If you had asked me 3 years ago if I was ending the Voice of Free Planet X on Episode 160, I’d probably be impressed I stuck with it so long.  Its not been perfect—there’s some loose ends here and there, I’ll do my best to address them in other formats.  But the experiment that was the Voice of Free Planet X is over, and I call it success.  I set out to bring my fiction to a new audience, and while I did that, the downside was that I wasn’t writing as much fiction as I wanted.  So I’m ending the podcast, so I can do what I was doing before the podcast: writing stories.

The Voice of Free Planet X has allowed me to meet a variety of people I would have never met otherwise, some of whom I now count as close friends.  It’s allowed me to play with formats, to listen to new music, and to make things I never would have otherwise.  And for all these things and more, I am grateful.

More than that, it allowed me to connect with one of the most erudite, humorous and dedicated audiences in all of the podiosphere—this is true; I’ve listened to other podcasts feedback episodes.  Thank for listening.  All of you.

This archive and feed will remaining up, as Aliens You Will Meet will continue.  Any guest appearances on other folks shows will appear here, as well.  And, when it’s ready, the first season of Free Planet X TV will be here as well.

As always, thank you for listening.

The world always seems brighter when you've just made something that wasn't there before.
--Neil Gaiman

The Voice of Free Planet X theme was written and performed by Russell Collins of www.clockworkaudio.net

Since Ghichrilus is now a quarantined plague world, it will not be required to land on its surface.  However, it would be polite to slow down and wave out the window.

Tee Morris provides the talent and the skill to bring to life Wigwam Bam, one of the many alien puppets who will be at Aliens You Will Meet LIVE at Dragon*Con '08.

Thanks, Tee.

Tee Morris can be found at teemorris.com

More aliens can be found at aliensyouwillmeet.com

Title footage taken from the public domain film "Flash Gordon Conquers The Universe."

The Voice of Free Planet X theme was written and performed by Russell Collins of www.clockworkaudio.net

In this Episode of FanboyHell with Otakon and other fun and personal stuff going on, I decided to do something a little different. This is my interview with the well spoken and dressed Jared Axelrod of The Voice of Free Planet X and Aliens You Will Meet podcast. I interviewed him a couple of weeks ago in his home. He was nice enough to cook a great dinner for me and MAinPA and sit down and give me some of his thoughts on everything Batman. I apologize if this isn't our normal quality but this is pretty much me and him sitting on the floor in his foyer talking Batman.  We discuss everything The Dark Knight and some Watchmen and the state of comic book movies and honestly there isn't another person I thought was better for the task.  Jared is a huge Batman fan, writer, artist, podcaster, side show performer, puppeteer and one of the most prolific(and good) cosplayers I know. The picture on the cover art, yeah thats him. I just want to warn you there are alot of spoilers and honestly I think everyone should have seen this by now.  Techinically MAinPA is also in the show as well you can hear her and J.R. Blackwell talking in the background the entire time. Hee.

Links

Aliens You Will Meet

The Voice of Free Planet X

J.R. Blackwell's Flikr Stream

Twitter

DanTheFan

MAINPA

JeffersonEng

Jared Axelrod

J.R. Blackwell

Feeback

Send email or mp3 feedback to Fanboyhell@gmail.com 

You can also now call our voicemail line and leave feedback at 206-333-1010

Opening and Closing songs by Undergirl

The Voice of Free Planet X's first video episode explores the experimental zombie-apocalypse role-playing game "Shelter In Place." The game's creator, J.R. Blackwell, is interviewed along with footage of the very first round of this scary, cinematic game.

Special thanks to the "Shelter In Place" players, and to Kae and Richard Kalwaic for the use of their home.

Title footage taken from the public domain film "Flash Gordon Conquers The Universe."

The Voice of Free Planet X theme was written and performed by Russell Collins of www.clockworkaudio.net

On Querylon, you will be asked to show your physical prowess by engaging in ritualistic combat with members of their warrior class.  Though the Querylon warriors are only one third of your size, they are still a force to be reckoned with.  Remember to aim low, and watch out for their tiny, tiny horses.

By Andy Duncan.
Read by Jared Axelrod (of The Voice of Free Planet X).

“Fenneman?”

The studio audience laughed loudly, as it always did when Groucho turned, in mock desperation or annoyance, to his long-suffering, hopelessly square announcer. Groucho’s voice slightly increased in pitch whenever he said Fenneman’s name, as if he were just at the edge of losing his celebrated cool. This half-squawk had been funny in the stateroom scene of A Night at the Opera (”Steward! Steward!”), and it was still funny on You Bet Your Life twenty-five years later. He was a pro, Groucho was, and I did right by him; I modulated that pitch myself.

Rated R. Contains profanity, and real and simulated persons behaving badly.

Featured Site:
Playing for Keeps

The Darlanians do not have travel as you know it, preferring instead to remove their consciousnesses from their bodies, and witness the world from a purely mental point of view.  As ghost-like apparitions, they will be very interested in your dependence on your physical body, and may attempt several ways to remove you from it.  It will be important to remember that the “body dematerializer device” that they will try to put you in does exactly what you might expect.

I chat with Nathan Paoletta about game writing, mechanics, theory, and his excellent games "Carry" and "Annalise."  If you're thinking about writing your own games, are dedicated gamer, or are just curious as to how a game about the wrenching era of Vietnam can lead to an afternoon of enjoyable entertainment, do not miss this interview.

Nathan's gonna be at GenCon, so if you see him there, tell him "Hi" for me.

More info about Nathan's games can be found at www.hamsterprophetproductions.com.  "Annalise" has her own corner of the web, annalise.hamsterprophetproductions.com.

The Voice of Free Planet X theme was written and performed by Russell Collins of www.clockworkaudio.net

Though your tongue is still healing from your encounter with Soyrn cuisine, it will not hamper your interaction with the Crawbiwah.  The Crawbiwah have banished the spoken word from their culture, preferring instead to sit in silence.  While this makes it difficult to know when the meeting is over, rest assured that at some point, the meeting will end.  Bring a lunch.  And a dinner.  And a breakfast.  And another lunch.

On Soyrn, the carnivorous plant people who rule will invite you to a typical Soyrn meal.  While it will be impossible for you to eat the small, kitten-like creature they will serve you, it is acceptable to put it’s head in your mouth, remove it, and then compliment the chef on her excellent preparation.  Keep in mind that the Soyrnites do not cook food so much as stun it, and it may awaken before you get a chance to remove it’s head from your mouth.

This is a very special video only episode of FanboyHell.  Thursday night, I had the pleasure of going over Jared Axelrod's and J.R. Blackwell's  house to record an interview on the greatness that is Batman The Dark Knight with Jared. After we wrapped that hour and a half interview/conversation (Which as you read this I am still probably editing)  I mentioned that I would also like to interview Panda as well since I am a huge fan of The Voice of Free Planet X.  Jared said he would go upstairs and see if Panda wasn't napping.  So Jared goes upstairs and comes back down with Panda and he is totally up for it. This was meant only to be a audio interview in the beginning but MAinPA decided to record it on our Flip video and upon watching the footage we felt a moral obligation to share this with other Panda fans on the interwebs. In this battle of the minds we get an exclusive announcement with the bear himself about upcoming Panda projects. His thoughts on Kung-Fu Panda and Panda's theory of the internets. This is Panda's first interview, video interview no less and to quote the talented J.R. Blackwell "This is some exclusive shit!" SO ENJOY!

Feedback day!  At long last!  But the joy of returning to listener comments is tempered by this grave reality:

I will not be daily next week.  Nor the week after.  Nor any of week succeeding, until Dragon*Con.

Did I mention I'm a guest this year?  I'm guest at Dragon*Con this year.

In any case, lots to do before the big day, so in order to get everything ready, I'm going weekly until after the con.  Just one episode on Wednesday, and the an Aliens You Will Meet ep on Thursday.  It'll be rough, but I think we can both make it.

In the meantime, you can go put a photo of yourself in your finest at Clothes of Free Planet X Flickr group. Panda and I have already done so.

Internet sites of note mentioned in this episode:

Can of Spiders: toomanylegs.vox.com
The Poet's Passage Podcast: thepoetspassage.libsyn.com
Have Games Will Travel: www.havegameswilltravel.net
Utilikilts: www.utilikilts.com
Tea & Chat Podcast: teaandchat.com
Into The Dark with the Computer King: www.computerkingonline.com

The Voice of Free Planet X theme was written and performed by Russell Collins of www.clockworkaudio.net

Nardinine’s denizens worship their planet as a god and consider dirt, grime and other filth to be sacred.  Bathing is unheard of to the Nardininians, so it will be a good idea for you to abstain from it as well, during your stay.  Luckily, you will arrive on one of the holiests of days for the Nardininians, and will be asked to participate in the ceremonial mud-wrestling.  This will give you a nice coating of Nar din ine soil to wear throughout your stay.

Part 2 of my talk with Jason Adams of Random Signal about the losers who pepper superhero universes.  D-List heroes and villains, whose existence is a vital part of the metahuman culture. 

Seeing as how Jason shares my love for the weird, uncommon characters that make up the D-Lists of both Marvel and DC comics, I knew this would be an epic discussion.  But could I foresee that it would be so epic to require 2 episodes?  No sir, I did not.

Here's who we talked about:
Rocket Racoon
Mike Mignola
Legion of Super Pets
Comet
Ace the Bat-hound
Power Girl’s cat
Lockheed
Falcon
H.E.R.B.I.E.
Inhumans
Lockjaw
Black Bolt
Karnak
The Red Bee
Black Panther
Catman
Suicide Squad
Blue Devil
Slipknot
Thunderbolts
American Eagle
Paste Pot Pete
The Wizard
Starman
Ragdoll
Solomon Grundy
Congorilla & Congo Bill
Forgotten Heroes
Cave Carson
Sea Devils
Challengers of the Unknown
Task Force X
Doom Patrol
Deathstroke the Terminator
Adam Strange
Elongated Man
Dr. Psycho
Angle Man
Cheetah
Circe
The Fishermen

The Voice of Free Planet X theme was written and performed by Russell Collins of www.clockworkaudio.net

Matthew Wayne Selznick reads my story "You Can't Get There From Here," as part of his Sovereign Summer Sunday Webathon.  See the other videos of the Webathon at www.mattselznick.com

Brave Men Run Webathon Videos by
Matthew Wayne Selznick is licensed under a
Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 Unported License.

I sit down with Jason Adams of Random Signal to talk about the losers who pepper superhero universes.  D-List heroes and villains, whose existence is a vital part of the metahuman culture. 

Seeing as how Jason shares my love for the weird, uncommon characters that make up the D-Lists of both Marvel and DC comics, I knew this would be an epic discussion.  But could I foresee that it would be so epic to require 2 episodes?  No sir, I did not.

Here's what we talked about:
Hypno Hustler 
Monster By Mail
Jawbone Radio
Red Ghost and the Super Apes
Ambush Bug
Keith Giffin
Warren Ellis “On Mining Marvel”
Gamecock
Brother Voodoo
Rocket Racoon
Monark Starstalker
Nextwave
The Stranger
The In-Betweener
The Phantom Stranger

The Voice of Free Planet X theme was written and performed by Russell Collins of www.clockworkaudio.net

Panda returns!  And not a moment too soon!  He's here to talk about his new forum, his currant favorite song, answer a voicemail, and reveal what book he totally not reading.  Not at all.

It totally isn't "Twilight" by Stephenie Meyer.  Totally not.

Panda's Forum is located at panda.oxfoot.com "Oxfoot" is the canary.  All forums have canaries.

Panda's currently favorite song, "Cup of Brown Joy," was performed by Elemental and produced by Tom Caruana, from the album 'rebels without applause.'  You can find more information and work by these artists at www.myspace.com/mcelemental.  The astounding video for "Cup of Brown Joy" can be found on YouTube here.


The Voice of Free Planet X theme was written and performed by Russell Collins of www.clockworkaudio.net

Repetition is a virtue to the citizens of Biscoush, and nothing is more important than doing the same thing over and over every day.  Do not worry about whether or not your visit will disrupt their routine; their Head of Planet has an intergalactic dignitary meeting every day after lunch.  On days when there are no intergalactic dignitaries, the Head of Planet has the meeting anyway, using a hand puppet as a stand-in.  It has been a long time since Biscoush has had an ambassadorial visit, so do not be unnerved when the Head of Planet talks not to you, but to his upraised hand.  It is merely the force of habit.

Sorry for the delay! We discover Kevin’s fate, Matt’s desires, and perhaps we’ll meet a new character soon.

Don’t forget to check out the cast list for more information!

More episodes of The Takeover available at murverse.com
and zombinc.net

Are you ready to rock?

I can't heeeeeaaaaaarrrrrrr yyyyyyooooooouuuuuu....

“I Told You To Beat It” was mashed-up by Divide And Kreate. You can download it and other mash-ups at divideandkreate.com

“Unpretty Today” was mashed-up by A+D You can download it and other mash-ups at aplusd.net

“Epic Black Rock” was mashed-up by D.J. Lobsterdust.  You can download it and other mash-ups at djlobsterdust.com

The Voice of Free Planet X theme was written and performed by Russell Collins of www.clockworkaudio.net

When about midway of a certain block the policeman suddenly slowed his walk. In the doorway of a darkened hardware store a man leaned, with an unlighted cigar in his mouth. As the policeman walked up to him the man spoke up quickly.

"It's all right, officer," he said, reassuringly. "I'm just waiting for a friend. It's an appointment made twenty years ago. Sounds a little funny to you, doesn't it? Well, I'll explain if you'd like to make certain it's all straight...

"After Twenty Years" was written by O. Henry.  It is currently in the public domain.

The Voice of Free Planet X theme was written and performed by Russell Collins of www.clockworkaudio.net

On Tocline, do not wear pants.  You will see other Toclines wearing pants.  This does not mean you should wear them.  You can wear the rest of your usual diplomatic uniform, but whatever you do, do not wear pants.

What is the secret of Matthew Wayne Selznick, author of Brave Men Run?  You'll have to listen to the interview to find out, but may have something to do with this stuff he posted on his website:

"Ladies and gentlemen, on Sunday, July 13, 2008, every hour on the hour for eight hours beginning at 10:00 AM Eastern / 7:00 AM Pacific time, I will present a brand new, original short story set in the first year of the Sovereign Era universe. These stories — official Sovereign Era canon — are from some of the most respected authors of podcast fiction:

• J.C. Hutchins (The “7th Son” trilogy)
• Mur Lafferty (”Playing For Keeps”)
• Nathan Lowell (The “Golden Age of the Solar Clipper” novels)
• Matt Wallace (”The Next Fix”)
• J.R. Blackwell (Voices of Tomorrow)
• P.G. Holyfield (”Murder at Avedon Hill”)
• Jared Axelrod (The Voice of Free Planet X)

I’ll be reading each story aloud, on camera, absolutely live, in random order — so be sure to check in every hour so you don’t miss your favorite author!"

The Voice of Free Planet X theme was written and performed by Russell Collins of www.clockworkaudio.net

 I've been working on a beast of a story, and the reason it's a beast of a story is that until very recently, I was trying to write it with my Editor Hat on.

The Editor Hat is a powerful tool, but nothing stops your writing dead quite like it. 

It certainly did in my case.

As I say in the show, you can't build and polish at the same time.

The Voice of Free Planet X theme was written and performed by Russell Collins of www.clockworkaudio.net

Sergeant Ariel Odipo held back a grimace as her squadron approached the Sepch encampment. She doubted they could see her face through the mirrored visor of her helmet, but she wasn’t taking any chances. She loosened her grip on her rifle as well. The tension was thick enough as it was. This was a peacekeeping mission, after all.

Besides, these people weren't the problem. Odipo had grown fond of their crabby little faces and way they waved their eyestalks when she approached. They were not her problem...

Special thanks to Christiana Ellis and J.R. Blackwell for their voice talent this episode

This episode also featured "Srvival In A House Darkening" by Micheal Masley.  More information and work by this artist can be found at magnatune.com

The Voice of Free Planet X theme was written and performed by Russell Collins of www.clockworkaudio.net

The Dreeslings communicate through the transmission of viruses between hosts.  Unfortunately, your usual pre-landing inoculations will make you the equivalent of a deaf mute.  This may be for the best,  as while Dreeslings’ language will not kill you, if you are infected by the wrong joke or declaration, you may wish you were.

Yeah, J.R. Blackwell and I love our television, like any good nerds.  We love The Middleman.  We love Doctor Who.  But having long since deep-sixed the cable, we cannot watch them the moment the come on the boob-tube.

Also, we don't live in the United Kingdom.

Naturally, as podcasters, we turn to the internets to solve all our problems.  But there is no legitimate way to download the shows we love.  We'd pay for it, if only we COULD.

But we can't.  There is no way to legitimate get the shows we want in any reasonable amount of time.  Waiting months for the DVD is, quite frankly, unacceptable.

Forced by neglect, we do the only thing we can.  We turn to piracy.

And we aren't happy about it, neither.

The Voice of Free Planet X theme was written and performed by Russell Collins of www.clockworkaudio.net

Theme music is "Faithful" by The Shillas.

This week's story is "Hold Me Like a Girl" written and read by Jared Axelrod.  I'm proud for this to be my first gay sex story.  Even if you think you don't like this kind of story, listen anyways.  You might be surprised.

Jared is filling in for me this week while I recover from a nasty case of bronchitis.  My voice is only just this moment coming back at all, and I would not have been able to give you a show nearly this good.

Thank you, Jared.

I am currently recovering from a very hot and extremely unpleasant bout with Martian Spider Flu.  So, that's where this weeks podcasts have gone. 

They've been eaten.  By Martian spiders.  Let that be a lesson to you all.

Not to worry, however, as regular service will resume July 1st.   And it will be worth the wait.

We learn a little more about how Caroline deals with problem employees, Maureen tries to make friends, and Kevin makes a decision.

Don’t forget to check out the cast list for more information!

More episodes of The Takeover available at murverse.com
and zombinc.net

The Flusians are aquatic by nature, but can poke their heads out of water for a short time in order to converse with land-based off-worlders.  Due to the lack of any sort of landmass on Flusie, you will be expected to meet their delgation on their spaceship. While their ship will be filled to the brim with water, they will have constructed a “non-fish bowl” for your comfort.  A little plastic castle will be put in the non-fish-bowl, to remind you of home.

The fact remains, ladies and gentlemen, we have to meet the Geert price. We ought to do better than the Geert price, but due to the nature of our company, we'll probably get by merely with meeting them. But I will tell you this, we lose this bid, we lose the planet...

Special thanks to Kate Eckert, Brendan Dalton, Benjamin Dyme and J.R. Blackwell for providing the voice talent for this episode.

This episode featured "" performed by Barry Phillips. More information and work by this artist can be found at www.magnatune.com

The Voice of Free Planet X theme was written and performed by Russell Collins of www.clockworkaudio.net

I had a chance to sit down with one of the most talented, prolific podcasters around, Christiana Ellis, which is not something you turn down.  We discuss the demands of a daily project, writing comedy of audio, and use of female leads with  moral flexibility.

All things Christiana can be found here: christianaellis.com

But you might also want wander over to these places as well:

Nina Kimberly the Merciless
Space Casey
Christiana’s Shallow Thoughts

The Voice of Free Planet X theme was written and performed by Russell Collins of www.clockworkaudio.net

My good and well-read friend Dan joins J.R. Blackwell and I in a roundtable--or is it salon?  It may be a salon--about candy literature, comics and movies.

It is also revealed that J.R. and I saw Bumblebee on the University of Pennsylvania's campus during the filming of TRANSFORMERS 2.

It's okay to be jealous.

The Voice of Free Planet X theme was written and performed by Russell Collins of www.clockworkaudio.net

You ready for another feedback episode?  You better be, because this one is huge.  It was last seen destroying Tokyo.

Quite a few podcasts were mentioned this week:

J’s Indie-Rock Mayhem qfsmayhem.blogspot.com
I Motor Away www.imotoraway.com
RadioClash www.mutantpop.net/radioclash
Radio Free Hipster www.hipsterplease.com

Also, check out Selganor’s character sheet for Gretel, the Witch-Hunter,
and here's the GRIMM RPG he mentioned: www.fantasyflightgames.com/hr02.html

The Voice of Free Planet X theme was written and performed by Russell Collins of www.clockworkaudio.net.

When dealing with the sentient planet Maelstrose, you may find it difficult to get its attention, due to your relatively minuscule size.  When you do not succeed in getting the planet to respond to your hails, do not let it bother you.  Mealstrose is 130 billion years old, and as such, its stories are long, boring, and it would probably fall asleep in the middle of talking to you anyway.

And I must be insane
To go skating on your name
And by tracing it twice
I fell through the ice
Of Alice

"Bread and Butterflies" was created by Pogo. You can find more work and information about this artist at www.last.fm/music/Pogo. 

"Alice in Wonderland" was written and performed by emma, and was made available courtesy of the Podsafe Music Network. You can find more work and information about this artist at www.iamemma.com.

"Hold On" was written and performed by Tom Waits, courtesy of the Podsafe Music Network.  You can find more work and information about this artist at Epitaph.com.

The Voice of Free Planet X theme was written and performed by Russell Collins of www.clockworkaudio.net.

There's been a lot of talk about who we are versus how we are seen on this podcast.  As fate would have it, famed photographers Katie West and Jack Scoresby were spending the weekend with J.R. Blackwell and myself here in Philly.  Who better than the internet's most talented self-portraits artists to talk about how other people see ourselves?

No one, that's who.

Katie West: www.katiewest.ca

Jack Scoresby: www.flickr.com/photos/jackscoresby

J.R. Blackwell: www.jrblackwell.com

The Voice of Free Planet X theme was written and performed by Russell Collins of www.clockworkaudio.net

A rogue named Jack. Cinderella, a cleric who refers to her deity as "god-mother."  A charming prince of a paladin.  Gretel, a witch hunter and all-around monster fighter.  A ranger with the skin of a bear and bottomless pockets.  A wizard with the preposterous name of Dr. Know-It-All.

Fairy tale tropes, or the greatest Dungeons and Dragons campaign ever?

Or possibly both.

It's a idea I can't see to stop thinking about, so, naturally, I'd thought I'd share it with you.


The Voice of Free Planet X theme was written and performed by Russell Collins of www.clockworkaudio.net

You know what you don't hear?

Bloopers.

Flubs.

Side Conversations.

Muttering.

Outtakes.

Most people delete them, toss'em, throw them in the trash.  Not the Voice of Free Planet X.  We save them.

We save them for YOU.

The Voice of Free Planet X theme was written and performed by Russell Collins of www.clockworkaudio.net

We are indebted to Tristan Tzara and his followers for the newest and perhaps the most important doctrinary insistence as applied to art which has appeared in a long time. Dada-ism is the latest phase of modernism in painting as well as in literature, and carries with it all the passion for freedom of expression which Marinetti sponsored so loudly in his futuristic manifestos. It adds likewise an exhilarating quality of nihilism, imbibed, as it is said, directly from the author of Zarathustra. Reading a fragment of the documentary statement of Dada-ism, we find that the charm of the idea exists mainly in the fact that they wish all things levelled in the mind of man to the degree of commonplaceness which is typical and peculiar to it.

Nothing is greater than anything else, is what the Dada believes...

--Marsden Hartley, 1921

 

The Voice of Free Planet X theme was written and performed by Russell Collins of www.clockworkaudio.net

Feedback's packed tight tonight, as I talk about alot of things, but mainly extend Episode 136, only a little more rambley.  Most of the rambling is directed toward Chris Lester's excellent essay which comes really close to being right, and then misses the point completely.  Close, though.  Real close.  You should read it.

Also, the recipe for Irish Nachos:

1 bag kettle chips
6 ounces finely grated Cheddar, approximately 2 1/4 cups
4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
2 tablespoons finely chopped green onions 
2 cups sour cream 

Set 1 of the oven racks on the lowest shelf and preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Lay the chips on a baking sheet. Sprinkle the chips with the Cheddar cheese and the bacon. Bake in the oven on the bottom rack for 7 minutes or until the cheese begins to bubble. Spoon sour cream on top, and sprinkle green onions

The Voice of Free Planet X theme was written and performed by Russell Collins of www.clockworkaudio.net

 Miipluse is a unique world, as it a haven for robots, androids, rouge AIs and any other sort of fabricated sentient of the galaxy. Escaping persecution here, the naturalized Miiplusians nonetheless have very strict rules about who can and who cannot land on their planet.  Being of biological origin, you will have to send a robot assistant in your stead.  Do be surprised however, when your electronic emissary does not return, preferring instead to stay in the "Glorious Robo-Worker's Paradise."

After listening to NPR story about the demise of the necktie, I find myself thinking about my own sartorial sense. What does wearing, or not wearing a tie say about us?  What does wearing or not wearing a suit say?

Does wearing less clothes make us more authentic, or are we just lying to and about ourselves in different ways?

I will say that now, I intend to wear more ties.

The original NPR story

Lord Whimsy’s Rebuttal

Lord Whimsy’s neckwear guide

The Voice of Free Planet X theme was written and performed by Russell Collins of www.clockworkaudio.net

Recorded at Balticon 42, the Short-Short Slam panel included readings by

J.R. Blackwell: www.jrblackwell.com

Jared Axelrod: www.jaredaxelrod.com

Steve Wilson: www.prometheusradiotheatre.com

James Patrick Kelly: www.jimkelly.net

Bill DeSmedt* www.billdesmedt.com

The Voice of Free Planet X theme was written and performed by Russell Collins of www.clockworkaudio.net.

*Bill DeSmedt was unfortunately seated too far from the microphone to be properly recorded, so his reading is not included on this podcast.

• Title: RUR-2007-09-16 #33 The Rev Up Review DragonCon Edition
  
• Size: 29.2 MB
• Duration: 42'32"

Use this FeedBurner link to download the mp3 file directly, or to add the feed to your aggregator.

Contents:

• 00.00 Intro music: "Undertow" by Reaman (ElectroBel)
  
• 00.19 Welcome
• 00.53 Dragon*Con
• 01.33 Dragon*Con Audio Blog - part 1 (of 4)
• 14.31 DragonCon 2007 Flickr Set
  
• 14.46 Review of Zencore! Scriptus Innominatus
  
• 24.56 Clock Chimes: Jephson Gardens
  
• 25.27 Chris Fisher
• 25.58 Music from Cathy Miller and Gregory L. Mahan
  
• 28.52 Interview with Jared Axelrod (Aliens You Will Meet and The Voice of Free Planet X) and J. R. Blackwell (Voices of Tomorrow) 365 Tomorrows
  
• 40.34 The Rev Up Review is a production of Willowsoft Communications
  
• 40.42
  
  This work is licensed under a
  Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 License.
  
• 40.49 Send feedback (text or mp3 audio comments) to rur@revupreview.co.uk.
• 41.17 Music from Gregory L. Mahan: Stacks of Rye
  
• 42.32 End

Russell Collins--yes, that Russell Collins, the one I talk about at the end of each episodes, that one--turns the tables and interviews me for a change.  But not just me.  You see, it is the eve of Wizard World, and myself and my good friend and artist Steve Walker are going to to continue to hock our wares to the good publishers temporarily residing here in Philly.

Yes, it shall be Damn Epic.

So Russell interveiws myself and Steve about the comic, about the research we've done for the comic, and about how awesome we are.

Luckily, we like talking about all of those things.

The Voice of Free Planet X theme was written and performed by Russell Collins of www.clockworkaudio.net

The leader is the party
The party is the leader's mind
He said: "My people need a place to go!"
 
"Down At McDonnelzz" was written performed by Electric Six, and was made available courtesy of the Podsafe Music Network.  You can find more work and information about this artist at www.myspace.com/electricsixmusic

"None Shall Pass" was written and performed by Aesop Rock, and was made available courtesy of the Podsafe Music Network. You can find more work and information about this artist at www.myspace.com/aesoprockwins

"Young Folks (Disco Mix)" was written and performed by Peter, Bjorn & John. and was made available courtesy of the Podsafe Music Network. You can find more work and information about this artist at www.wichita-recordings.com

The Voice of Free Planet X theme was written and performed by Russell Collins of www.clockworkaudio.net.

The minds of the Viliquay are incredibly fast, often processing and becoming bored with a thought in mid-sentence.  While this may make their conversation difficult to follow, it is suggested that you merely nod.  The Viliquay will anticipate your response before you even think of it, and will behave accordingly.

Panda shares his recent news, both about Tea Con and the brand new Voice of Free Planet X shirt featuring him.

You should buy one. 

You know you want to.

Go on.  They're available at Free Planet X Apperal.

I mean, look how cute Panda is in his Flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/teatimewithpanda

Yep.  That's pretty cute, all right.

Maybe you should buy a shirt.

The Voice of Free Planet X theme was written and performed by Russell Collins of www.clockworkaudio.net

Balticon is over, but before we can enjoy its audio bounty, we must first take care of some pre-Balticon business.  Namely, feedback.

Just about every episode of the past week was commented on, which is nothing short of astounding.  Clearly, I’m doing something right.  Some of the noteworthy elements:

•    I am an enabler
•    Mash-ups are a moral gray area
•    Some feedback is better responded to in character
•    Our meat, and how we treat it.
•    Backup daily to avoid data loss!
•    The races of fantasy characters
•    The laughter of Nobilis
•    The Duncan Brothers deserve money!

Also, long time listener Christ the Fixed Kitty of the Adult Space Child Free Podcast has a request.

The Voice of Free Planet X theme was written and performed by Russell Collins of www.clockworkaudio.net.

Balticon.  Lots and lots of Balticon...

The Krinclops are species that places great cultural value on the mocking of foreigners, and will no doubt make fun of smooth skin, your two legs, your left hand and your solitary head.  This sort of constant barrage of insults is not necessarily mean-spirted, merely a an element of a centuries-old culture

So do not take it personally when you are introduced to Krinclops ruler as "Smoothy McLeft-hand, Who Got His Head Mixed Up With His Feet"

Genius internet filmmakers Brant and Ian Duncan return to discuss their upcoming film "Overdrift: Stage 2," the sequel to their immensely popular film about dinosaurs and drift-racing, "Overdrift."

We talk about working with their largest cast yet, the creative influences of this film, the importance of family both in front and behind the camera, and the fabled release date of "OD:S2" itself.

The Duncan Brothers website: www.theduncanbrothers.com

The Duncan Bros's Channel on YouTube, www.youtube.com/user/duncanbros and on Myspace.

The Voice of Free Planet X theme was written and performed by Russell Collins of www.clockworkaudio.net.

Inspired by arecent THIS AMERICAN LIFE episode about people who won't apologize ), I thought about doing a VoFPX show with people who WILL apologize, people who apologize for things the have nothing to do with.  A series of apologies about things we cannot possibly feel sorry for, because they are literally not our fault.

We're not sorry.  We can't be sorry.  We won't be sorry.

But we'll say it anyway, if it makes you feel better.

"Five Easy Pieces" was performed by Clap Your Hands Say Yeah and was made available courtesy of the of the Podsafe Music Network. You can find out more about them at clapyourhandssayyeah.com/.

The Voice of Free Planet X theme was written and performed by Russell Collins of www.clockworkaudio.net

Bingo awoke the next morning to find himself in bed, the middle of a field.  Mr. Leroy was there, sitting on the edge of his bed looking smug.  He was holding Bingo's copy of "Off On A Comet," and chuckling to himself.  Bingo wasn't able to form exact words, but he was able to sputter out a "Wwwwhhhhhaaa?"

"Oh, you're awake," Leroy said, snapping the book shut. "Quite an imagination on this Mr. Verne, eh?  You have his other stuff? Absolutely fascinating."

"The Marionette" was performed by the Two Star Symphony and was made available courtesy of the of the Podsafe Music Network. You can find out more about them at www.twostarsymphony.org.

The Voice of Free Planet X theme was written and performed by Russell Collins of www.clockworkaudio.net

Robert Downey Jr, as weapons manufacturer Tony Stark, poses that question in the visceral opening to IRON MAN. Stark goes on to say that you can have both, and indeed, that’s been the American Way since we dropped the bomb on Hiroshima

This summer’s other cinematic offering from Marvel Comics, THE INCREDIBLE HULK, tackles the atom bomb through an angry, green metaphor, but IRON MAN goes at it direct.

It’s not an unusual premise to hoist a superhero movie on—it was one of the many themes playing out in the over-stuffed SPIDER-MAN 3, for example—but Mark Fergus and Hawk Ostby, the writing team that also gave us last year’s CHILDREN OF MEN, having something more bleak in mind...

The Voice of Free Planet X theme was written and performed by Russell Collins of www.clockworkaudio.net.

There’s a part of the horizon where the sand meets the sky, and the clouds look low and tangible.  You can’t touch them—you know you can’t touch them, but they look so close.  So ready.

“It’s a fool’s errand, you know,” the wise man says. “The air is for the birds, and the bees.  To do otherwise would be something akin to madness.

But I stay here, and I try.  I’ve built my wings of lighter and stronger material every time.  And everytime I crash into the sand, I see that for a moment, the sand flies into the air too.

This is the first in a series of Site Specific Stories, impromptu fiction created in response to a specific environment.  It was written and recorded at Jockey's Ridge State Park.

The Voice of Free Planet X theme was written and performed by Russell Collins of www.clockworkaudio.net.

Gravity.
Astronauts.
Socialism.
Hufflepuff.
Filking.
“I ain’t sayin’ she’s Death Eater.”
Laughter.
Frogs.
Fucking frogs.
“Don’t you forget about me.”
Mathew Wayne Selznick.
Brave Men Run.
“Music is like math in the air.”
Intervals.
Inflation.

The Voice of Free Planet X theme was written and performed by Russell Collins of www.clockworkaudio.net.

The bodies of the Scusicians are fractal in nature, so do not be alarmed if some small duplicate of the dignitary you are speaking with pops off of the larger body to do some mundane task.  The Scusicians are fascinated by beings who cannot do this, so be prepared to give long, detailed descriptions of every mind-numbing, tedious and loathsome task you had to do yourself without the help of cheerful, miniature assistants.

Many years into the future, I will try to get Skype working again.  And on that faithful day, a millennia from now, Paul Fischer will be on the other end of the line.

The more things change....

Special thanks to Paul Fischer, of the Balticon Podcast for being on the other end of the line.

The Voice of Free Planet X theme was written and performed by Russell Collins of www.clockworkaudio.net.

With Panda holding the microphone, J.R. Blackwell and I discuss the finer points of fantasy entertainment as exemplified by three films we watched recently:

Iron Man: ironmanmovie.marvel.com
Speed Racer: speedracerthemovie.warnerbros.com
Hogfather: www.hogfatherdvd.com

Also discussed is the level of violence appropriate for children, why life-and-death situations get me upset and the glorification of materialism in modern, over-the-top summer cinema.

And, yes, all three of us were in bed.  But Panda’s always there.

The Voice of Free Planet X theme was written and performed by Russell Collins of www.clockworkaudio.net.

C.A. Sizemore, all-around good guy and long-time listener of the show, lost his wife Kelly this morning.  I only know him through the internet, through Twitter and through his calls to show, but this has still hit me hard.  Maybe it's because the third anniversary of my father's death was only a few weeks ago. 

Or maybe no one should have to loose a loved one.

But we do.  And in times like these, it's good to know that someone like C.A., who was just nicest guy you'll meet, has engendered such goodwill that a fund in his name has reached over $1000: casizemoregift.chipin.com/ca-sizemore

That, my friends, is all the faith in humanity one needs.

"Hold On" was written and performed by Tom Waits, courtesy of the Podsafe Music Network.  You can find more work and information about this artist at Epitaph.com.

The Voice of Free Planet X theme was written and performed by Russell Collins of www.clockworkaudio.net.

In the Spring, a young man's fancy lightly turns to thoughts of love.

Well, love and mash-ups.

“Shut Up On A Blue Monday” was mashed-up by ComaR. You can find it and other mash-ups at www.myspace.com/comarbootlegs

“Closer To Business Time” was mashed-up by Dan Dickinson. You can download it and other mash-ups at vjarmy.com

“Nelly Furtado's Crazy” was mashed-up by A plus D. You can download it and other mash-ups at aplusd.net

The Voice of Free Planet X theme was written and performed by Russell Collins of www.clockworkaudio.net.

The first assumption is that you can procure a whole, fully-dressed child. In some parts of the country this might be easier than in others. Figure on about 1.25 to 2 lbs per person of dressed child. For the wedding we had a 160 lb child (husky fella, that one)to feed about 100 people. This was supplemented with thighs, (a trackstar, naturally) and many other dishes. At another event, the child weighed 60 lbs and fed about 30 people.

Another assumption is that you have a safe environment for storing the child from the time you abduct it to the time you begin cooking it. It doesn’t matter how good something tastes or what sensations a food item gives you, if it isn’t safe to eat, you’re going to be in serious trouble. Fortunately, the FDA provides some simple guidelines you can follow to help ensure safe storage....

Special thanks to Richard Kalwaic for reading this episode.

The Voice of Free Planet X theme was written and performed by Russell Collins of www.clockworkaudio.net

It's Feedback Friday once again, and once again I respond to your emails.  In the wake of The Great Deletion (I explain it in the episode) feedback of this sort is wonderful to read.

Discussed this episode:

• The tattoos Panda may or may not have
• How awesome JR and my lives are (again)
  
• The London subway bombings
• The Great Deletion
• "Tea In Bags"
  
• The nature of internet relationships
• The Sartorialist, at thesartorialist.blogspot.com
  

The Voice of Free Planet X theme was written and performed by Russell Collins of www.clockworkaudio.net

The aquatic Docalleral spoken language has defied all attempts of translations, as the atonal singing they produce is as much dependent on the condition and temperature of the water as it is on inflections of the speaker. They also have extremely short memories and refuse to speak with anyone who cannot properly breath underwater. It is then suggested that you do not meet them at all, but rather send a polite note saying you have already met them, and that they enjoyed your company immensely.

The rest of the staff echoed Molly's warm sentiments, and greeted Leroy pleasantly, and although he still wasn't sure of all their names--he already confused the cook Anatole with the hallboy Eustace, and no idea the kitchen girls names, though they each just told him--he felt very familiar with all of them.  Cogs had warned him not to get too familiar, as he would be spending most of his time with the family, but Leroy couldn't help it, and told Cogs so.

"I'm only human, after all," Leroy said.  That got a chuckle out of Cogs.

"The Marionette" was performed by the Two Star Symphony and was made available courtesy of the of the Podsafe Music Network. You can find out more about them at www.twostarsymphony.org.

The Voice of Free Planet X theme was written and performed by Russell Collins of www.clockworkaudio.net

Jared Axelrod is all things to all people, and he does a daily podcast. He makes things with his own hands, creates fiction, defends honor ANNNNNNDDDDD justice. He never gets mad nor will he ever start a fight. You should listen to his daily podcast, The Voice of Free Planet X and his weekly podcast, Aliens You WIll Meet.

He will be attending Balticon to do a live Aliens You Will Meet and will author the third installment of Lancelot Biggs: Spaceman.

Jared is interviewed by our very own Martha Holloway.

PROMO: Aliens You Will Meet

PROMO: The Voice of Free Planet X

MUSIC: Beautiful by Sons of William courtesy of Sons of William when we saw them at Jammin Java

Theme Music: Space Monkey by Jim Hodgson

The thin man's eyes were cold.  They reminded Sir Edward of nothing so much  as the moon that poked that shown through the window.  The moon was bright tonight, and it's glow made the thin young man seem unearthly.

"This is a frightfully good letter of recommendation," Sir Edward said.  "Frightfully good.  Lord Smitters speaks very highly of you. Almost higher than he spoke of Cogs. Cogs, you know Mr. Leroy here, back when you were with Smitters?"

Cogs, Sir Edward's butler, knew that Lord Smitters has been deceased for quite some time.  He also knew that there was a man now living in Lord Smitters house, who looked like Lord Smitters, sounded like Lord Smitters and, most importantly, signed references with a signature indistinguishable from the one used by Lord Smitters....

"The Marionette" was performed by the Two Star Symphony and was made available courtesy of the of the Podsafe Music Network. You can find out more about them at www.twostarsymphony.org.

The Voice of Free Planet X theme was written and performed by Russell Collins of www.clockworkaudio.net

Big news this episode, as I reveal I’m going on a brief hiatus until next Thursday—by when a new Aliens You Will Meet episode will be on the feed—but before I go, I gotta clean out the inbox and go through some feedback!

I’m not one to leave you unentertained, so here’s some suggestions for daily content elsewhere:

Cristiana’s Shallow Thoughts: shallowthoughts.libsyn.com
Mur Lafferty’s News From Poughkeepsie: murverse.com
Distorted Veiw Daily: www.distortedview.com/show
100 Word Stories: podcasting.isfullofcrap.com
Feast Of Fools: www.feastoffools.net/

And, just because you should be listening to it anyway, J’s Indie/Rock Mayhem: qfsmayhem.blogspot.com

Also, Panda’s Flicker: www.flickr.com/photos/teatimewithpanda

The Voice of Free Planet X theme was written and performed by Russell Collins of www.clockworkaudio.net

You will break your arm during a fight with Jucynog Duthor in a bar on Pingos.  While Jucynog’s effort to hurt you may seem overzealous, you will say some horrible things about her mother.

Normally, you would be given instructions on how to avoid this altercation, but seeing as how, years from now, you and Jucynog will be the best of friends because of this fight, try to consider the big picture as she snaps your forarm like a twig.

I sit down with genius internet filmmakers Brant and Ian Duncan, creators of such instant classics "Overdrift," "Assassinz," "The Crystal Tape," and "The Remarkable Journey of Higgins Von Higgins." 

We talk about how their movie about drift-racing and dinosaurs came to be, the perils and bonuses of working in a short-film format, and the beauty of putting your entire first act into one sentence.

The Duncan Brothers website: www.theduncanbrothers.com

The Duncan Bros's Channel on YouTube, www.youtube.com/user/duncanbros and on Myspace.


The Voice of Free Planet X theme was written and performed by Russell Collins of www.clockworkaudio.net.

There’s blood up to the windows. It must have seemed like a good idea at the time, to stack the bodies in the Mercer Building, to get ‘em off the Rail. But I can’t help wondering if the allusion to gore behind those art-deco panes is worse the actual carnage.

At least they’re off the Rail. At least there’s that.

The Voice of Free Planet X theme was written and performed by Russell Collins of www.clockworkaudio.net.

I say it's high time we had somemore mash-ups around this place.

After all, listening to more than one song at once can be considered multitasking.


“Together As One? was mashed-up by DJ Earworm. You can find it and other mash-ups at djearworm.com

“Standing In The Way Of Contact? was mashed-up by A plus D. You can download it and other mash-ups at aplusd.net

“Burn Your Radio? was mashed-up by Instamatic. You can download it and other mash-ups at www.mutantpop.net

The Voice of Free Planet X theme was written and performed by Russell Collins of www.clockworkaudio.net.

“The readiness is all,? says Hamlet, but is it really? How do we know we’re ready, really?  The catch is, the only way to know you’re ready is to throw yourself out there, and see if you are.

I didn’t feel I was ready, this weekend.  I wasn’t ready to pitch a comic, and certainly not at a convention as nuts as New York Comic Con.  I didn’t feel like what I had to show was “good enough.?

But, as listeners of this show know, “Crap is published all the time.?

Or, as Molly Crabapple, founder of Dr. Sketchy’s put it: “There’s no way to know if something is publishable, until it’s published.?

This episode featured “Shrink Proof? by Wicked boy. More information and work by this artist can be found at www.magnatune.com.

The Voice of Free Planet X theme was written and performed by Russell Collins of www.clockworkaudio.net

On the road and more than a little delirious, I decide to compare and contrast the differences between the Philadelphia Tattoo Arts Convention and New York Comic Convention. 

Both are celebrations of commercial art and the commercial artist, but one seems to be, well, cooler than the other. 

And not just because tattoos hurt more.

As for details about what I was doing while at NYCC, you'll have to wait for next episode..

The Voice of Free Planet X theme was written and performed by Russell Collins of www.clockworkaudio.net

While at the Philadelphia Tattoo Arts Convention I was lucky enough to get to speak with some suspension artists from around the country about suspension, why they do it, and what they get out of it.

Special thanks to:

Spliff, Ji Ji, and Genj of the DisGraceland Hook Squad, disgracelandfamily.com/

Joe and Amato of Skin Mechanics Suspensions, www.myspace.com/smsuspension

Jared and Tracie of Nu Ethix, www.myspace.com/nuethixsuspensions and their bmezine.com gallery

Stitch of Ascension Suspension, www.ascensionsuspension.com/

The Voice of Free Planet X theme was written and performed by Russell Collins of www.clockworkaudio.net

The denizens of Weyaw, home of the intergalactic fast-food franchise Squishburger, will invite you to dine upon their famous food, the Squishburger.  Be prepared to tell them it tastes exactly the same as the many times you’ve had it through out the galaxy, as consistence is something they strive for.

Resist the tempation, however, to tell them that their “consistant taste? is one of cardboard drenched in sewage.

It’s an UltraCreatives “two-fer? today: You’re getting TWO interview episodes for the price of one! Today’s first episode is with Jared Axelrod, a podcaster, writer, actor, director, puppetmaker, costume maker — there’s very little this man can’t do, which is why it was a thrill having him on the podcast.

In the podcasting community, Jared is best-known for his “Stories from Free Planet X? podcast. J.C. Hutchins and Jared speak at length about that and his other creative endeavors. It’s a hoot, and you’ll learn a lot about the life of a multi-faceted artist.

There’s tons of news for listeners to learn about, including coverage in The Washington Post and the groundbreaking “audience participation? invitation for all 7th Son listeners for the 7th Son: OBSIDIAN short story anthology … but there’s no time to do it in this episode. Expect an informal “Beta Clone Army Update? episode in a day or two.

Find Jared Axelrod on the World-Wide-Everywhere:

• JaredAxelrod.com
• The Voice of Free Planet X
• Aliens You Will Meet

Promos:

• Spiritual Tramp blog
• Magic Wood Works blog

Barry Sturgeon calmly put down the file his accountant had given him, carefully cut the ring finger on his left hand, and drew a summoning circle on the floor in his own blood.  As the hardwood inside the circle crumbled and fell away to reveal the pit of flames beneath, Sturgeon sighed inwardly.  His demon would know what to do about this tax mess.

"Goblin Attack" was performed by the Two Star Symphony and was made available courtesy of the of the Podsafe Music Network. You can find out more about them at www.twostarsymphony.org.

The Voice of Free Planet X theme was written and performed by Russell Collins of www.clockworkaudio.net

Before I got the job I have now, I applied to work at the Prometheus Radio Project.  Because I thought this was a hip, alternative group of people, I put a few things on my resume that I normally leave off.

For example, the work I did with the Industrial Strength Freak Show and the Lulu Tech Circus.

It's something special when your job interview starts with "So you're the circus man..." and ends with "You were the most fun."

The Voice of Free Planet X theme was written and performed by Russell Collins of www.clockworkaudio.net

Continuing the "Things We Say...In Bed" series (you didn't know it was a series?  Neither did we), J.R. Blackwell and I lay around in bed and talk about how amazing our friends are.

Also mention is Yoda, Eistein, the book "Eiji Tsuburaya: Master of Monsters: Defending the Earth with Ultraman and Godzilla," the skill of Command Line, the Command Linage, monkies, the generosity Sci-Fi Laura, proper sword handling, Andrea's charm, the attractiveness of both the Wii and our toys, and the razor-sharp wit of Dr. John Cmar.

It was a packed weekend, clearly.

The Voice of Free Planet X theme was written and performed by Russell Collins of www.clockworkaudio.net

Poor Ol’ Laz’rus shake your bones
You come from the world of water and stone...

"Laz'rus" was written and performed by John McCutcheon.  You can find more work and information about this artist at www.folkmusic.com

"Control Freak" was written and performed by Saul Williams, and was made available courtesy of the Podsafe Music Network. You can find more work and information about this artist at niggytardust.com

"Dig, Lazarus, Dig" was written performed by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, and was made available courtesy of the Podsafe Music Network.  You can find more work and information about this artist at www.nickcaveandthebadseeds.com

The Voice of Free Planet X theme was written and performed by Russell Collins of www.clockworkaudio.net.

Ah, Feedback Day, the time when young men's hearts turn to...feedback.  And tea, apparently.  About half this week's feedback was addressed not to me, but Panda.  So, Panda's helping me out with this one.

A few things we talk about this episode:

• Tea
  
• The 100th Episode
  
• Why Panda won't be teaming up with Cap'n Stilton
  
• Tea
  
• Jonathan Coulton's opinion of the 100th Episode ("Awesome")
  
• Hip ways to spell "genius"
  
• Tea again
  
• What exactly tea in bags actually is, according to Panda
• Reasons why my podcast is better than NPR

The Voice of Free Planet X theme was written and performed by Russell Collins of www.clockworkaudio.net.

The Boribotons are some of the most innovative races in the galaxy when it comes to the preparation and presentation of food. It has become such an important element of their culture that only the greatest and most artistic chef can rule the planet.  As a visiting dignitary, you will have to engage in culinary combat in order to gain an audience with members of the government.  Do not be concerned with the flavor of your dishes; the Boribotons stopped eating their food long ago, preferring to dine on imported Squishburgers and Weyaw fries.

“I knew the Chief went to Japan, I just didn’t know he picked up a new wife,? Bedford said. Bedford removed her welding mask and wiped the sweat from her face with an oily rag. She adjusted herself in the crook of the mecha’s kneecap, letting her repair work cool.

“Pretty too,? Armijo said. He slipped his arms out of his coveralls and tied them around his waist, his chest shiny from accumulated sweat. He tossed a Bedford up a cold soda. “She’s a 400 model.

Special thanks to Richard Kalwaic for reading this episode.

This episode featured "Circus Train" bySkeletonbreath. You can find out more about Skeletonbreath at skeletonbreath.com.

The Voice of Free Planet X theme was written and performed by Russell Collins of www.clockworkaudio.net.

I got to talk to prolific podcaster, writer, illustrator, costume designer, and cheese enthusiast Jared Axelrod!

• Voice of Free Planet X
• ISBW Neil Gaiman Interview
• Overheard in Purgatory

A panhandler came up to me the other day and said “Can I ask you a question??

I answered no, he couldn’t ask me a question. I knew what the question was, and I didn't want him to ask it.  So I told him that he couldn't ask me a question.

Faced with a "no," he then proceeded to threaten my life.

When it was all over, I did what anyone else would have done in such a situation:

I picked up the phone, and called Alison Buck, my sociologist.

Special thanks to the men and women who shared their experiences with panhandlers.

The Voice of Free Planet X theme was written and performed by Russell Collins of www.clockworkaudio.net.

After that fateful night at The Gears, everyone asks how I met Archer, if I picked him out from the agency’s catalogue or if he was recommended to me by someone else and other such questions, when in truth I must confess that I had never met him before he showed up upon my doorstep. I had merely requested a valet from the agency, and they said one would be sent, and gave no further description other than he would be up to their impeccable standards.

He rang the bell at exactly the second upon the hour he was to arrive, and I found myself unexpectedly worried. Had the agency sent a robot?

Special thanks to Dr. John Cmar, for providing the voice of Archer

"Something She Said" was performed by the Two Star Symphony and was made available courtesy of the of the Podsafe Music Network. You can find out more about them at www.twostarsymphony.org.

The Voice of Free Planet X theme was written and performed by Russell Collins of www.clockworkaudio.net

This week's Feedback is the strongest ever.  Luckily, I am prepared with the magic of...polite responses.  Seriously, I say "I really appreciate that," like, a dozen times.

Some of the things mentioned in this episode.

A 1926 maytag gas engine.  Damn, that looks cool.

The Zendrum.  Also, a cool-looking device. Jonathan Coulton uses a Zendrum Laptop, slung guitar-style.

On The Podcast

Podcast Junky

And, just incase you don't have enough Axelrod in your life, here's my LiveJournal: planetx.livejournal.com/

The Voice of Free Planet X theme was written and performed by Russell Collins of www.clockworkaudio.net

Jared Axelrod and The Voice of Free Planet X:

 

Main Show Site:

http://planetx.libsyn.com/

 

Episode 81: Amelia Effective, Young Girl Detective

http://planetx.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=315400

 

Episode 79: The Timeless

http://planetx.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=314452

 

—–

Link Love:

Onthepodcast:

http://www.onthepodcast.net

Technorama:

http://www.chuckchat.com/technorama

The H’rintilthrynoids are a serpentine race, their bodies one long flexible tail not unlike a snake.  In order to avoid being accused of “flaunting your arms,? keep your hands in your pockets at all times. When accepting a gift, a document, or a new pet, grip it between your teeth, as the H’rintilthryinoids do. If possible, put both feet into one leg of your pants, and if anyone points out the other, empty leg, pretend not to notice.

It’s the hundredth episode of the Voice of Free Planet X, so I brought over some friends to celebrate.  Namely, Jonathon Coulton and Paul & Storm.  

I feel I should note that in this context “brought over? means “went to a concert.?  I also got some cool interviews.  Thanks, guys.

“Opening Band? and “Nugget Man? were written by Storm & Paul and performed by Paul & Storm.  You can find out more about them at www.paulandstorm.com

“Mr. Fancypants,? “Dance, Soterios Johnson Dance,? “Still Alive,? and “Re: Your Brains,? were written and performed by Jonathan Coulton.  You can find out more about him at www.jonathancoulton.com

Thanks again, guys.

The Voice of Free Planet X theme was written and performed by Russell Collins of www.clockworkaudio.net

Ummm...helllo.  This is Panda.  Jared seems to be passed out on the floor here, so...um..I guess it's up to me to do his show.  He did leave me a list of songs he wanted to play, so here goes!

"Winners" was performed by Solare and was made available courtsey of the of the Podsafe Music Network. You can find out more about them at solare3.com/.

"Five Easy Pieces" was performed by Clap Your Hands Say Yeah and was made available courtesy of the of the Podsafe Music Network. You can find out more about them at clapyourhandssayyeah.com/.

"Without You" was performed by Verbatim and was made available via Creative Commons Music Sharing License.You can find out more about them at verbatimband.com/.

My Flickr is over here: www.flickr.com/photos/teatimewithpanda/

The Voice of Free Planet X theme was written and performed by Russell Collins of www.clockworkaudio.net

Our listeners will be interested in the following communications from our valued and learned contributor, Professor Bosh, whose labours in the fields of Culinary and Botanical science, are so well known to all the world. The first three Articles richly merit to be added to the Domestic cookery of every family and we are happy to be able through Dr. Bosh's kindness to present our listeners with his discoveries…

"Nonsense Cookery" was written by Edward Lear.

The Voice of Free Planet X theme was written and performed by Russell Collins of www.clockworkaudio.net

Having just come back from a Make:Philly meeting and wowed by the art of Chris Vecchio, I find myself artistically inspired and contemplating the nature of technology, and how it makes us human.  Also, I built a prosthetic ego—not that I need one.

Make Magazine: www.makezine.com
MakePhilly: www.MakePhilly.com
The Hacktory: thehacktory.org/
The Hackory in the City Paper: text story http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2008/03/27/hack-to-the-future video story: http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2008/03/27/the-hacktory

Chris Vecchio: www.noisemantra.com

The Voice of Free Planet X theme was written and performed by Russell Collins of www.clockworkaudio.net.

“Hey, neighbor!? Chawly called down from across the way. He had a pint glass of something that looked like red wine in each fist. I knew it couldn’t be–not in Topside–but Chawly had his ways. Chawly yanked the line-suspended basket that served as dumbwaiter between his window and mine over to him and placed a glass in. He gave the basket a shove, sliding it across the expanse. “Taste somma this!...?

Special thanks to Chris Loeffler and Russell Collins for reading this episode.

The Voice of Free Planet X theme was written and performed by Russell Collins of www.clockworkaudio.net.