Hooray, it is episode 90 and all is well. This week we walk like Egyptians, question the cloud, and applaud Francis Coppola. But first up, have you got your tickets for Supanova Brisbane? Not long to go now. We are excited for it and are looking forward to watching all the awesome cosplayers and other amazing antics happening on the Saturday. Stop by and say hi if you are there.
Now first up we have news about the most incredible discovery of Egyptian sarcophagi of this millennium, the best in the last century also. Now, we have to say that it is due to a very sneaky priest who hid them to avoid the thieving grave robbers. So, thank you wise priest with your cunning plan. Because of you these remains are safe and will be protected at the new museum being built at Gaza. There were males, females, and children in these sarcophagi, if you want to know more listen in.
Next up we talk about a cloud. Not the soft fluffy kind you see floating through the sky, no, this is an xcloud. What is an xcloud you ask? It is a cloud that is brought to you by xbox and is intended to support mobile gaming with a cross platform goal in the long term. Sounds awesome right, you will finally be able to see the xbox tribe battle against the Playstation civilisation. Not that I’m biased mind you (Playstation rules). If you want to really get a grasp of the situation the Professor has a lot to say about it. So listen in and see what is happening.
Now, for the movie Nerds we have had Francis Coppola slamming Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy as being kind of boring and pointless. To which James Gunn has taken umbrage, and spoken out claiming all sorts of nonsense. Buck takes great offense and gives a passionate response which is worthy of an Oscar Hall of Fame speech. Truly he seems to struggle to remain calm at times. Truly this could be one of his better grumpy old man moments, especially as it gets Professor to become passionate on the subject. If nothing else this is worthy of a listen.
As normal we have the shout out’s, remembrances, birthdays and special events of interest for the week. Also we would like to say good luck to all those undertaking exams at this time, study hard, and do well. Remember, fear is the mind killer, and stress is a by-product of fear, so relax, just think of the Frodo waking up in Rivendell at the end of the Lord of the Rings. That is the joy when you finish your last exam. Until next week, take care of yourselves, look out for each other, and stay hydrated.
EPISODE NOTES:
Egyptian discovery
Project Xcloud - https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2019/10/project-xcloud-preview-serves-as-a-passable-portable-xbox-one/
Francis Coppola’s anti marvel remarks and James Gunn’s response - https://deadline.com/2019/10/james-gunn-marvel-francis-ford-coppola-martin-scorsese-guardians-of-the-galaxy-1202764709/
Games currently playing
Buck
- World of Tanks - https://worldoftanks.asia/
Rating : 4/5
Professor
- Battletech - https://store.steampowered.com/app/637090/BATTLETECH/
Rating : 7/10
DJ
- Magic The Gathering : Arena - https://magic.wizards.com/en/mtgarena
Rating : 4/5
Other topic discussed
Midnight Oil ((known informally as "The Oils") are an Australian rock band composed of Peter Garrett (vocals, harmonica), Rob Hirst (drums), Jim Moginie (guitar, keyboard), Martin Rotsey (guitar) and Bones Hillman (bass guitar)).
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Midnight_Oil
The Beatles (English rock band formed in Liverpool in 1960. With a line-up comprising John Lennon,Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr, they are regarded as the most influential band of all time.)
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Beatles
Luxor (is a city in Upper (southern) Egypt and the capital of Luxor Governorate. As the site of the Ancient Egyptian city of Waset, known to the Greeks as Thebes, Luxor has frequently been characterized as the "world's greatest open-air museum", as the ruins of the temple complexes at Karnak and Luxor stand within the modern city.)
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luxor
King Tutankhamun’s “curse” also know as "curse of the pharaohs" (probably fuelled by newspapers seeking sales at the time of the discovery)
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tutankhamun#Rumored_curse
Curse of the Pharaohs and their deaths (alleged curse believed by some to be cast upon any person who disturbs the mummy of an Ancient Egyptian person, especially a pharaoh)
“Cursed” gems
- https://mentalfloss.com/article/68465/8-supposedly-cursed-gems
Star of India (a 563.35-carat star sapphire, one of the largest such gems in the world)
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_of_India_(gem)
Koh-I-Noor (one of the largest cut diamonds in the world, weighing 105.6 carats (21.12 g).[a] It is part of the British Crown Jewels.)
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koh-i-Noor
African sacred ibis also known as Bin Chicken (A species of ibis, it is especially known for its role in the religion of the Ancient Egyptians, where it was linked to the god Thoth, hence the ibis's name.)
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_sacred_ibis
Cats in ancient Egypt (Several Ancient Egyptian deities were depicted and sculptured with cat-like heads such as Mafdet, Bastet and Sekhmet, representing justice, fertility and power)
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cats_in_ancient_Egypt
Mixer (Seattle-based video game live streaming platform owned by Microsoft.)
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mixer_(service)
Google Stadia (upcoming cloud gaming service operated by Google.)
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_Stadia
Playstation Now (cloud gaming subscription service developed by Sony Interactive Entertainment.)
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PlayStation_Now
Google stadia recent disappointment
Ninja moves to Mixer from Twitch
Steam Link (hardware and software applications that enable streaming of Steam content from a personal computer or a Steam Machine wirelessly to a television set.)
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steam_Link
Timeline of Scorcese’s hot take on marvel movies and their responses
Logan (2017 American superhero film starring Hugh Jackman as the titular character.)
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Logan_(film)
Francis Coppola (American film director,producer,screenwriter,film composer, and vintner. He was a central figure in the New Hollywood film making movement of the 1960s and 1970s. He is widely considered to be one of the greatest filmmakers of all time.)
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_Ford_Coppola
Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992 American gothic horror film directed and produced by Francis Ford Coppola, based on the novel Dracula by Bram Stoker.)
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bram_Stoker%27s_Dracula
How Would You Carry a Jaeger From Pacific Rim?
- https://www.wired.com/2013/07/how-would-you-carry-a-jaeger-from-pacific-rim/
The Power of Friendship (Trope)
- https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/ThePowerOfFriendship
The Rainmaker (1995 novel by John Grisham)
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Rainmaker_(novel)
The Rainmaker (1997 American legal drama film based on John Grisham's 1995 novel of the same name, and written and directed by Francis Ford Coppola.)
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Rainmaker_(1997_film)
Sergio Leone (Italian film director, producer and screenwriter, credited as the inventor of the Spaghetti Western genre and widely regarded as one of the most influential directors in the history of cinema.)
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sergio_Leone
Lord of the Rings (film series)
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lord_of_the_Rings_(film_series)
Wacław Sierpiński and his works
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Li59EitdJUk
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Final Trailer
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Qn_spdM5Zg
Everybody wants to be a Cat (TNC Podcast)
- https://thatsnotcanon.com/ewtbacpodcast
Floof and Pupper (TNC Podcast)
- https://thatsnotcanon.com/floofandpupperpodcast
Shoutouts
20 Oct 2019 – Borderlands turn 10. Borderlands was a textbook case of being the right game at the right time. It was unique, irreverent, and so full of guns that spending time in its wasteland meant a carefree and cathartic shooting gallery, with plenty to find and collect. - https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/01/30/37-of-the-biggest-video-game-anniversaries-in-2019
21 Oct 1959 - In New York City, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum opens to the public. The museum was a work of art in itself. Inside, a long ramp spiraled upwards for a total of a quarter-mile around a large central rotunda, topped by a domed glass ceiling. Reflecting Wright’s love of nature, the 50,000-meter space resembled a giant seashell, with each room opening fluidly into the next. - https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/guggenheim-museum-opens-in-new-york-city
21 October 1973 - 16-year-old John Paul Getty III’s ear is cut off by his kidnappers and sent to a newspaper in Rome. Because of a postal strike the ear does not arrive until November 8. It is starting to rot. - https://flashbak.com/news-in-photos-john-paul-getty-iiis-ear-is-hacked-off-by-mafia-kidnappers-16309/
Remembrances
21 Oct 1805 - Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson, 1st Viscount Nelson, 1st Duke of Bronté, British flag officer in the Royal Navy. He was noted for his inspirational leadership, grasp of strategy, and unconventional tactics, which together resulted in a number of decisive British naval victories, particularly during the Napoleonic Wars. He was wounded several times in combat, losing the sight in one eye in Corsica at the age of 36, as well as most of one arm in the unsuccessful attempt to conquer Santa Cruz de Tenerife. On 21 October 1805, the Franco-Spanish fleet came out of port, and Nelson's fleet engaged them at the Battle of Trafalgar. The battle was Britain's greatest naval victory but during the action Nelson, aboard HMS Victory, was fatally wounded by a French sharpshooter. His body was brought back to England where he was accorded a state funeral. Nelson's death at Trafalgar secured his position as one of Britain's most heroic figures. The significance of the victory and his death during the battle led to his signal, "England expects that every man will do his duty", being regularly quoted, paraphrased and referenced up to the modern day. Numerous monuments, including Nelson's Column in Trafalgar Square, London, and the Nelson Monument in Edinburgh, have been created in his memory and his legacy remains highly influential. He died at the age of 47 in HMS Victory, off Cape Trafalgar - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horatio_Nelson,_1st_Viscount_Nelson
21 Oct 1969 - Wacław Sierpiński, Polish mathematician. He was known for contributions to set theory (research on the axiom of choice and the continuum hypothesis), number theory, theory of functions and topology. He published over 700 papers and 50 books. Three well-known fractals are named after him (the Sierpinski triangle, the Sierpinski carpet and the Sierpinski curve), as are Sierpinski numbers and the associated Sierpiński problem. He died at the age of 87 in Warsaw - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wac%C5%82aw_Sierpi%C5%84ski
21 Oct 2014 - Edward Gough Whitlam, 21st Prime Minister of Australia, serving from 1972 to 1975. He won the 1974 election before being controversially dismissed by the Governor-General of Australia, Sir John Kerr, at the climax of the 1975 Australian constitutional crisis. Whitlam remains the only Australian prime minister to have his commission terminated in that manner. The Whitlam Government implemented a large number of new programs and policy changes, including the termination of military conscription, institution of universal health care and free university education, and the implementation of legal aid programs. The propriety and circumstances of his dismissal and the legacy of his government have been frequently debated in the decades after he left office. Some say he deposed as part of a CIA plot. He was the longest-lived Australian Prime Minister. He died at age of 98 in Elizabeth Bay, New South Wales - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gough_Whitlam
21 Oct 2015 - Norman W. Moore, British conservationist and author who worked extensively on studies of dragonflies and their habitats and was one of the first people to observe and warn of the adverse effects of DDT and other organochlorine pesticides on wildlife. His pioneering work on nature conservation and his pesticide research led to requests for advice from governmental and other scientific organisations in Europe, India, Australia and the United States. It was his work on dragonflies and conservation that led to him coining the term "the birdwatcher's insect", aiming to raise public interest in the role of insect monitoring in ecosystem conservation. The Independent described him in his obituary as one of the most influential figures in nature conservation in the second half of the 20th century. The British Dragonfly Society administers an award in Moore's honour, called the 'Norman Moore Award Fund'. In addition to this, several species of dragonflies and damselflies are named after Moore. He died at the age of 92 in Swavesey - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norman_W._Moore
Famous Birthdays
21 Oct 1883 - Alfred Bernhard Nobel, Swedish businessman, chemist, engineer, inventor, and philanthropist. Nobel held 355 different patents, dynamite being the most famous. The synthetic element nobelium was named after him. Known for inventing dynamite, Nobel also owned Bofors, which he had redirected from its previous role as primarily an iron and steel producer to a major manufacturer of cannon and other armaments. After reading a premature obituary which condemned him for profiting from the sales of arms, he bequeathed his fortune to institute the Nobel Prizes. His name also survives in modern-day companies such as Dynamit Nobel and AkzoNobel, which are descendants of mergers with companies Nobel himself established. He was born in Stockholm - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alfred_Nobel
21 Oct 1929 - Ursula Kroeber Le Guin, American author. She is best known for her works of speculative fiction, including science fiction works set in her Hainish universe, and the Earthsea fantasy series. She was first published in 1959, and her literary career spanned nearly sixty years, yielding more than twenty novels and over a hundred short stories, in addition to poetry, literary criticism, translations, and children's books. Frequently described as an author of science fiction, Le Guin has also been called a "major voice in American Letters", and herself said she would prefer to be known as an "American novelist". Le Guin's writing was enormously influential in the field of speculative fiction and has been the subject of intense critical attention. She received numerous accolades, including eight Hugos, six Nebulas, and twenty-two Locus Awards, and in 2003 became the second woman honored as a Grand Master of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America. The U.S. Library of Congress named her a Living Legend in 2000, and in 2014, she won the National Book Foundation Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters. Le Guin influenced many other authors, including Booker Prize winner Salman Rushdie, David Mitchell, Neil Gaiman, and Iain Banks. She was born in Berkeley, California - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ursula_K._Le_Guin
21 Oct 1956 - Carrie Frances Fisher, American actress, writer, and comedian. Fisher is best known for playing Princess Leia in the Star Wars films, a role for which she was nominated for four Saturn Awards. Her other film credits include Shampoo,The Blues Brothers, Hannah and Her Sisters, The 'Burbs and When Harry Met Sally... She was nominated twice for the Prime time Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series for her performances on the television series 30 Rock and Catastrophe. She was posthumously made a Disney Legend in 2017, and in 2018 she was awarded a posthumous Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album. She also worked on other writers' screenplays as a script doctor, including tightening the scripts for Hook,Sister Act,The Wedding Singer, and many of the films from the Star Wars franchise, among others. In later years, she earned praise for speaking publicly about her experiences with bipolar disorder and drug addiction. She was born in Burbank, California - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carrie_Fisher
Events of Interest
21 Oct 1940 - The first edition of the Ernest Hemingway novel For Whom the Bell Tolls was published. It was priced at $2.75 for 75,000 copies. It tells the story of Robert Jordan, a young American volunteer attached to a Republican guerrilla unit during the Spanish Civil War. As a dynamiter, he is assigned to blow up a bridge during an attack on the city of Segovia. The novel is regarded as one of Hemingway's best works, along with The Sun Also Rises, A Farewell to Arms, and The Old Man and the Sea. - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/For_Whom_the_Bell_Tolls
21 Oct 1944 - HMAS Australia struck in first kamikaze attack during the Battle of Leyte Gulf. The plane was carrying a 441-pound bomb, but it did not explode. Still, it inflicted serious damage to the ship and its crew. The Australia survived the attack and was repaired in 1945-46. It returned to the water after the war and was retired in August 1954. - http://www.findingdulcinea.com/news/on-this-day/September-October-08/On-this-Day--Japanese-Pilots-Begin-Kamikaze-Campaign.html
21 Oct 1983 – The metre is defined as the distance light travels in a vacuum in 1/299,792,458 of a second. This definition only makes sense because the speed of light in vacuum is measured to have the same value by all observers; a fact which is subject to experimental verification. Experiments are still needed to measure the speed of light in media such as air and water. - http://math.ucr.edu/home/baez/physics/Relativity/SpeedOfLight/measure_c.html
Intro
Artist – Goblins from Mars
Song Title – Super Mario - Overworld Theme (GFM Trap Remix)
Song Link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-GNMe6kF0j0&index=4&list=PLHmTsVREU3Ar1AJWkimkl6Pux3R5PB-QJ
Follow us on
- Page - https://www.facebook.com/NerdsAmalgamated/
- Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/440485136816406/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/NAmalgamated
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6Nux69rftdBeeEXwD8GXrS
iTunes - https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/top-shelf-nerds/id1347661094
RSS - http://www.thatsnotcanonproductions.com/topshelfnerdspodcast?format=rss
General Enquiries
Email - Nerds.Amalgamated@gmail.com
