Monthly Archives: July 2013

Cliches To Be Used

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Progress Update Report CS-2013-07-31-A

When I used to read computer magazines in the mid-80’s they always tried to make it sound like working there was fun. They would create a fantasy world, with each columnist represented by an unflattering caricature*, and use of the term “X Towers” to refer to the offices, where X is the name of the magazine. “Crash Towers” in Ludlow was a classic example. Some even created fictional writers with complex and exotic backstories, or dressed up their own lives by pretending to be Hunter S Thompson.

I don’t need to make anyone up – I have Gordon, who is the inspiration for the title of this podcast, a kind of mascot, and he also does media post-prod and logging of interview files etc, plus some graphic design. However, from now one I will be referring to Coiled Spring Towers. I already use the term “THIS PROG” in each blog post – anyone know where that’s from? If I signed off with “Splundig Vur Thrigg”, would that make it clearer?

Coiled Spring Towers - where the "magic" happens

Coiled Spring Towers – where the “magic” happens

* By the way, if any artist out there wanted to draw an unflattering caricature of me for the podcast artwork, please get in touch. It seems to be de rigueur for podcasts to use unflattering caricatures of the presenters in their artwork. Failing that I’ll just go with newsprint-style halftoning again like I’m Mark Stewart or the Gang Of Four or something.

Anyway, I’m working on recording and editing the next episode, and this one is a doozy. Very special guest. Can’t imagine why I didn’t interview them before.

Stay hungry!

 

Episode 11: The Ood Cast, Doctor Who, US/UK Fandom

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Episode 11: The Ood Cast, Doctor Who, US/UK Fandom [ 1:01:50 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

CoiledSpringEpisode011

THIS PROG: In the third and final of the three interviews I recorded on my recent trip to The Old Country, I talk to my old theatre buddy Andrew Candish, who is a lifelong fan of Doctor Who and part of one of the most popular and long running Whovian podcasts, The Ood Cast.

I met Andrew and his Ood castmates Chris Alpha and Chris Sigma (sadly the Fourth Ood, Laura, couldn’t join us) at the National Theatre on London’s fashionable South Bank (right near the bookstalls under the bridge), and we talked Who, Trek, Wars, fans, and which were our favourite Who monsters.

I’ve been a fan off and on of the eccentric Time Lord’s adventures since the Tom Baker days, but it was great to talk to folks whose love for the show has given rise to some of the most entertaining podcasting I’ve ever heard.

Show Notes and Links

Soda & Snacks

  • The Fizzary – my local Bay Area insider source for weird & wonderful sodas.
  • Tarhun – Georgian tarragon soda

Coiled Spring Episode 11: The Ood Cast, Doctor Who, US/UK Fandom by The Coiled Spring on Mixcloud

Now Available on SoundCloud! Plus I Need Your Help.

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The Coiled Spring is now available on SoundCloud! At least, the most recent couple of episodes are, due to the free account limits. Check them out at the Coiled Spring’s page on SoundCloud, or in the widget below.

I NEED YOUR HELP

I was recommended by my friend (and possible future guest) Jules Bernstein to use SoundCloud after another friend (and possible future guest) Jason McDaniel told me that the episodes were downloading very slowly. I’m very keen to make sure that everyone has access to the show, so I’m trying out this other way to get the word out.

In the meantime, I need your help to test the download speeds. Please subscribe via iTunes or download directly by following these instructions. Then report back how well the download went via this feedback form. This is clearly very important. Your cooperation is appreciated.

Thanks for listening, and thanks for your help!