Podcasting since 2004; Conversations, conflicts, adventures and monologues from around the world.
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Got to thank PW Fenton for the audio recording tips. Which, while great, also led me to spend hours and hours on this show. On my flickr photoshow you can follow along with the lovely photos as I describe the scene.
20min+, 64kbps, 9Mb
Featuring:
I’ve got new creative things coming this week for the blog. But as for today —
Rumor has it, and statistics will show, that on Saturdays less people read blogs and surf the net in general! Where did I get that? I dunno… I’ve been around. However– for me, Saturdays involve talking to the family, and lots of leisure time of course, and that’s when memories like this one come back to me:
It must have been 1995… not really sure. I’ve seen the family videos and it’s obvious from my squeaky voice and short stature, that puberty hadn’t hit. Whereas normally it was understood that summers were for being in Portugal and spending time with g’ma, g’pa and the many beloved cousins. In that particular summer, Mom and Dad decided we needed to do something more; they bought round-trip tickets on an overnight train to Madrid, and then tickets to Paris via train, as well. I had never stepped outside Portugal as far as Europe was concerned — so it was a very welcome idea!
And so this family of four set off by land to see the continent. It was a first for my family, but they were prepared for the adventure. I remember careful analysis of maps, meticulously packed bags, and the confirmation and re-confirmation of hotels, for those welcome nights not spent on the train.
But oh that train ride, especially in the night. I remember not being able to, or wanting to sleep. No… I wanted to stare out into the darkness of Extremadura, the vast emptiness that Spain seems to have so much of. Occasionally I would spot a streetlight, or a car, and I would follow it on the horizon for as long it was in sight. I also remember getting nervous when the train would make stops in the middle of the night. Convinced that the whole train was sleeping, except for me, and I was the only witness of the made-for-tv style robbery that was about to take place. Oh sure, they were supposed to be border guards, but I knew the score, I was ready to defend the family train cabin! Hmm… I think I fell alseep after that.
I wonder if it wasn’t around then when this bug bit me. Wanting to learn french, and any language you put in front of me basically. My parents had brought me to the heart of Europe, and I liked it, perhaps knowing that I would return eventually, taller, wiser, and with a receding hairline.
Oh and I’m still A-Peeling for tips to help fund the mac purchase, much thanks to I.V. in Jacksonville, and my buddy Sunlight Disinfectant.
Today’s Sounds: Maynard Ferguson – Caravan
Although many might not dig musicals, I love’em. Therefore I present a show all about my favorite ones. Plus some more recent tunes related to broadway and a few good family guy clips. Thanks to everyone who dropped me a tip in the past week (or ever). If you enjoy the show at all, as I keep mentioning, drop a tip in the jar cause I’m counting my eurocents to purchase a nice mac.
20min+, 64kbps, 9Mb
Featuring:
No offence to anyone who visited me in the netherlands over the past 3 or so years, but the past 6 months have been some of my most favorite houseguest adventures ever. Whether it was NoCoins and Tawdryjones coming over from Philly, my dear cousin N coming over from Portugal, or my latest houseguest characochan, who flew away this morning; I have really enjoyed their presence. Different reasons for each, but overall, to be in the city I am so in love with, and to be able to show the people I love my life here.
I think we all go through this, right? Maybe it’s called validation or something. The idea that something is important to you, and you want important people in your life to see it first hand and if possible – share in it.
And as if the year couldn’t get any better, one of my newest and most favorite friends and blogscientist is making the journey from northern sweden, in only a few weeks. Excited isn’t word enough to describe. And it doesn’t stop there, formerly of blogging.la fame, and now a sf.metblogs.com gal, Bronwyn is coming to town and by that time we will have a powerbook duel. (consider it the dueling banjos of the 2000’s)
Speaking of Apple… a few more tips today: Brian and BadHareDay, thanks to everyone who’s been able to toss in a few bucks in the jar… I’m well on my way to hitting my target (money for half of it), so really – thanks to all of you.
Hey go check me out gueststarring on a blog about coffee! Mat? represent!
Today’s Sounds: Bill Frisell – Transcontinentals
It seems I’ve gone back to being a nocturnal blogger, which is the only way I used to do it. It’s funny what you do differently… think, talk, write, depending on what time of day you do it. What time do you all blog?
So some of you may know about what are sometimes called Warblogs. (a name I don’t dig) I think a more accurate description would be soldier blogs, since they are -in fact- blogs written by soldiers. And if you’re familiar with the Communiqu?, you know that over the past year I’ve become fast friends with a soldier blogger, Chris Missick, stationed in Iraq. As I’m always telling people, despite different worldviews, Chris and I share important things in common: music and a love for blogging.
Well last week, in what came as a huge surprise to me, Chris Missick returned to the US, ending (i think) his tour of duty, and letting him be home with his fam in Calipornia. I was surprised because, though he said it would happen soon, in my mind it was always going to take longer than expected… like one of those things you try not to look forward to because the wait will make you grow restless.
Many of you might not read Chris, I’ve noted that bloggers are more likely to read writing they agree with. So if you agree with me too often, you might not wish to read someone who is patriotic, a Bush supporter, and an active participant in what is called “the war on terror.” But I decided long ago that I don’t read blogs solely for their politics, and since so many millions seem to agree with him, it might be interesting to walk in his shoes thru his blog.
Reading about his return home, I felt both relief and frustration. Relief to hear that my friend is home and safe… not to mention excited about the future. Frustration because I don’t agree with the idea that the American invasion of Iraq has made the world a safer place.
If you think about it, it’s basically a theory; many people believe their world is safer because the US forced Iraq to become a “democracy”. Many people also believe there is a bearded deity who lives in the sky and demands that people worship him. Again.. a theory that many believe. Neither holds much water with me.
My point was, prior to bitching about feeling safe or not, I’m glad to hear Chris is home and I look forward to his veteran blogging. Stories of him driving to the beach and getting the house that he has wanted.
Update on my macfund: I’m very excited… not only am I raising the necessary funds, but I’m feeling all warm and loved! Thanks to Green Catfish, Slykk, and a kind-caring mother.
Today’s Sounds: Accident Hash Podcast #8
The latrines and the cooking facilities at the bicyclemark ranch are all cleaned. I mention that cause I’m damn good at it… my mom taught me well… which leads me to tonight’s topic: mothers.
For some she’s no longer around, for others she lives in the next town/room, and for many – including myself, she lives across the ocean. And as you may have experienced in your own life, this can be rough.
Of course you miss the moma. Especially if she makes you feel like the most important thing in the universe! But what’s a bigger issue is the influence and emotion of the mother who’s child is far away. You try and raise your child to be strong, independent, and determined to do all they can in this life. But you hope when while they do that they still come home occasionally, pick up a phone, or be located in a strategically good spot for the occasional hug and snuggle.
So here I sit, 4 years after having gone beyond leaving the nest, leaving the whole damn continent. And maybe normally that’s not bad, since the moma has part of her life on this continent, but I went and chose a completely different and unfamiliar corner of this contintent to live on. While she normally cheers me on, you can bet there are frequent, and sometimes loud statements of “I wish you would come live near me.” And it can often hit your weakspot, cause who knows how to push your buttons better then mom… telling you stories of the cutest and funnest nephew of all time, and you can feel the exciting energy that an almost 1-year old can bring an aging family.
These are the moments where my Amsterdam bubble is popped, not for good, but for the remainder of that day or night. The love for riding your bike through the holland snow or cruising the chilly canals on a boat is replaced by mixture of guilt, worry, wonder, resolve and frustration flowing through your veins. All those notorious words come around… regret, roots, future…. family.
Then I wake up to the BBCworldservice, smile at the semi-grey sky, and its time for soymilk, branflakes, and banana… right about then I remember I love the moma and all the familia… and the rest I’ll figure out later.
note: my mom does indeed read the blog! beijinho m?ezinha.
ps — Huge thanks to RussDev in the UK, D-Rock in DC, DucSloerie in NL, Keith in Canada, and J.P. in Jersey for leaving tips and contributing to my AppleFund.
Today’s Sounds: My Fair Lady – Soundtrack from the Musical
AudioCommuniqu? #19(mp3)