No More Room in Hell:

George A. Romero's Living Dead

On this week's episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos, Ibrahim and I sit down to celebrate this Holiest of Months by examining the severely underrated Horror genre. There's no better starting point than The Master of the Zombie genre - George A. Romero (February 4, 1940 - July 16, 2017). Beginning with the groundbreaking Night of the Living Dead (1968), followed a decade later by Dawn of the Dead (1978), Day of the Dead (1985), Land of the Dead (2005), Diary of the Dead (2007), and Romero's last entry in the series (as well as his final film) Survival of the Dead (2009). It gives us tremendous pleasure to remember this great filmmaker.

Questions, Comments, Complaints, & Suggestions should be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com.  Thanks for the continued love and support. 

From Democracy to Tyranny

The Fahrenheit Films of Michael Moore

On this week's episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos, Ibrahim & I sit down to discuss Michael Moore's Fahrenheit 9/11 & Fahrenheit 11/9. Examining the nightmare that is the current political climate, we discuss Moore's examination of the media creation of Donald J. Trump and the links to his earlier documentary Fahrenheit 9/11. We discuss the  George W. Bush presidency and it's link to the Trump presidency, the impending confirmation (?) of Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavannaugh, and the state of the US as it exists. It's a spirited and heartfelt conversation. Thank You for your continued Love & Support. Questions, Comments, Complaints, & Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com. 

The History of Television (Part 10): Mass Masterpieces - The Rise of the Cable Series and the Evolution of Cinematic Television

On this weeks episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos, Ibrahim & I finish out our study of Television in The New Millennium. We discuss the emergence of HBO as The Future of Cinematic Television with groundbreaking series including: OZ, Deadwood, Boardwalk Empire, and - of course - The Sopranos. We look at how that works into network cable including: AMC, FX, NETFLIX, SHOWTIME and assorted others with such diverse shows as Breaking Bad, Sons of Anarchy, Mad Men, Orange is the New Black and Shameless. So take a listen as we finish up nearly 20 hours of Television Talk. We hope that you enjoyed it as much as we enjoyed talking about it. Thanks for the continued love & support. Questions, Comments, Complaints, & Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com. A Million Thanks!

A Farewell to Burt Reynolds (February 11, 1936 - September 6, 2018)

It's never a quick process, however when one of your idols dies it's necessary (maybe cathartic) to sit down and understand the emotions. On the morning of Thursday, September 6th I read that Burt Reynolds had passed away at the age of 82. Sometimes you have to come to terms with your childhood heroes and understand how that appreciation evolves over the years. From early television thru Deliverance and Smokey & the Bandit, Boogie Nights and up until his last lead role in The Last Movie Star, Burt Reynolds worked in Hollywood for nearly sixty years and was widely recognized as one of the great "movie stars" the industry has produced. What is less recognized is Reynolds as an exceptional actor. For a little less than an hour I find myself sitting in The Fortress of Ultimate Darkness talking about this great man. Sit back, take a listen, and - hopefully - have some fond memories. As always compliments, complaints, suggestions, and advice can be directed to  gondoramos@yahoo.com. Many Thanks!

THE HISTORY OF TELEVISION PART NINE -

REALITY TELEVISION

On this weeks episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos, Ibrahim & I continue our discussion of Television focusing on the rise of "Reality TV" and its impact on the culture as a whole. It's a spirited, and - sometimes - angry discussion about what Reality Television has meant to the public. Somewhat of a continuation of previous discussions, on this weeks episode, Ibrahim and I bring this particular discussion to a conclusion. There may be more to say, however we feel that we have given it our all. Thanks for listening, and thank you for your continued love and support. Questions, Comments, Complaints, & Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com. 

Aretha Franklin

(March 25, 1942 - August 16, 2018) 

On August 16th it was widely reported that Soul singer Aretha Franklin passed away at the age of 76. As we get older (for those of us who care) there is an understanding that we will lose those close to us and those who we have been close to from afar. Aretha Franklin is one of these latter relationships. I never met this women and she was one of my few idols that I never had the opportunity to see in concert. On this weeks episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos I go solo and talk what this phenomenal artist meant to me. Less an overview of her career or any kind of critical analysis, this weeks episode of WatchThis is an emotional tribute to The Queen of Soul. Listening to these classic recordings has meant the world to me. Thank You All for allowing me to share my feelings regarding this magnificent woman. 

THE HISTORY OF TV (PART 8) -

THE EVOLUTION OF A NEW MILLENIUM, THE EVOLUTION OF A NEW MEDIA, AND THE ATTACK ON THE TWIN TOWERS

On this week's episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos, Ibrahim & Rick sit down to discuss the beginning of a New Millennium. They talk the growth of Reality Television, the evolution of the Medium, and the Impact of The Attack on The Twin Towers. There are arguments, conflict, and discussion regarding a number of differing viewpoints. We may not agree, but - hopefully - there is a greater understanding and acceptance of whatever the hell can be recognized as the truth. 

Thanks for listening. Continued Support, Criticism, and Recommendations can be directed to gondoramos@yahooo.com. As Always, A Million Thanks! 

History of TV Part 7 - The End of The X Era - Finishing The Decade & Tying It All Up

On this weeks episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos, Rick & Ibrahim finish their study of the 1990s looking at the decade as a whole and trying to bring a greater understanding to all of it. They talk the expansiveness of the decade and how it would, ultimately, set the foundation for the 2000s. Take a listen as they remember this strange and complicated decade.

Thanks for the continued love and support. Questions, Comments, Complaints, & Suggestions should be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com. A Million Thanks! 

History of TV (Part 6) - The X Era Continued - The Social Fabric of the Decade & The Birth of Reality TV

On this weeks episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos, Ibrahim & I continue our look at the 1990s focusing on a broader examination of the decade. Take a listen and enjoy. As always, we offer our appreciation. Questions, Comments, Problems, & Suggestions can be addressed to gondoramos@yahoo.com. Thanks! 

The History of TV Part V - The X Era 

On this weeks episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos Ibrahim & I continue our walk through The History of Television. This week we look at the 1990s and what has come to be known as "Generation X". Take a listen as we discuss Post-Modernism and it's role in the formation of 1990s television. All of this culminating with a look at our choices for the most influential sitcoms of this era: Married With Children, The Simpsons, Roseanne, and Seinfeld. Thanks for the continued love & support. Questions, Comments, Complaints, & Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com. Thanks!