My partner in crime from the very first episode of the podcast, Allen Coe drops in to see what condition his condition is in, and to talk about The Big Lebowski. The film concerns a pot-head slacker, his bowling buddies, a soiled rug, adult entertainment, kidnapping, a briefcase full of money, German Nihilists, mistaken identity and Vietnam. Well, okay that last one is a lie. There isn't any connection, at least not a literal one. In any event, The Big Lebowski is a hilarious, ribald surreal comedy from Joel and Ethan Coen that has spawned a worldwide following of those who worship, The Dude. After all, The Dude abides.

Please join Allen and I for our commentary as we discuss supermarket dress codes, bowling, marijuana laws in California, how to make a White Russian and the film making trademarks of The Coen Brothers. Remember to listen for the preemptive countdown before starting the movie on your DVD.

NOTE: This episode contains an important announcement about the future of Couch Surfing.

Kim Butler, the Queen Bee of Podcasting (trademark pending) drops in to geek out about Xena, Scott Pilgrim and to recommend some literature. Yeah, as if anyone reads anymore... The rest of the show notes are as follows:

00:02:30 - Kim starts things off by talking about this new show she's watching, you may have heard about it, Xena: Warrior Princess.
00:07:56 - The Lesbian element that became an influence on that series and some of its characters gets discussed.
00:12:49 - John can't say enough great things about Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, but he will certainly try. He also enjoyed Monsters Vs. Aliens, which results in talk of the differences between Pixar and Dreamworks Animation studios.
00:22:56 - Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World is a movie that existed for all of two seconds at the box office. John managed to see it. Both the film and the books are discussed, including the important balance between style and substance.
00:41:41 - Michelle from Indiana writes in with her thoughts on the big tobacco debate from Episode 35: Where There's Smoke, There's Fire.
00:51:19 - A new listener named Neil sends some praise, but is also looking for an alternative to iTunes reviews, brought on by a disdain for Apple Products.
00:57:53 - Film maker, Teague Chrystie sends in appreciation for John's support of Down In Front, via Whedonesque. This provides even more fuel to the fire. It's a wonderful cycle of praise that never ends, except when it does.
01:06:13 - Kim closes out the show by promoting the myriad of podcasts she's involved in. You may want to write these down.

The following artists can be heard in this episode:

Jason Schwartzman & Metric, Massive Attack, Alison Krauss, Aberdeen, Anna Faris, Neil Patrick Harris, The Bluetones, Broken Social Scene, Plumtree, Blood Red Shoes, Beck, The Platters, The Dandy Warhols, Lightning Love, Edward Shearmur, Huey Lewis & The News, Nine Inch Nails, Nathan Johnson and Nigel Godrich & Michael Cera & Mary Elizabeth Winstead.

Returning to movie commentaries on the podcast, Scott Carelli joins me for a look at the 2009 film, (500) Days of Summer. Directed by Marc Webb (of My Chemical Romance music videos fame), the story concerns a young man who falls in love with a girl who doesn't seem to feel the same way. Tom has feelings for Summer, but she tries to keep things casual. As we see the ins and outs of their relationship, Summer begins drifting away while Tom discovers who he truly is and what it means to be in love.

Please join Scott and I as we talk about mixed messages, running into your ex, commitment issues and the differences between friends and lovers. Remember to listen for the preemptive countdown before starting the movie on your DVD.