TMTV: Part 1

[Touring Mars]

Welcome to TMTV! Every so often I'll post up a new set of themed videos, and look forward to having an open discussion about the issues raised in them. All comments and opinions are welcome. With any luck we might get some decent discussions going about these videos, but without having to wade through the piles of obscenities, insults and general brain-rotting inanity of the comments on the YouTube site itself.

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Part 1


Episode 1 The Four Horsemen of The Apocalypse

Episode 2 Pythons

Episode 3 Favourite Scenes Pt. I

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[Touring Mars]

Episode 1

The Four Horsemen of The Apocalypse​

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YouTube has a video called "The Four Horsemen Of The Apocalypse", where four prominent secularist thinkers discuss their unpopularity amongst non-secular quarters. Sadly, it's rather dull and boring, and it's enough to make you want to tear your own brain out with a teaspoon. So rather than recommend that you watch that (and dirty a perfectly good teaspoon), I thought I'd show a more interesting video of each one of the Four Horsemen, doing what they do best.

The Four Horsemen are: Richard Dawkins FRS, Evolutionary Biologist and Professor of the Public Understanding of Science at Oxford University (The Selfish Gene, The Blind Watchmaker, The God Delusion, Climbing Mount Improbable, The Ancestor's Tale); Daniel C. Dennett, Philosopher (Consciousness Explained, Darwin's Dangerous Idea); Sam Harris, author and philosopher (Letter To A Christian Nation, The End of Faith); Christopher Hitchens, author and journalist (God Is Not Great).

NB: The first two are quite long (~22 mins each), but are well worth watching. The second two are much shorter!

Enjoy

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Richard Dawkins - Queerer Than We Can Suppose



Dawkins explains why we see the world the way we do, and that the true nature of the universe may not only be "queer" but "queerer than we can suppose"


Daniel Dennett - The Purpose-Driven Life?



Dennett challenges the central hypotheses of Intelligent Design and questions the notion that morality is a theistic trait


Sam Harris - Stem Cells and Morality



Harris challenges the notion that stem cell research is immoral


Christopher Hitchens - Regarding Jerry Falwell



Controversial and vitriolic (yet also hilarious) broadside against the late Jerry Falwell, by the outspoken author and critic Christopher Hitchens. Even if you disagree with the guy, you have to admire his delivery and turn of phrase.​

 

[Danoff]

Since you asked for discussion...

I listened to all 4 and for the most part I agree with them. There were only two points that I took issue with:

1) The notion that we should require children to learn about religion.

I think there are many subjects that are beneficial to learn, but I don't think that all of these subjects should be required. Required subjects hold a higher standard. I think there are only a few subjects that meet such a standard.


2) The notion that federal funding for stem cell research should not be held back by religious fervor.

It's one thing to pass a law forbidding stem cell research by private organizations. It's another thing entirely to use tax dollars to do it. If stem cell research is so promising an area, private businesses will (and do) engage in the research. I think that the notion that many taxpayers find this research immoral is a fine reason not to fund it with taxpayer dollars. Another reason not to fund it with taxpayer dollars is that there is an existing market for it where the government does not need to pave the way.

I wholeheartedly agree that stem cell research should be permissible, for many of the arguments he used. But to require the it be funded is something else - something he does not address.

 

[Touring Mars]

That's an interesting point about the funding issue - I can see why federal funding may not be required, but would a lack of federal funding mean that universities would have to rely on private donations to carry out this sort of research - if it were even allowed in the first place?

The point about not using taxpayers to money to fund research that alot of people perceive as immoral is also interesting. I'd argue that the science itself is amoral, and therefore that argument doesn't stand up to scrutiny if moral objections were the main reason for denial of federal funding in this area.

So when can we expect to see Danoff TV?

 

[Omnis]

That's an interesting point about the funding issue - I can see why federal funding may not be required, but would a lack of federal funding mean that universities would have to rely on private donations to carry out this sort of research - if it were even allowed in the first place?

Sponsorships, baby.

 

[Danoff]

The point about not using taxpayers to money to fund research that alot of people perceive as immoral is also interesting. I'd argue that the science itself is amoral, and therefore that argument doesn't stand up to scrutiny if moral objections were the main reason for denial of federal funding in this area.

Well, the main reason to deny federal funding is that it's taxpayer dollars and shouldn't be spent at all if possible. So the burden of justification is overwhelmingly on those proposing to spend it. I think the first obvious requirement for federal funding for research is that there is not an existing market for this research. So step 1 fails automatically. Step 2 is that the research has to be promising and eventually beneficial, I think that aspect is satisfied easily. Step 3 I would say is that there has to be a public will to do the research (after all, it is the public's money), and that's where things get more interesting...

So when can we expect to see Danoff TV?

Unfortunately most of what cato does is audio. But I can probably find something...

 

[Touring Mars]

Episode 2

Pythons
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Monty Python was arguably the most influential comedy series ever made in the UK, and their funniest moments are too numerous to summarise in a single post... but here's a few clips on the theme of the Pythons themselves.

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Graham Chapman's memorial
(Warning: Brief swearing)



All but one of the original Python team are still alive, but Graham Chapman died just one day before the Python's 20th Anniversary in 1989 - but even his memorial service has become the stuff of legend...


The General Synod's Life of Christ
(Not The Nine O'Clock News)



This sketch is a satirical take on an infamous incident where John Cleese and Michael Palin were taken to task on a chat show over their new film, "Monty Python's Life of Brian". Sadly, that clip is no longer on YouTube, but this sketch cleverly reverses the roles... (It is also a tongue-in-cheek dig at the UK's "obsession" with Monty Python, something no doubt keenly felt by up and coming comedy acts such as Mel Smith and Griff Rhys-Jones, and Rowan Atkinson - all of whom starred in Not The Nine O'Clock News)


John Cleese's acceptance speech
accepting BAFTA award for "A Fish Called Wanda"


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-J7CCt4wh_M


The Rutles

Monty Python's Eric Idle and The Bonzo Dog Band's Neil Innes formed a Beatles spoof act called The Rutles. With the support of George Harrison, they made a mock documentary, and released several albums of brilliant Beatles-esque pastiches. This performance of "Get Up And Go" is a recreation of the Beatles' legendary final performance together, when they played songs from "Let It Be" on the roof of the Apple Records office in Central London. Incidentally, George Harrison was such a fan of the Pythons, his film company, Handmade Films, bank-rolled "The Life Of Brian"...



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[Touring Mars]

Episode 3

Favourite Scenes Pt. 1
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A few of my favourite scenes from a few of my favourite films from a few of my favourite directors. Unfortunately, very many of my favourite films contain far too many naughty words, naughty sights, and/or general naughtiness which prevents me from posting them here. For example, I tried to find a scene from "The Big Lebowski" without a strong sweary word in it, but I couldn't... but here are a few that just about make it.

Please note that some of these scenes are from films that are intended for mature audiences only, and viewer discretion is advised. However, I've added specific warnings of mild bad language or adult themes or disturbing scenes, so if you are in any doubt, please do not play the clip.

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Stanley Kubrick - The Shining
(Warning: Gory scenes)



Oh Noes!!1! It's the creepy twins... Classic scary bit with a few Kubrick trademarks thrown in - symmetry was a recurring theme of many shots in the film. And who hasn't stayed in a hotel that looked a bit like this? (minus the corpses, of course)


Woody Allen - Annie Hall



One of my favourite films of all time, Allen breaks up the normal structure of the film by using a number of innovative "asides" to supplement key scenes, including talking directly to the audience (this example), subtitles, animation and flashback scenes where the current personas are watching their previous selves...


Jeunet et Caro - Delicatessen



A sex scene with a difference Jeunet & Caro produced a couple of surreal and visually stunning movies, and Jean-Pierre Jeunet went on to make "Amelie". Delicatessen is an ingenious and hilarious movie that everyone should see before they carc it.


Drugstore Cowboy - Gus Van Zant
(Warning: Mild language, adult themes)



A surreal and oddly low-key film following the exploits of a group of drug addicts who rob drugstores and hospitals to feed their habit. The DVD contains the most misleading trailer ever - the trailer makes the film look like an action-packed roller coaster ride, when infact nothing could be further from the truth. Contains a great cameo from William Burroughs as a junky priest - and also has some great blackly comic moments.

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[CDailey]

Episode 2 was great. Loved the memorial service! 👍 That's how I want my funeral to be. Light hearted and not some teary-eyed mourn fest.

 

[Touring Mars]

Yeh, it is some way to go What's more, Eric Idle is singing the same song (which he wrote) to the same person (Graham Chapman) than he did in "Life of Brian", except this time neither of them were nailed to crosses...

Thanks for stopping by 👍

 

[Only_in_f1]

I too will comment on Ep 2. I think the Pythons are and were just so off the cuff and different. They really took the rule book and ripped it up. It didnt even have to make sense as long as it was funny.
I watched 'Ripping Yarns' which was written and stared in by Michael Palin and Terry Jones and so many sketches had me in stitches. John Cleese is just a hero of mine.

Good taste Mr Mars

Ep 3 was also a good watch 👍

Keep up the good work 👍

 

[CDailey]

Yeh, it is some way to go What's more, Eric Idle is singing the same song (which he wrote) to the same person (Graham Chapman) than he did in "Life of Brian", except this time neither of them were nailed to crosses...

Thanks for stopping by 👍

👍 I'm starting to get more into Monty Python. I've always liked The Holy Grail, and I've seen The Meaning of Life a few times but nothing else.

 

[Touring Mars]

I have Ripping Yarns on DVD, and it's well worth having - a couple of episodes you can switch off the canned laughter too, which I wish was on option on all BBC comedy DVD's from that era.

👍 I'm starting to get more into Monty Python. I've always liked The Holy Grail, and I've seen The Meaning of Life a few times but nothing else.

You've not seen "Life of Brian" yet? I think it's their magnum opus - I believe that even John Cleese considers it their finest hour - not least because it is brilliantly funny, but probably because it caused such a furore when it came out, and still gets some people riled to this day...

The Pythons argued that Brian was not the Messiah, just someone who was born in the same time and the same place as Jesus... and the film does actually show that Brian was born just round the corner from the real Messiah, right at the beginning of the film. The fact he is ultimately mistaken for the Messiah is not really his fault... the phrase "You are the Messiah, and I should know, I've followed a few!" sums it all up - the brilliance of the film is that it actually reflects reality alot more closely than the critics would like to think. Although spoken in jest, I believe what JC (John Cleese, not Jesus Christ) is saying is actually true... there really was "a few" Messiahs at the time...

 

[CDailey]

I have Ripping Yarns on DVD, and it's well worth having - a couple of episodes you can switch off the canned laughter too, which I wish was on option on all BBC comedy DVD's from that era.

You've not seen "Life of Brian" yet? I think it's their magnum opus - I believe that even John Cleese considers it their finest hour - not least because it is brilliantly funny, but probably because it caused such a furore when it came out, and still gets some people riled to this day...

The Pythons argued that Brian was not the Messiah, just someone who was born in the same time and the same place as Jesus... and the film does actually show that Brian was born just round the corner from the real Messiah, right at the beginning of the film. The fact he is ultimately mistaken for the Messiah is not really his fault... the phrase "You are the Messiah, and I should know, I've followed a few!" sums it all up - the brilliance of the film is that it actually reflects reality alot more closely than the critics would like to think. Although spoken in jest, I believe what JC (John Cleese, not Jesus Christ) is saying is actually true... there really was "a few" Messiahs at the time...

I've actually never even heard of it until you mentioned it. I'll definetly have to check it out now though. 👍


edit: LMAO! The Two Ronnies video and the Billy Connolly video had me rolling!

 

[Touring Mars]

Wow, you haven't heard of The Life of Brian?? Well I take full credit for introducing you to one of the funniest films ever made

Oh, and I'm delighted you enjoyed The Two Ronnies sketch - although most of their stuff is pretty dated these days, some of their material really is timelessly brilliant, and I for one am still a big fan. This sketch is ace, and although they didn't write it themselves, they still pull it off with incredible finesse.

 

[Cap'n Jack]

Wow, you haven't heard of The Life of Brian??

Yeah, you have to see that film. It's one of my favourites, just so damn funny. My friend and I did a few scenes from it for our drama class a few years back.

Also, Billy Connolly is fantastic. I've always enjoyed his comedy. Infact, his World Tour of New Zealand is on TV in an hour.

"What are you doing creeping around a cow shed at two o'clock in the morning? That doesn't sound very wise to me."​