Podcasts.

Alright.

For the longest time I didn't really understand podcasts or give a shit about them, but when I got my Zune it came with a few samples and one that I actually really enjoyed was "This American Life" from Chicago Public Radio, hosted by Ira Glass.

So I subscribed and proceeded to get the new episode each week, but never really listened to them...until a few months ago when out of boredom I put them on while at work and became pretty much addicted.

I think I listened them all within three nights of work.

Basically it's stories about a kind of random subject from different contributors. The last episodes was about infidelity and had stories from people who cheat/have been cheated on and so on.

Another episode I really enjoyed was called "rest stop" where the guys who make the show basically spent a few days at a busy rest stop in the summer and interviewed random people passing through, the people who work there and so on.

Now, this all either sounds immensely boring to you, or it doesn't.

But here's the strange thing, and why I am even writing this...even the most boring of subjects (and ones I thought I didn't give a shit about) turn to fuckin' gold on this show. I look forward to every damn episode so much that it has become the best part of my Sunday/Monday.

They have also done a few episodes with some NPR people and more or less completely broke down how and why the economy is so completely shit right now.

And one about healthcare, explaining how the system is absolutely broken/why costs are skyrocketing.

It opened my eyes to a lot of issues.

For instance, I find it absurd that American health care has no fixed rates and that it's possible to literally shop around for a "good deal" on an MRI. That kind of floored me.

Or that on average, Americans pay 50% more for health care services than any other country, and that the increase in cost doesn't even buy them better service.

So while I'm not American, both the subjects and the entire show were fascinating to me. They also make me glad I don't live there.

Which got me to also subscribe to NPR's Planet Money podcast which is basically a show three days a week about economic issues (again, healthcare, recession, banks, toxic loans) but also goes a bit more broad with shows about things like how China is set to be the next super power and nobody realizes it.

It's all explained simply and realistically by people who don't come off ass jackasses or driven by whatever political agenda.

And again, is something I never really thought I'd find entertaining, but I do, very much.

Really the whole point of this was supposed to be me asking if anyone else knows of any podcasts worth listening to on a regular basis. About any subjects, really.

I suspect the answer (or rather the lack of answers) will be "no", but who knows.

7

So...clean.

Well, a few days ago I installed Windows 7 without really planning on it.

I had pre-ordered it off of Amazon months ago when they had their special half price thing, and them promptly forgot about it until I got the shipping email.

I had downloaded the beta/release candidate version but never installed it because I just didn't feel like fucking around.

So far, after minor use, I have to say that it's pretty great.

I know it's always been popular to talk shit about Microsoft and their operating systems, but honestly, I actually liked Vista quite a bit.

The worst part about it, to me, is that it always felt too bloated and bogged down (in that it hogged a lot of resources) and that's not really how an OS should feel. It should be quick and CRISP.

So far, while Windows 7 is essentially a fine tuned Vista, it is a shit ton quicker already and just really nice looking.

The reason I REALLY installed though, aside from liking to play around with new things, is that I've wanted a 64 bit operating system ever since Dell screwed me over right from the factory.

So I installed the 64 bit version (both are included) and have had no issues whatsoever with updating drivers and such...so fingers crossed.

Now, all my sweet sweet RAM is finally detected and (seemingly) working. I'm not really an expert on 32 vs. 64 but reading up on it a bit, it certainly seems like the way to go if you can and is becoming more and more common.

My only slightly negative feelings about Windows 7 come from the new taskbar. It's cool looking and certainly reduces clutter, but is also slightly LESS functional than the old style, but only with certain programs.

When you mouse over any program with more than one open window they all pop up in a mini preview and you can click on them to view, which works well with a lot of things, but I've found it a tad frustrating when using something like Messenger and keeping track of multiple conversation windows. Or rather, not frustrating, just not exactly time saving like it is intended to be.

Of course you can mess with it and make it more like the old style, but I think I'm just gonna try and adjust for now.

Being able to close windows/programs from the little thumbnail preview is pretty awesome though.

Other little cool things include the Aero Shake function where you grab an open window and shake it with the mouse, which minimizes every other open window and focuses on the one you're grabbing. It is fun to do.

I'm still putting shit back on and tracking down a few updated drivers, so I could always run into some catastrophic problem, but so far it is smooth sailing.

PS. I was originally going to also write about some movies here, but this is already too long so I'll do it another time or not at all.

random crap before bed.

So Nintendo sent me a sweet Mario hat for being a Club Nintendo member and registering all my games. You collect coins and can use them to "buy" items. I got a nice Mario branded DS case earlier in the summer.

At the end of the year they send you a special gift based on your status. I guess I was Platinum and got myself a hat.

Kinda cool that they do anything at all, I think.

It fights a little funny on my head due to my hair or oddly shaped skull, but it sure is awesome.

When you put it on special things happen.

Random thought time GOOO:

Californication starring the wooden David Duchovny is a pretty great show with a lot of nudity. I shall get season two.

Anvil! the story of Anvil is a documentary about said metal band that is pretty awesome and made me cry a little. SO WHAT.

One thing I wanted to complain about is how reviewers say it's "hilarious" like it is a mockumentary in the same vein as Spinal Tap or something. There are a few good chuckle scenes, but on the whole it's actually a pretty serious and touching film.

I guess some people might find these old guys holding onto their dreams for so long kind of hilarious? I don't. I just think it's awesome.

Or playing to a club that has 4 people in it instead of 400? again, not really funny to me. just kinda sad.

That Dead Space game for the Wii is pretty sweet. Very cinematic. I love Light gun style games.

OK SEE YA.

dxzfln

You know what?

Fuck winter.

Fuck all the people going "yaaaaay, snow!" like it is a good thing.

Snow, aside from looking nice (which is still up for debate) serves absolutely no purpose to me. It gets in the way, it ruins things and it makes me feel confined.

A large part is that there is a motorcycle now sitting in the garage that is completely useless for six months and the thought bothers the fuck out of me. It didn't really last year, but it sure does now.

I don't really mind cooler temperatures. In fact I often welcome them, but that's about it.

So fuck winter.

get ready for months of people driving like morons. Yeah, I know they always do, but add a little snow into the mix and THE WHOLE WORLD GOES MENTAL on a level never seen before.

Fucks.

Music post, I guess.

Well I guess it has to be said that the new Matt Good album is quite fantastic. I consider it his best work since Avalanche, but I'm not sure if I like it more than that one. Time will tell, but it is already getting more awesome with each listen.

On the opposite end of the spectrum I've been listening to some Bucket Head lately. Aptly named since he's always wearing a bucket on his head. Also a mask.

Sure, it's an odd gimmick, but once you get over that or embrace it like I have (come on, mysterious is cool) and listen to some of his music you realize quite quickly that the mother fucker has talent like nobody else who has ever picked up a guitar. It's pretty amazing and creative shit.

maybe not the most technically impressive, but one of my favourites:




He's also got a range that is equally impressive. Some albums are full of metal type riffs and shredding, others are funky and then some are acoustic themed and downright beautiful.

Mostly all the songs are instrumental, but a few have singers from other bands performing vocals. I prefer his instrumental ones so far.

Bonus because this is just badass:



Nothing else to say.