Disqus - Latest Comments for Rob Boxcutter

Re: Book Review: “I love Coffee” by Susan Zimmer

Rob Boxcutter — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 05:34:45 -0000

I used to "froth" milk using a french press when I had no alternative and wanted some texture in my milk. There's a bit of an art to it -- not aerating too much etc -- but unfortunately it cools the milk down.

Re: What our regular listeners look like

Rob Boxcutter — Sat, 19 Aug 2006 02:58:15 -0000

Behold!

No longer am I RoBBo.

I am now Rob Boxcutter.

Yea, verily!

Rob Boxcutter

Re: Boxcutters Episode 49

Rob Boxcutter — Thu, 24 Aug 2006 22:53:43 -0000

... Which got me thinking: Where else are people listening to their Boxcutters?

Me: Usually in that drifty state of semi-sleep, either heading towards or returning from deep unconsciousness. Therefore Boxcutters: please take care what you say, for I am in a highly suggestible quasi-hypnotic trance. If I suddenly start watching Survivor -- in the past having showed no interest in it -- I WILL know who is to blame!

Methinks I can hear the knives being sharpened now the pork is on the table.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 50

Rob Boxcutter — Fri, 01 Sep 2006 09:58:09 -0000

Damn. Foiled again! It won't stop me writing those bothersome autopsy-obsessed emails . . .

Seriously, I laughed until I stopped.

Congrats on almost making it to the 1 year mark.

Boxcutters: putting odd-smelling pork on your strangely compelling fork.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 54

Rob Boxcutter — Thu, 28 Sep 2006 22:04:01 -0000

I have to disagree with you guys about STUDIO 60 ON THE SUNSET STRIP (Aaron Sorkin's new baby). I've seen the first two episodes and am cursing the unfairness of this cruel universe that makes me wait another week for my next fix. Studio 60 doesn't condescend to the audience by explaining rather too obviously and loudly to camera who's who and what's what (as other new shows do, like SHARK for example); rather we find ourselves suddenly in the cut and thrust of US network TV production machinations. As in Sorkin's THE WEST WING the focus here is on the dynamics of power, the importance of public perception, and how language (speeches/scripts) is crucial to both.

Because the setting is the production side of a weekly network TV satirical comedy show there are perhaps more opportunities (or more permission) for laughs than in The West Wing -- the writing is fast-paced and very smart, very witty -- but the funniest moments and the best lines don't come from the smidgeon we see of sketches going to air. At least not yet. The premise, after all, is that the show they produce has slowly sunk into blunt mediocrity.

Studio 60 is a very writerly show -- as with The West Wing some of the main characters are writers -- and perhaps this will alienate some viewers. Also, some viewers may prefer to watch a satirical network TV show rather than the politics behind one. This wasn't such an issue for followers of The West Wing, whose taste for politics presumably wasn't stretched very far by that show's focus on the politics behind politics.

I also have to disagree with you guys about SIX DEGREES and HEROES. I think the Six Degrees pilot was quite good and will be interestingly watchable (but unfortunately not as strangely compelling as some other programs, for example those shows based on mad professors dissecting freshly deceased and plastinated human bodies while wearing black fedoras). There are some capable actors here (thinking particularly of Hope Davis and the guy who plays the photographer) and I'm happier to suspend my belief to accept interconnections between these New York storylines than I am to eviscerate my belief system entirely (for HEROES) to allow for siblings who fly, office workers who manipulate the space-time continuum and teenagers whose bodies are fireproof and unbreakable (surely they only think and act as if this were the case). I do agree the show is hurt by the stereotyping of minorities.

Other new season offerings I've had a look at are:

Season 2 of EXTRAS
David Bowie's cameo is brilliant -- I didn't know it was possible to laugh so hard while feeling pity in equal measure.

SMITH
Ray Liotta leading a double life as family man while head of a gang of high-end thieves-for-hire. I like it.

MEN IN TREES
Sex in the City meets Northern Exposure. They virtually spruik it this way on their web site! Has potential and is refreshingly without guns, violence and skyscrapers. Some quirkiness.

SHARK
Wealthy, successful and ruthless LA defence attorney is recruited by the Mayor to turn prosecutor with the DA's office and teach them all his dirty tricks. Bursting at the seams with cliches (he he he), I don't know that I'd be watching this if James Woods weren't playing the lead. Best supporting actors in this show are James Woods' mansion and James Woods' hair.

STANDOFF
Focuses on a male/female pair of LA-based FBI "Crisis Negotiators" (who are sleeping with each other, of course). This has been mildly entertaining so far but could get boring rather quickly, just like HOUSE did after the first few episodes. The plot? There's a kidnapping/hostage-taking/siege/crisis. The negotiators want to talk. The SWAT team wants to shoot. Negotiators win in the end. Ok, we get it.

- - - -
I'm yet to see RUNAWAY, BROTHERS AND SISTERS and the new season of David Mamet's THE UNIT. Has anyone out there an opinion on these?

Re: Boxcutters Episode 54

Rob Boxcutter — Thu, 28 Sep 2006 22:55:46 -0000

Well, I wasn't sure if describing Studio 60 as the "bust" of this week's new shows was editorialising or just quoting how folks in the US found it (based on the man-with-chicken). In any case, I think it was the other Ross who said it ;-)

What's the deal Ross? You gotta log-in as anonymous now, on your own blog?

Re: Boxcutters Episode 54

Rob Boxcutter — Mon, 02 Oct 2006 08:00:52 -0000

Yep, Studio 60 is definitely the new crack.

I hadn't heard the stuff about Jericho. I've had a look at the show but I'm not that compelled by it.

Showtime (US) has just premiered DEXTER.

Here's the Wikipedia entry:

"DEXTER is a Showtime original television series starring Michael C. Hall as serial killer Dexter Morgan, who works as a forensics analyst (specializing in blood spatter) for the Miami-Dade Police Department.

". . . Orphaned at the age of four and harboring a traumatic secret, Dexter is adopted by a Miami police officer who recognizes Dexter's homicidal tendencies and teaches his son to channel his gruesome passion for human vivisection in a constructive way â€” by killing only those heinous criminals who are above the law or who have slipped through the cracks of justice. A respected member of the police force, a perfect gentleman and a man with a soft spot for children, Dexter is hard not to like. Although his drive to kill is unflinching, he struggles to emulate normal emotions he doesn't feel and to keep up appearances as a caring, socially-responsible human being.

". . . The series is based on the novel Darkly Dreaming Dexter by Jeff Lindsay."

I can almost taste the apple sauce.

Re: DL Tips

Rob Boxcutter — Tue, 03 Oct 2006 10:27:01 -0000

Thanks for the low-down, Brett.

My ISP's cable upload speed is seriously deficient (guess who), making it difficult to obtain good UL/DL ratios, so I usually have to pay for "upload credit" (around 25 cents per Gigabyte) if I want a fast download of a new torrent.

Does bitmetv.org let you buy a good ratio? My ISP sends me warning notices if I seed anything faster than 15 KB/s for more than a few hours.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 56

Rob Boxcutter — Thu, 12 Oct 2006 09:26:02 -0000

Hey people,

The serial killer in new show "Dexter" is played by Michael C Hall (David Fisher, the undertaker from Six Feet Under). So he's found another role where he can slice and dice the dead and the deserving-to-be-dead. So far, so good. I am intrigued. Will post a verdict-resembling-thing in coming days, after more viewage. But first I must listen to BCep56!!!

Re: Jericho gets picked up (Ugly Betty too)

Rob Boxcutter — Sun, 15 Oct 2006 07:50:43 -0000

Speaking of things Seven, they've recently started screening THE UNIT (Wednesdays 9.30). This is the first season; the second season is currently running in the US. I expected a bit more from David Mamet (co-creator, EP and writer) but then I have high expectations and hey, it is television. I've enjoyed it quite a bit. There's some classic Mamet-style dialogue delivery and this is balanced with plenty of action. It's certainly much better viewing than a lot of what's around.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 56

Rob Boxcutter — Sun, 15 Oct 2006 08:27:24 -0000

Hmmmm. I'm not sold (yet) on Brothers and Sisters. I've watched the first two episodes and will (probably) give it another one or two out of loyalty to "our" Rachel. There's just not much in it that compels me. According to Wiki it's not going down well with US audiences either.

I've had enough of Men in Trees after 4 eps. I like some of the characters but it's not enough to keep me tuned in.

Season two of Extras has been bloody brilliant so far and the other recent winner is The Amazing Mrs Pritchard (6-parter currently screening in the UK; 2 down, 4 to go) starring Jane Horrocks as a supermarket manager from Yorkshire who stands as an independent in the national election, inspires other women to do the same and becomes Prime Minister after her "Purple Alliance" is swept into power. Great stuff.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 56

Rob Boxcutter — Mon, 16 Oct 2006 11:10:09 -0000

I agree with you Mark, about Dexter. It definitely has that strangely compelling porcine edge to it. I found Shark a bit of a one man show (two-man show if you count James Woods' hair). I might give it another go when it's screened over here.

...

...

Sorry -- just got distracted by Paulie Walnuts having a MOMENT!

Re: New ABC Policy

Rob Boxcutter — Sun, 22 Oct 2006 06:03:07 -0000

Let us subvert their plans from within.

Re: New ABC Policy

Rob Boxcutter — Sun, 22 Oct 2006 06:06:57 -0000

... from within: http://tinyurl.com/yynvau

Re: sad………

Rob Boxcutter — Sun, 12 Nov 2006 06:40:56 -0000

This is truly, horribly sad. Life and death and suffering seem cruelly random at times.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 61

Rob Boxcutter — Sat, 18 Nov 2006 08:35:53 -0000

In the world of podcasting, nostalgia kicks in after only a year?? Sheesh, that's quick. Oh well, as long as we're doing it ... can we have a retrospective account of Pork through the ages? Josh's explanation on this week's show was a good start. Before the heady days of Pork as we now know it there was APT content - or just APT - (never cracked that code). This was preceded by Strangely Compelling Content. What came before ... who can say? Expository backstory is needed here. That's it. Done. Gauntlet is on the table.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 61

Rob Boxcutter — Wed, 22 Nov 2006 06:21:33 -0000

Thanks Ross. And for those who may have missed it, APT meant . . .??

Re: Boxcutters Episode 61

Rob Boxcutter — Thu, 23 Nov 2006 03:26:43 -0000

. . . "Aaaaarghhhh!" and then he

Re: Boxcutters Episode 61

Rob Boxcutter — Thu, 23 Nov 2006 03:32:25 -0000

. . . died screaming with sharp things in his head.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 62

Rob Boxcutter — Thu, 23 Nov 2006 07:35:38 -0000

That's fantastic news about going radio. Well done!

Re: Some Boxcutter imagery

Rob Boxcutter — Tue, 28 Nov 2006 07:19:31 -0000

But Brett . . .

Re: Some Boxcutter imagery

Rob Boxcutter — Wed, 29 Nov 2006 00:06:38 -0000

Thanks. I can't get the comments system to allow me to post images in my comments. Perhaps that's for the best, as I'd probably get carried away. You can create your own customised message/images at ImageChef. Enjoy!

Re: Like Rod Stewart said…

Rob Boxcutter — Tue, 05 Dec 2006 02:42:06 -0000

Break yourselves a collective leg, fellas, and have a good show!

Re: Boxcutters Episode 64

Rob Boxcutter — Wed, 13 Dec 2006 03:42:02 -0000

Thanks for my biggest belly laugh this week (James Talia being cut off after you asked about the future of Channel Nine's London/Europe news bureau)!

I almost had to stop the car.

Biggest ironic moment last week: my reception of your first radio broadcast was "interfered with" in my area by someone FM-transmitting a podcast around 102.7 MHz!

Re: Boxcutters Special Episode Alpha

Rob Boxcutter — Mon, 25 Dec 2006 09:42:29 -0000

As long as you have a DVD player that can play DivX (or .avi) files I'm sure no small number of boxcutters would oblige you with .avi-filled dvds for your viewing pleasure. DivX compatible players can be found for around $65. Otherwise you can play the files through your computer. At it's simplest, file-sharing is people sharing what they have, after all.

Re: Where’s the Challah?

Rob Boxcutter — Tue, 09 Jan 2007 08:45:48 -0000

It'll be the width that counts.

I drove past the studio tonight around 10.15 and wondered if the dedicated Boxcutter crew were there in full post-broadcast/pre-podcast mode, cutting some bits, lengthening others, remembering all the while to appreciate the feel of the width.

Girth: where would we be without it??

Robboxcutter

Re: Where’s the Challah?

Rob Boxcutter — Tue, 09 Jan 2007 08:56:19 -0000

I mean we're not the ABC so we we don't have to follow their "editorial guidelines" but hey; if you're gonna have pork, better to balance it out with some Challah or at least a bagel, no?

Roxbuttercob

Re: Where’s the Challah?

Rob Boxcutter — Tue, 09 Jan 2007 08:58:28 -0000

Even Knish's I hear can be quite tasty if made well.

Rock Butterscox

Re: Where’s the Challah?

Rob Boxcutter — Tue, 09 Jan 2007 09:04:58 -0000

Alas I don't know the difference between a blini and a blintz.

- Curb Ottersbox

Neither do I.

- Rubb Otterscox

Re: Where’s the Challah?

Rob Boxcutter — Tue, 09 Jan 2007 09:23:33 -0000

That's what I said 14 marmosets ago . . .

Re: Where’s the Challah?

Rob Boxcutter — Tue, 09 Jan 2007 18:21:11 -0000

That's above and beyond the call of duty. Do the RRR computers fall over when the weather heats up?

Thanks for your dedication to the cause!

Ox Cobrutters

Re: Boxcutters Episode 68

Rob Boxcutter — Tue, 09 Jan 2007 18:23:57 -0000

I hope you guys got *some* sleep. I see this was posted in the wee hours.

Rob Coxbutter

Re: Boxcutters Episode 68

Rob Boxcutter — Wed, 10 Jan 2007 01:09:35 -0000

It's always worth the wait.

I have to thank you guys for putting us on to Entourage. It's nicely filling the gaping void where Studio 60 used to be.

Re: Boxcutters Epsiode 69

Rob Boxcutter — Tue, 16 Jan 2007 07:29:57 -0000

Thanks for the upload. I missed you guys on the radio because of the power blackout.

By the way, the direct download mp3 file is labelled ep68 (like last week) which may confuse some podcatching software.

Cheers,

Rob

Re: Boxcutters Episode 73

Rob Boxcutter — Mon, 12 Feb 2007 23:26:38 -0000

Studio 60 airs in Canada on a Sunday night - the night before it airs in the US - so it usually appears on torrent sites Monday afternoon (Oz time). It's a pity Aaron Sorkin is in a bit of a writing slump with this show; it started off so well. We are hanging in there out of loyalty and in the hope the show won't spiral out of quality control.

The Black Donnellys I think was always scheduled to take over Studio 60's (US) spot during the Studio 60 hiatus beginning in March.

Rob "Cut Man" Boxcutter

Re: Boxcutters Episode 73

Rob Boxcutter — Mon, 12 Feb 2007 23:44:27 -0000

The Wikipedia entry on Studio 60 quotes a Time Magazine story (Time Vol. 168 No. 26 US-edition) lumping the show together with other "phenomena that captivated the media for a spell, then turned out to be less than huge."

Could be a good name for a Boxcutters segment . . .

Re: Boxcutters Episode 73

Rob Boxcutter — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 06:43:48 -0000

Ross: Also on the list of things that went from BUZZ to BUST were Snakes on a Plane, the OJ Simpson book and Sony PS3.

A reminder, everyone, that the brilliant sci-fi cop show Life on Mars has just started its second and last season on the BBC. This is the show with John Simm as the detective who is hit by a car and wakes up in 1973. Fantastic stuff.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 74

Rob Boxcutter — Sat, 24 Feb 2007 03:54:42 -0000

Josh, language pedantry knows no bounds. To wit:

The word "there" in "There is a giant oak tree in my garden" is not a preposition. It's not even really behaving as an adverb of place (which is its usual part of speech). Rather, it is the dummy subject required grammatically in these sorts of existential clauses. If "there" was functioning as a preposition in that sentence it should be able to be replaced with just about any other preposition and still be grammatical, but this isn't the case:

There is a giant oak tree in my garden. (Movie Yes)

* Over is a giant oak tree in my garden. (Movie No)

* Before is a giant oak tree in my garden. (Movie No)

It can, however, be replaced with another adverb of place (and be grammatical), but the meaning changes fundamentally (it's no longer simply an existential clause): Here is a giant oak tree in my garden.

It's subtle, as is the difference between:

There is an oak tree in my garden. (existential)

and

THERE is an oak tree, in my garden.

Wasn't that fun?!

Re: Boxcutters Episode 77

Rob Boxcutter — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 22:07:33 -0000

Ah, Gunther von Hagens. You know, in his younger days (still with hair and without the black fedora) he looked rather like Hugh Grant. Can you see it? I watched The Anatomist last night. I hope one day I too can have a "happy polymer birthday" spent alone plastinating post mortem internal organs, or perhaps an ox.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 78

Rob Boxcutter — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 18:57:30 -0000

Brett's special fancy (the cloak) has never let me watch the video content on Showtime US (sho.com). It lets me navigate around the site ok, just not to any streaming video. Can you post a link to a special fancy that does?

Thanks

Re: Boxcutters Episode 78

Rob Boxcutter — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 03:44:50 -0000

Thanks for the link, Nigel. I can get there but it keeps telling me I need the latest version of Flash Player, which is annoying because I have the latest version installed! Grrrr.

Re: BROSS

Rob Boxcutter — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 08:07:45 -0000

Well, I don't know about that.

I do know there's a great 7-minute video summary of the entire 6 seasons of The Sopranos on YouTube.

Re: South Park Vs Family Guy

Rob Boxcutter — Sat, 07 Apr 2007 09:20:00 -0000

I'm really enjoying following this thread. Keep it up, people.

It has got me thinking about the shifting ground of interpretation and meaning we take from any piece of "art", be it TV, film, performance, song, book, etc. Particularly about what happens as we learn the real-life situations, ethnicities and politics of the creators behind the works.

When South Park does "it's thing" on say hippies, is it parodying the hippy phenomenon, parodying the anti-hippy attitude or in fact championing the anti-hippy stance? And is this something that can be answered purely by viewing the show or does it depend on your own background or upon knowing something about Parker & Stone's actual position? Of course, it's possible for the show's intent to be markedly different from how a majority of viewers receive and interpret it.

It's a murky area I think, because when it comes to interpretation there are aren't really many absolute, definitive truths.

I think of Borat and Ali G. Many would say Sacha Baron Cohen doing the anti-semitic Borat is still in fact anti-semitic because it encourages this sentiment in some viewers who don't get that they're own attitudes are being exposed. And I'm sure it would be different if Baron Cohen weren't Jewish. Or would it? He's not black, yet I imagine opinions on whether the Ali G phenomenon is racist are just as divided, among black and white. Perhaps the totality of verdicts would be the same, only the the types of people holding them would be reversed.

It's all nourishing food for thought and it's never a bad thing to step back away from the box and watch ourselves watching it.

Re: The Blog

Rob Boxcutter — Sun, 08 Apr 2007 10:17:39 -0000

Why not upgrade to 2.1.3? I just upgraded a blog from 2.0.x to 2.1.2 quite seamlessly via Fantastico. Just now I upgraded again to 2.1.3 and all's still well.

Re: The Blog

Rob Boxcutter — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 02:47:36 -0000

My themes and plugins were retained (and I use widgetised themes), but it's always good to check for the most recent versions of all plugins; some older versions may not be tested against the latest Wordpress release.

I think I upgraded one or two plugins to ensure compatibility.

When you upgrade, Wordpress provides a 6-step instruction guide on how to restore in case of problems.

Re: The Blog

Rob Boxcutter — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 02:52:32 -0000

Wow. Is it just me or is everyone seeing this blog with the standard "Kubrick" Wordpress Default theme (as of 4.50pm Easter Monday)??

Re: The Blog

Rob Boxcutter — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 03:17:41 -0000

Ignore that last.

I'd clicked on the "WordPress Classic" theme choice at the bottom of the sidebar and couldn't get Benevolence back until I cleared my Boxcutter cookie.

Re: The Blog

Rob Boxcutter — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 03:41:38 -0000

Did the theme change on you, fouthof5?

If so, try getting rid of your cookies for this site and restart your browser. It should return to normal.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 81

Rob Boxcutter — Sun, 22 Apr 2007 08:21:16 -0000

Catbrain: I'm pretty sure granola is just American English for "muesli" so "crunchy granola" is no more tautological (tautologous?) than "toasted muesli."

(I know a man was outta touch)

Most of us pronounce it [mewsli] and others say [moosli]. I wonder if it depends where in Australia you live? Do write in and let us know how you pronounce it and in which city you live.

(And he'd hide in a house and he didn't say much)

Do you think Americans would say [moosli] (that is, if they didn't call it granola)? What about Noo Zealanders?

(Deedle-ee deet deet deet deet deet deet deedle-ee-doo)

"Granola", I think, derives from a brand name. I wonder what they called it before . . . ?

(Good lord!)

Re: Boxcutters Episode 81

Rob Boxcutter — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 09:10:01 -0000

Fantastic stuff!

Now I can rest easy.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 82

Rob Boxcutter — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 01:36:26 -0000

I think Joost may be a problem for cable broadband connections. My max upload speed on cable is 32kb per second, which is about the rate Joost requires for the upload side of its p2p. The problem is my ISP sends out suspension threats to its cable users if their upload rate is more than about 10kb/sec for any length of time.

I guess it's a moot point though, seeing as Joost will soon vaporise into the ether . . .

Re: Boxcutters Episode 81

Rob Boxcutter — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 06:47:21 -0000

I agree. That's a masterfully argued position!

Re: Boxcutters Episode 82

Rob Boxcutter — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 07:00:06 -0000

Actually I meant 32 kiloBytes per second upload (ie 256 kbps) and yes, it's optarse. When I rang them to arrange switching from their cable service to their ADSL service (faster uploads) they said they refuse to connect ADSL if there's an existing cable connection. If I want ADSL I'll need to switch ISPs. I reckon that's a silly position but perhaps it indicates a looming problem: broadband bandwidth availability collapsing under the demands of gaming, streaming and p2p video.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 85

Rob Boxcutter — Mon, 14 May 2007 10:00:18 -0000

Tom Elliot - a famous cutter of boxers and a renowned restorer of balance!

Re: Another one down

Rob Boxcutter — Wed, 23 May 2007 01:52:40 -0000

Perhaps the Apprentice-sized hole can be filled by On The Lot, the Steven Spielberg / Mark Burnett co-production which has just started in the US. It sounds similar in concept to Project Greenlight but on a grander scale and focusing (pardon the pun) on directors rather than writers.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 86

Rob Boxcutter — Wed, 23 May 2007 09:54:39 -0000

I've just been watching The Chaser boys do their thing on the ABC and even though I love what they do (mostly), credit where credit's due fellas - I've been noticing a pattern:

First there was "What We've Learnt From Current Affairs This Week". Raywatch by any other name would smell as dodgy.

Then there was the "Ad Road Test." Uh-uh, I don't buy it!

Finally tonight they had something like "Things You May Have Missed on Cable TV."

Next week I'm sure they'll be serving up Pork.

[This post has no connection with BCep86. Any similarities to actual content in BCep86, either living or dead, is purely coincidental]

Written and authorised by Rob Boxcutter

Re: iTunes help

Rob Boxcutter — Fri, 25 May 2007 02:44:27 -0000

There's two of me. How confusing.

Rob Boxcutter

Re: Boxcutters Episode 87

Rob Boxcutter — Tue, 29 May 2007 10:22:55 -0000

This has nothing to do with BCep87 but . . .

Oh my god. The FilmBuffs podcast feed has caught up to the most recent show. I don't think we've been here before . . .

Goodonya, Brett! Break out the bubbly, someone.

Re: On Radio National

Rob Boxcutter — Wed, 30 May 2007 03:05:55 -0000

The mention of the dark quality of The Sopranos in comparison to Big Love on your TV review segment this week reminded me how the show has changed from its original concept. I recently watched the Sopranos pilot episode and it was a much lighter and more comedic show than what we have been seeing the last few seasons. No complaints here - I love the ominous nature of the later years - just thought it was an interesting development.

Also, Tony Sopranos's character was less thuggish, more articulate and his "Joisey" accent was much less pronounced.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 87

Rob Boxcutter — Wed, 30 May 2007 03:09:07 -0000

Well done, catbrain, for the filmbuffs podcast work!

Re: Milch article

Rob Boxcutter — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 10:12:20 -0000

Alas, the news about "John From Cincinnati" according to Tim Goodman is not good. I like his weekly deconstructions of The Sopranos so I have some faith in his judgement, but of course we will have to check it out for ourselves. I'm only two-thirds through the 2nd season of Deadwood so I have plenty of Milch to keep me going for a bit.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 88

Rob Boxcutter — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 23:04:08 -0000

Do you know how hard I was yelling "Steven Berkoff!" at my mp3 player just now? I think I busted a vein in my temple.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 88

Rob Boxcutter — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 09:53:03 -0000

Have a look at the top result when you Google "semi-solid pensioners pork"!

Re: Boxcutters Episode 88

Rob Boxcutter — Sat, 09 Jun 2007 01:36:25 -0000

Sorry dishy, it needs to be without the quotation marks. Just semi-solid pensioners pork.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 90

Rob Boxcutter — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 07:46:03 -0000

Please: "Granola group" is a bit clunky. How about the "Crunchy Granola Suite"?

Re: Paris burns

Rob Boxcutter — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 11:34:20 -0000

Ahh . . . I'm starting to see the link to Granola!

Granola has SHREDDED wheat among its ingredients and can be found served at the breakfast buffets of any number of Hilton Hotels, expecially in Paris.

Oops, it's 1.30am and I have no granola. Wrong Day. Doh. Still, nothing beats camping out in the queue to ensure you're the first to catch that crunchy granola. Sweeeet maaate!

Re: Boxcutters Episode 92

Rob Boxcutter — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 09:18:20 -0000

Aahhh . . . the server labours as the Crunchy Granola Suite flock to download the latest.

Rob Boxcutter

Re: Boxcutters Episode 92

Rob Boxcutter — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 04:45:42 -0000

Re: 774 ABC Melbourne Conversation Hour

There's a podcast feed for Jon Faine's Conversation Hour that has downloadable mp3s from the last fortnight or so:

http://www.abc.net.au/melbourne/features/faine.xml

Rob Boxcutter

Re: Boxcutters Episode 93

Rob Boxcutter — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 00:08:46 -0000

Was it in Arrested Development (I think it was) where there was a scene with Henry Winkler's character involved in a small scuffle in a men's room . . . after getting up and straightening his clothes he goes to the mirror, takes out a comb to make sure his hair is ok and then does the typical Fonzie thing of raising the comb halfway to his head, seeing his hair is still perfect as always, then stretching out both arms towards his reflection in a gesture of fleeting but profound self-admiration.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 95

Rob Boxcutter — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 07:18:12 -0000

Catbrain + Ross: Stop talking about Five Days!!! (Please). I have only watched 3 of the 5 episodes and I don't want to learn how it ends on Boxcutters ;-)

The series does re-cap, by the way. At least on the version I'm watching.

You can stop searching, Catbrain.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 95

Rob Boxcutter — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 07:50:16 -0000

"Oriented" v "orientated" is an interesting one, and probably is in some flux here in Australia.

When you are in new surroundings, do you "orient" yourself or do you "orientate" yourself?

Is the confusion partly because "orienteering" and "orientation" are both nouns (although with very different meanings)?

When you become confused as to your location, are you "disoriented" or "disorientated"?

What about when you deliberately cause someone else to become lost in this way. Have you "disoriented" them or "disorientated" them?

It's all very interesting.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 95

Rob Boxcutter — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 09:54:05 -0000

No worries, Catbrain. Hypothetically (of course) I could leave such a thing in a plain brown paper bag at Boxcutters HQ, addressed to Ms C. Brain or similar.

Allegedly.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 95

Rob Boxcutter — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 10:09:50 -0000

I tell you, I've really been enjoying the new James Nesbitt vehicle "Jekyll" (BBC One). I think it's a 6-parter. He really gets to play deliciously with the Mr Hyde character. The show has it's flaws but Nesbitt mincing around menacingly as Hyde is absolute gold.

Another that shows great promise is Mad Men, which has just started on AMC. It's set in the world of 1950s Madison Ave advertising execs and is written by Matthew Weiner who co-wrote and exec produced The Sopranos. I've seen the first episode and I think it has potential to do good things.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 96

Rob Boxcutter — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 08:51:39 -0000

Holy granola, Batman ... 27 hours early!

Re: Boxcutters Episode 96

Rob Boxcutter — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 21:27:45 -0000

Now that I've actually listened to (most of)the show:

Happy Birthday Ross!

(Your prezzies will arrive shortly)

Re: Boxcutters Episode 96

Rob Boxcutter — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 19:05:52 -0000

Awwww, shucks.

Please, people will talk!

Re: Boxcutters Episode 97

Rob Boxcutter — Sun, 05 Aug 2007 10:48:35 -0000

I'm half way through the aired episodes of John from Cincinnati; episode 4 was the one I watched tonight. I like the array of quirks and clowns, much like there were in Deadwood, and on that topic, I've counted four Deadwood actors in it so far. I love the Shakespearean soliloquies which function explanatorily to fill us in on what has occurred, hint at what may be heading our way and suggest some of the innermost formative thoughts of our most colourful protagonists. That these no longer issue forth from the foul but entrancing mouth of Al Swearengen while being serviced orally down below certainly lends a more muted, less urgent air to the proceedings.

The supernatural theme is hotting up, literally so, in terms of Butchie's implants and Cass's nipple rings. And there are some marvellous lines:

"This can only attract new types of shitheel into that boyâ€™s life. Which wasnâ€™t short of shitheels before." (the Ed O'Neil character)

. . .

Barry: (As he slowly approached the door to room 24) Do you hear the dead man singing within, gentlemen?

Ramon: Iâ€™m half deaf from the leaf blower.

Barry: No, attorney Dickstein?

Dickstein: Ah, surferâ€™s ear. Exostosis of the ear canal.

Barry: I alone then am favored by that jovially croaking post-coital falsetto, winsomely caricaturing Debbie Boone? (He begins humming and singing â€œYou light up my lifeâ€, as he quickly grabs the door and slams it shut)

. . .

Ripper stuff, especially should one find oneself withdrawing raggedly from Deadwood, an unfortunate and bleak scenario I am happy to announce has not been my misfortune to experience, for I have series three of that frontier adventure ahead of me still.

Rob Boxcutter

Re: Boxcutters Episode 97

Rob Boxcutter — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 06:38:47 -0000

Brett: stick with Sports Night. It's lightweight, of course, compared to West Wing. It is after all a sit-com. The laugh track is done away with at some point after a few episodes. It's very much about the buddy thing, which Sorkin seems to have in all his TV shows and which he does well. I really got to like the Dan and Casey characters and their banter. Joshua Malina's character Jeremy is also at the centre of some very witty repartee, much as his Will Bailey was in West Wing. I don't know if I'd choose it in preference to meatier, prime-time shows but it's fine light fodder and I suppose a must for Sorkin fans. Like me.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 97

Rob Boxcutter — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 06:42:30 -0000

PS: RE: Sports Night

A must-watch episode is "The Cut Man Cometh" in season two.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 97

Rob Boxcutter — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 09:34:19 -0000

Welcome aboard jebo.

More on Milch: I was just listening to an old interview with him where he was asked why the strange mixture of such extremely foul language with Shakespearean cadence and style in Deadwood. He explained at length, based on a year of researching life around Deadwood during the gold rush, that the place was in fact a cesspool of expletives, and he had a grand theory that people in that situation needed to talk violent and threateningly in order not to have to resort to violence on a daily basis, like gorillas beating their chests. As for the Elizabethan phrasing, he argued the only reading matter people would have dipped into, or heard recited, in that environment would have been Shakespeare and the King James version of the Bible.

OK.

But after watching John from Cincinnati I'm convinced Milch just likes to hear his characters swear colourfully and simply enjoys the Elizabethan Age sentence constructions.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 97

Rob Boxcutter — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 20:36:24 -0000

@Josh
I thought Thora Birch in "Ghost World" was first

Re: Boxcutters Episode 97

Rob Boxcutter — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 06:04:50 -0000

By the way, is the podcast now regularly on Sunday nights?

Re: Boxcutters Episode 97

Rob Boxcutter — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 09:35:08 -0000

I don't understand. If Channel Ten can air Californication a mere fortnight after it first airs in the States, then why can't it air the show on or about the same day as they do in the States???

Gratuitous use of punctuation!!!???

Re: Boxcutters Episode 97

Rob Boxcutter — Sat, 11 Aug 2007 01:59:12 -0000

Ross, wasn't there at least a redeeming Bill (Ed O'Neill) moment in it? He gets such good lines. I discovered recently that Milch wrote Al Swearengen specifically for Ed O'Neill, but they couldn't get him.

Re: Boxcutters back to originally programmed schedule

Rob Boxcutter — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 09:02:53 -0000

Can you subscribe to a podcast?

Re: Boxcutters back to originally programmed schedule

Rob Boxcutter — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 09:43:54 -0000

Marc: If you ring it, they will come . . .

Oh, and have your credit card handy.

hehehe

Re: The golden age of television

Rob Boxcutter — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 21:25:23 -0000

@Josh:

Don't you think TWW changed television by training the audience to work for its pleasure? Rather than explain the necessary background through the sort of exposition we all can't stand, TWW just dumped you in the middle of it and maked you swim.

Hard.

And then, as an audience, slowly we discovered how enjoyable and fulfilling it was to work hard for our TV pleasure and eventually we hungered for it. Possibly this created the type of audience Deadwood then required to thrive (but remember, Deadwood was pay TV, TWW free to air network, so quite an achievement for TWW right there).

A show that made public servants and public service sexy! That's pretty amazing. A show that celebrated speech writers, eggheads and word nerds. Lionized them even!

And going live to air with a "presedential debate" . . . Incredible!

It should be in GAT simply for how it changed us as an audience, by raising our standards of viewing acceptability.

Don't you think?

Re: The golden age of television

Rob Boxcutter — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 22:17:45 -0000

Boom!

Re: The golden age of television

Rob Boxcutter — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 01:53:51 -0000

I've only watched a couple of Curb episodes but perhaps it earns its place in GAT by virtue of being an unscripted sit-mocumentary-com. Was it the first to do that?

Re: The golden age of television

Rob Boxcutter — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 02:24:22 -0000

Great.

So which show on the list does TWW bump off?

hehehe

Re: The golden age of television

Rob Boxcutter — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 04:29:41 -0000

Let's all hug it out!

Re: The golden age of television

Rob Boxcutter — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 04:31:16 -0000

Careful, Josh. It's a fine line between admitting you're wrong and being envelope-whipped.

Re: The golden age of television

Rob Boxcutter — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 08:52:11 -0000

Band of Brothers is certainly good television. Sort of like Saving Private Ryan, but over 10 (?) episodes.

I had never heard of Spaced until now.

What will we be arguing about this week?

Re: Boxcutters Episode 99

Rob Boxcutter — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 12:08:59 -0000

Just in time, people. I was gathering my grains and preparing to march down to the studios demanding granola, granola, GRANOLA! Foiled by lack of milk (Doris!!!) all I could do was ring and harrass poor Simon over the phone. Boxcutters have left the building. We'll let you get away with it this time, fellas, being your 99th and all. But next week . . . watch out for the fat lady singing!

Rob boxcutter

Re: Boxcutters Episode 99

Rob Boxcutter — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 11:25:23 -0000

Ok. Now I have watched the final episode of John From Cincinnati. Look, I really enjoyed the ride. As I intimated in another post, I like to work for my TV enjoyment (but only if the payoff is big enough) and this show did it for me. Sure some of the characters were wooden, and some annoying, but weren't there some beauties! Freddie + Palaka, Barry Cunningham, Ramon, and Bill Jacks (Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ)! I loved the way these guys (the actors) really inhabited the skin of these characters. And yes, plenty was unresolved. You might even say some things were left up in the air??? but this will always be the case, would it not, with a series not knowing its fate after the season ends and having to bring some closure fore the season but also leave enough threads unravelling to pick up if the sho gets the GO for a second season.

Oh I laughed heartily at the characters themselves as well as their lines and delivery. For me it was a show I'd like to collect all the precious gems of dialogue from and display somewhere.

Final tally of the Deadwood Posse I think was 6. Or have I missed one?

Well done Milchmeister! You don't need to guarantee me a destination, just show me a good ride with colorful eccentric characters and the genious actors to play them, and in the playing, transcend them. You keep me entertained with your stylistic speech patterns from another time that intrude into our own and remind us there are odder ways to go

DoeS a show change your life.? It can. It can redefine for you in an instant your tastes and your dislikes and so you get not just entertainment from this process but also change and movement and hopfully momentum to act.

This show is an ensemble, yet only some of the ensemble are people. Some other ensemble members are themes or the thing Palaka does with his arms, or the steady Freddie stare or "which little crushable fly are you to me, The red one?" Squishh, splat.

You will all live forever in the zeros and ones of cass's camera.

Now pleazse excuse my, my bird has me at the accountant at 3pm. . . .

MilcHWeeD!

Re: Boxcutters Episode 99

Rob Boxcutter — Sat, 25 Aug 2007 05:18:30 -0000

@ kerrie: I know what you mean.

There's a great scene in an early (series 1) episode of The Wire, where McNulty and Bunk are examining a crime scene, measuring distances and calculating ballistic trajectories and ricochet angles. They talk to each other throughout, and it's not a particularly short scene - at least a few minutes - yet the entire dialogue is restricted to two words: "fuck" and "motherfucker". Very funny, and it reminded me of Mr Wu's restricted vocabulary. Of course, Wu can also say "San Francisco."

Re: Boxcutters Episode 100

Rob Boxcutter — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 08:41:43 -0000

Again, congratulations on the big 100.

You know, now I absolutely must watch The Kill Point (as would any grammar-obsessed crunchy granola eater).

Can we have the Boxcutters verdict on Flight of the Conchords and The Bronx is Burning?

Re: Boxcutters Episode 100

Rob Boxcutter — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 10:08:07 -0000

Changing the topic just a little bit . . .

Flight of the Conchords (HBO, 1st season currently airing in the USA, picked up for a 2nd season) is a real gem. Funny and quirky as all hell. I can't get enough of Jemaine and Bret and their "digi-folk" musical parodies. The show is not easily categorised. It's definitely on the edge . . . of something . . .

What say you?

Re: Boxcutters Episode 101

Rob Boxcutter — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 05:32:42 -0000

@Mike: Welcome to the very large club. Here's a foolproof way to tell them apart (other than peering intently at the video podcast).

Re: Boxcutters Episode 101

Rob Boxcutter — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 09:20:06 -0000

I think it's time to post a photo of you in action in the studio. Or perhaps a screen-cap from the video podcast (sorry to be vlogging the proverbially dead horse). I would do the screen-cap thing but I don't know how ;-)

Re: Thoughts on a late night chat show?

Rob Boxcutter — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 23:59:23 -0000

This would probably be a production nightmare but if it were to be a nightly show I'd like to see five different hosts, each one owning their night of the week with their individual style (some funny, some serious, some seriously experimental), possibly with a few unifying threads running through all the shows (whether a band or just some regular nightly segments). I imagine the five nights would lend themselves to different demographics (perhaps vastly so).

I don't mind Letterman, for example, but every night of the week? The things that irritate me about his style are what make me watch him only occasionally.

Similarly with Denton, I really love the format and how incredibly well prepared he is as an interviewer, and how seemingly effortlessly (with good editing, no doubt) he leads the subject and us through a probing but entertaining conversation, but it would be much too much five nights a week.

I reckon a network brave enough to try this sort of experiment, and fortified enough to let it run for a few months to build its audience, perhaps tweaking it here and there, could end up with a valuable piece of (late night) real estate.

Let's up the risk factor and start with five relative unknowns: why not foster new talent as long as we're experimenting. I guess experimenting is the keyword. I don't want just something I've seen elswehere. I want to be surprised. If I don't like it I can try tuning in the next night; that host's style might suit me better.

Also, let's have some women hosting!

Re: The golden age of television

Rob Boxcutter — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 09:51:45 -0000

TIME's TV critic James Poniewozik has recently posted a list of the 100 best TV shows of ALL-TIME.

He details his guidelines for choosing, particularly in the short video interview accompanying the list.

He gives a brief run-down of every show on the list, as well as a 30 second video clip.

Shall we compare?

Re: Boxcutters Epsiode 102

Rob Boxcutter — Sun, 16 Sep 2007 05:39:15 -0000

Did I only imagine Brett saying he'd do a solo podcast this week (in lieu of a 'proper' one) and anyone who wants should turn up to the studio and join in???

Re: Crumpler Beanbag Giveaway

Rob Boxcutter — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 01:35:14 -0000

Congratulations Catbrain!

I guess all the cake paid off . . .

(just kidding)

hehehe

Re: Boxcutters Episode 107

Rob Boxcutter — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 08:48:20 -0000

RE: British TV

By dismissing UK television outright you're missing out on some real gems. The outstanding show of the moment is 55 Degrees North. OK, it's a couple of years old and the ABC is running repeats, but hey, at least it's on free-to-air right now. I liked Life on Mars (I'm a sucker for time travel – I even like Journeyman) but I did get a little annoyed at how the mystery element was drip-fed through the episodes, at times being almost irrelevant to the story. This was forgivable because, at heart, it was really a cop show. Mostly I liked it because of the great characters, like Gene Hunt and his crew. And that's the strength of 55 Degrees North: there are so many engaging characters. Not just ones we love to love, but also ones we love to hate and ones we love to feel ambivalent about. I have a very short attention span and get bored very easily by TV (ie bad TV), but this show just pulls me in and holds me in its thrall all the way through. I urge everyone to tune in to it (ABC, Mondays, aroundabout midnight). It's only 2 eps into the 1st series, and it's easy to pick up the thread.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 107

Rob Boxcutter — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 03:03:36 -0000

Re: Grrrrrammar

The ABC's online program schedule lists it as

Federal Election 2007 - Australia Votes 2007
The Leader's Debate
7:30pm Sunday, 21 Oct 2007

which is not ambiguous, just plain wrong. Unless it is the ABC showing that left-wing bias, using the apostrophe like one of Kerry O'Brien's sarcastically raised eyebrows, pointing out Howard's calling of the shots.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 107

Rob Boxcutter — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 03:12:44 -0000

While I enjoy the broad-ranging discussion in the comments section of each episode's blog entry, it would be great to be able to carry themes over from week-to-week and also to be able to view all the discussion across particular themes.

Is it time for a Boxcutters discussion forum (phpbb version 3 is just around the corner)? Or perhaps there's a plug-in that let's you 'tag' comments.

This way we wouldn't have to subject everyone to pedantic grammatical discussions.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 107

Rob Boxcutter — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 05:37:32 -0000

Bugger. I forgot to send in a quiz entry this week ...

Re: Boxcutters Episode 110

Rob Boxcutter — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 08:30:22 -0000

I must have an answer:

If sugar is the new oil, what is the new pork?

Re: Boxcutters Episode 112

Rob Boxcutter — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 08:11:47 -0000

The HD/SD difference is much more subtle and confusing to the layperson

So is the Brett/Ross difference . . . I'm getting the hang of it now. Brett's voice is deeper, except when he gets excited about something - then they might as well be wearing the same pants.

I think there should be a new sub-segment within Pork, called Belly Pork. This can be for all those of Brett's tidbits which are barely pork.

Hehehe. Well, I think it's funny ...

Re: Boxcutter Episode 113

Rob Boxcutter — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 09:04:39 -0000

Ahhhh, Granola!

Re: Boxcutters Episode 116

Rob Boxcutter — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 00:32:42 -0000

Seasons greetings, Boxcutters all!

I am slowly (very slowly) adding to my list of cities in which I have listened to Boxcutters (Melbourne, Vancouver, Hobart..) It was particularly special listening to the podcast while crossing the Burrard Inlet by sea bus to North Vancouver earlier this year.

Re: Cricket KFC ads

I think dubbing over real cricket footage while not showing the actual KFC product is in fact a very devious advertising measure. So many people these days hit the 'mute' button as soon as the ad breaks start; when they play these ads during the cricket broadcast (and you have the sound off) you think play has resumed and you turn the sound back on ... just in time to hear all about KFC and realise you've been duped. Watching the test match this afternoon I noticed they didn't play any of these as the first ad in an ad break, making the deception even more successful.

Wily bastards!

Re: skins

Rob Boxcutter — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 07:38:42 -0000

I have it, but haven't watched any yet.

Are you serving any Granola tonight, or can I go to bed?

Re: boxcutters episode 117

Rob Boxcutter — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 07:38:29 -0000

Yes, Jim. The Thick of It is absolutely marvellous stuff, especially the press secretary / spin doctor - his barely contained fury is palpable even before he utters a word. I wish I could swear as colourfully and articulately. I think I've only watched five of the six 2005 episodes, and neither of the 2007 "specials", but I have them all somewhere ...

Re: boxcutters episode 117

Rob Boxcutter — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 07:42:30 -0000

... or was he rather a political advisor in the PM's office? A real head kicker, anyway.

Re: Boxcutters Episode 118

Rob Boxcutter — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 03:13:32 -0000

CNN had so many stats in so many different parts of the screen - all changing and updating at different speeds - my head, while not quite spinning, was literally swivelling.

Re: Ep 119: Underbelly, Other stuff

Rob Boxcutter — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 07:39:34 -0000

Crunchy Granola! Sweet!

Re: Ep 121: In Treatment, Oscars, The Biggest Loser

Rob Boxcutter — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 18:24:12 -0000

Ah, Granola. With cinnamon and yoghurt.

I'm with Josh on In Treatment. Great writing, superb acting, set in what must count as one of the more unusually intimate settings two (or three) people can find themselves. I agree it is unrelentingly tense in many episodes, but this just draws me in further. The concept certainly is a dangerous one for television and could so easily be done very badly indeed. Thankfully, that's not the case. I don't think even Ross thought it was badly done, just not his cup of tea. One thing that would definitely ruin it is advertising. This show would be ripped to shreds if interspersed with ads on a commercial station, as it relies so much on atmospheric and conversational build-up, as well as periods of reflective silence.

Re: Ep 125: Tim Ferguson, DAAS Kapital, Big Gig, Emerald Falls

Rob Boxcutter — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 04:11:49 -0000

I find myself starved of good television. The Wire has finished, Lost is in mid-season hiatus, In Treatment is about to end ... things are bleak. Is there anything out there worth watching?

Jimbo: Is there anything good in the UK?

Has anyone seen the (currently airing) 7-part HBO "miniseries event" John Adams?

In HBO we trust.

Re: Ep 126: Gladiators and East of Everything

Rob Boxcutter — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 07:09:44 -0000

Thanks MordWa - I've been trying to remember the name of "Almost Anything Goes" all bloody week!

Re: Ep 127: James Talia, Anna Brain, BBC, Logie nominations

Rob Boxcutter — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 07:46:31 -0000

And so it begins ...

Re: Ep 129: Courteney Hocking, Saxondale

Rob Boxcutter — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 23:06:03 -0000

Cool - now I can add Brett's iteration of "in July" to my audio mashup. The only one left to capture is Josh. You have been warned. Choose your words most carefully from this point on, Mr Kinal ...

Re: Ep 129: Courteney Hocking, Saxondale

Rob Boxcutter — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 02:53:38 -0000

BBC press release about the start of filming of Steve Coogan's new vehicle, Sunshine: HERE

Re: John from Cincinnati

Rob Boxcutter — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 09:01:37 -0000

Blame HBO - all the answers were coming in Season 2! Well, not really, but I can see how they needed to leave some threads open (and introduce new story lines towards the end, like the organised crime stuff) so they could be picked again if HBO commissioned a second season.

I thought Season 2 of Deadwood was pretty boring, I have to say.

Re: Ep 129: Courteney Hocking, Saxondale

Rob Boxcutter — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 09:06:49 -0000

I'll have Orson Welles' bushy face going down on all you Boxcutters before the year's out.

Thinks: must trawl back through shows with Marieke, Jess and Anna for "in July" moments ...

Re: Ep 135: Wilbur Wilde & James Talia

Rob Boxcutter — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 11:27:09 -0000

Another entertaining show, fellas.

With the talk about TV camera crew, what's the deal with those split-second cutaways you see during door stop interviews and occasionally press conferences, where the vision cuts to a shot of the cameraman/woman? I don't mean the interviewer doing a noddie, but an almost subliminal slice of the cameraman/woman, on the job with full video tackle. There must be a name for this? I like it, because why shouldn't the shooter get some exposure (he he he) after all! But what is this behaviour called? Is it a variety of boneheading? Jimbo, somebody, please spill the insider beans we all know you carry.

Rob Boxcutter

Re: Ep 135: Wilbur Wilde & James Talia

Rob Boxcutter — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 11:30:05 -0000

Is it some camera crew deal between the networks' shooters to shoot each other in action so that the channel nine shooter gets a spot on the channel seven news and vice versa?

Re: Sometimes we all need a break

Rob Boxcutter — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 08:32:39 -0000

And a well deserved break it is, too. Rest up and thanks for the muesli.

Re: Ep 148: Lawrence Mooney, James Talia, Very Small Business

Rob Boxcutter — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 07:06:30 -0000

Happy 3rd Birthday, Boxcutters!

Coming up to the big one-five-oh, too. Onya.

Re: Ep 150: Futurama, Fringe (again), Is Television Any Better?

Rob Boxcutter — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 10:11:30 -0000

I turn my back for a week while I move to Brisbane and look what happens:

Boxcutters turns 150. Hooray! (@ boxcutters.net)

Jimbo's train pulls in.

Ross bids us all farewell. (You will be missed. Hope you will ring through with a segment from time to time.)

John Richards joins the team, even though he sounds nothing like Brett.

All the best to the new team, and the old one, and well over the fast ;-)

Re: Ep 155: James Talia, Louis Theroux, TV Board Games

Rob Boxcutter — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 08:39:00 -0000

You guys! You made me think it were Monday.

Re: Ep 180: Important Things with Demitri Martin, Cadbury Ads, No Logies

Rob Boxcutter — Tue, 05 May 2009 00:49:35 -0000

Flash Forward (ABC network's LOST replacement) sounds like it is based on the speculative fiction novel of the same name by Canadian writer Robert J Sawyer. In the book, published at least 5 years ago, the "flash forward" happens when CERN turns on the large hadron collider for the first time and every person's consciousness leaps forward to the same point some 10 or 20 years in the future, lasting about 2 minutes. This happens early on and the rest of the book spins out the consequences, for individuals and for society, of knowing something concrete about your own future. The book is a great read and I can see it being made into television, even good television, but surely only for a single season or a mini-series.

On another topic, has anyone had a look at the new season of HBO's In Treatment (currently airing)?

Re: Ep 180: Important Things with Demitri Martin, Cadbury Ads, No Logies

Rob Boxcutter — Tue, 05 May 2009 21:05:36 -0000

@ Lyndal: I plan to start watching it next week. I don't know if the scripts for this season are also adaptations from the original Israeli version or not; as long as they can keep up the quality. I will miss the teenage gymnast.What a fantastic performance that was. And Byrne is marvellously fidgety. With such a close study as this show is, minimal set and minimal action, even fingers have crucial dramatic roles to play.

Re: Ep 184: Better Off Ted, Monkey, Squiz

Rob Boxcutter — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 08:56:43 -0000

Has anyone noticed that the BIG FLOATING LETTERS from Fringe have invaded Mumbai Calling?

Re: Ep 188: Human Giant, Pink and Penguins

Rob Boxcutter — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 09:37:32 -0000

I think the video podcast (boxcutters.net/vlog) has been doctored! If you look very carefully you'll notice John isn't moving at all. Or is that Brett...?

Re: Ep 191: James Talia, Torchwood, Hosts of things

Rob Boxcutter — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 06:26:29 -0000

No! Not the LOBSTERS!

Re: Ep 192: Southland, Quotes, Crap TV, Letters

Rob Boxcutter — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 09:38:44 -0000

I am doing this for KUDOS ONLY, as I already feel amply swathed in Boxcutters/Crumpler generosity (having recently won the sexiest Crumpler laptop bag), plus I am too fat and bald for Crumpler T-shirt action. Perhaps that is why I am not MARRIED WITH CHILDREN!

Am I really the only freak who listens to the sidebar audio??

Re: Ep 192: Southland, Quotes, Crap TV, Letters

Rob Boxcutter — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 09:40:57 -0000

... I know a man was outta touch
And he'd hide in a house and he didn't say much
Deedle-dee deet deet deet deet deet deet deedle dee doo ...

Re: Ep 192: Southland, Quotes, Crap TV, Letters

Rob Boxcutter — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 09:59:05 -0000

No, No, I renounce my status as FIRST. Really.

Re: Ep 192: Southland, Quotes, Crap TV, Letters

Rob Boxcutter — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 11:30:17 -0000

Though it don't say much, and it won't offend
If you sang it at school, they're liable to send you home
Never knowin' what you're showin'
Think you're growin' your own tea
... Good lord ...!

Re: Ep 192: Southland, Quotes, Crap TV, Letters

Rob Boxcutter — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 08:57:38 -0000

Give Murray the Tee!

I renege.

Re: Ep 193: Hung, Parker Lewis, Hamlet!

Rob Boxcutter — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 10:01:30 -0000

I think it might be time to stop pretending anyone but me listens to the secret webisodes (I blame feed readers and pod catchers) and from now on you should just address the segment directly to me. Perhaps change the title from "This week on Boxcutters" to something more appropriate like "Boxcutters' weekly fireside chat to Rob". I'll let you know what I might find acceptable as a background theme.

Re: Because we are all the fifth cylon

Rob Boxcutter — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 10:30:40 -0000

Does this have anything to do with the slight audio glitches that could be heard in last week's ep?

As for this week's ep, where's the bootleg??

Re: Because we are all the fifth cylon

Rob Boxcutter — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 11:17:44 -0000

Dear Boxcutters,

I represent a conglomerate of influential "media Buyers" whose attention has been recently drawn to your Boxcutters Podcast. Due to a variety of pressing concerns, it is imperative that we sample your most recent show, "Because we are all the fifth Cylon," as soon as possible in order to ascertain our level of prospective investment in your operation. Have you, or can you at short notice, establish a live feed (audio or video) for this purpose? Should you not have any interest, or should you be tardy in your response to our prospective offer, know that "your" money will rather probably be invested in Reality Television of the most objectionable source. What say you, Boxcutters?

Re: Because we are all the fifth cylon

Rob Boxcutter — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 04:13:32 -0000

ONE thing! (... or two, three, even four)

Re: Conspiracy theories in television

Rob Boxcutter — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 09:20:44 -0000

I have to post my comment on ep 194(a) here because the episode isn't up yet, but I just want to say we really enjoy Nurse Jackie at our place.

Keep dancing, John! Earn those extra pennies.

Re: Conspiracy theories in television

Rob Boxcutter — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 09:30:01 -0000

Oops. Spoke too soon. Gotta go - Granola!

Re: Ep 195: Tom Elliott, Flash Forward, The Lost Room

Rob Boxcutter — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 10:30:13 -0000

Happy 4th Birthday, Boxcutters!

I can't believe it's been 4 years. Thanks for hundreds of hours of enjoyable listening, for the quality show alerts, reviews, news, guest interviews, giveaways and - of course - for all that pork crackling in my ear. You guys are so money!

May the Force be with you, Cutters of Box.

Rob Boxcutter

Re: 197: Sam Pang, Just Don’t Bother, The Loop, The Brownlow, The Emmys

Rob Boxcutter — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 02:01:38 -0000

@narrelle: If you thought that was funny, better play the "This week on Boxcutters" clip on the blog sidebar before it gets replaced!

Re: 197: Sam Pang, Just Don’t Bother, The Loop, The Brownlow, The Emmys

Rob Boxcutter — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 02:15:57 -0000

@John: I reckon The Wire is best watched in seasons rather than episodes, or at least regarded that way. I'm watching Season 1 again (on the ABC) and am struck by how little exposition there is, how vividly the characters are animated and literally 'embodied' by the cast, how sparse, evocative, precise and yet natural is the dialogue. The subject matter, too, is enthralling. I love shows that give me a sense of what a world otherwise alien to me is like, and The Wire does this incredibly well and from many angles.

Re: Remember When… Tim Ferguson

Rob Boxcutter — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 09:34:28 -0000

I'm very confused. It seems the ABC is broadcasting the BBC/HBO 5-episode drama FIVE DAYS (reviewed back in podcast 115), but you wouldn't know it because it has been renamed "Hunter", presumably because there was recently a spin-off, apparently, called Hunter, starring the two detectives from Five Days. I came across it on ABC1 tonight. Perhaps they will do a repeat screening on ABC2. What is going on?

And guess what? The other day, a man arrived at my door with a CHICKEN. It's a radio chicken, not a television chicken, but I'm nevertheless excited to be sharing my home with observational poultry.

Re: Sealfur Micro

Rob Boxcutter — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 08:38:32 -0000

Ah, but Tropic Thunder was a white guy playing a white guy playing a black guy! Your logic crumbles.

Re: Does Variety Television Actually Exist?

Rob Boxcutter — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 03:33:25 -0000

Masters of MIME! My Margaret Pomeranz hand puppet is ready. The earings are ripping trenches in my floorboards in anticipation.