Pop Culture & Crime - An Overview

by Susie Watson on March 27th, 2007

Barb and Susie have always been interested in the dark side of pop culture.  In this episode, they explore how crime and violence has been integrated into TV, movies, books and music until we hardly even notice it anymore.  And what’s with the popularity of forensics?  Add a little Hollywood cleavage and its all good or watch Forensics on Court TV for the real thing.

Music: “Crime” by The Tiger Lillies from the CD The Brothel To The Cemetery

 Pop Culture & Crime - An Overview [32:05m]: Download (1282)

The Name Game

by Susie Watson on March 20th, 2007

Barb and guest host Henry Godbout (filling in for Susie) discuss how the topic of naming permeates the pop culture landscape. From the ubiquitous corporate sponsorship and renaming of just about every stadium, theatre and museum, to media-inspired nicknames for celebrities, we are constantly bombarded with new names. And do we really need the Fox News Severe Weather Index on a sunny day, along with their new concept of naming snowstorms? Listen in to discover the answer to that and other topical naming issues.

 The Name Game [27:11m]: Download (2424)

Retail Combo Platters

by Susie Watson on March 13th, 2007

In an arcane corner of pop culture sit those mom and pop stores and businesses that make us scratch our heads. Accounting and house cleaning? Italian food and live bait? Rocks and pizza? Why? you might ask. And we say, why not? Surely you must have some interesting additions to our list. Please leave them in our comments section.

Music: Places Named After Numbers by Frank Black from Frank Black

 Retail Combo Platters [21:39m]: Download (3845)

The Long Tail

by Susie Watson on March 6th, 2007

Barb and Susie discuss the book, The Long Tail, by Chris Anderson.  The gist of the book is that the internet has made it possible to sell (and find!) even the most obscure and arcane music, books, movies, etc., because there is no minimum sales requirement to carry items online.  Once you add up all the tiny sales, you have a whole bunch of commerce that never existed before due to the required inventory, shelf space, and all the other headaches of the bricks and mortar retailers.  Score another win for the internet!

Music: OK This Is The Pops by Tones On Tail from Night Music

 The Long Tail [30:35m]: Download (902)