Jim is finally back from Maui, and so we’re finally back with a podcast! This week, we wonder if Axl Rose is right to refuse entry into a Hall of Fame that would induct someone like Axl Rose. (07:51 – 19:13) Then, in 2012, should anybody be watching shows like Mad Men or Breaking Bad in anything but HD? Of course not, so we discuss the fact that DirecTV customers still have to suffer with AMC in Standard Definition. This also leads into a discussion on David Simon’s comments about people not wat...
Apr 14, 2012•51 min
This week, Tim, Kirk & Jim start off by banging their heads against the LA Times paywall. (4:40 – 10:35) Next up, what’s worse than taking a drug test to get a job? Having a prospective employer login to Facebook as you. (10:36 – 18:30) Then, we all plan to go see The Hunger Games , after convincing Kirk that it’s a sequel to Moneyball. (18:31 – 22:21) Also, we look at how the new iPad’s Retina Display doesn’t play nicely with app developers who took shortcuts or tried to control the experie...
Mar 23, 2012
And we’re back! Kirk, Tim & Jim start off by discussing Daylight Saving Time and the logistics of attending SxSW in a wheelchair, and wonder Kirk didn’t do just that following his knee surgery. (4:28 – 10:00) You wonder why e-book prices have gone up in the past couple of years? And they’re all pretty much the same wherever you happen to shop? It’s because of a thing called “agency pricing,” and the U.S. Department of Justice are considering suing Apple and the major book-publishers over col...
Mar 12, 2012•47 min
Jim, Kirk and Tim start this week by taking a look at the little-known cult show called The Simpsons, which celebrated its 500th episode this week. (08:30 – 25:53) After that, we look at a technology that was all but left for dead but is making a comeback: over-the-air TV antennas. (26:04 – 32:53) Finally, it’s the latest inductee into the Medialoper Bebop Great Albums Hall of Fame: The Jesus and Mary Chain’s Psychocandy (32:54 – 44:53) All that, and in honor of Kirk’s upcoming ACL surgery and J...
Feb 24, 2012•56 min
This week, Kirk, Tim & Jim start with a discussion of the awesome smart thermostat, Nest, — by the fathers of the iPod — which has become the target of a patent lawsuit by Honeywell. (04:10 – 14:04) Then, we talk about the new Neflix original series, Lillyhammer , (aka Silvio Goes to Norway and what it might portend for the future of programming. Oh, and of course, Steve Van Zant’s amazing acting chops. (14:05 – 19:25) After that, it’s a quick look at Madonna at the Super Bowl, and that time...
Feb 08, 2012•43 min
This week, Tim, Jim & Kirk start by discussing the implications of Google’s new privacy policies. (3:40 – 15:10) Then, we’re all going to be Moon People. All we have to do is elect Newt Gingrich! (15:11 – 22:46). After that, it’s the latest installment of our “You’re An Idiot” segment. This time, the idiot is Tim, who defends his unholy love for American Idol . (22:47 – 33:45) Finally, Tim shares what’s in his mix: the new album from Mogwai, that live video of the Flaming Lips with Nels Clin...
Jan 28, 2012•47 min
Kirk, Tim & Jim have all seen Moneyball, so we figured we’d talk about both the film and the concept. (05:30 – 15:20) After that, we look at the SOPA protests, including the one on this site. And explain why Lamar Smith, the author (or “author”) of SOPA, is exactly like Snooki. (15:22 – 20:55) Then, we look at SPIN’s plan to tweet the vast majority of their record reviews . (20:56 – 32:53) Finally, it’s Kirk’s turn to explain what is in his mix, which has been utterly transformed by iTunes M...
Jan 18, 2012•50 min
In their first podcast of 2012, Jim & Tim wonder if you’ve heard that new Van Halen song. Kirk could care less. But it does lead to a discussion about various band reunions as well as the various incarnations of Van Halen. (4:37 – 11:04) Then, there is general worry at a British study that says brain decline starts in the mid-40s , not the early 60s. (11:05 – 19:55) Also, speaking of decline, has any retailer had a swifter decline than Best Buy? Probably, but who can remember? Kirk traces it...
Jan 12, 2012•54 min
The week, Kirk, Jim & Tim take a look at the Stop Online Piracy Act, and how its destroy-the-net-to-save-it approach towards internet piracy (or “piracy,”) threatens pretty much the entire internet as we know it. Thank the gods that the United States House of Representatives is on the case!! (05:19 – 13:29) Meanwhile, Louis CK (whose name I inexplicably mispronounce) shows exactly how stupid the screams of “piracy is killing our business” are by releasing a DRM-free, consumer-friendly concer...
Dec 20, 2011•41 min
This week, Kirk tells Tim & Jim his story about losing his power due to last week’s hurricane-force winds in SoCal, and how he hopped in his jeep and toured the devastation in Pasadena while searching for coffee and the internet. (6:00 – 13:28) Then, Albert Puljos is going to Disneyland! We take a look at whether or not this is a good deal for the Angels, and have a heated discussion about whether it makes any difference that he didn’t stay with the Cardinals. (14:05 – 23:04) Can you believe...
Dec 10, 2011•49 min
This week, Tim, Kirk, & Jim discuss the the following Rolling Stones-permeated topics. First off, you’d think that a newly-released Rolling Stones live album from the early 70s would be a cause for celebration, but as it is confined to Google’s Android platform, it’s as cause for consternation and the spur for a long, serious discussion about how music exclusivity — whether via artificially high prices or artifically enforced platforms — encourages piracy. Not only do artists like U2, Nirvan...
Nov 30, 2011•49 min
This week, Tim, & Jim and a very yelly Kirk tackle the following subjects: First, in a brand-new segment entitled “Explain it to Kirk,” Tim & Jim explain the Twilight phenomenon to Kirk. (3:35 – 8:50) Then, it’s reported death of the Compact Disc, which — according to some reports — is going to be abandoned by the major labels as soon as the end of this year. (08:53 – 18:00) Here’s the chart we’re talking about in the podcast: Also, iTunes Match has been launched, and we debate whether o...
Nov 18, 2011•55 min
This week, Kirk, Tim and Jim are reeling from the ramifications of the reversion back to Pacific Standard Time, so there are fewer topics, but more digressions! First, a look at Amazon’s Kindle Owners Lending Library, and what it might mean for the Publishing industry, and you, the Consumer. Yes, you!! (07:20 – 21:00) A voicemail from Commissioner Loper leads to a plot to capture Jay Fung, who still doesn’t know that he’s been mentioned on nearly every single podcast for the past couple of month...
Nov 10, 2011•47 min
This week, Jim, Kirk & Tim are not quite as organized as in previous weeks, which is really saying something (really saying something) (bop bop shoobie do wah). First off, Kirk’s impending trip to San Francisco sparks a discussion about what having the San Francisco Giants being the MLB champions for a year meant to Tim & Jim, and how the Rapture could have kept the Giants champions forever. (3:45 – 7:10) Then, we discuss the decision by Warner Bros to put the Harry Potter DVDs on morato...
Oct 26, 2011•43 min
This week, Tim, & Jim and Kirk discuss whether or not the fact that everybody is experiencing pop culture at their own pace detracts from the communal enjoyment of — and ultimate enjoyment of — that pop culture. This was brought on because it seems like loads of people are reading the Song of Ice and Fire Books but nobody is discussing them. (6:31 – 16:27) Then, we discuss our problems with the Medialoper Promo Department, and how you can like us on Facebook . (16:28 -18:59) Then, we look at...
Oct 22, 2011•46 min
This week, Jim, Tim & Kirk look at Netflix’s “never mind” about Qwikster and call back to in the infamous “lost” podcast, where the prediction was made that Qwikster wouldn’t make it through October. (03:22 – 14:10) Next, we deal with previous podcast business involving Hitler and R.E.M. (14:14 – 19:40) Then, instead of discussing Facebook for the iPad, we parse the saga of Phoenix Jones, superhero and the rest of the Rain City Superhero Movement, and determine that one of the things a super...
Oct 12, 2011•47 min
Like every other blog, podcast and media outlet in the entire multiverse, Tim, Jim & Kirk discuss the life of Steve Jobs, the products that he championed and the legacy that he left. (02:17 – 12:28) After that, we debate the possible return of Arrested Development , and whether or not it even come back in the first place. (14:01 – 22:31) Then, we talk about how whether or not we listen to albums as albums anymore. (22:32 – 32:07) Finally, it’s a look at the music in Jim’s mix: Wilco, Kurt Vi...
Oct 06, 2011•41 min
After last week’s technical difficulties, Kirk, Tim & Jim are back! This week, we look at the new Facebook ticker, the Facebook Timeline and discuss the implications of “frictionless sharing.” (3:35 – 12:17) Then, we’re really looking forward to the new Kindles. (14:10 – 19:30) Also, a long long long look at and celebration of R.E.M. (21:03 – 46:04) Finally, a look at what’s in Tim’s mix: Ryan Adams, The Vaccines, The Jayhawks, and Pearl Jam. (46:07 – 50:48) All that and a Musical Moment at ...
Sep 30, 2011•1 hr
This week, we’re working out some technical bugs as we’re recording the podcast via iChat instead of Skype. There’s a damn good reason for this, and Kirk explains why. (2:07 – 16:00) Then, we take a look at the hype surrounding Windows 8, and Tim admits that there is nothing that Microsoft can ever ever do to make him appreciate them. Just like certain people with Obama. (16:00 – 23:04) Finally, it’s the third inductee to the Medialoper Great Albums Hall of Fame: Brian Eno’s 1974 masterpiece Tak...
Sep 16, 2011•48 min
Kirk, Tim & Jim are back after an unexplained hiatus, and here’s what they’re talking about this week: Spoilers. That UCSD study that supposedly said that spoilers actually enhance people’s enjoyment of stories. The latest battle between musicians and the major labels: how the copyright law might allow artists to control their old recordings. And in the latest installment of our “You’re an Idiot” segment: Jim is a Windows guy. Kirk & Tim, not so much. In Jim’s mix: Gil Scott-Heron, tUnE-...
Aug 22, 2011•49 min
MTV turned 30 this week, and Jim, Tim & Kirk discuss its influence and the time that Kirk said “I Want My MTV” for a cable tv contest. (03:45 – 15:25) Then, it’s a Musical Moment to Die For with “Duel” by Swervedriver (15:30 – 17:33) Game of Thrones is totally blowing up right now, so we get into a spoiler-free discussion about how we all got into it and why we like it. (17:35 – 29:10) Medialoper Bebop has a sponsor now: DuroSport Electronics . We’re not happy about it at all. (29:30 – 31:50...
Aug 04, 2011•51 min
This week, Kirk, Tim & Jim start off by discussing Spotify, the new (to the U.S.) cloud music service. (4:43 – 13:11) Next, if you can picture it, a storytelling Musical Moment with Rod Stewart! (13:12 – 14:30) After that, they’re on to how media publishers like Amazon are avoiding Apple’s 30% cut of in-App sales on their mobile devices by removing the ability to make those sales. Also, how Apple is a country AND a religion. (14:31 – 26:34) Then, it’s a freewheeling discussion on Amy Winehou...
Jul 28, 2011•51 min
This week, Tim, Kirk & Jim hang out and discuss whether or not Google Plus is necessary, and if it’s going to last. After that, it’s on to the Netflix price increase, the reasons behind it, and whether or not it will hurt Netflix in the long run. Finally, last week, Tim proposed The Who By Numbers for the Medialoper Great Albums Hall of Fame and was shot down by Jim & Kirk. This week, the three of us discuss why. All of that, and a celebratory Musical Moment with Hüsker Dü. Subscribe to ...
Jul 16, 2011•50 min
We’re concentrating on misanthropes this week: Larry David, Rupert Murdoch & Ray Davies, and on top of that, a dash of Anglophilia. First off, it’s the return of Curb Your Enthusiasm , which leads to a deconstruction of the comedy of discomfort and a comparison of Larry David to Rickey Gervais, and of course, a look at the concept of Larry David Moments. Next up, we look at the sudden death of Rupert Murdoch’s News of the World , and what it might mean for Murdoch’s empire, and the British P...
Jul 09, 2011•52 min
This week, a mellower Kirk is just back from Hawaii — where he has learned how to believe — and he, Jim and Tim discuss the veracity of reports of celebrity death over social media. In the middle of the discussion, Tim dies, so we tweet that. But it turns out this his death was just a bad Skype connection. After that, Jim’s Musical Moment to Die For is “Ceremony” by New Order, which naturally leads into a discussion over the concept of Fair Use, and how that concept is useless if you don’t have ...
Jun 27, 2011•43 min
This week, Jim, Tim & Kirk’s discussion of Jim’s crazy theory about popular music becoming critically acclaimed gets derailed by a mutual lifelong hatred of Journey, including origin stories of that hatred. After that, there’s a look at Amazon’s announcement that Electronic Books are outselling Acoustic Books, and what that might portend for the future of books and the publishing industry. Though this podcast was recorded prior to the death of Clarence Clemons, prior to posting it, Jim put t...
Jun 19, 2011•44 min
It’s technology at the front, and music at the end as this week, Kirk, Tim & Jim start off discussing some of the things that they’re looking forward to from Apple: the new Lion upgrade to OS X, the iOS5 for mobile devices, and the iCloud. Turns out that there is some skepticism as to how well the iMatch service will actually work for any of them, and Kirk challenges Jim to a Metadata Throwdown. After that, Jim has the first of his Musical Moments to Die For: The Hold Steady – “The Swish,” a...
Jun 13, 2011•39 min
Tim & Kirk came over to Jim’s house for BBQ and beer, and afterwards, a podcast broke out. This week, we discuss AT&T’s epically crappy service, their “hey, we’re trying to get better” commercials, and discuss over whether their upcoming takeover of T-Mobile is a good thing or a bad thing. Also, Jann Wenner thinks that magazines are panicking when they put themselves on the iPad. We think he’s wrong, of course, but differ on how to pronounce “Jann Wenner.” Just for the hell of it: “The R...
Jun 04, 2011•39 min
This week on Medialoper Bebop, Jim, Tim & Kirk discuss the three Bs: Baseball, Bandwidth & Bob Dylan. For Baseball, it’s all about the Year of the Pitcher 2.0, and whether or not the shift towards pitching is as a result of the cleaning up of the game or a natural cycle. For Bandwidth, it’s about whether or not the ISPs are justified in invoking companies like Netflix in their new caps. Hint: not so much. For Bob Dylan, it’s about our lifelong love of all things Bob. Duh. Oh, and the son...
May 26, 2011•49 min
On this week’s Medialoper Bebop, Jim, Tim & Kirk discuss the following: The new album and video by the Beastie Boys, and how they survived their youth to finally be able to make fun of it. The new cloud storage services by Amazon & Google, and why the record companies are freaking out yet again. The rapture is Saturday!! Are you ready? We are. And so might be Steve Jobs, for all the good it will do him. Community and whether or not a piece of art can ever be too meta. The answer might su...
May 17, 2011•40 min
