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Pop Culture References

Brian Cronin takes a look at interesting pieces of pop culture history from the worlds of TV, film, music and more.

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Was a Playboy Centerfold Really the Standard Test Image for Image Processing Algorithms?

Was a Playboy Centerfold Really the Standard Test Image for Image Processing Algorithms?

Today, Brian looks at how a Playboy model became the standard test image for image processing algorithms for DECADES.
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Who Did the First Art for One of Stephen King’s Published Stories? King header

Who Did the First Art for One of Stephen King’s Published Stories?

Brian wants to know who drew the art for one of Stephen King's first published stories?
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Did TV’s Catwoman, Julie Newmar, Receive a Federal Patent on a Special Type of Pantyhose That Accentuated a Woman’s Ass? Newmar as Catwoman

Did TV’s Catwoman, Julie Newmar, Receive a Federal Patent on a Special Type of Pantyhose That Accentuated a Woman’s Ass?

Brian looks at how Julie Newmar, TV's Catwoman, received a patent for a special type of panthouse.
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When Frasier Turned the Cheers Gang Into Dickens Fans By Hook or by Crook Frasier reads to the others

When Frasier Turned the Cheers Gang Into Dickens Fans By Hook or by Crook

Brian looks at the time that Frasier Crane made sure the denizens of Cheers would be interested in Dickens no matter what.
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Did Playboy Cancel a Nude Spread for Phyllis Diller Because it Was “Too Sexy”? Phyllis Diller posing for Playboy

Did Playboy Cancel a Nude Spread for Phyllis Diller Because it Was “Too Sexy”?

Brian reveals a bizarre story about how Phyllis Diller was too sexy for a comedic Playboy nude spread to work.
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TV Arguments Need to Make More Sense Richard and Michael talk

TV Arguments Need to Make More Sense

Brian explains a consistent problem he has with TV arguments on many TV shows
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Ashley Padilla Stands Out Because She Play the Mom, Not Despite of It A mom confesses

Ashley Padilla Stands Out Because She Play the Mom, Not Despite of It

Brian looks at how the "Mom Confession" sketch was such a great spotlight on why Ashley Padilla is SNL's newest star BECAUSE of playing moms rather than DESPITE of it.
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Matthew Perry Told a Porn Misadventure to Conan O’Brien Matthew Perry on Conan O'Brien's talk show

Matthew Perry Told a Porn Misadventure to Conan O’Brien

Brian looks at a hilarious story Matthew Perry once told on Conan about a porn mishap he had.
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Matthew Weiner Used Allison on Mad Men Really Well Allison on Mad Men

Matthew Weiner Used Allison on Mad Men Really Well

Today, we look at how Matthew Weiner used Allison so well on Mad Men.
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What Does it Mean to Release a Music Single in the Streaming Era? Sabrina Carpenter on "Pretty Girl Avenue"

What Does it Mean to Release a Music Single in the Streaming Era?

Brian explains what it means to release a music "single" in the streaming era.
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