The 404 podcast

The 404 207: Where Justin has eaten Phil Ryan's cookies

Former CNET Photo expert and current PopPhoto.com editor Phil Ryan sneaks by security to join the show. We talk cameras, the rules for conjugal visits, iPhone apps that make prank calling easier, and, of course, plenty of poo-poo jokes.

Dan the Mantern here. My favorite story of the day has to do with Chinese food, a staple cuisine enjoyed by everyone but especially by Jews on Christmas everywhere. Excerpted from a book entitled: Chinese Restaurant Food: Wok Carefully, a title which surprisingly offended Justin, this article lists the seven most unhealthy choices on a typical takeout menu. The experts decry the old standbys: General Tso's chicken, BBQ spare ribs, fried rice, and lo mein. Is anyone really surprised that the $4.95 lunch combination special does not consist of quality food? Even after finding out that a plate of General Tso's contains 1,300 calories, that concoction of oil, tiny baby corn on the cob, bok choy and pork can still make my mouth water. Sure, I might regret it later, but for now, pass the Umami.

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The 404 206: Where we only like you as a friend

It's true that we only think of you as a close friend, but that doesn't mean we don't appreciate your support! On today's show, we attempt to sell off Jeff's old busted G4 Powerbook, make fun of Don Cheadle's awful British accent, fan out over the new Avengers movie, and do our impression of some of the most popular video game quotes. If nothing else, listen to this show for Jeff's spot on Mario!

So after yesterday's Apple announcement, Jeff and I have finally agreed to shed our ancient G4 Powerbooks for one of the new Macbooks. The question that I'm sure other people are asking right now is which one should we get? We both want to spend less than $2,ooo, so it's a toss-up between the $1,600 Macbook and the $1,999 Macbook Pro. Is the slightly larger screen and dual-video cards worth the $4,000 price difference? We've both gotten so comfortable using a 15 inch screen that it seems difficult to adjust to a 13 incher. And what about that giant one-piece track pad? There are so many questions to answer about the design, but we'll be getting both models into the office tomorrow, so that's when the deliberation will begin. Is anyone else in this boat with us, trying to decide between the two? For me, it's less a question about performance and more a deliberation about screen size. I don't travel much and don't do image or video editing (I don't even have Photoshop!), so maybe all those extra features aren't worth it for my purposes. Help!!

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The 404 205: Where Russ Frushtick threepeats

We welcome Russ Frushtick back on the show for his third appearance, and to make up for our humiliating fumble on his last appearance, we make this an extra video gamey show. We go over some of the holiday's most anticipated titles, speculate on the livelihood of the industry, and even get to a few kooky stories from the Internet. Don't worry about the threepeating, Russ, a little creme will clear that up in a few weeks.

Although it's true that I don't get the same fuzzy feeling in my loins that Jeff does for video games, I'm glad that Russ is here today to help lay it all out for me. "Little Big Planet," "Dead Space," "Rhythm Heaven," and my personal favorite, "Call of Doodie." Wait, that doesn't sound right. Anyway, to update you on the PS Yu foundation, I'm still working on God of War for the original PlayStation console, and, man, that game is hard! I might have to use UGO's newest site Game Cheats to help me get through the last few levels, and look! They have it! "God Mode?" This game is about to get a lot less frustrating. Next, I'd like to try my hand at some more skateboarding games. So who was it that offered me Tony Hawk a few months ago? Back to the basics!

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The 404 204: Where we want to know what love is

Justin was late, again, and the boys recap Friday's 200th episode meet up. You'll never get ahead in life if you're always tardy Mr. Yu! Graciously, The 404's worst student offers a scathing recap of Michael Cera's performance in the worst movie ever. He, surprisingly, portrays a nebbish teenager who doesn't know how to talk to girls, yet scores with them anyway. We also gear up for new Apple laptops, send SMS messages to elephants, and prepare for Larry Flynt's latest.

Psst...check out the photos from our 200th episode celebration last Friday! A bunch of our buddies came out to Gstaad Bar to party with us, so big thanks to YOU if you came. If you didn't, we'll be having more 404 meet ups in the near future, we might even be breaking out of NY, who knows?! Anyway, check out our Flickr set for photos from the night. Mike, you owe me two drinks! -Justin

Dan the Mantern here. Sooo, it's official, Larry Flynt has confirmed the rumors that an adult film chronicling Sarah Palin's life is in the works. In it, pornstar Lisa Ann, as Palin, "will be nailing the Russians who come knocking on her backdoor." One thing's for sure, Justin is superexcited. He's not sure whether to laugh, cry, or lock himself in a dark room with a box of tissues. Like the Wall Street bailout plan, the film has been fast tracked, it will be pushed through before the elections. Swing voters, you might want to wait for this little doozy before making a decision. I'm sure that at least 10 seconds of the film will include some factual information about the veep candidate!

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The 404 203: Where we're not even supposed to be here today

The 404 is back together again and this time around we welcome DIY comic book artist Samuel Vera to the show. Artist, publisher, and do-it-all for Crazee Comics, Sam sits in for a chat about the state of the comic book industry, how to get your start in publishing, the war between online and print comics, and the recent surge of comic book movie adaptations.

Don't forget to come and say hi to us tonight at our second 404 meetup at Gstaad Bar on 26th and 6th Avenue in New York! We'll be there at 6:30 tonight, kicking back and celebrating our 200th episode anniversary, and you're welcome to join us! We want to meet as many of our New York listeners as we can, so if you're in the New York area, come check it out--if nothing else, Natali Del Conte, Mark the Intern, and Dan the Mantern will all be there as well.

Big thanks to our buddy Samuel Vera for coming on the show today. Listen in for seriously helpful tips on how to publish your own comic and even hear Sam's opinions on existing comics and his humble beginning in the thriving comic book industry (no matter what Wilson thinks). He also weighs in on a few current events including the closing of two corporate pillars of American excellence: Circuit City and Mother's Cookies. All right, all right, nobody is going to miss Circuit City but Mother's Cookies gave us the famous ANIMAL CRACKER! You're never going to believe this, but neither Jeff, Wilson, nor Sam knows what those are. Whaaaattt? Is this a West Coast thing or what? I don't get it, but nevertheless I'm still really bummed out because I practically survived off those things for the first half of my life. Hmm, that explains a few things...RIP Mothers Cookies, we'll almost remember you and your deliciously sprinkled confections.

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The 404 202: Where it's hot as hell and Jeff is hungry

Several times throughout today's show, The 404 almost causes the universe to implode. Our Earth-shaking collection of topics today include a story about Viagra missiles, iPhone flaws and young love, divinely drunk intervention, and more Ryan Gosling/Ryan Reynolds confusion...which witch is which?!

One of the more ridiculous stories on today's show is about a man that somehow managed to smuggle a fake, but extremely realistic looking missile into New York with a sticker on the side that proudly read "VIVA VIAGRA." After driving around New York, making stops at Times Square and the Trump Tower, the man ended up in front of the Pfizer corporate building where the company promptly slapped a restraining order and a cease and desist warning on his man-made missile. The craziest part about this story is the fact that one man somehow drove through the Midtown tunnel and several New York police officers with a missile attached to his truck.

Is that all it takes? The man claims that ""New York City cops are smart. They know the difference between a mock-up and the real thing," and that's all well and good, but what about scaring the sh*t out of thousands of New Yorkers? Mass chaos isn't so fun. Do you think The 404 should pull a stunt like this? Clearly it'd be pretty easy to set in motion, and you know we need the publicity! Any suggestions? Leave us a comment and and let us know!

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The 404 201: Where MTI is the new Wilson

To continue a week of absences, Wilson is on leave, so MTI once again picks up the mantle and joins us for today's episode. Dan the Mantern kindly filled in the board with stories about magical baked goods, lightbulb-powered Wi-Fi, 11 TRILLION dollar shots at evolution, and a bunch of '80s movies that should not, but will be, remade.

Wow, I can't believe it's been 201 episodes already, it seems like just yesterday that the guys invited me into the studio for my first guest appearance on the show, and now I'm a permanent host! To support our efforts to keep our heads barely above water, I'd like to personally invite you to join The 404 for drinks this Friday, October 10 at Gstaad Bar on West 26th St. and 6th Avenue @ 6:30PM. Jeff, Wilson, MTI, Natali, and I will all be there in the flesh to meet all four of you guys that listen to the show and live in New York. So come out, we'll buy you a drink (scratch that, reverse it) and we'll all have a great time. Don't forget, because we definitely won't if you miss it!

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The 404 200: Where 200 is too many

This country is in a bad way. Stocks are plummeting, people love Sarah Palin and The 404 made it to 200 episodes. We celebrate this momentous occasion with the beautiful and talented Natali Del Conte. Between the poisonous Chinese candy and steamy Calls from the Public, we're sure you'll laugh, chortle, chuckle, or otherwise plotz.

REMINDER: The 200th episode celebration continues this Friday at 6:30 p.m. at GSTAAD located on 26th Street and 6th Avenue. Be there or Dan the Mantern will beat you down!

On today's show, we made a startling discovery about NDC, this poor, poor chile has never participated in a great American tradition: Trick or treating. Because we love her, and we know you do too (so stop drooling), we're going to make sure she has a great Halloween experience. We invite you to enter the Choose Conte's Costume Contest. We're not sure what the prize will be, but there are a number of fantastic video games strewn across Jeff's desk. Ground rules: Nothing you wouldn't want to see your mother/sister wear. Also, the geekier the better (cuz that's how NDC roles). Good luck!

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The 404 199: Where we're losing our religion

Today's 404 is filled with information you can't live without. Apparently, overeating does terrible things to your brain, Americans love talking animals, graphics processes have maxed out, and the Wii may be overrated.

Since Justin isn't here today, we can actually talk about gaming with no fear. MTI was able to take Mr. Yu's place today allowing us to properly converse about the idea that gaming graphics have ultimately reached their full potential. Also, we'll talk about the Wii's shortcomings and what we'd really like to see next time Nintendo makes a home … Read more