Saturday Halloween Night at Wonderplace Alpha

“The wind outside nested in each tree, prowled the sidewalks in invisible treads like unseen cats. Tom Skelton shivered. Anyone could see that the wind was a special wind this night, and the darkness took on a special feel because it was All Hallows’ Eve. Everything seemed cut from soft black velvet or gold or orange velvet. Smoke panted up out of a thousand chimneys like the plumes of funeral parades. From kitchen windows drifted two pumpkin smells: gourds being cut, pies being baked.”

-Ray Bradbury

Our Halloween evening unfolds like this:

First, we activate our Time Distortion Device so that it becomes October 31st. Admittedly, the device is from 1972 and runs on two D-volt batteries. So it has an effective range of, oh, say about seven acres.

Now, it’s not requisite that you wear costumes, demand sweets, or visit a haunted house and marry a ghost.

But you certainly can if you want to.

And there’s more…

Costumes: The night is a costume extravaganza where attendees are encouraged to don costumes from any era or genre, reflecting the venue’s theme of timeless and timelessness. Whether you’re a cyberpunk knight, a Victorian time traveler, or a Renaissance Faire jester, there’s a place for you here. The atmosphere is filled with characters from various worlds, making it a visual feast of creativity and imagination. (Please do keep the feast ‘visual’ and do not eat anyone’s costume, even if it’s Chiquita Banana.)

Trick or Treating: Wonderplace Alpha transforms into a labyrinthine wonderland of trick-or-treating! Mostly because we really love candy. The event features a special Halloween In May Goblin/Vendor/Oddities Market where vendors offer not just regular treats but also magical trinkets and oddities. (They really are ‘trinkets’ – please do not be upset if they are not solid gold, even if you are a leprechaun.) These vendors, along with roaming characters, distribute candy and other surprises, making every corner of the venue a potential spot for treats or tricks.

Magic: Magic is in the air, quite literally. Magic shows, street performers, and even the environment itself contribute to the magical aura. You might encounter a fire player casting spells with flames, magicians performing close-up magic, or even participate in carnival games that have an element of enchantment. The whole setting is designed to blur the lines between reality and fantasy, where every turn could lead to a magical performance or an unexpected surprise.

Fun: The fun at Wonderplace Alpha’s Darkling Halloween is multifaceted. There are interactive games, live performances, and a chance to engage in empire-building or combat scenarios if you’re in the mood for some role-playing. The event includes a mix of solo adventures or group escapades, where you can engage in quiet contemplation or join in the lively interactions. There are also areas for relaxation, allowing you to enjoy the spectacle or even participate in Cyberpunk explorations or Steampunk adventures.

The entire evening is designed as a perpetual Halloween celebration, where the night never truly ends, and the magic of Halloween is felt at every moment. It’s a place where the rules of physics are more like suggestions, and the joy of Halloween is not just in the scares but in the boundless creativity and communal experience of everyone involved.

Also…

SO MUCH CANDY!!!!!!

January 22, 2025February 6, 2025

A Toast To All Adventures

“I drink to the joy of our meeting, to our long friendship, and to all our adventures together.”:

Event Theme: “A Toast To All Adventures”

Time: Around 9 p.m., post-dinner

Venue Setup:

Ambiance: Dimmed, atmospheric lighting with candles in various colors, creating a mystical, multi-world feel. Use curtains or screens to divide the room into different “realms” – each with its unique, subtle theme (e.g., a dark forest for Fantasy, a neon-lit corner for Sci-Fi).
Music: A playlist that shifts from one genre to another, with ambient tracks that could be from an adventure game soundtrack, enhancing the feeling of exploration.

The Toast:

“To the stars we’ve yet to conquer, to the spells we’ve yet to cast, and to the foes we’ve yet to best! May our swords stay sharp, our minds stay quick, and our friendships grow stronger with each epic tale we share. Here’s to epic quests, magical nights, and the bonds that bind us through time and space. Cheers to the next adventure, and may our legends never fade!”

Cocktails:

The Tome of Tales (For a magical, literary feel)

Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz Gin (for the crispness of a new chapter)
- 1/2 oz St-Germain (elderflower liqueur, for the sweetness of adventure)
- Top with tonic water (to symbolize the endless possibilities)
- A sprig of rosemary or lavender for garnish (for that touch of enchantment)
Instructions:
1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Pour in gin and St-Germain.
3. Top with tonic water.
4. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary or lavender.

Genre-Specific Twists:

Fantasy: a dash of edible glitter for that magical effect.
Sci-Fi: a dehydrated lemon wheel, for a futuristic twist.
Horror: A dash of black food coloring at the bottom for a dark surprise when mixed.
Mystery: Serve in a smoky glass (dry ice or a smoking cocktail technique) to add an element of intrigue.

Closing:

We conclude with everyone holding their glasses up to a central light that captures the essence of all elements at once!

January 21, 2025February 9, 2025

Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena

“There’s a need for the scientific study of UAPs and a requirement to assemble reliable evidence, something that could not be so easily ignored by science.”
~Kevin Knuth, a former scientist with NASA’s Ames Research Center

Explore the mysterious skies with our presentation on UAPs—objects in our skies that defy explanation. Delve into historical sightings, government investigations, and the latest in scientific inquiry into these enigmatic phenomena. From the famous Project Blue Book to recent declassifications, we’ll discuss the Lake George UFO sightings from 1955 and the ongoing debate about what these sightings might signify for our understanding of the universe. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, this presentation promises to open your eyes to the unexplained.

Embark on a fascinating journey into the skies with our panel on UAPs—those mysterious objects that have sparked intrigue and debate for decades. We’ll zoom in on Lake George, which has been a notable UFO hotspot since at least the 1950s. A significant sighting in 1955 captured national attention, leading to an investigation by none other than the U.S. Air Force’s Project Blue Book. Our panel will explore this and other historical cases, discussing the findings from Project Blue Book’s files, which are now housed in the Archive of The Impossible at Rice University. Whether you’re curious about government involvement or the cultural impact of these sightings, this session will delve into the unexplained, offering insights into how these phenomena have shaped our understanding of the cosmos.

Oh, and here, check out the Mt. Etna object.

January 21, 2025January 21, 2025

Stardust to Star Dustbin: An Odyssey Through the Overlooked Oceans of Otherworldly Offal

Panel Concepts:

The Ethics of Elemental Exploitation
- Discuss how magicians and sci-fi tech users might be depleting natural magical resources like ley lines or mana, akin to oil or coal in our world. Explore the moral implications of using sentient or semi-sentient materials for spell casting or powering spacecraft.
Magical Pollution: When Spells Go Wrong
- Examine the consequences of failed spells or poorly managed magical energy, leading to “magical smog” or “spell residue.” How does this affect mythical creatures or alter the natural magical balance? Compare to sci-fi scenarios where experimental tech creates toxic byproducts or radiation.
The Galactic Garbage Patch
- Envision a scenario where space is littered with old satellites, decommissioned ships, and alien tech waste. Discuss the interstellar environmental movement or the black market for salvage operations. How do different species deal with this cosmic litter?
Biomagical Mutations: The Unintended Consequences
- Delve into how magical pollution or sci-fi radiation could lead to bizarre mutations in flora and fauna—or humans. Consider the societal implications of these mutations, from new species to ethical debates on what constitutes “life” in such altered states.
The Dark Side of Alchemy and Bioengineering
- Look at how alchemists or futuristic bioengineers might ignore the environmental impact of their creations. Discuss the potential for creating “Frankenstein” creatures or plants that alter ecosystems irreversibly, leading to magical or sci-fi versions of invasive species.
Corporate Magic and Tech: Profit Over Planet
- Analyze how magical guilds or tech conglomerates might prioritize profit, leading to unethical disposal of magical waste or hazardous tech byproducts. Include scenarios where they might lobby for less regulation or use their power to cover up environmental catastrophes.
Time Pollution: The Ripple Effect
- Explore the idea of pollution not just in space but in time. How do time travelers or time mages affect the past or future with their residues or interventions? Discuss the concept of “temporal smog” or how altering history could backfire environmentally.
The Spellcaster’s Carbon Footprint
- Humorous yet thought-provoking, this segment could look at how much magical energy casting spells consumes and the environmental cost, perhaps drawing parallels to carbon emissions. Consider magical carbon offsets or “green” magic practices.
Post-Apocalyptic Magic and Tech Recovery
- Discuss how societies in a post-apocalyptic setting deal with or exploit the remnants of high-tech and magical civilizations. What does waste look like when everything is already in ruins?
The Great Alien Cleanup
- Imagine an interstellar environmental movement where different alien species come together to clean up the galaxy’s mess. Discuss the politics, technology, and magic involved in such an endeavor, with a dash of cynicism on whether it’s even possible.

These concepts are designed to be provocative and entertaining, pushing the boundaries of conventional environmental discussions into the realms of fantasy and science fiction while keeping the conversation engaging and somewhat irreverent.

January 20, 2025January 20, 2025

Dmitry Wild: The Sonic Sorcerer of Rock ‘n’ Roll

In the kaleidoscopic world of music where legends are born from the raw energy of the streets, Dmitry Wild emerges as an electrifying anomaly, a true virtuoso of the rock genre whose guitar strings weave tales of rebellion, love, and the relentless quest for the American Dream. Born from the fusion of diverse cultural backgrounds, Dmitry’s music is a vibrant tapestry, interwoven with the threads of his Russian heritage and the gritty charm of New York City.

Dmitry Wild is not just a musician; he is a phenomenon. His journey from the classical guitar, which he initially loathed due to a professor with overly long nails, to becoming an icon of garage rock, is nothing short of a cinematic odyssey. His early days of protest songs in Moscow, followed by his soulful immersion into the Californian surf rock scene, have all sculpted him into the multifaceted artist he is today.

The Man Behind the Music:

Musical Alchemy: Dmitry Wild is the master alchemist of sound, blending the vintage rock of the ’70s with the raw, unhinged energy of punk, all while nodding to the psychedelic vibes of the garage. His music is a cocktail of influences – think The Doors meeting The Black Keys, all while sipping on The Cramps’ raw energy, with a dash of gypsy soul.
A Survivor’s Tale: His life reads like a rock ‘n’ roll epic. Surviving 9/11 due to a serendipitous late band practice, Dmitry’s life has been a series of near-misses and serendipitous encounters, each adding a layer to his music’s depth. His move to Hudson, NY, during the global pandemic wasn’t just a change of scenery but a rebirth, leading to his solo trajectory where he solidified his role as the sole writer, composer, guitarist, and performer.
The Spells of Wild: Under the moniker “Dmitry Wild and The Spells,” his live performances are not mere concerts but theatrical, mystical experiences. Each show is an invitation to dive into the heart of rock where every note played is a spell cast by Dmitry, enchanting audiences with his swagger, individuality, and an unapologetic love for the craft.
A Legacy of Lyrics and Literature: Music is but one facet of Dmitry’s creativity. His book, Why Be Normal?, recounts a raucous road trip, symbolizing his own search for identity and meaning in music. His poetry and songwriting delve deep into human experience, often reflecting on social issues, personal revolutions, and the eternal dance between chaos and order.
Discography of Dreams: From the raw power of “Rock-n-Roll is My Business” to the introspective “Pandemic Summer,” his albums like Electric Souls are not just collections of songs but chapters of his life, each track a testament to his relentless exploration of music’s boundaries.

Dmitry Wild’s music isn’t just heard; it’s experienced. It’s a journey through the soul of rock, a loud, proud declaration of individuality, and an endless exploration of what it means to be human. Welcome to the wild world of Dmitry Wild, where every chord struck is a step into the unknown, and every lyric sung is a piece of his soul laid bare for all to see.

For more on Dmitry Wild, check out his official website for a deeper dive into his music, poetry, and performances.

January 19, 2025February 9, 2025

The Gargantuan, Mythopoeic, and Somewhat Less Apocalyptic Grandiloquent Extravaganza of Martial Engagements, Skirmishes, and, Indeed, the Entire Spectrum of Tabletop Bellicosities; aka The Game Room

““The game was not just a diversion; it was a way of life, a means of survival, and an expression of art. It was, in short, everything.”
~Iain M. Banks, “The Player Of Games”

Enter our compact (small!) yet infinitely intriguing enclave where the very air hums with the electric buzz of adventure and the musty scent of ancient tomes, and a lot of Mountain Dew. This sanctum, no larger than a galleon’s hold yet as vast as the cosmos in its offerings, is a treasure trove where indie artisans and forgotten masters of game-craft converge.

(IT’S OUR GAME ROOM! If you’d like to run a game or ask questions about what games we’re running, check the website in March, or email Jeff!)

Here, beneath the glow of a thousand* brilliant stars**, you’ll find The Codex of Unseen Worlds, games by creators whose names whisper through the annals of both fame and obscurity, each game a spellbinding narrative of worlds never before trodden. Adjacent, The Vault of Lost Lore holds rare classics, their covers worn from the hands of countless past adventurers, games like “The Labyrinth of Time” and “Quest for Glory”, each a portal to epochs long past.

“You could understand the whole universe, but if you didn’t understand games, you understood nothing.”
~Iaian M. Banks (Ibid)

* Two.
** Stars not included.

January 18, 2025January 18, 2025

D.L. Carter: The Sorceress of Storytelling, The Weaver of Worlds

Magic Approaches.

“It means that of all God’s creatures a cat is at all times himself. When in the presence of a king, mere mortal man must bow and lady, curtsy. A dog, well trained, will grovel and beg. Horses wait patiently in the rain upon his pleasure. But a cat cares but for himself. He will walk into any room and stare you in the eye, be you king or clown and he will hold his own opinion of you. He will turn his back on you if you displease him, stand, sit, or walk away as is his will. And a king will tolerate this from a cat, but from no one else, since to protest would be the veriest waste of time.”
― D.L. Carter, Ridiculous!

Now, we asked ourselves: “Would D.L Carter slay us with a sword for creating a sample bio for her?”

“No,” we decided. “She will slay us with an axe.”

From the untamed wilds of Australia, where she was decanted from an ancient incubation pod (an event so traumatic it caused the local wildlife to demand a recount), D.L. Carter emerged as a force of literary chaos and creativity. With a wit sharp enough to slice through the densest of magical tomes, Carter has carved her name into the annals of fantasy literature with the fervor of a dragon claiming its hoard.

Once upon a time, in a land where coffee is currency and cats rule with an iron paw, D.L. Carter began her epic journey into the realms of the fantastical. Her tales mix the humor of a mischievous imp with the romance of a star-crossed elvish saga, creating a tapestry so vibrant, you’d swear it was woven by the Fates themselves.

Carter’s pen is mightier than a sword, especially when it comes to crafting Regency-era adventures with a twist of magic, or diving into the depths of paranormal romance where the only thing thicker than the plot is the fog of mystery. Her characters are as audacious as they are enchanting, often navigating worlds where the only law is the law of the absurd.

Now residing in New Jersey, in what can only be described as a magical box filled with toys, human companions, and a variable number of feline overlords, D.L. Carter continues to spin tales that are both ridiculous and profound. Her stories are a beacon for those who seek laughter amidst the chaos of alternate realities, where every page turn might just reveal a new layer of madness or a secret so sweet, it could only come from a world where dragons bake the best pies.

So, beware, ye who enter the realm of D.L. Carter’s imagination, for here be dragons, and they’re serving tea!

January 16, 2025January 16, 2025

Gem Radio Theatre

Here is some website text to describe Gem Radio Theatre, based on the information available:

Gem Radio Theatre

Welcome to Gem Radio Theatre, where the golden age of radio drama comes alive once again!

About Us: Gem Radio Theatre is dedicated to reviving the magic of vintage radio by bringing timeless stories and performances to the stage. We blend the nostalgia of old-time radio with the excitement of live theatre, creating a unique entertainment experience for all ages.

Our Recent Productions:

Love from Above, Series: Experience the charm of our fully revived series, including the much-anticipated “Love from Above, Part 2,” which has seen its third reincarnation to complete the beloved narrative.
Historical Dramas: Dive into history with shows like “Sybil Luddington, The Female Paul Revere,” which highlights the courage of a lesser-known hero from the American Revolution.

Behind the Scenes:

Foley Art: Ever wondered how the sound effects are made? Our foley artists, like Jason, demonstrate the art of creating sounds, such as the famous “creaky door,” live for our audiences.

Stay Connected: Join us in our mission to keep the spirit of radio theatre alive. Check our latest updates and upcoming performances on our Facebook page.

Contact: For more information or to inquire about performances, please visit our page or contact us directly through our social media channels.

January 15, 2025April 7, 2025

Exploring Steampunk Solutions: Can the Past Inspire Our Future?

Panel Objective:

To delve into whether the ethos, aesthetics, and imagined technologies of Steampunk could offer insights or solutions for today’s challenges, sparking innovation through a mix of nostalgia and speculation.

Proposed Panelists:

Someone with expertise in Victorian technology or history – Could provide context but also raise questions about applicability.
An inventor or engineer – Perhaps with an interest in sustainable or DIY tech, to explore if Steampunk’s principles might guide modern innovations.
An environmental scientist – To consider if the Steampunk fascination with alternate energy sources could inspire real-world environmental strategies.
A futurist or speculative designer – To discuss how Steampunk’s alternate realities might influence contemporary design and policy.
An artist or cosplayer from the Steampunk community – To showcase how art and fashion might educate or inspire sustainable practices.
A philosopher or social theorist – To ponder if Steampunk’s social critique could offer new ways of thinking about technology and society.

Potential Discussion Points:

Sustainability and Resource Use:
- Could Steampunk encourage us to rethink resource consumption?
- How might materials like brass and leather from Steampunk influence modern design?
Innovation through DIY Culture:
- Is there value in the DIY ethos of Steampunk for today’s tech development?
- Can grassroots innovation lead to practical solutions?
Energy Alternatives:
- What if we explored Steampunk’s energy ideas like steam or aether in a modern context?
- Could this inspire new approaches to renewable energy?
Aesthetic and Functional Design:
- Does the Steampunk aesthetic promote a philosophy of beauty with function?
- How can aesthetics change our engagement with technology?
Cultural and Educational Impact:
- Might Steampunk narratives be used to teach science or history in an engaging way?
- Could this genre shift our cultural narrative around technology?
Social Commentary and Critique:
- What can we learn from Steampunk’s critique of Victorian society for our own time?
- How might this critique inspire equitable tech development?

Format Suggestions:

Opening: A brief on what Steampunk might represent for modern problem-solving, but keep it open-ended.
Roundtable: Each panelist offers thoughts, leaving room for questions and uncertainties.
Q&A: Encourage audience interaction to add fresh perspectives.
Interactive Segment: Perhaps a suggestion for some form of live activity or discussion where panelists and attendees can brainstorm or prototype.

January 15, 2025January 18, 2025

The Alchemist’s Son

Featuring Robert Secreti as Dr. lothario,

The time traveling bandit! An absolutely unique, unmissable one-man show!

The story of a Steampunked diabolical genius from
the past…

…Who has trapped himself in the endless
paradox of dimensional time travel… aka the
Cromwell!