Podcasting hiccups

I thought I’d finally start recording this week since the kids are at grandpa’s in Kansas. Unfortunately, my mic doesn’t have enough gain to drive the computer. The kicker is a friend just told me he threw away a Shure mic. Ouch! I may need to make a trip to Radio Shack.

 

For those with young kids, Dan Klass (http://www.thebitterestpill.com) did a good show on 3-20-2005 and discussed kid appropriate TV. I have to agree with him although my personal preference is to see things exploding or exploring adult situations. Such is the dilemma of parents.

 

JohnF

I'm thinking of changing the name to "provertycast"

Not because I’m broke (different discussion) but because as I looked around, I realized my equipment presents some challenges.

I’m using a 3 year old Archos mp3 player, a microphone from my camcorder and a cable I found at my father in-law’s garage sale. I also have Koss earphones that look like they were dragged behind my car.

I’d love to get a Zen Micro or an iRiver. I’m not sure what the real differences are but the Zen has a pretty good built in microphone...but no plug for an external mic.

I love the fact that the Archos recharges itself off of the USB port but I’d die for ACC file support (bookmarks). Maybe after tax time.

Monday’s dragging…

Just couldn’t get up this morning for some reason. Wasn’t packed up and had a bunch of stuff in the wrong room. Needless to say, it was a mad dash to the train. Forget about locking the car and paying for parking. I used the remote for the car from the train and I can always pay parking later (under the threat of towing). I have a new employee starting this morning and an interview (double booked) so it was critical to not be late.

A follow up to the lost mp3 player story. I dropped a note to the chairman of the Metra for the great customer service. He sent a return note thank me for the positive feedback. I think I'll drop a copy off by the station. Everyone deserves a stroke every once in awhile.

Second follow up: I decided to not start podcasting until the wife and kids take off for spring break (I have no vacation time). I’m listening to Patty Paay on the Adam Curry podcast and decided I need to get the technical stuff down before I get anyone else involved.

Final note: I picked up a six of Stella last night on the recommendation of Mr. X and must say it has a pretty interesting taste. I still favor American microbrews but this was one I’d buy for my lite beer friends. It has a light color but is not a skunk beer like Heineken, Becks, etc.

A different commute

Thursday was little JohnF's birthday so like all suburban parents, we decided to host a party at Chucky Cheese. It's expensive but when you consider they do almost everything and they have beer, its worth it. One down side is the closest home of the big rat is 15 miles north but an almost 45 minute drive at rush hour.

I enjoyed taking the Crystal Lake train but I can't figure out why it takes less time, is the same distance and cost less. I must live in the wrong zip code.

JohnF

The morning commute

I write this morning from a Chicago Metra train bound for downtown. They announced a few moments ago that we’re one car short. They are packed in like sardines. For once it pays to live at the end of the line.

Ten days ago I had an interesting experience with Metra. I was late arriving for the morning train (no surprise) and made the mad dash, getting on the closest car. Once I settled in, I grabbed my headphones and …nothing! My mp3 player was not where it should have been. I quick self-examination just short of full cavity search revealed nothing. I asked the conductor to keep an eye out. I called the station and told the ticket agent where my car was in case it was on the ground. Finally I called home to see if it was sitting in the driveway.

While talking to my wife, my phone beeped in another call. I flashed over and talked to the ticket agent I had spoken with just minutes before. He said he saw nothing on the ground but did see a small grey case on the front seat. Relieved is not the right word to describe how I felt.

I know many people who serve the public get a bad rap for poor customer service but I have never found this to be true. From the gentleman who went out of his way to look for my mp3 player to the conductor who never says a word when I’m the last one on the 6 PM train, they are all professionals.

Welcome to 30,000 feet

It's Saturday night, the kids are upstairs and I think I'm running a fever. Seems like the perfect time to start blogging. Actually, I really want to start podcasting but gotta get the infrastructure in place first.

If your wondering about the name, 30,000 feet came from, you'll have to wait.