December 2009

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2009

"Snow Day" Free Download


Just in time for the new year, the Official Podcast revealed a special treat to AIO fans!

 

FREE episode: "Snow Day," plus interview with John Fornof and Rob Jorgensen

Enjoy a free episode from "The Encore Collection," plus hear writer John Fornof and sound designer Rob Jorgensen discuss the production of this popular show.

 

Listen Here:

 

I love when the Adventures in Odyssey podcast gives away free episodes because they alway contain special interviews with the producers, writers, etc. It's like the sugar that makes tea so sweet. It makes an already enjoyable experience more enjoyable. To go along with this, I've posted a permanent link to the free download at the episode information for Snow Day.

 

And this concludes yet another year at The Odyssey Scoop. Happy New Year!

 

 

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2009

Podcasts and PopUpisodes


It's been a little while since we've had a chance to touch base on the AIO fan community. Things have been so busy with AIO news lately that it has been almost impossible to sneak a little blurb in.

 

First, the AIO Blog introduced a new "Blogcast" feature a little while back. After listening to a couple of their blogcasts, it's interesting to hear what the fans think about various AIO things, such as the Passages series. Second, the Unofficial Podcast has some exciting news to share in their last podcast before they disappear for a while. You won't want to miss it. And thirdly, the Ceiling Fan released a Christmas special. Ethan is building a snowman... but the snowman has a mind of his own! As we approach 2010, get in on the latest AIO fan craze of listening to Odyssey podcasts.

 

In the meantime, the latest for the episode License to Deprive for PopUpisode is available at the Official Site! If you can't get enough Odyssey trivia and behind-the-scenes information, this is the way to get it. It's just a little something to get us ready for all-new shows, starting in March 2010!

 

 

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2009

Wooton Speaks Out at Christmas


Merry Christmas from Odyssey's mailman Wooton Bassett!

 

I know he doesn't exactly look like he's dressed up for Christmas celebrations, but Wooton wanted all of you to know that he does have a slight obesity problem. He's been seeing all the debating about his weight over at the Town of Odyssey, and he's frankly a little saddened that his weight problem has to be such a big issue among his friends:

"I may not have a lot going for me physically (I have a slight beer belly, but I dont drink beer, I promise!), but all of my friends appreciate me for who I am. Yes, I've fallen prey to fresh licorice and a few too many Twinkies, but Connie's diet program helped me a lot. And, to tell you honestly, I didn't used to be able to fit in the shower, except sideways. You don't want to see how I looked before this photo. Licorice anyone?"

Wooton's reaction to the claims against him have been pleasantly optimistic. In spite of the accusations, Wooton remains convinced that his weight issue does not have to hinder any of his friendships with Odyssey's citizens. In fact, he is planning on following along with the famous Walk Away the Pounds DVD program at the beginning of the new year. Not only that, Wooton is also considering introducing an obesity issue to his Powerboy comic series in 2010.

 

"Bring it," states Wooton. "I'm not afraid of the flab that defines who I am. Besides, Bernard Walton was on the diet program several years ago with me, and he said his wife called his pudge spots 'cuddle bundles.' I have nothing to worry about. If I wake up one day and can't fit through the slide on my house, then there's a big problem."

 

Wooton jokingly suggested that Christmas eating is "my highest priority... just like Priority Mail."

 

Click on Wooton's picture to see a larger view.

 

 

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2009

The Mailman Appeareth!


Odyssey's favorite mailman has finally shown his face, just in time for Christmas!

 

I figured today would be a good day to give you an early Christmas present. Pictured at the right, we get our first official glimpse of the new look for Wooton Bassett! Indeed, that is a picture of Wooton sliding out of his house. It looks rather dangerous if you ask me. You'll also get to see another picture of him at the Odyssey feature at Clubhouse magazine's website. Yes, Wooton has officially started his Wooton's Random Ramblings blog online. Meanwhile, Eugene's Sudoku is up, along with Matthew's Decoder mentioned in January's issue of Clubhouse. I must say, the version of Wooton pictured on the cover of album 50 doesn't look all that different from the new rendition. I'd say that artist Gary Locke did a wonderful job on this rendition of Wooton! Send us your thoughts on the new look!

"I usually picture him more well round because he's always talking about how hes more wide than he is tall and how he needs to lose weight. Well just a thought."

--Grace B.

 

"Awesome slide!!!!"

--Aaron

 

"I have an idea what if you make Wooton's face be like Jess Harnel's. Just a thought."
--Ryan M.

 

"yuk he aint fat."
--Anonymous

 

"I don't really like the picture of Wooton. I don't think he should have curly hair. I don't really like pictures of any of the Odyssey people. I think everyone should make their own pictures of the AIO people."
--Esther

 

"You said to write what we think of Wooton Basset's face. I love it! Gary Locke drew him exactly how I thought he should look! Well, other than huge nose the fact that he's shiny and Wooton has a huge chin. . . those are my thoughts. Good-bye!"
--Audrey S.

 

"Maybe Gary Locke should make Wooten more goofy looking... Like his voice."

--Lu

 

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2009

Celebrating 9 Years!


Nine years ago today, one of Adventures in Odyssey's biggest fans decided to start a fan site. This fan site would include tons of information on AIO, from fun facts, to episode information, to contests. Thus, the Odyssey Scoop was born. And here I am today to thank you all for your patronage and continued support over these wonderful years. Your emails of encouragement and contributions have been a blessing these nine years. Without your submissions, suggestions, and compliments, this never would have been possible. Thank you, all and thanks to Focus on the Family for creating a program such as Odyssey. Otherwise, we wouldn't be having this special anniversary. Happy birthday to the Odyssey Scoop!

 

Today, as a celebration, we're excited to officially announce the winners of our 9th Anniversary Giveaway! From December 10 to 19, we opened a window of opportunity to all our visitors to enter our monthly drawing. A total of 70 people entered within a ten days' time, and we're excited to reveal our lucky winners.

 

A big congratulations goes out to our winners, Rachel and Lance W. (Melbourne, FL)! Rachel and Lance will be receiving a free copy of Adventures in Odyssey: The Official Guide from the Odyssey Scoop! Rachel and Lance, check your email right now so we can get your prize out to you!

 

It's a book that no Odyssey fan can do without. And no Odyssey Scoop visitor can go without it, either. Why? Well, if you don't already own it or didn't win our drawing, order your copy today and then skip to page 200 to see a page dedicated to one of our most popular site features. Who would have thought nine years ago that an Odyssey fan site would get mentioned in print?!

 

Again, I'd like to thank Focus and the Odyssey team for making room to showcase the Scoop in the book. But that's not the main reason why you should have a copy of this book in your hands. The 500+ pages of behind-the-scenes stories, memories, photos, and artwork are the real meat on the plate!

 

Thanks to everyone who entered our drawing. Keep your eyes open because we have monthly giveaways and contests here at the Odyssey Scoop!

 

 

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2009

Suspicious Finds Pop-Upisode


When life gives you "Pop-Upisodes," watch 'em! As we press forward in the Album 50 Recap, we stop at the episode Suspicious Finds, which airs on radio stations across the country this weekend. But why merely listen to it on the radio when you can see behind-the-scenes and fun fact features at the same time? In conjunction with the Album 50 Recap, each episode will be available in "Pop-Upisode" form as we await the new season in 2010.

 

Pictured at the right, voice actor Will Ryan has been briefly mentioned in the latest Pop-Upisode, available here. But why has he been mentioned and why is he wearing a cowboy hat in that picture? You'll just have to watch and listen to find out. Be checking back every weekend through February for another special "Pop-Upisode."

 

Meanwhile, today is the last day to sign up for your chance to win a free copy of The Official Guide from the Odyssey Scoop! We're shutting off your chance to win after 11:59 EST tonight. If you haven't signed up, now's your chance to get your name in the hat. Then check back on December 22nd (Tuesday) to see if you are our grand prize winner!

 

 

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2009

9th Anniversary Giveaway Ends Soon!


Time is running short for our 9th Anniversary Giveaway! As a celebration of 9 years here at the Odyssey Scoop, we'll be giving away a free copy of Adventures in Odyssey: The Official Guide to our lucky winner. This special book includes tons of behind-the-scenes information on the world's #1 family audio drama, fun facts, and lots of photos and pictures. If you haven't entered yet, you better hurry! Tomorrow is the last day to get your name in the hat!

 

Enter the contest now! We will announce the winner on December 22nd - the big day!

 

 

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2009

Official Podcast #84


The Official Podcast has unveiled some juicy details about what's coming up from Adventures in Odyssey!

 

Torry Martin speaks about Wooton’s Random Ramblings, plus Emily and Matthew solve a mystery!

Hear from Torry Martin, creator of Wooton Bassett about a new Wooton page in Clubhouse magazine, his grandma’s influence on his writing and more.

 

Listen Here:

 

Beginning in January 2010's issue of Clubhouse Magazine, some new features will appear. First, a new Adventures in Odyssey "Jones and Parker Mysteries" will follow super sleuths Emily Jones and Matthew Parker. A second feature, "Wooton's Random Ramblings," will be written by Wooton's creator, Torry Martin. Clubhouse will also contain Odyssey puzzles, including Eugene's Soduku. Visit the Official Podcast Blog post for more information and see a sample of what's coming up.

 

It's interesting to note that Wooton's new dog, Sam, will be introduced in the March 2010 issue. Also, Wooton's middle name starts with a Z. But will they ever reveal his middle name on the show? Stay tuned to find out! And Mrs. Randall is coming back in Album 52 for another visit.

 

Since it is the end of the year and many of you may be interested in following all these new features, now may be a great time to subscribe to Clubhouse. It has always been a great tool for children, and all the new AIO enhancements are great for fans of Odyssey.

 

 

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2009

A Christmas Odyssey on YouTube


'Tis the season to be... acting out Adventures in Odyssey?!

 

That's right. I've discovered that just as soon as you think you're the biggest Odyssey fan there is, there's a more avid fan out there somewhere. And since we're quickly approaching Christmas, I figured I'd post a little Christmas video you may find interesting. It's time to use your imagination because I've never quite pictured George Barclay with a ponytail before. Jimmy's looking a little long-haired himself, and Donna Barclay is probably the only one around who looks somewhat how I imagined. The black hair works for Mrs. Barclay in this clip, but I'm sure glad I picture her without it.

 

Since we haven't quite made it to a day when AIO is producing live-action shows for the United States, some amateurs have given us a small taste of what it might be like.

 

 

This video is an acted-out scene from the episode Unto Us a Child Is Born. Yet, there's still another scene acted out from another episode -- created by the same fans. At the end of the video, be sure to watch their other one. Which of the two videos do you like better?

 

Just a little glimpse at what live-action AIO might be like.

 

 

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2009

AIO's First Pop-Upisode!


In their last podcast, Bob and Jesse revealed that a special Pop-Upisode would be debuting on the Official Site. For all of you who have been wondering what a pop-upisode is, today's the day to find out! The "pop-upisode" contains an audio/visual experience of the episode A Capsule Comes to Town. Check our weekend schedule to see what episodes are airing in conjunction with this "pop-upisode" release. It's an album 50 recap as we move into the new year.

 

Also today, I'd like to draw your attention to a new sampler coming out in the summer of 2010. It's called The Underground Railroad. Can you guess which episodes are included in this release? This sampler will contain a rebate, much like samplers released in the past and will give fans an incentive to purchase the albums.

 

To learn more about the latest sampler, visit our product page. In the meantime, why not give the first-ever "Pop-Upisode" a try? You'll learn new Odyssey trivia and learn more about the actors and production team who bring Adventures in Odyssey to life!

 

 

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2009

Enter to win The Official Guide!


On December 22, 2009, The Odyssey Scoop will be celebrating its 9th anniversary of providing the scoop on Adventures in Odyssey, one cone at a time. For nine years, loyal AIO fans like you have contributed to the site and have played an important role in the website's growth. To celebrate our anniversary as well as to ring in the new year, we are giving away a free copy of the book no Odyssey fan can go without: Adventures in Odyssey: The Official Guide!

 

Enter the contest now! We will announce the winner right here on December 22nd, the birthday of The Odyssey Scoop!

 

 

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2009

Album Repack Schedule


Sometimes it's good to get an overview of things to understand how things work. Today, I'd like to get you updated on the album repack schedule. As you know, the AIO albums have been undergoing a repack project. Until now, it has been only done with albums 16-46. Recently, we announced that the Gold Audio Series would receive the same treatment. I know many of you out there are collecting these repacks as they become available, and what follows is a brief overview of when the rest of #16-46 will be available. I've included a listing of only the album repacks that have not been released yet, in the order they are set to release:

The above dates are tentative and merely projected release dates, so the order of releases may get jostled around here and there. It looks like we're getting closer to the end of the #16-46 repacks. However, the Gold Audio Series is on its way out the door, too. To learn more about release dates for repacks of the Gold Audio Series, visit our Albums page.

 

 

MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2009

Welcome to Whit's End


Today's a good day to talk about everyone's favorite radio drama: Adventures in Odyssey. As we briefly mentioned in the past, a new sampler will be available just in time for the release of album #51. A special sampler, Welcome to Whit's End, will coincide with the new album as a special introductory tool to the program. However, this sampler comes with a twist. Instead of containing only previously released episodes, this new sampler will feature a special 10-15 minute episode. It's titled, appropriately enough, Welcome to Whit's End. At the moment, all we can release is that while you listen to the mini-episode, you will feel like you're in the town of Odyssey. Understandably, this episode will be geared for introducing newer listeners to the show and showing new and older fans which characters will be sticking around for album #51.

 

You may want to mark down that if you purchase this upcoming sampler, a $3 rebate is provided for your purchase of album 51. In essence, Welcome to Whit's End is well worth the purchase because you're getting it free for buying 51! So when Take It from the Top! hits bookstore shelves, don't forget to get your sampler too. What a deal!

 

But the special new episode and $3 rebate aren't the only things included with this sampler. Two additional classic episodes will bookend the episode, providing more introductions to the show. Let This Mind Be In You and A License to Drive are also included.

 

Personally, I'd like if this episode was a tip-of-the-hat to the very first Family Portraits episode, Whit's Visitor. If you recall, the series begins with John Avery Whittaker walking along a sidewalk introducing listeners to the town of Odyssey. It would be neat to revisit that concept and listen as Whit walks listeners to Whit's End; where, in this case, they meet Connie and Eugene behind the counter. But I'm probably just dreaming. Find out in March 2010!

 

But what's coming up this week? Actually, the Odyssey team has a busy and fun week ahead of them as they are headed to Los Angeles to record four more episodes today, tomorrow, and Wednesday with the actors. Also we updated our Albums page with information regarding future release dates for album repacks in 2010. Meanwhile, many of the listeners sit at home on pins and needles... waiting... and listening to re-runs of their favorite radio drama.

 

As you wait, click here to see a larger image of the cover art.

 

 

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2009

The Ceiling Fan Podcast


Back when Thanksgiving was still on everybody's plate, the Ceiling Fan released a special episode in honor of the day. It's more of a sit-down, chit-chat style to keep the podcast's fans updated on what's going on. Odyssey isn't quite hitting the fan in this episode, but anything the Ceiling Fan does is intriguing. Don't miss the latest podcast!

 

 

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2009

Fans Ask the Producers


Today's a good day to be watching the Official Site for a brand-new, fans-oriented podcast! For a little over a week, fans have been asking the producers questions. There's always room for questions about Odyssey, such as:

Okay, so fans are asking more relevant questions these days at AIO's ask the producers blog post, but the above are some of the questions we've received at our AIO F.A.Q. section. No question is too crazy, according to the sage advice of John Avery Whittaker himself. If Whit said it, it must be true! Keep your eyes open for a new Official Podcast! I'm wondering the same thing Harlow Doyle wanted to know: why does a bird appear whenever you are near? Now these are the pertinent questions in life.

 

-2009-

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