9/10: Nice to have you back

I track the readership here at Daily Space. Nothing sophisticated, just how many people are return visitors, and its nice to see that so many of you are *return* visitors. Readership in general here is also gradually picking up, which is nice to see.

Weekends, however, do you seem to suck as far as readership is concerned...there's a significant dropoff both here and at The Thunder Child...which I've always thought odd because weekends should be *the* time for getting online.

But perhaps people spend their weekends watching sports (I know I'll be watching football from 1 pm onward) and spend their workdays surfing the web. I'm sure all my readers do it on their lunchtime, though!

Saturday's online at BBC7's Listen Again, with another installment of Journey Into Space, and the clone series Jefferson 37. I can see where the clone series is going right now - the clones are obviously thinking human beings regardless of what their 'creator' says, only question is will they all be destroyed or will they manage to escape. A sad tale, regardless, cuz you know cloning is going to be part of the future. I have no problem with stem cell research (or abortion or anything else) but it's only human nature for the bad to be taken to extremes - such as stealing other people's organs, etc., which I believe even now takes place in certain countries.

Brrr... Depressing.

On a lighter note, the shuttle Atlantis took off successfully yesterday. Here's to the International Space Station and to international cooperation in space.

9/9: Pirates of the Caribbean II: Dead Man's Chest

Saturday is my movie- going day, and so today I finally got to see Pirates of the Caribbean II. And...it was okay. Not as light-hearted as the original...and of course if you hadn't seen the first you wouldn't really know what was going on with the second...

I disliked the cannibals scene which took up the first third of the movie..Davy Jones was extremely well done but why why why did he have to have such a thick Scottish accent? I thought of Sean Connery every time he spoke.

I did like the homage to 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea's Captain Nemo - Davy Jones plays an organ...I loved the music again and will have to pick up the soundtrack for this...

Johnny Depp of course makes the film. Character-wise I was a bit disappointed that he actually was willing to sacrifice Will Turner to Davy Jones to save himself...the scene between Depp and Knightly at the end was pretty good... oooh, sexy!

And, of course, how can Captain Barbossa be alive now - when he was killed at the end of Pirates I? Certainly Barbossa was an integral part of the success of the first movie, but it just makes no sense to bring him back.

9/9: Books on Saturday

I'll be going to see Pirates of the Caribbean II later on today...

Right now I'm reading Echelon, which I need to review for the next issue.

Also got a bio book of Heinlein I shall read and dissect today.

9/8: Friday already?

This week has certainly gone by fast.

Haven't accomplished as much as I would like, but I expect to have the first week's curriculum of the TechnoOcean Academy finished today. For the first several months the TechnoOcean Academy consisted of a sci fi future blog which was supposed to be updated every day, but I never had time to work on it so now it's just going to be two things - a course in oceanography *and* a monthly serial...depicting a water-scarce world just 20 years away (originally I'd set it in 2016 but now I'm going to make it a bit grimmer and set it in 2020.)

I'm going to write a series of articles on Disney science fiction movies - I'd started out with The Absent Minded Professor and then got sidetracked. Now that's back on track.

I've got a copy of Kreating Karloff to review, a book called Echelon, and intend to review at least 3 more.

Will spend the weekend sending out emails to conventions requesting to be put on media lists.

9/7: Thursday already

Opening football game tonight...as a football fan I'm looking forward to this.

While I watch football, however, I also make constructive use of my time - I've gone through my 90 days of newspapers (saved for me while I was in Germany) and torn out the pages which contain interesting articles - space, oceans, certain crime events, etc., and now I have to cut them out of the pages and tape them up into notebooks, appropriately labeled. I hope to be finished with this backlog in a couple of weeks...then I've got to work on the backlog I had before I went to Germany...

No new sci fi at BBC7, just part 3 of the Daphne DuMaurier time travel tale. I'm still not in the mood to listen to it - although it is just a narration of the book, not a dramatization of it.

Also busy setting up the course for TechnoOcean Academy.

This weekend I'll be going to see a few movies...but Pirates of the Caribbean before Superman...now that I'm back in the States I'll be seeing new releases on a regular basis and be able to review them here in real time.

9/6: And the work goes on

Finished my review of Soldier of the Legion for the October issue. Will soon start reading Echelon. My goal is to review5 books a month.

Starting work on the TechnoOcean Academy curriculum for October:

1. Intro to Oceanography
2. Coastal Geography
3. Intro to Marine Engineering
4. Tropical Fish

Reading The Futurians with thoughts on an article about the Golden Agesci fi writers

Trying to gear up to listen to the Daphne DuMaurier time travel novel, The House on the Strand, being read in 20 parts at BBC7, but not really in the mood for it. Might just record it and listen to it later.

9/5: September issue is GO!

The September issue is offically live now. I haven't announced it anywhere yet...Steve Vertlieb sent out a press release and I'm tracking the spike in readership right now...

Tomorrow I'll send out press releases to the usual places and track those spikes..

I wish I could take off a couple of days to decompress but I can't. I'll take a couple of hours! Then get to work on the October issue. I'll see if working non-stop for the next month I can get Octobober and November issues done, and then take it easy in October getting December and January issues done.

One project for this month is to try to get on the media list of all the Sci Fi conventions out there...

Another is to get more review books - sent to me...

And of course I've got to line up more interviews.

But right now, I'm going to take a 2 hour break and watch the rain outside the windows...

9/4: Issue almost ready to go

I'm waiting for a few more photos from Jean-Noel Bassior, then the issue will be ready to go:

1. Interview with Steve Vertlieb - Journalist
2. Interview with Bruce Crawford - Film Event organizer
3. Film review - The Thief of Bagdad (1940)
4. Book review - Zulu Heart
5. In Memorium - Joseph Stefano
6. 4 children's book reviews by Kathy Thomason
7. Sci fi TV 1955-1989
8. Exclusive photos behind the scenes of Space Patrol
9. Sci Fi Conventions
10. Books in public domain on the web

9/3: Computers are go!

We had a storm here in southeast VA a few days ago...no flooding where I live but power did go down for a day, and phone lines down for another. Using my laptop I was able to get online during the evenings...not sure whose modem I was hooking up with or why it only worked during nighttime, but...

Anyway, so I haven't gotten a great deal done. The September issue is indeed going to be sparse. But...the October issue will be fantastic - lots of new features.

9/2: Countdown

Well, the September issue is coming together.

Interviews with Steve Vertlieb and Bruce Crawford are done. (Film historians).
Analysis of The Thief of Bagdad starring Conrad Veidt
Photobooks of City Beneath the Sea and The Man from the 25th Century
One book review - Zulu Heart
4 kids books reviewed
Memories of Joseph Stefano (script writer of Hitchcock's Psycho)

and that's it this issue, unfortunately. I'll be adding some sources - Sci Fi Criticism Bibliography, for one. And features: Science Fiction conventions and Out of Copyright books are still there...

I am tired of having to rush around at the last minute getting these issues done. I'm going to bear down and get a couple of issues ahead.

9/1 Ernesto

Electricity was down for most of the day...so I was unable to get much done. Kind of fun to be sitting safe and sound inside my house watching the rain and the wind....in nearby Norfolk (VA) the streets were flooded..lots of damage, but here I guess we're on higher ground.

Been reading Robert Heinlein's Starship Troopers, and a collection called Requiem...interesting stuff. Of all the sci fi writers who contributed to writing essays honoring Heinlein, Isaac Asimov is conspicuous by his absence...but then, I guess he did get irritated with some of Heinlein's views...and I myself can't stand much of his later work...

My reviewer finally sent me some stuff....so I don't think I'll lower the hammer on him. I was going to have him send me all the books he got two months ago - but now I guess I'll let him keep them...but I won't be getting him anymore.

I'll leave the door open for him to write articles for me...he is quite knowledgeable and writes well...but the lack of communication is just too annoying.

8/31: Sci fi on radio

http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbc7/listenagain/wednesday/

Not much there today except a doc on Jose Luis Borges, and The Inexplicable World of Lionel Nimrod. Tom Baker does a 30 second voice over for this show which is rather amusing.

Nothing else to report today. Busy busy busy.

8/30 Five Jam-Packed Days

I'm angling for the September issue of The Thunder Child to go live on September 5.

This will give me time to format any reviews I get from my one soon-to-be-ex reviewer, my children's book reviewer who has promised me 4 reviews, and my own work.

I just finished laying out the illustrations for the synopsis of The Thief of Bagdad, a fantasy film from 1940 starring one of my favorite actors, Conrad Veidt. I have often toyed with the idea of writing a novel about this man, who was extremely heroic in his own way (not Jewish, he married a Jewish woman and took her with him when he left Germany in 1936, and upon arrival in England promptly made 2 pro-Jewish movies which culminated in his having all his films banned from Germany byJoesph Goebbels.)

No sf today on BBC 7 - although there's still stuff available from previous days, but I've been lisatening to other, comedy shows which are hilarious.

8/29: The Unforgiving Minutes

Well, it' s Tuesday and I'm feeling better, but I've got a lot of work to do.

One, I have to find a new reviewer. My current reviewer - who writes very good stuff - is not that great when it comes to communication. He had five books sent to him from a new publisher last month, and didn't review a single one. Now it's 3 days until the end of this month, and I haven't heard from him since the beginning of this month...and frankly I've had enough. I really dislike it when I send several emails to people requesting nothing more than a time frame for work completed, and am ignored. I expect he'll send me a few reviews at the very end of the month, but he won't be getting any more material from me, and I can only hope my relationship with the marketing person of this publisher has'nt been/won't be damaged by the late arrival of the reviews.

So if there's anyone reading this who has a wide-ranging knowledge of science fiction and would care to start reviewing books, games, soundtracks, etc - email us!

I myself am tardy on some of my interviews...ill health sucks! - but now I shall get my girdle in gear and go to work.

One thing I've missed over the last 3 months is the movies...I have yet to see Monster House...so I'll be scanning the papers to see if there's still any sci fi around that I can go see...

8/28: Home is the hunter

Well, I got back yesterday, I guess...feeling extremely ill, and I went to bed and slept until this morning. Still not feeling very well so I doubt if I'll get anything done today.

I *think* I caught the stomach flu from my little nephew. he never seems to get sick for more than half a day...but whatever he gets he passed on to me and I get it for 3 or 4 days.

Anyway...the september issue of the Thunder Child will be delayed for at least a week. But now that I'm back I've got big plans so soon it'll be bigger and better than ever.

8/25 Quite a fright

A few minutes ago I tried to log onto my site and was unable to do so. I waited a few minutes and tried again - usually I can *then* get in. This time I couldn't. Nothing was showing up. But instead of saying "This site temporarily unavailable," I wasn't getting anyting except a list of my sites from an AOL search engine. I waited a few more minutes and tried again. Same result.

So frankly I thought my site had been shut down because some psycho had accused me of spamming. (I *don't* spam, but there are at least two psycho women who think posting the URL of a sci fi-devoted webzine, on a sci fi-devoted newsgroup, is spamming. This despite the fact that it says clearly in the FAQ that such posts are allowed.)

Anyway, just tried again and the site seems to be back up. So I am heartily relieved because I was just boiling with anger.

But, now I have to spend the rest of the day packing so I can return home to the States tomorrow. It's a dreary day outside, raining...but all of a sudden my mood has gone bright!

8/24 : Jon Pertwee on Listen Again!

Jon Pertwee
http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbc7/listenagain/wednesday/

(Also see Radio Drama)

From DVDReview.com:
For years fans have hoped that Universal would finally release some more of their golden age 50s science fiction films, especially Jack Arnold’s 1955 classic, Tarantula. The wait is finally coming to an end as Universal Home entertainment just unveiled The Classic SciFi Ultimate Collection which will be released on September 19.

The DVD set will contain “Tarantula, The Mole People, The Incredible Shrinking Man, The Monolith Monsters and Monster On The Campus. Universal has not yet revealed exact details about each of the films, such as special features, but with a low $19.98 sticker price, I would not expect too much in terms of extras.

Radio Drama
Meanwhile, Part 3 of The Destruction Factor is airing on BBC7. It's a good story. I won't bother to post the plot blurb here, however, because it's a generic one that doesnt' mean anything!
Beginning with the Sept issue of The Thunder Child I'll be posting synopses of all these BritSciFi episodes, with cast lists, etc.

Journey Home
Two more full days here...on Saturday I leave for home. I got accomplished about 1/10th of what I wanted to do. There are extenuating circumstances, nevertheless I'm disappointed. I've had a great time here...but it should have been so much more.

Life lesson for the day
Your time is precious. Even if you feel healthy as a horse now...illness and/or old age has a way of creeping up on you. Better to accomplish as many things as you can when you're young...

8/23: James Follett and Medford College of Technology

James Follett is a rather well-known science fiction writer - although probably better known in England than the States. I'm enjoying his The Destruction Factor - just listened to the 2nd episode at BBC7:

The Destruction Factor
The Devil's Harvest: How can a pot plant be two feet tall when it was only six inches high a few hours previously?
Episode 2 of 6.

First broadcast in 1978. 1978. 38 years ago. And yet the subject it addresses - famine in Africa - is still very real. I sometimes wonder why scientists can't just get together and solve one problem...then another and another...instead of having 'em all scattered around pursuing their own individual agendas. Sure - lots of good stuff gets invented/found, etc. but if there were only a concerted effort ....

I'm busy watching The Absent Minded Professor - the original starring Fred McMurry. It's pleasant fare...I'm going to do a series of articles on the Medford Quatrain...some classy title like that - the 60s Disney sci fi epics The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes and The Strongest Man in the World...and how scientists and scientific discoveries were treated in these films.

Of course being Disney they're all formulaic...but there are interesting themes to be delved in...such as the end justifies the means (using flubber during a basketball game so that an outclassed team can defeat its opponent...it's still cheating, even if in a good cause!)

And of course considering what's going on in college athletics - any athletics - today, when cheaters abound and good sportsmanship is practically non-existent...undoubtedly due to the fact that there is so much money - including gambling money - to be made out of these sports and the people who participate in them.

8/22: 4 days and Counting

Four more days before my return flight to the US of A.

Trying to get in a lot of work in a short amount of time - much of it on the BBC radio offerings. A few articles that I have plans for are beginning to gell into shape.

Got a wonderful interview from Steve Vertlieb, one of Cooper's King Kong experts...and Joe Moe expects to have Forry Ackerman finish his interview questions by next week. Apparently he's at World Con right now.

A new sci fi drama has started on BBC7, called The Destruction Factor.

For fans of Tom Baker, here's a site. Apparently many years ago Baker was the voice for BBC telecom, and they recorded syllables and phrases for every sound in the English language. So now there's a collection of his voice (not him!) saying all kinds of things. Some of it is risque, some of it is crude, some of it is funny.
http://www.thedoctorsays.co.uk/

8/21: Last episode of SHADA

Well, the last episode of Shada is on this 'Sunday', which means you've got 6 days to listen to it.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbc7/listenagain/sunday/

The Doctor of course saves the day...it's too bad Salyavin didn't have much to do...but it was the Doctor's show after all...

8/20 Books and Radio

I may be off on my dating..it's kind of hard as I'm in Germany, and I think midnight came 3 hours ago in the time zone where the dates for this blog are set (it's 10 am here in Germany.)

Anyway, lots of Saturday sci fi;

http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbc7/listenagain/saturday/

Also, don't forget to check out Distributed Proofreaders for science fiction offerings. Right now there's Galaxy Primes by E.E. Doc Smith (written in the 50s, verrrrry sexist and just makes me want to slap Smith silly), and a book by Marion Zimmer Bradley.

Each 'round' (Proofreading 1 and 2, Formatting, etc.) offers some science fiction.

http://www.pgdp.net/c/activity_hub.php

8/19 New search feature added to The Thunder Child

I added a Google search feature to the front page of The Thunder Child, and I'm really pleased with it. Visitors can search both the web, *and* the Thunder Child site from it, so that should make it easier for people to find things of interest on the site.

Other than that, I'm still working on Professor Challenger, dinosaurs...and I'm about to do a review of The Absent-Minded Professor!

7 more days before I leave for home....while I regret it in one way, I will certainly be able to expand The Thunder Child more quickly once I'm back in the States and able to contact potential writers and interviewers face to face.

8/19 No sci fi on Radio Spirits until September

Thank goodness for BBC Radio 7's Listen Again for a daily dose of sci fi, because there's not going to be anything on When Radio Was (hosted by Stan Frieberg at the Radio Spirits website) until:

Thursday 9-14
X-Minus One
A Wind is Rising

Admittedly every Wednesday there's an installment of Superman, but that's hardly the same thing.

8/18 The Shadow Knows

There's a doc on The Shadow on a series called The Radio Detectives on the BBC 7 channel today - and of course it'll be there for the next 6 days.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbc7/listenagain/thursday/

Part 4 of Voice of God is there...Shada part 4 will be there for 2 more days...

I'm into a dinosaur research jag right now, hope to have a lot of stuff for the next issue of The Thunder Child.

8/15 Slloooooowwwwww days

I'm working on an article about Professor Challenger - Arthur Conan Doyle's creation, who starred in The Lost World, a novel, The Poison Belt, a novella, and a couple of short stories.

Trying to do research into the relationship between John W. Campbell and EE Doc Smith, but not getting much done there.

Other than that....I've still got 11 days here in Germany before I leave for home and so I'm kind of torn betwee anticipation of getting home (away from the very loud kids that live around this house) and regret that I have to leave. And suspense as I wonder if my plane will leave on time and with a minimum of fuss - considering the news coming out.

Supposedly the terrorist plot at Heathrow was sprung a week early due to pressure from the White House...and so everyone in the States had to suffer for something that was going on in England - except that none of the terrorists were even ready to spring the plot on the day they clamped down!

Frankly I have zip-zero-nada confidence in any politician - democrat or republican. They are, unfortunately, all crooks.

8/13: This and that

Episode 4 of Journey Into Space is now online at BBC Radio 7.

They're going to re-run The Voice of God next week, but a few 'new' sci fi shows seem to be in the offing.

I'm working on an article for The Thunder Child listing all of British radio's sci fi offerings. It'll be a work in progresss, as I'll be compiling it from BBC Radio 7 website, etc. The difference between this article and what's already on the net will be I'll provide reviews, better listings of actors and creative people, etc.

Lots of sci fi in the offerings at Designated Proofreaders, but it's in the limbo stage...I'm still waiting for it to be released so I can get my little eyes on 'em.

Turns out John W. Campbell's letters - some of 'em, anyway, have been collected into book form. When I get back to the States I'll order it from www.abe.com

8/12: Brit sci fi

Listened to the last episode of Deep Station Emerald. I'd have to give it a 4 out of 10....worth listening to once but not that great. The actions of the criminal don't really make sense, and aren't really explained, and the science sucks. If you cut off someone's hand, they're going to bleed to death immediately, or if they don't die they won't have the strength to move after about 5 minutes....

Also it ends in the middle...two 'pissed-off women' rising up in a nuclear powered sub to take vengeance on the big business people who were behind the massacre...

Superman still airing every Wednesday on Radio Spirits. Lots of mystery programs there, but no other science fiction.

8/11: Interviews and Good sites

Interviews
The interview with Joe Moe, personal assistant to Forry Ackerman, is complete - although Joe is still looking for photos to accompany the interview. It's not about Forry - it's about Joe's work as a theme park designer. Not a lot of sci fi content there, but heck, I publish what I think is interesting!

Joe and Forry are still working on Forry's interview questions.

Steve Vertlieb, one of the King Kong (1933) mavens, is also doing an interview.

Sci Fi site of the day
www.technovelgy.com

Radio
I've been listening to Deep Station Emerald at BBC Radio 7 and it is disappointing. Made in 1996...and they've got military men flushing guns out of an airlock so that no one on the station - where murders are taking place - can have a gun. Stupid stupd stupid. Oh well, I'll listen to the final episode tomorrow because I do want to know 'whodunit' but it is a disappointment.

8/10: Science education and entertainment on Radio 4

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/science/

is the URL for BBC Radio 4's science channel - there's some interesting stuff there right now, for example Arthur C Clarke: the Science and the Fiction, and The Arctic Meltdown.

Even if you've never listened to the radio before and have no interest in it...check it out anyway. Try it, you might like it.

8/9 Interviews redux

Got an email from Joe Moe, Forry's assistant, and they're busy working on my interview questions...but Forry is in such demand that it's taking a while! He's been at conventions and film festivals non-stop...nice to see his health holding out.

Deep Station Emerald (underwater sci fi)

Wed 9 Aug00:30-01:00
Deep Station Emerald
Five Miles Down: Captain Harris runs an understaffed and overworked seabed research station. Rossi arrives and a series of accidents follow. Episode 1 of 4. [Rpt of Tue 6.30pm]


Thu 10 Aug00:30-01:00
Deep Station Emerald
Conspiracy: Frosty has been killed in a freak accident and whilst trying to retrieve his body, McAndrew's suit is torn. Episode 2 of 4. [Rpt of Wed 6.30pm]

Fri 11 Aug00:30-01:00
Deep Station Emerald
Heat: Higgs has been murdered and the station is on shutdown. Harris and Rossi reach an understanding but how long will it last? Episode 3 of 4. [Rpt of Thu 6.30pm]

Sat 12 Aug00:30-01:00
Deep Station Emerald
And Then There Were Three: Joe Turner's thriller concludes. Only Kettle, Crenshaw and Rossi remain. Each is convinced that one of the others is the killer. Episode 4 of 4. [Rpt of Fri 6.30pm]

8/8: Interviews

I've got a lot of interviews to do, and don't have the energy to do them. Struggling with a debilitating headache today.

So, since I can't think, I'm surfing the web. I'm also listening to Atomic Tales from BBC7:

Night of the Cicadas: The cicada is a friendly chirruping insect but what if it grew to vast size and hungered for human flesh? Episode 6 of 6.

I've revised my opinion of these episodes - they're farces or satires of American 50s sci fi movies and American culture...they're pretty amusing, actually.

I've always had the intention to have science articles at The Thunder Child, so now I'm working on a Dinosaur section - including bibliographies and book reviews. Also started up a new message list to discuss dinosauria. Started out well - 7 people signed up in one day... but of course they don't post and no one's signed up since. Typical!

8/7: EE Smith's Spacehounds of IPC at Distributed Proofreaders

I do a bit of volunteer work for an organization called Distributed Proofreaders, which scans into OCR and proofs out-of-copyright books for Project Gutenberg.

I've spent the last 30 days proofreading on the first level. Last night I decided to check out Level 2 to see if there was any science fiction there, and found E. E. Doc Smith's Spacehounds of ICD.

So I've read a few pages of that...and it's really amusing. (I'm a fan of the Lensman series, but it must be admitted that the dialog even in that is rather dated.) Currently the two main characters - a man and a woman - are marooned on a planet. The guy is building forges so he can make radios and various other complicated machinery, the girl does the hunting and the cooking and the making of clothes.. after 30 days she tells him she loves him - and he loves her...

"While she was speaking, the grim, strained lines
upon Stevens' face had disappeared, and as she
fell silent he straightened up and gently, tenderly, reverently
he took her lithe body into his arms.

"You're right, sweetheart--everything will check out
on zero, to nineteen decimals." He was a man transfigured.
"I've been fighting windmills and I've been
scared sick--but how was I to think that a wonder-girl
like you could ever love a mutt like me? You certainly
are the gamest little partner a man ever had You're the
world's straightest shooter, ace--you're a square brick if
there ever was one. Your sheer nerve in being willing
to go the whole route makes me love you more than
ever, if such a thing can be possible, and it certainly
puts a new face on the whole cock-eyed Universe for
me. However, I don't believe it will come to that. After
what you've just said, I sure will lick that job, regardless
of how many different factories it takes to make one
armature--I'll show that mess of scrap-iron what kind
of trees make shingles!""

On a side note, since I'm on Level 2 - the work has already gone through round 1 of proofreading - I'm rather surprised to find at least one typo per page. I've done 6 pages so far and each of 'em has had something that a previous proofreader missed. Just one each, though, so that's something.

So, anyway, if you want to read some sci fi that you've probably never seen before, sign up with Distributed Proofreaders. You have to spend 30 days with Level 1 before you can move on to Level 2...but there's some fun stuff to read.

8/7: Sunday and Monday on BBC7

For some reason, whenever Monday rolls around on the BBC7 website, you can listen to Sunday *and* Monday programs.

So, for Monday there's the last installment of Atomic Tales...a show I haven't listened to because the actors' fake American accents got on my nerves during the one episode I tried to listen to..but maybe I'll give it another chance today.

One of the projects for The Thunder Child is to have plots and cast lists for all BBC radio drama...which I can't provide if I don't grit my teeth and listen to the shows....

Also Part 3 of Journey Into Space, and Part 4 of Shada - on Saturday and Sunday, respectively.

8/6: Decompressing

I have a lot to do to get the September issue ready...and I don't feel like doing any of it. Still decompressing from the last issue, I guess.

Also, I've got a headache which isn't doing my creative juices much good.

I've started watching Rocketship XM and am making screencaps.

A few months ago I interviewed Wright King, who starred in a TV show called Johnny Jupiter way back in 1953, and did a few Twilight Zones and other things in the genre. I've been unable to work on this interview for the last 2 months, as my sister doesn't have a cassette player! It only costs $40 to buy one at the BX...but that's $40 I don't want to spend. Anyway, I'll be back in the States on Aug 27, so hope to have the interview transcribed for the September issue.

Also Forry Ackerman.

8/3 Sci fi on radio on the net

A new Superman serial begins on When Radio Was, the Stan Freberg-hosted show available at www. radiospirits.com. (Click on Our Radio Show to see the daily schedule).

Superman begins August 8, and will run every Wednesday for 4 episodes.

The Adventures of Superman
Drought in Freeville Part 1
Original Air Date - 1/21/1947

BBC's Listen Again continues to have lots of sci fi - The Atomic Tales will be availabe for 6 more days, Shada is playing, and Journey Into Space: Mission to Mars.

8/2: A day of rest

I'm relaxing after getting the latest issue "out the door" to use an old-fashioned term. Will get back to work tomorrow - now that I've got the Conventions listings up I want to email every convention organizer under the sun and start getting their press releases.

There *are* other Convention listings....I like mine because everything is right in front of you...you don't have to search for anything..we'll see if anybody else likes it...!

At BBC Radio 7, another episode of Atomic Tales. Remember all these episodes are available to listen to at any time for 6 days before they drop off the map.

Also available is part 2 of Journey Into Space, Mission to Mars and part 3 of Shada.

Journey Into Space on BBC 7

Follow up to Charles Chiltern's first Journey Into Space

The Red Planet: Some years after his celebrated moon mission, Jet Morgan commences a mission to Mars - but is there a saboteur? Episode 1 of 20.

Journey Into Space
Jet leads the first fleet of rocket ships to reach Mars. But right from the beginning the expedition was ill-omened. Episode 2 of 20.

Atomic Tales - on BBC 7 Listen Again

These are spoofs of 1950s American science fiction tales, with the actors putting on American accents.

Atomic Tales
Their Gaze was Green: The first in a new series of classic American 1950s sci-fi. Episode 1 of 5.

Atomic Tales
And Mother Makes Millions: A chilling portrait of a world without children in this classic American fifties sci-fi serial. Episode 2 of 5.

Atomic Tales
I've Got Your Number: Stanford Krank has created a brilliant think piece, where all mankind has a unique number, but what if your number was copied? Episode 3 of 5.

Atomic Tales
Land of Plenty: Humanity lives on tinned food on Mars. Everything seems perfect until the cans start to malfunction. Episode 4 of 5.

Atomic Tales
Unstoppable: A white-knuckle ride of interstellar thrills. A space train is hurtling towards hurth. Episode 5 of 5.

Atomic Tales!
Night of the Cicadas: The cicada is a friendly chirruping insect but what if it grew to vast size and hungered for human flesh? Episode 6 of 6.

8/1: The Thunder Child now live

The latest issue of The Thunder Child is now live and in many ways is the best one to date, as it is chock full of goodies. A bit lacking in the book review department...but, well, ya can't have everything.

I'm only going to take a day off before getting started on the September issue. Waiting for interview responses from Forry Ackerman for next issue, and have to research and formulate questions for a few other people.

The science faction section is woefully inadequate, I intend to remedy that in the next issue.

August 1: Issue almost done

The August issue of The Thunder Child is almost complete. I'm waiting for 3 articles from one of my writers which he promises to have to me tonight.

I've been lagging behind with this blog, but making a new-month's resolution, I'll be posting here every day from now on. So bookmark it and come back!

This issue will have an interview with Conor Timnis, an actor who put together a documentary on Boris Karloff in order to showcase his talents, in the hope of getting the role in a biopic of the famous horror/science fiction actor.

An interview with Forry Ackerman should be available in the September issue, with more fun and informative interviews to come.

7/20 - Cold Blood

Episode 3 of Cold Blood is available (and the previous episodes are still available to listen to.)

Of course the plot is pretty predictable. Yes, the rescued Burrows does turn out to be the villian of the piece.

7/19 Wednesday

Added episode 2 (Tuesday) to Cold Blood.

Don't forget to listen to Shada every Sunday!

7/18: Cold Blood - complete serial

http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbc7/listenagain/monday/

7/18
Cold Blood
Freezerville:
It is 2015 and an Antarctic research station is settling down for another winter - but this will be a winter like no other. Episode 1 of 5. [Rptd Tues 12.30am]

7/19
Cold Blood
Cold Heart:
As Taft and Anaya try to find out what happened at Mitchell Bluff, one of the team goes missing. Episode 2 of 5. [Rptd Wed 12.30am]


Thu 20 Jul00:30-01:00
Cold Blood
The Changing Man:
The team are isolated and Deb makes a frightening discovery in Bowers' journals. Episode 3 of 5. [Rpt of Wed 6.30pm]

Fri 21
Jul00:30-01:00
Cold Blood
Sanctuary No More: Revenge and madness stalk the corridors of Ellsworth base. Episode 4 of 5. [Rpt of Thu 6.30pm]

Sat 22 Jul00:30-01:00
Cold Blood
The Antarctican: The final battle - and a strange new beginning. Episode 5 of 5. [Rpt of Fri 6.30pm]

7/17 Dr. Who's SHADA on radio

http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbc7/listenagain/sunday/

Part 1 will be available for 5 more days. Don't miss it! Paul McGann plays the Doctor. This is the unfinished Douglas Adams SHADA from Tom Baker's days!

7/7 Friday Books Books Books

Spent the day requesting review copies of various books, including Steven Barnes Zulu Heart and the new James Bama: American Realist. My reviewers are going to be in 7th heaven.

The July issue is unavoidably a little sparse - the main article is an interview with Jean-Noel Bassior. The August issue will be quite chock full with various interviews, etc.

Joe Moe (Forry Ackerman's assistant) and Forry Ackerman have agreed to do interviews, as had Steven Barnes.

Jean-Noel Bassior will be sharing exclusive photos of Space Patrol in the August issue, also.

AUDIO SCI FI
On Listen Again, BBC 7:
THURSDAY:
Ghost Zone
A new sci-fi thriller by Marty Ross. Something lies buried beneath the village. Episode 4 of 5. [Rptd Fri 12.00am] (This is a daily serial so check out previos days to hear it all.)

www.radiospirits.com,
Thursday 7-20
Lights Out (horror)
Revolt of the Worms
Original Air Date - 10/13/42
Hall of Fantasy (fantasy)
Night the Fog Came In
Original Air Date - 3/23/52

7/5 Back after a month

I haven't had time for all of June to write here - I left for Germany on June 3 and it took a while to recover from jetlag...then I went travelling with relativies here...

But now I'm back and will keep this up to date.

I'm feeling kind of annoyed right now, though. I delayed 5 days in announcing the July issue of The Thunder Child to allow everyone to recover from their New Years weekend...and now that I've just announced the issue at various places...I'm having problems with my provider. Sometimes the URL comes up...sometimes it doesn't...and I can't access the files at all which is extremely annoying.

Hopefully it will be fixed by tomorrow or I'll have to do some emailing. Not to mention how many potential readers I'm losing because they try to reach the site and can't!

6/1: Midwich Cuckoos on BBC7

http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbc7/listenagain/wednesday/

The Midwich Cuckoos
An alien force field descends on a rural village and impregnates 64 women. The resulting children appear to have strange powers.
Episode 1 of 3.

6/1: Germany countdown

1 more day to go.

I'm done packing the clothes and stuff, now I just need to make sure I have all the email addresses, passwords and URLs I'll need to do my work over in Germany...

Hits on The Thunder Child are slow but steady....

Not much more to write here...I've got stuff to do!

5/31: Wednesday - June issue of TTC live!

Although its about 40 minutes to June 1, I decided to have the June issue "go live" already.

Tomorrow, Thursday, is my last full day in the United States. On Friday I emplane for Germany, and if all goes well I'll get there Saturday morning. I'm not a good traveller so I expect to be zonked out when I arrive, and it will probably take me a couple of days to recover, then I'll get busy researching Germany sci fi and other stuff.

I'll share everything here, as well as on a companion website which I'll work up once I arrive there.

Contents:

• Frankie Thomas, an appreciation
• Val Guest, an appreciation
• Interviews: Noel Katz and Tom Carrozza, creators of Area 51: The Musical
• Ray Guns and Rocket Fins: 1950s science fiction TV
• Critical Mass: Tom Corbett, Space Cadet book series, Stand by for Mars
• Listen to 5 episodes of Tom Corbett, Space Cadet, the radio show
• Book reviews: The art of Ray Harryhausen
• Childrens' Book Reviews: The Lightning Thief, Close Kin
• Music Reviews: Monstrous Movie Music, More Monstrus Movie Music, Creature from the Black Lagoon

Countdown to Germany

The purpose of this blog is going to expand in the next three months, as I spend from June 3-August 30 in Landstuhl, Germany, near the Ramstein Air Force Base.

I hope to become an expert in German sci-fi in those 3 months, for all that my plan to have a rudimentary grasp of the language before I went has fallen by the wayside.

In the next 3 months I'll be sharing photos of everything German - from what candybars and tv dinners look like, to store fronts, to streets, to play areas, to castles.

I'll also have a companion website...and store...in the hopes that it will help defray my costs for this expedition to Germany.

So please check back frequently, and visit the various bookstore links..and The Thunder Child Science Fiction web magazine!

5/23 BBC7....nuthin!

There's been a real dearth of sci fi on BBC7 these last few days, but of course Saturday still has its installment of Operation Luna, so don't miss it!

5/20: Tanith Lee on BBC 7

5/20/2006

BBC 7:http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbc7/listenagain/friday/
Red as Blood
A dark study of the Snow White fantasy by Tanith Lee. The Queen sets out to rescue her step-daughter from her sinister heritage.
1/2 hour long

5/19 Friday

Nothing new added to BBC's Radio 7, but today's the last day you can listen to Saturday's shows before they drop off the screen.

5/18 Sci Fi Happenings - X Minus One/Escape Pod

BB7
Married
Grumpy bachelor Robin Lightfoot suddenly realises he must have been personally responsible for the two universes colliding. Episode 5 of 5.

www.radiospirits.com - Listen to X Minus One's "And The Moon Be Still As Bright"
Originally broadcast - 9/22/55


Sci Fi Audio:
http://www.sffaudio.com/ this week's episode is Escape Pod.

5/17: SCi fi on the computer

BBC7
Nothing sci fi today on BBC7 Listen Again..I think there's a horror program called The Willows, but since I'm not into horror I don't know. Of course just because nothing new was added doesn't mean you can't go to the site and listen to sci fi - Saturday's programs are still available and they have Charles Chiltern's Operation Luna.

When Radio Was
(http://www.radiospirits.com)
Every Wednesday and Friday is broadcast 15 minutes of Superman. Knights of the White Carnation. I haven't been listening to it - not because it's not telling a story of moment - it's about tolerance for immigrants! - but because I missed what I had assumed to be the first installment, and when that happens I don't like to listen to the rest. But if anyone else is less picky...

Thursday 5/18 (tomorrow) on When Radio Was will be a sci fi show, X Minus One, with the story:
And The Moon Be Still As BrightOriginal Air Date - 9/22/55

Thursday 5/25
Exploring Tomorrow
Happiness EffectOriginal Air Date - 5/10/1905


Nothing else through June 16 - but lots of good drama programs.

5/15: Hello Readers!

I just added a counter to this blog a couple of days ago...and I see that I do have a few readers dropping by day by day - that's always nice to know!

So now I'll work even more diligently to ensure that I've got the schedules for radio, movies, astronomical events, etc. posted here in a timely manner...I have to admit I was letting it slide and only updating every other day or so...as I've got to spend most of my time working on getting each new issue of The Thunder Child ready to go.

I wish all my visitors out there would drop me a line and tell me where they heard about the blog...are you coming from the link on the The Thunder Child website ...or did you just pop in from the web?

What this blog is supposed to do:

1) Keep you updated on sci fi and fantasy radio programs - from BBC7, When Radio Was, and other OTR websites
2) List milestones - dates, births and other important events in science fiction and fact history.
3) Talk about my coups for The Thunder Child web magazine...

Thanks for stopping by.

5/15: Monday on BBC7

Nothing!

On Sunday there's a horror anthology program called Fear on Four, but I don't like horror....

Complete Routemasters

Routemasters
Taking The Michelangelo: Bernie catches the Night Bus and is transported to 16th century Rome where Michelangelo is in a spot of bother. Episode 1 of 4.

Don't be a Freud: Raymond and Hildegaard scheme to make a fool of Freud. Episode 2 of 4.

Routemasters
On The Buses: Bernie is kidnapped by Hildegad and then escapes to the 24th century, where he is rescued and discovers his true identity. Episode 3 of 4.

Routemasters
Roll Over Beethoven: Raymond and Hildegaard want to make music, while Bernie finally discovers the truth about who - or what - is driving the bus. Episode 4 of 4.

Complete Chilton's Journey into Space: Operation Luna

And there seems little point in listing these - as BBC 7 doesn't give the plot! I'll relisten to them and update plots soon.

Journey Into Space
Operation Luna: Classic 1950s science-fiction, from Charles Chilton, set in the unimaginably far-flung future of 1967. Episode 1 of 13.

Journey Into Space
Operation Luna: Classic 1950s science-fiction, from Charles Chilton, set in the unimaginably far-flung future of 1967. Episode 2 of 13.


Journey Into Space
Operation Luna: Classic 1950s science-fiction, from Charles Chilton, set in the unimaginably far-flung future of 1967. Episode 3 of 13.

Journey Into Space
Operation Luna: Classic 1950s science-fiction, from Charles Chilton, set in the unimaginably far-flung future of 1967. Episode 4 of 13.

Journey Into Space Operation Luna: Classic 1950s science-fiction, from Charles Chilton, set in the unimaginably far-flung future of 1967. Episode 5 of 13.

5/13 (Saturday) on BBC 7

Routemasters
Roll Over Beethoven: Raymond and Hildegaard want to make music, while Bernie finally discovers the truth about who - or what - is driving the bus. Episode 4 of 4.

(Sort of an adult Doctor Who. The doubledecker bus or routemaster is a time machine. Adult themes.)

Journey Into Space
Operation Luna: Classic 1950s science-fiction, from Charles Chilton, set in the unimaginably far-flung future of 1967. Episode 4 of 13.

5/12 (Friday) on BBC7

Earthsearch II
Earthvoice: The crew of the Challenger have landed on their home planet, Earth - now a hot, arid desert with a small surviving community. Episode 10 of 10.

5/11: Wednesday on Listen Again

Earthsearch II
Megalomania: Android Surgeon General Kraken, designed by the Challenger's giant computers, suffers severe logic failure. Episode 8 of 10.

Married
Robin has encountered many strange phenomena since the universes collided. Today he has two Arthur Smiths for the price of one. Episode 4 of 5.

Complete Earthsearch II

Earthsearch II Return: The crew of the Challenger is 'living in Paradise', but tragedy is just around the corner. Written by James Follett. Episode 1 of 10.

Earthsearch II
(Missed this episode): Episode 2

Earthsearch II
Surrender: James Follett's sci-fi adventure continues with the crew saving 'Paradise'. But at what cost? With Michael Maloney. Episode 3 of 10.

Earthsearch II
Solaria: Our heroes are sent on a mission to protect the Challenger, and come across a message from Earth. Written by James Follett. Episode 4 of 10.

Earthsearch II
Sundeath: There's more to the computer which runs 'Solaria D' than meets the eye. With Michael Maloney. Episode 5 of 10.

Earthsearch II
Supermass: The Challenger is plunging into a black hole. The severely weakened 'Angels' do not seem to be able to change its course. Episode 6 of 10.


Earthsearch II
Deathship: The crew of the Challenger have been dragged down into Spaceguard Six - an artificial black hole designed to protect Earth.
Episode 7 of 10.

Earthsearch II
Megalomania: Android Surgeon General Kraken, designed by the Challenger's giant computers, suffers severe logic failure. Episode 8 of 10.

Earthsearch II
Earth: The crew of starship Challenger finally locate Earth - but what will they find? Episode 9 of 10.

Earthsearch II
Earthvoice: The crew of the Challenger have landed on their home planet, Earth - now a hot, arid desert with a small surviving community. Episode 10 of 10.

5/9: Tuesday on BBC7 Listen Again

Earthsearch II
Deathship: The crew of the Challenger have been dragged down into Spaceguard Six - an artificial black hole designed to protect Earth. Episode 7 of 10.

5/8 (Monday) on BBC7

Earthsearch II
Supermass: The Challenger is plunging into a black hole. The severely weakened 'Angels' do not seem to be able to change its course. Episode 6 of 10.

5/7 Sunday on BBC7

The Twilight Zone
A Nervous Man in a Four Dollar Room: Low-life Jackie gets a dressing down in his grotty hotel room - from the man in the mirror.

The Silent VulcanThe concluding part of James Follett's sci-fi, read by Nigel Anthony. Episode 8 of 8.

5/6 (Saturday) on BBC7

Routemasters
On The Buses: Bernie is kidnapped by Hildegad and then escapes to the 24th century, where he is rescued and discovers his true identity. Episode 3 of 4.


Journey Into Space
Operation Luna: Classic 1950s science-fiction, from Charles Chilton, set in the unimaginably far-flung future of 1967. Episode 3 of 13.

5/5 Friday on BBC 7

Earthsearch II
Sundeath: There's more to the computer which runs 'Solaria D' than meets the eye. With Michael Maloney. Episode 5 of 10.

5/4 (Thursday) on BBC7

Earthsearch II
Solaria: Our heroes are sent on a mission to protect the Challenger, and come across a message from Earth. Written by James Follett. Episode 4 of 10.

5/3 (Wednesday) on BBC 7

Married
The King's ex, Adrian Turnball, quite literally drops in on Robin and Co after being trapped in a vortex for five weeks. Episode 3 of 5.


Earthsearch II
Surrender: James Follett's sci-fi adventure continues with the crew saving 'Paradise'. But at what cost? With Michael Maloney. Episode 3 of 10.

May 1: on BBC 7

Earthsearch II
Return: The crew of the Challenger is 'living in Paradise', but tragedy is just around the corner. Written by James Follett. Episode 1 of 10.

On Mayday
Tom tries to reach his wife in the USSR as the radioactive cloud from Chernobyl spreads across Europe in Paul Copley's play.

April 30 on BBC7

The Twilight Zone
One for the Angels: Another tale from the Twilight Zone. Salesman Lou Bookman tries to cheat death, even though his time is nigh.


The Silent Vulcan
While Bob attempts to contact the craft, the visitors' mechanical spyder has guided Ellen and Claire to the world beyond Farside. Episode 7 of 8.

Apr 28: Friday on BBC7

Earthsearch
Earthfall: The Challenger crew find an earth-like planet called Paradise. But their foe, the Angels, are by no means beaten. Episode 10 of 10

Apr 27: Thursday on BBC

Prince Caspian
The plotting Glozelle encourages the king to accept Peter's challenge. The battle place is set and the armies advance. Episode 4 of 4.

Mortal Engines
The thrilling conclusion of Philip Reeve's dark sci-fi adventure, read by Adrian Rawlins. Episode 14 of 14.

Earthsearch
Star Cluster: The starship Challenger crew destroy the warrior android, Fagor, and resume their journey in search of Earth. By James Follett. Episode 9 of 10.

April 26: Wed on BBC7

Prince Caspian
Lost in the forest, the children turn to Aslan for help. After meeting the Prince, Peter suggests a bold plan to tackle Miraz. Episode 3 of 4.

Mortal Engines
Adrian Rawlins reads the penultimate episode of Philip Reeve's dark sci-fi thriller. Katherine attempts to destroy Medusa. Episode 13 of 14.

Married
The sci-fi comedy continues as grumpy Robin Lightfoot deals with life in a parallel universe. Episode 2 of 5.

Earthsearch
Marooned: The starship Challenger crew have escaped from their sister ship, only to discover that the Challenger itself has vanished! Episode 8 of 10.

Apr 25: Tueday sci fi on BBC

Prince Caspian
The fleeing young prince faces several surprises when he wakes up, but soon vows to reclaim his rightful throne. Episode 2 of 4.


Mortal Engines
Katherine confronts her father and he tells her the shocking truth about Hester. Tom and Hester head for London. By Philip Reeve. Episode 12 of 14.

Earthsearch
New Blood: The starship Challenger crew have found their sister ship where its population know nothing of life beyond their own craft. Episode 7 of 10.

Apr 24 2006, Monday on BBC7

Prince Caspian
A young prince learns the truth about his father's murder and four strangers from another world are thrown into war. Episode 1 of 4.

Mortal Engines
Valentine catches up with Tom and Hester, and Katherine discovers the shocking truth about what happened to Hester's parents. Episode 11 of 14.

Earthsearch
Across the Abyss: The starship Challenger, continuing its search for Earth, has left Zelda 5 in search of Paradise. Episode 6 of 10.

Date with Fate
Along for the Ride: Fate leads Colin to impersonate a movie producer with glamorous and dangerous consequences. Episode 2 of 4.

4/23 Sunday on BBC7

Sunday, April 23, 2006

The Twilight Zone
Back There: Time travel is impossible, isn't it? For Peter Corrigan, the same chance factors of the gambling table apply to history.

The Silent Vulcan
Nigel Anthony continues reading James Follett's classic sci-fi adventure. Episode 6 of 8.

4/22 Classic Sci Fi with Charles Chilton

April 22, 2006 on BBC7 Listen Again via the web:

Space Force Special
Journey Into Space Force, with Charles Chilton: Sci-Fi galore! BBC 7 celebrates the work of Charles Chilton. Episode 1 of 2.

Routemasters
Taking The Michelangelo: Bernie catches the Night Bus and is transported to 16th century Rome where Michelangelo is in a spot of bother. Episode 1 of 4.

Journey Into Space
Operation Luna: Classic 1950s science-fiction, from Charles Chilton, set in the unimaginably far-flung future of 1967. Episode 1 of 13.

4/21 Narnia et al

Friday, April 21

The Horse and His Boy
Shasta awakes and decides to join the army in the battle for Anvard, where Rabadash's troops prepare to face the new assault. Episode 4 of 4.

Mortal Engines
The Lord Mayor, Crome, plans to use Medusa to destroy the shield wall. But what can be done to stop him? Read by Adrian Rawlins. Episode 10 of 14.

Earthsearch
The Pools of Time: In their search for Earth, Darv and Astra are taken prisoner by the inhabitants of Zelda 5. Their fate is death. Episode 5 of 10.

Complete Earthsearch

Episode guide from BBC7's Listen Again website, prsented for research and educational purposes.

These shows began their re-airing dduring the month of April, 2006.

Earthsearch
Planetfall: From birth the starship Challenger crew have been looked after by two 'Angels'. But what if they are not what their names imply? Episode 1 of 10.

Earthsearch
First Footprint City: The starship Challenger has returned home and the crew have discovered the Earth has vanished and been replaced by the moon. Episode 2 of 10.

Earthsearch
Sands of Kyros: The starship Challenger has returned to the solar system to find the Earth gone and their lives in peril from a once benign force. Episode 3 of 10.

Earthsearch
The Solaric Empire: Searching for Earth which has vanished from the solar system, two of the Challenger crew land on a strange planet. Episode 4 of 10.

Earthsearch
The Pools of Time: In their search for Earth, Darv and Astra are taken prisoner by the inhabitants of Zelda 5. Their fate is death. Episode 5 of 10.

Earthsearch
Across the Abyss: The starship Challenger, continuing its search for Earth, has left Zelda 5 in search of Paradise. Episode 6 of 10.

Earthsearch
New Blood: The starship Challenger crew have found their sister ship where its population know nothing of life beyond their own craft. Episode 7 of 10.

Earthsearch
Marooned: The starship Challenger crew have escaped from their sister ship, only to discover that the Challenger itself has vanished! Episode 8 of 10.


Earthsearch
Star Cluster: The starship Challenger crew destroy the warrior android, Fagor, and resume their journey in search of Earth. By James Follett. Episode 9 of 10.


Earthsearch
Earthfall: The Challenger crew find an earth-like planet called Paradise. But their foe, the Angels, are by no means beaten. Episode 10 of 10

Tintin complete episodes on British radio

The Adventures of Tintin
The Secret of the Unicorn: Tintin purchases a model ship and finds himself in the middle of a treasure hunt. Episode 1 of 8.

The Adventures of Tintin
Red Rackham's Treasure: Tintin, Snowy and Captain Haddock are on their way to find the treasure from the ship called Unicorn.

The Adventures of Tintin
Destination Moon: Tintin, Snowy and Captain Haddock are invited on a trip to the moon by Captain Calculus. Episode 4 of 6. [WHAT HAPPENED TO EPISODE 3, OR FOR THAT MATTER, EPISODES 7 AND 8, AS POINTED OUT IN THE FIRST ENTRY?]

The Adventures of TintinExplorers on the Moon: Whilst making their way to the moon Tintin, Captain Haddock, Calculus and Snowy are unaware that they are being monitored. Episode 5 of 6.

Tintin on Radio 7

April 20, 2006, Friday

The Adventures of Tintin
Explorers on the Moon: Whilst making their way to the moon Tintin, Captain Haddock, Calculus and Snowy are unaware that they are being monitored. Episode 5 of 6.

The Horse and His Boy
The cunning son of Tisroc, Rabadash hatches a plan to conquer Narnia and have the barbarian Queen Susan for himself. Episode 3 of 4.

Mortal Engines
Adrian Rawlins reads from Philip Reeve's sci-fi fantasy. Katherine Valentine witnesses Medusa emerge from St Paul's Cathedral. Episode 9 of 14.

EarthsearchThe Solaric Empire: Searching for Earth which has vanished from the solar system, two of the Challenger crew land on a strange planet. Episode 4 of 10.

April 19/Thursday - sci fo

April 19 on BBC7

The Adventures of Tintin
Destination Moon: Tintin, Snowy and Captain Haddock are invited on a trip to the moon by Captain Calculus. Episode 4 of 6.
(The previous 3 episodes of Tintin were not sci fi.)

The Horse and His Boy
On their long journey to Narnia, the runaway orphan and princess arrive with their talking horses at the city of Tashbaan. Episode 2 of 4.

Mortal Engines
The pirates of Tunbridge Wheels turn against Tom and Hester, and a voice from the past comes back to haunt them. By Philip Reeve. Episode 8 of 14.

Married
To his horror, Robin is going through a phase of being nice. But 'wife' Lesley is now an artist and doesn't want to know him. Episode 1 of 5.

Earthsearch
Sands of Kyros: The starship Challenger has returned to the solar system to find the Earth gone and their lives in peril from a once benign force. Episode 3 of 10.

April 18/Tuesday - sci fi on BBC7

Tuesday on BBC 7


The Horse and His Boy
When a slave makes his escape with a talking horse, a mysterious lion shadows their every move. A prince wages war on Narnia. Episode 1 of 4.

Mortal Engines
Katherine Valentine gets some help from apprentice Bevis Pod, while Tom and Hester have ended up in Tunbridge Wheels. Episode 7 of 14.

Earthsearch
First Footprint City: The starship Challenger has returned home and the crew have discovered the Earth has vanished and been replaced by the moon. Episode 2 of 10.

Apr 17 - new sci fi on BBC 7 Radio

Monday, April 17, 1006


The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
The White Witch receives bad news and decides that Edmund must be killed, just as Aslan's rescue party arrives. Episode 3 of 3.

Mortal Engines
Adrian Rawlins reads part six of Philip Reeve's dark, futuristic sci-fi fantasy. Can Tom and Hester escape from the evil Shrike? Episode 6 of 14.

Earthsearch
Planetfall: From birth the starship Challenger crew have been looked after by two 'Angels'. But what if they are not what their names imply? Episode 1 of 10.

April 27 - All sci fi on TCM movie channel

The old standbys:


27 Thursday
6:30 AM
Forbidden Planet (1956)

A group of space troopers investigates the destruction of a colony on a remote planet. Cast: Walter Pidgeon, Anne Francis, Leslie Nielsen. Dir: Fred M. Wilcox. C-98 mins, TV-PG, CC, Letterbox Format, DVS

8:30 AM
From The Earth To The Moon (1958)

Lifelong rivals collaborate on a 19th-century moon rocket. Cast: Joseph Cotten, George Sanders, Henry Daniell. Dir: Byron Haskin. C-101 mins, TV-G, CC

10:30 AM
It Came From Outer Space (1953)

No one believes an amateur astronomer's spaceship sighting until the town's people begin disappearing. Cast: Richard Carlson, Barbara Rush, Charles Drake. Dir: Jack Arnold. BW-81 mins, TV-G, CC

12:00 PM
Thing From Another World, The (1951)

The crew of a remote Arctic base fights off a murderous monster from outer space. Cast: Kenneth Tobey, Margaret Sheridan, James Arness. Dir: Christian Nyby. BW-87 mins, TV-PG, CC, DVS

1:30 PM
Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956)

Soulless pods take over the inhabitants of a small California town. Cast: Kevin McCarthy, Dana Wynter, Carolyn Jones. Dir: Don Siegel. BW-80 mins, TV-14, CC, Letterbox Format

3:00 PM
Quatermass Xperiment, The (1956)
A space fungus transforms an astronaut into a deadly monster. Cast: Brian Donlevy, Jack Warner, Richard Wordsworth. Dir: Val Guest. BW-78 mins, TV-PG

4:30 PM
Incredible Shrinking Man, The (1957)
When he mysteririously starts shrinking, a man finds a new world of danger in everyday creatures. Cast: Grant Williams, Randy Stuart, April Kent. Dir: Jack Arnold. BW-81 mins, TV-PG

6:00 PM
Soylent Green (1973)
A future cop uncovers the deadly secret behind a mysterious synthetic food. Cast: Charlton Heston, Edward G. Robinson, Leigh Taylor-Young. Dir: Richard Fleischer. C-97 mins, TV-MA, CC, Letterbox Format

Apr 16 - Twilight Zone, Silent Vulcan

Sunday, April 16

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbc7/listenagain/sunday/

The Twilight Zone
Cavender is Coming: Will angel Harman Cavender save Agnes Grepp in time to avoid 'reclassification'? With Andrea Evans as Agnes.



The Silent Vulcan
Nigel Anthony continues reading James Follett's sci-fi classic. Episode 5 of 8.

April 15 - Ice, Earthsearch

From BBC Radio 7

Friday, April 15

Ice
by James Follott 1 1/2 hr program
Geologist Glyn Sherwood is involved in research in Antarctica when he makes a shocking discovery about the polar ice caps.


Earthsearch
Mindwarp:
After escaping Aroma, Ewen and Jenine must learn to survive the dangers of the island. But are they truly alone? Episode 3 of 3.

April 15 - caught up

Friday, April 14
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Mr Tumnus has been arrested so the children decide they must try to rescue him from the White Witch, Queen Jadis. Episode 2 of 3.


Dan Dare: Pilot of the Future
Battle Stations: Dan has come face to face with the blue Atlanteens. The Treens are preparing to attack the gentle Therons. Episode 4 of 4.

Catching up - last of Dan Dare, L, W, W

April 13

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
A forgotten wardrobe becomes the pathway to adventure and intrigue, as four children step into another time and place - Narnia! Episode 1 of 3.

Mortal Engines
Can Tom and Hester escape from their captors? And how will they find their way back to London? Written by Philip Reeve. Episode 4 of 14.

Dan Dare - Pilot of the Future
The Mekon: On Venus, Dan has fallen to his apparent death; the others of his crew are prisoners of the Treens. Episode 3 of 4.

Sat: Apr 15: Dan Dare and more

missed a few days due to illness.

April 11
The Magician's NephewThe first of CS Lewis' 'Narnia' books. Digory and Polly are catapulted throughone mysterious world after another. Episode 2 of 3. [Rptd today 9.00pm, Wed 2.00am]

Mortal EnginesWho is the mysterious Hester Shaw? And why does she want Thaddeus Valentine dead? Episode 2 of 14

Dan Dare - Pilot of the FutureDisaster: Dan Dare embarks on a mission to Venus to save the world. Based on Frank Hampson's original creation.

April 12

The Magician's Nephew
A new world is born, but Digory has a special favour to ask of its lion creator. Episode 3 of 3.

Mortal Engines
Tom and Hester attempt to return to London, but there is much danger ahead. Episode 3 of 14.

Married
War of the Worlds: Two universes are about to collide - caught in between is bachelor Robin, who must fight to survive.

Dan Dare - Pilot of the Future
Divided We Fall:
The Venus expedition has started disastrously. Dan and Digby have been captured by the Treens. Episode 2 of 4.

Dan Dare

Tuesday, April 11

The Magician's Nephew
The first of CS Lewis' 'Narnia' books. Digory and Polly are catapulted throughone mysterious world after another. Episode 2 of 3.

Mortal Engines
Who is the mysterious Hester Shaw? And why does she want Thaddeus Valentine dead? Episode 2 of 14.

Dan Dare - Pilot of the Future
Disaster: Dan Dare embarks on a mission to Venus to save the world. Based on Frank Hampson's original creation. Episode 1 of 4.

Superman: Knights of the White Carnation

Currently being aired on When Radio Was. (http://www.radiospirits.com)
It's a 15 minute serial, probably going to be in 6 parts. I listened to the episode that was supposed to be the first one, but it seemed to begin in media res.

In any event...it's all about immigration, and protesting it being unAmerican. A timely program, considering what is going on in the world today.

(However, for my part, legal immigration is fine - deport illegal immigrants because they are...wait for it...illegal. Or if they must remain - don't automatically give them all the rights of American citizens from welfare, onward)

10 Apr: Adventures of Superman!

The Radio Spirits website sponsors When Radio Was.

Here's the sci fi schedule for April. The first episode of the Adventures of Superman has been archived so make sure you go back and listen to it within the next two days!

Wednesday, 4/15 Adventures of Superman. Knights of the White Carnation pt 1 (2/26/47)
Wednesday, 4/12, Adventures of Superman. Knights of the White Carnation pt 2 (2/27/47)
Wednesday, 4/19 Adventures of Superman. Knights of the White Carnation pt 2 (2/28/47 )
Wednesday, 4/26 Adventures of Superman. Knights of the White Carnation pt 3 (3/3/47)


Sunday's programs are up on BBC 7 and there are two sci fi shows:

The Twilight Zone
The Passersby: It's 1865, and a defeated Confederate soldier returning home meets a young woman who has been suffering from the fever. [Rptd Mon 12.00am]
18:40-19:00Listen Again


The Silent Vulcan
Nigel Anthony continues reading James Follett's sci-fi classic. Episode 4 of 8. [Rptd Mon 12.40am]


Listened to "The Cupboard Beneath the Stairs," a fifteen minute show on an anthology series called Fresh Blood, on Friday, it is indeed science fiction but suffers from an abrupt ending.


Monday on BBC 7

The Magician's Nephew
A lion sings a new world into existence, but a dark treachery threatens its future. Episode 1 of 3.


Mortal Engines
Adrian Rawlins reads the first part of Philip Reeves classic sci fi novel. Episode 1 of 4.

Thanasphere
Kurt Vonnegut's 1950s reflection on mortality. A pioneering astronaut hears the voices of the earth's dead in outer space.



Source:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbc7/listenagain/friday/

9 April - Sci fi radio drama

I've missed a week of entries here - been busy getting the April issue of The Thunder Child read to go live.

From now on I'll make a point of putting entries here everyday.

So, what's going on at the BBC 7 "Listen Again?"

Still available, Wednesday, April 5
Married
Serenity: Robin Lightfoot has woken up in a parallel universe. Starring Hugh Bonneville and Josie Lawrence. [Rptd Thu 6.00am]

Friday, April 7
Fresh Blood:
The Cupboard Beneath the Stairs: Four friends re-stage a '60s moon-shot in a Farnborough semi. It's space travel, Jim, but not as we know it. [Rptd Sat 12.00am]
---It sounds like it's supposed to be sci fi...it's 15 minutes long, I haven't listened to it yet.

Saturday, April 8
Earthsearch
Mindwarp: Ewen sets out to discover the mythical outdoors, but hasn't banked on the interference of Dom Astor Tarant or the aims of Inman. Episode 2 of 3. [Rptd Sun 12.00am]
Writer is James Follett. I missed Episode 1, so won't bother with episodes 2 or 3. I don't like coming into things halfway through.

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbc7/listenagain/saturday/

Apr 2 - Sci fi radio drama

Here's what's on Radio 7: http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbc7/listenagain/monday/

The only definite sci fi shows are Married, on Wednesday, and Earthsearch, on Saturday.


Monday, March 27
The Haunting of Hill House pt 1 of 10. Each episode 15 minutes long. I deduce it's a horror program.

Tuesday, March 28
The House of the Spirit Levels (another horror program, I believe, with a comic tinge)

Wednesday, March 29
Married, episode 4 of 6. Married. About a man who goes into an alternate universe where the people are the same but the universe isn't different.
The Cabaret of Dr. Caligari. Another horror program, with a comedic tinge. Sylvester McCoy was in this.
The Haunting of Hill House, pt 3 of 10.

Thursday, March 30
The Haunting of Hill House, pt 4 of 10
2,000 Years of Radio: Crusade Roadshow. The comedy series on the radio that might have existed in a bygone age.

Friday, March 31
No sci fi or horror. Lots of comedy, etc.

Saturday, April 1
Earthsearch
Mindwarp: For generations the people of Arama have never questioned why things are as they are. Until now. Episode 1 of 3.
A Question of Treatment
Have you ever wondered if it's possible to catch Dutch Elm Disease? If you have red hair, apparently it is. [Rpt of 8.50am] Not sure if this is a sci fi or fantasy or something - not something I want to listen to.

Been busy

The blog is on hold for a while as I attempt to transcribe several hours of actors talking, which I recorded at the Williamsburg Film Festival this March. Ben Cooper, Jan Merlin, Frankie Thomas...

so I'll probably get back to this blog seriously in April.

Mar 7: Time Hops - for children

I've missed a few days - was busy getting the March issue of The Thunder Child online

Time Hops
Once Upon a Time:
A scientist mouse called Eek escapes from the future and enlists the help of three children to save her planet. Episode 1 of 5.

Very promising series.