Flame on!

I did want to add, however, that I think you guys somewhat mis-characterized The 40 Year Old Virgin. Now it’s been a while since I saw the movie, but my impression was that the message of the ending was something along the lines of virginity doesn’t really matter. Steve Carell’s character’s friends made a big deal about him being a virgin, but they come off as immature, whereas Catherine Keener’s character isn’t bothered by it at all. Steve Carrell’s character comes off as more balanced and in control of his life than the others (if extremely weird) until he starts stressing himself out about virginity. I guess the message is something like: the only thing to fear about virginity is fear its self.

http://www.99rental.com/air_force_one

Favourite musicals. It’s hard to choose, honestly and I guess it depends on the type of musical I’m thinking of. There’s the song-and-dance musicals we know and love (SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN – and the soundbyte in the podcast garnered a grin – you should do it more often). There’s the more angsty, serious musicals (PHANTOM OF THE OPERA). Then there’s everything in between: DR HORRIBLE, THE PRODUCERS, SWEENEY TODD etc, etc. Like everything, comparing works across genre is a challenge, so I’m going to sidestep the question completely.

Ah yes, the milestone. Perhaps you should do just that: overthink milestones and the hype that surrounds them. Honestly, do we NEED a 30th Anniversary Special Edition DVD that only has one more documentary than the 25 Years – The Complete Collection? Is there a purpose to these celebrations, or is it just a money-making endeavour taking advantage of our nostalgia? Perhaps there’s not too much new ground to tread, but hey. Otherwise, if you’re seeking the “lols”, I’m going to lodge a vote for Gab’s suggestion, but Sariel’s would be fun too. Heck, I’m easy to please.

Australia! If you did a live event here, I would be ecstatic, although you will be weeks behind any major release. How I despise the fact that this country does not understand that sitting on popular movies and TV shows for weeks or months on end does not work in this modern day. Anyway, besides that, this land is fantastic and I agree that quolls are under-represented. RE: “Down Under”. I can’t speak for the other Aussies here, but I don’t think it’s that bad of a term – not on the level of “The Yanks”, so far as I can see. In fact, my frequent response to my Northern Hemisphere pals is ‘what’s happening up over?’ However, since we’re in the zone for Overthinking, should we take offence at the phrase? Both words (in perfect tautology) denote being ‘beneath’, and by extrapolation, below those who use the term in other parts of the world. Of course, there’s the geographical positioning, but as we have no absolute proof of which way is up in the universe, this argument can be nullified. Through claiming that Australia is down and under, it implies inferiority. In the 1700’s when the country was a glorified prison ship, fair enough, but we have advanced beyond our ball-and-chain and should no longer be casually discriminated against (my, I must sound like I’m bent on seeking conspiratorial hatred – honestly, I’m not). Rise, Austalians, rise and we shall establish ourselves as the up over in this modern world.

Excuse me, but: “…solve listener PROBLEMS, including virginity…” I’m sorry; I couldn’t resist the urge to be needlessly facetious. However, I do agree with what was said in the podcast about the ‘agnostic’ opinion towards virginity. I don’t think it’s a huge barrier in the wider culture but as with anything it has its extremes. I don’t think there’s a massive conspiracy against the virgins. In the ‘real world’, it’s only an issue if you make it one. My initial comment, however, pertained more towards the portrayal of it in film, television, etc. Often a character’s virginity isn’t mentioned – fair enough, as such an issue usually has little bearing on anything. However, if it ever comes up, it almost ALWAYS has a negative connotation (obviously I haven’t seen every piece of pop culture, so I may be wrong). I can’t think of any modern works that portray a person’s abstinence, whether conscious or not, as something to be admired or even responded to in that indifferent way. It’s a product of this over-sexed society, for sure, but I for one, wish that it was a little more evenly portrayed. I also thought Gab’s points were very poignant too – the values pertaining to sexuality across gender are unbelievably (and wrongfully) polar. Anyhow – I was very pleasantly surprised to hear what you had to say on the topic.

Now before I sign off, what made you jump to the assumption that this WAS a “clever internet pseudonym”… :P

Thanks again, Overthinkers.

“Females have six to eight nipples and develop a pouch—which opens towards the tail—only during the breeding season, when they are rearing young.”

neat trick.

Also has anyone outside of Australia heard of the quoll? Its like the best native animal we have and it has close to none exposure. Just a weird thought I had. We have like none of them left yet the Koala gets more exposure.

Overthink On!

Yes, I am a male.
Yes, I do live in Sydney.
Yes, I have seen a platypus.
No, Sariel Thrawn is not my real name.

It’s just something I came up with years ago when I got my first email address. Thrawn is indeed from Grand Admiral Thrawn and Sariel is supposedly the angel of death in some traditions.

Thanks for the Facebook love (not that I use it that often).

50th anniversary topic – The use (and over-use) of gold in the popular culture. With specific reference to muscians (especially rappers) and movie villians (especially bond villians).