Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2204 KP) rated Christmas Past in Books
Dec 15, 2022 (Updated Dec 15, 2022)
This book is purely looking at the secular, pop culture celebration of Christmas, although the religious aspect does pop up occasionally, most noticeably in the chapter on “Silent Night.” A couple of chapters seem a bit vague, and the writing can be dry at times, but those are minor complaints. On the whole, this was a fascinating look at where our traditions came from, both those we still use today and those that have faded over time. I am not familiar with the author’s pod cast, but my understanding is much of this material first appeared there. As a Christmas lover, I enjoyed learning more about the holiday. If that’s you, you’ll enjoy this book as well.
Writing the Record: The Village Voice and the Birth of Rock Criticism
Book
During the mid-1960s, a small group of young journalists made it their mission to write about...
David McK (3425 KP) rated The Last of Us Remastered in Video Games
Feb 13, 2020
However, I knew it was by the team behind the Uncharted games, and so picked it up when it was part of the PSN free games package, and thought I would give it a whirl. Now I've finished it, I have to say: I still prefer the Uncharted games.
Detailing the trials and travails of pottie-mouthed Ellie and Joel in a post-apocalyptic (pandemic?) world, there's no denying the skill and attention to detail put into the plot"; it's just a pity I found the game to be very 'samey' after a while.
Snowboarding: The Ultimate Guide
Book
This book provides a comprehensive look at the snowboarding phenomenon, including its history;...
Attached to the Mouse: Disney and Contemporary Art
Book
The Mouse and the Duck are celebrities created by Disney through its new art form, the animated...
Breaking Bad 101: The Complete Critical Companion
Alan Sepinwall, Max Dalton and Damon Lindelof
Book
AMC's Breaking Bad is among the most beloved, critically acclaimed American television series of our...
Geek Parenting: What Joffrey, Jor-El, Malificent, and the Mcflys Teach Us About Raising a Family
Stephen H. Segal and Dudycz Valya
Book
From Batman to Charlie Bucket, from Meg Murry to the Venture Brothers, every hero of science...
Sean Stone recommended Once Upon a Time in the West (1968) in Movies (curated)
Larry Eisner (2082 KP) rated Loot Time Podcast in Podcasts
Oct 3, 2018
This podcast is well crafted from an audio quality standpoint and from a “love of the game” style genuine feeling you get from the hosts. They really love pop culture discussion and it shines through.
They are comfortable with the banter and that’s not easy to make happen, especially within just 25 episodes (when I listened).
My criticism here is a matter of what plagues great intentioned media everywhere. Everyone and everything benefits from a great editor. Now, I’m not talking about topic censure or quality of audio or what other editors of podcasts sometimes do. I’m strictly speaking of editing for content coherency and poignancy.
These guys love to talk pop culture but as any conversation with people who are passionate, they have conversations that seem less interesting if you’re not on the same page. There’s a ton of great content and a lot of boring non-essential content. The non-essential content is usually what defines a conversation-style podcast, because it’s the character of the show. However a lot of times it seems the hosts are stretching for filler. Trying to make the topic of the box more relevant or simply going on a tangent to simply fill tape.
And that is where an editor comes in. I think this could be a FANTASTIC half hour show. But with the dryness of the reaching to stay on topic versus the naturally on-topic stuff, an hour is just too much.
Again, I’m being harsh. I get it. But I think this has a ton of potential. It’s a great idea, and it’s got hosts who are genuinely fun to listen to when they’re jazzed about whatever topic they are on. But when they’re trying too hard to make you love they way they love, it’s too forced. (Loved the Evil Dead stuff, hated the gremlins on VHS stuff as one example).
Enthusiast media is great because it creates a shared space for fans to converge. You don’t have to sell us. We are on board already! So just have fun with it, don’t try to create topics, just run with it. And have someone ready to cut the audio into something more manageable to keep the sweet stuff, and trim the fat!
7/10
Dandy Lion: The Black Dandy and Street Style
Book Watch
Suits that pop with loud colors and dazzling patterns, complete with a nearly ubiquitous bowtie,...
fashion