http://jdsawyer.net Just another weblog Tue, 02 Mar 2010 09:49:09 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Free content - particularly in the audio fiction space - suddenly seems a lot less of a perpetual free lunch than it did six months ago, and it's got a lot of folks freaking out in my corner of the Internet. Providers are dropping like flies this year! ... http://jdsawyer.net/2010/03/01/if-you-build-it-will-they-come/ Demographic disclosure: I am an American who likes good adult (note the lack of euphemistic quotation marks) entertainment, and I am disgusted and ashamed at what thirty years of cultural conservatism has done to my country. Perhaps I'd better back up and explain... It's been two years since I ... http://jdsawyer.net/2010/02/24/blood-guts-breasts-and-insanity/ [podcast]http://media.blubrry.com/antithesis1/www.jdsawyer.net/wp-content/uploads/antithesis2-ep04.mp3[/podcast]Download Subscribe And now, Episode 4 of Free Will and Other Compulsions. Story So Far by Steve Riekiberg, host of Geek Cred. Cast this week (in order of appearance): Nathan Lowell as Senator William Shelley Miss Kalendar as Ali Hartman Kitty Nic'Iaian as Fugitive and The Answering Service Andrea Fender as The Moon Girl Michael Lemonjello ... http://jdsawyer.net/2010/02/11/free-will-ep-04/ [podcast]http://media.blubrry.com/downfromten/www.jdsawyer.net/wp-content/uploads/df10_ep18.mp3[/podcast] Download Subscribe And now, Episode 18, in which Sarah knows the rules for life, Edelle gets a hug, and Jeremiah gets religion. This episode's Story So far by author Blake Charlton, bumper by uberfan Mildred Cady. Enjoy! http://jdsawyer.net/2010/02/07/down-from-ten-ep-18/ This post is my first in a dialogue with Scott Roche about whether or not science and religion are truly competing for the same intellectual and spiritual space in the world. Read Scott's opening post here. Twitter is a mischievous little meme. On that innocent network yesterday, ... http://jdsawyer.net/2010/01/31/a-skin-deep-territory-distinction/ I am pleased to report that the story I originally wrote for Philippa Ballantine's podcast project Erotica a la Carte has just sold to Circlet Press, and will be included in their forthcoming anthology Apocalypse Sex. Buried Alive In The Blues is the story of Irene, a widow who finds ... http://jdsawyer.net/2010/01/31/buried-alive-in-an-anthology/ Stopping in quickly during a break in my hectic production and writing schedules to drop a handful of links that have recently blown me away in one way or another. First, the coolest biomedical news this year: Synthetic arteries have arrived. Second, some really cool news on dog evolution from two fronts. ... http://jdsawyer.net/2010/01/27/this-weeks-cool-biotech/ [podcast]http://media.blubrry.com/antithesis1/www.jdsawyer.net/wp-content/uploads/antithesis2-ep03.mp3[/podcast]Download Subscribe And now, Episode 3 of Free Will and Other Compulsions. Story So Far by Blake Charlton - find his book Spellwright, forthcoming from TOR at his home page. Cast this week (in order of appearance): Miss Kalendar as Ali Hartman Stephanie Sawyer as Cassy Orinthal Kitty Nic'Iaian as Fugitive and The Answering ... http://jdsawyer.net/2010/01/21/free-will-ep-03/ [podcast]http://media.blubrry.com/downfromten/www.jdsawyer.net/wp-content/uploads/df10_ep17.mp3[/podcast] Download Subscribe And now, Episode 17, in which Kevin and Jeremiah explore the uses for Vasaline, and Gerd has a secret. Story So far by J.R. Murcodk of V&A Shipping. Enjoy! http://jdsawyer.net/2010/01/13/down-from-ten-ep-17/ As I sat in this chair this morning prepping the next round of episodes for Down From Ten after a longer-than-intended Christmas hiatus, I got the news that Tee Morris's wife died yesterday, leaving Tee and his five-year-old daughter, affectionately known as Sonic Boom, behind. You that listen here ... http://jdsawyer.net/2010/01/07/falling-down/ [podcast]http://media.blubrry.com/downfromten/www.jdsawyer.net/wp-content/uploads/awp_xmas_service_2009.mp3[/podcast] Download Subscribe Happy Christmas, everyone! Sometime in November, new cast member Andrea Fender (playing the as yet unnamed "moon girl") contacted Dan after her first recording session and said something along the lines of "That was fun! Let's do some more!" Since Dan didn't have any more of ... http://jdsawyer.net/2009/12/24/special-christmas-episode-goes-live/ For those of you not following along, in the current book of The Antithesis Progression, one character is using a hormone cocktail on another as a chemical leash. I've gotten some questions about what these weaponized chemicals are supposed to accomplish, how they're supposed to work, and whether they're ... http://jdsawyer.net/2009/12/07/hormones-as-neurotransmitters/ [podcast]http://media.blubrry.com/downfromten/www.jdsawyer.net/wp-content/uploads/df10_ep16.mp3[/podcast] Download Subscribe And now, Episode 16, in which Katy teaches a class, Amos has a fan club, and Gerd gets a sore throat. Story So far by Mur Lafferty of more things than I can ever hope to name. Enjoy! http://jdsawyer.net/2009/12/01/down-from-ten-ep-16/ [podcast]http://media.blubrry.com/antithesis1/www.jdsawyer.net/wp-content/uploads/antithesis2-ep02.mp3[/podcast] Download Subscribe And now, Episode 2 of Free Will and Other Compulsions. Story So Far by J.R. Murdock - find his books at Podiobooks. Cast this week (in order of appearance): Andrea Fender as The Moon Girl Michael Lemonjello as Search Party Leader Mark Smith as The Third Search Party Member Miss Kalendar as Ali ... http://jdsawyer.net/2009/11/29/free-will-ep-02/ Of the complicated pile of...legacy...that we have to untangle from the cultural madness we Americans indulged in during the Naughties (that's the '00 decade, where pretty much every public figure engaged with politics, public policy, economics, social action, environmentalism, culture wars, and foreign policy acted impulsively, childishly, and shamefully), perhaps ... http://jdsawyer.net/2009/11/23/doing-violence-to-the-language/ [podcast]http://media.blubrry.com/antithesis1/www.jdsawyer.net/wp-content/uploads/show_736281.mp3[/podcast] Download Subscribe To tide you guys over this week, and for those of you who might not have heard it, here's the show where Philippa Ballantine, Chris Lester, and I podjacked Podioracket. Much silliness ensued -- enjoy! http://jdsawyer.net/2009/11/20/podioracket-triple-threat/ The first Triple Threat Contest is now upon us. Your Mission: 1: Download and print these bookmarks. 2: Cut along the dotted lines. 3: Take to your local libraries and bookstores. 4: Leaving a stack near the checkout gets you one point. Put a bunch inside books by Robert A. Heinlein, Stephen R. ... http://jdsawyer.net/2009/11/18/double-dip-bookmarks/ [podcast]http://media.blubrry.com/downfromten/www.jdsawyer.net/wp-content/uploads/df10_ep15.mp3[/podcast] Download Subscribe And now, Episode 15, in which Jeremiah gets snowed, Edelle gets curious, and Amos reveals the truth. Story So far by Jennifer Hudock of Polyamory Weekly Episode 16 coming this weekend - I hope. http://jdsawyer.net/2009/11/17/down-from-ten-ep-15/ Coming Wednesday, November 18, 2009 Three Podcast Authors, Three Podcast Novels, Three Contests! What to look for: Blog posts containing printable PDF bookmarks at Digital Magic, Metamor City, and Literary Abominations. What you can win: A free book, maybe two or three! (Prize details for each contest will be available at each ... http://jdsawyer.net/2009/11/17/triple-threat-double-dipping-contest/ Philippa Ballantine's DIGITAL MAGIC, J. Daniel Sawyer's FREE WILL AND OTHER COMPULSIONS, and Chris Lester's METAMOR CITY SEASON 2 have been unleashed upon the world. You've heard the first episodes, now talk to the authors. We will all be live on Talkshoe this evening, 6pm PST, taking your ... http://jdsawyer.net/2009/11/12/triple-threat-live-launchcast/ [podcast]http://media.blubrry.com/antithesis1/www.jdsawyer.net/wp-content/uploads/antithesis2-ep01.mp3[/podcast]Download Subscribe And now, Episode 1 of Free Will and Other Compulsions. Cast this week (in order of appearance): Stephanie Sawyer as Cassy Orinthal Kim The Comic Book Goddess as Val Mark Smith as Nineveh Docking Control http://jdsawyer.net/2009/11/12/free-will-ep-01/ [podcast]http://media.blubrry.com/downfromten/www.jdsawyer.net/wp-content/uploads/df10_launchcast_ep03.mp3[/podcast] Download Subscribe Part three of three of the live call-in show that launched Down From Ten -- this one plays almost like a Reprobates Hour episode on the history of the podcast novel. A change of pace from the previous episodes, and a very interesting one. http://jdsawyer.net/2009/10/29/df10-launchcast-ep-03/ Bay Area Podcasters J. Daniel Sawyer, Chris Lester, and Miss Kalendar will be joined by special guest from New Zealand Philipa Ballantine and new publishing sensation Gail Carriger for an evening of conversation, zany antics, good food, and shop talk. Some other bay area literary personalities may also be ... http://jdsawyer.net/2009/10/28/pub-crawl-time/ And now, I am pleased to present to you the world debut of Free Will's promo. Book 2 in The Antithesis Progression is coming, with new music, a new cover, and more story to knock your socks off. Featuring the voices of Georg Chlentzos and Miss Kalendar Want to see ... http://jdsawyer.net/2009/10/25/free-will-the-promo/ [podcast]http://media.blubrry.com/downfromten/www.jdsawyer.net/wp-content/uploads/df10_launchcast_ep02.mp3[/podcast] Download Subscribe Part two of the live call-in show we did for the launch of Down From Ten, in which we take your calls, talk about the craft of writing and podcasting, and argue about what makes for a good story. We also take more saucy calls from listeners. http://jdsawyer.net/2009/10/22/launchcast-ep-02/ [podcast]http://media.blubrry.com/downfromten/www.jdsawyer.net/wp-content/uploads/df10_launchcast_ep01.mp3[/podcast] Download Subscribe Part one of the live call-in show we did for the launch of Down From Ten, in which Tee Morris impersonates John Woo, Chris Lester gets flogged live on mic, we learn the story of Philippa Ballantine's questionable ancestry, and we take a number of saucy calls from listeners. http://jdsawyer.net/2009/10/21/df10-launchcast-ep-01/ [podcast]http://media.blubrry.com/downfromten/www.jdsawyer.net/wp-content/uploads/df10_ep14.mp3[/podcast] Download Subscribe And now, Episode 14, in which Jeremiah notices, Sarah remembers, and Gerd does some heavy lifting. Story So far by Cunning Minx of Polyamory Weekly Episode 15 coming this weekend. http://jdsawyer.net/2009/10/21/down-from-ten-ep-14/ by Gail Carriger [In honor of her new book Soulless, which impressed me with its groundedness in the Victorian world, I asked author Gail Carriger to blog about the art of finding good research sources for Steampunk writing. This is her contribution - thank you very much, Ms. Carriger! ... http://jdsawyer.net/2009/10/10/super-sneaky-victoriana-research-tips/ [podcast]http://media.blubrry.com/downfromten/www.jdsawyer.net/wp-content/uploads/df10_ep13.mp3[/podcast] Download Subscribe And now, Episode 13, in which Gerd makes a discovery, Katy makes a point, and Amos reveals a dark secret. Bumper by Brian D. Clay, author of The Kingdom Crisis. Episode 14 coming sometime in the next 5 days http://jdsawyer.net/2009/10/09/down-from-ten-ep-13/ [podcast]http://media.blubrry.com/downfromten/www.jdsawyer.net/wp-content/uploads/df10_ep12.mp3[/podcast] Download Subscribe And now, Episode 12, in which Amos has a nightmare, Jeremiah has fridge issues, and Sarah sings a song. Story So Far by Helen E. H. Madden of Heat Flash Erotica. No aftershow this week -- but lots of news next time. Episode 13 coming next weekend. http://jdsawyer.net/2009/09/28/down-from-ten-ep-12/ [podcast]http://media.blubrry.com/downfromten/www.jdsawyer.net/wp-content/uploads/df10_ep11.mp3[/podcast] Download Subscribe And now, Episode 11, in which Sarah puts her foot down, Amos has a secret, and the shadows have an agenda. Bumper by Chooch and Viv of Into The Blender. Story So Far by Rhonda Carpenter of Podioracket and Mark of a Druid. Episode 12 coming next weekend. http://jdsawyer.net/2009/09/19/down-from-ten-ep-11/ The following is the press release regarding Spider Robinson's current situation. Please take a moment to read it. --- --- --- --- Earlier this year a brilliant Vancouver surgeon, Dr. Andresz Busczowski, helped Hugo- and Nebula-winning science fiction writer and zero-gravity dancer/choreographer Jeanne Robinson beat back a rare and virulent form of biliary cancer. ... http://jdsawyer.net/2009/09/19/spider-robinson-could-use-a-hand/ [podcast]http://media.blubrry.com/downfromten/www.jdsawyer.net/wp-content/uploads/df10_ep10.mp3[/podcast] Download Subscribe And now, Episode 10, in which Edelle and Carol compete for the poetry prize, Amos has an opinion, and Katy has a secret. Bumper by Beq of Metamor City. Story So Far by composer Danny Schade of his own demented, but delightful, domain. Episode 11 coming this weekend. http://jdsawyer.net/2009/09/16/down-from-ten-ep-10/ Those of you who read my blog will have seen my review of Gail Carriger's Soulless. There was something that I didn't tell you in that review. When I read Soulless, I was so impressed with it that I offered Gail my services pro bono as a claviger...um...as ... http://jdsawyer.net/2009/09/10/world-debut-soulless-by-gail-carriger-audio/ [podcast]http://media.blubrry.com/downfromten/www.jdsawyer.net/wp-content/uploads/df10_ep09.mp3[/podcast] Download Subscribe Finally back on the air after a number of major tech problems which I'll detail next week. And now, Episode 9, Jeremiah has a secret, in which Sarah makes a discovery, and Amos gets an irresistable urge. Bumper by Wander Wolf of WNDR Radio. Story So Far by Abbie Hilton ... http://jdsawyer.net/2009/09/10/down-from-ten-ep-9/ Brian Clay has posted a very kind review of Predestination and of Down From Ten, as well as of Philippa Ballantine's Weather Child and Scott Sigler's new hardcover release The Rookie (which is, by the by, probably his best work and it's a gorgeous hardcover). Anyway, Brian has this to say ... http://jdsawyer.net/2009/09/03/predestination-and-down-from-ten-reviewed/ [podcast]http://media.blubrry.com/downfromten/www.jdsawyer.net/wp-content/uploads/df10_ep08.mp3[/podcast] Download Subscribe Finally back on the air after a number of major tech problems which I'll detail next week. And now, Episode 8, in which Katy has an opinion, Jeremiah has a problem, and Carol has a plan. Story So Far by Miss Kalendar of Brass Needles. Episode 9 and 10 coming next weekend. http://jdsawyer.net/2009/08/29/down-from-ten-ep-8/ Are the New Atheists Bad for Science? By J. Daniel Sawyer In an article on Beliefnet this week, Michael Ruse argues that the “new atheists” are a “bloody disaster.” He argues using a mixture of caricatures, complaints, and criticisms, so before I go into why I think the man is full ... http://jdsawyer.net/2009/08/18/falling-for-a-ruse/ It's that time again -- the time when we all meet up at a bar and act in a publicly embarrassing manner for no other reason than it's fun! This time, Rick Stringer of Variant Frequencies is in town. He will be joining Scott Sigler, Seth Harwood, Chris ... http://jdsawyer.net/2009/08/11/parsec-nominees-pub-crawl/ [podcast]http://media.blubrry.com/downfromten/www.jdsawyer.net/wp-content/uploads/df10_ep07.mp3[/podcast] Download Subscribe And now, Episode 7, in which the mirrors have minds of their own, the walls have ears, Kevin has more trouble in the bathroom, and some guns are mounted on the wall. Bumper by Gail Carriger. Story So Far by Steve Riekeberg of Geek Cred. Episode 8 coming this ... http://jdsawyer.net/2009/08/06/down-from-ten-ep-7/ [podcast]http://media.blubrry.com/downfromten/www.jdsawyer.net/wp-content/uploads/df10_promo1.mp3[/podcast] Download Subscribe Here is the first promo for Down From Ten. Please post it everywhere! Your podcasts, blogs, parent's car windows, door of city hall, etc. :-) http://jdsawyer.net/2009/07/30/down-from-ten-promo/ [podcast]http://media.blubrry.com/downfromten/www.jdsawyer.net/wp-content/uploads/df10_ep06.mp3[/podcast] Download Subscribe And now, Episode 6, in which the plot thickens. Episode 7 coming this weekend. http://jdsawyer.net/2009/07/29/down-from-ten-ep-6/ A review of Soulless by Gail Carriger There is only one thing worse than having a soul, and that is not having a soul. Or perhaps having too much? I think I'm getting ahead of myself. To backtrack, I just finished reading Gail Carriger's debut novel Soulless, now available for ... http://jdsawyer.net/2009/07/28/etiquette-by-the-full-moon/ We are now taking pre-orders for the Predestination (Book 1 of The Antithesis Progression) book poster at right. All pre-orders will be signed and numbered by the author. Whenever we have 20 orders - the minimum we need to pay for a small print run - we will ... http://jdsawyer.net/2009/07/27/predestination-poster-pre-orders/ [podcast]http://media.blubrry.com/downfromten/www.jdsawyer.net/wp-content/uploads/df10_ep05.mp3[/podcast] Download Subscribe And now, Episode 5, in which Jeremiah finds his place, Edelle makes breakfast, Gerd and Sarah make music, Kevin fails his dress code exam, and the snows begin in earnest. Bumper by uberfan Mildred Cady. Story So Far by Chris Lester, who plays Jeremiah and is master ... http://jdsawyer.net/2009/07/27/down-from-ten-ep-5/ I am pleased to announce that my friend and sometimes actor Philippa Ballantine and I will be collaborating on a new project this year. Although my creative partner on this endeavor and I are both known for our steamy fiction, this project takes it to a whole new level. Beginning ... http://jdsawyer.net/2009/07/24/kiwi-sourdough-the-biggest-news-yet/ Well, ladies and germs, it's official: Predestination is a parsec finalist. Officially we're up for "Best New Speculative Fiction Podcaster/Team," and, while it's only *one* of the nominations I was hoping for, if i had to pick only one this would probably be it. Why's that? Well, this ... http://jdsawyer.net/2009/07/24/parsec-finalist/ [podcast]http://media.blubrry.com/antithesis1/www.jdsawyer.net/wp-content/uploads/free_will_preview.mp3[/podcast] Download Subscribe Hello everyone -- Due to circumstances beyond my control, Down From Ten is not going to be posting until next week, when we should have two episodes up. In lieu of that, I'm bringing you the much-anticipated preview for Book 2 of the Antithesis Progression: Free Will and ... http://jdsawyer.net/2009/07/20/free-will-sneak-preview/ [podcast]http://media.blubrry.com/downfromten/www.jdsawyer.net/wp-content/uploads/df10_ep04.mp3[/podcast] Download Subscribe And now, Episode 4, in which Kevin takes a dip, Katy talks to a dip, Carol dances, Amos takes a walk, and the plot thickens. Bumper by Miss Kalendar of Brass Needles, who plays Sarah in Down From Ten. Story So Far by Gail Carriger. Check out ... http://jdsawyer.net/2009/07/13/down-from-ten-ep-4/ Phil Rossi, the man who does science fiction horror in the most unnerving possible fashion (i.e. it gets under my skin) is rushing the Amazon charts today. If you liked Predestination but thought it was a little slow, then this guy is for you. Imagine the gritty darkness ... http://jdsawyer.net/2009/07/09/crescent-amazon-rush-today/ I'm stopping in to give you all a quick digest on my recent activities, which have been many, prolific, and at hopefully somewhat scandalous. First, the appearances. You can find me on recent episodes of Podioracket, The Dead Robots Society, and doing voice work as the German Army in Philippa ... http://jdsawyer.net/2009/07/09/updates-general-and-specific/ [podcast]http://media.blubrry.com/downfromten/www.jdsawyer.net/wp-content/uploads/df10_ep03.mp3[/podcast] Download Subscribe And now, Episode 3. Bumper by Mark Smith of Buffy, Between The Lines. Story So Far by Philippa Ballantine. http://jdsawyer.net/2009/07/04/down-from-ten-ep-3/ [podcast]http://media.blubrry.com/downfromten/www.jdsawyer.net/wp-content/uploads/df10_ep2.mp3[/podcast] Download Subscribe And now, Episode 2. Bumper by Steve Reikiberg of Geek Cred, Story So Far by Kitty Nic'Iaian. http://jdsawyer.net/2009/06/28/down-from-ten-ep-2/ [podcast]http://media.blubrry.com/downfromten/www.jdsawyer.net/wp-content/uploads/df10_ep1.mp3[/podcast] Download Subscribe Well, boys and girls, here it is. No fanfare, I'm saving that for a bit later. For now, just enjoy: episode 1 of Down From Ten. http://jdsawyer.net/2009/06/21/down-from-ten-episode-1/ Six Parsecs, to be exact. I've been officially nominated for the Parsec awards in six categories - three for The Antithesis Progression and three for Sculpting God. For Predestination, I've been nominated for: Best Speculative Fiction Story (Novel Form) Best Audio Drama (Long Form including Independents) Best New Speculative Fiction Podcaster/Team And for Sculpting ... http://jdsawyer.net/2009/06/18/in-less-than-twelve-parsecs/ Amazing day today full of good press for your humble narrator. It started off with your humble narrator being interviewed live on Podioracket's BlogTalk Radio show. Shortly after I wrapped that up, an interview I did last month with WNDR Radio posted, and hot on the heels of ... http://jdsawyer.net/2009/06/15/big-press-day/ [podcast]http://media.blubrry.com/antithesis1/www.jdsawyer.net/wp-content/uploads/dealing_in_9pt2.mp3[/podcast] Download Subscribe This one features Miss Kalendar along with Chris Lester and Kitty Nic'Iaian. This is part two of the final round of Dealing In. Part three will be coming next week. You guys rock! In this episode, we deal with some very particular and intelligent criticisms of Predestination voiced by ... http://jdsawyer.net/2009/06/07/dealing-in-ep-9-pt-2/ [podcast]http://media.blubrry.com/antithesis1/www.jdsawyer.net/wp-content/uploads/dealing_in_9pt1.mp3[/podcast] Download Subscribe This one features Miss Kalendar along with Chris Lester and Kitty Nic'Iaian. This is it, folks, the final round of Dealing In before we get to Down From Ten. We toast the successful conclusion of Predestination and look forward. Some info on Down From Ten here, as well ... http://jdsawyer.net/2009/06/03/dealing-in-ep-9-pt1/ [podcast]http://www.reprobateshour.com/podpress_trac/web/42/0/reprobates_s3_e04_carrier_ancient_science_2.mp3[/podcast] Subscribe Download Part 2 of the Richard Carrier is now live. We continue our conversation about science in the ancient world, discuss the works and missteps of Rodney Stark and his theory of the scientific revolution, read and discuss ancient documents germaine to the topic, and talk about the reasons ... http://jdsawyer.net/2009/06/03/season-3-episode-4-ancient-science-with-richard-carrier-pt-2/ Well, ladies and germs, I'm off to BayCon tomorrow, where I'll be flittering hither and thither spreading my own brand of humor and amusement If any of you will be there, I'll be having lunch in the bar area at noon on Sunday - feel free to join me. ... http://jdsawyer.net/2009/05/22/baycon-and-general-updates/ Those of you who listened to Predestination heard Christiana Ellis's voice playing bit parts -- when you listen to Down From Ten you'll hear her as one of the main characters. But when you listen to her podcasts - Shallow Thoughts, Space Casey, or Nina Kimberley - you'll be ... http://jdsawyer.net/2009/05/15/nina-kimberley-the-merciless-free-e-book/ [podcast]http://media.blubrry.com/antithesis1/www.jdsawyer.net/wp-content/uploads/antithesis1_exit_interview.mp3[/podcast]Download Subscribe What kind of insanity have I wrought? What does it take to do something like this? What's next on my plate? What does Tee Morris's pubic hair have to do with podcasting? Give it a listen and find out as Tee Morris roasts and interviews ... http://jdsawyer.net/2009/05/15/predestination-exit-interview-with-tee-morris/ [podcast]http://media.blubrry.com/antithesis1/www.jdsawyer.net/wp-content/uploads/down_from_ten_preview.mp3[/podcast]Download Subscribe Here you are, all you wonderful listeners -- a sneak preview of Down From Ten. Enjoy -- and please distribute widely! http://jdsawyer.net/2009/05/13/down-from-ten-preview/ Hey Everyone, It's been a long time! Before my life was swallowed by the podcast of my novel Predestination and Other Games of Chance, I recorded quite a bit for Reprobates Hour. So now, to kick off part 2 of Season 3, Richard Carrier returns to talk about science ... http://jdsawyer.net/2009/05/08/season-3-episode-3-ancient-science-with-richard-carrier-pt-1/ Check out the details here. Come out with me and celebrate the successful completion of the Predestination podcast, and also the launch of Seth Harwood's Jack Wakes Up! http://jdsawyer.net/2009/05/06/predestination-wrap-party-pub-crawl/ My friend Seth Harwood has his mainstream debut with his book Jack Wakes Up today, coming out from an imprint of Crown, the same publisher that picked up Scott Sigler. Some of you may not know his book, a modern-day noir thriller that is equal parts James M. Caine ... http://jdsawyer.net/2009/05/05/bonus-content-jack-wakes-up-pdf/ [podcast]http://media.blubrry.com/antithesis1/www.jdsawyer.net/wp-content/uploads/antithesis1_ep27.mp3[/podcast]Download Subscribe Here we are, everyone. The final episode. The guy that got me into this whole thing, Scott Sigler brings us the final Story So Far. Be sure to stay tuned for the end matter -- there is new music and a surprise at the end! Thank you ... http://jdsawyer.net/2009/05/01/predestination-episode-27-finale/ [podcast]http://media.blubrry.com/antithesis1/www.jdsawyer.net/wp-content/uploads/antithesis1_ep26.mp3[/podcast]Download Subscribe The Climactic episode of Predestination clocking in at 37mins. This is easily the most acoustically complex episode of the series, with more kick-ss original music by Danny Schade. P.G. Holyfield joins the cast, too! But that's not what you're interested in. You want to know what ... http://jdsawyer.net/2009/04/30/predestination-episode-26/ [podcast]http://media.blubrry.com/antithesis1/www.jdsawyer.net/wp-content/uploads/dealing_in_8pt2.mp3[/podcast] Download Subscribe Part 2 of the final Dealing In (well, the final one before the end of the book) is here! This time we banted with listener voicemails, talk about sex scenes and DOOM!, and laugh ourselves silly. A little treat to tide you over for till tomorrow, when ... http://jdsawyer.net/2009/04/29/dealing-in-episode-8-pt-2/ Well, my friends (and enemies, and trespassers), I've just sold my first article that's NOT about Linux. My essay "As The Gods Themselves..." about science fiction, religion, and the singularity is now online and available for download in PDF and MP3 format at The Journal Sci Phi. If ... http://jdsawyer.net/2009/04/24/first-litphil-article-sold/ [podcast]http://media.blubrry.com/antithesis1/www.jdsawyer.net/wp-content/uploads/dealing_in_8pt1.mp3[/podcast] Download Subscribe Part 1 of the final Dealing In (well, the final one before the end of the book) is here! This week's serves up a mountain of your emails on a range of topics including: Old Europe Bastiat's Principle Buried Alive In The Blues Steampunk (Van Der Meer, Broadmore, Carriger) Soulless by Gail ... http://jdsawyer.net/2009/04/23/dealing-in-episode-8-pt-1/ My story Buried Alive In The Blues is now live at Erotica A La Carte. Head on over and take a listen. You probably guessed this based on the name of the venue, but this story is definitely not suitable for children. Enjoy! http://jdsawyer.net/2009/04/21/buried-alive-in-the-blues/ I've updated the Media Appearances and Publications pages, for those of you who want to be current on what I've been up to besides my podcasts and blogging. http://jdsawyer.net/2009/04/21/site-updates/ I was interviewed this week on The Dead Robots Society, where we discussed Predestination, producing full cast audiobooks, and the glorious delirium of writing. Hear it all here http://jdsawyer.net/2009/04/21/warning-dead-robots-ahead/ [podcast]http://media.blubrry.com/antithesis1/www.jdsawyer.net/wp-content/uploads/antithesis1_ep25.mp3[/podcast]Download Subscribe Luna is rioting - Jade and Voleish are navigating their own ways through it. Meanwhile, Nineveh sleeps uneasily - in the calm before the storm, what small movements will change the course of the storm? The second transhumanist in our cast of characters is revealed - if ... http://jdsawyer.net/2009/04/21/predestination-episode-25/ [podcast]http://media.blubrry.com/antithesis1/www.jdsawyer.net/wp-content/uploads/antithesis1_ep24.mp3[/podcast]Download Subscribe Joss may be able to hold his own against Doug Reeves, but will he be able to stand up under Doug, Ali, Jim, and Cassy all cross-examining him? And what does Cassy need to finally make up her mind about where she stands? This episode features more new ... http://jdsawyer.net/2009/04/12/predestination-episode-24/ [podcast]http://media.blubrry.com/antithesis1/www.jdsawyer.net/wp-content/uploads/music_in_antithesis.mp3[/podcast] Download Subscribe Chris Lester interviews composer Danny Schade about the music for Predestination, his creative process, and the nuts and bolts of collaborative composing. Author J. Daniel Sawyer joins the fun. An informative must-listen for podcast producers and music aficionados. Enjoy! http://jdsawyer.net/2009/04/05/bonus-interview-with-danny-schade/ [podcast]http://media.blubrry.com/antithesis1/www.jdsawyer.net/wp-content/uploads/dealing_in_7pt2.mp3[/podcast] Download Subscribe On this second half of episode seven of Dealing In, Gail Carriger sings the DOOM! song, the quartet gets musically adventurous, Chris Lester gets so tipsy he can't follow the jokes, and we handle all your voicemail. If you thought the first half was zany -- you ain't ... http://jdsawyer.net/2009/04/05/dealing-in-episode-7-pt-2/ [podcast]http://media.blubrry.com/antithesis1/www.jdsawyer.net/wp-content/uploads/dealing_in_7pt1.mp3[/podcast] Download Subscribe On this episode of Dealing In, Gail Carriger brings a touch of prurient Victorian wit to the proceedings, while Chris Lester gets re-acquainted with scotch and Kitty Nic'Iaian reminds us all why she's around: To keep the rest of us in line! Topics Mentioned Prophets of Panimendorah The Midnight Ride of Paul ... http://jdsawyer.net/2009/04/04/dealing-in-episode-7-pt-1/ [podcast]http://media.blubrry.com/antithesis1/www.jdsawyer.net/wp-content/uploads/antithesis1_ep23.mp3[/podcast]Download Subscribe And the countdown continues. After this one there are only four left. This week, some BIG reveals about a couple of our characters. Joss, Cassy, Doug, Ali, and Jim pick up right where we left them at Phalanx, at the moment of Joss's betrayal - but ... http://jdsawyer.net/2009/04/02/predestination-episode-23/ [podcast]http://media.blubrry.com/antithesis1/www.jdsawyer.net/wp-content/uploads/predestination_promo2.mp3[/podcast] Download Subscribe Well, now that the series is well underway, it's time for a new promo. Any of you listening, please put this on your feed. Siva will fail to destroy you if you do ;-) This promo features Joss Kyle, and is the first of a series of character-based ... http://jdsawyer.net/2009/03/27/predestination-promo-4/ [podcast]http://media.blubrry.com/antithesis1/www.jdsawyer.net/wp-content/uploads/antithesis1_ep22.mp3[/podcast]Download Subscribe Here we go. This episode kicks off with Ali and Jim arriving on Nineveh, and ends on yet another cliffhanger. All the main characters are now in one place -- will all hell break loose? Find out. This episode features new music by Danny Schade, ... http://jdsawyer.net/2009/03/26/predestination-episode-22/ [podcast]http://media.blubrry.com/antithesis1/www.jdsawyer.net/wp-content/uploads/antithesis1_ep21.mp3[/podcast]Download Subscribe Fix for the problems some of you had with accidentally grabbing ep 12. Marian Shelley emerges from her convalescence to discover whether or not she can actually face the world after what she's lived through. On Luna, Brittany runs into an unusual character, while on Nineveh Joss gets a ... http://jdsawyer.net/2009/03/19/episode-21-fix/ [podcast]http://media.blubrry.com/antithesis1/www.jdsawyer.net/wp-content/uploads/antithesis1_ep21.mp3[/podcast]Download Subscribe Marian Shelley emerges from her convalesence to discover whether or not she can actually face the world after what she's lived through. On Luna, Brittany runs into an unusual character, while on Nineveh Joss gets a not-quite-unexpected visitor. Larry Bushey, Host of the Going Linux Podcast, brings us the ... http://jdsawyer.net/2009/03/18/predestination-episode-21/ [podcast]http://media.blubrry.com/antithesis1/www.jdsawyer.net/wp-content/uploads/dealing_in_6_pt2.mp3[/podcast] Download Subscribe Hey everyone, the final half of episode six of is here. Chris, Kitty and I plow through the rest of the piled-up mountain of feedback for the story through Episode Seventeen. This one's an hour and fifteen minutes long. My cohorts and I deal with more worldbuilding ... http://jdsawyer.net/2009/03/12/dealing-in-episode-six-pt-2/ by J. Daniel Sawyer Thanks to Amy Gahran for sparking the idea Literacy is like heroin - it's habit-forming. The more people try out the habit, the more likely they are to retain it. Exposure to books breeds consumption of books, which is good, because the act of reading requires deliberate commitment. ... http://jdsawyer.net/2009/03/10/what-book-publishers-could-learn-from-drug-dealers/ [podcast]http://media.blubrry.com/antithesis1/www.jdsawyer.net/wp-content/uploads/antithesis1_ep20.mp3[/podcast]Download Subscribe Between planets, stuck on a ship with Doug Reeves, can Cassy hold it together long enough to make it to Nineveh? Christiana Ellis, author of Nina Kimberly the Merciless, brings us the Story So Far. Cast this week (in order of appearance): Stephanie Sawyer as Cassy Orinthal George Chlentzos as Douglas Reeves http://jdsawyer.net/2009/03/09/predestination-episode-20/ [podcast]http://media.blubrry.com/antithesis1/www.jdsawyer.net/wp-content/uploads/antithesis1_ep19.mp3[/podcast]Download Subscribe Brittany is back, doing her best to hold things together in the wake of a national emergency during Cassy's absence. Meanwhile, Doug sorts through his options while Joss secures some insurance for himself. Brittany is back, doing her best to hold things together in the wake of a ... http://jdsawyer.net/2009/03/02/predestination-episode-19/ [podcast]http://media.blubrry.com/antithesis1/www.jdsawyer.net/wp-content/uploads/dealing_in_6.mp3[/podcast] Download Subscribe Heya Everyone, episode six of dealing in is here. Due to my long absence a LOT of feedback had piled up. This one's an hour long, and it's part one of two or three. My cohorts and I deal with an epic email from a former ... http://jdsawyer.net/2009/02/25/dealing-in-episode-six-pt-1/ [podcast]http://media.blubrry.com/antithesis1/www.jdsawyer.net/wp-content/uploads/antithesis1_ep18.mp3[/podcast]Download Subscribe While Jim and Ali chase down their job on Mars, their employer, Mr. Douglas Reeves, lays his plans for the future of the Lunar resistance. Philippa Ballantine, author of Weather Child, brings us the Story So Far. This week's in-show promo is for her new book. If you're in the ... http://jdsawyer.net/2009/02/21/predestination-episode-18/ [podcast]http://media.blubrry.com/antithesis1/www.jdsawyer.net/wp-content/uploads/antithesis1_ep17.mp3[/podcast]Download Subscribe Percy Scott has some loose ends to tie up, which Joss Kyle has some plans to lay. Neither of them is aware of Bill Shelley's plans, or how they're about to make a splash in a big way. Then again, neither does his one-time friend and mentor, ... http://jdsawyer.net/2009/02/10/predestination-episode-17/ [podcast]http://media.blubrry.com/antithesis1/www.jdsawyer.net/wp-content/uploads/antithesis1_ep16.mp3[/podcast]Download Subscribe With Cassy and Joss now suspicious of one another, and the Hartmans at each other's throats on Mars, the powderkeg is primed. Tonight, the first spark falls. Kim the Comic Book Goddess and Heather Welliver join our cast tonight, while Dalya Massachi of of Writing for Community ... http://jdsawyer.net/2009/02/06/predestination-episode-16/ [podcast]http://media.blubrry.com/antithesis1/www.jdsawyer.net/wp-content/uploads/antithesis_lameexcuse2.mp3[/podcast]Download Subscribe Heya Everyone - Between flying kiwis, killer throat ailments, and hard drive corruption, January has been a rough month for Antithesis and for all of you I left hanging on that awful cliffhanger. However, take heart! There is good news. -Dan http://jdsawyer.net/2009/01/24/january-update/ I've been interviewed in some depth over at PodSyndicate.com. Please head on over and comment! Here's an excerpt: The first book in the series, Predestination, deals with rigged poker games. Do you play? What did you learn from personal experiences that played a key role in creating scenarios in ... http://jdsawyer.net/2009/01/15/interview-at-podsyndicatecom/ [podcast]http://media.blubrry.com/antithesis1/www.metamorcity.com/episodes/dealing_in4_pt2of3.mp3[/podcast] Download Subscribe Part two of the Sex Roundtable is here. This time, Chris Lester is hosting it on his feed over at Metamor City and we're running it concurrently here. Consequently, this one's got his opening credits on it instead of mine. This episode picks up the discussion ... http://jdsawyer.net/2009/01/15/dealing-in-episode-4-pt-2-of-3/ [podcast]http://media.blubrry.com/antithesis1/www.jdsawyer.net/wp-content/uploads/dealing_in_5.mp3[/podcast]Download Subscribe We take a break from the constant sex talk to go over the latest feedback and...oh, yeah...talk about sex a bit. And geekiness. And all other manner of insanity. Stay tuned at the end where we announce the winner of the iTunes review contest. Enjoy! P.S. My illness ... http://jdsawyer.net/2009/01/14/dealing-in-episode-5/ Some highlights and lowlights of 2008 This year, particularly the second half, has seen a lot of people turn very pessimistic about, well, everything. Yeah, the economy's slowing down. Yeah, people like me are scrambling just to make ends meet - when money goes slow everywhere, it hits the ... http://jdsawyer.net/2008/12/31/the-year-that-almost-wouldnt-die/ [podcast]http://media.blubrry.com/antithesis1/www.jdsawyer.net/wp-content/uploads/antithesis1_ep15.mp3[/podcast]Download Subscribe Tonight we see what happens to Cassy when she follow Doug Reeves into the church, and then we go Nineveh where Joss hosts the first annual Phalanx Poker Tournament, with contestants and spectators from throughout the colonies. What could possibly go wrong? Kitty Nic'Iaian, co-producer of Predestination and ... http://jdsawyer.net/2008/12/31/predestination-episode-15/ [podcast]http://media.blubrry.com/antithesis1/www.jdsawyer.net/wp-content/uploads/gift_of_magi_updated.mp3[/podcast] A classic Christmas story, short and sweet, slightly revised and performed by members of Casa Sawyer. May your holiday be filled with warmth and delight. http://jdsawyer.net/2008/12/25/the-gift-of-the-magi/ [podcast]http://media.blubrry.com/antithesis1/www.jdsawyer.net/wp-content/uploads/dealing_in_3.mp3[/podcast] Download Subscribe Chris Lester, who plays Rison on Antithesis and is the author/producer of the Metamor City Podcast, joins Kitty Nic'Iaian and myself for drinks and carousing as we go through the feedback you've all sent in since last week. This one's a must listen. Mentioned at length is the unparalleled ... http://jdsawyer.net/2008/12/25/predestination-dealing-in-episode-3-feedback-show/ [podcast]http://media.blubrry.com/antithesis1/www.jdsawyer.net/wp-content/uploads/sexuality_in_antithesis.mp3[/podcast] Download Subscribe This is an excerpt from the feedback show I did with Chris Lester for The Metamor City Podcast. Alcohol, chocolate, and Kitty Nic'Iaian conspire with Chris and I to answer one of Chris's emails from a heterosexual female listener who complained that her orientation was not being well ... http://jdsawyer.net/2008/12/25/bonus-content-sexuality-in-antithesis/ [podcast]http://media.blubrry.com/antithesis1/www.jdsawyer.net/wp-content/uploads/religion_in_antithesis.mp3[/podcast] Download Subscribe This is a rabbit trail that Chris Lester and I went down at the end of recording Dealing In, Episode 3. It's about 25 mins long and pretty heady, so I decided to break it off so you can take it in smaller chunks. It followed right ... http://jdsawyer.net/2008/12/25/predestination-bonus-content-religion-in-antithesis/ The folks at ClonePod liked Cold Duty so much that they ALSO bought it to run as a Christmas episode. You can find it by hitting this link here. Cold Duty: Selected Readings from the Diary of a Gelusian Repairman is the tale of a stable boy who ... http://jdsawyer.net/2008/12/25/cold-duty-runs-on-clonepod/ As covered by SFFAudio, my story Cold Duty is now live at SteamPod. Head on over to hear a tale of a 100-years too early scientific and technological revolution that happens because a stable boy gets caught working on a steam engine. Steampunk memoir - and a tale ... http://jdsawyer.net/2008/12/23/cold-duty-goes-live/ You've successfully found the blog for my home page. Below you can find my rants on various esoterica, above you can find links to my podcasts, publications, and more info about me. But, if you if you click here, you'll find the blog for my podcast ... http://jdsawyer.net/2008/12/15/welcome-siglerites/ [podcast]http://media.blubrry.com/antithesis1/www.jdsawyer.net/wp-content/uploads/antithesis1_ep14.mp3[/podcast]Download Subscribe What makes the Lunar colony work? The docks, that's what. And tonight, that's where we're going, following Cassy on her investigation of the enigma that is Scott Walters and trying to piece together the clues to what's really going on inside her own organization. It's a ... http://jdsawyer.net/2008/12/12/predestination-episode-14/ He brought us Ray Bradbury, and The Ackermansion. He outlived many of the writers whose careers he helped start or who he helped keep in paychecks during dry spells - writers like Robert A. Heinlein, and Theodore Sturgeon, who he helped find jobs writing what was then considered erotica ... http://jdsawyer.net/2008/12/05/remembering-forry/ When writing a period piece, whether that period is past or present, getting your terminology right is essential to maintaining the illusion. It's also one of the easiest things to miss on a revision. Lest you think the following rant is thoroughgoing self-righteousness, let me preemptively explain that ... http://jdsawyer.net/2008/12/02/getting-the-words-right-part-1/ [podcast]http://media.blubrry.com/antithesis1/www.jdsawyer.net/wp-content/uploads/antithesis1_ep13.5.mp3[/podcast] Download Subscribe The new feedback episode is live - and all of you guys rock. A fun time inside, along with TWO contest announcements for your chances to win free Antithesis swag. Take a listen! Also, for those of you interested in my photos from Steam Powered (a.k.a. Steamcon), click ... http://jdsawyer.net/2008/12/02/dealing-in-episode-2-feedback-show/ As we grow and learn about responsibility and darkness in the world, we often lose the ability to play at life, at love, and to take the kinds of risks that children take for fun every day. It's an interesting paradox, because as our world gets freer and more ... http://jdsawyer.net/2008/11/26/ted-of-the-day-creativity-and-play/ Today, I bring you physicist Brian Cox discussing the Large Hadron Collider and what it means for our understanding of the universe. Chock full of wonder, delight, and beauty - join me in marveling at the magnificence of the universe, and the fact that we are able to understand ... http://jdsawyer.net/2008/11/25/ted-of-the-day-the-story-of-everything/ [podcast]http://media.blubrry.com/antithesis1/www.jdsawyer.net/wp-content/uploads/antithesis1_ep13.mp3[/podcast]Download Subscribe This week, we follow Jim to the commune of the Children of Light, while Ali makes a decision about the future of the business. It's a long one this week - 40 minutes - I hope it makes up for my protracted absence due to post-convention illness. ... http://jdsawyer.net/2008/11/24/predestination-episode-13/ Your moment of thoughtiness for the day: Jacqueline Novogratz discusses markets and foreign aid and underclass empowerment in Africa.  Worth every second. http://jdsawyer.net/2008/11/21/ted-of-the-day-patient-capitalism/ Part of my research over the last year has been on nanotech/biotech/AI convergence and how all three of them effect medicine and ethics.  As of now, I'm going to start blogging my thoughts on the topic and links to interesting articles as I come across them. First article: Time Magazine reports ... http://jdsawyer.net/2008/11/18/singularity-update-series-introduction/ Well, I'm back. Voice functioning, body seems to be healthy again finally. Here's what this means for you all, my loyal readers: I'm going to fix and drop Episode 13 of Antithesis tomorrow, probably late, assuming the congestion clears. I'll start blogging again, with reports from SteamCon and some other interesting updates, later ... http://jdsawyer.net/2008/11/17/the-illness-has-been-beaten/ I've been gone a while, and I'm afraid I'll be gone another few days at least.  Seems that I caught a really nasty flu at SteamCon that not only laid me flat for a week, but it has completely robbed me of my voice, thus rendering me unable to podcast.  ... http://jdsawyer.net/2008/11/14/been-gone-a-long-while/ [podcast]http://media.blubrry.com/antithesis1/www.jdsawyer.net/wp-content/uploads/antithesis1_ep12.mp3[/podcast] Download Subscribe This week, we delve deeper into the mystery of Senator Shelley's relationship with the resistance movement and then skip across the solar system to Mars, where we find the Hartmans...or what's left of them. I'm going to be at Steamcon, sitting on two panels and waxing eloquent about Victorian Sci&Tech ... http://jdsawyer.net/2008/10/30/predestination-episode-12/ In my post on the Entitlement Mentality I quoted Daniel Patrick Moynihan, who once said "Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not his own facts."  The last several election cycles in America have made it shockingly clear that Americans no longer know the difference between opinion and facts ... http://jdsawyer.net/2008/10/26/electile-dysfunction-bungling-science-pt-3/ Now, let's go on over to the Republican side of the fence and do some more sacred cow tipping.  I could pick on them for their mirror-image myopia on the same issues of environmental stewardship, but let's go for something more fun.  Let's take the classic Republican relationship with tradition ... http://jdsawyer.net/2008/10/26/electile-dysfunction-bungling-science-pt-2/ It's ironic, really.  America has been the science and technology innovation engine of the world since the days of Thomas Edison, being joined in supremacy by Japan by the last decade of the 20th century.  And yet, despite an amazingly vibrant tech industry (whose growth remains fairly unhindered despite the ... http://jdsawyer.net/2008/10/26/electile-dysfunction-bungling-science-pt-1/ This year's Beyond Belief conference is up, and it looks like it's gonna be a doozy.  This year, in honor of another very bitter election season in the midst of a number of medium-sized crises, the cadre of scientists and philosophers have trained their sights on public policy. For those of ... http://jdsawyer.net/2008/10/21/cant-get-an-election-try-a-candle/ [podcast]http://media.blubrry.com/antithesis1/www.jdsawyer.net/wp-content/uploads/antithesis1_ep11.mp3[/podcast] Download Subscribe This week, we learn what is going on between Cassy Orinthal and diva dancer Brittany Hydra. We also finally learn what Doug Reeves is up to, and what it might mean for the other characters. I'm going to be at Steamcon, sitting on two panels and waxing eloquent about ... http://jdsawyer.net/2008/10/21/predestination-episode-11/ On the Indamixx once again - this week I'm attempting to mix and edit Antithesis on it.  Recording on it worked well already, though I am encountering issues with the thing's root authentication - but more on that in my LinuxJournal article. For this weekend's foray into steampunkiness, I ordered my ... http://jdsawyer.net/2008/10/19/steampunk-education-part-3/ A good friend of mine just lost her father to brain cancer, and I have to take some time out from my production schedule to offer a friendly shoulder.  I'll have the episode up on Saturday, instead of today.  Please pardon the delay. http://jdsawyer.net/2008/10/16/predestination-episode-11-delayed/ Continuing my prep for Steamcon, It's time for round two in the furthering my steampunk education.  I'm still blogging on the Indamixx - going to try recording an Antithesis episode later today to really put it through its paces --- once I figure out how to get NFS working on ... http://jdsawyer.net/2008/10/14/steampunk-education-part-2/ So, with Steamcon coming soon, and me sitting on a couple panels, I've got to bone up on a genre that I've hereto only been passingly familiar with.  This involves an extensive reading list, which I'm honestly not going to have time for.  Fortunately, I'm not giving a talk on ... http://jdsawyer.net/2008/10/14/steampunk-education-part-1/ [podcast]http://media.blubrry.com/antithesis1/www.jdsawyer.net/wp-content/uploads/antithesis1_ep10.mp3[/podcast] Download Subscribe This week, we meet the Lunar dancer Brittany Hydra, and we finally get to see what's underneath Cassy Orinthal's skin. I'm going to be at Steamcon, sitting on two panels and waxing eloquent about Victorian Sci&Tech and Multimedia Production. Phillipa Ballantine, author of the sumptuous Chasing The Bard brings us the ... http://jdsawyer.net/2008/10/11/predestination-episode-10/ For those of you who haven't heard of it, SteamCon is the first anual Bay Area Steampunk Convention.  It happens Halloween Weekend at the Domain Hotel in Sunnyvale CA. I will be on the following panels: Engines of Empire: Real Science and Gadgets of Victorian Times - Saturday 1:30-2:30 and Steampunk Multi-Media: Steamy film, ... http://jdsawyer.net/2008/10/07/steamcon-here-i-come/ This weekend kept me busy - posting the latest Antithesis episode, hitting the pub with Chris Lester and Seth Harwood, and hitting Silicon in San Jose. To start with, on Saturday night, I joined Chris Lester and Seth Harwood at a delightful pub in Berkeley, CA called Jupiter.  Between my fans, ... http://jdsawyer.net/2008/10/07/of-pub-crawls-publishers-short-films-and-short-cons/ [podcast]http://media.blubrry.com/antithesis1/www.jdsawyer.net/wp-content/uploads/antithesis1_ep09.mp3[/podcast] Download Subscribe This week, Jim discovers an unexpected welcome on Mars, while Joss comes into a piece of information he's been searching for that could change everything -- if, that is, he can trust the courier. Don't forget about the meet&greet on October 4th! If you're in the SF Bay Area, ... http://jdsawyer.net/2008/10/04/predestination-episode-9/ [podcast]http://media.blubrry.com/antithesis1/www.jdsawyer.net/wp-content/uploads/antithesis1_ep08.mp3[/podcast] Download Subscribe The last of the late episodes for a while, I trust. Here we find the aftermath of the mugging in the restroom, and we finally catch up with Ali and Jim. Robin Hathaway again steals the show, but Nathan Lowell gives her a good run for her money. ... http://jdsawyer.net/2008/09/30/predestination_episode_8/ Apologia, the semi-weekly Mclachlan Group-style ethics and philosophy roundtable that I participate in, returns today with two episodes recorded over the last month. The first is a lively discussion between the secular folks in the group about the ethics of love, sex, and marriage. We cover polyamory, bestiality, ... http://jdsawyer.net/2008/09/25/love-sex-and-philosophy-apologia-double-header/ [podcast]http://media.blubrry.com/antithesis1/www.jdsawyer.net/wp-content/uploads/antithesis1_ep07.5.mp3[/podcast] Download Subscribe Here we go, ladies and germs, the first feedback episode.  You guys are awesome - even as I was prepping this to post more feedback rolled in, so I've got some for the next one already.  Please keep it coming! http://jdsawyer.net/2008/09/24/predestination-episode-75-feedback/ [podcast]http://media.blubrry.com/antithesis1/www.jdsawyer.net/wp-content/uploads/antithesis1_ep07.mp3[/podcast] Download Subscribe Late again. The extra recording time to get ahead is taking its toll, but I'm getting some more help behind the mic here, so all is not lost. This week's episode is very violent and upsetting - no kidding. If you're a Sigler fan, you'll feel right at ... http://jdsawyer.net/2008/09/16/predestination-episode-7/ I've been a bit delinquent about updating the publications page, but I've just caught it up. New articles from yours truly recently released into the wild include a review of the HP MediaVault Pro in the current issue of LinuxJournal, and a review of Xara Xtreme in last month's ... http://jdsawyer.net/2008/09/09/articles-in-the-wild/ [podcast]http://media.blubrry.com/antithesis1/www.jdsawyer.net/wp-content/uploads/antithesis1_ep06.mp3[/podcast] Download Subscribe Are you doing anything on October 4th? If not, and you're in the SF Bay Area, come to Jupiter's in Berkeley, on Shattuck near University, for a meet and greet with myself, Chris Lester, and Seth Harwood. It's going to be a fun evening, and I'll have ... http://jdsawyer.net/2008/09/09/predestination-episode-6/ The wordcount meter for Down From Ten is moving again. After several weeks of solid non-stop podcasting, I couldn't take it anymore and have picked the project that's second on my priority list to power through. The rest of Free Will will have to wait - there's something about ... http://jdsawyer.net/2008/09/03/the-moving-meter/ [podcast]http://media.blubrry.com/antithesis1/www.jdsawyer.net/wp-content/uploads/antithesis1_ep05.mp3[/podcast] Download Subscribe Okay, I know, it's late again. I'm really trying to get ahead on these and they keep kicking my ass, as real life bears down on top of me. Hopefully, next week will actually be on time. This week, we find out what happens to Joss after he ... http://jdsawyer.net/2008/08/30/predestination-episode-5-2/ [podcast]http://www.reprobateshour.com/podpress_trac/web/39/0/reprobates_s3_e02mightymur.mp3[/podcast] I have to say, up front, that I'm not a big fan of superheroes. Occasionally, a stand-out will come along, like the new Batman Movies or the first X-men film, that will stop me in my tracks and make me cheer, but generally speaking, the whole notion just doesn't ... http://jdsawyer.net/2008/08/25/book-review-playing-for-keeps/ [podcast]http://media.blubrry.com/antithesis1/www.jdsawyer.net/wp-content/uploads/antithesis1_ep04.mp3[/podcast] Download Subscribe Tonight, after a bit of a delay, we wrap up Part 1 of Predestination. What happens at the poker game between Joss and Ali? Will Jim and Ali take him down, or will he manage to escape with his skin? More importantly, who really is the ... http://jdsawyer.net/2008/08/24/predestination-episode-4/ [podcast]http://media.blubrry.com/antithesis1/www.jdsawyer.net/wp-content/uploads/predestination_promo2.mp3[/podcast] Download Subscribe Well, now that the series is well underway, it's time for a new promo. Any of you listening, please put this on your feed. Siva will fail to destroy you if you do ;-) This promo features Joss Kyle, and is the first of a series of character-based ... http://jdsawyer.net/2008/08/19/meet-joss-kyle/ ---edit--- Lisa Paul, in the comments, delivered a round bitch-slap to me for missing the obvious possibility that the following faux-pas could be an attempt to emulate the Brooklynite coloquialism "S/he was robbed" and convey their accent.  She could be right.  However...I like my take on it better ;).  Can anyone ... http://jdsawyer.net/2008/08/18/msnbc-endorses-lolcat-english/ [podcast]http://media.blubrry.com/antithesis1/www.jdsawyer.net/wp-content/uploads/antithesis1_ep03.mp3[/podcast] Download Subscribe Here we go, boys and girls, with episode 3! Will Joss give into his conscience, or will he save his hide and get off the station as soon as possible? What’s really going on with Jim and Ali? And what else is going on in the ... http://jdsawyer.net/2008/08/15/predestination-episode-3-2/ [podcast]http://media.blubrry.com/antithesis1/www.jdsawyer.net/wp-content/uploads/antithesis1_ep05.mp3[/podcast] Download Subscribe Okay, I know, it's late again. I'm really trying to get ahead on these and they keep kicking my ass, as real life bears down on top of me. Hopefully, next week will actually be on time. This week, we find out what happens to Joss after he ... http://antithesis.jdsawyer.net/2008/08/predestination-episode-3/ Download Subscribe The second episode of the Antithesis series is now live, and the adventures of Joss Kyle, Alyssa Hartman, Jim Hartman, and Alex Hart continue. They’re joined this week by two new characters, each of whom seem to dislike their job and have definite ideas about how the ... http://antithesis.jdsawyer.net/2008/08/predestination-episode-2/ You heard them on Reprobates Hour - now buy the books written by Krazy Kiwi Phillipa Ballentine and Irrascible Rabble-Rouser Tee Morris. Today's the day they make their Amazon run. Buy Digital Magic and The Case of the Pitcher's Pendant http://jdsawyer.net/2008/08/08/double-troublenow/ That’s right, boys and girls, the Reprobates Hour is BACK! Click here to get it. To kick off season 3, I’ve got Double Trouble for you - Tee Morris and Phillipa Ballentine join me to talk international travel, sexual politics, nude beaches, scotch, cigars, podcasting, and…what was the ... http://www.reprobateshour.com/2008/08/05/s3-e01-double-trouble/ You’ve stumbled upon the blog for the Antithesis series - currently the host of the podcast of the first book in that series, Predestination and Other Games of Chance. Right now things are a bit spartan - please don’t mind the look. We’re putting the finishing touches on ... http://antithesis.jdsawyer.net/2008/08/dont-mind-the-dust/ Content Warning: Contains adult language and graphic violence [podcast]http://media.blubrry.com/antithesis1/sculptgod.jdsawyer.net/podpress_trac/web/16/0/sg_ep8_the_man_in_the_rain.mp3[/podcast] [Download] [Subscribe] To kick off the Antithesis series, I'm bringing you a story that's just at the edge of what Sculpting God normally deals with. Still a bedtime story for adults, this one tells the story of Mondu, a pawnbroker on a nature ... http://jdsawyer.net/2008/08/02/sculpting-god-the-man-in-the-rain/ [podcast]http://media.blubrry.com/antithesis1/www.jdsawyer.net/wp-content/uploads/antithesis1_ep01.mp3[/podcast] [Download] [Subscribe] The first episode of the Antithesis series is finally live, complete with a feed. After two days of wrestling, it's done. And now, you may all enjoy! Please send feedback, and tune in next week. This is going to post every Thursday. You can ... http://jdsawyer.net/2008/08/02/at-long-last-the-feed-is-active/