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.

Another Friday, another Feedback Friday!  Panda returns to the podcast to say hello and help me answer feedback.  Some of the topics discussed:

Tea.
Panda’s emotion-lifting capabilities.
The amount of tea currently in the house.
Waistcoats, and who needs them (hint: Panda).
Panda promises to update his Flickr more.
Confusing language.
Hermione Granger and the Prisoner of Azkaban.
Panda’s size (hint: little).
Teatime!

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

The Tiffdelways' culture is one that recognizes the impermanence of all things.  Considering the caustic gasses in their atmosphere, this can hardly be considered surprising.  While your breathing apparatus will protect your lungs, try to remain nonchalant as the paper your speech is printed on, the clothes you will be wearing and the very building you will be inside, will slowly disintegrate over the course of your visit. One wrong step could cause your pants to crumble about your ankles, so be sure to wear your “good? underwear.

Do you smell that? Mash-ups, son. Nothing else in the world smells like that. I love the smell of mash-ups in the morning. Smells like... victory.

“Beethoven's Fifth Gold Digger? was mashed-up by A plus D. You can download it and other mash-ups at aplusd.net

“Hollaback Girls Feel Good? was mashed-up by Arty Fufkin. You can find it and other mash-ups by "arty fufkin" into Google, since I can't seem to find a website.

“99 Luft Problems? was mashed-up by Jay Zeezer. You can download it and other mash-ups at www.jay-zeezer.com

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

Tristan was methodically taking apart his hands when the doorbell chimed. He jumped at the sound, going to the door in such a hurry that he left behind the joints and pieces of his left hand on the worktable. All nine of Tristan’s eyes blinked and strobed expectantly, wanting to know if this was it, what he had been waiting for, the final piece...

Special thanks to Richard Kalwaic for reading this episode.

This episode featured "Betrayed," "You Don't Know Me" and "Immortal," all performed by Human Response. 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've been feeling a little depressed recently--listening to back-to-back personal narratives about being a Jew in Nazi-occupied Poland and about being a black woman in America before the Civil Rights movement will do that--and I didn't feel I had anywhere to turn.

Luckily, a little stuffed panda was there to talk it all over with me.

Panda's Flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/teatimewithpanda/

(He swears he's going to update more often)

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

Welcome back to the HMS Astrolabe! We suffered some delays in making port this time, but I hope that you will find this installment was worth the wait.

The sights available from the observation deck this week include The Clockwork Ball, Unofficial Fop Day, FreakAngels, and In Timely Fashion (being a compendium of era hairstyle instructions with photonic illustrations), and SepiaChord. Other diversions include the launch of an original flash fiction series called Six Score and Twenty by Matt Wallace, and the first of what we hope to be many sartorial lessons from Jared Axelrod.

Today’s salon is a conversation with the inestimable Magpie Killjoy of Steampunk Magazine.

Thank you for joining us!

Today, I got a chance to sit down with my good friend Filamena Young, and talk about writing, online resources, and how to get things done even when there’s other things clawing at your time. The background gets a little noisy, but stick through it; it’s fascinating stuff.

You can find more on Filamena at her website, www.filamena.com. Here’s the sites we talk about in the interview:

Space Westerns magazine www.spacewesterns.com/
Janet Reid jetreidliterary.blogspot.com
BookEnds blog bookendslitagency.blogspot.com
Critters Workshop www.critters.org
Mouth Full Of Bullets magazine www.mouthfullofbullets.com

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

Another week, another totally awesome Feedback Friday. This week, I am reminded that Episode 86 was awesome, we go over the rules and regulations of voicemail for Cap’n Stilton and Podcast du Fromage, speak for some length about Mur Lafferty’s Wasteland, and I reveal what I did at Dr. Sketchy’s. Hint: it wasn’t drawing.

Mur Laferty’s Wasteland, over at Podiobooks: podiobooks.com/title/heaven-season-4-wasteland/
Dr. Sketchy’s Anti-Art School: www.drsketchy.com
Dr. Sketchy’s Philadelphia: www.drsketchyphilly.blogspot.com/

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

The gravity of the Glackple homeworld is many times greater than what you are used to. As such, you will feel weighty, leaden, and bloated while on the planet’s surface.  Stay away from the Glackple’s honorary sausage. While a much sought-after-delicacy, it will only increase your feelings of heaviness.

In either case, you should consider excusing yourself from the after-diner high jump competition.

Tired? Cranky? Me, too. Must be time for some kickin’ tunes.

I'm sure Ming would approve.

“Domino? was performed by The Spies. You can find out more about the band at 15megsoffame.com

“Ming’s Pretty things? was performed by Solaire. You can find out more about the band at solairemusic.com

“You’re So Cool? was written and performed by The Homens. You can find out more about him at thehomens.com

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

“I don’t understand you Earthans at all,? Jaeg said, inflating a third bladder in order to rise up to the spaceship window. Earth was still in view, though it was slowly shrinking amongst the black. “You have one of the most gorgeous planets in the galaxy, yet you all are constantly wandering away from
it.?

Lucky allowed himself a chuckle and stepped closer to the bundle of flesh and tentacles that was his co-pilot. He placed what he hoped was a comforting hand on Jaeg and watched her soft flesh change color at his touch. “We often don’t understand ourselves…

This episode featured “Don’t Resist The Love,? by STAN, and is made available through Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial 2.5 license. You can find out more information about this artist at sitestan.net/

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

Cap’n Stilton and Podcast du Fromage returns, giving you the finest in dairy-related criticism. Whether enjoying a cheese plate at Bridget Foy’s or fielding acusations that his show is too Euro-centric, the Cap’n is makin’ it happen. With cheese!

And remember folks, crackers are for people who can’t handle their cheese.

Special thanks to John Cmar and Brendan Dalton.

This episode featured Bach’s "Violin Concerto 1041 : I. Allegro" performed by Lara St. John. 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

Spent the day engaging in an Improv Everywhere-syle social prank with B. Love Improv, orchestrated by a member of Scene Diego. I had my recording rig hidden, recording audio during the event, and interviewing several of the participants.

However, since I somehow hit pause early on in the event, none of it got recorded.

What do you do in such in an instance? Why, call the Doctor, of course.

Special thanks to Dr. John Cmar, for being on the other end of the phone line.

Improv Everywhere: improveverywhere.com
Scene Diego: scenediego.org/
B. Love Improv: improveverywhere.ning.com/group/Philadelphia
Vote Saxon: votesaxon.co.nr/

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

What does it mean when a fiction character running for office in a fiction city campaigns in a real city?  

When the lines between reality and fantasy blur, what does it do to the people involved?

What's the mindset of the crowd attending?

And what does realism have to do with Batman, anyway?

Do you believe in Harvey Dent?

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

Feedback Friday returns, with a new theme song and everything! Clearly, we cannot be stopped.

Some of things discussed:
The Creatures In My Head, www.creaturesinmyhead.com
FreakAngels, www.freakangels.com
The FreakAngels message board, Whitechapel, www.freakangels.com/whitechapel
Nobilis from the future, at noblis.libsyn.com.earth.x

The Voice of Free Planet X Theme was written by Russell Collins of www.clockworkaudio.net

The Meriose have yet to truly accept the concept of other races in the galaxy, and often refer to otherworldly visitors as “hallucinations? or “waking dreams.?  So try not to notice as the president’s cabinet with continually rub their eyes and pinch each other in the hopes of waking up from the dream that you represent.

They will, however, be quite solicitous, as anyone would be with a figment of their imagination.

Some days were made for mashing up.

“War of Confusion? was mashed-up by The Kleptones. You can download it and other mash-ups at kleptones.com

“Tear My Sharona Apart? was mashed-up by Bass211. You can download it and other mash-ups at bass211.com

“Number of da Boots? was mashed-up by DJ Lobsterdust. You can download it and other mash-ups at www.djlobsterdust.com

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

The Balticon Pod Players present the first two acts in the on-going Lancelot Biggs: Spaceman! story. In this episode you get Lancelot Biggs and the Space Garbage, and Lancelot Biggs and the Pirates.

Lancelot Biggs is adapted and performed with the permission of the estate of author Nelson S. Bond and his publishers. The adaptation was done by Mur Lafferty with assistance from Mathew Wayne Selznick. Performers are:

• Steve Eley - Lancelot Biggs
• Jim Van Verth - Sparks
• Jared Axelrod - Cap. Hanson
• Jason Adams - Lt. Todd
• Rich Sigfrit - Runt Hake
• Heather Welliver - Mr. Challenger & Space Cruiser Iris

Lancelot Biggs: Spaceman! is available from Wildside Press at Amazon.com

Promo: The Scotchcast

Promo: Nocturnal by Scott Sigler

Volunteer at Balticon 42 - Email the coordinator now!

Far and few, far and few,
            Are the lands where the Jumblies live;
      Their heads are green, and their hands are blue,
            And they went to sea in a Sieve.

"The Jumblies" was written by Edward Lear.

Chorus for "The Jumblies" and the Voice of Free Planet X theme was written and performed by Russell Collins of www.clockworkaudio.net

Amelia Effective
Young girl detective
Had a good head on her shoulders

She kept all of her clues,
Her secrets and news
In very organized folders

She was simply aces
On all the small cases
Like who might be cheating at math

And she could be sublime
On the bigger crimes
Like who killed Old John in the bath...

Special thanks to Richard Kalwaic for reading this episode.

This episode also featured “March of the Clowns? by Derek Sonderfan and was made available curtsey of the of the Podsafe Music Network. You can find out more about him at www.esoderek.com/.

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

More feedback than you can shake a stick at this episode, as listeners talk to me about their hopes, their dreams, and the way their first D&D character didn’t quite work out as planned. Also, I’m accused of bragging and what I call J.R. Blackwell when we’re not in front of microphones.

Here’s some of the folks who contacted me this week:
Pat of the JFP Podcast
Nobilis of Nobilis Erotica
Joe of the On The Podcast

And here’s some of the things we talk about:
Jacqueline Carey’s Kushiel’s Legacy series
My Monarch’s Henchman costume from the Venture Brothers.
Second Shift podcast
Remebering Gary Gygax by Wayne Chamblis, from coilhouse.net
Giant Squid Audio Lab

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

Do not be intimidate by Gingram Fodicious's immense muscle mass and definition, as he from a culture devoted not to barbarism, but to the finer things in life.  Which is why you should carry a "cheat sheet" of Fodicious's known opinions of art, music and literature.  Appear ignoratn of what Fodicious deems "classics," and he will not hesitate to pound your puny philistine body into the pavement.

If it is any consolation, he will apologize afterwards.

Amateur aerialist and professional inventor, Heronymous Dash managed to combine these disciplines with his greatest invention yet: the time-ship Forteana.

The able-bodied crew of the Forteana--vampire queen Sanguine Bathory, legendary Persian warrior Rostam, pilot/chef Guillaume Pomplemous, plucky 12-year-old Harper Bly from the far-flung future of 1964, and of course, Dash himself-- are out to prove once and for all that heroism is, indeed, timeless.

But how will they fare when their adventures take them deep into the heart of the Mesozoic Era?

This is my half of a planned tandem podcast with Random Signal. Go check it out to see what Jason Adams does with the theme “Steampunk and Dinosaurs.?

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

The death of Dungeons & Dragons co-creator Gary Gygax has me waxing nostalgic about my own D&D experiences. I agree John Hodgman about the level of math in the game, explain the concept of “Slacker D&D,? talk about my first character, and jealousy describe the D&D game J.R. is currently in. For added authenticity, this episode was recorded in my basement.

Thank you, Gary, for helping make roleplaying what it is today. You’ll be missed.

Special thanks to Jesse Thorne of The Sound of Young America over at maximumfun.org for letting me use a clip from his interview with John Hodgman. He truly is America’s Radio Sweetheart.

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

It’s a mashed-up world, we just live in it.

“Counting Rockets? was mashed-up by Divide & Kreate. You can download it and other mash-ups at divideandkreate.com

“$20 Monday? was mashed-up by A plus D. You can download it and other mash-ups at aplusd.net

“United States of Pop? was mashed-up by DJ Earworm. You can download it and other mash-ups at www.djearworm.com

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

It’s a story about two people, in a restaurant. It’s a story about delicacies that may or may not be just what you need. It’s a story about the memory of taste. It’s a story about what’s in the wine. It’s a story about a cartoon heroine. It’s a story about what the cheese is made from. It’s a story about what we’ve left behind, in order to move forward.

It’s a story about the meteor.

Special thanks to Kate Eckert, Ben Dyme and Brendan Dalton for their performances this episode.

“Black Mariah? was performed by Maria Daines and was made available curtsey of the of the Podsafe Music Network. You can find out more about her at www.maria-daines.com.

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

Welcome to the Music Lyric Lounge, offering the best in interpretive sound based on the lyrics of some the greatest bands the world has ever seen.  Tonight, for your entertainment we have discussions of children, monkeys, and masses of blood and foam.

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

Friday Feedback returns! I've been looking forward to this one...well, since the last feedback episode. My inability to realize I had a broken microphone is discussed, as is my love and affection for my current mic (made by Giant Squid Audio Labs). Also, my distaste for European Medieval fantasies and my love of a good cheese joke.

Had more than a few podcasters send emails or call in:
Command Line of The Command Line podcast
Pat of the JFP Podcast
Nobilis of Nobilis Erotica
Paul Fischer of A.D.D. Cast and the Balticon Podcast.

Paul's how-to PDF on how to boost your volume in GarageBand can be found here

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

The silicone-based rock giants of Nikinntinn have minds that can best be described as glacial.  The average greeting takes sixteen to twenty hours, and a ceremonial one for someone of your stature will take no less than three weeks.

Bring a book.

Still feeling ill, so instead of providing “content,? I instead yammer about Dragon*Con. The relevant points:

I am going to be guest at Dragon*Con ‘08

I’ve been attending Dragon*Con since 2000

I’d made a promise that’d be a guest in 2005. Better late than never.

Mur Lafferty should be on more panels.

As a guest, I won’t have to wait in the registration line. This may be the best perk of all.

This brings the list of Jared Axelrod Convention Appearances to 3 this year. In addition to Dragon*Con, I’ll be a guest at Balticon and SalonCon

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

Also, if you haven’t seen it already, you should really watch the Stupendous Adventures of Starman and Batman:

"Hey, Mister, I'm a wizard," the boy said. "Buy me a soda."

"You're not even out of grade school," I said. "How can you be wizard?"

This episode featured "Fossegrimhalligen" 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

What would the world be like if instead of going on and on about beer, podcasters the world over went on and on about…cheese? Cap’n Stilton, host of Podcast du Fromage gives you a window into such a world, where the wine flows freely, and even the insults have a smooth, creamy texture.

And remember, crackers are for people who can’t handle their cheese.

Special thanks to JR Blackwell, Benjamin Dyme, and Podcasting’s Rich Sigfrit

This episode featured Bach’s "Violin Concerto 1041 : I. Allegro" performed by Lara St. John. 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

Sunday evening finds me ruminating about Gerard Way and Gabriel Ba's comic The Umbrella Academy, and wondering about the strangling tendrils of superhero tropes, and genres in general. How much is too much genre elements? Is there even such a thing?

In any case, here's some Umbrella Academy material on the internet, which will give you an idea of which superhero elements the comic embraces and which ones it leaves at the curb:

The Free Comic Book Day story, But The Past Ain't Through With You...
The MySpace Comic, Safe and Sound
And the 2-page sneak preveiw.

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

Go see me and my incredibly attractive friends dressed as steampunk superheroes here at BoingBoing.

All of the artists played on this podcast have large amount of music available on their website for download. The Voice of Free Planet X supports this behavior, and so should you.

“The Ballad of Barry Allen? was written and performed by Jim’s Big Ego. You can find out more about the band at bigego.com

“Four-Color Love Story? was written and performed by The Metasciences. You can find out more about the band at themetasciences.com

“Dance, Soltarious Johnson, Dance? was written and performed by Jonathan Coulton. You can find out more about him at jonathancoulton.com

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

More podcast episodes means more feedback!  I take a moment to go over the choice bit of listener mail. I am flattered, a listener may be going deaf (but only in one ear), and we confirm that things are better with JR and that a certain episode is "made of awesome."  Plus, the cool names Nobilis gives his children and a kind stranger reveals what happened to me on Valentine's Day!

Cool experimental music atbraindouche.net

You can find the Nobilis Erotica podcast noblis.libsyn.com

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

One the great things about, well, being me, is that my friends are just as great and as fascinating as I am, so when I haven't seen one in a while, they're usually full of amazing stories and interesting conversations.

Case in point, one Miss Holly Johnson, currently interning at Longwood Gardens. She's studying pest management, teaching the right kinds of pest to take care of the wrong kind of pests for us.  Which is why she knows things like why petting a velvet ant is never good idea and that it's good to have a dragonfly on your defense.  She was visiting in order to model for J.R., and her stories were so fascinating, I just turned on the mic and let her go.

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

J.R. Blackwell and I lay around in bed and talk about the spiritual underpinnings of AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER, the general inappropriateness of Elmo on SEASAME STREET, the exposition-easing vocal work of Clancy Brown, the confidence of stupid people on the internet, the style and charm of MY LIFE AS A TEENAGE ROBOT, why Zula, Katara and Toff are ground-breaking characters, and the number people J.R punched while college.

A pretty standard evening, really.

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

"Hey, Bea. It's Dante. No, I can just barely hear you. No, No...it's not Hell. It's Purgatory... PURGATORY!!! Yeah, I didn't think there'd be service out here either...."

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

They called the ship a Widowmaker, a relic of a time when the black of space was scarred by the war and the machines that made it possible. There were no windows save at the top and few doors; little was done to make the metal monstrosity look like anything other than the heavily armed coffin it was. It towered over the edge of the city, and Fire Chief Jaime Olmos felt cold and clammy every time he had to drive beneath its shadow. He had argued with the city about taking it down and scrapping it. But no one saw the tower of metal-encased kindling on insufficient struts, a danger to the community around it. They only saw a tourist offering, a landmark...

This episode was read and scored by Russell Collins of www.clockworkaudio.net, who also wrote and performed the Voice of Free Planet X theme.

I talk to Steve Wilson, mastermind behind both Farpoint Convention and Prometheus Radio Theatre. We talk of how to properly write space opera, the magic of the right convention guest, and the importance of social conflict.

You can find out more about Farpoint Convention at www.farpointcon.com.

You can subscribe to Prometheus Radio Theatre at prometheus.libsyn.com

This episode was recorded with a microphone from Giant Squid Audio Lab.

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

I moderate a panel on webcomics at Farpoint Convention with Dan Warner and Glenn Hauman manages to wander all the concerns of online media in general, the reasoning behind selling out, and what awaits you if you try to self-publish. Also, inexplicably, Warren Ellis.

You can find out more about Daniel Warner at danielwarner.net.

Glen Hauman’s ComicMix site is located at comicmix.com

This episode was recorded with a microphone from Giant Squid Audio Lab.

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

Doing a daily podcast has (unsurprisingly) left me a little behind on my sleep. So while I catch up in order to prepare for Farpoint, here's some music from a few bands that have been wearing out my mp3 player recently:

"Am I Awake" was performed by They Might Be Giants and was made available curtsey of the of the Podsafe Music Network. You can find out more about them at theymightbegiants.com/.

"Seaweed" was performed by Saul Williams and was made available curtsey of the of the Podsafe Music Network. You can find out more about him and his new album "The Inevitable Rise and Fall of Niggy Tardust" at niggytardust.com/.

"Wasps Nest" was performed by The National and was made available curtsey of the of the Podsafe Music Network. You can find out more about them at theymightbegiants.com/.

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

By Jeremiah Tolbert.
Read by Jared Axelrod (of The Voice of Free Planet X).
First appeared in All-Star Zeppelin Adventure Stories (ed. David Moles & Jay Lake).

We are somewhere among the tallest mountains of the world. When we arrived, I was locked away in a cargo hold, so I don’t know exactly where. Our home is a small, drafty castle and a separate laboratory. Dr. Octavio had the locals construct the lab before he tested the new death ray on their village. There’s very little left there. In my little bit of spare time, I try to bury the bodies and collect anything useful to the doctor’s experiment.

My primary duties consist of keeping the castle’s furnace running and clearing the never-ending snow from the path between the two buildings. Sometimes, it falls too fast for my slow treads and shovel attachment to keep up with and I find myself half-buried in the snow. It is horrible on my gears when this happens, but I use heavyweight oil now and it helps.

It is one of the few benefits of my metal frame that I appreciate. Life in this contraption is like being wrapped in swaddling clothes. I wonder if I would feel anything if my casing caught on fire? I need to ask the doctor when he isn’t in one of his moods.

Rated PG. Parental guidance suggested for violence and ennui.

Audible.com Promotion!
Receive your free audiobook at: http://audiblepodcast.com/escapepod

Referenced Sites:
Jared Axelrod’s Commissions

WARNING: This episode is not particularly safe for work. Sex is discussed as something that exists, and naughty bits are mentioned by name. Just so you know.

To get you geared up for Valentine’s Day, I speak with Kali Morgan and Justine Shuey of Passional Boutique. We talk about the successful classes they’ve held in the past, the experiences they’ve had working with various age groups, and the experience that is “Show & Tell Sunday?

You can find out more about the Passional Boutique and Sexploratorium, visit www.passional.net/ and www.passionaltoys.com.

This episode was recorded with a microphone from Giant Squid Audio Lab.

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

The Shark is a Battlefield series of interviews comes to its conclusion with Nick Popio, LARP runner, player and designer (triple threat).  We talk about the identity-splitting nature of role-playing games, the basis of wish-fulfillment, and the inter-personal interaction that this form of gaming engenders.

Plus, business jargon!

This episode was recorded with a microphone from Giant Squid Audio Lab.

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

 

We think large. We may be small creatures to you, but our lives extend far beyond the miniscule moments you possess. We think large, and we think long.

Have you ever looked at a mosquito, closely? It’s a strange shape, all hunched over and crooked. Even by your insect standards, it is a bizarre creature. And you never realized. It’s one of the few insects that survive your winters. Did you ever wonder why?

This episode was recorded with a microphone from Giant Squid Audio Lab.

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

Third in the Shark Is A Battlefield series of interviews find me talking with John Morehead of Digitribe. John talks about directing GEEKIN’ and THE STATEMENT OF RANDOLPH CARTER, the perils of adapting H.P. Lovecraft and what Digitribe plans to do next.

It may involve me. Just saying.

This episode was recorded with a microphone from Giant Squid Audio Lab.

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

 

The Shark Is A Battlefield series of interviews continues as I turn the tables on Bradley George, host of WFDD’s Triad Arts Up Close, a interview the interviewer. We discuss the ups and downs of doing a daily arts reporting show for Public Radio and how the right watercolor painting can change your perspective.

This episode was recorded with a microphone from Giant Squid Audio Lab.

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

The first of the Shark Is A Battlefield series of interviews, finds me speaking with Alison Buck, sociologist. We discuss calling folks on their bullshit, the short skirts of roller girls, sociologist career paths, carving young minds, being a superhero, Live Action Role-Playing, and the benefits of knowing the best way to creep people out.

This episode was recorded using a microphone from Giant Squid Audio Lab.

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

 

I’m busy building a sonic screwdriver, so I asked the Doctor to help me put together a selection of DOCTOR WHO-themed songs to play. “A Capella Who? was arranged and performed by Stephen Willis, and can be downloaded at whomix.trilete.net “Hear Come The Drums? was produced by Juxtaposeur, and can be downloaded at www.thejuxtaposition.co.uk/ “Dr. Who on Holiday? was produced by Dean Gray as part of the album “American Edit,? and can be downloaded at www.internetkilled.com/americanedit/ The Voice of Free Planet X theme was written and performed by Russel Collins of www.clockworkaudio.net

…and my microphone will never be the same.

Special guest JR Blackwell heats up the show to discuss her upcoming appearance at What-The-Hell-Con, how she started the club that started such a convention, and what it takes to create something that endures for others long after you’ve left.

You can find out about JR Blackwell photography and life at blackwell.livejournal.com

Information about What-The-Hell-Con can be found at www.guilford.edu/yachting/wthcon

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

Here in the Quiet Dark, a raygun can be your dearest friend. It warms to your touch, responds to your requests, and clears your way.  It is the best partner one can expect to have in the quiet dark...

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

The beginning of something new, as I start an experiment in daily podcasting.  Let's see how long I can keep it up.

Part one of the answers to faithful listener Keiko Mushi's questionaire about me and my writing.  I delve into my influences, my current projects and talk frankly about my costuming habit.

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

It's Christmas! To celebrate, I bring you an extra-long episode filled with wine, women, and song. And chocolate cookies. All songs by Beatnik Turtle from The Song of The Day podcast.

00:00 The Christmas Train (Song of the Day for 12/10)

04:00 I welcome my two special guests: Jared Axelrod, host of podcasts The Voice of Free Planet X and Aliens You Will Meet, and JR Blackwell, host of Voices of Tomorrow.

08:58 JR is a runner-up in Violet Blue's list of the Top Ten Sexy Geeks of 2007!

11:44 How to tell if your waiter is Wolverine.

18:33 Christmas Is Coming To Your House (Song of the Day for 12/9)

21:06 We discuss "Comfort and Joy" the Justice League Christmas special. For the record, the Ultra-Humanite was voiced by Ian Buchanan, not Kelsey Grammer.



28:25 The Ultra-Humanite vs NPR

34:18 Fun with Mythology Pt. 1

A short reading from Classical Myths That Live Today (Silver, Burdett & Co., 1927) by Frances E. Sabin (who was a woman, incidentally).

Question for discussion: Is classical mythology a "girl's subject"?

38:45 Christmas Is a Vulture (Song of the Day for 12/12)

42:28 Fun with Mythology Pt. 2

Question for review: Was Juno justified in her jealous attitudes toward Jupiter?

50:00 Coed Naked Drunk Xmas Shopping (Song of the Day for 12/11)

52:16 Trader Joes's Candy Cane Joe-Joe's: "Oreos to the next, NEXT level."

55:00 Will Jared and JR ever discover the true meaning of Empire Day?

58:59 A Random Signal exclusive--JR Blackwell will launch her new podcast, Blackmail, early 2008!

01:01:10 For Lee at the I Motor Away podcast, "I Motor Away In a Manger" a drunken, a capella, improv (mostly), karaoke Christmas carol.

Long after a war has ravaged earth, the descendants of the survivors sit on the moon, gaze down at the world they've left behind, and dream of the future.  But not everyone can leave the past behind so easily.

This episode was performed by Ben Dyme and Jared Axelrod.

Go listen to JR and I on Random Signal  with Jason and Ryn

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