Structured Rambling

In a comedown from the Hallowe'en season, Paul explores the roots of great Victorian horror and its ability to play upon our most basic fears despite all of our modern comforts. This rambling episode sees references to Dracula by Bram Stoker, The Wolfman (2010) by Joe Johnston, Dr, Jekyl and Mr. Hyde and The Inivisible Man. 

Paul's favourite novel EVER is Frank Herbert's 1965 science-fiction masterwork, Dune.  Visionary Canuck Denis Villeneuve adapted about the first half of the book into a blockbuster. Paul saw it. Paul talks about it. 

Villeneuve, Denis. Dune. Legendary Pictures: USA, 2021. 

Paul looks at the under-appreciated but undefinable historical Viking fiction novel Eaters of the Dead which was written as an adaptation of Beowulf. Paul also briefly discusses the pretty darn good film adaptation with the far superior title: The 13th Warrior.

Crichton, Michael. Eaters of the Dead. New York: Ballantine, 1992. 
McTiernan, John. The 13th Warrior. USA: Touchstone Pictures, 1999.   

Paul looks at the first three seasons of the fine HBO anthology series True Detective, created by by Nic Pizzolatto. S'a good show. 

In honour of Sept 30's National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, Paul takes a brief look at some texts related to this topic, and the bad Westerners have done reflected in literature.

Conrad, Joseph. Heart of Darkness & Tales of Unrest. London: Arcturus, 2010.
Coppola, Francis Ford. Apocalypse Now. USA: United Artists, 1979. 

Waxing nostalgic about Grade 9 and Mr. Ed Maloney, Paul analyzes John Steinbeck's masterful little novella, The Pearl. 

Steinbeck, John. The Pearl .  Toronto, Bantam, 1986. 

August's second august guest Coen is here to discuss the works of Dav Pilkey.

Reader Fynn discusses the fine comedy/fantasy series Bone by Jeff Smith. 

Paul talks about one of the greatest writers in the world, pondering why someone so talented, prolific and diverse still can't shake being viewed as a genre writer. Paul breaks down several of his favourite King books, with promises to return to this great man's work in future podcasts.

King, Stephen. 11/22/63. Scribner, 2011, USA.
          ""The Dark Tower. Grant Books, 2004, New York.  
          ""The Eyes of the Dragon. Viking, 1984, USA.
          ""Misery. Signet, 1988, Scarborough. 
          ""On Writing. Scribner, 1999, New York.
         ""The Stand. Doubleday, 1990, New York

Petty, Tom. "It's Good to Be King," Wildflowers, Warner Brothers, 1994, USA.

Presley, Elvis. "A Little Less Conversation" (JXL Radio Edit Remix), ELV1S: 30 No. 1 Hits, RCA, 2002, USA/  

How many times can Paul say "The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire" in a single podcast? Lots! But, strangely, fewer times than he references that "Istanbul (Not Constantinople)." 

The Four Lads. "Istanbul (Not Constantinople)." Canada: Columbia, 1953. 
Gibbon, Edward. The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. London: Strahan & Cadell, 1777. 
They Might Be Giants. "Istanbul (Not Constantinople)" from Flood. USA: Elektra, 1990.