Classics 13 (EP 192) - Rangifer Volans

[strawman]

It's the scientific name for flying reindeer.

[Algernon Sydney is Dead]

"Rangifer Volans" is violent mayhem committed whilst driving one's Ford pickup -- as described by Fat Albert's friend Mushmouth.

[Travelin Corpse Feet]

I was kinda "meh" on the poem. It had its good bits and its bad bits.

As for the story, I really had a huge "holy shot" moment when Santa went down. Figured Brad would be irresponsible enough to shoot a reindeer and scare Santa off, but did not see that one coming.

[strawman]

One of the things I like best about this episode is the extent to which, taken as a whole and in each of its parts, it surpasses audio drama and becomes audio composition. I don't know where Norm got all the minor key versions of the carols, but for me, composing that music with the dramatic narrative gave the whole episode a kind of great operatic quality.

Also, two lines in the bbardle stood out as near-great :
"Where smoke, in it's wisdom, had 'ere been escaping" and "sense dared not trespass his mind any longer" are exceptional imagery.

These are the kind of elements that warrant repeated listens and make for episodes that rise above their story lines.

Mur's drabble is my favorite of the last year.

[Etaan]

Tim's story was extraordinarily entertaining. DC and Pratt clearly have a passionate bro'mance going on if Pratt is basically writing fanfic for the podcast. Really really loved this story and this entire episode

BTW, I thought that Norm really brought his A game to the outro on this week's Escape Pod. Was it because Tim was having a fling with another podcast?

[tbaker2500]

It's the scientific name for flying reindeer.

Ok, Rangifer I get. Volans? The only hit I get on the is the constellation.

[Algernon Sydney is Dead]

It's the scientific name for flying reindeer.

Ok, Rangifer I get. Volans? The only hit I get on the is the constellation.

"Volans" is a Latin adjective meaning: flying, soaring; movable, hinged;

*Grumbles* "Damn kids! Don't bother with the classical languages anymore!"

♫
Volare, oh oh
Cantare, oh oh oh oh
Let's fly way up to the clouds
Away from the maddening crowds
♫

[tbaker2500]

Thank you, that helps.
Interestingly, the Rudolphine Tables have the constellation Piscis Volans (commonly called Volans) listed as Passer (Sparrow). That would have been funny, having the Rudolphine Tables containing the Volans constellation.

[strawman]

Life is a Chinese Puzzle.

[tbaker2500]

Geez, once I was getting my self confidence back, you hit me with Chinese Puzzle. What the heck is that? So I look it up- Ah! Tangram. I understand now. Interesting... I'm quite familiar with Tangrams, but I've never herd (spelling is in effort to keep on topic) Chinese Puzzle before. Must be a regional thing.

[Algernon Sydney is Dead]

{Marker for start of Classics comments. See Pondspider's suggestion.}

[Caustic Reverie]

A fantastic episode from start to finish. I loved the music throughout and the great reads from Norm.