Taylor Swift: Rap'n, Hard Hit'n, Vulcan

I thought this video was hi-larious! I may actually listen to a Taylor Swift song now...



If it won't play for you check it out here.


Jen
Co-host of Anomaly
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Man Vs Machine

On the Anomaly Podcast, Angela and I often discuss the underlying themes of our favorite Science Fiction television shows and movies in a lighthearted, hopefully entertaining fashion. One of the things we enjoy the most about this genre, is its ability to deliver a message on a level that people, no matter their background or viewpoint, are able to digest and learn from.

A common theme in Science Fiction is man verses machine. Sometimes the machine is just that, a machine, and sometimes it’s an oppressive government. There are many examples of this topic in novels, comics and movies. A few that come to mind are: 1984, Brave New World, Star Wars, Battlestar Galactica, Star Trek (The Borg and Cardassian occupation for ex), The Terminator, Blade Runner, Firefly, Chronicles of Riddick, Dune, The Matrix, Planet Of The Apes, Independence Day and yes...even Galaxy Quest. I’ll stop there, but the list is pretty darn long.

Though the plots in the above novels, movies and television shows differ from one another, the themes are analogous. At their core, they each address the fight for freedom and they are inspired by real world struggles. As a citizen of a free nation, I can list at least seven battles for freedom that are directly related to my country and state: the American Revolution, the Battle Of The Alamo, the Civil War, World War I, Women’s Suffrage, War II and the Civil Rights movement. If you’re not an American, and you’re reading this blog, chances are you are enjoying the freedom that you or your countrymen earned. Where am I going with this? Let me elaborate...

Today is the twentieth anniversary of another battle for freedom; one that, like the Battle Of The Alamo, ended without victory yet the sacrifice made during that ‘conflict’ inspired a people. I’m referring to the Tiananmen Square Protest/Massacre that occurred in Beijing, China on June 4, 1989; the one that the Chinese refer to as ‘the June 4th Incident’.

As a high school freshman I watched news footage of a single, unarmed man, stepping before a line of massive war machines that were advancing toward Tiananmen Square. The war machines I’m speaking of were tanks belonging to another machine known as the People’s Republic Of China—the tyrannical entity that inspired the protests. The people gathered in the square consisted of students and other intellectuals who were disillusioned by the Communist Party and calling for democratic and economic reformation. They congregated in the square and all over China, but their protests were peaceful. The response from their government resulted in the injury and death of many Chinese citizens. No one knows for sure exactly how many casualties resulted from the military action, because the “machine” that the people dared to stand against, buried the information. The nameless man who has become a symbol, by momentarily stopping the machine, died for the cause he believed in...the cause of freedom. There is no record of his death, but I have no doubt the Communist government believed that his defiance demanded it, and they carried it out like cowards in the shadows of their oppressive rule. Ironically, in contrast to the government's dark deeds, the nameless man demonstrated the boldness of his fellow citizens before the eyes of the world. I remember the goosebumps forming as I witnessed his bravery. I still get them every time I watch the old videos of that event. See the video I've posted below if you don't know what I'm talking about.

Today, the People’s Republic of China is taking no chances. They have surrounded Tiananmen Square in an attempt to prevent a reoccurrence and silence the voices of those who would denounce the tyranny they suffer under, and demand the freedom they deserve. Unfortunately, this cold reality belongs to many people who share our planet. And it is a common story communicated through the apparatus of Science Fiction: man against machine.

The People of China are not free to sample the ideas that you and I share via the books and movies I've mentioned or the internet...but if I could relay one thing to them through this blog post, it would be this: “never give up...never surrender!” It was a comedian who said that line in “Galaxy Quest”, but I believe the sentence is worthy of an impassioned cry.

My message to you, fellow sci-fi fans, is don’t take your freedom for granted. Don’t forget the sacrifices that were made for you. Try to analyze the themes of these Science Fiction books, television shows and movies that I’ve mentioned. Don’t graze the surface—take from them the deeper meanings and be inspired by them.

Finally, and most importantly, be inspired by the nameless man who stopped the machine for a few minutes twenty years ago. On this day, as his government is working to silence his countrymen, honor the nameless man’s audacity. Remember his bravery and apply it to your own life. If you’re a person of faith then pray for the freedom of the Chinese people. If you’re not a believer in any higher power, hope for freedom for the people of China because they are not allowed to pray or hope for it themselves. Never give up... Never surrender!


Jen
Co-host of Anomaly
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Tiananmen Square Massacre - Click here for the funniest movie of the week

Angela’s Star Trek (XI) Movie Thoughts

To the Star Trek fan:

My name is Angela, I am an Anomaly and I approve this version of Star Trek. Most of us Trek people :) will be divided into people who enjoy this new incarnation, and those who will be picky toward the movie for certain choices. I have to admit that being a hard and fast TNG fan, the artistic license with TOS characters does not affect me as viscerally as it probably could. As for the movie: the special effects were awesome and the film in general was fun to watch. I really liked the casting, but felt Uhura could have been “healthier” if you know what I mean. And though the actors playing Bones and Scotty could have been caricatures, I really felt like they captured the essences of the characters we love while putting a “mirror” spin on it. When I say "mirror" that doesn’t mean it has to be all goatees and bare midriffs. Like the episode, Parallels from TNG season 7 shows us, the differences in universes can be as simple as a chocolate instead of white cake or that the Borg take over and we are all about to die. Also they got us because we, as Star Trek fans, are pre-disposed to believe in things like parallel universes. In fact the History Channel conveniently ran an episode of The Universe on parallel universes on the same day they resurrected the Star Trek auction documentary and “How William Shatner Changed the World”. I don’t think that this was by chance. To that end, if we accept the principle of parallel universes we open ourselves up to so many story-telling opportunities. Now should Star Trek become Sliders in space…um…no! But as a well used plot device, I am completely willing to accept this. And to end this section, one little anecdote… Star Trek (XI) is not a regular Star Trek film, I will not dispute that. In fact I have decided it is the football team of Star Trek films. But to this I propose that schools with good football teams also have stronger arts programs because the football team brings attention and money to the school. So if this Star Trek is not exactly what you like, please know that it is opening up the world of Star Trek to be bigger and better than ever for us in the AV club. I love you guys and live long and prosper.

To the non-geek:
This is action packed and the actors are beautiful. I think you will like it and please tell your friends.

To the Dyed-in-the-wool Star Wars fan:
Look there is nothing that says you cannot like both Star Trek and Star Wars. I think that this film could help you become a fan of both. So for 2 hours put down your light saber and pick up a phaser. You will be glad you did.


Angela
Co-host of Anomaly
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Anomaly of the Vampyre: Featuring Twilight

This installment of Anomaly features a discussion on the vampires of Twilight and how they compare to Buffy and other vampire series. We'll let you know what we thought of the movie and our guest, Holly, will fill you in on the novel series and how it differs from the film. If you're anti-spoiler, I recommend you watch the film before you listen to our latest episode.

If you don't care about the spoilers, I think you might want to check out the movie and/or novels after hearing our thoughts on the series. I personally had absolutely no interest in Twilight...until I watched the film. It was enjoyable and the soundtrack totally rocked!

If you hate vampires, this series might interest you. It's a gentler/milder version of a blood sucking Romeo and Juliet. It's a romantic series written for young adults, but it's still enjoyable for old fogies like me.

If you're a vampire fan, but dislike the thought 'defanging' your favorite monsters, give it a chance. This series offers a different perspective on the vamp genre. It's unique and should be allowed into the fold despite the changes.

Listen Now:
Click on "Listen" located under the "Actions" menu, on our Podcast Alley page.

Music featured on this podcast is available on the Twilight Soundtrack found on iTunes, Amazon and other music retailers. Supermassive Black Hole and Bella's Lullaby

Featured promos: The 23rd, Knights Of The Guild, Waffle On, Take Him With You, Treks In Sci-Fi, Indiana Jim, Star Wars Fanworks

Special thanks to Sarah Gilbertson for sending us "Battlestar Galactaca: The Official Companion". We very much appreciate your generosity, Sarah.

Anomaly is an interactive show. The more feedback we receive from our listeners, the better our episodes will be. Please send us email, comment here and rate our show on iTunes or Podcast Alley so that we know there are people who actually listen and enjoy to our diatribes. Feedback encourages us to continue producing this podcast. Let us know that you're downloading. :)

Follow us on Twitter and youtube! Angela's Twitter name is "Archangela23". Jen's Twitter name is "Sevryll". If you do follow us, drop us a line to let us know you're a listener...if you don't we may accidentally block you.


Jen
Co-host of Anomaly
Subscribe to Anomaly Via iTunes

Happy Mother's Day!

It's Mother's Day here in the good 'ol U.S. Of "A", and in honor of our mothers and any listeners who may also be moms, Angela and I hired Mr. T to sing his award winning song: "Treat Your Mother Right". Look for our next episode on vampire lore and the Twilight series, in your podcatchers in the next day or so. In the mean time, enjoy the voice talent of Mr. T and...treat your mother right...so treat her right-treat her right.

Jen
Co-host of Anomaly
Subscribe to Anomaly Via iTunes

Anomaly Of The Big Frak'n BSG Finale

Rest in peace, Battlestar.... cue the grieving solo trumpet, playing taps.

Last Friday, Angela and I sat down with our friend Mark, during a raging BSG finale party, to discuss the big frak’n ending to a great series. Be warned, we were VERY excited when we recorded this. Immediately following the credits, we went from the den, and the party downstairs, directly to the studio to discuss our thoughts. To put it mildly, we were energized...

We video recorded our reactions to the episode as we were watching it, which we’ll post in our blog after I’ve finished editing it.

Remember when I said blogging was hard? Well, so is podcasting. It takes A LOT of work to edit these bad boys. You know what makes it worth all the effort? Your highly anticipated emails, blog comments and ratings, of course. Please remember to tip your co-hosts (with feedback). ;)

Click here to stream this episode online.

Promos played (available on iTunes and many other distributors):
Treks In Sci-Fi
The Adventures Of Indiana Jim
Knights Of The Guild
Take Him With You
Waffle On
EUCast

Jen
Co-host of Anomaly
Subscribe to Anomaly Via iTunes

Anomaly Of The X-Files And Jose Chung

Our latest installment of Anomaly features a television segment on Battlestar Galactica. The episodes we discuss includes everything after the premier (Deadlock through Island in a Stream Of Stars). Our main topic is on the X-Files episode: Jose Chung From Outer Space. 

Please note, spoilers are rampant in this edition of Anomaly. If you have yet to watch either of these shows, and prefer to remain spoiler free, do not read on and do not listen to our latest episode before you've had the opportunity to catch up. Do not pass "Go", do not collect two-hundred dollars.

Angela and I both love the X-Files and we each rank this particular episode, from the third season, as one of the best. It's quirky and fun, not to mention very quotable. We talked about some of the things we liked about the show in general, before going over our favorite moments in Jose Chung From Outer Space. Music used: David Duchovny.

As far as Battlestar is concerned, our individual views of the final season differs greatly from one another. My co-host believes that the show is heading no where fast. I think it's getting there too quickly, but I'm enjoying the ride despite the speed. A healthy debate was the result of our difference of opinion, which usually makes for a good Anomaly cast.

During our chat, I brought up the fact that the BSG last supper image, was paralleled within Ellen's 'interrogation' scene, in the episode Deadlock. For more information on this image, listen to the Anomaly episode entitled: "Anomaly Of Battlestar Galactica" (posted April 3, 2008). Check out that cast to hear our theories on the symbolism offered in the BSG portrait. The images below are photo comparisons of a scenes from Deadlock, and the BSG Last Supper portrait.

Battlestar has religious undertones, but keep in mind it is not our universe. Though there are similar ideologies, it's a fictional culture. As we mentioned in our episode "Anomaly Of Battlestar Galactica", our belief is that this portrait was utilized simply to click the 'symbolism button' that would allow the viewer to see the symbolic sacrifices the characters were making, and the roles they had yet to play in the series.

Comparison of interrogation of Ellen in Deadlock and BSG Last Supper Image

Bill Adama's position (Last Supper and Deadlock)

Lee's position (Last Supper Image and Deadlock)

The Challis (Last Supper) and Pitcher/cup positions (Deadlock)

Send feed back to girlygeekz@gmail.com! Tell a friend about the show and if you have a chance, please rate Anomaly on iTunes. This Friday, Angela and I will be recording our thoughts during our first and last  Battlestar Galactica Frak Party, to celebrate the series finale, with several in studio guests. Stay tuned for more Anomaly!

Visit RoneyZone Radio's site and listen to RoneyZone #104, 105 and 106 to hear our three part interview.

Anomaly Of Jose Chung: From Outer Space : 

Jen
Co-host of Anomaly
Subscribe to Anomaly Via iTunes