The Inspiration Station Part 1

Hello Friends! I know it has been a while since I blogged, but I'm back again and with great news this time! ALBUM 51 is HERE!!! YAY!!! While I do not have my own copy as of yet, I do have the internet, so like many of you, I will be listening along via the web and attempting to post my thoughts here as I go. I do want to try and record a podcast at some point while Chris is gone, but until then, hopefully the written word will suffice. I just pulled up the Whit's End website player so I can take a listen. I'll probably just post my thoughts as I go, so hopefully no one minds a stream of consciousness type post from me.

So are you ready? Hang on tight, cause here we GO!

Whoah - forgot about different Whit voice, but I think it works ok for me.

Who is Whit's friend? – no answer. Sad day.

When the computer shuts down, it strikes me as odd that Whit doesn't seem to know what’s going on - like his tech iq has dropped a bit...but at least Eugene is back to his intellectual self.

GOOF ALERT!!! They have too seen stuff like this in applesauce and in the Blackgaard's castle episodes.

It is definitely weird hearing stuff about all these electronic devices. This seems like such a slice of life episode from the early days and then BAM! you have headphones, cell phones, DVR, GPS, laptop, dvds lol!

lol – I love mom saying let dad handle things then jumping right in to take over. Typical mom - I love it! I think this family - least parents to kids have great chemistry. Gotta wait a little on the bro-sis stuff. Olivia reminds me of Sarah from the middle years. Matthew reminds me of a young Eugene. Dad is a mix of Dale Jacobs and George Barclay. Overall, I like the Parkers. The parents definitely remind me of the Barclays.

Connie reminds me of “Promises Promises” changing herself for the better - only it seems to be working this time. Ok I take that back - meltdown. Her addiction is also like Zachary when Jason made him walk (“Where is Thy Sting?”?... whoah great foreshadowing with Connie telling Whit about her pet peeves then they all happen.

Connie - Eugene banter. YAY! Whit is still kinda off for me but getting there. He still sounds too much like other actors (so far I've heard Bernard and Jack in Darien’s Rise. and Tom a little here). However, when Whit asks Eugene about changing the shop he totally sounded like Hal's Whit - awesome! I think this is going to work out fine. 

lol at Connie not being ready to talk about it. This happened in another episode that I can’t remember right now. Help?

Whit wanting to talk to Connie about her experience in the Inspiration Station hearkens back to Whit wanting to talk to Eugene about his trip in the imagination station in the Mortal Coil and following episodes... (Note – Eugene took the trip in MC and whit wanted to discus it with him in the episodes in On Earth as it is in Heaven.)

Uh oh - Connie sneaking in to Whit's End doesn't sound good.

Background music during closing reminds me a lot of the video theme.

Ok well that wraps up my play by play thoughts. I listened twice through, first just to listen and the second to take notes. I really enjoyed this episode. It was a total slice of life with a hint of mystery added in for fun. If this first episode is any indication of the rest of Album 51, then we are in store for some good stuff in my opinion. I love that I could listen to this twice in a row and it wasn’t boring.

I thought the acting was great and I LOVE the Parker family. The dad’s voice to me is a blend of Phil Lollar and Dave Arnold. Ok maybe I’m weird, but I’m ok with that. It works and it is a great dad voice. Mom is wonderful too. I think this family has more potential to be the new Barclay family than any we have had so far. Great chemistry between mom and dad and parents and kids. As I mentioned earlier, I’m not so sure the kids as siblings have that chemistry yet, but I think it will come and will be great. Let me hear a good fight or two and I’ll let you know. I hope the Parkers are around for a long time. Matthew reminds me of a young Eugene and because of that their interaction is great!

As for Andre – I think this is going to work out fine. It will take me a little getting used to still I think, but I’m excited for the day when he does become Whit for me. I don’t think it is too far off. 

Story so far is great, I’m excited to hear part two. Also, loved the sound design and score in this episode. It really reminded of the early days of AIO where there was little music and it was only there when needed. Not over the top or even noticeable. I heard it when I listened for it, but when I wasn’t, it just blended in. Maybe I have it all wrong, but to me that’s a good thing. It added to the show, instead of taking away from it. It wasn’t over the top, but just right.

So as of right now, I give this show 4/5 stars depending on how the rest of it plays out.

Great job AIO Team and Welcome Back!

Love you all,

Sarah

In Loving Memory of Paul Herlinger May 1, 1929 - February 2, 2010

Dear Friends,

Today I bring to you the sad news of the death of a man who was a dear friend to all of us. I received news this afternoon that Paul Herlinger, the voice of Whit from 1996-2008 passed away last week. He will be dearly missed by all. As I sit here writing this, I am not even sure what or how I feel. I know I am terribly sad, but I'm also glad that he is no longer ill or in pain. I feel very disjointed. On one hand, I never met him. On the other, I feel like one of my closest friends just died.

I had to stop in the middle of writing this post to scour my room for what is now one of my most treasured possessions - a letter from Paul. I wrote to him two years ago to express my gratitude for all he has done with Odyssey and let him know just how much he influenced my life for the good and for God. To my amazement and joy, he wrote back. It was a sweet yet simple letter typed on what appears to be a typewriter with a handwritten signature at the end. But now this letter means more to me than almost anything else I own. It came from the heart and will forever remind me of my childhood hero.

I know that Paul and Whit were not the same person. I know that Whit is not dead, nor is he real. However, for some reason that I cannot understand, I feel an inexplicable sense of loss and sadness. Whit will never be the same. I will never be able to hear a Paul episode again without experiencing some sense of loss. I'm sure it will fade with time, as it did with Hal Smith, but right now, I'm not sure how. The work that this man did, the character he brought to life, has changed my life so much and strengthened my faith in more ways than I can count.

I remember my excitement while writing my letter to him and getting his address. I remember my joy at finding out I actually got a response! I remember how my hands shook and how I could barely contain myself when I opened and read the letter! I remember seeing him on the video screen at the live show in Colorado. I remember hearing that he was very ill and would no longer be with AIO after that show.

And yet, in all these memories, I never met him in person. My loss, our loss as fans, is nothing compared to those who knew and loved him. So today, I ask you to pray for those at Focus, from AIO, and especially his family and friends who are missing this wonderful man. Pray for their comfort and salvation. Pray for God's love and compassion to be showered on them. Pray for their healing.

Here's to you Paul.

And remember: the best is yet to come.

Sarah

Album 51 Episode Titles!

Okay, so if you haven't seen the latest video podcast on the Official Site, definitely check it out! At about 8:45 of the podcast, they unveil the album artwork for Album 51: Take It From the Top! I thought they might keep the episode titles a secret until closer to the actual release date, but I guess they decided it was okay to reveal them. In fact, you can see all twelve episode titles!



Some of the words are a little unclear, but here's what I've deduced so far:

1. The Inspiration Station I
2. The Inspiration Station II
3. Clutter
4. Game for a Mystery
5. Target of the Week
6. For the Birds
7. When You're Right, You're Right
8. Grandma's Visit
9. Finish What You...
10. The Jubilee Singers I
11. The Jubilee Singers II
12. The Jubilee Singers III

I also noticed there will be a few bonus features included in the album. Glad they've decide to keep this up!



As far as the aesthetic changes go, it's worth mentioning that the characters have been completely redesigned, and so far I'm liking it! I think it'll be slightly weird seeing Eugene's eyes (presuming he retains the new hairstyle), but not nearly as strange as it will be seeing a different looking Whit! Is it just me, or does he remind you of some earlier illustrations? I'm definitely getting flashbacks to Paul McCusker's The Stranger's Message, as depicted below.



My only complaint about this new album (and future albums) is the fact that they've decided to change up the logo. I'm not a fan of the way the word, "in," is no longer in-between "Adventures" and "Odyssey." It somehow makes the logo appear less symmetrical. But I'm sure I'll get used to it. Haha.

Contest Winners Announced!

The results are in! Over one hundred entries for the Ultimate Odyssey IQ Challenge came pouring in over the last week. With a total of 100 trivia questions spanning albums 1-50, this truly was a contest for the ages! Head on over to the Odyssey Scoop to find out who won! Then check out the Official Site to find out all the details about an exciting new contest!

The Ultimate Odyssey IQ Challenge

With the arrival of the New Year, we are now only two months away from the release of the fifty-first album, Take It From the Top. As we await the new episodes from this highly anticipated album, the Odyssey Scoop and the Unofficial Podcast have teamed up to give you the opportunity to win a free copy to add to your collection! Focus on the Family has graciously offered to provide copies of this album, so enter now to win!

How do I enter?

Test your Odyssey knowledge by answering 100 questions from the past fifty albums of "Adventures in Odyssey."

When is the deadline?

We must receive all entries no later than January 11 at 11:59pm eastern time. Winners will be announced January 13 at the Odyssey Scoop.

What if I don't know the answer to a certain question?

You may want to listen to past episodes to find the answers. Research is encouraged!

Get started and test your Odyssey IQ!

Unofficial Podcast Ep. 60

12.24.09. It seems like been forever since we were last on the internet airwaves... but better late than never, right? In our latest podcast, we talk about Darien's Rise, Album 51, and make a couple important announcements!

Right-click and save here to download.

Running Time: 27:47

New Podcast Coming Soon!

Well, we're back! Almost. Haha, it's nice to know we were missed. We'll have a new podcast for you on Christmas Eve, so be sure to check back soon!

A Special Surprise

Hey all, this is Sarah! YAY! I just wanted to let you all know that Chris and I hope to be recording soon. You definitely do not want to miss this podcast! We will be explaining the partial reason for why it has taken us so long to record. and why I have been so busy. A hint though - the surprise is not AIO related. :) Guess away and tune in to our next podcast to find out the answer! :D

Love you guys and Happy (American) Thanksgiving! :D

Sarah

More Album 51 Details!

After months of speculation and anticipation, we finally have new information on the upcoming album! Today, the Official Podcast released its latest episode... a video podcast, in fact. It reveals a plethora of exciting details about Album 51. So what are you waiting for?! Check it out and let us know what you think!

Preview of Script for "Inspiration Station"!

In case you haven't checked out the latest Official Podcast, be sure to head on over and watch the video podcast! Bob and Jesse give us a brief tour of foley room, plus they unveil the finalists for the Passages art contest. What podcast viewers may or may not have caught, however, is a sneak peak of the script for the episode, The Inspiration Station. Thoughts?