Because board game-inspired films is what this world really needs.

At any rate, Battleship raises a few questions. Can Friday Night Lights guy Peter Berg direct something that doesn’t look to copy Mike Bay? Does Liam Neeson tie glass to his hands so to better battle the battleship battlers? And when exactly does Smash’s momma come and talk some serious sense into the entire cast?

So please, listen to this special edition of The Scope and learn more than you care about the movie that aims to “sink” Marvel’s The Avengers at the box office. (Insert eyeroll here.)

The Scope Battleship Movie Review Special knows there’s nothing sexier than a shaggy-haired Rihanna in camo aggressively whispering “Boom” as she launches missiles at CG alien space cruisers.

Reviews
Film
2 ¼ Stars – Battleship

Feedback
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Phone: 612-21-SCOPE

Kicking off the season in style, Jared, Adam, and Shane give you, the loyal listener, a tremendous review of one of the most anticipated super hero films ever, Marvel’s The Avengers. Yes, we are so on top of things.

Oh, we also abandon the geek stuff just a little bit and talk athletics for fifteen minutes. Because what’s better than spending a quarter of an hour on the worst sports market in America?

The Scope episode 123 will never trust Uncle Sugar, no matter what Steve King says.

Reviews
Film
3 ½ Stars – Marvel’s The Avengers

Music
Scope Sounds: “Underboob” – Possible Oscar

Feedback
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Phone: 612-21-SCOPE

Jared also spills an additional surprise: The Scope has entered the 31st century because this bad boy is live streaming every week. That means any faithful listener can watch the podcast unfold in real time on the internet. Hopefully Adam starts wearing pants and properly-fitting undergarments for this momentous occasion.

So thanks for listening (and watching!) Scopsters. We hope this year of Scope brings excitement, change, and, for once, a funny joke.

Episode 122 of the Scope wants Jared to trigger the sound effect on two.

Reviews
Film
3 Stars – 21 Jump Street
2 ¾ Stars – The Hunger Games
1 ¼ Stars – American Reunion
1 ½ Stars – Lockout
3 ½ Stars – Jeff, Who Lives at Home
3 ¼ Stars – The Cabin in the Woods
2 ½ Stars – God Bless America

Music
Scope Sounds: “Love Theme From The Hunger Games” – Jesse Smith

Feedback
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Phone: 612-21-SCOPE

And catch up they did.

Topics included: comic book apps, lumbering zombies, Apple products, Ed & Johnny, portly superhero cosplay, piracy, musical performances, and the meaning of life. And that was only the first three minutes! HI-OOO!

Overall, it was a stellar conversational jam session you should not miss. So put on your pajama pants, wrap up in a warm, cozy blanket, put another log on the fire, and load up The Scope on the mp3 playing machine.

The Scope episode 121 is all Oteri all the time.

Music
Scope Sounds: “Electric Fever” – Free Energy

Feedback
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Phone: 612-21-SCOPE

At any rate, “Would You Rather,” the morality-based game that nearly destroyed The Scope many moons ago returns with a vengeance. Unfortunately, it delves into a debate about certain body functions entirely too quickly. Still, the guys rectify that with a bit of vampire AND zombie talk. Yin and yang, right?

Also, Jared, Adam, and Shane take a look at ABC’s new television program, The River. No, it is not a found footage show about high-stakes poker. But wouldn’t that be sort of mint?

And finally, because it’s right around the corner, the guys chat up The Oscars…and more specifically, the Best Picture Noms. Fun fact: only portly Jonah Hill gets any Oscar attention from The Scope. As it should be.

The Scope Episode 120, at the end of the day, isn’t all that impressed by the concept of chocolate-scented flatus.

Reviews
Television
2 Stars – The River – ABC Tuesday 9/8c

Music
Scope Sounds: “Jealous Girl” – Ben Kweller

Feedback
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Phone: 612-12-SCOPE

Pinata talk wasn’t the only subject of the day, however. A brand new bit entitled “Late the Party” makes its way onto the broadcast. Tune in to hear what past pop-culture gems finally caught the attentions of Jared, Adam, and Shane. It’s probably a lock that superstar Hillary Duff ‘s second album makes the cut.

And finally (as if this wasn’t enough) the guys talk football. More specifically, The Super Bowl.  And even more specifically than that, Super Bowl predictions. So here they are:

Adam: Patriots, 27-17
Jared: Patriots, 24-17
Shane: Patriots, 31-20

As you can see, The Scope, like the Patriots, were unsuccessful in their football endeavors. Maybe next time, ladies.

The Scope episode 119 probably should give drunk cooking a shot.

Reviews
Television
2½ Stars – Alcatraz – FOX Monday 9/8c

Music
Scope Sounds: “Don’t Wait” – The Duke Spirit

Feedback
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Phone: 612-21-SCOPE

While Adam was battling the supernatural, Jared and Shane discussed all of the important events of the past year. And, because this is a pop culture show, they picked some of their favorite movies, music, TV, and video games of 2012, too. That sort of stuff seems to work well on this podcast, no? Scope music reporter Al also gets in on the act without ever appearing on this episode. How does he do it? Well, tune in and find out.

Finally, the guys talked a bit of football and “pro” wrestling. It was, by far, the “macho-est” part of the program. (Yes, that was a play on words. Look it up.)

The Scope episode 118 is watching you through the videoscope and it definitely doesn’t have a crooked mustache.

Music
Scope Sounds: “Go To Bed” – Ookla The Mok

Feedback
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Phone: 612-21-SCOPE

But it didn’t happen. And here we are. The best your Scope crew can do is wish all of you, our treasured fans, a happy and safe holiday (no matter what you celebrate!) We all hope you can spend it with people you love, away from the “rat-race,” and completely liquored up. But no mean drunk action. Only happy, semi-sloppy boozing need apply.

Your Scope crew hopes to be back December 31st with a grand New Year’s Eve program. But until then, enjoy the season, folks!

Lather. Rinse. Repeat.

That doesn’t mean episode 117 is bloated. Jared, Adam, and Shane get right to the point to tell tales of Thanksgiving, cross-country travel, and to break news of Herman Cain’s campaign plans.

But wait…there’s more! The Nerd Roundtable, one of the sturdiest Scope bits in the history of the show, reappears to entertain the masses. If you were wondering what your Scope hosts think about the TV season up to this point, you’ll get answers. If you need to know they feel about infidelity in politics, that’s there, too. And if the age old question of “Who’s hotter…Catwoman or Black Widow?” has been rattling around in your head…well, the guys solve that riddle as well.

And just for kicks, The Great Luke Ski joins the program to talk about frogs and pigs that have hands up their keisters (aka Muppets.)

So, yeah, it’s a good one. We dare you not to listen.

The Scope episode 117 doesn’t know the difference between Ralph Malph and Rowlf the Dog but it still has a healthy respect for Andre The Giant.

Reviews
Film
3 Stars – The Muppets

Music
Scope Sounds: “Talking Out Of Turn” – Sleeping in the Aviary

Feedback
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Phone: 612-21-SCOPE

This episode features what The Scope does best: talking about the latest and greatest of geek culture. What does that mean for you, the gentle listener? It means tons of video game and comic book conversation. And not one mention of Michele Bachmann, which is a good thing.

The Scope kids also break down the latest from Coldplay (which is the REAL reason Al is in the house) and bask in Adam’s usual fantastic telling of the news. All in all, it’s another jam-packed episode of geeky-goodness.

Finally, feel free to chime in on the latest Scope controversy: which condiment do you put on your sandwich, mayonnaise or Miracle Whip? Post your opinion on Facebook, Twitter, the Scope comments section, or shout it from the rooftops. Just let your voice be heard!

The Scope episode 116 hopes to duet with Rihanna (but we’ll make her do most of the singing) in the near future.

Reviews
Music
1 ¾ Stars – Mylo Xyloto – Coldplay

Music
Scope Sounds: “When Will You Die” – They Might Be Giants

Feedback
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Phone: 612-21-SCOPE

So what exactly does episode 115 hold for the loyal listeners? How about a heartfelt tribute to Steve Jobs and his contributions to society? How about a brand new bit called, “I Really Hate That Movie!” How about Jared putting his own awesome spin on the news? Yes, all of that. Plus a bit of Minnesota sports talk to round out the day. So, yes, it’s the best show ever. Or at least the best show ever done in October of 2011.

The Scope episode 115 knows a proper Robin Williams is a bearded Robin Williams.

Music
Scope Sounds: “Artificial Heart” – Jonathan Coulton

Feedback
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Phone: 612-21-SCOPE

It also means a whole slew of new TV is on the horizon.

It also means The Scope is legally required to present their annual Fall TV Preview.

It also means a lot of talk about the best and worst shows coming to a telly (that’s British slang for “television”) near you.

You get the picture. But let it be said that this year’s preview show had it all: Michael Emerson imitations, boob talk, and preview clips made for, well, watching with eyeballs. Basically, everything that makes a great Scope Fall TV Preview. And for those of you that are SO over TV, The Scope crew still brings the noise with a robust News! and Coming Soon! segment. And it is done in a neat and tidy 2+ hours. Whoomp! There it is.

Finally, please take a look at the commissioned artwork by Scope fan, The Great Luke Ski. It is glorious and will be treasured by The Scope crew for all of eternity!

The Scope episode 114 may be the Dead Island of podcasting, but it still knows a thing or two about beautiful guyliner.

First Cancelled (Fewest Shows Broadcast) Predictions
Shane: The Playboy Club
Jared: The Playboy Club
Adam: Free Agents

Music
Scope Sounds: “Sleep Rules Everything Around Me” – Wugazi

Feedback
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Phone: 612-21-SCOPE

Art by Luke Ski (lukeski.com)

Twist #1: In the first time in modern Scope history, Scope superstar Jared was not one of the hosts of the show. And, as usual, Adam isn’t hosting, either. But you expected that, right?

Twist #2: In the first time in modern Scope history, the entire show was recorded over a series of five days at the North Shore of Lake Superior! We’re talking about the place where Scope host Shane takes his annual family vacation.

Twist #3: In the first time in Modern Scope history, Scope Music Aficionado Al sits in as the singular co-host of the show!

So what do all these twists mean to you, the loyal Scope listener? Well, it means the same great Scope content in a decidedly lo-fi format. But that’s what happens when you “rough it.” That being said, there still might be some Scope show surprises! (Might Jared and Adam might just make appearances at some point during the show? Tune in and find out!) And never underestimate the moxie of Al and Shane when it comes to getting in tons of sound effects and music into the show…even if they are recording using two tin cans and a string.

So sit back, fire-up your podcasting playing device, and listen to a “Very Special/Rustic” episode of The Scope!

The Scope episode 113 may be a week late, but it’s not seven dollars short. It’s vacation time, yo. Just chillz.

Feedback
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Phone: 612-21-SCOPE

This one stars Jesse Eisenberg and is directed by Ruben Fleischer, both of whom were involved in the 2009 flick, Zombieland. Oddly enough, zombie horror was about the only film genre not covered in 30 Minutes or Less.

Go figure.

At any rate, take a listen to this fantastic Scope advanced review and find out if Jared and Shane can churn out another fantastic podcasting moment. (The answer, of course, is Werther’s Original Candies.)

The Scope 30 Minutes or Less movie review special knows you can’t win if you bring a gun to a bomb fight. But if you attach a bomb to a gun, look out!

Reviews
Film
2 Stars – 30 Minutes or Less

Feedback
Email: comments@thescopeshow.com
Phone: 612-21-SCOPE

Cap makes his big screen debut in a Marvel Comics WWII romp, (can you actually romp in the era of Nazis and nuclear bombs?) flinging his shield and punching Hydra agents everywhere.

So take a few minutes, support America, and listen to Jared and Shane give a Scope critique to the 57th super hero film of the 2011 Summer Movie Season (TM). Your country won’t forget your sacrifice.

(The) Captain America Movie Review Special has the physique of the 92 pound Steve Rogers…and is damn proud of it. The Scope can do this all day.

Reviews
Film
3 ¼ Stars – Captain America: The First Avenger

Feedback
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Phone: 612-21-SCOPE

What does that mean to you, the loyal Scope listener? Well, only some of the best interviews and on-the-fly commentary a free podcast can bring. Yes, Shane may not have been quite as prolific this year in tracking down the big scoop, but between Jared stepping up to the plate and a couple of fine Scope moments, there’s enough meat in this audio brisket to satisfy your CON needs.

So pour some brandy, stoke the fire, curl up on the bearskin rug, and prepare for some CONvergence madness…Scope Style (TM).

Thanks for listening, y’all!

Feedback
Email: comments@thescopeshow.com
Phone: 612-21-SCOPE

Yes, Mr. Bay is back with another 2+ hours of ADD-infused action, racist/homophobic/xenophobic scripting, and tonally-confused movie-making. This film has learned nothing from the past mistakes of the first two outings (unless you count *more* stereotyping, less Optimus Prime, and an even greater focus on the human side of the story…because that’s what Transformers should be about: the human story.)

Luckily, Jared and Shane sat through this mess so you don’t have to. And trust The Scope: YOU DON’T WANT TO SIT THROUGH THIS MOVIE. But you will want to sit through the official review for Transformers 3, because it is epic. And it keeps it real. The boys break down the entire film, Scope style. Since they do it immediately after it ends, you can guarantee the wounds are fresh, deep, and festering. So take a few minutes, fire up the podcast, and roll out. It’s a good one, Scope Faithful.

The Scope Transformers: Dark of the Moon movie review special believes Megan Fox might be the smartest chick on the planet right now.

Reviews
Film
¼ Stars – Transformers: Dark of the Moon

Feedback
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Phone: 612-21-SCOPE

This marathon episode also takes aim (again) at the wreck that was Green Lantern: The Motion Picture, the annual pilgrimage to the great Minnesota geek orgy known as CONvergence, and the awesome movie quotes of Wayne Knight, Richard Attenborough, and Jeff Goldblum. Yes, we’re talkin’ ’bout Jurassic Park, bitches. And, as an added extra bonus, your favorite hosts try desperately to verbally construct the most offensive costume ever. Let The Scope know if it has even come close.

Closed Circuit to Luke Ski: You’ve been assigned a task. Please don’t let us down. The world depends on it. So do animated Egon lovers everywhere!

The Scope Episode 111 wonders why threadless.com hasn’t gotten back to us on our “Adam is Dunn” t-shirt idea.

Reviews
Television
3 ¾ StarsGame of Thrones – HBO

Music
Scope Sounds: “If I Could Be Weird Al” – Moneyshot Cosmonauts

Feedback
Email: comments@thescopeshow.com
Phone: 612-21-SCOPE

Well, after listening to the review, it may also qualify as bad news. (Yes, that means that Green Lantern wasn’t all that spectacular.)

Your Scope team will be back soon with more hijinks and hilarity. That much we promise. But until then, please enjoy this little emerald nugget of motion picture analysis and criticism.

Thanks, Scope Faithful. Talk at you real soon.

The Scope Green Lantern Movie review special still wonders about the casting choice of Tim Robbins as Peter Sarsgaard’s Dad. (Full disclosure: Robbins is 52, Sarsgaard is 40. Put that in your pipe and smoke it.)

Reviews
Film
1 ½ Stars – Green Lantern

Feedback
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Phone: 612-21-SCOPE

The trio debated the merits of the now complete 2010-2011 television season as well as the latest X-Men movie film. (Apparently one mutant’s power in the picture was to have a 2011 hairstyle in the year 1962.) Shane also tries to read the news, with a debatable level success. Maybe Adam is needed after all?

Oh, if you want to ask Jared if his refrigerator is running, now is the time to do it.

The Scope Episode 110 demands the film, “Mr. Popper’s Panic Room” be made immediately.

Reviews
Film
3 ¼ Stars – X-Men: First Class

Music
Scope Sounds: “Follow The Leader” – Sloan

Feedback
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Phone: 612-21-SCOPE

Speaking of rapping (yes, this is a legit segway) your Scope hosts also review the latest album from the old white guys known as the Beastie Boys. If we didn’t follow that sentence up with something like, “Check-ch-check-check-check-ch-check it out…What-wha-what-what-what’s it all about” we wouldn’t be doing our job.

So there it is. Job done.

Scope episode 109 plans to snap into a Slim Jim, just for old time’s sake.

Reviews
Music
2 ¾ Stars – Hot Sauce Committee Part Two – Beastie Boys

Music
Scope Sounds: “Mama” – The Lonely Island

Feedback
Email: comments@thescopeshow.com
Phone: 612-21-SCOPE

Episode 108 of your favorite podcast happens, you fools!

Yes, The Scope crew retro-reviews three great (or not-so-great albums, depending on your perspective) from the past. And you can guarantee the results were nothing but pure hilarity*!

If that weren’t enough, they also give an instant review of the first summer movie worth seeing, Thor. Yes, we have not accidentally forgotten Fast Five. We’ve intentionally forgotten it. Sorry, Vin.

The Scope episode 108 has a big hammer named, “Meow Meow,” and it knows how to swing it.

*The Scope is not legally responsible if listeners did not find the Retro Reviews full of hilarity. It’s a free show, people. You get what you get.

Reviews
Film
3 Stars – Thor

Music
Scope Sounds: “Air Arizona” – Maritime

Feedback
Email: comments@thescopeshow.com
Phone: 612-21-SCOPE

Your Scope duo doesn’t just dissect summer films (nice alliteration, right?) Jared and Shane also shake The Scope review stick at the hottest album in the country, “Wasting Light,” from Foo Fighters (no The, people!) Can Dave G. and Co. get a terrific Scope Score? You’ll just have to tune in and find out, won’t you?

The Scope episode 107 knows the square root of 64 will always and forever be 8.

Reviews
Music
3 ¼ Stars – Wasting Light – Foo Fighters

Music
Scope Sounds: “We Sing in Time” – The Lonely Forest

Feedback
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Phone: 612-21-SCOPE

So let’s go with what we know for sure. This episode, The Scope takes an emotional journey looking back at songs that changed their lives. It’s a reasonable call your favorite hosts don’t include the most life-changing song of all, Debbie Gibson’s “Electric Youth” in the segment. That would require more brutal honesty than they are willing to give.

It’s also a safe bet your hosts cover some news, talk about politics, and review a great (or not-so-great) current release from a band or solo act that may or may not be relevant this time next year. All in all, it sounds like a pretty awesome episode. You guys should really listen.

And that’s what you get when the show notes are left at home, next to the Star Wars toys and the Voltron robots.

The Scope episode 106 may be forgetful, but The Brickhouse will stay in Shane’s mind forever.

Reviews
Music
2 ¾ Stars – Angles – The Strokes

Music
Scope Sounds: “Earworm” – Devo Spice feat. MC Lars

Feedback
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Phone: 612-21-SCOPE

What to know how the Oscar picks from ep. 104 panned out. Consider it covered!
Has Jared ever gotten toasty on a science fiction/fantasy convention bus? You’ll find out this episode!
Has Adam ever been pelted by toilet paper via a modded leaf blower? He’ll spill the beans!
And finally, has Shane mastered the art of diet soda syrup-swapping? You’ll have to listen to find out!

Your Scope crew also reviews the debut album from Beady Eye, the remnants of the band, Oasis. Al, we apologize for not including you. Feel free to voice your displeasure via the voicemail.

And finally, in a “it’s probably way too late to mention but we’re still going to anyway” moment, Crap From The Past’s Ron Gerber loved our “Hit The Post” game and decided to play it with some of his professional DJ friends last summer. Please be awesome and take a listen. It’s quite spectacular.

PS – Here’s Adam looking his finest. Please to enjoy.

The Scope episode 105 doesn’t really want to know how your garden grows.

Reviews
Music
1 ½ Stars – Different Gear Still Speeding – Beady Eye

Music
Scope Sounds: “Breast Are Great ” – The Boobles

Feedback
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Phone: 612-21-SCOPE

Along with the Oscar talk, we get back to our usual shenanigans by reviewing the latest release from Fitz & The Tantrums. And by latest, we mean six months old. Yes, more timely music talk.

And finally, we thought the show just hasn’t been long enough lately. So we take a major detour into political territory, covering Wisconsin union-busting, Planned Parenthood, and the general state of the union. It gets a little heated (and there’s no mention of super hero movies or roll-playing games anywhere in the talk, so we’re sorry in advance if it moves outside of the geek/pop culture conversation you demand. Maybe next time, Scope faithful.)

The Scope episode 104 is currently digging out of yet another huge Minnesota snow storm. Winter is growing tiresome. Oh, so tiresome…

Academy Awards Predictions

Reviews
Music
2 ¼ Stars – Pickin’ Up the Pieces – Fitz & The Tantrums

Music
Scope Sounds: “Gary is a Robot” – AmpLive

Feedback
Email: comments@thescopeshow.com
Phone: 612-21-SCOPE

Of, course we’re talkin’ ’bout The Super Bowl. This year, it’s especially important because the Packers, arch-rivals to The Scope’s favored team, the Vikings, are one of the competitors. Since we’re very much like FOX News (fair and balanced, yo) we’ve invited a Packer superfan into the conversation. And of course, fondue-related hilarity ensues.

And to make our greek brethren happy, we also tackle long-forgotten pop culture gems(?) from our past. What this means to you: an awesome 80s cartoon theme song about angry veggies and a shameful ripoff of the awesome Double Dare.

Finally, we review an album from a band we’ve never heard of. Why? Because our listener DEMANDED it. Who says we’re not fan-friendly?

The Scope episode 103 knows a lot about Dinosaucers and Kidd Video but refuses to disclose that information at this time.

Super Bowl predictions
Jared: Packers, 35-24
Adam: Packers, 38-31
Shane: Packers, 31-24 *closest to actual score*
Isaac (Special Cheese Head Guest): Packers, 24-20

Reviews
Music
2 ½ Stars – Get Sharp – The Limousines

Music
Scope Sounds: “Find The Time” – Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly.

Feedback
Email: comments@thescopeshow.com
Phone: 612-21-SCOPE

If that wasn’t enough, the guys also review the latest from My Chemical Romance. Spoiler Alert: Adam loved it. Way a lot.

The Scope episode 102 wears miniature scarves in hopes of working up to regular-sized scarves.

Reviews
Music
2 ¾ Stars – Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys – My Chemical Romance

Music
Scope Sounds: “Half-Assed Rapper” – Devo Spice

Feedback
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Phone: 612-21-SCOPE

Yes, we already posted our annual holiday message. But it wouldn’t be The Scope if we didn’t repost one of the best examples of photoshopped goodness to ever come from your favorite podcast.

It’s an oldie but goodie. Our first holiday greeting image. Enjoy.

Happy Holidays (again!)

Also, we want to thank all of our fans for the years of unending support. No lie…every tweet, email, facebook post, and voicemail you may leave is greatly appreciated. We look forward to many more shows (from mediocre to kick-ass) in the upcoming year of 2011. Please stick around for the ride! (But there probably won’t be many lightcycles. Sorry ’bout that.)

One programming note: we’re not sure if there will be one final show in 2010…but as always, we’ll keep you kids posted!

Happy Holidays, ninjas!

]]> http://www.thescopeshow.com/miscellaneous/happy-seasonally-appropriate-holiday-from-the-scope/feed/ 0 http://www.thescopeshow.com/miscellaneous/happy-seasonally-appropriate-holiday-from-the-scope/ The ScopeadultDont blame us. They let anyone on the Internet.