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Episode 57---FWA and AVENUE Q - Woyro wraps up his talk (and complaints) about Furry Weekend Atlanta and gives his review of AVENUE Q.
Woyro wraps up his talk (and complaints) about Furry Weekend Atlanta and gives his review of AVENUE Q.
Episode 57---FWA and AVENUE Q - Woyro wraps up his talk (and complaints) about Furry Weekend Atlanta and gives his review of AVENUE Q.
Categories: Podcasts
Episode 56---Woyro the Psychic at FWA - Woryo tells of his psychic abilities at FWA. also some of the stuff he's going to be doing during the next few weeks.
Woryo tells of his psychic abilities at FWA. also some of the stuff he's going to be doing during the next few weeks.
Episode 56---Woyro the Psychic at FWA - Woryo tells of his psychic abilities at FWA. also some of the stuff he's going to be doing during the next few weeks.
Categories: Podcasts
A Crusade is a Crusade is a Jihad: White Crusade
"Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it."
George Santayana
Much of substantial furry literature falls most easily into the science fiction genre, or occasionally fantasy if heavy duty magic is involved. Ben Goodridge's White Crusade (Bad Dog Books, 2007, ISBN: 9789079082025, $19.95) is no exception, set five centuries after the collapse of human civilization in a time when the Animal-People are the dominant intelligent races. Human remnants still survive, but most seem to be pitiful and helpless dependents. The exact origin of the animal folk is not clear, but they are at least partly descended from humans and divided into multiple Tribes by both geography and genetics. Most strive to live in harmony with the earth and to avoid the destructive behaviors of their human ancestors. This is the realm of apocalyptic (or sometimes post-apocalyptic) fiction, in which the author tells of events that come to pass after the destruction of civilization as we know it.
Goodridge primarily follows the experiences of Tay of the Wolf-Clan, shaman, healer, and Alpha of his tribe of mixed races, as he learns of the threat posed by the White Crusade and brings all his resources to bear on thwarting the Crusade's goal: the ultimate return of humankind to dominance in the world, and a return to the paradigms of human civilization. Peaceful and gentle Tay finds his world badly shaken on the day that the dying Kaim of the Tiger-Clan crashes into his village in a stolen car, carrying a slow but fatal poison in his veins and a purloined talisman of unknown power stolen from the Crusade's Alpha. While he tries unsuccessfully to save Kaim's life, Tay hands the mysterious Cube over to Zack the trader and Sonac (who can only be described as a geek, I think) and delegates them to determine its power and purpose.
Only when the intelligences trapped inside the Cube speak through Sonac's collection of broken human toys and computers do the three begin to understand the significance of the object and the depth of the threat it poses if returned to the hands of the Crusade. Fleeing the wrath of the approaching and increasingly violent Crusaders, the three animal folk set out on a journey eastward, leaving their home in the Pacific Northwest and heading to the old Midwest, where the Cube's resident voices tell them they will find the other pieces of the puzzle. The arm of the White Crusade is long, and its power great. The three pilgrims encounter many obstacles, most of them the result of direct interference by the Crusade or its sympathizers. The ultimate confrontation on the shore of Lake Michigan at the site of Chicago (now known as Kaago) is one of gigantic power and import. The world is saved of course, but individual destinies are not always what we might wish.
Ben Goodridge has crafted his story believably and in great detail. The mad fury of the Crusade's supporters and their suicidal dedication is clearly demonstrated, and all too believable. In an age in which we see similar events on a smaller scale appearing in the news almost daily, it isn't hard to understand the genuine threat posed by the kind of mob psychology that propels such a movement. While I'm disappointed to see the Animal-People (who all ought in my own mind to be as noble and pure-hearted as Tay himself) caught up in such a violent and hysterical hatred, I suppose I should not be surprised. They are after all, as several of Goodridge's characters remind us, descended from humans and liable to the weaknesses of humanity in the end.
I don't hesitate to admit that I'm squeamish about scenes of graphic violence. This book has several such scenes, but I can't say that they were gratuitous. All contribute to the development of the story and characters, and I couldn't in good conscience say they should be trimmed or omitted. I found them particularly painful, probably because I find them too easily believable. My own belief about the inherent cruelty and lack of empathy on the part of many seems to coincide all too well with the author's assessment. There were also a few points where I felt that the action was a bit rushed, leaving out details that might have better supported the conclusions. Overall, though, White Crusade is a fine work, a captivating tale with characters we can both love and hate and a satisfying if somewhat melancholy conclusion.
The realm of apocalyptic fiction is a rich one that includes such masterful works as Dhalgren by Samuel R. Delany, Davy by Edgar Pangborn, and A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller. I recommend all three of those to you, but I place Goodridge's White Crusade right among them in both quality and depth.
Rating: 5 of 5 possible apples
Episode 55---Woyro's trip to Atlanta for FWA - Warning! Woyro drops an F-bomb! in this episode he details the events on his way down to Atlanta for FWA!
Warning! Woyro drops an F-bomb! in this episode he details the events on his way down to Atlanta for FWA!
Episode 55---Woyro's trip to Atlanta for FWA - Warning! Woyro drops an F-bomb! in this episode he details the events on his way down to Atlanta for FWA!
Categories: Podcasts
Episode 54---Podcast Panel at FC - Woyro takes a back seat and lets his fellow furry podcasters talk. Genevieve and Kenneth Fox from the FANDOM podcast and Chris Garcia of Fanboy…
Woyro takes a back seat and lets his fellow furry podcasters talk. Genevieve and Kenneth Fox from the FANDOM podcast and Chris Garcia of Fanboy Planet podcast talk.
Episode 54---Podcast Panel at FC - Woyro takes a back seat and lets his fellow furry podcasters talk. Genevieve and Kenneth Fox from the FANDOM podcast and Chris Garcia of Fanboy…
Categories: Podcasts
Episode 53--Interview with Mitch & Susan at FC - Woyro talks to Mitch DeLaGuardia about his character N'Duk and with Sue Rankin (Sue Deer) about her webcomic "A Doemain of Our Own".
Woyro talks to Mitch DeLaGuardia about his character N'Duk and with Sue Rankin (Sue Deer) about her webcomic "A Doemain of Our Own".
Episode 53--Interview with Mitch & Susan at FC - Woyro talks to Mitch DeLaGuardia about his character N'Duk and with Sue Rankin (Sue Deer) about her webcomic "A Doemain of Our Own".
Categories: Podcasts
Episode 52---Pre-FC show with a lot of news! - Stories this week: Softpaw Magazine cant be sold at FC, another Furry Musical works out the kinks and more Furry Bowling!
Stories this week:
Softpaw Magazine cant be sold at FC, another Furry Musical works out
the kinks and more Furry Bowling!
Episode 52---Pre-FC show with a lot of news! - Stories this week: Softpaw Magazine cant be sold at FC, another Furry Musical works out the kinks and more Furry Bowling!
Categories: Podcasts
Episode 51---Updates: New Tech, New Topics - Woyro uses his new ZOOM H-4 digital recorder to do the show. topics include updates on the robbery at QuentinCoyote's, some corrections, DanialLion's…
Woyro uses his new ZOOM H-4 digital recorder to do the show. topics include updates on the robbery at QuentinCoyote's, some corrections, DanialLion's eye problems, the new Poinkcast and other news.
Episode 51---Updates: New Tech, New Topics - Woyro uses his new ZOOM H-4 digital recorder to do the show. topics include updates on the robbery at QuentinCoyote's, some corrections, DanialLion's…
Categories: Podcasts
Episode 50---Robbery at QuentinCoyote's - Two members of the furry community were robbed and another is being accused of the crime. Information and links in the show and show notes. plus,…
Two members of the furry community were robbed and another is being accused of the crime. Information and links in the show and show notes. plus, info about the future of the show, website. And Animal News.
Episode 50---Robbery at QuentinCoyote's - Two members of the furry community were robbed and another is being accused of the crime. Information and links in the show and show notes. plus,…
Categories: Podcasts
Episode 49---Ursa Major Awards - Woyro talks about the upcoming Usra Major awards to be given out at Morphion in May. Also stories about Glowing Cats and Super Mice.
Woyro talks about the upcoming Usra Major awards to be given out at Morphion in May. Also stories about Glowing Cats and Super Mice.
Episode 49---Ursa Major Awards - Woyro talks about the upcoming Usra Major awards to be given out at Morphion in May. Also stories about Glowing Cats and Super Mice.
Categories: Podcasts
Episode 48---Plans for the New Year and GAY WORMS - Woyro talks about show plans for the New Year and does a story about Gay Worms!!!
Woyro talks about show plans for the New Year and does a story about Gay Worms!!!
Episode 48---Plans for the New Year and GAY WORMS - Woyro talks about show plans for the New Year and does a story about Gay Worms!!!
Categories: Podcasts
Episode 47---Convention plans for 2008 - Woyro talks about his convention plans for 2008 and also talks about Pubic Lice!
Woyro talks about his convention plans for 2008 and also talks about Pubic Lice!
Episode 47---Convention plans for 2008 - Woyro talks about his convention plans for 2008 and also talks about Pubic Lice!
Categories: Podcasts
Episode 46---Hybernation, Convention news and other stuff - Woyro talks about convention planning and upcoming plans for Woyro's Warren during the new year.
Woyro talks about convention planning and upcoming plans for Woyro's Warren during the new year.
Episode 46---Hybernation, Convention news and other stuff - Woyro talks about convention planning and upcoming plans for Woyro's Warren during the new year.
Categories: Podcasts
Episode 45---MFF pt 2 - Woyro wraps up his talk about MFF. also talks about dieting and a weird animal story.
Woyro wraps up his talk about MFF. also talks about dieting and a weird animal story.
Episode 45---MFF pt 2 - Woyro wraps up his talk about MFF. also talks about dieting and a weird animal story.
Categories: Podcasts
Episode 44--Live from Midwest Fur Fest! - Woyro does his show live from the Atrium at Midwest Fur Fest in Schaumburg on Saturday afternoon, the 17th of September at 1pm.
Woyro does his show live from the Atrium at Midwest Fur Fest in Schaumburg on Saturday afternoon, the 17th of September at 1pm.
Episode 44--Live from Midwest Fur Fest! - Woyro does his show live from the Atrium at Midwest Fur Fest in Schaumburg on Saturday afternoon, the 17th of September at 1pm.
Categories: Podcasts
WAFB Baton Rouge Furry Bashing
Categories: Videos
Episode 43--World Fantasy Con and Midwest Furfest - Woyro talks about going to the World Fantasy convention in Saratoga Springs and about the upcoming Midwest FurFest. There is also a mild rant about a…
Woyro talks about going to the World Fantasy convention in Saratoga Springs and about the upcoming Midwest FurFest. There is also a mild rant about a couple of stupid people he saw on TV.
Episode 43--World Fantasy Con and Midwest Furfest - Woyro talks about going to the World Fantasy convention in Saratoga Springs and about the upcoming Midwest FurFest. There is also a mild rant about a…
Categories: Podcasts
Episode 42--Furry Meta-Art - Woyro talks about an interview with artist Jay Van Buren and about upcoming conventions and events.
Woyro talks about an interview with artist Jay Van Buren and about upcoming conventions and events.
Episode 42--Furry Meta-Art - Woyro talks about an interview with artist Jay Van Buren and about upcoming conventions and events.
Categories: Podcasts
Episode 41--Furry News! - Woyro talks about lots of furry news and about his busy weekend
Woyro talks about lots of furry news and about his busy weekend
Episode 41--Furry News! - Woyro talks about lots of furry news and about his busy weekend
Categories: Podcasts
Episode 40--Anthrocon Rooms and Fursuit Portraits - Woyro chats about his past week, including his new computer and a furry party. also, news on booking your room for Anthrocon and a Fursuit Portrait…
Woyro chats about his past week, including his new computer and a furry party. also, news on booking your room for Anthrocon and a Fursuit Portrait Project by Jay VanBuren.
Episode 40--Anthrocon Rooms and Fursuit Portraits - Woyro chats about his past week, including his new computer and a furry party. also, news on booking your room for Anthrocon and a Fursuit Portrait…
Categories: Podcasts