A Journal of Improbable Things

He's Back. And It's About Time

improbablethingspodcast@live.co.uk (Rod Henderson) — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 19:47:00 +0000

How does this bloggy based thing work again? Oh yes, it's psychically linked. Just think and type.

Episode 5 has arrived! About 12 years in the making! Or so it feels anyway. I feel I ought to have made it especially good because of the length of time I've been away but ultimately I decided I couldn't be bothered. So here, have some average, hastily nailed together tat! Calloo! Callay! What an absolutely perfect day!

Find said tat here: http://snd.sc/o5XFuF on Soundcloud.

A Journal of Improbable Things: The Podcast - Episode 5 by Rod Henderson 1

Having problems sorting my link to iTunes given that I haven't posted in so long. Til then, it'll have to be old fashioned downloads I'm afraid! Let me know if you're having trouble listening to it (in a technical manner, not with reards to content!) and I'll see if I can bung it over to you any other way.

Given that it has taken several weeks for me to get around to recording it, think of if as a journey from the past to the present. A trip through time and indeed space as I've recorded bits in several different location. Though you won't hear that as I've not made a feature of being somewhere else.

But, that aside, try and find something to enjoy in it. Let me know what you want to hear in the next episode. Oh and Cathryn, if you're reading this, just saying 'namecheck me' isn't good enough!

Send in your thoughts, your letters and emails, your cakes, your cool audio to the usual address and places!

Enjoy!

Rod
x

improbablethingspodcast@live.co.uk
@JOITPodcast
Find us on Facebook

What Does This Button Do?

improbablethingspodcast@live.co.uk (Rod Henderson) — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 02:24:00 +0000

I've returned.

I say that as if I abandoned you in the first place, just ran away from it all, but I didn't.

I promise.

Sometimes there just aren't enough hours in the day and before you can say it, I know, I know, time machines can sort of make more time. But no. Mine's not working properly, or at least not feeling itself. I'm inclined not to blame it though.

I've been run ragged with work and such and it's about to happen again so I thought I'd get this out there whilst I had a smidgin of time available to me.

Agatha Christie's 'And Then There Were None' - DONE
Shakespeare's 'Macbeth' - DONE
Script draft of 'Aladdin' - IN PROGRESS
Script draft of Screenplay - IN PROGRESS
Lighting Design for Temple Academy - IN PROGRESS
'The Revenger's Tragedy' - IN REHEARSALS
JOIT: The Podcast Episode 5 - IN THE STUDIO
Twitnic - PENDING (my fault!)

There you are. Keeps you updated a bit at least.

No idea yet what's going to be in Episode 5. Only will know when I open my mouth and say it!

It's likely to cover:

Series 6 Part 1. Probably nothing new added to the debate so I shall keep it short and snappy.

Torchwood: Miracle Day. Fleetingly as I've deliberately avoided spoilers

Big Finish audios. New territory for me to stray into. In the podcast I mean.

Some of your thoughts and ideas. A mailbag of sorts if you will.

Please send in emails (improbablethingspodcast@live.co.uk - I think!), tweets (@JOITPodcast/@rod_henderson) or audio clips (no longer than what, pfft, 3 minutes, I don't know, whatever seems reasonable) as soon as possible please folks. Would love to hear from you!

If it's any consolation, I've missed this and missed you all.

Rx

Series Launch and An Exercise In Not Crying

improbablethingspodcast@live.co.uk (Rod Henderson) — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 11:18:00 +0000

It's been a while since the last blog post and there is now much to talk about. I won't say too much because then I run out of anything to say on the podcast, and we can't be having that now can we?

Since the last blog post another of our great heroes has gone to join the great UNIT family in the sky. Elisabeth Sladen, you will be so sorely missed. The quote from Planet of The Spiders ("A tear, Sarah-Jane...") keeps going 'round my head, and I suppose if we look on it in no other way, at least The Doctor, The Brig, Harry and Sarah-Jane are all reUNITed once more.

Yesterday, the 23rd April 2011, Series 6 (6A?) premiered on BBC1 and on various channels internationally. The Impossible Astronaut was seen the world over, but for a group of fans it was seen in a small pub in Farringdon. Courtesy of Jeremy Bentham, a launch party was arranged and I was lucky enough to go along. To have fans about a hundred strong all as one toasting Lis and Nic and then settling down to watch that first episode was sort of a thing of beauty. It felt like this was how ALL Doctor Who should be watched. After the episode (see, no spoilers here!) CBBC channel showed a tribute documentary to Lis and I found myself, in a full pub, crying hot angry tears that something as horrible as that which took Nic, Lis and so many members of my family could still exist today.

Jeremy had one of the most difficult jobs of the evening. Sadie (Lis' daughter) sent Jeremy a letter to read to us all. Part of the shock for us all I think was not knowing she was even ill and so not being able to say goodbye or at least try and remove ourselves emotionally from it; to try and prepare ourselves for the moment when the news might break. Part of what Jeremy read told of Lis' wish that no one was to know she was ill because then Sarah-Jane would always live. She would be in our minds as not a woman who had run down and been exhausted by her fight but as the strong, brave hero of Bannerman Road.

I'm sure that can happen. To have a pub full of fans cheer at her name, laugh at as David Tennant put it "the Andy Pandy outfit" from The Hand of Fear and toast her arrival in School Reunion, I think that shows hope.

One of the most fitting tributes came from a child posting on the Newsround website:

"She was the BEST monster hunter EVER. :( "

Nyah, aged 10 in Plymouth, we salute you too.

I owe a special deal of thanks to many people: to Jeremy Bentham for arranging the launch party, to the staff of The One Tun pub in Farringdon, to Helen Thomas for inviting me along and for looking after me during the evening, to all the fans that made that night so warm and so special, to The Pharos Project and the Bad Wilf podcast boys for making the concept of a group hug less-than-awkward but simultaneously more so, to Dr Phil of the Adventures in Time, Space and Music podcast for producing not only the superb new logo for the podcast, but for creating the phenomenal banner across the top of the page (another perfect tribute), to my partner Rebecca for helping me through this difficult time and to Lis and Nic for giving a small boy heroes when he needed them.

Goodbye Sarah-Jane Smith.

JOIT: The Podcast - Episode Four

improbablethingspodcast@live.co.uk (Rod Henderson) — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 18:55:00 +0000

The Live Special!

It has arrived. About bloody time too frankly. For the most part I think it's taken me so phenomenally long to get this episode out because I've been dreading the edit on it!

The finished episode comes in at just over an hour! Not overly happy about that, but there's very little I can do to reduce it any more. Sorry! I promise I won't do many that are this long!

So, content:

-Introduction
-Brigadier tribute
-Rassilon Cutaway
-Thanks to Eaglestriker for closing credit music
-Twubcrawl coverage (that goes on and on and on and...)
-Helen Thomas (of Brit Movie Tours and Snacksacoricofallapatorius) joins us as our first guest!
-Brit Movie Tours Breakdown
-Shoutouts to other podcasts and Twitter users

Photos to correspond to the audio of the Twubcrawl:

The Invasion Conspiracy

Cyberman Sewer (present day)

Cardinal Cap Alley (from Doctor Who Locations website)

Gray-Am (The Staggering Stories newest friend alongside one of Helen's cakes)

Group Photo at Shad Thames (thanks to Tim Drury)

Can these be described as show notes? Oh dear... Am I doing this podcast malarky properly?

Also have a read of this:

http://britmovietours.com/2011/doctor-who-news/twubcrawl-the-first-doctor-who-twitter-pub-crawl

and this:

http://thepharosproject.libsyn.com/pharos-project-44-the-colour-for-twubcrawls-is-gween

or this:

http://timstakeon.libsyn.com/tim-s-take-on-episode-63-the-dr-who-twubcrawl-

Twubcrawl Aftermath

improbablethingspodcast@live.co.uk (Rod Henderson) — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 13:07:00 +0000

It didn't end as messily as I thought it would, though man, those shots of milk were an absolute killer!

A full blog post on the events that happened will accompany a podcast on the subject.

A bumper podcast! Features include:

-Feedback and shoutouts
-Top Ten Countdown of Best Brig moments
-The boys at Radio Rassilon take over... Briefly...
-Twubcrawl Coverage, live on location and with linking narration (shall have to break out my best Peter Purves voice!)

Here on the blog will be some lovely written coverage, photos of the event, and you know what, why not, just this once, SHOW NOTES!

An amazing time was had by all. Thanks to @Nelle_Macbeth and @DW_Tours for the great fun of being on tour!

Visit www.britmovietours.com for information on how you too can go on a Doctor Who tour.

The First Ever Doctor Who Twitter Pub Crawl (Twubcrawl)!

improbablethingspodcast@live.co.uk (Rod Henderson) — Sat, 05 Mar 2011 21:54:00 +0000

What?
The Twubcrawl will be an opportunity for Doctor Who fans on twitter to meet in person and get to know each other over a few drinks at various pubs along a walking route designed to take in various Classic Doctor Who locations.
The idea is for people to tweet the progress of the group using the hashtag #twubcrawl so others can join along the route, as well as documenting the event in the same way by uploading pictures to twitter etc.

It is organised by Helen, from Brit Movie Tours, who specialises in Doctor Who Location Tours of England and Wales and myself and I will be documenting the event.
You don’t have to be on twitter to join in, so feel free to bring along people that haven’t quite gotten into the whole tweeting thing yet, maybe we can convince them by the end of the day!

Please feel free to get dressed up as The Doctor or your favourite companion although this is completely optional.

When?
The Twubcrawl will take place on Saturday 2nd April 2011. We will be meeting at the first pub at 3pm. We are expected to finish at about 8pm.

Where?
The Twubcrawl will start at The Centre Page pub on Knightrider Street in the City of London near to St. Paul’s and will be finishing in the Shad Thames/Butler’s Wharf area (near Tower Bridge).

Things to remember:
- Wear sensible shoes! We’ll be doing a fair amount of walking.
- Wrap up warm as we will be by the river for a lot of the walk between pubs.
- You must be 18 to join in with this event. Please bring ID with you if you’re lucky enough to look young. We really don’t want anyone to get refused entry into pubs because they can’t prove they’re over 18.
You can say hello to us or ask questions about the event on twitter @DW_Tours or @JOITPodcast. Don’t forget to use the #twubcrawl hashtag!

Spread the word! Pass it on!

Disclaimers

This is not an official Doctor Who event and is not endorsed by or connected with the BBC or any of the writers, authors or publishers. Doctor Who logo ™ & © Copyright BBC 1963. Doctor Who, Torchwood and the Sarah Jane Adventures are registered trademarks of the BBC. No infringement intended. Licensed by BBC Worldwide Limited.
Brit Movie Tours and A Journal of Improbable Things do not accept responsibility for any loss of personal items or injury that may occur during the event and encourage responsible drinking.
Pictures and audio recordings will be taken/made at the event and may be used on the internet/ in publicity material. If you do not want to appear in these you must tell the organisers at the start of the event.

A Brown Paper Package For You...

improbablethingspodcast@live.co.uk (Rod Henderson) — Sun, 13 Feb 2011 03:14:00 +0000

...Tied up with metaphorical string for you!

Episode Three is live now and should be on iTunes shortly! Subscribe. Tell friends. Tell your pets. Tell whoever. Just make sure you have a listen and let me know what you think!

We talk:

-New credits!
-Dr Phil!
-Tony Blackburn keeps his job!
-Poor editing!
-Classic series Commentary track!
-New contact details!
-Fun times aplenty

(please note, one of these may be a lie)

Enjoy!

EDIT: This is the slightly better edit, without the major screwup near the beginning. Thank goodness this didn't go on iTunes!

A Journal of Improbable Things: The Podcast - Episode Three Redux by Rod Henderson

Rod

SQUEEE!

improbablethingspodcast@live.co.uk (Rod Henderson) — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 03:24:00 +0000

Been a while since I've posted on here but then I have now been involved with 'Jack and The Beanstalk', 'Babes In The Wood', 'Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs' (yes, I know it should be 'Dwarves' but hey, if the writer spells it 'Dwarfs' in the script I have to run with it) and am currently working on 'Beauty and The Beast' so I've been all panto'd out. Too busy to think outside of a sickly saccharine sweet Disney infested world.

Excuses made, Episode 3 is in the pipeline along with an exclusive trailer for the new fan drama mentioned in a previous post and should be out shortly, hopefully in the next week.

BUT, the most important news, A Journal of Improbable Things: The Podcast is available to download from iTunes. NOW! How exciting is that? Well sod you, it's exciting for me!

You know what you have to do!

Doctor Who Fan Drama...

improbablethingspodcast@live.co.uk (Rod Henderson) — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 03:43:00 +0000

A new Doctor Who fan written drama will be appearing on the podcast soon! At the suggestion of @Nelle_Macbeth, Graham Cole (yes, him off The Bill) and others I will pick up my quill and return to the world of writing. What am I talking about? I don't even own a quill...

Nevertheless, aside from writing a play with a dear friend to appear in a Kent drama festival this March, it's been suggested I carry on writing material of a Who based nature. Followers of this blog of old will have seen the start of a Torchwood piece I wrote yonks ago but never carried on, and long suffering friends of mine will know I keep starting to write stuff, but never follow through on it. Now with the podcast underway, what would be the harm in dedicating a portion of it to my new writing? Shameless? Maybe. Narcissistic? A smidge. Could it be interesting? Definitely.

So, to that end, I shall begin writing Part One of the very first story. All I will tell you is this: the title, and someone tell me if this title has been used in a VNA or a BBC book or a Telos Novella.

It shall be called 'Revolution of The Daleks'.

Thoughts please!

Shoutout

improbablethingspodcast@live.co.uk (Rod Henderson) — Sat, 08 Jan 2011 22:13:00 +0000

Quick mention to a new blog on the scene. @theconsoleroom from Twitter has released his blog 'The Blogadier'. Enjoy!

http://theblogadier.blogspot.com

Not sure how to make linking work on here. Tried the link button but doesn't seem to do the trick. Copy and paste til I sort it. You know the deal.

New Year, New Podcast

improbablethingspodcast@live.co.uk (Rod Henderson) — Sat, 08 Jan 2011 14:34:00 +0000

Yes! Brace yourselves! Episode Two is now live. Look at that! More than one episode.

See if you can spot the three words I've shoe horned into this podcast and let me know on a scale of 1 to 10 how obvious it is that I have a terrible cold and my voice is on the way out.

Topics covered:

Radio Rassilon
A Christmas Carol
The Oodcast

This podcast is predominantly spoiler free but I can't guarantee it. Besides, if you haven't seen Series 5 or the christmas special, then catch up!

Enjoy and please do get in touch!

Rod

A Journal of Improbable Things: The Podcast Episode Two by Rod Henderson

Episode One Live Now!

improbablethingspodcast@live.co.uk (Rod Henderson) — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 04:44:00 +0000

PODCAST AMBUSH!

Needed to get something out sharpish specially in the run up to Doctor Who: A Christmas Carol, so I recorded this so I also didn't end up with a huge backlog of messages to reply to. Thus, 2 performances in panto, long journey home, then eating and instead of sleeping I started recording this. Not brilliant quality still and it goes on a bit, but here it is. It's all a bit Blue Peter really!

Letters, tweets, debates, thoughts and set up for the next episode. Almost divided into sections too!

Special thanks to @Muldwych, @RadioRassilon and @Nelle_Macbeth. See also http://doctorwhobaking.wordpress.com/ for more awesome treats.

Can you guess which word I overused and ended up editing out some examples of?

Enjoy!

A Journal of Improbable Things: The Podcast Episode One by Rod Henderson

http://soundcloud.com/rod-henderson/a-journal-of-improbable-things-the-podcast-episode-one

If I don't get a chance to say it, Happy Christmas!

*Christmas Time Can Be Rewritten*

World of Technology...

improbablethingspodcast@live.co.uk (Rod Henderson) — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 22:58:00 +0000

Episode Zero recorded, edited and uploaded to the blog. Now the struggle to RSS/XML it and upload it to iTunes, so you can subscribe to the podcast.

Getting very confused though, so I'm glad of any help. Thankfully, @cathrynshort is on the case and soon my compadres, it shall be sorted.

If only the guys from International Electromatics could lend a hand... Anyone have Tobias Vaughn's number?

The Podcast: Episode Zero - The Cake Based Pilot

improbablethingspodcast@live.co.uk (Rod Henderson) — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 20:08:00 +0000

It's new. (Completely)
It's exciting. (Moderately)
It's shiny. (Hardly, it needs a buff)
It's here. (At least something is true)

Episode Zero, the pilot episode is now LIVE and ONLINE!

No idea how to get this onto iTunes, but shall investigate and try and get it up there soon.

In the meanwhile, find it below!

Hope to hear from you soon.

Rod

A Journal of Improbable Things: The Podcast - Episode Zero by Rod Henderson

http://soundcloud.com/rod-henderson/a-journal-of-improbable-things-the-podcast-episode-zero

Twime Team: The Five Doctors Transcript

improbablethingspodcast@live.co.uk (Rod Henderson) — Sun, 28 Nov 2010 23:31:00 +0000

Below is the link to the transcript of the Twime Team Special from the 23rd. Have a read, let me know your thoughts! Had an amazing time doing it. Thanks guys for sharing the show's birthday with me.

http://twimeteam.blogspot.com/2010/11/twime-team-special-doctor-who-47th.html#more

Twime Team: The Five Doctors

improbablethingspodcast@live.co.uk (Rod Henderson) — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 20:48:00 +0000

The 47th anniversary of Doctor Who and what a day it's been. Arc of Infinity earlier, The Five Doctors now. Such a long slog given that the Special Edition is 1 hour and 40 minutes long without a break, but so much fun. When I first saw this story I wasn't a huge fan of it, but I've now seen it countless times and I have a real soft spot for it now. Glad to have shared it with you all on Twitter on today of all days.

Congrats and thanks to @Nelle_Macbeth for being our host.
Visit the website for more information on it www.twimeteam.blogspot.com

More about the transcript and more Tweetamentaries as soon as I can.

Arc of Infinity Episode Two Tweetamentary Transcript

improbablethingspodcast@live.co.uk (Rod Henderson) — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 18:00:00 +0000

As follows for those that missed it:

Stand by for #ArcOfInfinity Episode 2 Tweetamentary for #DoctorWho47

Play NOW! #ArcOfInfinity #DoctorWho47

Colin Baker's revenge #ArcOfInfinity #DoctorWho47

I love how elaborate the robes they wear are, even without the collars #ArcOfInfinity #DoctorWho47

Baker playing with TARDIS console. Nice foreshadowing. #ArcOfInfinity #DoctorWho47

Love how The Doctor doesn't drink from a glass with a curly straw. The indignity! #ArcOfInfinity #DoctorWho47

Love the location sound recording. Bit of a harsh jump when they go into studio but still. Nice reality. #ArcOfInfinity #DoctorWho47

Tegan's return! After one episode away... If memory serves. #ArcOfInfinity #DoctorWho47

Is that a pregnant Time Lady in the background? #ArcOfInfinity #DoctorWho47

For pity's sake, start acting man! The man with Tegan really bugs me #ArcOfInfinity #DoctorWho47

I think I love the politics of Gallifrey a little too much! #ArcOfInfinity #DoctorWho47

One of my bug bears: actors not finding their light. Well done Fielding, lean right out of the light. #ArcOfInfinity #DoctorWho47

The Gallifrey Council scenes feel like full on theatre. I love it! #ArcOfInfinity #DoctorWho47

The 5th Doctor being doing anger is lovely. #ArcOfInfinity #DoctorWho47

I'm puzzled. There's a bad guy trying to use The Doctor, so to save the day, let's kill him? That makes sense. #ArcOfInfinity #DoctorWho47

Baker is brilliant in this. Seems Davsion has really upped his game for this. #ArcOfInfinity #DoctorWho47

They've lit the TARDIS better too. Not so harsh. Is it in Power Down mode? #ArcOfInfinity #DoctorWho47

The stuff with Tegan is nice, but it really slows it down. It's almost like this story is trying to be too much. #ArcOfInfinity #DoctorWho47

Love seeing snatches of roundels in corridors. Nice mention of Leela. #ArcOfInfinity #DoctorWho47

A strip of lighting gel and a few tipex streaks proves traitourous activity? Ah, right. #ArcOfInfinity #DoctorWho47

New component without a recall circuit! Nice! #ArcOfInfinity #DoctorWho47

Setting up plot later? Nyssa noticing weaponry in the computer room? #ArcOfInfinity #DoctorWho47

Castellan's office is nice and simple, but moody. Shall ignore the rumpled vinyl flooring. #ArcOfInfinity #DoctorWho47

Back reference to Morbius. Lovely. #ArcOfInfinity #DoctorWho47

Jump cut from Neg FX shot to real shot. Not sure if I like it. However Green TARDIS is cool. #ArcOfInfinity #DoctorWho47

Reveal of monster physically but saving back who he is. Nice tactic. #ArcOfInfinity #DoctorWho47

Mmm The Comfy Chairs of Rassilon. Oh, and The Ikea Lighting of Rassilon. #ArcOfInfinity #DoctorWho47

Baker in his plumage. Classy. #ArcOfInfinity #DoctorWho47

Would the guards consider marching rather than meandering? #ArcOfInfinity #DoctorWho47

Borusa is moustachioed. You can tell he'll be a wrong-un one day. #ArcOfInfinity #DoctorWho47

Termination Chamber is yet another really nice set. Cheap, simple but effective. #ArcOfInfinity #DoctorWho47

Could you have made finding your mark subtler Davison? lol #ArcOfInfinity #DoctorWho47

Doctor's execution is how I'd want to do the transformation in Beauty and The Beast. #ArcOfInfinity #DoctorWho47

What a cliffhanger? Can they get better? #ArcOfInfinity #DoctorWho47

End of episode 2! #ArcOfInfinity #DoctorWho47

Episode 3 soon! Probably not before I join The Twime Team for their take on The Five Doctors.

Arc of Infinity Episode One Tweetamentary Transcript

improbablethingspodcast@live.co.uk (Rod Henderson) — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 02:35:00 +0000

To celebrate Doctor Who's 47th Birthday today, I embark upon a mammoth Tweetamentary day of watching and tweeting! Now and during the day, Arc of Infinity, later on with The Twime Team we'll be looking at The Five Doctors. Will duly post a link to the transcript of The Twime Team when it's been done, dusted and uploaded. In the mean time, here's my Tweetamentary Transcript for Episode One of Arc of Infinity.

Rod Henderson is looking forward to the #TwimeTeam later tonight but to start the day off I'll be dipping into Arc of Infinity. Hashtag #ArcOfInfinity

Just remembered my AoI dvd is signed by Cmdr Maxil AND The Doctor. EPIC WIN! #ArcOfInfinity #DoctorWho47

Episode 1, playing NOW! #ArcOfInfinity #DoctorWho47

My Doctor. How I have missed you. #ArcOfInfinity #DoctorWho47

Dark shadowy Time Lord robes. Cool. Negative effect shot, REALLY cool #ArcOfInfinity #DoctorWho47

What's up with the very late 60s/early 70s fashions in The Matrix room? #ArcOfInfinity #DoctorWho47

Stuff behind the roundels always good. Adds an extra element to the set #ArcOfInfinity #DoctorWho47

Location footage! Lovely normal looking street. Nice difference from a UK street pretending 2 b something else. #ArcOfInfinity #DoctorWho47

Location filming such a simple thing to do to make a story feel really different. Is Amsterdam a gimmick though? #ArcOfInfinity #DoctorWho47

Pre 5 Doctors TARDIS Console. Looks so blank. Nothing to do on it. #ArcOfInfinity #DoctorWho47

Shadow work and now POV camera work? We're being spoilt! #ArcOfInfinity #DoctorWho47

Love the detail of the TARDIS hatstand lying on floor to show they've been on a bumpy journey. So simple. #ArcOfInfinity #DoctorWho47

Really creepy time bending effects. So easily done, but quite effective. #ArcOfInfinity #DoctorWho47

No! Not a possession! Though Davison falls beautifully. #ArcOfInfinity #DoctorWho47

Really hideous socks. Who chooses hi vis yellow socks to wear? Students apparantly. #ArcOfInfinity #DoctorWho47

Ergon or Myrka. Which is worse? #ArcOfInfinity #DoctorWho47

The Doctor listening to a companion. I <3 <3 Doctor 5 and Nyssa #ArcOfInfinity #DoctorWho47

The special effects in this are fairly decent. Just enough to suggest. Council meeting. I want some robes! #ArcOfInfinity #DoctorWho47

The Arc of Infinity is a lovely sci fi spacey name. Pity it's not done justice in this. #ArcOfInfinity #DoctorWho47

COMMANDER MAXIL! My hero! So loyal, so smug, so nasty! Adore Colin Baker. Such a lovely actor. #ArcOfInfinity #DoctorWho47

The recall circuit. Only used twice before. Both with The Doctor. Coincidence? I think not. #ArcOfInfinity #DoctorWho47

I really like that the motto or ths story seems to be simpler the better.#ArcOfInfinity #DoctorWho47

Purple and blue helmet plumage? Classy but inpractical surely? #ArcOfInfinity #DoctorWho47

What a really relaxed hotel checking in system. What's your name? Some name. How long? Meh. Ok, have keys. #ArcOfInfinity #DoctorWho47

Random anger outburst. If only the actor showed any build up to it. #ArcOfInfinity #DoctorWho47

Davison doing directional comedy. Act like he's going one way, then go another. #ArcOfInfinity #DoctorWho47

When did Nyssa have the abilities of Diana Rigg? #ArcOfInfinity #DoctorWho47

Possibly one of the most famous cliffhangers ever! Maxil Versus The Doctor! #ArcOfInfinity #DoctorWho47

Quite a large cast for episode 1 of a serial. Really nicely cast with maybe one or two exceptions. #ArcOfInfinity #DoctorWho47

Break for now given that it's half 2 in the morning! More later! #ArcOfInfinity #DoctorWho47

More later!

Format Changes...

improbablethingspodcast@live.co.uk (Rod Henderson) — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 05:39:00 +0000

My podcast is designed to be in support of this very blog, but I'm confusing myself. What do I want the format to be? I know I want to do episode commentaries, but quite often when I sit down to record Episode 1, I'm by myself and I don't think a solo commentary would be terribly interesting for you guys listening.

I want to try and avoid the News Podcast format. Podshock, Radio Free Skaro and the like have this covered. I'm not saying I won't touch on news events, but I don't want to make that the main feature. Other folks have that covered and I don't want to tread on people's toes. But that then begs the question, what do I fill the podcasts with when I'm not doing commentaries?

That's where I throw this open to you. What do you want to listen to?

Get in touch with me on here, on Twitter (@rod_henderson), on the Facebook Page (A Journal of Improbable Things) or email me on improbablethingspodcast@live.co.uk

Dreaming of CatBakers

improbablethingspodcast@live.co.uk (Rod Henderson) — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 03:00:00 +0000

Has just finished listening to Episode 12 of the Radio Rassilon podcast and despite having worked 28 hours almost solidly in one shift, I sat and listened to it as soon as I could. Love their work, and love it even more that they read my bile filled email out! Not genuine bile. To do that would require dousing my laptop in bodily fluids I'm not prepared to expel just now. Just to clarify in case it was taken the wrong way by anybody, I love the podcast and the work of Harry Medium, Leeson Fischer and the legend that is The IAmWilliam. I just thought The IAmWilliam needed to put the lads in their place!

Great podcast for light hearted Doctor Who banter, comedy, debauchery and mean emails sent in to unsuspecting hosts!

Find them on iTunes, Facebook, Twitter (@RadioRassilon) and various other places. Their Local might have seen them recently!

http://radiorassilon.podbean.com/

It's proper evil!

Slow and Steady: An Update

improbablethingspodcast@live.co.uk (Rod Henderson) — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 11:52:00 +0000

Slowly getting there. Bits and pieces for episode one have been recorded, bits are being edited, sections still need to be recorded, but getting there.

Doing some research into recording equipment that will be more decent than my laptop's in built thing. Had a couple suggestions, but feel free to comment or email me your own (improbablethingspodcast@live.co.uk).

Really looking forward to a big full scale Tweetamentary on the 23rd November with @Nelle_Macbeth and the gang of the Twime Team (http://twimeteam.blogspot.com/). We're looking at The Five Doctors. Love that story despite it's many flaws. Once we have completed it, I'll post a link to the transcript on Nelle's blog and then maybe if I can be bothered I'll copy it to here. Or at least, my parts of it!

Illness and Sparks

improbablethingspodcast@live.co.uk (Rod Henderson) — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 17:19:00 +0000

Podcast Episode 1 was due to be finished by now, but alas it has not. Work and various other things have conspired against me to prevent the completion of this new project. Also, I am ill. Nothing serious, but enough to make my voice sound different. I've even recorded an extra disclaimer thing to edit in for if my voice isn't better nearer deadline time. Plus on top of that it has been Guy Fawkes Night over here in the UK so when I've been trying to record bloody explosions have been going off outside my house, so the discalimer includes that to save me having to keep re-recording the same sentences over and over.

On top of that I'm still experimenting with editing techniques and formatting. Trying to work out what feel I want it to have. All very tricky. Will keep you posted.

JOIT: Podcast Update

improbablethingspodcast@live.co.uk (Rod Henderson) — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 02:43:00 +0000

Episode 1 is being recorded!

Introductory gumph and waffle mostly done, and actual commentary on a episode has started. A little odd doing this solo, but it sort of works. Story we are starting with is in light of RegenerGate or whatever it has been called (the SJA fiasco regarding the regeneration limit of Time Lords) is the Classic Who story, The Deadly Assasin, written by the legend that is Robert Holmes. Hopefully I'll remember it's written by him and talk a little about the dialogue, rather than pull the camera work apart! A cracking story and hopefully I'll find my stride somewhere before the end of the serial.

I think the way it will work is podcast Episode 1 will be Part One of the story. Episode 2 will be Part Two. This to me makes sense and seems logical. Alot of the other Doctor Who podcasts out there (and I dearly love you all) are sometimes a little ungainly, coming in at a couple of hours apiece, which, don't get me wrong, is fine as some of the 'casts are the equivalent of actual radio programming but in one sitting it's a bit much. Particularly for this, an episode commentary. It allows you to fetch another beer, more nibbles, gather cake, or more importantly nip to the loo. Thus the podcasts shouldn't last too much longer than a standard episode of Doctor Who. I hope.

Who knows. We shall see!

Let me know your thoughts!

Rx

The Temptation of Sarah Jane Smith - Part One Transcript

improbablethingspodcast@live.co.uk (Rod Henderson) — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 00:14:00 +0000

Part One Transcript follows with some corrected spellings and grammar and shiz!

Brace yourselves! For the next little while, Twitter will go all #SJA as I do an unplanned Tweetamentary on Temptation of SJS #TemptationSJA

Here goes. A #SJA story I've not seen too! Play NOW! #TemptationSJA #SJA

It's Harry Potter! #TemptationSJA #SJA

You're not staring into time, you're staring at a green screen. #TemptationSJA #SJA

An anomoly in time. Where are the Reapers? #TemptationSJA #SJA

The Trickster! That bald faced bastard of Time! #TemptationSJA #SJA

Cool lighting on the actors faces to show the time rift and lack of #TemptationSJA #SJA

Let's shoehorn young and hip cultural references into the script. Unless Steve Wright is a villain from Classic Who #TemptationSJA #SJA

Where does the other door in Sarah Jane's attic lead to? #TemptationSJA #SJA

Is that the photograph we've never seen before until, oh wait, the last episode where they realised they hadn't seeded it? #TemptationSJA #SJA

Very unconvincing? Like your acting then? Ooh burn! lol #TemptationSJA #SJA

Mugged by your own son! #TemptationSJA #SJA

Who are they? Actors we hired to be photoshopped. #TemptationSJA #SJA

Aunt Lavinia for the win! #TemptationSJA #SJA

See? Asbo families existed back before this generation. #TemptationSJA #SJA

Careful Sarah Jane, you don't want to sonic your face off. Oh wait. You own real lipstick. #TemptationSJA #SJA

Go on Lukey Boy. Explain the Blinovitch Limitation Effect to the kids. #TemptationSJA #SJA

How did they not see The Trickster just standing there? Not even appearing. He's just standing next to them! #TemptationSJA #SJA

Who Do You Think You Are? with Sarah Jane Smith in 3D #TemptationSJA #SJA

The kid can't be Harry Potter. He's not annoying enough. Yet. There's still time. #TemptationSJA #SJA

Is there anything Clyde can't use his name to describe? Clydey sense? #TemptationSJA #SJA

Mr Smith opening/waking up never gets old. Alexander Armstrong ftw! #TemptationSJA #SJA

Clyde's script analysis. : I don't like how that sentence ended. Why? Grammar seemed fine. #TemptationSJA #SJA

Clyde forshadowing Matt Smith with a lovely mispronunciation of Graske! #TemptationSJA #SJA

Bloody hell! Sarah Jane was a massive baby! How is that possible on rationing? #TemptationSJA #SJA

Oh right, cos Luke keeps pre decimalised currency in his pocket. What's that, a hobby? #TemptationSJA #SJA

Well, it seems allowing odd stuff is in the Smith DNA. SJ's mum allows odd money. Is her dad the guy from Basil Brush? #TemptationSJA #SJA

Ewww! Luke and Sarah Jane are married! #TemptationSJA #SJA

Harry Potter Kid is really nicely sinister. #TemptationSJA #SJA

Ah ha! It's SJ's fault for single parent families. She introduced the concept in 1951! #TemptationSJA #SJA

With that degree of stalkage, what would Eddie Smith have done with Twitter? #TemptationSJA #SJA

Argh! Autons! Oh wait, stand down. Real dummies. And I don't mean Rani. #TemptationSJA #SJA

Jumanji indeed. Robin Williams just earned 2 pence then. #TemptationSJA #SJA

I like SJ's dad but her mum is a litle odd. Glad they wrote in a line about moving there to explain her accent. #TemptationSJA #SJA

Excellent location work for this story. Wonder how much work they had to do to make it look old? #TemptationSJA #SJA

It's convenient that the nearest car in the village is the one needed in the story. I want one. #TemptationSJA #SJA

Bit of a jump. Peladon and nothing until Bubbleshock? Meanie SJ! #TemptationSJA #SJA

Engine damage effect looks uncannily like someone shagging in a car, albeit briefly. #TemptationSJA #SJA

Bad Harry Potter Kid. #TemptationSJA #SJA

It's flibbly headed Graske Man! Woo! How stupid must that kid have felt thrashing about? #TemptationSJA #SJA

Awesome CGI of post apocalyptic London. Didn't realise Sarah Jane lived on Westminster Bridge however. #TemptationSJA #SJA

Is Greenford really an underground station? Why make one up? Ealing is a real place, unlike Walford. #TemptationSJA #SJA

Well, you messed that one up Sarah Jane. I would say oops, we all make mistakes, but you just destroyed my house. #TemptationSJA #SJA

Very cool 'Sontaran Experiment' type location feel to the 'Next Time' Trailer #TemptationSJA #SJA

Part 1 finished! #TemptationSJA #SJA

There you are. Part Two will be appearing on Twitter at some point in the near future.

Rx

The Podcast - Episode 1 News

improbablethingspodcast@live.co.uk (Rod Henderson) — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 17:30:00 +0000

Some of you may have heard this already, but below is the opening credit sequence to episode 1. Nothing snazzy or clever as I haven't got really clever editing software, but hey. Just a taster!

JOIT Credits EP 1 by Rod Henderson