tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87092666624146408942024-02-19T01:57:34.312-08:00Out of Control in OdysseyOut of Control in Odyssey takes a humorous, modern look at the town of Odyssey, reviewing new episodes, revisiting old ones, and discovering little known facts about the town and ourselves as we go. Of course, this blog will look at the biggest questions: what's the most logical way to explain the ages of all the characters without using the words "time paradox" and how can we apply Odyssey to our lives? Join the odyssey to find the real Odyssey!The Josh and Ally Kompanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10860658298310446293noreply@blogger.comBlogger78125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8709266662414640894.post-38112633280345630402014-06-28T20:53:00.001-07:002014-06-28T21:39:12.200-07:00Thoughts on The Ties That Bind, Part 1<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I love <i>Odyssey</i> because of the seemingly never-ending adaptability that the show can provide. The show can take chances and different formats and still be the same show with the same characters that we love. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I've noticed that <i>Odyssey </i>has often taken cues from current media in terms of structure and format. At the beginning, multiple episodes were released per year, all not of the greatest quality, but with some great ones in the mix. Stories were largely stand-alone, but they had a couple story threads and serialized storylines that popped up from time to time, including Blackgaard, Connie's road to salvation and Christian journey, Eugene's arc, etc. This is similar to many shows of the day, with more procedural-like formats for the casual viewer with few channels available (a la <i>NCIS, Law & Order</i>) while throwing in a couple ongoing storylines for the devoted viewer. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Eventually, as the show evolved, the show began to become more serialized as the 2000s came into play. I consider this era to be the Golden Age of Odyssey history, as the character and plot arcs intertwined and moved forward at a blistering pace while creating great lessons and memorable moments (Novacom Saga and beyond, so basically Albums 35ish - 49). TV took this step in this decade as well as serialized TV began to rise, such as <i>24 </i>and <i>Lost. </i></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Much as <i>Odyssey </i>this season is exploring marriage & family,<br />
Martin Freeman & the cast of FX's <i>Fargo </i>(parental advisory) are <br />
sparking discussion around the country about morality <br />
and the role of God as a storyteller in our lives.<br />
Photo courtesy <i>The Guardian</i>.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Right now, the current trend on TV is closed-ended series, anthologies, miniseries, and the like. Writers like this format because it allows them to work on something that they know has an end, and they don't have to fill space or think up ideas for next season (see: <i>Fargo, True Detective</i>). <i>Odyssey</i> has taken on this trend and retrofitted it for their own purposes in Album 58: <i>The Ties That Bind</i>, which releases on oaclub.org next week and on the radio this fall. After doing the "concept album" with <i>The Best Small Town</i> (Album 50, 2008) & <i>Clanging Cymbals</i> (Album 54, 2011) and the miniseries/audio movie with <i>The Green Ring Conspiracy</i> (Album 53, 2011), <i>The Ties That Bind </i>looks like it wants to be a concept miniseries, which is definitely an interesting concept in itself, taking on God's design for marriage and family, which could <i>easily easily </i>be a very controversial topic. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">After hearing the first part on the latest episode of the podcast, I threw together a couple thoughts about what appeared to be the direction of the next thirteen shows. My first question is about the idea of creating a "fourteen part episode." Paul McCusker in the interview for said podcast said that he had envisioned 18 - 24 episodes, but they had cut one storyline. The storyline was originally going to be 12 episodes, but they needed more time to finish the story and made 14 episodes. To me, it seems a little bit lazy to call it, Part One and etc. I could cut <i>Green Ring </i>some slack because all of the storylines focused on the conspiracy and the counterfeit money. However, this new album is more of a concept album, with all of the storylines focused on a concept, that of family. To not name episodes individually seems to cheapen them, and it seems a little bit lazy, in my opinion, to not do so. The first episode serves as a clear introduction to a variety of storylines, but the struggle I had was deciding whether to cut the show some slack because of its short running time for episodes. When I watch a good episode of television or a movie, the hour or two hours that I watch is a coherent hour(s). For example, in the episode <i>The Taming of the Two</i>, the two parallel storylines (Bernard and Nick & Edwin and Malcolm) have a coherent theme in teamwork. <i>Green Ring </i>held a variety of themes, but it needed twelve parts to tell its story. The Novacom Saga held a variety of themes, but it told multiple storylines and lessons through multiple episodes that were coherent in theme. I don't mean to pay so much attention to the episode titles, but <i>The Ties That Bind </i>seems to play the same game as Novacom story-wise, and yet it's called a "fourteen-parter" so storylines can come and go as they please. Of course, this could all be rendered invalid when I hear the other thirteen parts.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As much as I was lukewarm towards <i>The Green Ring Conspiracy</i>, it definitely served as the true reboot for the series, as the writers figured out how to better write for its new characters. That holds true in this first part, as Paul McCusker skillfully lays out new directions for the citizens of Odyssey to head out and find conflict and conversation in. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>SPOILERS TO FOLLOW:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- the Parkers</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So now, every Parker child has been replaced by their original voice. Jury's still out on this new Matthew, and of course I am strongly biased toward Zach because he did such a great job with a character that originally seemed like another bland Sam Johnson, but the new actor did well. Time will tell, although at the moment, my ideal Parker family includes Marc Evan Jackson (who I've seen all over TV this past year), Amanda Troop, Kelly Stables, Zach Callison, and Sydney Shiotani.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- Eugene and Katrina likely hosting Buck at their house</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Loved Connie's little meta commentary on our fan discussions regarding Buck. I don't know how I feel yet about a full-on adoption, but this trial run opens up a lot of possible plot and conflict possibilities.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- Connie fixing up her house, remembering her mom</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Nice to see continuity from Album 57 and Connie still realistically grieving over June's death. A welcome addition to the overall discussion and conversation about family. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- Penny and Wooton at Comic-Connellsville, Penny's lack of depth</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Loved the clever references to fan culture and <i>Pin Tweaks</i>, referencing Kimmy Robertson's most famous role in <i>Twin Peaks</i>, an anthology mystery series in the early '90s. I enjoyed seeing Wooton back in the comic world - it was disappointing when Powerboy could no longer be used (some copyright thing). I've since felt that Captain Absolutely, although an equally great character and symbol to discuss truth, wasn't able to define Wooton as that comic genius as Powerboy did, showing his money and fame and his struggles with that part of his life, which could partly explain the lapse of character for him since the new era began. His new secret comic idea could bring that back. Penny's line, "I'm here because Wooton's interested in comic books and I'm interested in whatever he's interested in," might've been sweet, but to me, it only reinforced the lack of direction and <i>character</i> for her character, which is a shame, because Kimmy's a real talent. She has been defined by her interactions with Connie and Wooton, and when she's given a chance to shine, it's an episode where she tries some *wacky* new idea, fails, and gets a gentle sermon from Whit. SHE'S NOT A CHILD! What I just described is what used to happen to the first generation of Odyssey kids! Give her something to grow from! Bring her mother into town (the ties that find, amirite?)...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- the return of Pastor Juan and Jules</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Yay for continuity! Good thing Shona lives closeby to Burbank, where they record. I pray Jules is not the Perilous Pen and that it's Penny (which could give her character an intriguing new dimension), but I could be wrong. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- Whit's new conflict</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Oh my. They're tackling it. Very very excited to see Odyssey take on another controversial topic, and I'm glad Andre Stojka finally gets something dramatic to sink his wonderful owl-y chops into. Paul Herlinger stepped in and immediately got <i>Clara </i>(Album 28: Welcome Home). Andre Stojka got <i>Finish What You... </i>(Album 51: Take It From the Top) and <i>Forgiving, More or Less </i>(Album 54: Clanging Cymbals) ("Big scoop, I've got one for the ice cream, har, har" will live on in infamy).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Paul Herlinger said in the interview following the episode release that the team intends to </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"raise the awareness of God's design for marriage and family and then explore it, rather than constantly teach it, but at least explore it in a variety of ways through the different storylines we've created and hopefully give parents and kids a lot to talk about, because in the fourteen episodes, there's a lot there, and it's not all heavy-handed teaching, in fact, I'd say the vast majority of what you've hearing will be subtle lines and references and assumptions on the characters that teach as much as the moments when we're overtly teaching something."</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">That's really heartening news to hear. In a world where the image of those against "tolerance" and "inclusitivity" includes the Westboro Baptist Church, LGBTQ bullying, and hate crimes against the gay community, it's great to hear that <i>Odyssey</i> intends on exploring these issues with love, not hate, not explicitly, blatantly preaching, but still trying to get across important truths. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #ebebeb; color: #323d4f; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">Odyssey was always at its strongest when it opted for subtlety and ambiguity as opposed to preaching. That's how good storytelling works. It whispers truths. It connects with you on a deeper, more meaningful level. I'm dismayed by the fact that you admit to "whining and complaining" when those storytellers weren't always choosing to make it easy for you. </span><br style="background-color: #ebebeb; color: #323d4f; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: #ebebeb; color: #323d4f; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">Is this where Evangelical "artistry" (dare I call it that?) has ended up? Do we demand that the things we already believe be spelled out for as in explicit detail, rather than let ourselves be surprised or convicted by the subtlety and nuance of a good story? </span><span style="background-color: #ebebeb; color: #323d4f; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: #ebebeb; color: #323d4f; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">- Jelly, The ToO</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sometimes the little things, like looking at the nuances, beliefs, experiences, facts, and feelings in these difficult issues and the people that define these discussions, allow us to place a human face on the debates that are currently playing out all around the U.S. In addition, exploring the family doesn't only necessarily mean those members of our communities - it's the nuclear families, dynamics between friends and mentors and teachers, and societal problems resulting from broken families that also need to be addressed. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And that exploration? Looking at it through a lens of love is great, but if you want to really make an impact - well, you need God's love for that. And his ties <i>always </i>bind.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">FOR MORE INFORMATION:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Listen to Part 1 <a href="http://whitsendblog.org/2014/06/the-ties-that-bind-part-1/" target="_blank">here</a>!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sign up for the Odyssey Adventure Club <a href="http://www.oaclub.org/" target="_blank">here</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Preorder Album 58: The Ties That Bind <a href="http://family.christianbook.com/adventures-odyssey-the-ties-that-bind/9781589977938/pd/977930" target="_blank">here</a></span></div>
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The Josh and Ally Kompanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10860658298310446293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8709266662414640894.post-30461623897506495622014-06-17T15:02:00.003-07:002014-06-17T15:06:01.977-07:00It's Been More Out of Odyssey than Out of Control, As of Late<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Well, hello there.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It's been a while.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I certainly didn't plan on taking a six-month hiatus from this blog! But here we are, on week two of my summer vacation, finally free of all the responsibilities you can read about in the "About Us" section. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Why were we gone? Well, I know we use this excuse a lot, but school and the busyness that it brings was certainly a big factor. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For me personally, working to finish four episodes of <i>Candid KOnversations </i>within two months was a lot. It was a lot of hours on my laptop. The Christmas/Valentine's Day episode never panned out because it was extremely ambitious and Ally and I didn't have the time to properly execute that ambition. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As for the state of <i>Candid KOnvos</i>, Ally and I have decided that the podcast will be short-lived and we're ending it after a five episode run. We had fun making it, but our time making it didn't really seem to correlate to an audience that cried out for more episodes. If you really enjoyed it and there's a bunch of people out there who want more, we'll certainly try and reboot it a la I don't know, <i>Battlestar Galactica</i> or <i>Star Trek</i> or something, but in the meantime, Puppy and Woofy will be returning to other projects!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Besides that, I haven't been writing that much lately on Odyssey because I honestly haven't been following it this year. As much as I love Odyssey, my attention hasn't been as well tuned due to the large amount of attention to Odyssey Adventure Club stuff, which is great for everyone that's a member. But that's not me, so I haven't really been drawn to the podcasts feat. interviews and stuff with actors from club episodes and all of that. Besides doing senior year thingys like prom and yearbooks and teary goodbyes, I've kept up with film and TV for my good stories and Sunday School for good lessons. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So what now? Obviously, I still have <i>Life Expectancy </i>and <i>The Pilot</i> to review, so that will probably happen this summer. Other than that, there might be some articles or episodes you ask me to review to hold us all over till Album 58. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm guessing the blog's gonna shift to primarily be episode reviews with occasional commentary, with Ally popping up from time to time. But I'm headed to UC Berkeley come mid-August, so we'll see how the work toll affects the writing, hopefully not to the whole "not write anything for six months" extent that this year did. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I miss you guys! I'll try to head back to the Soda Shop, and I hope to get some Odyssey energy back when <i>The Ties That Bind </i>comes out in the fall. Here's to more out of control time binding our ties!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- Josh</span><br />
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The Josh and Ally Kompanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10860658298310446293noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8709266662414640894.post-6448654739534305052014-01-24T18:06:00.001-08:002014-01-24T18:15:05.776-08:00Bernard Walton<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Everyone who's been a long time Odyssey fan has known all the main characters and the actors that have acted them. Last Thursday, January 16, 2014, I was sad to hear of the lost of our Bernard Walton, and also Reuben Kincaid from the Partridge Family, Dave Madden.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Dave Madden was a great actor who made Bernard into a sarcastic, grumpy, but a funny and dear friend to the Odyssians. He appeared in 94 episodes and played 19 characters on Odyssey in total. Bernard was a great story teller, who told the Bible stories of Joseph, Esther, Job, Saul and Jeremiah, and also some made up ones such as I Slap Floor, one of my favorite episodes. His interactions with the kids showed how much he cared about them through his own humorous ways. His arguments with Eugene, making fun of Connie, mumbling under his breath, and interesting remarks created a funny atmosphere for us Odyssey fans to listen to. His quotes were always super quirky - and who doesn't like quirky?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"Stuff me with spinach and call me a souffle."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"Stuff me with feathers and call me a pillow." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">(for more quotes by Bernard check out: <a href="http://www.aiowiki.com/wiki/Walton_quotes">http://www.aiowiki.com/wiki/Walton_quotes</a>.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Bernard was one of my favorite and beloved Odyssey characters and always will be. We miss him dearly, and are continuously praying for his family and loved ones during their time of grief. Dave Madden will always be remembered for his addition to Odyssey and the media world. Thank you, Dave, for making all the characters you've played come to life. We hope to see you soon one day.</span>
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Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08541840537085344009noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8709266662414640894.post-91129454364426365722013-12-04T22:28:00.001-08:002013-12-04T22:28:50.069-08:00A Sad Yak Minus Zach<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">BREAKING:</span><br />
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Just had dinner with some AIO people. I am no longer able to voice my character due to my voice change, but I will forever be grateful!<br />
— Zach Callison (@ZachCallison) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZachCallison/statuses/408472120205647872">December 5, 2013</a></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">After releasing our interview with Zach so recently, this news comes off as even more bittersweet. Matthew was a great character with a lot of great moments (for me personally, <i>Target of the Week</i>, <i>Something Old, Something New, </i>and <i>The Perfect Church</i> were my favorites), and we'll definitely miss hearing Zach's voice! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You can count on a Matthew Parker blog post in the future. And you can still hear Zach's voice on <i>Steven Universe, Sofia the First, and Mr. Peabody and Sherman</i>, along with all the opportunities that have yet to come a knockin' but will surely come soon for him. #zachattack</span></div>
The Josh and Ally Kompanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10860658298310446293noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8709266662414640894.post-1283792082397522092013-12-01T18:18:00.004-08:002013-12-02T23:09:14.102-08:00Candid KOnversations (S1, E5) - The Yak With Zach: The Lightning Round<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Happy December! We're happy to finally bring you the final part of our Yak with Zach. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Send us your thoughts on </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Candid KOnvos</i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> by commenting below or emailing </span><a href="mailto:jandakocompany@yahoo.com" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">jandakocompany@yahoo.com</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. We're trying to figure out how we'll balance our <i>Odyssey </i>time in 2014 with the blog and the podcast, so be sure to get your thoughts in! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">What's next in the works for <i>Candid KOnvos</i>? We're putting together <i>A Candid KOnvo Clubbin' Christmas</i> to be released Saturday, December 21. We're hoping to get as many of you involved in it as possible - and we'll post more info tomorrow!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In the meantime...enjoy! Oh, and for the full audio experience, wear headphones.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>In the final part of a four-part interview, Josh fires off questions from the fans with Zach. As we end our yak with Zach, Josh focuses on a new project that begins to raise questions on imitation and morality.</i></span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="30" mozallowfullscreen="true" src="https://archive.org/embed/TheYakWithZachTheLightningRound" webkitallowfullscreen="true" width="500"></iframe>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Candid KOnversations with Josh and Ally: </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Yak with Zach: The Lightning Round</i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Written and d</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">irected by Josh Ko</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sound Design, Editing, and Original Score by Josh Ko</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Running time - 21:45</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Copyright The Josh and Ally KOmpany. 2013.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">FOR MORE INFORMATION:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://family.christianbook.com/new-adventures-odyssey-call-something-more/9781589977716/pd/977716?item_code=WW&netp_id=1138030&event=HPT&view=details" target="_blank">Purchase Album 57: A Call to Something More on CBD</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.aiowiki.com/wiki/Zach_Callison" target="_blank">Zach's AIO Wiki page</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.aiowiki.com/wiki/Matthew_Parker" target="_blank">Matthew Parker's AIO Wiki page</a></span><br />
<a href="http://www.cartoonnetwork.com/tv_shows/steven-universe/video/index.html" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Watch Zach's voice on </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Steven Universe</i></a><br />
<a href="http://disneyjunior.com/sofia-the-first" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Check out the official website for <i>Sofia the First</i></span></a></div>
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The Josh and Ally Kompanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10860658298310446293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8709266662414640894.post-56895059246957639612013-11-27T16:45:00.002-08:002013-11-27T16:45:59.935-08:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Happy Thanksgiving!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://odysseyoutofcontrol.blogspot.com/2012/11/25-reasons-why-were-thankful-for.html" target="_blank">25 Reasons Why We're Thankful for Adventures in Odyssey</a></span></div>
The Josh and Ally Kompanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10860658298310446293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8709266662414640894.post-50017835492872067782013-11-23T21:40:00.000-08:002013-11-23T22:05:53.848-08:00Candid KOnversations (S1, E4) - The Yak With Zach: Parker, Matthew<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We're finally back! College apps and English projects have not hampered us (well, for a week) in our quest to deliver part 3 to you! The final part comes at the end of your Thanksgiving weekend on Saturday. Send us your thoughts on <i>Candid KOnvos</i> by commenting below or emailing <a href="mailto:jandakocompany@yahoo.com">jandakocompany@yahoo.com</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And I'll try to post something about the Averys or an episode review this week!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>In the third of a four-part interview, Josh and Zach turn their attentions to Zach's work as Matthew Parker on </i>Adventures in Odyssey<i>. The detective theme continues as Puppy and Woofy get suspicious over Josh's recent activities.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Candid KOnversations with Josh and Ally: </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Yak with Zach: Parker, Matthew</i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Written by Josh and Ally Ko, </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Directed by Josh Ko</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sound Design, Editing, and Original Score by Josh Ko</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Running time - 20:00</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Copyright The Josh and Ally KOmpany. 2013.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">FOR MORE INFORMATION:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.aiowiki.com/wiki/Zach_Callison" target="_blank">Zach's AIO Wiki page</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.aiowiki.com/wiki/Matthew_Parker" target="_blank">Matthew Parker's AIO Wiki page</a></span></div>
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The Josh and Ally Kompanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10860658298310446293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8709266662414640894.post-45387770357903573022013-11-15T18:45:00.002-08:002013-11-15T18:45:48.517-08:00Candid KOnversations Update - 11/15<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Hi guys! Woofy here.</span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! I hope you're really enjoying Season 1 and the Yak with Zach so far. It's been a lot of fun to make!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Unfortunately, I'm here to announce that tomorrow's planned installment, <i>Parker, Matthew;</i> has been postponed to next Saturday. In exchange, Josh should post somethin' about the Album 57 Avery Awards, which I'm excited about! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Hope you're all doing well. Email me your comments on the podcast at <a href="mailto:jandakocompany@yahoo.com">jandakocompany@yahoo.com</a>. I look forward to hearing from you!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">IN THE MEANTIME:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Catch up on Season 1 right now!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://odysseyoutofcontrol.blogspot.com/2013/04/candid-konversations-pilot-finally-goes.html" target="_blank">Pilot</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://odysseyoutofcontrol.blogspot.com/2013/11/candid-konversations-season-premiere.html" target="_blank">The Yak With Zach: Sea Shepherd Ambassador</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://odysseyoutofcontrol.blogspot.com/2013/11/candid-konversations-s1-e3-yak-with.html" target="_blank">The Yak With Zach: This is His Voice</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Visit our official page <a href="http://odysseyoutofcontrol.blogspot.com/p/candid-conversations-w-josh-ally.html" target="_blank">here</a> for the latest updates!</span></div>
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The Josh and Ally Kompanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10860658298310446293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8709266662414640894.post-53509012655152464462013-11-15T18:09:00.000-08:002013-11-15T18:10:22.911-08:00Sunday Morning Scramble School - The Latest Summer Review Ever<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Hey y'all!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;">I know, I'm the worst blogger in the world (I'm sorry), and this post is from the summer which has definitely passed (from the early mornings and darker evenings that I see everyday now), :( but it doesn't mean that you can't read it and enjoy it! Hopefully, haha. Like Josh said, tennis, academics, and life in general are getting to me. It's getting busy, which will only increase to my demise. WILL IT EVER STOP SO I CAN ACTUALLY WRITE A POST AND SCRIPTS ON TIME (yeahh... I have a verse though to share with you!)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;">"28 'Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.' " -Matthew 11:28-30 </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;">This world is full of stress, non-stop work, and just overall busyness, but in the midst of it all, we can find comfort and rest in our Lord and Savior! Don't forget that as you go through your new week! :) </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;">Below in black is my summer post, and in this color will be extra comments of mine. Summer here we come! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">{HELLO MY LOVELY READERS. HOW I'VE MISSED THE INTERNET (NOT REALLY...)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm in trouble. And I haven't blogged since. Forever. I'm so sorry T_T. To make it up, I'm doing an extra long post. Telling you all about the summer (yay Odyssey Related to Reality). <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;">(This will be long. I promise. I should draw you some pictures so you can smile and think "Odyssey"! Or happy thoughts...ANYWAYS) </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Josh came back from Yale yesterday (Yay!) Hope you caught up with his adventures and work and stress on his ILC blog (t<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;">he work and adventures and stress have not ended - college apps and seniorlyfe)!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I went to a camp called CBM (Chinese Bible Ministries) and it's totally awesome-a week away from the world in the great outdoors with a bunch of well... (majority wise) Asian kids from Chinese Christian churches! You get to meet new friends, have workshops and learn way more about God, and interact with everyone through a whole bunch of games and free time! (Kinda like Camp What-A-Nut - a lot of activities, competitions, the great outdoor experience.) This was my first time at the high school camp. The year before was my very first year at a CBM camp, but I had gone to the junior high camp!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My parents drove us on a lovely Monday afternoon with four of my friends two hours up to the camp! Many became homesick (even when they arrived at my house!) but I was excited. This was my second time at a CBM camp and my first time was totally awesome! I couldn't wait for another week of learning what God was trying to tell me and meeting a whole bunch of kids and seeing some old faces! Things were going to get interesting and God taught me so much - even in six days.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Confession time:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In the beginning and even now...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I admit that I felt like I couldn't hear God speaking to me. Sometimes I'd lie in bed waiting and trying to erase everything from my mind (impossible for me...) and hear Him trying to verbally say something. And I wouldn't be able to hear anything. It'd frustrate me because I thought God wasn't speaking to me. I felt lost, confused, and unsure about what God was calling me to do. I guess that's kinda like Camilla in <i>Your Servant is Listening.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Going off topic a little...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">HEY GUYS DID YOU HEAR THE NEW EPISODES HUH HUH HUH HUH :D YAY. I WAS EXCITED. AND I LIKED THE EPISODES. WE'LL TALK ABOUT IT LATER, BUT BACK TO CBM...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We arrived at camp. And like last year, many of the churches had and were arriving. Compared to us, THEY'RE HUGE. Like forty kids in buses or even more. In total I think CBM High School Camp had about...guessing over 200? Lots of Asian people. We only brought five kids from our church o.o in a van. Thankfully my two girl friends (both sisters) and I were in the same cabin so we'd be together and the other two guys (both brothers) would be together. The camp grounds were HUGE compared to the original site where CBM used to be! There was so much walking, but it was good, :D 'cuz we all need exercise right? The bad part about it being so big was that it was harder to make new friends since mostly everyone stuck with their church groups and were more spread out.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I was feeling good as I stepped out of the van, but I got kinda scared. I wondered if I'd fit in with these kids. I wondered if I'd be able to make friends and continue to be friends. I was getting anxious (AND IF YOU GUYS GET ANXIOUS, TELL YOURSELF PHILIPPIANS 4:6-7. :) It's a great verse). And as I tried, I felt it was harder to reach out to make friends because it seemed as if everyone already knew each other and had their own groups. Was I going to meet tons of new kids or just stick with my childhood friends? Man, it was only the first day of camp, and I was already stressing and doubting God's power.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My workshops were "Sexuality in the Bible" and "The Problem of Evil". Total wise, there were six workshops, three on Tuesday and Wednesday, and the other three on Thursday and Friday. Each workshop was lead by a pastor from a different church, and each held a number of kids and counselors who wanted to take them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In the "Sexuality in the Bible" taught about what God's purpose was for marital sex, and the corruption of sexuality (lusts...) It sounds like an awkward subject right? It totally is, but now I know whenever the lusts or things are shown around me, I shall pursue Christ! That's what we're supposed to do! We're surrounded by a world who makes immorality seem normal- in the internet, dramas, TV, movies, songs, all entertainment. It's like "Soaplessly Devoted" where Erica's favorite show was trashy and immoral (wording from AIO Wikipedia page). 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 tells us to flee this, and we should pursue sanctification instead (1 Thessalonians 4 and 1 Timothy 5:1-2). God gives us to strength to get rid of these thoughts and feelings. He gives you and me the strength to say no to temptation and lusts.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it"-1 Corinthians 10:13</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Ever want a great book to read about the idols of our lives, check out <i>Gods At War</i> by Kyle Idleman.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"The Problem of Evil" workshop was very good. The question asked was "If God is good, then why does He let bad things happen?" I had always wondered how to respond to people who asked that.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We learned about four elements:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1. God is all good</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2. God is all powerful</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3. God exists</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">4. Evil exists</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We proved that they existed from a biblical standpoint.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The fifth element that makes the first four work together is that God has a GLORIOUS purpose for evil. What is that purpose? Romans 3:3-5, Romans 5:8, and Romans 9:17, 20-21, 22 tells us that it's because it's to glorify God. We always think our lives is about us right? To our surprise, it's not. It's all about God. We all suffer, in different ways, in some ways more than others. But we have our Father to call upon.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">SPOILER DON'T READ THIS IF YOU HAVEN'T LISTENED TO THE RECENT ALBUM 57 EPISODES I REPEAT IF YOU DON'T WANT TO BE SPOILED DON'T READ THE BLUE BELOW</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;">Like Connie, when her mother passed, she wondered why did God take her mother home now, at this time. At the time, Connie didn't know why this would even happen, but despite the tragedy, Connie learned the lessons of comfort in God, and is going to help out Jeff Lewis in his missionary work. The only way she found out about his work was because of her mother's funeral. I'm not saying that it was a good thing June died, I'm saying God has a purpose for everything that happens in your life, good or bad, whether you know it or not. It's a matter of if you trust Him in the midst of the situation you're in, or you go flying in solo. Uncertainty needs trust, so if you're ever concerned about what God has in store for you, learn to lean on His sovereignty. </span></span><br />
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This reminds me of the bible story about Job, and the Odyssey episode of "Bernard and Job". Lisa learned that when life treats you unfairly, the blame should not go to God and that God is in control of all things.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So, in a world of evil in the dark, what are your responses to evil, things that are unfair to you, or suffering? How can you give it all to God when everything seems to be caving in?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">One of my highlights of CBM was campfire, where everyone in the whole camp all gather in the amphitheater and we all sing and some people share about their highlights. It's a blessing and an encouragement to hear how the camp has impacted them or helped them in their walk with God, and how excited they are to share about Christ! The sharing definitely involves tears, hearing tragic events that have occurred, but it always ends with God coming through (what can we learn from that? :) He'll come through!) It was definitely cold, but the body heat and testimonies warmed me up.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As the week went by, I met so many people, but I only became close friends with a few. I learned that it doesn't matter how many friends you make, but who you're friends with. These people that I befriended have absolutely been God's blessings to me by checking in on me, praying for me, and being always there to talk about Him. It's awesome to see how God places people in our lives during different stages, and how they affect you during that time. I miss them all so much: my friends, the counselors, the camp environment. But with a week of knowledge, encouragement, and our bibles, we're ready to be God's messengers, to go bold, go strong and go FISH!}</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In the summer, my family and I had an awesome trip to Canada! Puppy really wants to post about that trip (and show off his "model" pictures of the house), so I'll let him take care of that :) </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">THIS IS ME. HELLO WORLD. Do you subscribe to Clubhouse? Does your little siblings or cousins or neighbors? Well then you can see my art that I submitted and all the other cool creative games and ideas in the Clubhouse Members Magazine 2013! Second year in a row! (I was in the 2012 version as well!) Both Odyssey related :) I did the theme of the Fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) and tried to incorporate all of them into something the Odyssians could all do together-hence the theater and a Fruits of the Spirit play, which totally go together! Penny and her talent are at work making a poster for Connie who's trying to direct everyone, but of course everyone is going crazy and not paying attention to a surprisingly calm Ms. Kendall. If you see the girl in the background with the black hair and orange tee, I based it off myself hahaha. I know, so original, but it felt so empty there. The whole Odyssey gang is there (except Whit :( maybe he was taking a picture of this chaotic scene). Jay, Priscilla, the Jones, Nelson, Ryan Cummings, the Jones, and the Parkers are all in it to help out! Check it out! It was a lot of fun to draw! :)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So for most of the Internet people I know, I make pictures for their birthdays (and they're always late haha). This one is for Kevin McCreary, The Ceiling Fan Podcast creator, writer, and actor! As you can see, Josh and I are in there, with Garrett Vandenberg and his guitar playing a HBD tune. Kevin's character, Ethan, is with Connie, who he really likes haha. And what do you know-Jimmy Barclay is there too! All old and grown up... with a soul patch! The markers that I used for this picture were COPICS, alcoholic markers that you can find at specialty art stores (super worth it :3)!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Now my life is just: school. School consists of music, homework, and tennis (which is ending soon!), as well as other stuff, like art, letters, and blogging, now and then. It's getting busy, but God has been helping me get through it and He'll continue to help! I just wish I had more sleep... Yay, a long satisfying post :3 (well, I'm satisfied! I hope the same goes for all of you :P) I hope you all have awesome weeks, I shall be back soon! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;">CHALLENGE:</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">HEY - GO COMPLIMENT SOMEONE RANDOMLY AND MAKE THEIR DAY. :) It's so fun to do that, just randomly messaging someone and checking up on them. It's fun for me because I LIKE FELLOWSHIP. IT'S NOT THAT HARD SO IT SHOULDN'T BE A CHALLENGE... JUST GO DO IT!!!! </span><br />
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Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08541840537085344009noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8709266662414640894.post-80527211551790526402013-11-09T12:54:00.000-08:002013-11-09T12:54:34.657-08:00Candid KOnversations (S1, E3) - The Yak With Zach: This is His Voice<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It's time for another Zach attack as we continue our interview with Zach Callison! We're also having a mini heart attack creating podcasts at Steve Harris/Phil Lollar speed, but that's beside the point. Enjoy! Part 3 comes next week. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Please give us your feedback on what you thought of episode 3! Comment below or email us at </span><a href="mailto:jandakocompany@yahoo.com" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">jandakocompany@yahoo.com</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">! And as always, we're still working on iTunes. Thanks for being patient!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>While Josh talks to Zach in the second of a four part interview about his voiceover and live action work in TV animation, web shows, music, radio, advertising, and film, including work with </i>Sofia the First, The Legend of Korra, <i>and </i>Diary of a Single Mom; <i>Woofy plans his comeback (no thanks to Puppy) and Josh gets inspired by a new Odyssey opportunity.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Candid KOnversations with Josh and Ally: </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Yak with Zach: This is His Voice</i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Written by Josh and Ally Ko, </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Directed by Josh Ko</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sound Design, Editing, and Original Score by Josh Ko</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Running time - 21:18</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Copyright The Josh and Ally KOmpany. 2013.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">FOR MORE INFORMATION:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2642131/" target="_blank">Zach's IMDB page</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.cartoonnetwork.com/tv_shows/steven-universe/video/index.html" target="_blank">Watch Zach's voice on <i>Steven Universe</i></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://odysseyoutofcontrol.blogspot.com/p/candid-conversations-w-josh-ally.html" target="_blank">Official <i>Candid KOnversations </i>page</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://odysseyoutofcontrol.blogspot.com/p/about-us_25.html" target="_blank">About Us page</a></span></div>
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The Josh and Ally Kompanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10860658298310446293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8709266662414640894.post-46863373273369526822013-11-02T12:04:00.004-07:002013-11-02T12:06:12.484-07:00Candid KOnversations Season Premiere - The Yak With Zach: Shepherd Ambassador<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The season premiere of <i>Candid KOnversations </i>has finally arrived!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>In the first of a four part interview with Zach Callison, Josh talks with Zach about his early career and his work with Sea Shepherds. Meanwhile, Woofy begins to plan a comeback and Josh steps deeper into his new shady audio drama.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Candid KOnversations with Josh and Ally: <i>The Yak with Zach: Shepherd Ambassador</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Written by Josh and Ally Ko, </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Directed by Josh Ko</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sound Design and Original Score by Josh Ko</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Running time - 19:09</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Copyright The Josh and Ally KOmpany. 2013.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We'd love your feedback on what you thought of episode 2! Comment below or email us at <a href="mailto:jandakocompany@yahoo.com">jandakocompany@yahoo.com</a>! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Also, we're also releasing an <a href="http://odysseyoutofcontrol.blogspot.com/p/about-us_25.html" target="_blank">About Us</a> page, which gives more information on who we are and what our blog's about. And keep checking the official page for <i>Candid KOnversations </i><a href="http://odysseyoutofcontrol.blogspot.com/p/candid-conversations-w-josh-ally.html" target="_blank">here</a> for the latest updates! Part 2 of our interview with Zach continues next week.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So sorry iTunes has been taking so long. We're working on it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">FOR MORE INFORMATION:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.seashepherd.org/" target="_blank">http://www.seashepherd.org/</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://odysseyoutofcontrol.blogspot.com/p/candid-conversations-w-josh-ally.html" target="_blank">Official <i>Candid KOnversations </i>page</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://odysseyoutofcontrol.blogspot.com/p/about-us_25.html" target="_blank">About Us page</a></span></div>
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The Josh and Ally Kompanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10860658298310446293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8709266662414640894.post-32003355204787776992013-10-28T21:06:00.001-07:002013-10-28T21:08:03.834-07:00Candid KOnversations Season Premiere on Saturday!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Pretty self-explanatory. We're ready for Saturday! Are you?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If you haven't listened to the pilot yet or want more info on <i>Candid KOnversations with Josh and Ally</i>, check out the page <a href="http://odysseyoutofcontrol.blogspot.com/p/candid-conversations-w-josh-ally.html" target="_blank">now</a>!</span><br />
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The Josh and Ally Kompanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10860658298310446293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8709266662414640894.post-3041896623330524062013-10-22T01:11:00.002-07:002013-10-26T11:09:41.920-07:00733: Big Trouble Under the Big Top<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Hey y'all!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Things are getting crazy up in here. Ally has tennis non-stop, and I'm doing college apps and clubs and extracurricular activities and...well, you get the picture. But in the midst of it all, we're trying to find time to edit Episode 2, or the season premiere, of <i>Candid KOnversations</i> and start recording Episode 3! I'm getting a slight idea of what it must have been like for Phil Lollar and Steve Harris back in '87. And to the circus we go, along with the one-episode triumphant return of Matthew Parker!</span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">UPDATE 10/26: </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Marc Evan Jackson, otherwise known as David Parker, guest starred on my favorite show, <i>Parks and Recreation</i>, and he was hilarious. But anyways, reviews of <i>Life Expectancy </i>and <i>The Pilot</i> should be released soon, but note that all Album 57 reviews will be subject to change since they're based on the radio version, not the album version. After hearing of some potentially important scenes, we might have to wait a little longer so I can listen to the album version!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">LISTEN ALONG WITH ME <a href="http://thetoo.com/viewtopic.php?f=68&t=33414" target="_blank">HERE</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">THE ODYSSEY TIMES (Facts, notes, and quotes about Odyssey from this ep):</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- Finally, a title of a mystery that is actually the title that Emily selects.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- Oh no! Zach's voice is beginning to hit that time of life!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- "Welcome to the circus!"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- Well, look at you, Emily and Matthew, Mr. and Mrs. Sherlock Einstein.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- I thought clowns didn't talk to people that weren't in the CCC... (<i>Like Father, Like Wooton</i>, Album 47: Into the Light)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- Dual identities! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- "Don't let loyalty and faithfulness leave you. Bind them around your neck. Write them around the tablet of your heart." - Proverbs 3:3</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">REVIEW:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Jones and Parker Detective Agency mysteries have been a curious phonomenon in the new era of <i>Adventures in Odyssey</i>. The excitement of what could have been was run over the appearance of <i>Game for a Mystery </i>(Album 51: Take It From the Top), and expectations were lowered. Emily was a know-it-all who was a little insufferable, although smart. Although there was potential for this annoying character to have somewhat of a human side, we never saw it throughout Albums 51 - 52 (<i>Take It From the Top, Cause and Effect</i>). 53 - 54 (<i>The Green Ring Conspiracy, Clanging Cymbals</i>) began to open her up and break her character down and really deconstruct the once smug, all-knowing personality we associated her with. 56 (<i>The Grand Design</i>). Emily has slowly evolved into a character who is definitely extremely smart and observant, and while she has many unlikable qualities, still remains to gain an amount of respect from at least this listener. The most recent albums have given us both characterization and development for Ms. Jones and the other characters, moving plots further (<i>Something Old...</i>), giving us more insight <i>(Great Expectations)</i>, helping other characters grow (the very good <i>Repent After Me</i>), and more mysteries. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">That brings us to <i>Big Trouble</i>, which seems like it might be trouble but manages to dig itself out. It feels like a shadow of the earlier Jones/Parker mysteries, but Matthew definitely has the stronger presence that he's been having throughout the show. He was mostly used for comic relief and circus trivia throughout the show, which, pun intended, seemed rather trivial for his character. I'm wondering if the writers are wondering what to do with Matthew at a point where his voice is beginning to change, but he's not involved in any heavy storylines. This is his only appearance in this album, a shocking change from the last six, and it unfortunately barely registers due to the story. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Emily's deductive reasoning (and yes, a little Matthew) led to the culprit being uncovered. Of course, for many listeners, the mystery was never really in doubt. The culprit's motives were relayed very unsubtly toward the first five or so minutes of the episode. The real question was whether the episode could hold the audience's attention. After <i>Game for a Mystery</i>, many listeners were disappointed that it was more whiny Barrett and less Encyclopedia Brown. They got it with this one. Unfortunately, it was way too predictable of a mystery.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">However, on the attention front, Wynn and Hoose fired on all cylinders. The circus atmosphere is a lot of fun and brings a lot of great moments and characterizations from the staff. I was a huge fan of the voices, and I know it sounds strange, but I got a big <i>Madagascar: Europe's Most Wanted </i>vibe. Zara, Esteban, and Pockets were great characters that were fun to listen to. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">One major element of the plot was the idea of a class system in the circus family. They used it to tie up a theme about treating others well and with respect. I thought that that was a squandered opportunity that could've been used to open up a discussion about the way we see people, but that's a minor complaint. Music and sound design were on point and very well-done and slightly over the top to match the writing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Overall, <i>Big Trouble Under the Big Top </i>manages not to find itself in that much trouble. It's an enjoyable Jones and Parker Detective Agency that's very predictable, but it's a lot of fun, with a quirky sound design and score. I give this episode a 87/100, or a</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">B</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">FOR MORE INFORMATION:</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Buy this episode and 11 others on <a href="http://family.christianbook.com/new-adventures-odyssey-call-something-more/9781589977716/pd/977716?item_code=WW&netp_id=1138030&event=ESRCG&view=details" target="_blank">Album 57: A Call to Something More</a> via CBD</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Talk about this episode and a bunch of other Odyssey stuff over at <a href="http://www.campbellcountymb.com/" target="_blank">Campbell County</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Comment with your thoughts and reactions!</span></div>
<span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">AVERY WATCH:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Best Sound Design - Jonathan Crowe</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Best Score - John Campbell</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Best Actor - </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Eduardo Antonio Garcia (Esteban), Gregg Bissonette (Pockets the Clown)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Best Actress - Hahni Critch [?] (Zara)</span></div>
The Josh and Ally Kompanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10860658298310446293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8709266662414640894.post-73589569734669993602013-10-06T18:02:00.000-07:002013-10-06T18:06:15.285-07:00Thoughts on the Odyssey Adventure Club - An Open Letter<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Odyssey Adventure Club (OAC) has drawn some very strong, mostly negative responses after its official announcement at this past week's webcast. Basically, listeners would pay $180 a year, or $15 a month, for streaming of all AIO episodes and 12 exclusive episodes that fit into the canon of the show. Here's my thoughts, originally posted on Facebook (I know, I know, classy).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #edeff4; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 12.71875px;">Have you thought about using a tier system? Maybe split it into "basic" and "premium"? Basic just gives you the exclusive episodes and Premium would give you the episodes, streaming all the epiosdes and exclusive content. Just a thought. But the way you have it structured now, it WILL fail. Yes, some will pay that price but so many more won't and eventually they will stop listening all together. - another commenter</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Dear Focus,</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I think the "basic" and "premium" thing is a great idea. Looking at it from an outsider's perspective, I would be very confused if I was a new listener and half of the new episodes released per year were only on a certain platform and half were on the radio/online/digital download. I understand the motives for the move, and the idea of an online streaming service is intriguing and interesting. But to the long-time loyal fans who have no need or interest in the service (note that I'm interested), it disrupts the Odyssey experience (and the Odyssey brand) for many listeners, especially the listeners who simply can't afford a service such as the OAC. And just looking at streaming costs, while I love Odyssey, 700 episodes streaming for $15 a month when millions of hours of streaming are available on similar services for the same cost, if not less money, makes the price absurd. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">ASIDE: If Focus needs a bigger profit margin for <i>Odyssey</i>, what's another avenue to make that happen that a majority of listeners can easily buy into?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">On a more traditional route, as another commenter suggested, the radio audience needs to be taken into consideration. While I understand that there's a smaller audience and market there, they introduce a lot of new listeners to the show and have publicized it for the past 25 years. I can't think of a solution to reconcile the radio audience with the new ambitions of the OAC, but something needs to be done. The difficult thing is that Odyssey is often compared to TV shows, where audiences are able to watch each episode for free at least when it airs, and shows recoup their costs through ad money. Since that isn't the case for Odyssey, it makes it difficult to justify airing the episodes, besides listener satisfaction. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">How about story? Characters and important moral lessons have guided the show since its inception twenty six years ago. But with episodes split on different platforms, can continuity still be a thing? I understand that costs need to be made up, but the integrity of the story and the product needs to be taken into account. Think more Wooton in <i>Wooing Wooton </i>than Winston.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There's a lot of important factors and variables to consider when moving forward on this new venture. I don't know what the solution is going to be, but I thank you for your continued efforts to serve the family all over the world and to keep Odyssey going in our homes, whether that's on the radio, online, on our mobile devices, and soon through streaming.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Dear Every Other <i>Odyssey</i> Fan Besides Me,</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Hey. Hey. I'm guessing you're probably upset if you're not one of the really excited fans in the comments section of the latest Official <i>Adventures in Odyssey </i>podcast. OAC sounds like a threat to your <i>Odyssey </i>fandom existence, especially if a lot of your friends won't subscribe because they don't want to or can't afford it or you won't be able to join yourself. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I don't know if I'll be able to join. But I do know this: as fans, our greatest job is to be <i>Odyssey</i>'s biggest critics and supporters. We can criticize their decisions and petition for Mitch to return and Emily to disappear, but in the end, we all love the show. I don't know what's going on with Focus (the non-profit organization who produces <i>Adventures in Odyssey</i>) and their finances, but from what I've been hearing, there's a lot of stress happening on that front. I'm not sure if the club is a response to those issues or a new avenue and direction for the show. I don't know if Focus will change their minds and allow everyone to hear the exclusive episodes or not. I do know that if we do feel strongly about the OAC, we do need to let them know. We need to speak with grace and a kind manner and tell 'em our grievances - online, on the phone, in the mail, whatever. But I think that as <i>Odyssey </i>fans, we can do better. When Whit noticed that kids weren't as excited about the Bible, he didn't just whine and complain about the problem. He did something about it, and singlehandedly created the Bible Room, which has spawned the scene for many an <i>Odyssey </i>episode. We can complain and voice our opinions all we want, but I think we can do more. Let's learn more about the situation - the pros/cons of the OAC, the motivations for why Focus created it, and the state of <i>Odyssey </i>and Focus. Then let's rise up together from our fan sites and the ToO and Campbell County and The Soda Shop and figure out a solution together. Is it gonna be hard to figure out something to please every party involved? Yeah. But is it like creating an invention that allows multiple people to travel through doors and go on adventures throughout the Bible and history in their imaginations with other people? Nah. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Think of it as <i>A Call to Something More</i>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Please post your thoughts and comments below!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">FOR MORE INFORMATION:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://focusonthefamily.webconnex.com/co-oacname" target="_blank">The Odyssey Adventure Club website</a></span></div>
The Josh and Ally Kompanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10860658298310446293noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8709266662414640894.post-3971839041319687822013-09-23T23:51:00.000-07:002013-09-24T00:12:26.457-07:00732: Repent After Me<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Happy Monday! Just kidding. Silly, those don't exist. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If you haven't already, listen along with me and read <i>The Odyssey Times </i>below as you listen to <i>Repent After Me</i> for my quick takes and thoughts (aired originally September 14).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">LISTEN <a href="http://www.focusonthefamily.com/popups/media_player.aspx?Tab=Shows&subcategory=AdventuresInOdyssey&ShowPath=Adventures%20in%20Odyssey&broadcastDate=2013-09-14&KidSafe=1" target="_blank">HERE</a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">THE ODYSSEY TIMES (Facts, notes, and quotes about Odyssey from this ep):</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- Priscilla hit academic probation a couple years ago.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- Katrina's been installing a new physics lab at Odyssey Middle School.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- Hoo hoo hoo! Whit's impressed laugh sounds quite Owl-ish.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- Eavesdropping Emily's at it again!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- The Jones and Jones Detective Agency are on the case!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- Twist: the locker belongs to no one!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- "Or she - villains can be female, you know!" - Emily, making the cause for villain equality</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- Mr. Redekop - hmm, that name sounds familiar. (:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- "Repentance is more than feeling badly for what you did and trying to fix it. Those are important things, to be sure, but another key is confession. Admitting what you did to God and the person you harmed and asking for your forgiveness." - Whit</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- Oh snap, Emily's not the only detective on the block, and Matthew's not the only Parker who could be in a detective agency.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- Bren McFarland, you're a cheater! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- There was only one real suspect this whole time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- "They were a public service for disadvantaged students who needed a helping hand with, you know, the rigors of a tough school schedule." - Jay thinking fast</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- "The last step of repentance. What's that? Accept forgiveness." - Olivia and Barrett</span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikCTAwZpHKWZcGc1Oaw3-F7jH8BI0o6rhLMop2Wz_6zJuJ1V05VzutvY9aQHGic8jcKoktBuuAFDqtBhP4Iumn8HbJZvHDdMn660c_YtCKlRYoKzflhQnDFlUjXxS9iNdd3kwb5FDUXx8/s1600/299px-Barrett_Jones_full.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikCTAwZpHKWZcGc1Oaw3-F7jH8BI0o6rhLMop2Wz_6zJuJ1V05VzutvY9aQHGic8jcKoktBuuAFDqtBhP4Iumn8HbJZvHDdMn660c_YtCKlRYoKzflhQnDFlUjXxS9iNdd3kwb5FDUXx8/s320/299px-Barrett_Jones_full.jpg" width="159" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy AIO Wiki</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">REVIEW:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">For me, the most exciting thing about this episode after I had heard it for the first time was that I had figured out who the culprit was <i>long</i> ago. The exciting fact was that I was riveted still the entire time. That's due to another great script by Marshal Younger (another winner after last week's <i>More Than a Feeling</i>) and the always talented Nathan Hoobler. While the opening scene had a lot of exposition at the beginning, we started moving briskly along.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The entire episode was an intriguing case study on repentance and how God uses other emotions, such as guilt, and people, such as Olivia, to guide us back to Him. Or as I like to call it ('cause I'm feeling rhymy tonight), an interesting meditation on motivation. With all due respect, this blew most of the typical "mystery" cases we've heard lately out of the water because the suspense was so character-driven and not so gimmick-based. I loved the mystery-solving teamwork element between Emily and her brother - it made the mystery so much more interesting hearing a dynamic we don't get to hear often enough.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">ASIDE: In this new era of <i>Odyssey </i>shows, family time is a very precious thing. The last time the Parkers were all together was...<i>An Agreeable Nanny</i>? Three years ago? The Jones last convened in <i>Emily the Genius</i> - two years ago. The emphasis now seems to be on the "gang" of kids - being Matthew, Olivia, Emily, Barrett, and Jay; with Priscilla and Camilla recurring. END ASIDE.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My favorite part of this episode was the relationship between Barrett and Olivia. This season, we've been able to see them interact in both humorous, partnering, and dramatic situations, and the character development has been huge. Major props to Kelly Stables for one of her best, if not her best, performance as Olivia, handling some really dramatic and sleuthin' scenes really well. Some commenters have wondered if this is the beginning of a triangle with Priscilla - frankly, I don't care. Whatever the writers decide to do with B/O is fine as long as the development continues, because the growth is a huge positive for the show.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My final comment is on the placement of this show in the season (SPOILER ALERT). With the knowledge that Jay had, of course, once again concocted a plot to get Barrett in trouble, I thought that this would've been a great lead-in to <i>The Friend Formula</i>, which showed Jay attempting revenge and intel on Mr. Jones. With the order of the shows, it appeared Jay had learned nothing from <i>Friend Formula</i>, which he may have well have, and grasped no new developments after the friendship with Riley. I would've preferred to have them swapped, but who knows, maybe the writers are building toward some ultimate Jay-Barrett showdown in the near future. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A script that dabbles in mystery and delights in character development is not only a joy to listen to, but a joy to learn from about repentance, and that's what Marshal Younger and Nathan Hoobler do here. With great performances from Christina Puccelli and Kelly Stables and a good starring turn by Andy Pessoa, solid score and sound design, this is one episode to <i>repeat</i> after me. I give <i>Repent After Me</i> a 96/100, or an</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">FOR MORE INFORMATION:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Catch up on Josh's summer by reading his blog from the past several </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">months </span><a href="http://13ilcatyale.blogspot.com/search/label/joshua%20ko" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">here</a></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Buy this episode and 11 others on <a href="http://family.christianbook.com/new-adventures-odyssey-call-something-more/9781589977716/pd/977716?item_code=WW&netp_id=1138030&event=ESRCG&view=details" target="_blank">Album 57: A Call to Something More</a> via CBD</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Talk about this episode and a bunch of other Odyssey stuff over at <a href="http://www.campbellcountymb.com/" target="_blank">Campbell County</a></span></div>
<span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">AVERY WATCH:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Best Episode</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Best Script - Marshal Younger and Nathan Hoobler</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Best Sound Design - Rob Jorgensen</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Best Actress - Kelly Stables (Olivia)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Best Scene - Barrett and Olivia wrapping up the episode</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
The Josh and Ally Kompanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10860658298310446293noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8709266662414640894.post-84694424467388040452013-09-19T21:59:00.000-07:002013-09-21T12:08:01.843-07:00731: More Than a Feeling<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Hey y'all. Hope you're enjoying the last days of the actual summer. Be sure to let me know what you thought about the episode!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If you haven't already, listen along with me and read <i>The Odyssey Times </i>below as you listen to <i>More Than a Feeling</i> for my quick takes and thoughts (aired originally September 7).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">LISTEN <a href="http://www.focusonthefamily.com/popups/media_player.aspx?Tab=Shows&subcategory=AdventuresInOdyssey&ShowPath=Adventures%20in%20Odyssey&broadcastDate=2013-09-07&KidSafe=1" target="_blank">HERE</a></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPjn_8h-cUyZAq0mr8Q9DBHJHwgcGEUNWAy-nOVhShcR1uOQJ9PMPJE97sosT0BC05BOLp_CZ231T3sU6DUCqAJckd9KRSMO1d8cofNDhGfJm4NTeS7f0Uh_1HadixR6PUEyA74_d27tY/s1600/179px-Katrinashanksmeltsner2.png.pagespeed.ce.ps9L2hgwkn.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPjn_8h-cUyZAq0mr8Q9DBHJHwgcGEUNWAy-nOVhShcR1uOQJ9PMPJE97sosT0BC05BOLp_CZ231T3sU6DUCqAJckd9KRSMO1d8cofNDhGfJm4NTeS7f0Uh_1HadixR6PUEyA74_d27tY/s320/179px-Katrinashanksmeltsner2.png.pagespeed.ce.ps9L2hgwkn.png" width="95" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">THE ODYSSEY TIMES (Facts, notes, and quotes about Odyssey from this ep):</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- Four days of rain.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- I don't know why, but the way Katrina says "I need a jolt" is hilarious.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- If Camilla decides to start a new ministry, she can call it <i>Crochet by Camilla</i>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- "That's how you're going to commemorate the beginning of your love - with chicken?" - Connie</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- <i>The Smell of Love </i>seems like a particularly atrocious rom-com by the title. Their marketing team needs some work.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- Eugene and Katrina are adorable together. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- I love Eugene and Katrina's definition of unhealthy food.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- Connie at work once again!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- Panzini's went from upscale Italian fare to the world-famous 23 different varieties of nachos. Quite the downgrade. Perhaps an abrupt change of management?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- "The everyday stuff may not be romantic, but there's a lot more to marriage than romance." - Katrina</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- "My love for you is much more faithful than any feeling. My love for you is constant, and always will be." - Eugene</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">REVIEW:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The premise of <i>More Than a Feeling </i>feels so basic. Camilla stumbles with her faith; Eugene and Katrina stumble with romance. But as we learned, feelings are fleeting, and this episode definitely hit that lesson out of the park.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">One word that describes this episode to me is charming. Marshal Younger's script feels very light while getting across some very heavy themes. In fact, I would argue that this exploration of the true definitions of love, marriage, emotion, and being a Christian is the closest that <i>Odyssey </i>will get to tackling, ahem, more controversial topics. But his deft balance of large topics, new Christian hijinks, and romantic comedy is an utter treat to listen to. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">One thing that really supports Marshal's script is the chemistry that has really began to blossom in the <i>Odyssey </i>cast once again. My previous impression of Whit and Camilla's relationship was in <i>Forgiving...More or Less </i>("Big scoop! I've got one for the ice cream...har har."). Mr. Whittaker was definitely more warm and human here, and that's due to Andre Stojka's increasingly wise portrayal. There's still a lot of Owl that I hear and vocal inflections that I loved from Paul Herlinger, but I feel like the spirit of Whit, if that makes any sense (and not to break any theological bubbles, just for metaphorical purposes, por favor), is definitely something that's starting to come back. It was great to see Connie getting back into meddling and continuing the great Eugene/Connie scenes as of late. I also enjoyed seeing Connie and Katrina at it again, and the Parker family's chemistry continues to impress (understanding that Michaela Dean is only on her second episode as Camilla). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In previous David-watching football episodes, Mark Evan Jackson has to record his shouts before the sound goes on. This issue was also apparent in <i>Happy Hunting </i>with Connie, Penny, and the bird noises. Something must have happened, because the sound was a lot smoother this time around, and that's thanks to great work by Christopher Diehl. The music was once again fabulous by John Campbell, after last week's not-up-to-<i>Odyssey </i>standard work by a guest composer.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">However, it's the Eugene/Katrina storyline that really stands out. Marshal turns the conventional idea of a happy, successful marriage often exemplified in the media and our imaginations (illustrated through Connie) and turns it on its head, dissecting the issue with that assessment in a very real, raw, hilarious way. I've often complained recently as how <i>Odyssey </i>seemed to downgrade itself to a lower brand of humor, seemingly to appeal to the age group after the relaunch. However, the writing has vastly improved since then and the humor is back to being <i>funny</i> for me, and hopefully for more people than the candy-coated days of <i>Game for a Mystery</i>. But the bits, from the late night conversation to the nacho dinners, were spot on. The characters felt completely <i>in character </i>and everything just felt incredibly natural. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Camilla's enthusiasm for her faith was another element of this very charming episode. Her scene with David celebrating Jesus while watching the televangelist is simply adorable. Michaela Dean (voice of Camilla as of Album 57) is definitely growing on me. Her struggles with her faith is something very real that all Christians face. It's often a reason why many people turn from the faith, and something that <i>Odyssey </i>addresses spectacularly.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>More Than a Feeling </i>goes above and beyond in more than one way. The script is fantastic, but the episode really works thanks to incredible chemistry throughout the entire cast. So much happens in the twenty three minutes or so that the listener is left breathless by the end. The mix of heavy themes, light comedy, and <i>Odyssey </i>staples is a fantastic blend. Look for this episode at the Averys. I give this episode a 95/100, or an</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">FOR MORE INFORMATION:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Catch up on Josh's summer by reading his blog from the past several </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">months </span><a href="http://13ilcatyale.blogspot.com/search/label/joshua%20ko" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">here</a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Read a really good article about love, emotions, and marriage here: </span><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/elad-nehorai/i-didnt-love-my-wife_b_3908956.html"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/elad-nehorai/i-didnt-love-my-wife_b_3908956.html</span></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Buy this episode and 11 others on <a href="http://family.christianbook.com/new-adventures-odyssey-call-something-more/9781589977716/pd/977716?item_code=WW&netp_id=1138030&event=ESRCG&view=details" target="_blank">Album 57: A Call to Something More</a> via CBD</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Talk about this episode and a bunch of other Odyssey stuff over at <a href="http://www.campbellcountymb.com/" target="_blank">Campbell County</a></span></div>
<span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">AVERY WATCH:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Best Episode</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Best Script - Marshal Younger</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Best Sound Design - Chris Diehl</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Best Actor - Will Ryan (Eugene)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Best Actress - Audrey Wasilewski (Katrina)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Best Scene - Eugene and Katrina attempting to rekindle late-night conversation</span></div>
The Josh and Ally Kompanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10860658298310446293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8709266662414640894.post-63361565252554208732013-09-15T20:41:00.000-07:002013-09-15T23:39:50.976-07:00730: The Friend Formula<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Happy SonDay! Hope everyone's enjoying their weekend. Be sure to let me know what you thought about the episode!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If you haven't already, listen along with me and read <i>The Odyssey Times </i>below as you listen to <i>The Friend Formula</i> for my quick takes and thoughts.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">LISTEN <a href="http://www.focusonthefamily.com/popups/media_player.aspx?Tab=Shows&subcategory=AdventuresInOdyssey&ShowPath=Adventures%20in%20Odyssey&broadcastDate=2013-08-30&KidSafe=1" target="_blank">HERE</a></span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzv40u9EpnBkPbDHV-P5xe_ADCGkCkyJ3f1hCrriorFydwZKOaOjREWMnYBVY1oxL9wq5wVkKrxgKBnAPk1Yj1Euw1NqBJS2dybQqRTsVZiFWWEfZBg4m4HJiIqpqM9l9wK2h5bOrMLAw/s1600/dulcimer3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzv40u9EpnBkPbDHV-P5xe_ADCGkCkyJ3f1hCrriorFydwZKOaOjREWMnYBVY1oxL9wq5wVkKrxgKBnAPk1Yj1Euw1NqBJS2dybQqRTsVZiFWWEfZBg4m4HJiIqpqM9l9wK2h5bOrMLAw/s320/dulcimer3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dulcimer image courtesy of MetaTalk</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">THE ODYSSEY TIMES (Facts, notes, and quotes about Odyssey from this ep):</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- Mr. Whittaker returns to the opening theme.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- Cherry italian sodas? Are those new to the Whit's End menu?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- Barrett and Olivia are starting a band! Olivia plays guitar, Barrett plays trombone, and Priscilla sings? Is La Perros Frescos 2.0 available for a band name?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- I must admit I'm also wondering why Riley is carrying around a dulcimer around with him. Does he expect to play it somewhere? Is he looking for a band to join? Perhaps stumble across a music rehearsal somewhere or someplace?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- "So, Riley, old boy, what's your story? You look like a cheerleader for a funeral." - Jay</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- Kemosabe! Perhaps this was written back when there were people excited for <i>The Lone Ranger</i> remake.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- Jay's super excited for <i>Clambake </i>(the soundtrack album from Elvis's last film for United Artists Pictures in 1967).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- The four "i-ngs": Spying, crying, plying, and lying. Jay's definitely one for wordplay.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- "So, how'd it go, kid? I left right around the time when you two were taking my name in vain." - Jay</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- "Talk to her? But she's a girl!" Aw, Riley. You can do it! If Jimmy can confront Jessie, Miss Romantic, about her love for him, you can utter four phrases over and over when talking to Olivia. (<i>The Trouble with Girls</i>, The Lost Episodes).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- "Never trust your feelings, kid." - Jay, and a possible reference to next week's <i>More Than a Feeling</i>?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- Riley's turning the tables and recognizing Jay's "I-ngs!" Good for him.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- The Biblical response to the "I-ngs" - listening, sharing, caring, and trusting.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">REVIEW:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm not sure how to feel about this episode. There's a lot of good things happening here, but the not-so-great ones are frustrating, after the positive direction from the past two episodes. It's definitely overall a good episode, but some uneven things kept it from being something better. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I loved the concept of the show. The "I-ngs" idea is something that many of us have unknowingly implanted in ourselves in a belief that we'll come across as a "cooler person" when we portray ourselves to be that way (I actually wrote a post about that this summer, which you can read <a href="http://13ilcatyale.blogspot.com/2013/08/reflections-on-life-and-yale.html" target="_blank">here</a>), and the moral of true friendship is something relatable for all ages. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Gage Davenport, who plays Riley, did, for the most part, a very by-the-numbers performance. I didn't think it was incredible, but he did an admirable job. I'm not quite sure if Riley caught my attention enough to warrant him coming back, in my mind, but I will be curious if they do. I felt that Cindy, introduced in <i>Unbecoming Jay</i>, was a more interesting foil for Jay, who, while had a similar personality to Riley, also had a bit of a conniving side similar to her cousin, which made for an incredible and fun to listen to dynamic. However, Whit Hertford continues to bring an incredible false gravitas and great levity to playing Jay. I would love to hear Jay in some kind of dramedy-type episode, because I feel that Hertford could definitely pull off multiple dimensions and really explore some new characterizations for Jay. Not that the scheming Jay isn't tiresome, it's just that it'd be great to explore new territory with the character since he's played by a great actor. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I also had a concern about the placement of this show in the season, but that's to be discussed later. The score was done by someone other than John Campbell, named Detrich Terry, and it sounds like that old-fashioned sound that unfortunately usually happens whenever Campbell doesn't do the score (a la Tim Hosman). The sound design wasn't a major factor in this episode. I liked how Whit and Riley could turn around the "I-ngs" into something more positive, but the band subplot never got out of its sour note funk for me. Olivia bounced back from her over-the-top-ish good personality last week, but I don't quite understand what the point of it was, unless it factors into a later episode. It seemed a little drawn-out, although the Riley-Olivia prying conversation was hilarious. Some of the dialogue was so-so, but overall, the script zipped along, thanks to Bob Hoose. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I've noticed that <i>Odyssey </i>is beginning to move back to a more all-ages format, which is good news for older fans like me. As the show went into a new era three years ago, it seemed to have lost its footing when attempting to cater more to a selected age bracket of 8-12. It worked so hard at that that the writing took a hit. Since Album 55, the stories have been on a general upswing, which is definitely a good thing. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>The Friend Formula</i> has a formula that translates to success, although some elements needed a bit more mixing. The story was interesting and the moral was important, but some scripting, acting, and score issues hampered the final product. However, Jay continues to shine and the Barrett/Olivia duo go two for two after last week's <i>Chemistry</i>. Riley has potential, but it's still too soon to tell. I give this episode a 86/100, or a </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">B</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">FOR MORE INFORMATION:</span><br />
<div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Catch up on Josh's summer by reading his blog from the past several months <a href="http://13ilcatyale.blogspot.com/search/label/joshua%20ko" target="_blank">here</a></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Buy this episode and 11 others on <a href="http://family.christianbook.com/new-adventures-odyssey-call-something-more/9781589977716/pd/977716?item_code=WW&netp_id=1138030&event=ESRCG&view=details" target="_blank">Album 57: A Call to Something More</a> via CBD</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Talk about this episode and a bunch of other Odyssey stuff over at <a href="http://www.campbellcountymb.com/" target="_blank">Campbell County</a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">AVERY WATCH:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Best Line of Dialogue - </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"So, Riley, old boy, what's your story? You look like a cheerleader for a funeral." - Jay</span></div>
</div>
The Josh and Ally Kompanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10860658298310446293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8709266662414640894.post-67279064129603227122013-09-11T22:03:00.000-07:002013-09-14T10:20:44.649-07:00729: No Chemistry Whatsoever<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Hey everybody! Hope you're having a great week. Things are starting to ramp up again, but so much as in my junior year. Prayer for balance and continued quiet time would be much appreciated.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If you haven't already, listen along with me and read <i>The Odyssey Times </i>below as you listen to <i>No Chemistry Whatsoever</i> for my quick takes and thoughts.</span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3D203ta9mx4YprC76ggZi0kho4XXVfroxb1gY102NMYxL69BI4yyv-vfF1YyUN2CP4ByIxpcsDbRklYSAlKmAcdlU1CrJnHnoH5zwT8QVfq4QZ_0f9iZ_KhNYK-BmVDdoOut8SOa_tLY/s1600/periodictable.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3D203ta9mx4YprC76ggZi0kho4XXVfroxb1gY102NMYxL69BI4yyv-vfF1YyUN2CP4ByIxpcsDbRklYSAlKmAcdlU1CrJnHnoH5zwT8QVfq4QZ_0f9iZ_KhNYK-BmVDdoOut8SOa_tLY/s320/periodictable.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy Coffee House Apologetics</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">LISTEN <a href="http://www.focusonthefamily.com/popups/media_player.aspx?Tab=Shows&subcategory=AdventuresInOdyssey&ShowPath=Adventures%20in%20Odyssey&broadcastDate=2013-08-30&KidSafe=1" target="_blank">HERE</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">THE ODYSSEY TIMES (Facts, notes, and quotes about Odyssey from this ep):</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- I feel like I've heard this opening theme before. Bonus points to whoever knows!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- 7:30 AM Chemistry? At least when I had 7:15 AM classes, it was jazz band.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- Professor Sharp. Heart surgery? THAT'S your excuse? Pshh.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- I love Connie's exaggerations and Penny's realities. Normally, it's the opposite.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- I keep thinking that there should be some kind of conflict of interest, but then I remember that they're actually not related. It just <i>seems</i> like it since they've been on the radio for so long.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- If Jay ever listens to this episode, he knows what to bribe Barrett with (HINT: it rhymes with daughterpearled.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- Connie Kendall, former valedictorian, receives a D for the first time since 10th grade.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- "You gotta put something in to get something out, I always say. You don't get anything good by doing nothing!" - Penny</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- "Do you have a photographic memory? Yeah, but it hasn't been developed yet. Ba-doom-da!" - Olivia and Barrett's corny response</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- I think the Bible is telling me to REMEMBER LOT'S WIFE.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- "John 11:35 - Jesus wept. Yeah, probably 'cause he knows what you're up to." - Barrett and Olivia</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- Is Eugene's proton joke from the same jokebook he wrote in <i>Around the Block </i>(Album 46: A Date with Dad)?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- Is it just me, or does Eugene sound older?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- Loving how the Gospel has been talked about more and more this season, such as how Jesus talked about Lot's wife.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- "The bleach oxidizes the hair's melanin molecules, leaving it colorless." - Penny's wide knowledge of chemistry</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- Ah, metalloids. I remember those.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- Congratulations on your B+!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- Hard work pays off! Colossians 3:17 - Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of Christ Jesus.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">REVIEW:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It seems like so long since we've had an episode that focused on Eugene and Connie's relationship, especially since I've tried to forget about Connie's bedazzler in <i>You're Two Kind</i>. Unlike the aforementioned episode, <i>Chemistry</i> manages to bring in some great character development for Eugene, Connie, and Barrett; plus a great supporting role by Penny. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My only complaint lied in the dialogue. A lot of it felt canned and a little cliche across the board, especially Olivia's lines. Sorry, Kelly Stables! I also felt that Olivia was portrayed as almost obnoxiously good, pointing out Barrett's flaws in a way that I felt came across as too harsh. It's been interesting to see how her character has changed from someone really annoying (See: Albums 51/52) to a slightly less grating character but one who is trying to become a better Christian. This episode harkened more to the old Olivia, which I wasn't the biggest fan of. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Other than dialogue issues, Kathy Buchanan's script was top-notch. Every seemingly random detail was tied up throughout the episode, from Eugene recording his schedule (to set up the hilarious ending punchline) to Barrett's reference to John 11:35 after memorizing it earlier, shown then as simply a punchline. The chemistry metaphor played really well, especially since Will Ryan and Katie Leigh continue to have an incredible...<i>chemistry</i>! Penny served as a straight man, which was even funnier than when she just plays normal Penny because it's not a common occurrence. I'd love to hear more of that. I loved how Ms. Buchanan tied in <i>A License to Drive </i>to show how deeply the characters care about each other and how that affects their relationship and rivalry. The role reversal realization was another great character moment with Connie, who has been on the upswing since <i>Something Old, Something New </i>and looks to continue with future episodes such as <i>Life Unexpectancies. </i>The sound design and music weren't anything extraordinary, but drove the plot along. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I'm glad to see Whit offer wisdom in a less conventional way after being seemingly chained to the ice cream counter for the past while. The Barrett and Olivia relationship is something good that continues to build, except for the Olivia dialogue snags. The comedic moments hit really well, and the whole episode just felt really charming, in a good 'ol WodFamChocSod kind of way. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>No Chemistry Whatsoever</i> offers an extraordinary amount of chemistry between its cast, as well as a lot of comedic moments and characterizations. With a great script (that obviously had a lot of <i>hard work</i> put in) and serviceable sound design and score, I give this episode a 93/100, or a</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">FOR MORE INFORMATION:</span><br />
<div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Catch up on Josh's summer by reading his blog from the past several months <a href="http://13ilcatyale.blogspot.com/search/label/joshua%20ko" target="_blank">here</a></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Buy this episode and 11 others on <a href="http://family.christianbook.com/new-adventures-odyssey-call-something-more/9781589977716/pd/977716?item_code=WW&netp_id=1138030&event=ESRCG&view=details" target="_blank">Album 57: A Call to Something More</a> via CBD</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Talk about this episode and a bunch of other Odyssey stuff over at <a href="http://www.campbellcountymb.com/" target="_blank">Campbell County</a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">AVERY WATCH:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Best Script - Kathy Buchanan</span></div>
</div>
The Josh and Ally Kompanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10860658298310446293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8709266662414640894.post-54729381240680773362013-09-07T23:45:00.002-07:002013-09-07T23:46:13.040-07:00727-728: Your Servant is Listening, Parts 1 And 2<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Hello Album 57!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">THE ODYSSEY TIMES (Facts, notes, and quotes about Odyssey from this ep):</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- Matthew is headed for the skater look.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- The age-old "how lenient is too lenient" question between older generation and younger generation.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- Jesse Fliscergold got a pencil eraser stuck up his nose? Oh, Jesse. Jesse, Jesse, Jesse.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- Oh snapple, the second Parker has changed voices. Stay on, Zach Callison, stay on!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- Camilla got a lot younger-sounding with a more pure and less raspy voice. She was originally Joy in <i>Child's Play</i>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- Camilla, let's not resort to logic leaps to get what you want. You're smarter than that!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- The Imagination Station is just "big and empty," as Lucia describes. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- "Don't we have to buckle in first?" - Lucia and a clever nod to earlier IS incarnations</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- Three generations of Ortega women - out on the town, as in Shiloh!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- "He could stand to cut down on the tamales though; he's a large one." - Lucia on Eli</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- The return of the Sunshine Girl references!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- "I think he has my nose!" "I still think he's cute." - Elkanah and Camilla</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- "Prayer changes us. It shows our dependence on God and our desire to invite Him into our lives. It also allows us to express our heart to Him, and then He does the same with us!" - Hannah</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- What's a time when you've seen God in your life?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- Eli needs help with child control.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- Cinderella, Cinderella, night and day, it's Cinderella. Phinehas, also known as the Evil Goddefiler.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- "That's where the Ark is." "Oh, so that's where Noah parked it!" - Samuel and Camilla</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- "The Ark contains the power and glory of God!" "What would happen if you went there?" "I'd be struck dead." "Yeeee, you're right, we'd better take another way out." - Samuel and Camilla</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- Indiana Jones knows the lesson from the above quote very well.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- Way to bring French toast to Israel, Camilla!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- "We're all His children. He has something to say to each of us - if we only listen. And of course, we have to talk to Him too." - Samuel</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- Welcome to God's family, Camilla!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">REVIEW:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">After having the last Bible story season premiere become one of my favorite episodes of all time, I tried to have low expectations for this season premiere. I was curious to see how an adventure with "three generations of Ortega women" written by Nathan Hoobler and Kathy Buchanan would turn out, and how Samuel would work as a story. Suffice it to say, it worked. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">However, it didn't work right away. The first half and second half were pretty much disconnected from each other (for the sake of argument) in terms of...well, for me, almost everything. On the surface, part 1 was about Hannah and how God listened to her, while part 2 was about Samuel and how he and the nation of Israel (and us) had to learn to listen to God. I thought the acting in the first half, in terms of the Biblical characters, was weak. I didn't really connect to any of the characters because of what I heard as a stale delivery. As didactic storytelling, <i>Odyssey</i> has mostly managed to get a lesson across without being "preachy." While the act of preaching is not a bad thing (hello, Sunday!), it's more difficult to make a lesson really sink in when you stick it into entertainment. I felt that a lot of things had to be explained, and more things were told to us than shown (comment if you're interested in some of these cases) in the first half. One of the things that <i>needed </i>to be told, Hannah's conversation with Camilla, wasn't as strong as it could be because of Terrianne Steinhower's performance, although I felt her performance improved as the episode went on.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ffV1N_4oXPuMnK9GMlZFskAruxSN4eRP2nLM19jw4y-mqAP5U5t2B3tmt2umBuMEHsWrmcgSdGhb2PiDRq1aBnjsYnRqUorJJQ8xihwbPe3fY8iFQhAkHMNTFt5YcvMSMpOqyIPqKDA/s1600/Camillaparker.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ffV1N_4oXPuMnK9GMlZFskAruxSN4eRP2nLM19jw4y-mqAP5U5t2B3tmt2umBuMEHsWrmcgSdGhb2PiDRq1aBnjsYnRqUorJJQ8xihwbPe3fY8iFQhAkHMNTFt5YcvMSMpOqyIPqKDA/s1600/Camillaparker.png" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Speaking of performance, let's talk about Michaela Dean! I thought something was amiss when I heard a less raspy, younger voice for Camilla. After listening to the latest podcast and finding out she had previously voiced Joy, I recognized that the writers either needed Camilla to be younger or Sydney Shiotani had lost interest. I was SUPER disappointed and bummed by the loss of Sydney, since I LOVED her voice and thought it was incredibly possibly iconic and unique to Odyssey, Michaela did a fine job. I still miss Sydney, though!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My favorite part of part 1 was towards the beginning, when Lucia and Eva explained to Camilla about animal sacrifice - and connected it back to the Gospel! Applications and how the Bible still relates to us today is something <i>Odyssey</i> can do really well, as best shown in <i>The Perfect Church</i> and <i>The Imagination Station</i>, to name a few. The second half picked up on this with Samuel and Camilla. Samuel's message of learning to listen to God was timely and important. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I always like to say how God is such an amazing storyteller, and it's interesting to see the story of Phinehas and Hophni, who didn't listen to their father, juxtaposed against Samuel, who listened to his Father.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Camilla's conversion after learning to listen to God was a very natural step for her, and it was exciting and interesting to see an example of how someone came to faith growing up in a Christian family (I'm not sure when was the last time we heard that on </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Odyssey</i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I've always loved the chemistry between Lucia and Eva, but I felt it was even stronger in this two-parter as they spent most of their time with each other. Their relationship feels so real, thanks to their superb performances. Lucia brought a lot of great levity to the episode, and I appreciated her warmth, humor, and wisdom. It reminded me of better Mr. Whittaker days! Eva's job as a nurse was perfect for this episode, and I'm so glad Mr. Hoobler and Ms. Buchanan incorporated that for continuity. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For me personally, this episode was very eye-opening, as I learned that I need to take the time to try and listen to God. I think we often treat prayer like a one-way conversation (at least I can), and we need to remember that there's <b>always</b> Someone listening (and speaking) on the other side of the phone!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">While starting slow (in terms of telling over showing and acting), <i>Your Servant is Listening </i>is a well, thought-out, thought-provoking two-parter that asks us to check ourselves on how we <i>listen</i> to God and not just talk. Sound design and score is on point, as is the writing, performances, and attention to detail. I give this episode a 93/100, or an </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A</span><br />
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<div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">FOR MORE INFORMATION:</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Catch up on Josh's summer by reading his blog from the past several months <a href="http://13ilcatyale.blogspot.com/search/label/joshua%20ko" target="_blank">here</a></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Buy this episode and 11 others on <a href="http://family.christianbook.com/new-adventures-odyssey-call-something-more/9781589977716/pd/977716?item_code=WW&netp_id=1138030&event=ESRCG&view=details" target="_blank">Album 57: A Call to Something More</a> via CBD</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Read our review of <i><a href="http://odysseyoutofcontrol.blogspot.com/2012/10/715-716-perfect-church-part-1-and-2.html" target="_blank">The Perfect Church</a></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Talk about this episode and a bunch of other Odyssey stuff over at <a href="http://www.campbellcountymb.com/" target="_blank">Campbell County</a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">AVERY WATCH:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Best Episode - Nathan Hoobler, Kathy Buchanan, Bob Hoose</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Best Sound Design - Chris Diehl</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Best Actress - Lucki Wheating </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Best Score - John Campbell</span></div>
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The Josh and Ally Kompanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10860658298310446293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8709266662414640894.post-63741528217723496422013-09-01T18:11:00.000-07:002013-09-02T13:38:19.678-07:00726: Push the Red Button<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Happy <b>Son</b>day!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The goal failed. Couldn't do a review during the week. I'm hoping to make my way through <i>Your Servant is Listening </i>and <i>No Chemistry Whatsoever</i> this week<i>. </i>Happy Labor Day! No new <i>Candid KOnversations </i>updates, so we'll be on our way.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6_zcMG4lprVDBCEtOGnNZMxqjWEv3t_R3FrL3ezTugZkwKAB_caLU7i5MOwvaUkM3D-Z6f_gwr_9LY8KCU9FnULRcLxm38yAmSX4GGwq_8tlTKVu-mxwXUboik2u7_gM3SbzZtcp0TQg/s1600/DSC02587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6_zcMG4lprVDBCEtOGnNZMxqjWEv3t_R3FrL3ezTugZkwKAB_caLU7i5MOwvaUkM3D-Z6f_gwr_9LY8KCU9FnULRcLxm38yAmSX4GGwq_8tlTKVu-mxwXUboik2u7_gM3SbzZtcp0TQg/s320/DSC02587.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hi, Will Ryan!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">THE ODYSSEY TIMES (Facts, notes, and quotes about Odyssey from this ep):</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- A master program that controls anything at Whit's End - that could possibly destroy civilization as we know it? Oh yeah, nothing could go wrong.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- Matthew Parker assisting a master program that controls everything at Whit's End? It's officially official - nothing, <b>nothing</b><i style="font-weight: bold;">, </i>could go wrong.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- Penny is on a no-carb diet in this world.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- We have a different voice for Michaelangelo here than in the live show.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- Is it just me, or does Townsend Coleman's voice for Lord Gargantuan Foulspleen remind the listener a <i>little bit </i>of Dr. Doofenschmirtz from <i>Phineas and Ferb</i>?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- Silly Lord Gangantuan Foulspleen. If you listened to <i>Odyssey</i>, you'd know that the Imagination Station is not a time machine.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- Eugene and Whit, do you really NOT REMEMBER that the Imagination Station is not a time machine? Matthew, sorry, buddy, you still gotta head to French.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- Nice reference to the Slavs in ancient Russia!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- I wonder what people's rationale for thinking this episode was in total reality was.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- When I saw the extended version of the live show, I thought <i>Odyssey</i> was about to head into a post-apocalyptic Album 57. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- Penny paints a beautiful masterpiece in minutes. Look out, Picasso.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- "Maximum defilation" - new LGF term</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- A big kick to the machine. Ladies and gentlemen, Matthew Parker, technical genius.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- Nuclear bomb go boom.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- "What's weird is to use such an obvious cliche to end a story." - Penny</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- Philippians 4:8-9</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY6AkWLSQKM9fqd0mJ4A7CnbLwULcZC4ZufgzPYcbOTSrHp4VrHw8UDsBgDYVRfX3Jm_pfBhfwVrG-o6PbqR5O7fQoxF4JPgHwVyUYhfOipdFNy4VcQ4J6qX9PqU9fFycbq2pSDKb-Uzs/s1600/DSC02580.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY6AkWLSQKM9fqd0mJ4A7CnbLwULcZC4ZufgzPYcbOTSrHp4VrHw8UDsBgDYVRfX3Jm_pfBhfwVrG-o6PbqR5O7fQoxF4JPgHwVyUYhfOipdFNy4VcQ4J6qX9PqU9fFycbq2pSDKb-Uzs/s320/DSC02580.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">REVIEW:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I think opinions can soften over time. That was certainly the case for this episode. When I first heard it, I had a severe dislike to this episode (not the live show version) for its cheesiness, unrealisticness, and sheer what-the-heck-is-happening-ness. But after a relisten, a couple elements have grown on me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">After getting upset over the use of the "just kidding, guys, it was all a dream," on earlier listens, I caught Penny's self-aware tongue-in-cheek comment to the audience (see the Odyssey Times for this ep). I just wish the rest of this episode had that making-fun-of-itself tone as it did during the live show. The live show wasn't a masterclass in writing, but the extended run time allowed us to see just how impressive the acting, impressions, and sound design could be. Running jokes, like Wooton/Penny interaction and "fourth wall" Jason cracks, made the experience a memorable, hilarious one. The fact that <i>Push the Red Button</i> radio edition takes itself a little more seriously is not necessarily a good thing.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyDaIHQnc-u5WemQJysfHpDlefCrnYwT_9suVJF2z8HFcP9kG1i0ziu3nZRyQ8cA3I2nbCSvPPNtO148QUbmownpq6nujJMgdMnqvgm-32D8c5ev6Bj0hnMEESeIexOuWVAJJe3Lgq_58/s1600/DSC02571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyDaIHQnc-u5WemQJysfHpDlefCrnYwT_9suVJF2z8HFcP9kG1i0ziu3nZRyQ8cA3I2nbCSvPPNtO148QUbmownpq6nujJMgdMnqvgm-32D8c5ev6Bj0hnMEESeIexOuWVAJJe3Lgq_58/s320/DSC02571.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Another difference between the live show and radio edit is that Michaelangelo is not as intriguing as Chuck Bolte. Sure, he's a better-trained Italian accent, but...yawn. He was a completely forgettable character here, while he was completely unforgettable in Texas because everyone's always wanted to hear an Italian George Barclay. Stunt casting worked there - and the regular casting here felt dry. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I now can understand why <i>Red Button </i>got that Sound Design Avery - all very impressive work by Rob Jorgensen. The music is ridiculously overdramatic fun by John Campbell. I think the main reason why I disliked this episode is because of the writing. As Ben Warren discussed in his review, other examples of exaggeration in Odyssey had proper framing to explain the out-there-ness of it all. My hyperactive imagination, upon seeing the live show for the first time, worried that a nuclear bomb had actually detonated the entire town of Odyssey and the surrounding Campbell County and we'd spend Album 57 living <i>Winter's Bone - Our Daily Bread </i>style, with the Barclays scrounging for squirrel meat in parks to escape from the mass hysteria from the first nuclear explosion in the United States.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I guess I'm simply tired of ridiculousness. It's fun every once in a while, but to trot it out a lot more recently in this new era takes away the positive elements it can bring. Mindless chaos can be fun, but can't entertainment with truth, goodness, and beauty be fun <i>and </i>good for you? The extremity of the ep led to a story that didn't get too invested in its themes. What really is truth, goodness, and beauty? For that, I'd have to turn to other AIO eps.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Push the Red Button </i>is a hyperactive bombastic ear fest with great sound design and score. The actors all seem like they're having a lot of fun. However, it's the writing that drags everything down. The tone's off, the characters are all over the place, the moral is difficult to discern at face value, and the plot is sadly too out there to come back to orbit. I give this episode a 70/100, or a</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">C-</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">That brings us to the end of Album 56! Nine months after it aired. And on to <i>A Call to Something More...</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">FOR MORE INFORMATION:</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Catch up on Josh's summer by reading his blog from the past several months <a href="http://13ilcatyale.blogspot.com/search/label/joshua%20ko" target="_blank">here</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Read about our Live Show experience <a href="http://odysseyoutofcontrol.blogspot.com/2012/07/live-show-by-kos.html" target="_blank">here</a></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Buy this episode and 11 others on <a href="http://family.christianbook.com/adventures-odyssey-4-56-the-grand-design/9781589977129/pd/977129?item_code=WW&netp_id=1008942&event=HPT&view=details" target="_blank">Album 56: The Grand Design</a> via CBD</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Talk about this episode and a bunch of other Odyssey stuff over at <a href="http://www.campbellcountymb.com/" target="_blank">Campbell County</a></span></div>
</div>
The Josh and Ally Kompanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10860658298310446293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8709266662414640894.post-622947444822389092013-08-25T16:46:00.001-07:002013-09-07T11:24:47.383-07:00724-725: Home Again, Part 1 And 2<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Well, it's been quiteeeee a while, you guys. It's been a long, busy summer - and I'm just realizing that our last review was on <b>April 6. </b>That's about four and a half months since the last review! Ohmeohmyoh. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Anyways, it's back to work at home and school and in Odyssey. Album 57 has begun! I already have thoughts on <i>Your Servant is Listening</i>, and I would have thoughts on <i>No Chemistry Whatsoever </i>if there was any episode up online whatsoever. (UPDATE: It's on AIO Wiki!) But that's cool. The goal (and we have a lot of failed goals) is to do <i>Push the Red Button </i>this week and <i>Listening </i>this weekend. Hopefully, we'll catch up from there. But then...there's also <i>Candid KOnversations</i>. The season premiere for <i>Candid KOnversations </i>is...Saturday, November 2! I know it's a while, but we want all y'all to focus with us on Album 57 while the season progresses! And it looks like we'll have a lot of interesting <i>Call to Something More </i>stuff to talk about. Check out the <i>Candid KOnversations </i>page for more information.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">With our busy schedules (practicing and learning instruments, homework, new clubs, old clubs, new projects, old projects), I think I've managed to figure out some kind of schedule that puts up posts here at least semi-regularly. The goal (anotherrrrr one) is to post at least once a week. Since I have super easy classes this semester, hopefully, we can make that happen! And now, to our review.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">THE ODYSSEY TIMES (Facts, notes, and quotes about Odyssey from these eps):</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- Don't go, Jack and Joanne! Eugene, quick, sabotage your inventory system so THEY'LL NEVER LEAVE!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- Thank you, Joanne, for your book endowments to the Whit's End Library!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- I'm still not fully comfortable with Whit's new chuckle.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- Why is Whit so surprised that Jason drove all the way back from Washington? Joanne and Connie have done it before (Album 41: In Hot Pursuit).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- Oh, Connie. Connie, Connie, Connie.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- "Prayer means you're dealing with something hard!" Connie, I bet you prayed for that new red Prelude - and I wouldn't call that something hard.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- Nice reference to <i>Something Old, Something New</i> for continuity.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- Why did Connie miss Jason so much? Wink, wink.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- Nice reference to <i>The Green Ring Conspiracy </i>for continuity.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- Wooton outsmarted Whit? Never thought I'd ever write that last sentence.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- They're building another cabin on Trickle Lake.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- "The spiritual disciplines are called disciplines for a reason - they require work. Times of solitude aren't always restful." - Whit</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- Jason...really likes coffee.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- Jansen's Jewelers - is that a reference to former EP Al Janssen?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- "It'll make you thirstier so you can appreciate the water more." - the walk from picnic to #3</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- "Yes, it's that hint of </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">naïveté</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> in the voice. He's not bad." - Rudolph on Eugene</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- Connie sounds abnormally happy to see Jason.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- When was the last time we heard Jason talk to Wooton? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- "You know where I live?" "Wooton delivers the mail!" "Ohhh...kay..." - Jason and Penny</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- Kron's Jewelers is down the street.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- Do the criminals really have to reveal their plans right in front of Eugene?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- Katrina sends really long texts.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- The Judo flip, the Vulcan neck pinch...we've got some intense martial arts action happening in Odyssey.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- "What I want is time to be with God along with time to be with family and friends." - Jason</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">REVIEW:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The fact that it won three Avery Awards shows the love for<i> Home Again </i>from the fans. It definitely brings back a sense of nostalgia, with previous mainstays like Jason, Jack, and Joanne back on the radio once again. But is that all the episode was? Did it only win for the nostalgia? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Two elements stood out to me that prevented it from getting my vote for Best Episode. The score for this episode felt very disjointed in certain places, as if they'd just picked up a couple of old John Campbell selections to fit. They didn't all fit well. The end cue was a typical Campbell chord-tingling, heart-racing, emotion-gathering closer, but the rest of the score didn't add much to the story. Eugene's jewel thief storyline also felt disjointed in a similar vein. As Campbell's score felt out of place, the cartoonishness of the whole Rudolph thing felt very disjointed from the dramedy-ish main plot. The "let's capture the criminals" scene near the end with Jason and Whit confronting the thieves was laughable and very unreal. That kind of cheesy capture has worked in previous episodes, but they worked because the entire tone of the episode was in that light-hearted realm. This episode did not need that tone at all, and it added a little bit of a bitter aftertaste (afterhear?) for me after listening.</span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigYPVcICRFVLf49hQG7btOlfa1VfFCUsRNdApjXxbvRO3iHrYE3PEuwFoTzt7qOyLHMx1q2pyKbv8v8nZrfqPsXl7-07HR0xm5501arL75AHpPyI6OlE6exrZWUTP0s-vgvPcT7n2zLZY/s1600/Jasonwhittaker-3.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigYPVcICRFVLf49hQG7btOlfa1VfFCUsRNdApjXxbvRO3iHrYE3PEuwFoTzt7qOyLHMx1q2pyKbv8v8nZrfqPsXl7-07HR0xm5501arL75AHpPyI6OlE6exrZWUTP0s-vgvPcT7n2zLZY/s320/Jasonwhittaker-3.png" width="118" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy AIO Wiki</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But let's look at the positives. I loved hearing new dynamics that have never been heard on the show before. I AIO wikied it and found that this was the first time that Wooton and Jason have ever been heard together! I also liked the comedic interactions between Joanne and Eugene. Normally, Eugene went to go talk to the Allens for perspective from both Allens. I thought the chemistry between Will Ryan and Janet Waldo was fantastic - it felt raw and real and hilarious. Townsend's monologue as Jason toward the end of the first part was also incredible. It gave us an inner look at Jason's thought process, especially the settling down after a lifetime of spy work part. Coleman managed to inflict the emotions of trying to find peace while managing to add comedy with the whole coffee thing. The sound design was also spot-on. It was pretty subtle, but that's often what makes the design great. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I was also proud to continue to see Connie, Penny, and Jason grow as characters. If you've read some of my previous posts, you'd know I was upset that they seemed to grow stagnant from Albums 51 - 54. Connie's been learning about letting go of regrets and making assumptions since <i>Something Old</i>, and it's really interesting to learn and grow along with her. Penny has been making some steady progress, and although her journey can be a little annoying at times (repeating the same process as <i>Childish Things </i>with <i>Happy Hunting</i>), her growth is growing on me, so to speak. Jason's vulnerabilities are beginning to be more fully explored again, which is a great move for the show, from the end of <i>The Labyrinth</i> to now. That's why it was so saddening to see him once again resort to the action hero archetype at the end. Thankfully, his new job heading J&J Antiques should bring in plenty of new story for him. Oh, and the thing with Connie and Jason? That deserves its own article.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Home Again</i> is not my most favorite episode of Album 56. The writing wasn't completely airtight and was too disjointed in trying to craft its theme into all of its plot threads & stuffing in old John Campbell cues to hobble together a score. But for all of its disjointedness, it makes up for it in characterizations, acting performances, sound design, and new dynamics. The very presence of Jack (so good to hear you, Alan Young!) boosts this up a couple more points. I give this episode a 92/100, or a</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A-</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Post your comments below or email us at <a href="mailto:jandakocompany@yahoo.com" target="_blank">jandakocompany@yahoo.com</a>!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">FOR MORE INFORMATION:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Catch up on Josh's summer by reading his blog from the past several months <a href="http://13ilcatyale.blogspot.com/search/label/joshua%20ko" target="_blank">here</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Buy this episode and 11 others on <a href="http://family.christianbook.com/adventures-odyssey-4-56-the-grand-design/9781589977129/pd/977129?item_code=WW&netp_id=1008942&event=HPT&view=details" target="_blank">Album 56: The Grand Design</a> via CBD</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Talk about this episode and a bunch of other Odyssey stuff over at <a href="http://www.campbellcountymb.com/" target="_blank">Campbell County</a></span></div>
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The Josh and Ally Kompanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10860658298310446293noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8709266662414640894.post-27143569680101436022013-07-29T16:52:00.000-07:002013-07-30T18:45:16.741-07:00Greetings from the End of Summer<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Hey there OCO readers!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thanks so much for checking in on us throughout the summer. We've tried our best to provide as much stuff as possible for you - meaning one post. Sorry! I've been all over the place over the past seven weeks and I'm heading out again in 11 hours to take the Grand Strategies course at Yale. I'll come back two days before school starts and try and catch up! It's been crazy. Luckily, Ally has just finished an intense graphic noveling workshop and is now able to put some more time back into the blog. Puppy and Woofy have agreed to do a couple posts while I'm away, so I thank them for taking time out of their <i>very </i>busy schedules (Puppy is about to start shooting the third season of his hit show <i>Puppies </i>as executive producer while Woofy is working on his third studio album [and first in nearly seven years].) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I honestly don't know if I'll be able to do any posting this week, which would be the only time since the class will be incredibly demanding (and starts this Sunday). We'll see. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">On <i>Candid KOnversations</i>:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We released the pilot out in April and were incredibly appreciative of the positive response and feedback we got back from you guys! We promised the next episode and an iTunes release really soon - and it didn't happen. I have no idea what's up with iTunes and am working to figure that out, so for the time-being, iTunes is TBD. The second ep is pretty much complete, but it still needs sound work. As exec producer, I've decided to take the standard TV season approach. The first ep you heard is the pilot/preview. Like regular shows (such as <i>Odyssey</i>), the second ep/season premiere will release in the fall, sometime in September. We're working on a theme song to go with the podcast and stories for future episodes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For the next three weeks while I'm gone, I'll be posting on another blog:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://13ilcatyale.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://13ilcatyale.blogspot.com/</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'd love for you to check that out, if you're interested in what the Ivy League Connection is and how my adventures on the East Coast go. Head over there now and you'll get a short glimpse of what I've been up to so far, from Camp Royal to Canada to Boys' State to Summit Ministries to Relay for Life to lots and lots and lots of reading.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Well, that's it for now. I'm handing the reins back to Ally, Puppy, and Woofy. See you soon!</span></div>
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The Josh and Ally Kompanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10860658298310446293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8709266662414640894.post-1541924305432778802013-06-26T21:47:00.001-07:002013-06-29T13:08:50.373-07:00Memorable May + Jubilant JuneHey, it's Ally! It's been a busy school year, and a busy last few weeks but here I am!<br>
<em>Finally</em> writing another post, I know it's been a while and I'm super sorry about that D: it's called school. And other events which I will enlighten you about! (Don't worry I'll relate them to Odyssey. After all it <em>is</em> an Odyssey blog isn't it?)<br>
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In May, our youth group went to an indoor mini golfing place, which is basically mini golfing. Inside. It was awesome to see the crafted courses resembling the Bay Area! I did so terrible though, I hit the golf ball out of our course and into others, I'd get a 6 on most of my holes. It was embarrassing, but loads of fun. Kind of reminded me of Wooton when he played golf with Fox Fletcher in "Nothing But Half the Truth" (Album 42), how he hit the ball of out of the course. <br>
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On Mother's Day, I and two of my very good friends got baptized! We've been Christians ever since we were little, but Jesus put on our hearts the desire to proclaim our faith and declaration in Him! To be honest, it was teary, all smiles, and a blessed time, and I was baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Now when I was reading my testimony, I was scared out of my mind. I was sharing my life story to this whole crowd of people. It was crazy and I didn't know if I could do it. But after a little fast praying and realizing it's just all family and friends there in the crowd, I told them about trials I've had, family members with illnesses which led to questioning about God. Even though my loved ones didn't have serious cancer like Karen Crosby from "Karen" (Album 3), they still had faith just as strong that God would heal them. Satan gives us doubts to believe so that we would doubt in Jesus, but "When in Doubt...Pray!". That's exactly what showed how God blessed me, now my family are cancer free and recovering from strokes. It's amazing what God can do and how He made this a way for my faith to become stronger. God does answer prayers! It may not be the way we would want it to turn out, but it's the way God wants it to be.<br>
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"<em>I remember an ol Scottish prayer my mother taught me when I was a wee girl. It goes, 'Lord, I thank thee a thousand times for the roses. Help me to thank thee for the thorns as well'."-</em>Fiona Donneral "Thank You, God" (Album 3). <br>
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That Sunday was wonderful because we could celebrate my mother for Mother's Day, and my baptism with family and friends! Plus, many college students that have gone to our church came home to see their families so they also could see us get baptized WHUTTTTT. (allGod)<br>
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Our seniors graduated in early June, which for both of us (Josh and I) were sad to see go. These seniors were smart, talented, funny, and great leaders. When the valedictorian went up to speak, it reminded me of when Connie was one in "The Graduate" (Album 31), and how the audience sang a hymn after her declaration of not defying her school authorities with her prayer. I wish that our school could do one, but since it's public school, they didn't :(. But it was a great speech, funny and enjoyable to hear! We got to play for our graduates, which was an honor for me!<br>
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Right after school was out basically Josh was off at camp and I was driven to Anaheim to visit relatives! I got to see my friend Kara and we went to THE GETTY CENTER IN LA IT WAS SO COOL OH MA GOODNESS ART IS AMAZING GUYZ. (not like i'm great at it but it's so inspiring and just so *girly squeal* too cool) Yeahh I like art guys. I can't be like Penny Wise who is "a very good artist". But I can try my best! Anywho that was really fun (I know I'm a boring person looking at art all day and gawking at it but it's gotta be art I like otherwise yes the museum would be boring). And I ate a lot. Not as much as Wooton does. But I ate a ton and it was great!<br>
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THEN JOSH CAME HOME YAYYYY. AND WE WENT TO VANCOUVER! It was awesome!! We stayed at a bed and breakfast called Haddon House, a historical house from the 1920s that was restored! It was beautiful! It's in Burnaby a small city with a lot of history like Odyssey! They even had a museum, a reenactment of the village of Burnaby in the 1920s I believe! IT WAS SO COOL. Like they had an old school house (some of the children from the Haddon house went there and we knew that cuz their last names were Haddon.), we saw an old radio station, the chapel (someone from the 1970's got married there! WHUT.), they even had an old carousel indoors like in the movie "The Sting"! Yeah I like old stuff guys... Like jazz! ME AND BARRETT JONES ARE AWESOME THOUGH CUZ JAZZ IS AWESOME. :) anywho... We went to a gelato place called La Casa Gelato and Ice Cream and get this: IT HAD 218 FLAVORS THERE. No not 9 out and the rest in containers, like literally 218 flavors to choose from. Not a typical Whit's End there but it tasted alright. It was more fun tasting flavors. And eating. We also visited famous parks such as Stanley Park with the totem poles and at the Stanley Rose Garden we saw a TV show that was going to be or was filmed! It was for "King & Maxwell" on TNT (never heard of it) but it was cool cuz everyone was dressed up as if going to a wedding! And of course something disastrous happened cuz the FBI and police and fire department was there (We asked the SWAT guy what was being filmed. hehe). Kinda like Connie and Mitch's wedding except we don't know what happened in this episode of "King and Maxwell". We also went to Vanduzen Garden! It was so beautiful, reminding us of God's creation! It was sad when we had to leave, leaving a beautiful city, a beautiful home we stayed in, and a great vacation, but I'm glad we went when we did!<br>
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Vacation's still going on, so it's only the beginning! But what great adventures have you begun this summer? LEMME KNOW I'D LOVE TO HEAR ABOUT IT :) Yes this wasn't a review of an episode or totally Odyssey related (I'm sorry) but I wanted to share some memories that were made and some things that were related to Odyssey since after all it is an Odyssey blog! Still working on the podcast slow and steady! A post from Puppy is coming up so look forward to that! Thanks for reading!Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08541840537085344009noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8709266662414640894.post-18976055036553462072013-06-09T01:26:00.002-07:002013-06-09T01:26:47.461-07:00Late Night Postin'<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Good early morning Odysseyians!</span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sadly, it's Sunday, June 9th, and episode 2 of <i>Candid KOnvos</i> is still in post-production. I would post a preview for you, but my eyes are starting to give way. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In the meantime, just wanted to say a short little goodbye while I'm off at camp, and in the meantime, Ally will take over for a while! So to all of you wondering if the blog's on a "hiatus," it's not. There should be something by Ally within the next couple of weeks, and the podcast will be out in July. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Anyways, get your Odyssey fix on this summer, spend time in God's Word, and take the Call to Serve (either the Odyssey contest and/or God's), sharing God's love with others! I'll share with you all everything (well, not EVERYYYYTHINGGG) that happens when I get back! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Happy summer,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Josh</span></div>
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The Josh and Ally Kompanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10860658298310446293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8709266662414640894.post-68746517754395955512013-05-29T23:18:00.001-07:002013-06-02T22:15:41.868-07:00A Short Little Update on Life<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">GASP. A NEW POST!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thank you, Odyssey nerds, lovers, likers, visitors, and listeners, for checking in on us although there's been a lack of a post for GASP almost a month.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So why, you ask? Well...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">May, weekend 1: SAT Subject</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">May, weekend 2: Debate Novice Champs</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">May, weekend 3: Disneyland band trip</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">May, weekend 4: SAT Prep/Memorial Day</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Plus finals and Relay for Life and ceremonies and awards and illnesses and AP tests and...yes, it's been quite the busy month. For me personally, I've averaged a lower amount of sleep and burned a lot more gas (of the car variety) as of late. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So, anyhoo, I'm in the midst of studying for the SAT and then it hits me...it's time to send some kind of update to all y'all for sticking with us. And yes, I don't have a Southern accent in actual life, but I like mixing in all kinds of great expressions from all parts of the world. So there.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Haha, so anyways, this weekend, I will be taking the SAT on Saturday morning. Please pray for God's guidance. LOTS OF IT. (: Afterwards, the weekend will be spent recording Episode 2 of <i>Candid KOnversations </i>and teaching Ally on all kinds of blog/podcast stuff.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If you haven't heard, I have an incredibly packed summer that will unfortunately leave me unable to do much blogging. I'll be training Ally within the next week and a half to take on more of my responsibilities, so you'll be getting a whole lot of Ally this summer! However, one of the things I'm doing is an apologetics conference in Colorado Springs (plus a fieldtrip to Focus on the Family...YEEEEEEE), so I'll take Odyssey with me and attempt to review one episode every night when I'm not, you know, conferencing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Alrighto, I think that covers everything for the time being. Prayers and fingers crossed that ep 2 comes out next week! And of course, if you're interested in becoming a part of the blog and helping out Ally, send us a sample of your work (in whatever, from writing to artistry to podcasting to reviewing) at <a href="mailto:jandakocompany@yahoo.com" target="_blank">jandakocompany@yahoo.com</a>!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Take care - it's almost summertime!</span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">UPDATE 6/2: </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We got through a majority of recording today for Ep 2 - it ran pretty smoothly! - Woofy</span></div>
The Josh and Ally Kompanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10860658298310446293noreply@blogger.com2