The Weekly Links: Goodbye Robin, New Duran Duran Album, Pound Puppies Return

Jason Gross August 15, 2014
Thanks for stopping by The Weekly Links to check out all "the current events of the past" from this last week! I think it's been a long week for all of us since we heard the passing of Robin Williams. I read several tributes this week, watched a few clips, and heard some wonderful stories as I'm sure everyone has. I wasn't his biggest fan, so I decided not to post anything on the blog like I do sometimes when celebrities pass away. However, I thought I'd share what I learned this week when I looked back over his filmography.

Robin Williams made me laugh. My first memories of him was when he was on Mork & Mindy. I remember catching the show in reruns when I was a kid and thinking of him as a bit of a "goofball" (in a good way.) It seems every couple years since then, he has appeared in a TV show or film that would remind me that "hey, this goofball is still here and still good for a laugh." My favorite movie role that I've grown to love over the years was as Adrian Cronauer in Good Morning, Vietnam. I suppose in some small way it influenced me to pursue my radio broadcasting degree. His role was a bit over the top (as most were), but it still showed me how fun being on the radio was and wanting to experience that feeling myself. Another movie that I've somehow seen many times and grown to love is Cadillac Man. My good friend Wyatt and I have been reciting movie lines back and forth since high school and it's just one of those "dramadies" that Robin was perfect for. LOVE Dead Poets Society and sadly was late to viewing it. Of course, the genie in Aladdin and Mrs. Doubtfire were two roles that made him stand out even more on the big screen. I still adore the adventure of Jumanji and the emotional adventure of Patch Adams. I'm also glad my kids know his voice and comedic style through Robots and Happy Feet.

I can't imagine the difficulty of struggling with depression, a broken home, and a life-threatening disease. Obviously, it was too much for him to take. Having the security of your family, friends, and even your soul is very important in this world. Pain and struggle is something all of us face or will face in this life as utopia is promised to no one on earth. I'm very sad that Robin felt like he didn't hold that security. I hope if you ever feel that way, you'll seek help. There are people in this world you can trust and no struggle is worth your life.

Thanks for the laughs and memories, Robin. You will be missed.

On with The Weekly Links now and my favorite video this week came via Kotaku. With the new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movies in theaters, I was happy to watch this 3D remake of the '80s cartoon intro.

TWL Video of the Week
"TMNT 1980s Opening - 3D Remake" via Zim Animation

MOVIES

TV
A 'Wild Boys' Reunion: Duran Duran and Nile Rodgers Working on New Album - BillboardHit singles are no accident for Huey Lewis and the News - The Register-Guard
Van Halen Tops Guitar World's List of Best Albums of the Eighties ... - Van Halen News Desk
Culture Club Return For New Album & Reunion Tour - Billboard
These 21 Songs Are Now 30 Years Old And It Is Just Unbearable - BuzzFeed Rewind

VIDEO GAMES
Jason Gross

Posted by Jason Gross

'80s kid and '90s grad. I've been writing and podcasting about 1980s pop culture since 2011. I like collecting vinyl, G.I. Joe comics, Batman memorabilia, and whatever nostalgia I can find at thrift stores.

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