Magic the Gathering, Brushing & Cuphead

It is time to grab a cup of tea (Earl Grey Hot for the Trekkies), strap in and get ready for another episode from the Nerds we all look forward to each week. Also grab a slice of birthday cake and help us wish the DJ a Happy Birthday, yep our favourite funny guy is another year older. Now on with the show; that’s right, we once again have another fun packed episode in which we entertain you with some of the latest topics in Nerd pop culture news. This week we start off with news of an animated series coming from Netflix of Magic the Gathering. While details are limited at the moment it is something to look forward to. The boys have some interesting points to consider with this one, and the chief among them is based on who determines what is canon for stories. Also what is possibly the coolest car commercial at the moment?

            Next up we look at why brushing your teeth is more important than just to protect your teeth and good breathe. The implications for this are actually quite important, particularly if you want to remember where you hid your favourite comics and figurines. Once again Buck has found a research article that we should take a moment to look at that highlights some very interesting and disturbing facts. So, remember to brush, rinse and floss if you want to have the best health in the nursing home.

            Next up Professor brings us news that Tesla is now becoming a rolling game console. That’s right, Tesla cars are gaming consoles with the release of another game to play on the in car tablet style interactive screen. Unfortunately you are not able to play them while driving, um, oops, maybe that’s a good thing. We also hear about what some people have been doing with their Teslas that has been noticed by Elon, and trust us, this is not something we recommend.

            The games played this week show us that Buck truly is a grumpy old man, and that DJ is a fan of Clint Eastwood. But honestly tough, who isn’t a fan of Clit? What game is this, listen in or cheat and scroll down to the link. DJ has been playing Mortal Kombat 11 and still hasn’t exhibited any signs of PTSD, lots of other funny behaviour, but hey, that is normal. Professor has set fire to a house and read a book by the light. Then we have the shout outs, remembrances, birthdays, and events. Speaking of Birthdays, we wish to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to DJ. He is OLD folks!!! As always, stay safe, take care of each other and stay hydrated, catch you all next time.

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Indiana Jones, Robotic Delivery Boys & AMD Ryzen

WOW!!! We have an amazing episode for you this week, first up, thank you to our 1000 weekly listeners, you are amazing. At last, winter is here, and Professor and Buck are both totally enjoying it. DJ has brought us the controversy of the week, with wild claims of a new Indiana Jones, and the boys pile in on him. Once again we solve the world’s greatest issues with logic and careful consideration. We decide Chris Pratt is not suitable for taking on the role and also convince DJ that Indiana Jones is not a Marvel character yet; give Disney time and they will make it happen eventually I’m sure.

            With a fabulous Segway into the next topic we look at Digit. Not the figures, the robot that will help deliver your shopping from the car to your door. Professor decides he wants one to carry the shopping from the door to the kitchen and then cook his food. DJ calls robots slaves, revealing his desire to take over the world. Buck and Professor decide that given the way technology has been moving they wish to become Cyborgs and serve the robot overlords. We align the killer drones, self-replicating robots, driverless cars and robot dogs.

            Moving along before we get into too much trouble. We have a new CPU that is pushing the limits and is looks surprised at how amazing it is. AMD is back baby and challenging Intel once again. Buck and Professor fully geek out over what this means for building your own system. If you get confused and lost please let us know; we will get Professor to write up a translation for you. We also figure out how to turn your computer into an oven. We mean literally you will be able to cook your sausages and toast your marsh mellows.

            As always we make fun of everything, have a laugh with each other, at each other and life in general. We have the usual shout outs, remembrances, birthdays, and events of interest. As always, take care of yourselves, look out for each other, and stay hydrated. NERDS rule!!!

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Back flip, True Lies & DRM

Here we go with another episode from Nerds Amalgamated. This week is packed full of fun stuff to look forward to. First up is it a robot or is it a dog? It is Boston Dynamics student competitors with Standford Doggo. This fabulous little robot is awesome and does tricks, listen in to find out what they are. Also did you want your very own robot doggo? Well you are in luck as we tell you about how to get one. Also check our website for the show notes with hyperlinks, you need the article to get what you need.

            Next up we have DJ telling us about a proposed new series coming out based on a movie. Yep, another movie is being adapted for your viewing pleasure. It will once again not have the same actors in it that were the main stars in the movie, like so many others out there. But hopefully it will be enjoyable all the same. We won’t hold our breathe but surely they will have learned something over there by now… Who the heck are we kidding, those idiots never listen to anyone else, let alone the proposed viewing public.

            Next up we look at the blooper that is worthy of a standing ovation. Someone involved with the release of a game from Bethesda studios forgot the DRM. We know, how unlike Bethesda to stuff up something right? BWAHAHA!!! This amazing bit of luck is available on Steam and quite probably numerous other websites that deal in nefarious shadowy dealings. We personally are unaware of the names of such sites and therefore are unable to confirm or deny such suggestions. But come on, just think about it, a brand new game released without the DRM and no one is going to chase that down the rabbit hole of pirating it? Yeah, like Game of Thrones was never pirated ever.

            We have the usual shout outs, remembrances, birthdays and events from history. Plus games we are playing at the moment. All combined into one big mess that we call the show. We hope you enjoy and as always, stay safe, look after each other and stay hydrated.

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Robotics, Pokemon & Sonic the Hedgehog

Here they come, blowing up your phone, getting funniest looks from, everyone who hears;, hey hey it’s the Nerds. That’s right folks, look out, strap in and enjoy the ride of yet another fantastic fun filled episode of chaos and laughter. Also I know you started to sing along with us in that opening sentence, just go with it and enjoy. First up we look at a robot using origami to pick things up. It is truly spectacular! The boys get Nerdy and geek out over this and the applications it could be used for. When you look at what it can do you will understand.

            Then as we wander through the show the DJ giggles constantly like he fit to burst, we aren’t sure what was in his milk that morning but hey, it worked. The next stop on our magical mystery tour is Pokemon and the Brain, that’s right folks Pokemon and the Brain, not Pinky. Although this has been more successful in taking over the world then Pinky; note, we need to copyright that idea before….too late. Anyway, we take a look at how watching pokemon is affecting people’s brains, and we don’t mean the crazy people running out in traffic to catch Jigglypuff.

            The DJ continues to giggle as he tells us about Sonic the Hedgehog and the change that is happening to rectify the massive failure that was released to so much anger. This is serious folks, some idiot somewhere is trying to make something look even more ridiculous then Will Smith in body paint…and that is a really hard thing to do. Then as normal we have the shout outs, remembrances, birthdays and events of the week, which has some pretty funny moments for your enjoyment. We apologise if this is too informative for some listeners, also hello to the NSA, CIA and the rest of the alphabet soup, we know you are listening. Also we wish to acknowledge the Penguins as the Earths Alien overlords, they rule the galaxy. As always, take care of each other, stay safe and keep hydrated.

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Movies, Smells & CRISPR

Movies coming in May - https://comicbook.com/movies/2019/04/30/movies-arriving-may-2019/#6

Bad sense of smell predicts early death - https://www.newscientist.com/article/2201021-a-bad-sense-of-smell-predicts-early-death-but-we-dont-know-why/

CRISPR storing GIFS - https://www.alphr.com/bioscience/1006302/scientists-have-used-crispr-to-store-a-gif-inside-the-dna-of-a-living-cell

Games currently playing

Buck

– Assassin’s Creed Unity - https://store.steampowered.com/app/289650/Assassins_Creed_Unity/

Professor

– Minecraft - https://www.minecraft.net/en-us/

DJ

– Mortal Kombat 11 - https://store.steampowered.com/app/976310/Mortal_Kombat11/

Other topics discussed

A Dog’s Journey (film)

- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Dog%27s_Journey_(film)

Isle of Dogs (film)

- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isle_of_Dogs_(film)

The Professor (film)

- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Professor_(2018_film)

John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum (film)

- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Wick:_Chapter_3_%E2%80%93_Parabellum

Clara (film)

- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clara_(film)

The Professor & the Madman (film)

- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Professor_and_the_Madman_(film)

Aladdin (2019 disney film)

- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aladdin_(2019_film)

Sonic the Hedgehog (2019 film)

- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sonic_the_Hedgehog_(film)

Tolkien (film)

- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tolkien_(film)

Rock of Ages (film)

- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rock_of_Ages_(2012_film)

Bohemian Rhapsody (film)

- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bohemian_Rhapsody_(film)

Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019 film)

- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Godzilla:_King_of_the_Monsters_(2019_film)

Plucking nose hairs is not a good idea

- https://www.businessinsider.com.au/why-you-shouldnt-pluck-your-nose-hairs-2016-7?r=US&IR=T

How to pronounce GIF

- https://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/05/23/battle-over-gif-pronunciation-erupts/

Ways to add CRISPR into the body

- https://www.technologyreview.com/s/608898/five-ways-to-get-crispr-into-the-body/

A New World Order podcast

- https://thatsnotcanon.com/anewworldorder

Big Fat Liar (film)

- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Fat_Liar

Y2K of GPS

- https://www.abc.net.au/news/science/2019-04-05/gps-rollover-global-positioning-system-receivers-satellites/10966218

Gal Gadot’s stunt double in Wonder Woman movie

- http://www.espn.com/espnw/culture/article/19510724/stunt-double-caitlin-dechelle-wonder-woman-real-life-superpowers

Maxwell Klinger (M*A*S*H character)

- https://mash.fandom.com/wiki/Maxwell_Q._Klinger

Shoutouts

27 Apr 1922 – Record breaking Sheila Scott was born, she later in life went on to become an accomplished female pilot. In 1966, Sheila made her first around-the-world flight, covering about 31,000 miles in 189 flying hours. It was the first such solo flight by a British subject, the longest-distance solo flight, and only the third around-the-world flight by a woman. Then records began to tumble: between London and Cape Town in 1967; across the North Atlantic the same year; across the South Atlantic in 1969; from equator to equator over the North Pole in 1971, becoming the first woman to pilot a flight circling the world by way of the North Pole in a light aircraft. After her record polar flight, she made a third around-the-world flight, earning her 100th world-class record, including a new time from Darwin, Australia, to London of three and a half days, beating the previous record by one and a half days. In 1967, she set 23 world records in just one year. - https://www.onthisday.com/articles/record-breaking-sheila-the-high-flying-aviator

29 Apr 2019 - Dragon Ball Creator Akira Toriyama has been nominated in the "Voters Choice" category for the Eisner Hall of Fame awards - https://comicbook.com/anime/2019/04/29/dragon-ball-akira-toriyama-eisner-award-nomination-2019/

30 Apr 1888 – 1888 Moradabad hailstorm: hail stones allegedly as big as oranges kill 246 people and some 1600 sheep and cattle in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1888_Moradabad_hailstorm

30 Apr 1989 - World Wide Web (WWW) is first launched in the public domain by CERN scientist Sir Tim Berners-Lee - https://www.onthisday.com/people/tim-berners-lee

Remembrances

29 Apr 2019 – John Singleton, American film director, screenwriter, and producer. He was best known for directing Boyz n the Hood (1991), for which he was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Director, becoming, at age 24, the first African American and youngest person to have ever been nominated for that award. Singleton was a native of South Los Angeles, and many of his films, such as Poetic Justice (1993), Higher Learning (1995), and Baby Boy (2001), had themes which resonated with the contemporary urban population. He also directed the drama Rosewood (1997) and the action films Shaft (2000), 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003), and Four Brothers (2005). He co-created the television crime drama Snowfall. He died of a stroke at 51 in Los Angeles, California - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Singleton

29 Apr 2019 – Les Murray, Australian poet, anthologist and critic. His career spanned over 40 years and he published nearly 30 volumes of poetry as well as two verse novels and collections of his prose writings. His poetry won many awards and he is regarded as "the leading Australian poet of his generation". He was rated by the National Trust of Australia as one of the 100 Australian Living Treasures. He died at 80 in Taree, New South Wales. - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Les_Murray_(poet)

30 Apr 1792 - John Montagu, 4th Earl of Sandwich, a British statesman who succeeded his grandfather Edward Montagu, 3rd Earl of Sandwich as the Earl of Sandwich in 1729, at the age of ten. During his life, he held various military and political offices, including Postmaster General, First Lord of the Admiralty, and Secretary of State for the Northern Department. He is also known for the claim that he was the eponymous inventor of the sandwich. He died at 73 in Chiswick,England - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Montagu,_4th_Earl_of_Sandwich

30 Apr 1974 - Agnes Moorehead, American actress whose 41-year career included work in radio, stage, film, and television. She is best known for her role as Endora on the television series Bewitched, but she also has notable roles in films, including Citizen Kane, The Magnificent Ambersons, Dark Passage, All That Heaven Allows, Show Boat, and Hush...Hush, Sweet Charlotte. Moorehead rarely played lead roles, but her skill at character development and range earned her one Primetime Emmy Award and two Golden Globe Awards in addition to nominations for four Academy Awards and six Emmy Awards. She was the first woman to host the Oscars ceremony. Her transition to television won acclaim for drama and comedy. She could play many different types, but often portrayed haughty, arrogant characters. She died of uterine cancer at 73 in Rochester, Minnesota - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agnes_Moorehead

Famous Birthdays

30 Apr 1921 - Roger L. Easton, American scientist/physicist who was the principal inventor and designer of the Global Positioning System (GPS), along with Ivan A. Getting and Bradford Parkinson. He was born in Craftsbury, Vermont - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roger_L._Easton

30 Apr 1985 – Gal Gadot, Israeli actress and model. At age 18, she was crowned Miss Israel 2004. She then served two years in the Israel Defense Forces as a combat instructor, and began studying law and international relations at IDC Herzliya college while building up her modeling and acting careers. Gadot's first international film role came as Gisele Yashar in Fast & Furious (2009), a role she reprised in subsequent installments of the film franchise. She went on to earn worldwide fame for portraying Wonder Woman in the DC Extended Universe, beginning with Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016), followed by the solo film Wonder Woman and the ensemble Justice League (both 2017). In 2018, Gadot was included on Time's annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world, and was listed among the highest-paid actresses in the world. She was born in Petah Tikva, Israel - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gal_Gadot

1 May 1738 - Kamehameha 1, Hawaiian conqueror who united the Hawaiian Islands and formally established the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi in 1810. He was born in Kohala, Hawaii

- https://www.onthisday.com/people/kamehameha-i

- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kamehameha_I

1 May 1923 - Joseph Heller, American author of novels, short stories, plays and screenplays. His best-known work is the novel Catch-22, a satire on war and bureaucracy, whose title has become a synonym for an absurd or contradictory choice. He was born in Brooklyn, New York - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Heller

Events of Interest

1 May 1786 - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's opera "Marriage of Figaro" premieres in Vienna with Mozart himself directing - https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/mozarts-le-nozze-di-figaro-premieres-in-vienna

1 May 1840 - The Penny Black was the world's first adhesive postage stamp used in a public postal system was first issued. It was not valid for use until 6 May. The Penny Black features a profile of Queen Victoria. - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penny_Black

1 May 1994 – Three-time Formula One world champion Ayrton Senna is killed in an accident whilst leading the San Marino Grand Prix at Imola. - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_of_Ayrton_Senna

1 May 1999 - SpongeBob SquarePants premiere on Nickelodeon after the 1999 Kids' Choice Awards. It has received worldwide critical acclaim since its premiere and gained enormous popularity by its second season. - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spongebob_squarepants

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 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/NerdsAmalgamated/

Email - Nerds.Amalgamated@gmail.com

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

 

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GB Studios, Batman & Human Gene Editing

Hi, hello and welcome to another amazing episode from Nerds Amalgamated. Once again we enjoy bringing you this slice of entertainment from the world of the NERD pop culture news, where all are welcome. We pause for a moment to pay our respect to the victims of the cowardly bombings in Sri Lanka over Easter. Also we pause to honour the ANZACs, those individuals who have helped defend Australia and New Zealand for over a century.

            First topic is from the Professor, and it is about an open source game making program that enables the creation of 8-bit type games. Useable on web-browsers and portable devices such as the Nintendo Gameboy (All trademarks acknowledged – so don’t sue us please Nintendo, Buck is still not happy with you). This is looking like a fun way of making your own games and also introducing coding and game development to a new generation.

            Then we look at a birthday celebration for Batman, 80 years old and still giving crime a beat down. Yep, there is a return of the quadrilogy from the 90’s to cinemas. So grab you friends, dig those happy pants out of the cupboard and shake up that hair spray and head on down. You get to see the two Michael Keaton Batman movies, followed by Val Kilmer and then George Clooney. We discuss Bat-nipple gate and how fun these movies were. Plus we hear how tragic Buck was at decorating his bedroom as a teenager.

            Next up we look at further plans to make use of CRISPR for gene editing, this time to prevent hereditary diseases. Say hi to the start of Gattaca folks, we have a group of mad scientists running around with questionable ethics who don’t watch movies. Next they will be telling us about how they want to remake dinosaurs and release them into the wild, like that other movie. Don’t these people ever learn to think about the consequences of their actions?

            We finish off with the usual shout out, remembrances, birthdays and events. As always take care of each other and stay hydrated.

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Stimulation, EVE Online & Cowboy Bebop

Hello and welcome back once again, we hope that everyone is having a fabulous time. This week we celebrate many achievements that are pure catnip for Nerds, to start with the eventual launch of the Falcon heavy rocket, also the first image of a black hole, my goodness, so much interstellar goodness. The first topic up this week is about electrical stimulation of the brain and how it can help improve memory. Now that doesn’t mean that any students should go out and start electrocuting themselves…although we all know that one person we want to zap. Research is still being developed on application of electrolysis in the treatment of Alzheimers and other issues, and NO, do not got out and electrocute the elderly, that is not cool. Next up we look at a lawyer and a lobbyist who has been banned from Eve online, apparently he claims to be innocent. It is all a misunderstanding or something is his defence, please I used that when I was 8 as an excuse, surely he can do better. Next he will be saying it was his dog did it. Then DJ has news about the cast being announced for the live action series of Cowboy Beebop. We are all nervous but hopefully this one will work, of course we aren’t holding our breathe. After all, they have to get one right eventually don’t they? What do you think is the worst live action adaption from anime? Drop us a line and let us know, also which is you favourite anime you would recommend? Then we have the games of the week, shout outs, remembrances, events of interest, and birthdays. Hot diggedy do, now that is looking like a great show. As always, take care and look out for each other and stay hydrated.

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Skin, Dwarf Fortress & Arkham Knight

Welcome back and hello to the new listeners, we hope everyone is having fun and taking care of themselves. So, this week we find out that there is a new electronic skin developed from the National University of Singapore. We discussed how it can be applied in the real world, trust me this will make you laugh, the possibilities are endless. Although we really like the idea of a window for submarines with a heads up display, that would be cool.  Next up we look at an indie game called Dwarf Fortress from two brothers and how their model might rival the triple A game studios. This is a game that embraces the gaming community and encourages players to develop extra content and share it online. Lastly, we look at the transition of a video game character now appearing in DC Comics known as the Arkham Knight. This not the first time that has happened as Marvel has done it before but obviously DC will do it better. As usual we have the regular list of shout outs, remembrances, birthdays, and events of interest. As usual we have a lot of fun bringing you this latest episode of mayhem, so settle in with a cup of earl grey hot and a biscuit while we bring you some of the news this week in Nerd pop culture. Remember, take care of each other and stay hydrated.

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Spacewalk, Hall of Fame & Dora

To start with, welcome back and hello to the new listeners, we hope everyone is having fun and taking care of themselves. So this week we find out that NASA forgot to pack enough clothes for the astronauts and that by doing this we failed to see history being made. That’s right folks, we had the first all-female space-walk in history planned and someone messed up. We roast the folks at NASA for messing this up. Hopefully it will be able to happen next time and become a regular practice. Also for those in Brisbane the Queensland Museum has an exhibit of space suits and other items to spend some time dreaming over.  Next up we look at the latest on this year’s Video Game Hall of Fame nominations, some are looking good and one is surprising. We take a look at the games already in the Hall and try to find out which is the favourite. Unfortunately Leisure Suit Larry isn’t on the list, neither was there any of the Police Quest, Space Quest or Outrun for Buck. Oh to be so old and to have played so many games as our resident geriatric. Lastly we review the new movie coming out for Dora the Explorer and try to figure out if it is working out to be great or just another in a long line of failures. One thing though is Danny Trejo is involved and we don’t think he has a machete in this movie. Oh well, I guess it is safe for kids to watch then. As usual we have the regular list of shout outs, remembrances, birthdays, and events of interest. As usual we have a lot of fun bringing you this latest episode of mayhem, so settle in with a cup of earl grey and a biscuit while we bring you some of the news this week in Nerd pop culture. Remember, take care of each other and stay hydrated.

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Dune, Epic Games Store & Quantum Tunneling

In this latest episode we start with news that Dune is set to start shooting soon and the central cast is listed. It appears it is not a remake but a complete reimagining of the story, with promise it is going to be close to the book. At least it does not have Dwayne “the Rock” in it like some many other dismal remakes over the last few years. Also it is not a Disney remake or a Marvel movie so it should be completely different and fun. Next up we discuss how Epic is possibly “stealing” personal data from Steam and the possible implications involved. That’s right, Bill Gates has warned of the arrogance of software developers/studios etc catching the attention of governments and here is a prime example. This is right on the heels of Google being fined by the European Union again. We also hear about a possible link between Epic and the Chinese government from the Professor; who also raises the question of who is stealing the data. Last topic of the week is the break-through in Quantum Physics that will see a need for new textbooks to be printed. The best part about it is that some of the people involved are from Brisbane. That’s right folks, roll up and admire the great minds delving into physics and shaking the world from Brisbane. Remember to take care of each other and stay hydrated, till next time, stay Nerdy.

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Time Bandits, Fallout RPG & Artificial Intelligence

We wish to take a moment and offer our condolences and heart felt sympathies to all those injured and killed this week in Christchurch. Such senseless violence achieves nothing and is disgusting to us all. No words can express our sadness over this.

WOW! Once again those Nerds have done it again. They have found some exciting news about entertainment with a movie being adapted to a television series. That’s right, another awesome movie, Time Bandits this time, is going to get a reboot into a TV series. Hopefully it will be great and actually follow the story of the movie. We would say we are not holding our breath, but we would never consider it anyway, after all the examples of this sort of thing going wrong we just hope it doesn’t drag us all into the sucking void of despair. Then for those who like Fallout, who also like RPGs (not the rocket propelled grenade kind for the NSA and CIA who are listening and spying) we have news for you. Fallout is now a pen and paper role playing game, that’s right, and we warn, if you had no one to play fallout 76 with you will still be singing that song ‘Lonely’ again. Further there are miniatures available for table top games similar to Warhammer. Which let’s face it is really cool. We just haven’t figured out the loot boxes that Bethesda has got to be trying to squeeze into the game. Now we suggest everyone run for cover as Buck is back and on the Rant path with news that work is happening to insert AI memory processors to improve music ability. Now we understand this has to be a good thing right? Well, the thing he hates is the imbecilic nature of mumble rappers and the moronic fashion styles they represent. Trust me he really takes issue with that kind of thing. After we get him to calm down we look at the games played this week, followed by the famous events, birthdays, remembrances, and shout outs. The biggest shout out was a moments pause to remember the late great Stephen Hawking who left us last year.

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SpaceX, Game of Thrones & Anthem

In this latest marvellous and riveting episode we are going to first travel into the cold, quiet and overcrowded outer space. That’s right, we are going into earth orbit and visiting the ISS (International Space Station) where Space X has just docked the new Dragon Capsule. This is the next step in a flight to the moon in 2023, still trying to get a ticket if anyone has one. The capsule was only a test with a dummy aboard, and no, not Trump. Next up is the fast approaching final season of Game of Thrones – season 8 – with what is looking like a record breaking battle scene that took weeks to film. This is expected to be more epic than Helms Deep, even the extended edition. Then we look at the fact that Anthem is hard crashing consoles and systems around the world. Cue the music “Queen – Another One Bites The Dust.” That’s right folks, EA has struck again, and this time it gets personal with systems and consoles being bricked by this latest screw up. There is mention of compensation floating around, so hopefully word will spread before too many systems are wrecked. Then we have the games of the week, the weekly shout outs, birthdays, remembrances and events of interest from this week in history. As always we would welcome any feedback, suggestions or whatever. Until next week, stay safe, look out for each other and stay hydrated.

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Millicent Patrick, Mad Max & PS5

This episode we have an amazing guest re-joining us, the fantastic Shaun from Comics2Movies and XCT. So you know straight up it is going to be a great show! Also the DJ is on fire this week and makes us laugh till we cry. We begin with a look at an upcoming book release that is the biography of Milicent Patrick, the lady who designed the creature from the Black Lagoon. She has an amazing story that is sure to inspire many of us. It also looks at the harassment she faced and the ongoing issues in Hollywood today. Also discussed is the reaction of various law enforcement agencies in response to undesirable behaviours such as cyber-bullying. The topic is the 40th anniversary of Mad Max! That’s right the original movie that created a legend is 40 years old. There was a party in Victoria to celebrate with fans even coming from America. Of course this means we have to discuss the amazing films in the Mad Max franchise (even the recent Fury Road – which is suggested is not Mad Max, but you decide and let us know). Also this is when the DJ makes us laugh till we cry, listen out for it, believe me, it is amazingly funny. Next up is the Professor with some information about the PS5 and VR. Things are getting better with improved technology on the VR/AR front with arcades opening up around the place, but what is happening in the home? We then have the regular shoutouts, birthdays, and remembrances. Concluding with a chat about what Shaun is up to in terms of new projects to look forward to, so if you are planning on going to any of the comic conventions you will have to stop by and say G’Day, and check out what he has on offer. Particularly with his new graphic novels, so go along and check out his website and be amazed by the wondrous collection of artwork in the various comic books and graphic novels available for purchase alongside the extensive offering of various memorabilia there. So grab yourself a cup of tea and strap in for our latest instalment of Nerds Amalgamated.

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Episode 55: Submarines, Unions & Savage Avengers

We long to be, under the sea, in the Octopuses garden in the shade. Hi everyone, wow, apparently Boeing are now making submarines, that’s right, subs! We start off with the news that Boeing is to supply 4 large unmanned submarines with a very large payload to the US navy. We would rather use them for science and building an underwater habitat, but hey, this means the tech needed is becoming a reality. Trust me, this is a cool topic to check out. Then we look at unions in the gaming industry and discuss what that could mean. Not everyone will be a fan, but if it helps protect people from overwork and burnout then it is worth considering as the owners and management of a lot of the software developers are only interested in themselves. Then DJ has news that Marvel is poaching another character and ruining it, Conan the Barbarian is now going to be a Marvel character in the new Marvel Suicide Squad, oops, erm, we mean Savage Avengers. Sorry for the confusion there, but it is easy to understand the confusion when it appears that once again Marvel is presenting content that is so similar to DC. Then we have our games currently played, and the plethora of shout outs for your enjoyment. We hope you enjoy and if you think of anything we should cover (other than the DJ in gaffer tape) let us know, until next week, see ya.

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Episode 54: World Science Festival 2019, Activision & The Wandering Earth

Welcome back for another episode of the ongoing celebration of being a Nerd, the weather in Queensland is starting to cool off a little. It takes an extra couple of minutes to cook your feet on the concrete now. We have another wonderful episode full of fantastic material for everyone, and believe me when I say everyone. Before we go further, we wish to have a moment to farewell the Mars Opportunity Rover, the gutsy little robot that could, and did for 15 years, so long and see you soon. First up Buck is excited to tell us about the World Science Festival happening this year in Queensland. There are events all around the place ranging from Chinchilla (the dinosaur capital of Australia) to the northern coast in Townsville and Gladstone not just in Brisbane. Buck is like a kid in a candy shop trying to work out which events he wants to attend. Check it out there are so many things to do and see it is totally amazing. There are even films being shown at GOMA (The Gallery of Modern Art) that you can look forward to. The Professor has news about the jobs cut at Activision and the ramifications of it. Also a rumour about job offers circulating for the recently unemployed. This is another major studio/publisher that is facing trouble with declines in sales, share price and general profitability. Wonder when they will start to listen to the customers and make games fun again. Also just bring back games with great storylines, not everyone wants to play a battle royale. DJ has found an amazing movie for us to all go and watch, titled Wandering Earth. It is a Sci-Fi from China on a big budget and is looking well worth watching. We will let you know what we think, but remember we encourage you to make your own decisions not just be sheeple and follow mindlessly what some cretin says. We also have the games being played and the lists of shout outs, remembrances, birthdays, events and general banter. Also we are sad to announce that no one was interested in the date with the DJ.

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Episode 53: One Year On - We Are Still Here - Bandages, Black Mesa & Miss Fury

WOW, one year, thank you everyone for listening. It has been an amazing year, with special guests such as Hydark, Shawn and Tahlya combined with support from the Podfather Zane, all hail Zane. We had fun recording this episode, we were all together, with the Professor and Buck in the same room and DJ in another because he is so loud in real life, seriously we think he swallowed a megaphone or something. We also wish to apologise for not having Nerf guns with which to shoot the DJ, but as it was in a public place we might have gotten into trouble. But down to business, first up in this episode we look at new bandages that use electrical shocks to improve healing and shorten the time involved dramatically. These things are so cool they make Aquaman look normal. While it is early days yet this is something we can look forward to. Next up we look at the latest from Black Mesa and the issues with colour saturation making fans blue. Wait, what, haha, you will have to listen to find out more. Then we wander down History Avenue to take a look at an amazing comic from 1941 that was so far ahead of its time the American censors were threatened, which makes Buck furious. With all this and more we hope you enjoy this episode as much as we have enjoyed bringing it to you.

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Episode 52: Fossils, Jean Luc Picard & Metro Exodus

Oh my giddy aunt, will you look at that, we have reached 52 episodes! Wow, you like us, you really do, thank you.  Even more surprising is the fact that we haven’t had the ‘Mericans come busting through our doors looking for fossil fuels, erm, I mean terrorists etc. We have an amazing episode for you this week, starting with DINOSAURS!!! That’s right folks, dinosaurs, and the feather that covered them. It is much more interesting than you might think learning about the α and β keratins that make things such as hair, claws, horns, and feathers. This is combined with a look at some amazingly huge pterosaurs, namely the Quetzalcoatlus Northropi. A dinosaur the size of a small plane that could fly for days at speeds of 140-160 miles per hour, perfect for the get-away on the weekend and avoiding traffic. After this we are faced with news from Star Trek regarding Piccard no longer being a Captain, so grab your cup of Earl Grey Hot and strap in for this as it is amazing, particularly when we try to combine Doctor Who, Star Trek and James Bond into one movie or series. That’s right folks we have tried to combine three of the greatest franchises together this week. After this head exploding drama we look at the absolute mayhem and devastation that is the Metro Exodus leaving Steam debacle. It is such a disaster that you could be forgiven for thinking that we have visited a sewage treatment plant, and trust me plenty of that is hitting the fan over this. After this roller coaster ride we look at games such as Stardew Valley, Elder Scrolls Online and the fact that the DJ is still lonely in Fallout 76. So please, sit back and sip your cup of Earl Grey Hot as we take you on a journey through these topics. As always we would love to hear from you so feel free to drop us a line. As always stay safe, look out for each other and drink lots of water, thank you, so long and farewell.

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Episode 51: Smash Brothers, Oscars & Gods and Robots

Happy Australia Day/ Invasion day or just plain hi, how are you today; whatever floats your boat these days. Hopefully everyone is taking care of themselves in this extra hot summer and keeping hydrated. Whoever it was that invited Diablo or whoever please send them home. Happy 20th birthday to Super Smash Bros, it seemed like 20 years at the E3 release for the latest instalment of fun, but no, the game with the same head developer is 20, well done. We meander down the path of other games that have stood the test of time, either in the same original format of reincarnated into newer and slightly different formats. Then DJ brings us some news about the Oscar nominations, and Black Panther is on it, I know, yay, go Marvel. DJ is happy about that, and congratulations on a super hero movie finally getting a nomination. Hollywood is starting to recognise Nerds are a large market share finally. There are some interesting names on the list, including Green Book, a film worth checking out. Then Buck brings us a book entitled ‘Gods and Robots’ that looks at the historical accounts of robots and automatons throughout civilisation in many different forms. He is like a kid in a candy shop he is so excited. We also have the regular shout outs and events of interest, including a special birthday for Selma and Patty, who? Listen and find out. Thanks as always for your continued listening and support, take care of yourselves and look out for each other, and drink heaps of water.

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Episode 50: Home Robots, Uncharted & Linux

We hope everyone is staying safe, cool and well hydrated. Schools are going back soon so watch out for hordes of little people running around the place, so take care and avoid being mobbed by the rapscallions. First up we talk about robots with Washington State University revealing a new care assist robot that helps the elderly and others with remembering chores around the house. Also Spot from Boston Dynamics is planned to be released on the market, so if you want a really cool robot to help around the house there is an option. Next, we discuss the upcoming Uncharted movie ad how cool it is looking. Also is Tom Holland going to be able to play a young Drake in the movie?  Third topic of the week is the Linux sales and the problems it is having with games. We discuss some of the history of games and the need for another independent renaissance in gaming development. Hopefully with focus going back onto games being fun and enjoyable, like Duke Nukem was when it started or Wolfenstein. We have an interesting shoutouts segment with a new arrival at the Cincinnati Zoo, the hunk that is Jason Mamoa and some cool birthdays also. As always we hope you enjoy the episode and are happy to hear any comments, feedback, criticism or even just a hello; until next week, hooroo.

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Episode 49: Zirconium, Venom 2, Resident Evil 2 & Kingdom Hearts 3

We give you more this week with special guest Tahlya returning to join us once again, yay, this is awesome right from the start. This episode is full of fun and laughter, starting with a new record from a weird type of Zirconium at capturing and absorbing neutrons like a sponge. Johnny better watch out, he might get trapped.

            Then we look at the news from Venom 2 and the new director. Is it going to be good or bad? We don’t know yet but the premise holds strong, just hope that Guardians of the Galaxy survives the new director it is facing. The DJ has definitely delivered with this topic, although he makes a suggestion of a cameo from Spiderman, so not a cool idea.

            Then we give you even more again, with a double header from Tahlya with Resident Evil 2 news giving fans of the classic franchise. This then moves into the Kingdom Hearts latest release. This is confusing when we look at the release schedule.  For example Kingdom Hearts X followed by Kingdom Heart 2.8. Seriously, did these guys employ an Apple genius reject? This leads into the most entertaining part of the episode when we discover Tahlya has an issue with David Cage, a Frenchman with the most inept directing style. Listen as Tahlya gives us more.

            So strap on in and hang on tight as we let this sucker run wild and free for an amazing ride through an array of topics.  Please, remember to take care of yourselves and each other, and in this heat keep hydrated.

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