Monday, December 21, 2009

It's not what you think


You're thinking, yeah, yeah, seen it before. It isn't that hard to do. You select an area and desaturate the color in that area. It seems to be a lot of folks' favorite image editing trick. But that's not what's going on here.
If you follow the link back to her Flickr photostream, you'll see several other angles on the same people, including one taken for the San Francisco Chronicle. It's a gray Santa suit, a gray wig, gray body paint, and gray contact lenses. you have to get really close in to see the only color she couldn't cover, the pink corners of her eyes.
Awesome.

Tuesday, December 08, 2009

92 - TV Christmas

Length: 10:26, Size: 7M
Hey, everybody, thanks for another year of podcasting.  A real low-key entry for this month, but we'll be back in full force in January.

In the meantime, don't forget to give the gift of imagination this year with ARTC and audio drama.  Mail order here and downloads here and our newsletter here.

Also, we're on the radio!  If you're in Atlanta, try us on 1010AM WGUN or stream the shows at www.wgunradio.com.  We'll be on Saturdays and Sundays at 7pm, so tune in for more of your favorite audio drama.

Merry Christmas and There is Adventure in Sound!
This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Abandoned NASA projects


Gallery - Failure to launch: abandoned NASA projects - Image 1 - New Scientist

Monday, November 16, 2009

Man, 96, holds pre-emptive wake

BEAVERTON, Ore., Nov. 16 (UPI) -- A 96-year-old photographer in Oregon said he decided to plan and hold his own wake prior to his death so he could attend the event.
Hugh Ackroyd, 96, said he held the wake for family and friends Sunday at the Beaverton home of friend Edda Sigurdar, The Oregonian reported Monday.
"Well, why not?" Ackroyd said of leading his own wake. "Why bother when (I'm) dead?"
Ackroyd, a father of two whose wife died about 12 years ago, sat in his padded wheelchair and greeted his friends as they arrived for the event. He said one of his favorite items at the wake was a wreath bearing a ribbon reading: "Eventually, Hugh, rest in peace."
"It's quite magnificent," Ackroyd said of his wake.
Now we can advertise the Bumpers Crossroads episode "Bradbury's Funeral Home" as being "ripped from tomorrow's headlines". Although, Ron, I have to say I'm sorry you didn't think of that wreath.
Posted via web from Dreaded Purple Master
Here's a photo from the Portland Oregonian.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

91 - The Call of Cthulhu by H. P. Lovecraft (part 2 of 2)

[Time: 19:11] [Size: 23 MB] [Genre: Horror] Recorded Live at a performance at DragonCon 2009, The Atlanta Radio Theatre Company presents "The Call of C'thulhu" written by H.P. Lovecraft, adapted for audio by Ron N. Butler. This is Part 2 of 2.

Folks, by now you all know about all the stuff I usually post here and the links go on for several posts, so I'm not going to repeat them again this month.  I just want to thank everybody for another (almost) year of great podcasting and appreciation of audio drama.  The fact that you're still listening makes it all worth it.

We've got one more podcast left for this year, in December, and then it's off to 2010.  One goal I'd like to try to achieve for the coming year is more interaction with our audience.  What do you want to hear from us?  How can we improve?  There's lots of changes coming and we've got some interesting ideas, but we want to make sure we're doing the right ideas and changing in the right ways.

So how are we doing?  Everything ok?  We'd like to hear from you, so go ahead and send us that email or comment on this post.

Just two links this month.  First, in the spirit of that increased interaction I just talked about, we've done a survey to find out what you want to hear from us out of the studio next. 

And second, a reminder to join our mailing list, "Breaking Radio Silence"!  Sign up at artc.org/ and stay current on all the latest audio drama and ARTC news!

Next live show: An Atlanta Christmas at the Academy Theatre in Avondale Estates, GA.  December 5 and 6.

Check our performance calendar at artc.org and comment on this podcast
at podcast@artc.org.

Thanks again!

--
David Benedict and Bob Zimmerman, your podcasting team.

There is Adventure in Sound!
This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Monday, November 09, 2009

Phrenotherapy on the go

Apparently they've chosen to go with the "happiness hat" instead of "electroyamulke" or "phrenobeanie".

Is this a joke? I'm not sure, but I don't think so.

Posted via web from Dreaded Purple Master

Friday, October 30, 2009

Lovecraft 101: Get To Know The Master of Scifi-Horror

You've heard about Cthulhu, and you've probably heard about the man who created this tentacled horror, H.P. Lovecraft. Now you want to try delving into the world of Lovecraft, but where to start? Let us help you.

Posted via web from Dreaded Purple Master

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Noises Off II

Last December, the above-referenced production of That Christmas Play went before the boards, although according to Mark Evanier it might have been better to have the boards go first and let the play follow as best it could.

Ya wanta know the topper? The same producer is trying to put it together again this year as a road show (as if the technical and mechanical problems will be easier to fix in a different venue every two or three performances), but two of the six planned cities have not booked yet, and a third just cancelled. 

Posted via web from Dreaded Purple Master

Saturday, October 17, 2009

ARTC on PBA Atlanta

Atlanta Radio Theatre Company

The popularity of radio theatre waned with the advent of television, but a group of actors, writers, and sound technicians in Atlanta is maintaining this largely forgotten art form.

The Atlanta Radio Theatre Company (or ARTC, pronounced “Art-see”) has entertained, amused, thrilled, and terrified audio drama enthusiasts since 1984. Although specializing in horror and science fiction, ARTC shows its mastery of the art and craft of audio drama in any number of genres. Bill Ritch, the group’s president, says the appeal of radio theatre lies in the storytelling tradition. ARTC is just spinning a spooky tale around the campfire, so to speak, but with sound effects!

ARTC shows have been featured on a number of radio stations in Atlanta, but currently the best way to experience them is via CD or podcast. Or, for the full-on ARTC experience, you can attend one of their live shows at Stage Door Players in Dunwoody. There, you can see just how they craft their sound effects and manipulate microphone placement to achieve their atmospheric audioscapes and create adventures in sound.

www.artc.org

artcpodcast.org

www.stagedoorplayers.net

Watch the video here »

Hey, Mom, I'm on TV!

Actually, these days, our live shows are at the Academy Theatre in Avondale Estates. In fact, there's one coming up this Saturday and Sunday, and you should drop everything and head over there. Right now. Hey, you want a good seat, right?

Posted via web from Dreaded Purple Master

Thursday, October 08, 2009

90 - The Call of C'thulhu, Part 1 of 2

[Time 33:50] [Size: 24.4MB] [Genre: Horror] Recorded Live at a performance at DragonCon 2009, The Atlanta Radio Theatre Company presents "The Call of C'thulhu" written by H.P. Lovecraft, adapted for audio by Ron N. Butler. This is Part 1 of 2.

And now the obligatory self-promotion:

H.P. Lovecraft's "Call of C'thulhu" will be repeated at the Academy Theatre in Avondale Estates GA on October 24, 2009 (8PM) and October 25, 2009. (2:30PM) Come see us Live!

We've got a brand new mailing list, "Breaking Radio Silence".  Sign up at artc.org/lists and stay current on all the latest audio drama and ARTC news!

If you're enjoying these podcasts, don't forget that ARTC is supported by people like you through the sale of our studio productions.
We're easy to find in the following places:
artc.org
iTunes
Audible.com
and now Amazon!

You can now also show your support for quality, original audio drama to the world with our expanded line of merchandise at Woodrow's Mercantile, hosted by Cafe Press!

It's also easier than ever to spread the word about audio drama, New Old-Time Radio, and ARTC.
LiveJournal
Facebook
Twitter

Check our performance calendar at artc.org and comment on this podcast
at podcast@artc.org.

There is Adventure in Sound!
This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Sunday, September 13, 2009

ARTC at DragonCon 2009, continued

This is ARTC's Sunday night show at DragonCon 2009. This is "Rory Rammer: Enemies Within" and "Omnilingual", in the Hyatt Regency's Regency Ballroom. (No, I don't stutter.) Again, we did not FILL the ballroom, but the house wasn't much smaller than Saturday's show. We appreciate that even more, since due to a communications snafu many of our attendees were expecting "Call of Cthulhu".

Posted via web from Dreaded Purple Master

ARTC at DragonCon 2009

This is a slightly color- and exposure-corrected shot of ARTC's Saturday night show at DragonCon 2009. This is "Call of Cthulhu", in the Marriott Marquis' Atrium Ballroom. We did not FILL the ballroom, but I'd estimate at least 500 in attendance, and we appreciate every one of them.

Posted via web from Dreaded Purple Master

Thursday, September 10, 2009

89 - Our Fair City part 2



ARTC's Podcast


Posted: 10 Sep 2009 05:00 PM PDT
Size: 9M, Duration: 18:53


Bookmark and Share
Hey, folks, we're deep into getting ready for Dragon*Con, but you can look forward to hearing some of those performances here in October!  This assumes, of course, that you can't be there yourself.

By the way, a correction to the Dragon*Con schedule.
The Call of Cthulhu will be on Saturday night at the Marriott Atrium Ballroom at 7:30pm.
Rory Rammer, Space Marshal: Enemies Within! will be on Sunday night at the Hyatt Regency VI-VII at 7:00pm.

The above schedule is backwards from what Dragon*Con published in their pocket program guide, so pass the word and don't miss either show!

We'll be back in a public venue at the Academy Theatre in Avondale Estates on October 24 and 25, so be sure to tell all your non-congoing friends that they don't have to miss out on the radio magic!

This month we bring you the second part of Our Fair City by Robert A. Heinlein, adapted for audio by Brad Strickland and Thomas E. Fuller, performed live at LibertyCon in Chattanooga, TN on July 11, 2009.  This is part of our Dean's List series, available through our website. 

And now the obligatory self-promotion:
We've got a brand new mailing list, "Breaking Radio Silence".  Sign up at artc.org/lists and stay current on all the latest audio drama and ARTC news!

If you're enjoying these podcasts, don't forget that ARTC is supported by people like you through the sale of our studio productions.
We're easy to find in the following places:
artc.org
iTunes
Audible.com
and now Amazon!

You can now also show your support for quality, original audio drama to the world with our expanded line of merchandise at Woodrow's Mercantile, hosted by Cafe Press!

It's also easier than ever to spread the word about audio drama, New Old-Time Radio, and ARTC.
LiveJournal
Facebook
Twitter

Check our performance calendar at artc.org and comment on this podcast
at podcast@artc.org.

There is Adventure in Sound!
This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Where's your Radio "Experience"?

Hear 2.0: Where's your Radio "Experience"?

Roofmovies

In my opinion not nearly enough thought, effort, and investment goes into the 'experience' of radio - so busy are we cutting costs and minimizing risk.

Experiences worth having generally come from the addition of creative inspiration.

If you want to compete with a torrent of creatively inspired distractions, consider whether you're creating 'radio' or an authentic, eye-catching and ear-catching consumer 'experience.'

Can anyone doubt this? Read the whole thing.

Saturday, August 22, 2009

My Little... CthulhuPony?

io9: My Little... CthulhuPony? [Pop Art]:

Finnish artist Mari Kasurinen combines her love of plastic and pop culture into some truly amazing equine art. Her collection includes everything from this cute My Little Cthulhu to My Little Predator Pony. Check out highlights from her gallery!

Mari sells her work on her website and takes commissions. What Little Sci-Fi Mod do you want on your shelf?

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Happy Birthday, you thing from another world, you

Speaking of Call of Cthulhu (coming to DragonCon on Saturday, September 5), today is H. P. Lovecraft's 119th birthday.

That's all I had to say.

Thursday, August 13, 2009

88 - Our Fair City part 1



ARTC's Podcast


Posted: 13 Aug 2009 05:08 PM PDT
Hello and welcome again to the Atlanta radio theatre company's podcast, your monthly source for the best in free, original audio drama.

This month we bring you Our Fair City by Robert A. Heinlein, adapted for audio by Brad Strickland and Thomas E. Fuller, performed live at LibertyCon in Chattanooga, TN on July 11, 2009.  This is part of our Dean's List series, available through our website. 

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Thursday, July 09, 2009

87 - Rory Rammer, Space Marshal: Luna Shall Be Dry!


ARTC's Podcast


Posted: 09 Jul 2009 05:00 PM PDT
Size: 12.5M Duration: 26:40

Hello and welcome again to the Atlanta radio theatre company's podcast, your monthly source for the best in free, original audio drama.

This month we bring you another episode of Rory Rammer, Space Marshal: Luna Shall Be Dry! by Ron N. Butler, performed live at Sci-Fi Summer in June 2004. The studio version of this piece is available as the "B-side" of The Menace From Earth. (Audible.com link)

And now the obligatory self-promotion:
We've got a brand new mailing list, "Breaking Radio Silence". Sign up at artc.org/lists and stay current on all the latest audio drama and ARTC news!

If you're enjoying these podcasts, don't forget that ARTC is supported by people like you through the sale of our studio productions.

You can now also show your support for quality, original audio drama to the world with our expanded line of merchandise at Cafe Press!

We're easy to find in the following places:
artc.org
iTunes
Audible.com
and now Amazon!

It's also easier than ever to spread the word about audio drama, New Old-Time Radio, and ARTC.
LiveJournal
Facebook
Twitter

You can also come to one of the live performances featured in these podcasts! Our next one will be on July 11 at LibertyCon, followed by Dragon*Con on Labor Day weekend, and then we'll be back at the Academy Theatre in Avondale Estates on October 24 and 25. Check our performance calendar at artc.org and comment on this podcast at podcast@artc.org. Bookmark and Share
This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Thursday, June 11, 2009

86 - Terra Tarkington, Interstellar Nurses' Corp: Bitch on the Bull Run


This month we bring you another episode of Terra Tarkington, Interstellar Nurses' Corps: Bitch on the Bull Run by Sharon Webb, adapted for audio by Wendy Webb, performed live at Sci-Fi Summer in June 2004.

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Podcast 85 - Ghost Dance

Size: 12.3M Duration: 26:16
Hello and welcome again to the Atlanta radio theatre company's podcast, your monthly source for the best in free, original audio drama.

We changed the layout of the podcast page a little.  We've also made it easier for you to share the podcast with your friends!  We hope you like it!

This year ARTC is celebrating its 25th anniversary!  Over the course of the next several months we'll be taking a look back at our history, examining our present, and predicting our own future.  Stay tuned here for exciting new developments in podcasting and audio drama.

This month we bring you Ghost Dance by Thomas E. Fuller, performed live at Georgia Pacific on October 31, 2000.

And now the obligatory self-promotion:
We've got a brand new mailing list, "Breaking Radio Silence".  Sign up at artc.org/lists and stay current on all the latest audio drama and ARTC news!

If the monthly newsletter updates are too slow for you, follow us on Twitter!

If you're enjoying these podcasts, don't forget that ARTC is supported by people like you through the sale of our studio productions.

We're easy to find in the following places:
artc.org
iTunes
Audible.com
and now Amazon!

It's also easier than ever to spread the word about audio drama, New Old-Time Radio, and ARTC.
LiveJournal
Facebook
Twitter

You can also come to one of the live performances featured in these podcasts!  Our next one will be on July 11 at LibertyCon, followed by Dragon*Con on Labor Day weekend, and then we'll be back at the Academy Theatre in Avondale Estates on October 24 and 25.  Check our performance calendar at artc.org and comment on this podcast at podcast@artc.org.
This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Thursday, April 09, 2009

Podcast 84 - Blues for Johnny Raven - 2009 Edition

Hello and welcome again to the Atlanta radio theatre company's podcast, your monthly source for the best in free, original audio drama.

This year ARTC is celebrating its 25th anniversary!  Over the course of the next several months we'll be taking a look back at our history, examining our present, and predicting our own future.  Stay tuned here for exciting new developments in podcasting and audio drama.

This month we bring you Blues for Johnny Raven.  Longtime listeners to the podcast will remember that this was the fifth podcast we ever published, and that we re-ran it later.  But this is the 2009 edition, with Daniel W. Kiernan as Johnny Raven, Fiona K. Leonard as Gloria Kinsolving, and Mary Buchanan on live saxophone!  This piece clearly illustrates the evolution of ARTC as a live performance audio drama company and the power of audio as a storytelling medium.

And now the obligatory self-promotion:
We've got a brand new mailing list, "Breaking Radio Silence".  Sign up at artc.org/lists and stay current on all the latest audio drama and ARTC news!

If you're enjoying these podcasts, don't forget that ARTC is supported by people like you through the sale of our studio productions.

We're easy to find in the following places:
artc.org
iTunes
Audible.com
and now Amazon!

It's also easier than ever to spread the word about audio drama, New Old-Time Radio, and ARTC.
LiveJournal
Facebook

You can also come to one of the live performances featured in these podcasts!  Our next one will be in July at LibertyCon, followed by Dragon*Con on Labor Day weekend, and then we'll be back at theAcademy Theatre in Avondale Estates in October.  Check our performance calendar at artc.org and comment on this podcast at podcast@artc.org.
This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now
Subscribe to the feed version of ARTC's Podcast in a feed reader.

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Podcast 83 - Mildly Exciting Tales of Astonishment: Baby Boom - and Juliana Finch!

Size: 5.7M, Duration: 12:21

Hello and welcome again to the Atlanta radio theatre company's podcast, your monthly source for the best in free, original audio drama.

This year ARTC is celebrating its 25th anniversary! Over the course of the next several months we'll be taking a look back at our history, examining our present, and predicting our own future. Stay tuned here for exciting new developments in podcasting and audio drama.

This month we bring you an episode of Mildly Exciting Tales of Astonishment: Baby Boom by Jonathan Strickland along with a song from one of our favorite guest musicians, Juliana Finch!

Juliana Finch is an Atlanta musician who has performed with ARTC both as an actress and as a musical guest on many occasions. Check out her website at julianafinch.com where you can pre-order her new full-length album blossoms/apples. We thank her for permission to podcast her song "Something Holy"!

Direct download: ARTC83-META-Juliana.mp3

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Podcast 82 - Bumpers Crossroads - "The Traffic Light" and "The Developer"

Size: 8M - Duration: 17:19

This month we go all the way back to 1993 and the Little Five Points community coffeehouse where our listeners enjoyed monthly performances from ARTC. Many of our most memorable series were born here as the writers frantically tried to keep up with this breakneck pace in live performance, including the Adventures of the Crimson Hawk, Rory Rammer Space Marshal, and Bumpers Crossroads. We bring you now two episodes of Daniel Taylor's gripping serial of the little town that time forgot, beginning with The Traffic Light and concluding with The Developer.

Direct download: ARTC82-BCTraffic-BCDeveloper.mp3

Thursday, January 08, 2009

Podcast 81 - Rory Rammer, Space Marshal: The Atomic Graveyard

Size: 10M - Duration: 21:13

This month we bring you Rory Rammer, Space Marshal: The Atomic Graveyard by Ron N. Butler, performed live at LibertyCon 2008 in Chattanooga, TN.

Direct download: ARTC81-RRAtomic.mp3