Planet Houston!

Surviving the Big 2-4: Taking the Stage

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas Houston) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:03:57 PST

Okay, let's face it. When it's all said and done, you're the ones being put in the line of fire. You're the ones that the audience will see, and inevitably the success or failure of the writing and direction of the show falls squarely on your shoulders.

And you wouldn't have it any other way.

But still, let's not kid ourselves here. You've got an uphill climb, and here's a few of the reasons why:

Flying Blind

You have no idea what you're getting yourself into. Literally, that is. Your first chance to see a script will be the morning that you show up to work on it. Unlike a normal audition, you're pretty much getting placed into a show blind. They'll be no extra time to read the show early. No opportunity to Wiki a synopsis of the show. It's you and whoever else gets picked for ten minutes.

But on the bright side, it's just ten minutes. It feels a lot longer than it acutally will be. And ibefore you know it, it will be all over. But until then...

Manage Your Stress

One could argue that the ticking clock will impact the actors the most. Yes, your director will feel for you, but in the end you'll be the one feeling the pressure of being off book by the 8PM deadline.

The easiest way to wreck your fun and ruin your day is to get into a panic over time. Try to find moments to relax and unwind. Take a break from your script and just hang out. Not for hours on end, mind you. But take breaks to keep your head screwed on straight. Your brain will be better prepared to memorize and function if you do.

Get the Gist of It

The end goal is to have a perfectly learned and executed script. Believe me when I say that the goal is rarely met, and even then roughly so. The ultimate survival tactic is one of last resort. If you can't hack all of the lines word for word, then try your best to keep the spirit of them intact. Work with your fellow actors to prevent the one thing that will derail any stage performance: getting lost in the woods.

So long as one person on stage has an idea of what's going on, all is not lost. No matter how badly you think that things might turn out, there's always someone that thinks that things will be worse.

Manage Your Nerves

Last summer, everyone was on edge. Every single performer. Not one person was calm, and if they say they were, then they're a liar. I'm usually as cool as a cucumber, and I was edgy. It's probably the most on edge I've ever been before taking a stage, and (God willing) I will never be that on edge again.

But the entire cast and crew are pulling for you. Not just from your show, but from every single show going on. Every single person in every single show, every single writer, every single director, every single techie and stage manager, and (most importantly) every single audience member.

They're a forgiving group that will respect you giving your best effort and appreciate the work that you put into it. So worry less about your performance being perfect and focus on doing your best to get the show at its best. Everything else will work itself out.

So that's it. Everything is about to live in a few hours. I'll be no doubt stressing over it in short order, and the rest of the group will be under the gun soon enough. Godspeed and broken legs to everyone participating, and please remember to come out and support the effort by seeing the performances Saturday, Feb. 4th at 8PM.

Surviving the Big 2-4: Finding Direction

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas Houston) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:36:30 PST

Direction is a sometimes thankless job. But anyone that says that directing is easy has never either never tried it or did it poorly. A director is the bridge between what the writer creates and what the people see. They carry the vision forward, and then add their own touch while still retaining the core of the writer's vision. They lead the actors in the direction of this overall vision into a performance that will enlighten and entertain.

So, yeah. That's easy, all right. And good luck with doing it in twelve hours.

Directors during the play festival will have all of the normal challenges of directing with the added burden of being on the clock. Because of that, there are some special items they should consider. I openly admit that directing is the one aspect of theater that I have the least experience with, but I also admit that, having worked with different directors over time, I should have some sort of insight on how this works.

Keep It Simple, (Not So) Stupid - Setting the Stage

It goes without saying that no one expects a miracle out of you. If you get the show on, you've pretty much done your job. Your best bet for doing this is making the goals you set for yourself be believable ones.

Every director that I've ever worked with starts with a vision of what they ideally want. Then slowly over the course of time, they pare that vision down into what is possible. To survive the play fest, you should embrace the "what is possible" phase as soon as possible, if not immediately.

You're going to have limited resources. Basically, all you have on tap is what may be at the theater itself and what you can grab or pin down within the course of a few hours. It's not all bad, though. The modern age provides you with access to the internet, and through it any of a number of music and audio clips to make use of.

Although again, I would say to keep it simple. The fewer sound and light cues you have, the easier everything will manage to be.

The same principle will work with regards to set pieces. Again, less is probably more. Your best bet is to rely on the basics of tables, chairs, small props and assorted coverings. If you're lucky, your writer(s) will have given you enough slack to make this stress -free. If they haven't, then you're going to have to make the call on how much of a hoop you plan to jump through for them. Again, my personal opinion is that less is more. Let you actors help you paint the scene. Speaking of which...

Keep It Simple, (Not So) Stupid - Managing Your Peeps

I'm not going to say that you should be hands off with your actors. There should be enough time to manage blocking and giving some motivation/direction notes if need be. but I will say that you do need to be aware that they too are under the gun. If your actors get their lines remotely down and can manage to add anything beyond that, then more power to them.

Do not make the mistake of trying to micro-manage your performers. Know when to wrangle them in, and then know when to give them space to work on their own. And believe me when I say that you'll have plenty of other things that you can focus on in the meantime.

Planet Houston Podcast - Episode 301: ...Mehhhh...

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas Houston) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:57:15 PST

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For anyone that's noticing, the show is back now... sort of. As you will see, it's still a little rough around the edges, but the good stuff is still there. Today's installment isn't particularly segment heavy, but you don't want to miss out. Highlighting the show is an interview (... yes, I said interview) with Upstart Theater Company's Timothy Reynolds. You might know him from other stuff. Join us as we talk about the upcoming event Winter's Tales. So strap in, plug up, and brace yourselves. I'm apparently just bored enough to start the crazy train again. And you're welcome.

Surviving the Big 2-4: Writing in Short Order

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas Houston) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 06:13:26 PST

So you want to write a play, do you? How long do you want to take? A year? Few months?

Oh. A day. You’re insane.

Oh, not a day. Half that time? You’re even more insane. But you are perfect material for a 24-hour play festival like Winter’s Tales. But before you get your laptop cracking and begin a steady infusion of caffeine, let me give you a few pointers to get you going.

Your real reward will be seeing your work take life at the end of the cycle. Your best chance for reaping that benefit is to make sure that you build the proper framework for the rest of the participants to work with.

Know Your Limitations – Time! Part 1

There are two time constraints to keep in mind. The first is a real time barrier of roughly eight hours. That’s how long you’ll have to plot, write, edit, and submit your script. But also keep in mind that that given time frame is overnight during the first day of the festival. So unless you’re a natural night owl (or you just have an out of whack metabolism), consider that you will have slightly less time than that as your body begins to slow down over the course of the morning.

What this means is that your best bet for success is to come up with all of your major ideas and plotting as early as possible. I’m not big on outlining, but if you need it, then go ahead and do it early. I’ll go a further step and suggest that you script several possible ideas/outlines in the first hour or so. Because if an idea goes south on you, you don’t want to be sitting around at 1AM in the morning with no idea of what to go to next.

Know Your Limitations – Time! Part 2

Your second time constraint is a writing barrier. The desired length for your written show is 10 minutes. That translates to about 10 pages of scripted text. I would strongly suggest that you use a piece of formatting software to write your script. That will help put the pieces into proper perspective, make them easier to read for others, and help give the proper spacing/format to actually pan out to ten minutes. There are several free options available if you ever want to make use of them (I’m somewhat fond of Celtx, myself).

Find Your Comfort Zone

Every writer will occasionally feel the need to challenge themselves creatively. I will suggest that you pick another time to do so. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying that your piece cannot be thoughtful, inventive, or even abstract. But if that’s not your wheelhouse, this is probably the wrong time to indulge that whim.

I know the feeling well. I thought, foolishly so, that it would be a good idea to go with an abstract concept for my writing last summer. How did it go? How many times have I mentioned dumping my first concept, again…?

Just keep in mind that with only hours to work and several other constraints to consider, choosing to right outside of the box is just giving yourself one more handicap. And speaking of other constraints…

Consider Your Directors – Setting the Stage

Naturally, your script should not detail things that will be difficult or impossible for someone to create in under a day. That doesn’t mean that you can’t use certain settings; it just means that you need to consider the environment.

Directors will have access to limited space and resources. Yes, this is their problem to sort out (which I will get into later…), but it can only help them when you don’t start digging them a larger hole to work out of.

It is a simple matter to set the stage without setting the stage, so to speak. You want a scene in a laundromat? That’s fine. But if you want the scene to include an actual washer or drier, you better check and make sure that there’s one available. Yes, there are cheats that can be used, but it’s simpler if you try to keep the workspace in mind. Which brings me to my next point…

Consider Your Directors – Making the Moves

My favorite part of any script is the dialogue. It’s probably the thing that most clearly reflects itself in my head as I think up ideas. But even with that, I recognize that a script does need some stage directions. This is less a play-by-play of each and every action a character will make and is, again, a framework for the director and actors to work with.

When considering what actions to include and exclude, I tend to ask myself the question: “Is this action important to the scene or my vision?” If the answer is yes, then that action goes in with as much detail as necessary. If not, then I tend to leave it open. The trick is in balancing making a clear picture with tying a director’s hand with lofty descriptions.

Consider Your Actors – Casting Call

If history is any indicator, there will be limited resources with regards to performers. Even if there is a wide berth of performers to choose from (and here’s hoping that pans out…), you still need to keep in mind that directors will be making the casting choices. So don’t go too crazy trying to pen a part that you feel would be suited for one particular person. That person may not be available, and on top of that it’s not your job to make a choice like that.

Now that isn’t to say that you should feel limited in your ability to create characters. People play above and below their age ranges, do accents, etc. all of the time. Feel free to create any characters you want in whatever standing you see fit. It will, however, smooth things over if you give your characters a little bit of leeway. Speaking of which…

Consider Your Actors

This one is kind of a no brainer, but it bears saying. Don’t go crazy when it comes to what characters say or do or how they interact. My main, major general rule of thumb (and a solid suggestion) is to steer clear of heavy romantic interactions. Hugs are pretty safe, but anything beyond that should be left up in the air (or just left out). Seriously, no one is signing up for this expecting a love scene, and those types of actions take weeks (or longer) for actors to develop a comfort level in. Try not to make the performers have to do anything that’s going to leave them with emotional scars.

To Make A Long Story Short (Too Late)…

I would never want anyone to feel limited in their ability to tell a story, paint a picture, or express themselves. But in this particular endeavor and in this environment, it is important that the writer realizes their role. You are making the blueprint for what everyone else is working with for the next half of the festival. And to a certain degree, how well you do that will eventually affect how hard or how easy that task will be.

(Next time, my (most likely much shorter) advice for directors. Yes, I’m going to tell you how to do that job that I never actually do. I’m like Dr. Spock that way…)

Surviving the Big 2-4: Part One: Making the Choice

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas Houston) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 15:31:40 PST

This February will mark the second 24-hour play festival to grace the local area in the past year. These articles serve as a guide for those returning or those new to the experience. These are my personal reflections, opinions, and offers of advice. Take or use them at your own discretion and/or peril.

So, you've heard they're holding a play festival. Boy, you wish you had caught the auditions for that one so you could have... Wait a minute. It's a twenty-four hour play festival? So there's still time for you to get involved! But should you? Keep these factors in mind when making the choice on whether or not to participate.

What it isn't...

It's not easy. At some point during the experience, not matter what facet of the festival you end up participating in, there will be stress. Either the pressure of creating a new work under tight constraints, the pressue of managing people, stage space, and time with limited access to all of them, or the sometimes lofty task of learning an entire scene(s) on short notice (I will expound on each of these in more detail later).

It's also not a personal showcase for yourself. You will at times be dependent on others to survive the experience. Input, feedback, and direct assistance will no doubt be required at varying points in time (not to mention coffee). It is not nor will it ever be about your glory. You should remember to stay humble. It won't be too hard; you'll be crippled and debilitated on an hourly basis.

What it is...

In many respects, it is exactly what it sounds like. The event takes place over the course of a single day. It runs from Friday evening (when the participants meet and get to know each other (or know each other better or shoot the breeze for the umpteenth time... you get the idea) on through the night (when the writers hammer feverishly away at their keyboards and their foreheads in frustration) and all through most of the following Saturday (when the directors try to squeeze weeks of rehearsal time into 6-7 hours).

What else is it? Well, it's also fun. If you have any creative talent or even aspirations, meeting the challenge of a festival like this will (hopefully) have as many fun moments as there are frustrating ones.

And speaking of fun, you get the benefit of hanging out and/or working with a huge cross section of the local theatre community. I'm not going to lie and call it an excellent networking opportunity, but it can't hurt to touch base with a person or two.

So the short version is...

I won't lie and say that you should definitely do it. In the end, it will be a personal decision based on your courage, time, patience, and desire. People will no doubt have any of a number of reasons why they can't or shouldn't do it.

I can only tell you that last summer was a mad, crazy, frustration-inducing, joyful, chaotic whirlwind of a spectacle. And I wouldn't trade the experience for anything. If you're thinking about it and are on the fence, I'd say go for it. But don't blame me if you have a bad time. it will be what you make of it. But what you make of it can be a very great thing.

(Tune in next time, when I give the brave and bold writing corps some friendly advice on how to pull an all nighter. Because yeah, I'm really good at that...)

... Another Door Opens.

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas Houston) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 17:21:19 PST

Welcome to the first of what will (hopefully) be many new posts and updates at what will (again hopefully) be the new Planet Houston.

Over the upcoming days, I'll outline exactly what the plan will be for the site. It will, in most likelihood, resemble your average run of the mill blog. Links, articles, and other assorted silly things to keep you amused. Audio and video (not necessarily my own, but not ruling it out) are bound to follow.

I don't want to jinx things by setting the bar too high, but I do want to say that I intend to try my very best to make sure that I meet my personal goal and commitment: an expression of self that I share with others.

Because yeah, I never, ever do that in any other form or format.

See you in a few.

Episode 201: The Comeback

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas Houston) — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 10:11:27 PDT

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It's been a while, but it's finally time for a return to the greatness... er, mediocrity... er, hit-or-miss antics that are Planet Houston Podcast! Odds and Ends, reviews of Kick-Ass (the movie) and Final Fantasy 13, and general insanity await within. What are you waiting for? Christmas? Check it out.

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Episode 20: Season's Greetings

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas Houston) — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 19:24:14 PST

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Fans, friends, and strangers alike can enjoy the special holiday greetings in this minisode. Seriously, it's all of 90 seconds long. You don't have 90 seconds to listen to some audio? Slacker.

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Episode 19: The Return to Mediocrity

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas Houston) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 20:16:33 PST

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Almost two months is enough time. Enough to sort out a good deal of personal issues. Enough to consider moving on to other things. Enough... to say that it is enough, and that it is time to restart the program.

And thus, the audio show listened to by upwards of five people is back! Enjoy this somewhat abridged version, full of offhanded commentary, a thorough review of this season's scifi programming, and a healthy helping of crazy. Mostly that last thing. If you listen to one episode of a podcast this month with the name "Planet Houston Podcast", you should probably make it this one. Because there's no guarantee that there will be another episode this month.

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Episode 18: Project Minisode

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas Houston) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 20:13:29 PDT

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It's a special presentation of Planet Houston Podcast. Now smaller than ever, but still packed with tons of fun and info on various items.

Enjoy micro-sized versions of Odds and Ends, Gaming News, Comics World, and even an itty, bitty Facebook Friend of the Week.

Planet Houston Podcast: Size doesn't matter.

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Episode 17: What I Had Done Did...

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas Houston) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 09:26:17 PDT

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The episode's a little late, so it covers just the bare essentials of Senor Podcast. What makes the bare essentials? Apparently, a brief pair of new show reviews in HouseTV, a handful of comic book reviews in Comics World, and what passes for a Facebook Friend of the Week.

Episode 17 of Planet Houston Podcast: some podcast is better than no podcast. Or at least most people would say so.

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Episode 16: Welcome to the Fall (Season)

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas Houston) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 17:30:41 PDT

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So what if all of the cool shows are just getting started or restarted. Senor Podcast has been up and running for... almost 4 months. That has to be a record or something.

HouseTV is supersized to cover many of the new and returning shows. But Comics World is still around to make things somewhat normal.

And in Facebook Friend of the Week, it's a winner that is bound to be devoid of any lewd commentary. For reals this time. For reals.

It's episode 16 of Planet Houston Podcast. Love it or hate it, it doesn't seem to be going anywhere.

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Episode 15: Yarrgh!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas Houston) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 19:25:56 PDT

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Are made up holidays really worth celebrating? It's left to the humble listener to decide as this episode ramps up.

My Reality makes way for the newly revised segment HouseTV. It's the same except that it's different. Also this week, reviews of the movie Nine and the game Scribblenauts. And lest you forget, there's still the ever popular Comics World and what could be ground breaking changes in the Facebook Friend of the Week.

Be ye seasoned or be ye nave, this episode is rife with goods to leave ye hearty. or something like that. Yarrgh!

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Episode 14: A Return to... Normalcy?

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas Houston) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 20:33:43 PDT

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So the show has recovered from the chaos of last week's tragic ending just in time for this week's chaos... er, excitement. New sports seasons can bring out the best in all of us.

This week's show goes back to basics in every way. My Reality covers both a dance show that will be watched and one that won't be. And Comics World has a heaping helping of all the books you have (or should) be reading. And it's yet another attempt at a Facebook Friend of the Week winner. There's no Jimmy Smitts to bail us us out this time. ... it's a long story.

All that and Odds and Ends, in this, the recovery episode of Planet Houston Podcast.

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Episode 13: "Hi, Jinx!"

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas Houston) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 20:47:20 PDT

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Don't get too bent out of shape. Some show is better than no show, right? Besides, in this monumental episode, why tempt fate by asking too many questions. It's like the original, only it's got motion. And no, we won't explain what that means.

Episode *ahem* of Planet Houston Podcast. Love it or leave it, baby.

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Episode 12: Deadly Acquisitions?

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas Houston) — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 14:24:50 PDT

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Strange news highlights the beginning of the show, but is it as terrifying as it sounds? Eh, probably not.

Still, if commentary on yet another reality competition show, more comics reviews, and yet another Facebook Friend of the Week aren't your cup of tea, you may want to bail out at around the five minute mark. The apocalypse may well be upon you.

But seriously, it's not that intense. Be more terrified that this show still manages to be put out. Episode 12 of Planet Houston Podcast is on the air.

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Episode 11: You Know the Drill

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas Houston) — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 20:28:37 PDT

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Rush, rush, rush.... Reality TV review... rush, rush, District 9 review (ooh, aliens!)... rush, rush, Comics World, etc., etc. Facebook Friend of the Week.

Something, something Planet Houston Podcast. Definitely do sooner next time.

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Episode 10: Maximum Slackitude

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas Houston) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 20:22:48 PDT

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It stands to reason that as the making of Senor Podcast has been put off, so then have other responsibilities. But there's no time for lengthy apologies. The show must go on!

Two life altering announcements are waiting in My Life. Then, it may be a week late, but the film review of G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra will put you in the know. And knowing is half the battle.

Comics World is super-sized once again, even if the extra size is mostly wild ramblings. And speaking of ramblings, this week's Facebook Friend of the Week knows a little something about lengthy discussions. Oh, snap.

It's the latest episode ever, but it still exists. That should count for something, right? It's Episode 10 of Planet Houston Podcast!

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Episode 9: Jury-rigged

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas Houston) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 14:54:33 PDT

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It's not easy being the world's greatest podcast made by Thomas Houston, and even he knows it. A humble apology awaits a celebrity right off the bat.

From there, it all starts to fall apart. The world of BloodBowl is the main (and only) focus of Odds and Ends and My Reality only talks about the finale of a certain dance show.

On the plus side, though, comics World is super-sized (by one whole review), and the Facebook Friend of the Week flashback tale is bound to make you smile (or at the very least question the host's sanity).

It's yet another buzzer beater in this, a very patched together episode of Planet Houston Podcast.

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Episode 8: A Gamble That Pays Off

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas Houston) — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 12:26:16 PDT

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4 out of 5 dentists agree that Planet Houston Podcast does not cause tooth decay. That fifth guy? You don't want him anywhere near your teeth.

Now here's a fine kettle of fish. How boring was the week that the host has to start out the show with a joke from last election cycle? No matter. You will remain fired up for the rest of the show.

Odds and Ends covers the spread, My Reality plays even odds, and Comics World goes for broke with a bonus sized segment.

But prepare to double down, as the greatness that is the Facebook Friend of the Week is back! Who managed to excel and overcome to earn the title? Or.. who just managed to stay above the radar while everyone else was mediocre. Your answer lies here.

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Episode 7: Project Rushjob

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas Houston) — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 16:29:01 PDT

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Episode 7 is a rushed work, but a thing of beauty nonetheless. Can anyone survive the sacrifice made to get the episode in before the deadline?

But fear not. There's still a wide assortment of quirky news, television reviews, and comic book madness to be had. And madness there shall be, because the host is officially coming unhinged. Political ranting and a secret crush... all in the first three minutes? This can't end well...

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Episode 6: Un-Conventional Wisdom

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas Houston) — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 08:56:33 PDT

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Did you know that Planet Houston Podcast makes for great listening during the busy convention season? With all the traveling and such, it's got to be a good way to kill time when you get bored.

Not buying it, huh? Well, strap in anyway, because the Podcast is giving you the best of what it has.

The Hostest with the Mostest brings you a disturbing look at the week(end) that was, even more rambling about reality TV, some healthy sized comic reviews of JSA vs. Kobra #2, X-Factor #26, and The Brave and the Bold #25.

And who managed to climb past all others and become this week's Facebook Friend of the Week? And answer so surprising that your brain may not be able to take it.

Another week, another deadline crunching conclusion, but Senor Podcast lives on! Tell your neighbors and your friends! Then prepare to spend the next 10 minutes answering the question, "What the ^*#& is a Planet Houston Podcast?"

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Episode 5: Slightly Unfiltered

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas Houston) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 11:06:15 PDT

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This show that almost wasn't contains a bit less formatting and a ton more crazy. How else could it stack up as one of the largest episodes ever?

Some free range Odds and Ends leads to an all "I Hate This" edition of My Reality. From there, it's into Comics World for reviews of Red Robin #2, Dark Reign: Ms. Marvel #41, and Booster Gold #22.

And then finally, the thing you've all been waiting for.. it's the very first Facebook Friend of the Week! Who amongst the many worthy will be granted the honor (for better or worse) of holding this week's title? Stay tuned to find out!

Coming in just under the buzzer that is the last weekly deadline, it's the fifth episode of Planet Houston Podcast!

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Episode 4: Born on the 4th of July

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas Houston) — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 20:34:19 PDT

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This special holiday weekend edition comes with some very shocking news... but fear not! While the podcast suffers the loss of several key segments this week, it makes up for it with sheer volume!

This week, Thomas delves deep into the news of the past week in a supersized edition of Odds and Ends. And then, it's on to TV Land, where new watching is sparse, but an old favorite returns to save the week.

Also, the dawn of a new segment approaches! What is the FFOTW, and how can you be (or not be) a part of it? Tune in to find out!

Something bugging you, Chester? Read the first paragraph again, tune in for confirmation, and then stay tuned for more of the inanity and insanity you've grown to love.

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Episode 3: Bigger Than Ever

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas Houston) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 19:22:21 PDT

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It's the third episode of Planet Houston Podcast, and Thomas is officially losing his grip. But he has just enough in him to have a frank, intelligent discussion about area politics. And of course, there's plenty more to discuss in this, the biggest broadcast ever!

After tackling some Odds and Ends, Thomas gets right into it with his review of Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. Is it worth your time and hard earned money? And an excessive berth of comics this week leads to the birth of a new and utterly ridiculous segment: Boom or Doom! But don't worry, kiddies. Comics World is right around the corner, with reviews of Dark Reign: Ms. Marvel #40, Wonder Woman #33, and X-Factor #45.

And of course, it's the dawn of yet another new segment: T-Mail! The popular reply section from the original House Rules! articles returns in audio form. Your humble host proves he is capable of reading and speaking simultaneously.

So check it out. It's over 30 minutes of inanity and insanity , and it's almost on time this week. Will wonders never cease?

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