Monkey in the Cage Productions

It's that time again! We like to keep it fresh, so it's time for round two of our monthly uncaged episode. What's our topic? We don't have one! What are we talking about? That's a surprise! Are you going to enjoy what your hear? Abso-farking-lutley!! Join us this week as we talk about whatever the hell we want as well as fielding the burning questions from our loyal Monkey Lovers out there. Do some ab exercises, get that bikini wax, and be sure to go crazy with the spray tan because it's about to get wild and crazy up in here on an all new summer time bonanza episode of Monkey in the Cage!

Let's face it.  If it wasn't for books, we could hardly classify ourselves as geeks.  From the stacks of tomes in our tabletop roleplaying libraries to the shelves lined with everything from history to science fiction, if a geek is anything, they are well read.  Join us this week as we discuss our favorite books and authors, as well as the works that have been most influential on our creative minds.  Be sure to grab your custom bookmark, set aside those reading glasses, and put that awesome book back on the shelf (just for a bit!) as you settle into that comfy reading chair and listen to a whole new episode of Monkey in the Cage! (00:46) - Matt finally joins the ranks of hipsters around the world, bends it like Beckham,  and helps build a statue. - iPhone 4S, Flick Kick Football, and the D&D Limited Edition reprints. (06:15) - Ramses lays a timed reading challenge on Robert, revels the greatest superpower of them all, and talks about the largest lollypop ever! - The Book That Can't Wait, Batman, Iron Man, and See's Candies (13:00) - Karen and Ramses finally watch Inception and the X-Men: First Class sequel gets a name! Plus, Scotland gets terrorized. - Ultimate X-Men (19:33) - Battle Royale is coming to The CW? (21:11) - Thanks to an awesome Bane parody,  Ro-bert replaces his circuit boards and hardrives with a real actual heart, soul and feelings! - Pitch Perfect, Battle of the Year 3D, The Great Gatsby and Step Up Revolution (32:28) - It's topic time! We start with horror as Ramses leads us off with The Strain Trilogy, Matt talks Bram Stoker's Dracula, and Karen discusses I Am Legend and Steve Niles' Criminal Macabre.  Meanwhile, Robert read the stories of Anita Blake... (39:03) - We get to the heart of the matter and talk about what everyone wants to hear: Fantasy novels! - The Bard's Tale series, The Wheel of Time series, The Dark Elf series, The Cleric Quintet, The Dragon Below trilogy, The Tales of the Last War, and of course The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit.  Plus, Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass. (47:30) - We briefly discuss Gregory Maguire's Wicked, the L. Frank Baum's OZ series; Robert talks about The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss; while Matt gets his Dwarf on with the Gotrek and Felix series and Grudge Bearer. (51:48) - Ramses hates Earth's Ultimate Conflict but loves Johnathan Maberry's Joe Ledger series, Matt loves Mark Bowden's Black Hawk Down, and Robert talks about the works of Terry Pratchett like Discworld and Good Omens. (55:35) - Karen talks about her love of Children's Literature. - J.K Rowling's The Harry Potter series, Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events, and The Spiderwick Chronicles by Holly Black and Tony DiTerlizzi.  Plus, The Tale of Desperaux, Matt "vagues it up," and Watership Down. (1:00:05) - Robert guilts Matt and Ramses over their failure to read Neal Stephenson's Snow Crash. (1:04:18) - We close out with a brief listing of our all time favorite authors/works. - Mike Mignola, The Book of Five Rings by Miyamoto Musashi, Musashi by Eiji Yoshikawa, and the works of Neil Gaiman. Closing Song - UKF Dubstep Tutorial - Presented by Dubba Jonny

This past weekend saw the release of The Dark Knight Rises, the epic conclusion to Christopher Nolan's epic Dark Knight trilogy, and we here at To-Ag Studios couldn't be more excited.  Join as us we discuss the film and it's conclusion to the series, done in a way only a master filmmaker and storyteller like Nolan could achieve.  Snap on your cape, gas up the Tumbler, and make sure Alfred keep the doors unlocked on his way out as we get ready for an all new *spoilerific* episode of Monkey in the Cage! (01:11) - Robert regales us with his stories of randomness and spending too much money. - Morgan's Tavern and The Court of Owls (07:44) - Ramses has finally chosen podcast quality over quantity and talks about gettin' your geek drink on!  - Hollywood Babble-On, Doug Loves Movies, and The Drunken Moogle (13:53) - Matt talks about exciting movie rumors and cybernetic hate crimes?? - Hellboy 3 and Steve Mann (18:25) - The Avengers are coming to Phineas and Ferb, but then the week went downhill from there... (20:19) - We have a somber discussion in regards to the terrible tragedy in Aurora, Colorado. (23:44) - WARNING!!! THE DARK KNIGHT RISES SPOILERS AHEAD! (24:05) - Matt's history degree pays off and we discuss Nolan's honoring of Heath Ledger with the absence of The Joker. (27:22) - We discuss the treatment of Bane in Nolan's vision and the "breaking of the Bat." Plus, we talk Cillian Murphy aka The Scarecrow! (37:10) - Our discussion moves on the Anne Hathaway's portrayal of Catwoman, the story of Talia al Ghul.  Also, Ramses brings us random Bane facts. (43:31) - We discuss Joseph Gordon-Levitt's "Robin," the many faces of Batman, and there is always a contingency plan! - Battle for the Cowl, Batman Beyond (50:18) - Robert discusses his take on the comic / film comparison, we talk the non-superhero approach, and how it stacks up to The Avengers. (53:16) - We weigh-in on our favorite film of the trilogy, a Game of Thrones cameo, and the visual continuity of Gotham City (with obvious exceptions).  Also, we debate the real world counter-parts of Gotham and Metropolis. (58:17) - We close our discussion with a look at the effectiveness of The Dark Knight Rises in finalizing the trilogy.  Plus, Michael Caine makes us cry and Robert confuses the hell out of us! Closing Song - Batman Meets Metal - performed by Eric Calderone This episode is dedicated to the victims and families of the Aurora, Colorado shooting and we here at Monkey in the Cage strongly urge our listeners to donate to one of the following links below: http://www.crowdrise.com/helpaurora American Red Cross - Colorado Chapters Aurora Mental Health Center . . . . .

Another Comic-Con has come and gone, and the Monkey in the Cage crew is WORN OUT! Even with back-up and thorough planning, tackling the awesomeness that descends on San Diego every year proved to be more challenging and rewarding than ever, and we weren't even on the floor (legitimately)! Join us this week as we are once again joined by our favorite intern, Jared the Intern, and artist/illustrator extraordinaire Dennis Salvatier to recap all of our experiences outside of the convention center. Gas up the Batmobiles, throw back a couple of beers, and don't let those zombies get you as we talk SDCC 2012 on a brand new episode of Monkey in the Cage!

HEY YOU GUYS!!!! This week it's a blast to the past and a chance at redemption as we're joined in the Goondocks by none other than our very own Jared the Intern, fresh off the plane from the middle of nowhere (aka Missouri). Join us as we discuss our geektastic viewing of the classic adventure film, The Goonies. Grab your Baby Ruth, set booby-traps for the Fratellis, and Truffle Shuffle your way to somewhere comfortable as you prepare to hear our thoughts on the search for One-Eyed Willie's gold on a whole new episode of Monkey in the Cage!

Tabletop roleplaying games are all about stepping outside of yourself and wreaking havoc...er... having fun with your friends in fantastic and action packed ways.  But what happens when the geek by day / PC by night saddles up to the gaming table brimming with real-world knowledge and challenges the game, or worse, the other players?  Join us this week as we discuss the oft controversial and absolutely annoying facet of metagaming know as player vs. character knowledge. Butch up those acting skills,  leave the day job in the car, and just live in the (Player Character) moment as you enjoy a brand new* episode of Monkey in the Cage! *Now with super-awesome better sound quality!  Yay for figuring out technology! (01:20) - In a podcast first, Ramses sings the news!  (The jury is still out if this is also a podcast last.) - Carl's Jr. Spiderman Burger and the Rock, Paper, Scissors Robot. (03:34) - Matt talks Assassin's Creed: Revelations and Tweet RPG (@tw33t_rpg).  Any bets on him not finishing these games? (07:50) - Robert recounts his recent questionable athletic endeavor and is hooked on apps, courtesy of his new The iPad. - Apple's Podcasts App, i4e, and Duels of the Planeswalkers. (13:06) - Karen has the app bug this week... must be that hipster virus that's going around, and she talks games of the non-virtual variety. - Squids and Squids Wild West, Cryptozoic's DC Comic Deck Building Game and their Pop-up Store at Comic-Con! (17:22) - We talk about Cards Against Humanity and seriously question our morality.  Balls deep! (20:36) - Ramses finally beats Batman: Arkham City.  Matt, not so much.  Plus, MURDER PARTY! (24:33) - It's topic time!  Matt starts it off by defining metagaming and we discuss breaking the fourth wall of gaming. (28:05) - Does Dungeons & Dragons 4E combat encourage metagaming?  We weigh in; discuss metagaming at character creation; and Ramses asks the question of how a GM can counter a chronic metagamer.  Plus, Mouseguard. (35:00) - The discussion moves on to the "Edition Wars" of D&D and the present gaming renaissance. (39:15) - We discuss committing to the character/stats and avoiding both the pros and cons of player vs. character knowledge.  Also, how much is it Matt roleplaying,and how much is just Matt. - The World of Darkness and Supernatural (45:20) - The challenge of splitting the party, striking the record, and sharing the GMing load.  TO THE DOCKS! (50:00) - Robert's bigges player knowledge challenge, Matt and Robert's shared animosity at the gaming table, and letting the dice break the game.  Plus, Robert stays in character and metagaming saves the day! Closing Song - The Star Spangled Banner - performed by Jimi Hendrix

It's almost here!  We're just over two weeks away from international Geek Mecca, San Diego Comic Con 2012!  The panels, the parties, the comics, THE SWAG!!!  We can't wait to get out on that show floor and tear it... oh yeah, we weren't able to get passes this year.  BUT WAIT!  We know people who did!  Join us this week as we are joined once again by The David, our Comic Con guru, as well as the oft mentioned "The Girlfriend" (aka Amanda) as we discuss some tips and tricks for surviving four days at SDCC, both inside and out.  Gas up the Batmobile, pack extra underoos, and watch out for hobos (true story) as we prepare for four days of awesome geekdom on a whole new episode of Monkey in the Cage. (01:50) - Ramses has a mixed TV viewing experience this week. - Burn Notice Season 6 and The Haunted Collector. (05:15) - Need a sweet ride for when the pesky Zombie Apocalypse comes?  Karen has the wheels for you! - Hyundai Zombie Survival Machine (08:03) - The David is addicted to Skylanders and judges his daughter for it, so he makes her watch Breaking Bad (not really) and Workaholics (probably). (14:02) - Robert reveals his love for Jared the Intern's 31 Days and loves him the awesome absurdity that is Leverage. (16:26) - Taken 2, "The Takening," has Amanda excited beyond belief and she educates the group on The Legend of Korra. (20:55) - Matt takes a page from Ramses playbook and issues a challenge of epic proportions. - Deep Fried Cereal and The Black Magic Pancake. (25:14) - We discuss Disney Pixar's Brave and childhood trauma.  Plus, Maleficent. (28:45) - It's topic time! We start it off with a talk lodging experiences and SNAFU's, parking and public transportation, and the extra special non-Con craziness.  One word, Hobos... (37:45) - If you are going to be around people, wash yo' ass! (39:00) - We provide a PSA for those with badges of the illicit nature, shady job opportunities and we talk about the Gaslamp Quarter events outside the convention. - Questionable Craigslist Ads, Nerd HQ, and we hate on Tr!ckster. (48:10) - We're talking Frankenweenie, Conan O'Brien, and the random awesomness from Danny Trejo to Cross-Country Cookout.  Plus, themed restaurants! (52:39) - The David talks about the Haunted Hotel, we talk about The Walking Dead Escape, Zelda in concert, Air Guitar Competitions, and Rob Zombie's "Dawn of the Con." (57:17) - Other "outside the Con" events include the San Diego Zombie Walk, live Nerdist Podcast recordings, an Aquabats show, and Hollywood Babble On.  Plus, superhero pub crawls and a discussion on questionable meet-ups. (1:00:50) - We talk about possibly the best panel at the Convention, courtesy of Adult Swim and we discuss our tips to make the most of your adventures on and off the Con floor.  Also, meet Robert at The Field. Closing Song - Playdough - written and performed by The Aquabats . . . . .

Have you ever had one of those days where you just feel like doing whatever the hell you want, talk about whatever the hell you want, and listen to pop music?  We do too!  Join us this week as we chit-chat on mic, field some questions from our listeners, and have a good old free-for-all.  We're talking everything from sci-fi to questionable adventures in drinking on a brand new and unstructured episode of Monkey in the Cage! (00:51) - We reminisce on our (Matt's) douchebaggery from the 90's. (05:14) - At the request of @tbear220, we discuss our favorite science fiction movies by decade (50's through the 80's). - The Twilight Zone, The Day The Earth Stood Still, War of the Worlds, Barbarella, Ice Pirates, Land of the Lost, A Clockwork Orange, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Logan's Run, Soylent Green, Mad Max, The Road Warrior, Westworld, Alien, Predator, and Buckaroo Bonzai. (17:18) - We talk about Ramses hatred of E.T., Flight of the Navigator, Explorers, and The Last Starfighter. (19:41) - Our discussion of Ghostbusters takes a turn for the "peep" as the guys educate Karen on mens room troughs and urinal etiquette, which somehow leads to Magic Mike!?! (24:28) - We talk about Robert's love of the dance and his obsession with pop music! - Step Up, Dance Central, You Got Served, and Call Me Maybe. (26:35) - We're back on the sci-fi film discussion as it takes a turn for the worse, courtesy of Cocoon, it gets better, and then goes out of control. - Weird Science, RoboCop, Enemy Mine, Alien Nation, The Fly, The Terminator, Terminator 2, Blade Runner, Aliens, Howard the Duck, and we lose listeners because none of us have seen Dune. (34:08) -  We finally make it to the 90's and the Y2K's! - The Matrix, Equilibrium, The Fifth Element, 12 Monkeys, Total Recall, and The Lawnmower Man. (39:31) - Karen leads us on a tangent as we talk about the upcoming remake of IT and we wrap up the sci-fi talk. - District 13, A.I., The Prestige, Idiocracy, and Inception.  Plus, Maryland has a UHO sighting! (42:59) - Robert fields a burning questions from listener and friend Andy in regards to Co-Op D&D console gaming. - Daggerdale, Baldur's Gate, Dungeon Siege III, Neverwinter, and DeathSpank. (45:55) - Jared the Intern asks us to discuss our past drinking adventures - gay bars, and Froot Loops, and Dobby... oh my!  So. Much. Vomit. (50:59) - We talk about some of our favorite Halloween costumes past. - Mystery The Pick Up Artist, Lt. Dangle, and Rex Kwon Do. (53:57) - We talk about the greatest D&D monster of all time, The Tarrasque, and Ramses' Man-o-Cans. (55:23) - We talk Snow Crash and Game of Thrones as well as bad news for World War Z  and great news for Michael Bay's Ninja Turtles. (1:00:35) - Robert talks about ancient d20's and breaking zombie news. Closing Song - Call Me Maybe - written and performed by Carly Rae Jepsen . . . . .  

Geeks, Nerds, Dorks, and Dweebs of the world, unite! Too long have we stood in the shadows of the Jocks and Norm-ies! Too often have the "Popular" cast us aside! Now is our time to look beyond our differences and show the world what we're made of! Join us this week as we discuss the many layers of Geek subculture. We peel back the skin of the Funyun and look at the subcultures within the subculture, from Gamers and Cosplayers to Trekkies and Furries. So, make sure your Battlebot is charged up, strap on your foam sword, and get your character sheets in order for a whole new episode of Monkey in the Cage... Oh, and roll initiative!

If you're old like us, you remember the good old days of video gaming.  One console, one controller, and usually no more than two buttons and some sort of directional device... and a gun!  These days, video gaming is moving in a more active and immersive direction and it seems like the manufacturers can't get enough of gadgets.  Join us this week as we discuss the changing direction of how we enjoy our video games, from the early days of Atari to the fading promise of Virtual Reality.  Holster your Light Zapper, strap on your Nunchuku, and clear the room of small pets, children and breakable valuables because it's about to action packed in here as we talk video gaming peripherals on a brand new episode of Monkey in the Cage. (01:35) - Ramses talks about he and Karen's internet fame and stretching his childhood into his mid 30's. - The Pretty Good Podcast, LOTR Legos, Mario Kart K'Nex, and The Muppets. (08:12) - Matt's talking zombies, gaming, and Star Wars.  He's really trying to re-establish geek credibility. - The Walking Dead Escape, Ga3erCon 2012, and Star Wars 1313. (16:43) - Robert new addiction is bordering on needing an intervention. - Kickstarter, Traveller, Tsuro, and Goblins Drool, Fairies Rule.  He's also a user... Penny Arcade Rumble in the R'lyeh. (22:35) - Karen talks about (comics) coming out of the closet and newly announced movie release dates. -The Gay Green Lantern, Independence Day 3D, Dawn of The Planet of The Apes, The X-Men First Class Sequel, and Pacific Rim. (33:09) - THE FIRST OFFICIAL MONKEY IN THE CAGE TWITTER CONTEST! #BeatRobert ~~~Pee-Pee Break~~~ (35:56) - It's topic time!  We start off the discussion reminiscing the awesome Nintendo peripherals of the 80's. - The Light Zapper, Rob the Robot, The Power Pad, and the greatest of all time: The Power Glove. (41:12) - Karen takes us in the wayback machine as we discuss Atari peripherals and Matt breaks down the Intellivision for Karen.  Plus, Ramses is a cheater, thanks to the Game Genie.  Plus, Sega Title Fight. (44:20) - It took close to a decade for the Light Zapper to get some competition from the Sega Menacer and The Super Scope and we discuss arcade games from the 90's to today. - Operation Wolf and Revolution X. (48:35) - We talk about the N64 Rumblepack and Game Boy Advance, Matt's Eastern Bloc upbringing, Gameworks and the novelty of it all. (51:30) - We discuss the ground breaking Nintendo Wii and why it trails behind the PlayStation Move and Kinect. (57:20) - Karen misses out on some sweaty sexual dancing courtesy of Dance Central and Dance Central 2 and we discuss the dangers of peripheral accidents.  Plus DanceDanceRevolution and the "Peripheral Pact." (1:03:09) - We close with the health benefits of peripheral gaming. - EA Sports Active, UFC Personal Trainer, and Wii Fit.  Plus, Matt really wants a Battlefield Simulator. Closing Song - The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air - written and performed by Will Smith

These days, everyone has a smartphone.  You've got one.  Your mom has one.  Hell, even the 2nd graders down the street have one, and they probably know more about how to operate it than the techs at Apple do.  That being said, one of the greatest features of smartphone and tablet technology is the plethora of Apps being developed by everyday geeks faster than you can switch from an Android to an iPhone* (*contract restrictions may apply).  Join us this week as we discuss some of our favorite Apps.  Whether it's useful time wasters (aka games), infinite knowledge at our finger tips, or the ability to stay organized at work, at the gaming table, or in the daily grind of life in general, we're not really sure how we used to function without them.  So, make sure your battery is charged, the touch screen is polished up, and your notepad app is open and ready as we discuss it all on this weeks new episode of Monkey in the Cage. (01:20) - Robert has some crazy "alternative" adventures out at LAX as he talks about GameX 2012 - Strategicon, DnD Next, Pathfinder Society, Fluxx, Descent, Rattus and Drakon.  Plus, he finally received a copy of the Leverage RPG. (11:00) - Ramses brings us news of gastronomical proportions and tells us geeky ways to get our drink on! - The 28 lb. Sandwich and Avengers Shots. (16:22) - Karen re-finds her love and inspiration for the fantasy genre and continues her unstoppable Batman obsession. - Game of Thrones and Grant Morrison's Batman Incorporated.  Plus, we discuss horses turning into camels. (22:06) - Matt talks playtests, buys another video game he'll never beat, and makes lonely and regrettable movie choices. - The Keep on the Borderlands, Ghost Recon: Future Soldier, and Chernobyl Diaries. (28:14) - Robert talks more games and potentially costs future Matt money. - Wings of War and Sovereign Chess. (30:53) - We give some shout outs to listeners who left us some awesome iTunes reviews and talk about the Marvel Heroic Roleplaying archvillain contest at pksullivan.com! (34:29) - It's topic time!  Matt starts off this week's discussion by looking to the heavens as we discuss Google Sky Map and he feels more in the loop thanks to Skyvi. (39:32) - Ramses kicks off the discussion on our favorite Apps of all, games! - Plants vs. Zombies, Small World, Ticket to Ride, Scotland Yard, Settlers of Catan, Hero Academy, Cordy, Where's My Water, and Dungeon Raid.  Plus, Tiny Tower and Skyfall. (43:50) - Not only are apps useful in the form of games, they make for great gaming resources too! - iPlay4e and RPG Character Generator. (46:41) - We discuss practical apps as well as those integrated into other tech. - iHandy Level, Flashlight Apps, Netflix, Pandora, and Amazon. (48:32) - Karen opens the discussion on the value of apps for digital reading. - ComiXology, Fiasco, The World of Darkness, and Spellbook - D&D 3.5. (52:50) - We discuss the awesomness of DropBox, Matt loves NFL Fantasy Football, Ramses channels his inner DJ with RjDj. (56:16) - Robert talks Augmented Reality, we discuss Wikipedia and Qwiki, and Karen enlightens us on Unstuck. Closing Song - Nothing On We - produced by Chiddy Bang and mixed by Ramses via RjDj. . . . . .

The time has finally come!  Geeks, Nerds, and Dorks of the world unite!  We can finally be acknowledged as legitimately cool, hip, contributing members of society.  Comic books?  Right on.  Video Games?  Who doesn't play them!?!  fantasy novels?  If you aren't reading them, you're a L-O-S-E-R.  Tabletop RPGs?  Ummm.... err... ::snicker, snicker::  Uh, the socially awkward, no-friend perma-virgins sit over there... weirdo!  Join us this week as we discuss the topic of "Gamer Shame", where we break down and discuss what roleplaying is, the continuing stigma against it, and our impressions on the process of "coming out of the basement."  Cinch up your dice bag, update your character sheet, and don't forget the Mountain Dew as you listen to this week's brand new episode of Monkey in the Cage. (01:31) - Ramses are done reads stuffs and talks the Englisht (yes, with a t)? - The Hunger Games, Johnathan Mayberry's Assassin's Code, and dinosaur blue light specials! (04:47) - Robert hangs out with The David, we talk pirates and peg-legs, plus, Robert's video game rage. - The Maxies, The Phenomenauts, Legend of Grimrock, Mass Effect 2, and Diablo 3. (09:27) - We discuss Matt's "hating" of The Goonies and he attempts to derail the anger with some geek news. - 38 Studios, Red Faction Guerilla, SpaceX. (15:37) - Karen does her Demi Moore impression as we talk about Dan Harmon's firing from Community, we discuss Matt's hate mail from Batman, and give some shout outs to our awesome listeners! (25:53) - It's topic time.  We kick it off by discussing the term "Gamer Shame" and explain what tabletop roleplaying is to those unfamiliar with the hobby.  We're dispelling stereotypes and opening peoples minds like an 8th level Lawful Good Wizard... (30:21) - Why, despite geek culture being in the forefront of media and culture, does tabletop still have a stigma?  We blame devil worshiping cultists and/or the religious right, Challenge Rating 5. (34:39) - For those of you who have no idea WHAT tabletop roleplaying is all about, this segment is for you.  Collaborative storytelling, open-world gaming, and the personal gaming experience.  Pay attention, take notes, and let go of your (sexual) inhibitions?? (38:15) - Ramses leads the discussion on the relationship between tabletop roleplaying and accessing your personal creativity, unless you're Robert... (40:39) - We discuss our personal dealings with "Gamer Shame."  Matt pulls a bait and switch, Robert owns it, Karen smites it down at work, and Ramses activates his Ring of Blinking to keep people guessing.  Rule of thumb - test the waters. (46:30) - We discuss the judgemental attitude of others against roleplayers, from high school and beyond.  Plus, the greatest gaming commercial ever,  Ramses mentally LARPs at work and Robert reflects on his EverQuest days. (50:21) - We proffer our other-worldly advice on how to broach the topic of tabletop roleplaying to your family and friends that have misconceptions about your "alternative lifestyle."  We are talking about gaming here, we swear. (54:04) - Robert talks about being viewed as a "Neckbeard," we discuss computer illiteracy and ignorance, and Matt and Robert broke their womenfolk. Closing Song - I'm the One That's Cool - written by Felicia Day and Jed Whedon, performed by The Guild . . . . .

Being a geek is an investment in time, money, and most importantly interest.  But what happens when the time isn't available or the interest isn't there?  With so many things to keep up on, past and present, it can often be difficult to stay on top of what-is-what and to be as informed and exposed as possible.  Join us this week as we reveal some of our personal shortcomings in geekdom.  Whether it's geek-centric things we flat out don't enjoy or haven't had the pleasure of getting our hands on, we all come clean on our holes in the geek game.  Don't be hatin', but get your hate-mail ready (and remember to send it to Matt) after this week's episode of Monkey in the Cage. (00:55) - Matt catches up on some comic reading and actually listens to some podcasts... finally! - Captain America: Winter Soldier, Gamerstable, and  Happy Jacks RPG Podcast. (04:43) - Ramses brings us the awesomeness of the interwebs. - Dubai's Discus Hotel, and Jack Streat's Lego Guns. (08:58) - Robert talks about the (Lego) Man keeping Serenity down, his experience at the Renaissance Faire, and his suffering through Duke Nukem Forever.  Plus Octomom sells out! (15:35) - Karen pushed through the "baby plague" to record, but was able to get some quality geek time in before she went bubonic. - The Adventures of Tintin and Justice League: Doom. (26:14) - It's topic time!  Karen and Ramses are on the outside looking in when it comes to MMORPGs, Matt doesn't get Final Fantasy, and we're all out of the loop on anime. (35:10) - If something interests the geek inside of us, then why don't we make the effort?  Or why can't we just let go and test new waters?  We choose sides on comic books, Robert hates The Hobbit, and Matt is forever a Muggle.  Plus, how can half of this podcast NOT be Star Wars fans?? (43:45) - Sci-Fi be damned!!! We discuss Doctor Who, Battlestar Galactica, and the X-Files. (47:21) - Matt reveals the unforgivable, challenges are made, and Robert has it out for the media. - The Goonies, Saved by The Bell, and The Big Bang Theory. (51:23) - Time, timing, and money can be a huge obstacles when making the geek investment, oh, and having a kid too. - Magic: The Gathering, Yu-Gi-Oh, Warhammer, and Archer. (54:34) - Ramses chose a side and may not be able to switch, Matt comes at Ramses, and Karen drops a bombshell! - xBox 360, the Street Fighter Franchise, and Tabletop RPGs. Closing Song - Everything About You - written and performed by Ugly Kid Joe . . . . .

Talk about well worth the wait!  This past weekend, Joss Whedon's The Avengers finally opened coast to coast and BLOW'D IT UP!!!  Not only did it SMASH box office records (to the tune of $207 million on it's opening weekend), it also damn near melted Matt's eyeballs and brain because it was so epic (and because he watched it without his glasses).  Join us this week as we have a spoiler-ific discussion about the movie and all of its superhero glory.  Step away from the heavy bags, put Mjölnir on the shelf, have Jarvis hold all of you calls, and definitely DO NOT GET ANGRY as you listen to this weeks all new episode of Monkey in the Cage.  AVENGERS ASSEMBLE!!!! (01:15) - In an effort to spread the word about the podcast and website, the crew spent Free Comic Book Day at the Frank and Son Collectible Show manning the free comic table.  Plus Karen narrowly avoids death in the back alleys of China at the hands of Batman (true-ish story)! (05:50) - Robert is talks Anime and Identity Theft, because those things are totally related... - Lupin the Third and Kevin Poulsen's Kingpin. (09:50) - Matt, he-who-does-not-finish-video-games, reports on just what he needs - sequels and DLC! - Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 and Skyrim "Dawnguard" DLC. (13:02) - Ramses caught the comic bug this week, only it was of the Marvel variety! - Ultimate Wolverine vs. Hulk and Old Man Logan. (15:20) - Karen talks all things post-Avengers and Karen crushes Matt's fan-boy dream movie. - Mark Ruffalo's Hulk movie deal, Iron Man 3, Thor 2, and Captain America 2. (19:20) - We can't hold back anymore so it's topic time!!  This discussion is just too damn awesome to even let you jump around, so you, the listener, get bullet points on this one.  No worries, there will be links.  Enjoy! ~~~  WARNING:  SPOILERS AHEAD  ~~~ Joss Whedon and Robert Downey Jr. need to team up more often. Successful humor without becoming parody. Every character and actor gets their fair share of screen time. Samuel L. Jackson's Nick Fury - not a military bureaucrat. Joss Whedon finally gets his main-stream recognition... after 20 years of hard work. Every character is done justice, thanks to the writing. Whedon "pulls a Joss" with the fate of Agent Coulson. No worries, he'll be back in the rumored Nick Fury film. Mark Ruffalo IS Bruce Banner and The Hulk finally gets done right! Captain America truly shines as the leader of The Avengers. The Thor vs. Iron Man vs. Captain America "rumble in the jungle" has great ramifications for gaming. Nuance and details, courtesy of Joss Whedon's directing ability. Kudos to Stunt Coordinator R.A. Rondell and the treatment of the action sequences. Individual characterization and personal relationships for Black Widow and Hawkeye were given their due when most directors (probably) would have passed on it. Joss really knows how to show the strength of his female lead, Scarlett Johannson, while simultaneously creating vulnerability among the rest of the cast and their roles, even The Hulk! We predict a Hawkeye / Black Widow team-up film on the horizon. Ant-Man and Wasp coming in the sequel? Easter Egg #1 - Will Thanos be the next Avengers villain, or will he be in Thor 2? Hulk vs. Loki - Greatest. Scene. Ever! Loki is a great villain and generic alien enemies help move the story. Awesome in ANY dimension! This movie makes us all want shawarma and we discuss Easter Egg #2. The character development of Tony Stark and his selflessness at the end of the film has Whedon written all over it. What can we say, Joss Whedon nailed it!  Now, go out and watch it a few more times... you know you want to. ~~ This episode is dedicated to the memory of Adam "MCA" Yauch - R.I.P.~~ Closing Song - Sure Shot  - written and performed by the Beastie Boys . . . . .

Do you ever find yourself rolling up the same character archetype time after time?  Are dungeon crawls that end with fighting a dragon the crux of your Saturday night?  Do you play the same game so much that you could get a perfect score blindfolded and asleep?  Don't worry, you are not alone!  Join us this week as we discuss our personal gaming ruts and attempt to sort out the reasons behind them.  Whether it's lack of focus, obsessive desire to win, or simply being too timid to step out of the comfort zone, we do some soul searching that is inspiring, informative, and a little disturbing.  Switch sides of the table, swap that sword for a wand, and attempt diplomacy rather than thievery as you listen to this weeks brand new episode of Monkey in the Cage. (01:08) - Listen as Matt stutters and fumbles his way through his geeky week! - The Walking Dead: A New Day, Abe Sapien #2, and X-Men: First Class. (06:21) - Ramses reveals that the rest of the world wants to be just like the US... fat.  He also paves the way for Robert to get hate mail sent to Matt. - Pizza Hut Middle East and PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale. (11:49) - Robert aka "Missy Four Teeth," had his wisdom teeth removed, so he spent time reading and inciting rage amongst the group. - Daniel Suarez's Daemon, texting in movie theaters, and Canada hates Yertle the Turtle. (20:01) - Karen is a full blown addict and may need a comic book intervention! - Batman, Batman and Robin, The Dark Knight, The Court of Owls, Battle for the Cowl, and Animal Man. One of these things is not like the other... (27:36) - It's topic time!  Get ready for Round 1 - Ramses is controlled by the dice, Robert and Matt have trouble taking the lead, and Karen points out one of our greatest problems as a group... or is it? (32:40) - Round 2 - Matt is buried by details, Robert has GMing ADD, and Karen has spent too much time behind the screen (and she likes it that way, because we say so!). We also discuss some of the ways we've attempted to break free of the routine. (45:27) - Round 3 - Ruts aren't exclusive to tabletop gaming. Robert and Karen are obsessive, Matt is a very bad man, and if it wasn't made in Japan, Ramses didn't touch it. (52:36) - We discuss some ways to help breaking out of our gaming ruts.  Remember kids, the first step to recovery is recognizing you have a problem! Closing Song - Stuck in the Middle With You - written and performed by Stealers Wheel . . . . .