Off Topic Talk

Signal and Noise #6

2008-06-09T11:11:00.003-05:00

Please visit the new website for show notes and a direct download link:

Signal and Noise.

Signal and Noise #4

2008-05-25T00:30:00.003-05:00

This is a short show folks so don't sneeze or you might miss it. ;>

Targeted Muscle Reinnervation.

No question in this show but I'll get back to them and some answers from listeners in upcoming shows.

The direct download.

Carry on!

I remember Joe Murphy

2008-04-03T02:15:00.004-05:00

On April 1st, 2007, the extraordinary podcaster Joe "Mason Rocket" Murphy left us and left the world a sadder place for his passing.

Odds are good that if you are listening to my show then you have probably listened to one of the many shows Joe was involved in.

Like all of Joe's fans I had come to know him through his podcasting ventures and had found in him a kindred spirit and one of those people who seems like the best friend you've never met. Fortunately I was given the opportunity to meet Joe last year in late March. I was traveling to Arizona and had made arrangements to stop by the Draco Vista studios and visit.
When I arrived I learned that just a few days prior Joe had entered hospice care.
Mike and Lorrie were generously invited me to go with them when they went to visit Joe that evening. Tired and worn as he was he still greeted me with a smile and handshake. We only had a few moments but I will remember them for a long time indeed.

I remember Joe.

Below is a link to the direct download of the memorial show just released at the Joe Murphy Memorial Fund website. Please visit the site and "tell everyone you know".

Joe Murphy Memorial show.

Signal and Noise #3

2008-01-10T03:30:00.001-05:00

Today's cool news items are about artificial skin and a bionic hand.
We have an advert for one of the coolest audio-books I have ever heard.
And of course we close things up with a new question.

Show 003 direct download.

Artificial skin: Link1 and Link2.

The iLimb, bionic hand.

Failed Cities podiobook.

We're still basing the feed out of blogspot because I haven't had a chance to fix teh feed setup in wordpress. Please drop by the website though and leave some comments.
Thanks,
carry on.

First two episodes of Signal and Noise

2007-12-20T03:54:00.000-05:00

Here they are folks, for direct download if that's your preference.

Signal and Noise 1

Signal and Noise 2

Show 1 notes:
Plas-steel
Chupacabra

Show 2 notes:
Regeneration advances
Powered exoskelton

I'm having some trouble getting wordpress to create an RSS feed that actually works so keep on using the original Off Topic Talk feed here at blogspot until I get it figured out.
I hope you enjoy the show and please feel free to leave feedback through SignalPodcast@gmail.com or over at Signal and Noise.

Carry on.

Let there be audio

2007-12-17T22:52:00.000-05:00

I set out to begin a new podcast and so I have done so.
There are a few shows in post production that I will release over the next few weeks.
In the meanwhile you should be getting the promo and transition notice in your aggregator very soon now.

I will be putting together a new RSS feed to go along with the new show and website so please check back and listen for announcements as to when the new feed will be available.
I will continue to release the show here as well for a while though so you shouldn't miss anything new.

Thanks for sticking around.
Enjoy the new show.

Carry on.

Signal and Noise website.

Signal and Noise transition announcement,

Signal and Noise promotion.

Where on earth have I been!!!

2007-11-14T01:09:00.000-05:00

Truth be told, in a classroom.
My deepest apologies for not updating sooner.
Despite my desire to keep things running around here I have had to put it aside. OTT is too time consuming for me to keep up, with and my new school obligations.

I have not forsaken podcasting (I have a new project in the works) but OTT has been put to rest.

If you're still out there I will use this feed to introduce the next project in Dec. of 2007. It will be a smaller easier to mange format that I can maintain within my current time resources. If you're interested leave this RSS in your aggregator and take a listen.

Thank you so much for listening and hanging in there when my production schedule was out of whack. I cannot thank everyone enough for tuning in.

I do want to give special thanks to a very dedicated group of listeners. Thanks to everyone. Safe journey.
Jarrak at Starsend
Chip from the Scotchcast
Chris at the Adult Space Child Free podcast
Russell from Come Let Me Whisper

OTT Farewell.

Time keeps on slipping, slipping, slipping into...

2007-08-03T22:30:00.001-05:00

...the void.
Just like my original post.
Sigh.
I tried to post a nice long well reasoned message and Blogger crashed, taking my carefully worded prose with it.

Long and short of it: I have too much on my plate. I will not be able to make Off Topic Talk a regular production, not that it has been for some time anyways. I will continue to produce shows as time permits. Thanks for hanging in there with me.

I cannot express enough gratitude to you, the listeners, for sticking with me in this wonderful experience. I hope you stick around and see what the future might bring us.

Carry on.

Microcast number 7, again, sort of....

2007-07-23T22:22:00.000-05:00

oops.
I thought I hadn't done a microcast number 7. Then I go to upload the show and find I have already done one.
So this really is a new episode, it's just got the same name as the old one.
The first microcast number 7 will be renamed in the direct download link and in the RSS feed.

So grab the show and learn a few ways to destroy the earth.

Direct download.

Show music is Voltage Clamp by Rubber Band Banjo

Sound effects:
Fx376.wav by FreqMan
End is nigh.aif by tigersound
slurp.wav by konamiuss
ToiletFlush.wav by tweeterdj

Singularity by Bill DeSmedt

Prioritize

2007-07-11T12:52:00.001-05:00

I thought I was busy back in the spring during my grad school application process.
Sadly things have not slowed down since then. Summer seems to be busier than winter despite the relative lack of activity at work.
So OTT is officially a monthly show at this point. Show 17 is in the works, mostly I'm trying to figure out when I can sit down to record and edit.

I'll probably have a Microcast out soon as well. I found a article about how to destroy the earth. It's a fun read.

Carry on.

It's about bloody time! Show # 16 is finally here!

2007-06-13T01:26:00.000-05:00

Yes good people I finally got past my technical issues, my time issues and all the other issues that were in the way.

Full show notes will be along later but in the meanwhile you can do a direct download of the show if it's not already in your aggregator.

Thanks for hanging in there!

Carry on.

Dragging slowly along

2007-06-04T11:24:00.001-05:00

My how time does fly.
Well folks I'm still here and I've still got shows in the works. My schedule has been busier than expected and I've been dealing with technical problems on the production end of things so I am still behind (way behind!) my production schedule.
I thank everyone who is still hanging on for your patience and I'll have show 16 out asap.

Carry on,
Matt

I have not faded

2007-04-29T03:19:00.000-05:00

Busy, busy, busy have I been.

The semester is (finally) over and I managed to get all my projects and studying done in time.
I'm having some technical difficulties with episode #016, however I have microcast #007 up and ready to fill in the (long) gap between shows.

Thanks for hanging in there!

Microcast 007 direct download.

Carry on.
M

Just in time for my holiday!

2007-03-14T04:46:00.000-05:00

Show number 15 is coming to an aggregator near you!

I've got feedback from several listeners, thanks all of you! (and listen to Russels podcast!)

Not directly show related but I was interviewed by Chris Fisher from the Adult Space Child Free podcast. It was a lot of fun! Our talk will probably by out in April(?)

I've been talking about trans-humanism for a while but I didn't realize if until fairly recently.
So I have discovered that Ray Kurzwiel is my new technology hero.

More information on trans-humanism.
Wired magazine.

Metalosis Maligna!!! Not for the squeamish!!! (Russel, this looks like something you might write!).

Giant rabbits abound and invade Korea!

Tom Smith, the Worlds Fastest Filker!
Some of Tom's music.

Listen to Awaretek!

Direct download.

Alright folks due to some traveling I'm doing, show number 16 probably wont be out until April.
However while we're waiting for that I'll try and get a Microcast or 2 out to tide you over.
Also, please listen to the Babylon podcast. I am probably going to be in the studio audience on the show recorded Wed March 21st. I might not say anything but I'll at least be there (if all the travel plans work out).

Carry on.

Technical error microcast #6

2007-03-01T17:15:00.000-05:00

Some kind of problem has come up in microcast #6. Apparently there's a gap of silence early on in the show. I"m not sure where it crept in but I'll get it fixed and re-deployed asap.
Thanks for the heads up Jarrak!

Carry on.
M

FIXED!
I have no idea why the file came out the way it did.
In any case the error has been corrected and the file can now be played without that mysterious gap of silence.
Thanks for your patience.
Carry on.

Microcast #6

2007-02-27T02:38:00.000-05:00

Science fiction moves closer to science fact. I love it when this happens!
We're not quite at Starship Trooper yet (the original Heinlein, not the sad remake film) but we're closer.
Even more important people with limited mobility due to muscle or nerve damage in the leg may be able to regain the ability to walk.

U of Michigan has built a prototype exoskeleton.

Direct download.

Episode 15 is coming down the pipe.
My grad school application is in now I just have to get caught up on some other homework. Then I'll be able to get 15 out the door.

Carry on.

Help TD-0013 fight MS

2007-02-13T06:05:00.000-05:00

In case it didn't stand out like a Bantha in the Imperial Palace please take note of the link in the upper right hand corner of this page.
TD-0013 is doing his part to help fight MS and he's doing it like a good Trooper: Walking the walk under the Arizona desert sun in full armor, pack, rifle and boots.

If there's any way you can please help him out with a contribution. Just click on the image and you'll be taken to a secure site where you can leave a donation. The walk happens on April 14th so donations are being accepted up to that point.

Carry on.

Brain Dump!

2007-02-13T04:01:00.000-05:00

Sorry I haven't been here much lately folks.
I think I've mentioned that I've got a lot going on in my non-podcasting life.
However in between recording and scripting upcoming regular episodes I had a fit of...
I hesitate to call it creativity, maybe it was a moment of mental anarchy more than anything else.
In any case the result was a short show, not using any particular format and with very little in the way of script or notes.
So here we have the Brain Dump episode. An almost random collection of thoughts, concepts and trivia for your entertainment.

Direct download.

There's a strange little verbal glitch near the end of the show. What I said was to check the blog here for attribution of the music I used in this show.

Blazj Lindner - Mindmixing - Intro
37Hz - Less Than Seven - Background
Canopy - Eclipse - Outre

So I kept the show version recorded with the new mic. However I didn't like the sound quality it produced so I'm back to the mic I've been using for a while now.
The new one had allowed too much back ground and line noise into the recording. It was a royal paon to get out as much as I did. The decision to use background music was as much esthetic as it was necesary to conceal some of the unpleasant buzz.
Now that I've listened to it a few times I think it sounds ok, I just didn't like the amount of work that went into making it work

Carry on.

Hot on the heels of...

2007-01-29T06:34:00.000-05:00

...episode 14 I have another Microcast.
So I bring it to you HERE before anywhere else!
Of course, there's no where else to put it so I guess that doesn't really matter.

Well, in any case, if you've ever wanted to be your own person, or your own country, I've got news for you.
Sealand is for sale!

Read about it some more at Wikipedia.

Direct download.

WHOOPS!
Wrong link!
It's corrected now. You should be getting Microcast # 005 from this now.
Sorry.

News, news, news!

2007-01-24T04:06:00.000-05:00

Some changes are going to be coming to Off Topic Talk in the near future.
I have my own ful fledged domain name and some web-space online.
Over the next couple of months I'll be migrating Off Topic Talk to a new home.
I expect that I will run into technical problems and unseen glitches during this process so make sure you check back here often for updates.
Also keep an eye on the RSS feed. I'll be implementing a new one, once I get everything sorted out, because I'll be storing the files in a different location. I'll keep this feed active for a while but eventually it will no longer get updated.

I will post updates to the podcast RSS feed as they come up.

In other news I'm actually getting ready to launch a new podcast.
This one is going to focus heavily on the gaming geek side of my nature.
I will post some notices here for those of you interested in checking it out, once it goes live.
So keep your ears open for news of the Adjusted Dexterity podcast.

Thanks for staying with the show.
Carry on.

Episode 14 is ready to roll

2007-01-24T03:54:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone. Thanks for your continued patience in this ongoing project.
Show # 14 is now up and ready to roll.
I've continued to focus in on the theme of improvements in medical technology and what they might mean in terms of human enhancements.

Worm bots.

Brain link to treat neurological disorders.

Giant centipedes!!!!

Human and machine interface articles: Here, another one here and a third one here.

7th Son and J.C. Hutchins.

Johnathon Coulton.

The Adulst Safe Child Free podcast.

Kick Ass Mystic Ninjas!

Direct download.

Updates and news

2007-01-10T06:47:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone and (rather belated) happy New Year!

I did sort out the problem with the holiday episode. Sorry for the mix-up.

Episode 14 has blown up on me. Despite some rather valiant if desperate attempts on my part the recording is gone and I'll have to re-record from scratch.

It will be out before the end of Jan.

Thanks for your patience.

Carry on!

Please stand by for techincal difficulties

2006-12-19T16:56:00.000-05:00

There's a problem in the RSS feed and the haloween show has been re-sent.
I'll have it fixed before the end of business hours today.
Sorry for the mixup.

Carry on.

Matt

I've had a prolific week

2006-12-19T00:51:00.000-05:00

Happy holidays everyone.
Here's my last episode of the year.
It's holiday themed but not being focused just on Christmas (ever hear of Agnostica?)

I've got some fun music in the episode so go download it here or through the RSS feed.

Music used in the show:
Winter Dreams
Ya, You Betcha Christmas
Christmas Here on Mars

Have a good holiday and I'll see you all next year.

Carry on.

Microcast # 004

2006-12-18T05:31:00.000-05:00

We're going back to the moon but this time we get to do more than just pay golf.

NASA is planning a permanent, international moon base to be online in 2024.
And it's only 25 years late.

Direct download.

Episode #13 is up

2006-11-26T04:02:00.000-05:00

Well, that was quick.
I'm not sure what happened but I had some notes written down for show 13 and all of a sudden,
BANG! I was inspired by everything I'd been collecting for the show.

So now it's up and ready for your listening pleasure.

AIDS anti-virus virus

Vibrating Apples

Laser Strings

Inventor

What is a koto?

Animals in the Underground

The Tube

The Ultimate Whiteboard

Better Living through chemistry

Modafinil - for sleep disorders

Live theater - the big time & local shows

Penda's Fen

Direct download

Show # 012 is online

2006-11-20T03:31:00.000-05:00

I've got show #12 in the feed now.

I start the show off with a little feedback, since I have some from show #010.
Chris from memepunks talks some more about immortality.

Russel Burt from Come Let Me Whisper was very complimentary in his show #29.

Jarrak from the forums at SciFi dig was one of my first listeners and continues to send feedback.

John Lenahan corrected my chapter count on his excellent story Shadowmagic, 32 episodes not 18!

I've got a collection of news and media links with some interesting concepts.
Stonehenge – historical info

Stonehenge modern reconstruction

New sign language

Overclocked podcast 56 – re: Sony Reader

Link to Sony reader at Sony's site

Fast Company magazine article about LifeBits and memory

The show then turns towards my interest in social awareness as I go off into a semi-rant about taking things for granted. Although my emphasis is more on not taking things for granted.

I then encourage people to check out the pod-story How to Succeed in Evil.

And we end the show with a pleasant instrumental piece from John Shields at Music.podshow.com: Frogger 5

Oh, I played 2 promo's today.
A great gaming podcast All Games Considered
and
Mur Lafferty's fabulous podcast GeekFu Action Grip.

Direct Download.

Carry on!

Retrospective

2006-11-14T02:22:00.000-05:00

In show # 001 I talked about author China Meiville.
Well I recently came across a link to an interview with Mr. Meiville in the forums of the Harping Monkey. (Go check them out too).

Carry on.

2006-11-05T22:26:00.000-05:00

I thought I'd already claimed my Odeo feed but I must have missed something the first time. So I'll try again.

Introudctory show. I need to update this file soon.

My Odeo Channel (odeo/d20661045c36642c)

Need to claim my

My Podcast Alley feed! {pca-d3f53e21fe50abb36418b94b8533422d}

as well.

Halloween show

2006-11-03T18:42:00.000-05:00

Well as much as I wanted to get it out in time for Halloween I'm afraid work and school had to take priority.I did finish the show though so it's only a few days late. With the way time shifting in podcasting works some people weren't going to get it before Halloween anyways so I think we'll survive.

Direct Download

The Jack O'Lantern

Canabalistic pumpkins

Halloween

Come Let Me Whisper

Halloween day in history

More of Halloween day in history

Harry Houdini died this day in 1926

Hybris

Sound effects

Show number 010 is online.

2006-10-22T23:03:00.000-05:00

I just added show # 010 to the feed.
Show notes will follow soon.

Direct download.

Ok, finally here are my show notes:

Immortality

Truth Seekers podcast

Shadowmagic

Brave Men Run

Invisibility coat

Giant puppet

Kung-fu clowns

Prosthetic tech

Michigan vs Ohio
Articles related to the Toledo war story are here and here.

Aroostook War

Music by Falling You at Magnatune.com.

Show notes for show #009

2006-10-01T22:15:00.000-05:00

Show number 009 is now up!.
Here are the show notes in the meanwhile.
I'm starting to muck about with the show format a little bit, we'll see how it goes.
If you have any feedback please email me or post here.

I took a trip to the Pennisc war. I wax poetic (alright actually I blather on a bit) about what it's like. It's a vast and immersive event both day and night.

I spend a little time talking about childhood obesity and video games. This is a pervasive problem but there are actually some video games that have the potential to help fight the problem rather than contribute to it.
More info on childhood obesity.

The Chronicles of Riddick is a really fun movie. Not high cinema or great art, though it is a visual feast. It is however a great ride.

These are really neat things to look at/listen to and think about.

Visualize the worlds population.

Listen to the worlds population say hello.

Liquid based body armor.

10 Strange spy gadgets.

See what the world is looking at on the web.

Show #009 is now in the feed and available for direct download.

Carry on!

Joining Technorati

2006-10-01T22:04:00.000-05:00

Technorati Profile

Apple starts pruning

2006-09-26T00:03:00.000-05:00

It's all over the web right now.
Apple has sent a Cease and Desist letter to a company called Podcast Ready in order to stop their use of the words "Podcast Ready" and "myPodder" because Apple claims those infringe on their trademarks.

The following links are a number of articles on the subject if you really want to dig into it.

http://blog.wired.com/music/index.blog?entry_id=1561308

http://www.geeknewscentral.com/archives/006424.html

http://mwgblog.com/archives/2006/09/23/podcast-ready-thank-you-apple/

http://www.podiobooks.com/blog/2006/09/23/apple-now-claims-trademark-on-podcast

http://www.robhyndman.com/2006/09/23/apple-sends-in-the-goons/

UPDATE - 10/23/06
It looks like things are not as dire as I'd originally heard.
Apple is not attempting to take over "podcast". Rob over at Podcast 411 did some digging and came up with more accurate information about what Apple had actually done and it's not as bad as the rumormill originally implied.
I do not have a link to that show at this time but if you are really curious further reading on the subject should reveal what has actually occured.

Carry on.

Microcast number 003

2006-09-19T04:57:00.000-05:00

Tesla is in the news again.
This time though we're talking about a car. Tesla Motors has named the latest entry into the electric car market after the Master of Lightning himself.
The Tesla Roadster is an amazing piece of machinery. 0 to 60mph in about 4 seonds, 250 miles on a single charge, chrage time as low as 3 1/2 hours. The stumbling block is the price; currently the limited editions are going for $90K to $100K.
Not to worry, the good folk at Tesla Motors are also working on an electric 4 door family car for the rest of us.

Direct download

Carry on!

Yahoo has some video footage of the Tesla Roadster, check it out here.

New show coming in Sept.

2006-09-13T00:36:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone.
As I have mentioned life has been putting up some roadblocks. I'm almost at the point where I can start production again and I expect to be back with a new show later this month.

While you are waiting please check out some of the audio books available over at Podiobooks.

Talk to you soon.

Carry on.

Apologies for the lengthy delay

2006-08-27T05:23:00.000-05:00

Hi folks.
Sorry it's been so long since I last updated either the blog or the podcast.
I spent a week and a half away at Pennsic recently and as soon as I got home some serious life issues smacked me hard in the face.
I plan on getting the next podcast put together but it wont be until mid to late Sept.
In addition to life issues I am working an insane amount of hours for the next week and a half. I should be getting up each afternoon with about enough time to eat breakfast, make my lunch then leave for work.
I work for the Housing division at one of the local universities and the students are coming in for the new school year.
Expect to hear from me when I have a chance to do more than just breath.

In the meanwhile take a listen to Hans Christian over at my favorite record company Magnatune.

Carry on.

Tesla update

2006-08-06T02:45:00.000-05:00

I wish I'd found this before I did the item on Tesla.
Here for you viewing pleasure, from Google video, a very neat presentation on the Master of Lightning.

Microcast #002

2006-08-04T14:07:00.000-05:00

Check out the amazing photo essay of Saturn and it's moons thanks to the dedicated hard work of the JPL, NASA and the Cassini spacecraft.
Turn down the lights, put on your headphones or turn up your speakers. This is a work of art.

Multi-media photo essay.

NASA/JPL news about Cassini.

Cassini mission update podcast.

NASA/JPL news, images, mission information links and contact information.

Microcast music - Jeff Shields "Space Music Bootstrap".

Direct download of the show.

Geeks of the world, watch this video

2006-07-27T16:12:00.000-05:00

Are you a Geek? Are you married to a Geek? Do you know a Geek?
Watch this video!

Episode 8 is now online

2006-07-26T02:13:00.000-05:00

Welcome to episode 008 of Off Topic Talk.
This show we talk for a little while about alternatives to regular telephone communication.
I strongly suggest you all go and check out the Memepunks at memepunks.com. They have a remarkable series of articles about technology, science, society and how they al intertwine.
I play a couple of promos for some excellent podcasts - Misfit Brew and The Dragon Page with Class.
I go on about the importance of reading then finish up the show with a neat bit of electronica styled music.
Show notes to follow in a day or 2.

Carry on!

Direct download.

Words of Wisdom #1

2006-07-23T04:21:00.000-05:00

A word to the wise ain't necesary.
It's the stupid ones that need the advice
---Bill Cosby

Learning is finding out what you already know.
---Richard Bach

Episode 8 coming to an aggregator near you soon

2006-07-23T02:43:00.000-05:00

Excessive heat, humidity and some other features of daily life have been somewhat distracting. Episode 8 is in final post production and will be up this weekend.
Thanks for your patience.

Now for my request: Feedback.

I've been doing this mostly blind. I received several very good pieces of feedback from close friends in the first few episodes. Since then I've heard very little about content, format, quality (which I know needs work!).
So, any advice, thoughts, etc. anyone wants to throw my way would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks much.
Carry on.

M

Off Topic Talk Microcast #001

2006-07-11T05:32:00.000-05:00

I came across a news article I thought was so neat I had to share it as soon as possible.
Instead of waiting for a full show I put together this microcast to share the story.

Advnaces in medical prosthetic technology allow for artificial limbs to be connected directly to the skeleton.

There are some other interesting articles right here, over here and here as well on prosthetic technology.

Medical technology is becoming pretty amazing.

Direct download of the show.

Carry on.

Episode 007 Show notes

2006-07-07T18:53:00.000-05:00

Sorry for the delay folks.

Show number 007 is up and here are the show notes:
I suppose it would have been mor appropriate to put my news article about how to join MI6 in this episode. Bad timing I suppose.

The monkey chow videos and a discussion on world hunger.

Monkey Chow videos
Monkey Chow blog

Personal integrity and in contrast AT&T makes an unpleasant change in it's privacy policy.
AT&T Privacy policy
More on the AT&T Privacy policy story.
Returned lottery ticket

A collection of science fiction short stories and one fabulous story in particular.
Escape pod
Shadowboxer

A beneficial social virus - Pay it Forward:
The history of the concept.
The Foundation
The Movie

Catherine Ryan Hyde
The Heinlein Society

Well Matt it's about bloody time, isn't it....

2006-07-02T23:59:00.000-05:00

It is about time.
Episode 007 is finally up!
This episode we talk about Monkey Chow and world hunger. Integrity in people and corporations. Jeff Whal gives us a great guitar tune. We close up with my social virus - Pay it forward!

Show notes are on the way but you can download the episode now through the RSS feed on the right or directly from this link.

Blubrry has launched. OTT production info

2006-06-30T19:44:00.000-05:00

Hey folks, the Blubrry podcast network launched today.
I'm mentioning this because I was able to be in for the beta of the program.
It's pretty neat so far. It's kind of a cross between a podcast network, listener information source, advertiser assistance process and social network for podcasters and podcast listeners.
Check them (and me and the other shows available) over at http://www.blubrry.com.
I'm still working my way through the site so I don't have much else to talk about today.

I have realized that with my schedule (and it just keeps getting busier) I will not be able to maintain a show ever 7 to 10 days. I will be producing the show twice a month now, though if I can sneak an extra one in now and then I will do so.

Thanks for listening!

Show 007 will be up this weekend, so check back soon!

Matt

Promo and post production work

2006-06-28T21:48:00.001-05:00

Hi everyone.
Show 007 is now in post production.
I finished the initial recording but then decided to make some changes to the content. After a little re-recording I like the production a bit better.

I've also created a 30 second promo piece, which I've up loaded to Podcast Promos. It's in the Entertainment catagory. You can also download it below, although I did not put it in the feed.

Download promo.

Promo and post production work

2006-06-28T21:48:00.000-05:00

Show 007, slightly delayed

2006-06-25T04:40:00.000-05:00

Sorry folks. A shortage of time partially brought about by some home appliance emergencies ahve delayed the release of show number 7. It will be out soon though, look for it around the middle of this week.

In the mean while check out the new EFF support link at the bottom of the page.

Carry on!
Matt

2006-06-20T03:16:00.000-05:00

Odeo channel added

2006-06-19T22:07:00.000-05:00

Hi folks.
I just added Off Topic to Odeo. In order to edit my feed there I need to post a little something here. It's part of their registration process.

Introductory episode

My Odeo Channel (odeo/d20661045c36642c)

Carry on!

Welcome to Hell (Michigan), from 06/06/06

2006-06-16T23:20:00.000-05:00

Back on June 6th my wife and I decided to join almost everyone else in S. E. Michigan and we went to Hell for 6/6/6.
In actuality it's a rather small place but that day it was bursting at the seams.

You can download a panorama picture I put together while we were there. I stood in the middle of downtown Hell and took a series of pictures while turning in a circle. So what you see in the picture is most of Hell. The file is about 1MB so if you have a slow connection please be patient.

Hell Panoramic view.

Hell Michigan

Notes for Show #006

2006-06-13T23:01:00.000-05:00

Thanks to those who have followed me from the beginning!
For the new listeners I hope you find a happy spot in my show and come back for more!

This time around our main topic is about diet and fitness. Some of my own perspectives on the subject and encouragement to go out and become healthier.

I found a neat article about the latest and greatest jump rope technology.

Magnatune artist TranceVision brings us the song Phantom.

We close out the show with some history about a famous dark figure from Victorian era England.

Thanks for listening!

Easy steps for early weight loss
Getting started and staying with an exercise program
Weight Watchers
http://rescuingrecess.com/
School food issue
Childrens activity levels at home
The Birthday Challenge
A neat web tool to help motivate your exercise program

Jump rope tech
More about the new jump rope

Scary Children
Edward Gorey

TranceVision at Magnatune

Spring Heeled Jack
More about Spring Heeled Jack

Download the show directly

More Traffic behavior information

2006-06-13T21:16:00.000-05:00

Even scientists agree; polite driving behavior can have a beneficial impact on road travel.

Someone with actual academic credentials points something out on this topic!
The author of this article is L. C. Davis, a physicist with the University of Michgan Department of Physics.
http://www.umich.edu/news/index.html?Releases/2006/May06/r052306a

Carry on.

Followup to my "discussion" on traffic

2006-06-09T00:16:00.000-05:00

Turn signals people. Most of the time, they are controlled by one of the little sticks on your steering wheel column.

Turn signals are a SYMPTOM of a turn or lane change, NOT THE RESULT OF IT!!
(thanks to my old friend Brian for that one).

Carry on.

Show #5 is in the bag

2006-06-05T05:28:00.000-05:00

I've posted show #005. Enjoy!

Today we talk about Geocaching, what it is, what the word means and where it came from.
I found some really interesting articles on how the DoE is dealing with the problem of buried nuclear waste that has a half life of about 10,000 years.
I talk a little bit about the film Lucky Number Slevin (if you haven't seen it go rent it now!).
I play a song by Beth Quist from the Magnatune label.
I finish out the show with a mini-rant on driving and courtesy.

Email me feedback at OffTopicTalk@gmail.com
or
Call the voicemail line: 206-888-6OFF (6533)

Show notes:
Geocaching web site.
History of Geocaching
What is a GPS device?
Choose a GPS
Magellan GPS systems
Garmin GPS sytems

DoE Waste Isolation Pilot Plant
and
DoE WIPP Passive Institutional Controls

Lucky Number Slevin

Beth Quist at Magnatune

Traffic information:
Defensive driving
WHO report on traffic injury prevention
Road rage prevention
Road Ignorance

Download the show directly.

Thanks for listening!

Making up for lost time

2006-05-31T22:21:00.000-05:00

I have the rough draft of show 5 recorded. It goes into post production tomorrow and should be up by the weekend.

On the geek-ish front I renewed my subscription to City of Heroes / City of Villains a short time ago. It's the only MMO that I've ever had any interest in. None of the others (thankfully) appealed to me.

I read and collected comics growing up and the superhero genre, in any media format, has always held a great deal of appeal to me.

So I got to head out and play for a couple hours with some friends, which is the other great appeal to the game. We all "met up" on Skype (a free voice chat program) and talked while we played.
Some people may consider this and think "Why? Why don't you all meet in person, go to dinner, see a movie?". Well, we have done those things, though not recently. This is why we do get together online like this. It gives us a chance to socialize and catch up on things without the added time of arranging to meet, getting somewhere then getting back home again. We can hang out and talk then when we're done we don't have to drive home before turning in for the night.
Life takes time; families, jobs, homes, etc. All of this adds up and we don't get to see each other face to face as often as we like. We will have real life gatherings, we've not given up on it. This allows us to stay in touch and up to date in a more convenient fashion.

Internet communication does not make people less social and turn them into zombified shut-ins. The Internet has opened up the world and made staying in touch easier than ever. It is a tool of communication and, when not abused, can help bring the world a little closer together.

Show #4 (finally) posted!

2006-05-28T23:04:00.000-05:00

Show # 4 was just posted. Sorry for the delays. I'm even more sorry about the audio quality. It's not where I wanted it to be after getting rid of show 3's microphone.

I tested out a different mic earlier today and I'll be switching to that one for show #5. We should see an improvement in the sound quality at that point.
Then all I'll need to fix will be my own delivery. :)

Magnatune records

Piano found on Ben Nevis
Piano mystery solved!

Minstrel Spirit

How to win a street fight

Email me feedback at OffTopicTalk@gmail.com

Leave voicemail feedback at 206-888-5OFF (206-888-5633)

Download the show directly.

Thanks for listening and have a safe journey!

Show release 004 delayed

2006-05-27T22:58:00.000-05:00

I was not happy with the sound quality of the show so I have not posted it yet.
Sadly I then got caught up in some real life things that have prevented me from finishing my re-edit.
I expect to have the show posted Memorial day weekend at some point.
Sorry for the delay.
Thanks,
M

Show 3 is up

2006-05-14T12:17:00.000-05:00

I managed to finish editing the file last night and posted it this morning.
I tried out a new microphone on this show and learned a very important lesson; Test new hardware before putting it into production.
The sound is going to be a bit different in this show but I'll be switching back to my other cheap mic for the next production.

Show notes for episode #003

Climbing Jargon Outdoor climbing videos Indoor climbing videos

Training for Climbing by Eric J. Hörst

Tank Girl Warriors of Virtue Clip for Warriors of Virtue

Stylus by Alan Mecan Wombat information

Download episode 3 directly.

Blech

2006-05-11T18:20:00.000-05:00

I don't know what I have this week but it feels awful.
Body aches, fatigue, scratchy throat, yech.
Show 3 is in the works but it will be a little bit delayed.

Episode delay announcement.

Episode 2 of the podcast is up and ready for review

2006-05-04T22:11:00.000-05:00

In this episode we talk a little bit about actor, author, director and interesting fellow Bruce Campbell. We touch a bit on his past film work as well one of his books: If Chins Could Kill. I haven't read the second one, Make Love the Bruce Campbell Way, but if it's anything like his other work it will be worth reading.

We look at one of, in my opinion, Bruce's most fun films- Army of Darkness, directed by Sam Raimi.

We talk about the One Laptop per Child project, which I became aware of through the Memepunks blog (Keep an eye on this one folks, it's really quite cool!). The OLPC initiative website can be found here.

We also introduce our new feature, the song of the week. This week we have Secret Hallways by Aaron Rathbun.
The regular show music is listed in the right hand column.

In our tangent thought of the week we discuss Mary King's Close, one of the most fascinating places to visit in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Army of Dakrness includes a tribute to Ray Harryhousen's groundbreaking special effects from the 1958 film 7th Voyage of Sinbad

All the music played in todays show is available at music.podshow.com
Download the podcast.

2006-05-02T23:46:00.000-05:00

Alright, I missed Narnia in it's theatrical release so I'm watching it tonight for the first time.
The kids have just met Mr Beaver and he hands Lucy the handkerchief.

Where did he get it from? It wasn't in his paws as he walked up!
He has no pockets!
Where was he carrying it?!

Think about it!

All that aside I loved the movie! If you haven't seen it take the next opportunity to do so!

OTT Introduction show added to feed

2006-05-01T03:14:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone, a short update today.
I added an Introduction show to give new listeners a brief overview of what the show is about to the feed.

Music, as usual, is from the wonderful folks over at music.podshow.com.
Ministry of Clodagh by amb26

Show 002 is almost done with post production and should be up soon.

Be well.

Show #001 is online!

2006-04-27T20:21:00.000-05:00

Alright folks I finally got the first official episode edited and posted.
It took a couple days longer than I'd planned due to my work schedule being a little more hectic than normal.
You can subscribe to the RSS feed in the right hand column or download the show directly.

In episode 1 I talk a little bit about the author China Mieville and a couple of his books:
Perdido Street Station" and "The Scar".

The media suggestion is for Mur Lafferty's Geek-Fu Action Grip podcast.

I found a story about an unusual Guinness world record attempt.

My tangent story is a brief monologue about flying.

All the music in this show is from various artists at music.podshow.com
Opening Ministry of Clodagh by amb26
1st Transition Porous Part One by Automne Vein
2nd Transition intro man by Andre Bowerman
Outre 2012 by Beathoven

Show 00#1 in post-production

2006-04-25T00:58:00.000-05:00

After some initial testing it looks like the beta show worked ok.
Show #001 is in post-production and should be up by the weekend.

Thanks to those who have provided my with valuable feedback on the trial run.
More is on it's way!

Matt

Podcast Beta episode is up!

2006-04-24T03:26:00.000-05:00

Alright! The beta show is up and the RSS feed is working properly (as far as I can tell).
Show 001 is being edited and should be released in a day or two. Shows 2 & 3 are outlined and I'm laying out a couple more shows after that.
My goal is a show a week, though it may turn out to be every 10 days due to my work schedule I'll have to play that by ear for now.
My plan is to get at least 3 shows in the can before I "go public" but I'll probably have a few close friends take a listen until then.

Subscribe with the RSS feed in the right hand column or download it directly here.

That's all for today folks.
Safe journey.
Matt

Day 2, only a month later! Podcast Beta show!

2006-04-18T00:35:00.000-05:00

Alright I've been doing a lot of reading to get a better handle on the technical aspect of podcasting.
So the beta show is now up!
Now begins the process of seeing if I have everything configured correctly so the RSS feed works properly!

In the meanwhile here are the show notes:

Podcast 411
What is podcasting?

The Signal
SciFi Dig
GeeksOn
Sturgeons Law

Ninja news story
Ninja info (?)
More Ninja info
Still more Ninja info
They're not quite Ninja but they're pretty cool!

China Meiville

Show music courtesy of music.podshow.com
Intro music is Ministry of Clodagh by amb26
1st Transition is Porous Part One by Automne Vein
2nd Transition is intro man by Andre Bowerman
Outre music is 2012 by Beathoven<>

Day 1 - Off Topic Talk

2006-03-12T22:22:00.000-05:00

This is the place to come for rambling discourse on my topic of the moment.
I've been following podcasts for about 8 months now and enjoying them a great deal.
I've been inspired to try my hand at a podcast as well. I've been trying to figure out a concept and format to use.

One concept I keep hearing from existing podcasters is to talk about what you are passionate about. My first idea was to do a kind of "geek-ish" focused podcast. I am a geek, I'm interested in many geek like activities (science fiction & fantasy literature, moves, television), RPG's, tech-toys, computers, etc. There are a lot of shows like this out there, already doing very well with what I wanted to do. Go check out scifidig.com, dragonpage.com, sturgeonslaw.com and geekfuactiongrip.com for great examples. I know there are more but these are inspirations to me.

I considered a theme around personal safety, health and welfare: health, mental health, diet/nutrition, self-defense, exercise & fitness, etc. I'm conversant on all of those subjects and very interested in them but I do not know if I could maintain a weekly or bi-weekly cast about all of that for very long. I also do not know if I could be consistent in my passion for all those subjects in the same way I am on my hobbies.

So now we come to my final idea. I like to experiment and seek out new experiences and share the ones that I really enjoy.
So we have Off Topic. Here I will present whatever has my attention at the time. I can be passionate about a great many things and this provides an outlet to share all of them over time.

Welcome to Off Topic.

Matt