posted soon. The post will be updated!

UPDATE:

Here are a few notes that John has provided:

First up here is, what I would think, is a very complete film list of giant monsters. All the way from 1920's to present day. It's the Giant Monster Movie List! It lists the year, and the giant monster that features in the film.

Here is the wiki page that lists all the Kaiju monsters that have appeared in cinema (at least as far as we know). There's a lot.

John mentions this a few times during the episode, it's Kaijucast and while I have had the opportunity to sit down and listen to an episode or two yet.

And finally here is the documentary that Kaijucast produced, there's a lot of great interviews with the original cast and crew of the original Godzilla movie. It's pretty cool.

Episode 18: Deadpool

Episode 18: Deadpool
Hosts: Frank Shaw and John Belliston
Produced by Hobos in the Back Row
Scripting by Frank Shaw
Edited by: Frank Shaw
Graphic Design by: Nathan Newell
Intro Music: Piano Sonata mvnt 1 by F.G. Shaw
Outro Music: Piano Sonata mvnt 3 by F.G. Shaw

John and I discuss Deadpool. We  give our thoughts on the film and what it's success means. We also talk a bit about the new Ghostbuster's trailer, Red Button ice cream and Vin Diesel.

There aren't any other notes on this episode, though over the next week we'll be sharing some videos from NerdSync's youtube channel in which they discuss several aspects of the character of Deadpool. It's a fun channel (with a great podcast) so stay tuned and check it out.

Next episode: Dead Pool on the 7th!

Due to the difficulties we had with the David Bowie podcast, and the long delay in releasing it, we won't be releasing a second podcast this month as we had planned. Also, our next episode will be on Dead Pool, and likely there will some more discussion on absurd-ism a bit as well. That will release the 7th of March and the Kaiju episode will be coming later in March. So stay tuned!

Episode 17: David Bowie

Episode 17: David Bowie
Hosts: Frank Shaw and John Belliston
Special guest: Tom Sherlock
Produced by Hobos in the Back Row
Scripting by Frank Shaw
Edited by: Frank Shaw
Intro Music: Piano Sonata mvnt 1 by F.G. Shaw
Outro Music: Piano Sonata mvnt 3 by F.G. Shaw

Here it is folks! Episode 17: David Bowie. We had a lot of grief recording this episode. Our first attempt proved fruitless when the new program I was using to record our Skype conversation was inadvertently closed about an hour in to the discussion. Our second attempt, about a week later went off without a hitch... except of course for all the hitches we ran into. We had several moments of connectivity issues through out the recording and due to the length it took to record we lost John about halfway through due to how late it had become. Regardless of all these problems we managed to put together a pretty good episode. We're joined by our good friend Tom Sherlock, who is also a podcaster on the Apart of Him Podcasting Network. He's featured on A Pod of Us Podcast and Internet Radio Wrestling. Two shows that are really fun listens (and at time over the top hilarious). Sadly we were going to have Aubrey Spivey on with us for this episode, but she was unable to join us for our second attempt. Give the episode, which is essentially a love letter to the works of David Bowie, a listen. It's truly enjoyable.

There maybe a bonus episode with John and I discussing Black Star and Labyrinth in the very near future, so stay tuned for that as well!

Most of the links are to Youtube videos:

This first link is to BBC: Sound and Vision David Bowie. It's an older documentary, but a fascinating look at his life and career up to the early 2000's.

Here's the first part of the documentary that John mentions in the podcast called Duffy: The Man Who Shot the Sixties. It's an interesting take on another aspect and side of the pop music, and art, scene of this time period.

Here's another Sound and Vision documentary released just a few weeks after Bowie's death. It's a more of a tribute video than anything, but still fun to watch.

Here's the Wikipedia page of David Bowie's discography, for those that want to see what albums and tunes are out there.

Here's David Bowies 100 Favorite Books from Mental Floss.

And here, lastly are some thoughts of various artists that were influenced by David Bowie. First is Beck. Trent Reznor discussing how Bowie helped him overcome addiction. And finally Ozzie Ousborne and Geezer Butler discussing Lemmy of Motorhead and David Bowie.

Hey folks! Just a little update. Due to some amazing technical issues (Frank screwed up), our next episode won't hit on Monday as our normal schedule would dictate. (We actually have a semi-normal schedule!) Instead it will be postponed until later in the week. We're still discussing David Bowie of course and we have our regular contributor Aubrey Spivey and our good friend (and a bit of a Bowie expert) Tom Sherlock with us well. So stay tuned!

What if Episode III Were Good?

Here is the final "What If" video by Belated Media. If you're a Star Wars fan you should definitely check this out. They go through and essentially revamp the plot of each film, keeping the essence of each movie but making the plot... potentially good. Definitely worth watching, I think this might be my favorite one.

What if Star Wars Episode II Were Good?

This is the next video by Belated Media on the prequel trilogy. This video begins to stray quite a bit from what we were given in The Attack of the Clones. It's definitely worth checking out and shows how much thought and creativity this guy actually put into these story changes. Yes, overall this is essentially fan-fiction, but it's intriguing never the less and definitely worth your time.

What if Star Wars Episode I Was Good?

Here's the first of a short series of videos on the Star Wars Prequel Trilogy by Belated Media on YouTube. I watched  these videos a week before we recorded the Star Wars podcast and was both impressed at his fixes, and thoughts on the matter. Here's the first of three:





Here's a link to Belated Media's YouTube Channel if you don't want to wait for me to post the next videos in the series. They've got other videos and are worth checking out.

Episode 16: Star Wars Episode VII

Episode 16: Star Wars Episode VII
Hosts: Frank Shaw and John Belliston
Special guest: Richard L. Sanders
Produced by Hobos in the Back Row
Scripting by Frank Shaw and John Belliston
Edited by: Frank Shaw
Intro Music: Piano Sonata mvnt 1 by F.G. Shaw
Outro Music: Piano Sonata mvnt 3 by F.G. Shaw

John and I are joined by author Richard L. Sanders where we discuss our thoughts about the newest addition to the Star Wars franchise. We throw out some crazy theories as well as discuss our likes and dislikes about the franchise in general.  The conversation is more rambling than normal, but is still a lot of fun.

There are a lot of links, but many will be posted through out the next couple of weeks, as they include several videos from Youtube. The ones below all lead to articles though and are worth a read.

First up is an interview given to Rolling Stone by Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill.

Here's a theory (one of many) about Rey's background, and it's personally the one I hope is true.

Here is the article mentioned in the podcast where the fan debunks the 40 plot hole article on the Huffington Post.

Here's the link to Darth Jar Jar. 

Finally, here's the article on the deleted scene of Maz Kanata's use of the force.

Episode 15: Jessica Jones

Episode 15: Jessica Jones
Hosts: Frank Shaw and John Belliston
Special guest: Matthew Ivan Bennett
Produced by Hobos in the Back Row
Scripting by Frank Shaw and John Belliston and Matthew Ivan Bennett
Edited by: Frank Shaw
Intro Music: Piano Sonata mvnt 1 by F.G. Shaw
Outro Music: Piano Sonata mvnt 3 by F.G. Shaw

John and I are joined by playwright Matthew Ivan Bennett on this episode of the podcast to discuss Jessica Jones: What are our thoughts on the Netflix series? How does it portray female superheros? How well does it portray the survivor of domestic abuse? What are our thoughts about what's to come for Marvel Netflix series? We try to answer all those questions and more in the podcast.

There is one question we discuss above that have better sources than what we three are able to give and that's the matter of the survivor of domestic abuse. To start with here are several links where women give their response to Jessica Jones and how it portrays the victim/survivor role of Jessica in the series.

I have little commentary about the following links because the content is not to be sugarcoated, and nothing I say can do the job of the articles original authors. Each and every one of the following articles is worth a read, especially if you've watched Jessica Jones.

Here is the first link.
Here's the second link.
Here is a link to a Cracked article right in line with the previous two.
And finally, here's a link with information about being "gas lighted" or psychology abused and manipulated.

None of the above links are particularly light reads. As well they shouldn't be. It's a pretty nasty topic but is something that needs to be addressed, and confronted. As you'll read Jessica Jones does a good job of doing just that.

In a complete switch, here's a link to detailing about Jessica Jones next season, or lack of one.

I've been searching for the specific article Matt mentions in the podcast from the Overthinking website (a fantastic pop culture/geek oriented blog and podcast network), as soon as I find it I'll be sharing it here.