So Bobby (or was it Greg? Marsha?) recently shattered my focus into a million pieces, and all of the bunch have put a lot of effort into covering up for him. The laughtrack loved it, but really — it’s time to sweep up the pieces and glue things back together. Here’s the plan:

`Finish writing 3rd Dirk Moonfire novella.
`Edit Dirk Moonfire Podiobook for release.
`Finish Spherical Tomi 2.
`Maintain weekly Deadpan Output.
`Remove tarp from self-promotion machine. I need to start branching out and selling myself and my writing again. The Dragon Page/Deadpan audience is the best fanbase in the world, but I need to start expanding, connecting with others.
`Maintain Focus — with less yodeling (OK, who got that?).

Hey folks, if you want to contribute a short Dumbass Memory, Highbrow/Lowbrow, Unrelated Thoguht, Stolen Rap/Hip-Hop Lyric, other funny thing to the Deadpan Podcast Episode 007, then time is running out! I have already begun construction. The final edit will happen sometime late Tuesday evening (I hope). I have lots of content already – but – you’re always welcome to submit more. And hey — the voicemail line is active now, so all you need is your telephone. Call and record your segment right there: 206-350-TOMI (206-350-8664).

Oh – and let’s make this a double-post….. The Devils were eliminated by the Hurricanes today…. There is certainly no joy in Mudville (or Swampville, I suppose, since we’re talking about New Jersey).

Hey gang. Yes, I’ve had a busy weekend. Some fairly interesting stories from LepreCon and the Nebulas — I’ll relate at least one of them in the next Deadpan episode.

I’ve gotten some very kind donations recently (thank you so much!) and some good submissions for Deadpan Episode #7, the no-interview zone. Keep ’em coming! But please note — if they’re really long, then I may have to edit them. Sorry. But the good news is: the voicemail line is up and ready and available now! 206-350-TOMI — it’s over there in the sidebar as well. Feel free to call and leave your VM submission. Or just to say hello. Or just to breathe heavily. Unrelated Thoughts, Highbrow/Lowbrows, Stolen Rap/Hip-Hop Lyrics, Stolen Comedy Lines, etc. (I may play non-sub Voicemails during future episodes…. still undecided. Feel free to call)

And finally — yes, it was painful to go into the hotel bar on Saturday and see the Devils losing 4-0 to the Canes, then 5-0, then 6-0.

Oh, apologies for the screwed-up header. We’re working on it.

OK, you’re here for the latest Deadpan — check the next post down.

For everyone in the Phoenix area, I will attending and paneling at LepreCon 32 this weekend. The Nebula Awards are also going on down in Tempe this weekend; I may stop in to say hello – but – I’ll definitely be at LepreCon Saturday and Sunday. I have morning panels both days, plus Live Duel of the Fates Saturday night. And I’m doing an autographing session Sunday afternoon! How exciting!

So as you may or may not have heard during Michael & Evo’s Wingin’ It! #59, Deadpan episode # 7 is going to be interview-free. Nothing but Deadpan skits and content. And that’s where you come in.

You’re familiar with some of the regular Deadpan features (if not, then listen to a few episodes dammit!); I want you to record your own Dumbass Memories, your own favorite Stolen Rap/Hip-Hop lines, your own favorite Stolen Comedy Lines, and your own Highbrow/Lowbrow jokes (I’d prefer that you stuck to the HB/LB formats I’ve already used, but hey, if you have a great idea — then go for it). Keep them relatively brief – but really, just have fun with the idea.

If you want to play, but have no way of recording yourself, then send me an e-mail. We can probably find a way (Skype, for example).  And yes – there is that voicemail line in the sidebar. That might work too. I’ll get on that.
Note to contributors: you are NOT required to speak in a Deadpan voice.

And there you have it. The episode will have lots of my usual crap as well. I’m looking forward to hearing from you. Don’t be shy! You know you have a great Dumbass Memory to share! Or a few stanzas of rap lyrics buring inside, demanding to be released.

Feel free to e-mail me with any questions.

Do you get IFC (the Independent Film Channel)? Have you seen the new Henry Rollins show? Great stuff. It’s actually a pretty similar format to the Deadpan podcast, except much more socially responsible:

Henry interviews cool people; Chuck D, Ozzy, Bill Maher, etc. — and he asks fantastic questions. Not scripted Tonight Show BS anecdotes, but the questions I’d want to ask.

Like Deadpan, he also drops in little satirical skits and rants – and then – finishes up with music. Of course, he has musical guests — – I don’t think he’s going to do any Rollins Band or Black Flag performances.
And because it’s on IFC, no commercial breaks and no ban on F-bombs.

Henry’s a wiseass, but he’s also a very smart, insightful guy. I’ve set my DVR.

Hey check it out!
My short story, “Sixteen Pieces at a Time“, has been posted over at SFReader.com. It won 3rd place in the 4th Annual Firebrand Fiction/SFReader Short Story Contest – 2005.

Give it a read. Check out the 1st and 2nd place winners too.

Don’t you hate messages that begin with FYI?

I used to tout my duelofthefates at@at gmail dot.dot com address as the way to get into touch with me. But – in an effort toward e-mail simplicity, I’m going to pack that one in mothballs. . . and only check very occasionally. If you want to get in touch with me, then use the e-mail addy listed over there on the sidebar. Don’t send stuff to the duelofthefates gmail address unless you’re ok with a long wait.
Thank ya.

Welcome all fellow MSTies!

Thanks to Chris Cornell for the heads up. (I don’t think it’s that Chris Cornell…)

Deadpan: Episode 2 has been linked on the Mystery Science Theater 3000 info page! Cool.

The button is just over there to the right, you see it?

No pressure, I’m just sayin’. . . I don’t have an iPod; I can only afford an iPoor.

Thanks.

(Yes, the Paypal account is still linked to my wife’s old e-mail address.)