EPISODE 055 - TV... or not TV. That is the question.

This week's non-movie topic:
"Every year, September brings a flurry of excitement to hearts across the country. The dog days of summer are winding down into the color-shifting wonder of fall. But more importantly, the new television season begins! Tonight... we're gonna talk about that in our Non Movie Topic. What new shows have you been dying to lay your eyes on? What returning shows are going to have you in their vice-like grips once more? We'll also be discussing favorite shows of the past, and the different ways you watch."

• Personal Preamble:
  • Geek is Chic Podcastathon will be from noon ET October 11 through noon ET October 12. Funds raised during this 24-hour event will go to the Susan G Komen Foundation.
  • The Breast Cancer Site - Click to help fund mammograms for women in need. In October, your click values are doubled. PLUS: If the Breast Cancer Site reaches their October goal, their premiere sponsor will fund an additional 200 mammograms! Click every day -- it's FREE to you, and means so much to so many.
• Listener Feedback:
  • Email from Laurie in Georga
  • Voice mail from Rachel, host of Sims 2 Challenges
  • Voice mail from Samantha, host of Darkcastings
  • Email from Dev
  • Send your email feedback to flickabrac @gmail .com - space added to protect against spambots. If you don't want it read on the show, please make a note of that.
  • Alternately, you can call the voice mail line at (206) 350-2310. Line open 24/7. Standard calling rates apply. Calls will be played on the show.
• In Theaters the week of October 3.
• Mini-review of Ghost Town.
• Discussion of television:
  • New shows we're watching
  • Returning shows we're watching
  • Method of watching (VCR, Internet, etc.)
  • Older Favorites
  • Missed it the first time - shows we missed in first run but managed to catch thanks to the magic of syndication or other method.
• Promo: The Hangout
• Thanks to Terri and SquidLord for participating in the voice chat!
• Thanks also to Brent, Dev, Kira, and SimChris for playing with us in the text chat.
• Music used in this episode:
  • Bumper music composed by StudioMig
    • Intro and Outro: Robot
    • New in Theaters: The Sword of Fire
    • Movie Review: Sherlock
    • Main Event: Transformers
  • (With appreciation to the Podsafe Music Network)

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October 4, 2008:
SMT #14: Saw

EPISODE 054 - Have a Holly Jolie Day!

Celebrity of the Month Discussion:
I was so cocky about this one that I didn't even write up an introductory paragraph for the main topic. Incidentally, we discussed Angelina Jolie.

• Personal Preamble:
  • Ack! My sister listens to the podcast.
• Listener feedback:
  • Voice mail from Rachel (host of Sims 2 Challenges and co-host of Girls Night In Radio)!
  • Voice mail from Samantha (host of Darkcastings)!
    • Send your email feedback to flickabrac @gmail .com - spaces added to protect against spambots. If you don't want it read on the show, please make a note of that.
    • Alternately, you can call the voice mail line at (206) 350-2310. Line open 24/7. Standard calling rates apply. Calls will be played on the show.
• In Theaters the week of September 26, 2008.
• Mini-review of Bangkok Dangerous.
• Discussion of Angelina Jolie:
  • Wikipedia page
  • IMDb entry
• Promo: Sims 2 Challenges
• Thanks to Terri and Wendiigo for their voice participation!
• Thanks also to Laurie in Georgia, FreshRob, Dev, Brent, and SimChris for playing with us in the text chat!
• Music used in this episode:
  • Bumper music composed by StudioMig
    • Intro and Outro: Robot
    • New in Theaters: The Sword of Fire
    • Movie Review: Sherlock
    • Main Event: Transformers
  • (With appreciation to the Podsafe Music Network)

Download the episode!
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September 27, 2008:
TV!

October 4, 2008:
SMT #14: Saw

EPISODE 045 - Animation: The Great Debate

Genre of the Month Discussion:
"Whether you're a fan of the traditional animation of Cinderella or the classic Bugs Bunny cartoons, or you prefer the more technologically advanced methods of Pixar Studios or the Shrek films, animated movies have something for just about everyone. Tonight, our Genre of the month focuses on these cartooney creations -- previously discussed as a sub-genre of kids' movies -- and if time and interest permit, we might even enter a debate suggested by Jerry: Which method is better?"

• Preamble:
  • Recap of my out-of-town trip.
  • Update on the Contest: Poll is up. Voting ends the night of July 4, 2008.
  • Upcoming schedule change - Specifically, rescheduling the July 19 episode, to be held July 16 instead.
• Listener feedback:
  • Voice mail from Samantha (host of Darkcastings)!
  • Send your email feedback to flickabrac @gmail .com - spaces added to protect against spambots. If you don't want it read on the show, please make a note of that.
  • Alternately, you can call the voice mail line at (206) 350-2310. Line open 24/7. Standard calling rates apply. Calls will be played on the show.
• In Theaters the week of June 27.
• Mini-review of The Incredible Hulk.
  li>This movie is also discussed in Episode 9 of Spoiler Alert (iTunes link)
• Discussion of animated movies:
  • flick's favorites
  • Animation tidbits and trivia
• Thanks to Wendiigo for his voice participation!
• Thanks also to Infinity Nevermore, Kim, Koolguy, Andrea, Galena, SimChris, Brent, SheWhoSims, and Shakes for playing with us in the text chat!
• Music used in this episode:
  • Bumper music composed by StudioMig
    • Intro and Outro: Robot
    • New in Theaters: The Sword of Fire
    • Movie Review: Sherlock
    • Main Event: Transformers
  • "Downtown" by Matthew Ebel
    • Official Site
  • (With appreciation to the Podsafe Music Network)

Download the episode!
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June 28:
Music

July 5, 2008:
SMT #11: Sister Act

EPISODE 044 - I Need a Hero

The Movie Topic:
"Whether from the pages of a monthly comic book or a direct creation of a filmmaker's imagination, super hero movies are often FUN to watch! If you disagree, well, this may not be the discussion for you. Tonight, we're going to talk about caped crusaders and other super-powered fighters for truth, justice, and the pursuit of butterscotch pudding."

• Personal Preamble:
  • Explanation for why the episode is so off-kilter.
• Listener Feedback:
  • No feedback this episode.
    • Send your email feedback to flickabrac @gmail .com - space added to protect against spambots. If you don't want it read on the show, please make a note of that.
    • Alternately, you can call the voice mail line at (206) 350-2310. Line open 24/7. Standard calling rates apply. Calls will be played on the show.
• In Theaters the week of June 20, 2008.
• No movie review this episode.
• Discussion of movies about Super Heroes.
  • SquidLord mentioned FanEdit during the discussion.
• Promo: Nobody's Listening
• Thanks to Samantha, Wendiigo, SquidLord, and Eric the Half-a-bee for their voice participation!
• Thanks also to subtle sarcasm, Toy Corpse, Beth, Dev, and SheWhoSims for playing with us in the text chat!
• Music used in this episode
  • Bumper music composed by StudioMig
    • Intro and Outro: Robot
    • New in Theaters: The Sword of Fire
    • Movie Review: Sherlock
    • Main Event: Transformers
  • (With appreciation to the Podsafe Music Network)

Download the episode!
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June 21:
Animation

July 5, 2008:
SMT #11: Sister Act

EPISODE 043 - SMT #10 - Spider-Man Trilogy!

Specific Movie Talk:
"He's faster than a speeding bull-- No. That's not him. He knows what evil lurks in the heart-- No, that's not him either. OH! He's the guy that can spin a web any size and he catches thieves just like flies. Look out! Here comes our discussion of Spider-Man... the trilogy."

• Personal Preamble:
  • Apparently the preamble got cut from the edited show. Odd. (It was about an impending vacation and how that would affect live fab episodes, as well as final announcements about the contest and instructions regarding the poll to follow.)
• Feedback:
  • Voice mail from Rachel, host of The Sims 2 Challenges.
  • Email from Jerry, related to the main topic.
    • Send your email feedback to flickabrac @gmail .com - space added to protect against spambots. If you don't want it read on the show, please make a note of that.
    • Alternately, you can call the voice mail line at (206) 350-2310. Line open 24/7. Standard calling rates apply. Calls will be played on the show.
• New in Theaters on June 13, 2008.
• Mini-review of Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.
  • This movie is also discussed in Episode 8 of Spoiler Alert (iTunes link)
• In-depth, spoiler-laden discussion of Spider-Man, Spider-Man 2, and Spider-Man 3.
• Promo: Darkcastings
• Special thanks to SheWhoSims, Wendiigo, and Shakes for their voice participation!
• Thanks also to Rachel, Brent, Kathleen Egan, Dev, and Kim for playing with us in the text chat!
• Music used in this episode
  • Bumper music composed by StudioMig
    • Intro, Spoiler, and Outro: Robot
    • New in Theaters: The Sword of Fire
    • Movie Review: Sherlock
    • Main Event: Transformers
  • (With appreciation to the Podsafe Music Network)

Download the episode!
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June 21:
Animation

July 5, 2008:
SMT #11: Sister Act

EPISODE 042 - Free Form #3

Free Form:
"Here we are again on a fifth Saturday. You know what that means? No, not free rectal exams. And no, not a front row seat to a Kevin Costner / Nic Cage Double feature. You want REAL punishment? How about a show with NO NOTES! (*Insert screams here*) That's right... it's a FREE FORM episode! You may cower in fear now."

• Personal Preamble:
  • Tales of woe from the sickguy.
  • Contest reminder.
• Listener Feedback:
  • Last-minute voice mail from Rachel, host of The Sims 2 Challenges.
    • Send your email feedback to flickabrac @gmail .com - space added to protect against spambots. If you don't want it read on the show, please make a note of that.
    • Alternately, you can call the voice mail line at (206) 350-2310. Line open 24/7. Standard calling rates apply. Calls will be played on the show.
• New in Theaters on June 6, 2008.
• Mini-review of The Devil Wears Prada.
• Free-form means just that: No specified topic. Here's a sampling of what we talked about:
  • Squidlord interrogates Willie Gillis about podcasts.
  • Kim joins the call and a GNI conversation ensues.
  • The dreaded "TalkShoe Cash" fallout.
  • And more fun stuff.
• Promo: Operation BSU
• Thanks to SquidLord, Eric the Half-a-bee, Rachel, Kim, and Willie for their voice participation!
• Thanks also to Beth, TC Vulpes, SheWhoSims, wendiigo, and Dev for playing with us in the text chat!
• Music used in this episode:
  • Bumper music composed by StudioMig
    • Intro and Outro: Robot
    • New in Theaters: The Sword of Fire
    • Movie Review: Sherlock
    • Main Event: Transformers
  • (With appreciation to the Podsafe Music Network)

Download the episode!

June 4, 2008:
SMT #10: Spider-Man trilogy

EPISODE 041 - Let's Have Some FUN!

This week's non-movie topic:
"As the saying goes, 'All work and no play makes flick want to rip your head off, squeeze it into a trash compactor, and use the rest of your body parts for evil scientific experiments designed to shock and horrify the world. Just before he takes it over.' On the bright side, the world never really has to worry about that with all of the wonderful movie entertainment out there to distract me from my homicidal rages and world conquest schemes.

So how about you? When it comes time to kick off your shoes and do something just for the fun of it, what is it that really floats your boat? It can be a full-blown hobby, or something you like to do just from time to time... you know, to ease the tedium and monotony of everyday life. What do you do just for fun?"

• Personal Preamble:
  • Contest reminder.
• Listener Feedback:
  • Voice mail from Rachel, host of Sims 2 Challenges.
    • Send your email feedback to flickabrac @gmail .com - space added to protect against spambots. If you don't want it read on the show, please make a note of that.
      
    • Alternately, you can call the voice mail line at (206) 350-2310. Line open 24/7. Standard calling rates apply. Calls will be played on the show.
      
• In Theaters the week of May 30.
  
• Mini-review of The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian.
  • This movie is also discussed in Episode 7 of Spoiler Alert (iTunes link)
• Discussion of things we do just for fun.
  
• Promo: Sims 2 Junkie
  
• Thanks to Jerry, samsper, Wendiigo, and Rachel for participating in the voice chat!
  
• Thanks also to Beth, TC Vulpes, kyohtee, Infinity Nevermore, Dev, Brent, and Alex C for playing with us in the text chat.
  
• Music used in this episode:
  • Bumper music composed by StudioMig
    • Intro and Outro: Robot
      
    • New in Theaters: The Sword of Fire
      
    • Movie Review: Sherlock
      
    • Main Event: Transformers
  • (With appreciation to the Podsafe Music Network)

Download the episode!
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May 31:
Free Form #3

June 4, 2008:
SMT #10: Spider-Man trilogy

EPISODE 040 - And Cue the Tears

Genre of the Month Discussion:
"They make us think. They make us cry. Some of the really good ones will also make us laugh -- as Dolly Parton said in Steel Magnolias, 'laughter through tears is my favorite emotion.' Tonight's Genre of the month discussion will be all about Drama. What stimulates your dramatic senses? What drives you to your favorite napping place? Who are some of your favorite dramatic actors? And what are your absolute favorite dramas?"

• Listener feedback:
  • Email from Terri!
  • Voice mail from Rachel (from Sims 2 Challenges)!
  • Voice mail from Samantha (host of Darkcastings)!
  • Send your email feedback to flickabrac @gmail .com - spaces added to protect against spambots. If you don't want it read on the show, please make a note of that.
  • Alternately, you can call the voice mail line at (206) 350-2310. Line open 24/7. Standard calling rates apply. Calls will be played on the show.
• In Theaters the week of May 23.
• In lieu of a movie review, a VERY long voice mail from Rachel, all about podcasts.
• Discussion of the Drama genre:
  • Top 25 Drama rentals at Netflix. (Link not provided due to the ever-changing nature of the list. List was current at the time of recording.)
  • Discussion of some sub-genres within Drama
  • Personal Drama favorites
• Promo: Girls Night In
• Thanks to Rachel, Samantha, and Terri for their voice participation!
• Thanks also to KyOhTee, Kim, Maggie, Jaime, ToyCorpse, Dev, wendiigo, and AlexC for playing with us in the text chat!
• Music used in this episode:
  • Bumper music composed by StudioMig
    • Intro and Outro: Robot
    • New in Theaters: The Sword of Fire
    • Movie Review: Sherlock
    • Main Event: Transformers
  • (With appreciation to the Podsafe Music Network)

Download the episode!
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May 24, 2008:
What do we do for fun?

June 4, 2008:
SMT #10: Spider-Man trilogy

EPISODE 039 - Summer Time Explosions

The Movie Topic:
"While your calendar will tell you that it won't happen until June 20, just one look at the marquee of your local cinema will tell you: Summer is already here. Already fans have marveled (HA!) at a metallic superhero and futuristic racing. The next couple of weeks will bring us a return to Narnia and our favorite whip-cracking archaeologist. This week on flick-a-brac, we're going to talk about the big releases of the season (and a few of the smaller ones). Which ones are we Indy Jonesing for, and which ones will we avoid like a bad Shakesperean sequel?"

• Personal Preamble:
  • Contest reminder.
  • Notice of upcoming schedule shift.
• Listener Feedback:
  • Voice mail from Samantha (host of Darkcastings).
  • Voice mail from Rachel (host of The Sims 2 Challenges).
    
  • Email from Dev.
    • Send your email feedback to flickabrac @gmail .com - space added to protect against spambots. If you don't want it read on the show, please make a note of that.
    • Alternately, you can call the voice mail line at (206) 350-2310. Line open 24/7. Standard calling rates apply. Calls will be played on the show.
• In Theaters the week of May 16, 2008.
• Mini-review of Iron Man.
• Discussion of movies being released in the Summer 2008 season.
• Promo: Operation BSU
• Thanks to Jerry and Samantha for their voice participation!
• Thanks also to Kim, SimChris, Terri, Mike James, Laurie in Georgia, Dev, Toy Corpse, Brent, and Wendiigo for playing with us in the text chat!
• Music used in this episode
  • Bumper music composed by StudioMig
    • Intro and Outro: Robot
    • New in Theaters: The Sword of Fire
    • Movie Review: Sherlock
    • Main Event: Transformers
  • (With appreciation to the Podsafe Music Network)

Download the episode!
(Right-click and Save As.)

May 17:
Drama

June 4, 2008:
SMT #10: Spider-Man trilogy

CONTEST -- (Rules and Details)

I want to announce a CONTEST! That's right, YOU can win a $25 Amazon.com gift certificate just by picking the Specific Movie Topic for August! How do you do that? You send me suggestions for movies.

HERE ARE THE OFFICIAL RULES AND REGULATIONS:

All entries must be done via email. ( flickabrac @gmail .com -- spaces added to defend against spambots ) You can send as many suggestions as you want, as long as you don't double any. You can also send them in as many separate messages as you want. You can send one message with 20 suggestions, or you can send 20 messages with one suggestion each. That's up to you.

Entries must be made from a valid email address, preferably the one with which you have an Amazon.com account. They must also have your name attached somehow... it can be your real name, a pseudonym, or even your Talkshoe ID (if you're a regular live visitor and don't want the world to know who you *really* are). This is so I know who to say won when your movie is picked as the winner.

YOU CANNOT PICK A MOVIE THAT HAS ALREADY BEEN DISCUSSED IN THE SMT! Entries that suggest a Pixar movie, Gremlins (or 2), Stranger than Fiction, The Santa Clause (or 2 or 3), The Breakfast Club, Rent, Honey I Shrunk the Kids, any Friday the 13th movie, Pay It Forward, Spider-Man trilogy, or one of the films scheduled for the Specific Movie Talk for July, will not be considered. The July SMT topic IS already set, though it will not be revealed until the appropriate time.

Contest is open to anyone, anywhere, as long as entrant has access and willingness to use the Amazon.com website.

Deadline for entries is 1:00 am Eastern time on Friday, June 6, 2008*.


SO HOW DO I WIN ALREADY??

Listeners will select the winner. At some point on Friday, June 6, 2008*, I will post a poll to the flick-a-brac show notes web site. The ten movies with the highest number of write-in recommendations will be on the poll. In the event of ties to fill the last slots, *FLICKGUY WILL BE THE SELECTOR*

The poll will be open until 1:00 am Eastern time Saturday, July 5, 2008. Whichever movie has the highest number of votes will be declared the Specific Movie Talk topic for the August 2 episode. Again, in the event of a tie *FLICKGUY WILL BE THE SELECTOR*

If the winning movie was initially suggested by one person, that person will win the gift certificate. If the movie was suggested by two or more people, the winner will be chosen via random drawing. The winner of the gift certificate will be announced in EPISODE 50, the July 26 ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL.

Winner need not be present to win... though winner will find out sooner if winner *is* present.

So pick the Specific Movie Talk for August. And win a gift certificate for $25.



(*NOTE: These rules were initially announced in Episode 038. The deadline for entries was originally announced as June 7, but certain events over the week following 038 have forced me to change the deadline. I apologize for any confusion or inconvenience.)