Man of Leisure

My First LibriVox Recording

I heard about a great project to create free audiobooks called "LibriVox", and I thought that this is the kind of thing I'd like to participate in. So here's my first submission, The Circuit Judge from Edgar Lee Masters' Spoon River Anthology. This poem and my recording are in the public domain. First, the original poem, courtesy of Bartleby.com:

http://www.bartleby.com/84/73.html

Note, I believe there's a typo in the 9th line, "O wing and rain..." should be "O wind and rain..." And now, for my recording:

spoon_river_073_masters.mp3 (986k, 1:03)

NFLH: Abbreviated Papal Election Edition

I posted this morning a short podcast that gives some of my thoughts on the election of the Pope. Here it is:

nflh042405.mp3 (3:11, 1.4 megabytes)

Please give a listen, then tune back in later in the week for a few thoughts about Millions, as well as some more about Benedict XVI himself as I'm reading his book-length interview Salt of the Earth (linked in the sidebar).

NFLH: Tax Day Edition

Here it is! This week's News From Lower Hallenia:

nflh041505.mp3

Topics in this week's podcast:
I. Opening Rite
II. Max Kalchthaler for Pontiff (no Friday Five this week)
III. Internet Filters: A rant against stupidity
IV. Kaiser Permanente's "Thrive" Campaign: A rant against stupidity
V. Shout-Outs
VI. Closing Rite (no Favorite Song anymore, to avoid the RIAA)

Many thanks to Stephen Koeth, CSC, who provided the voice talent for the "Max Kalchthaler as Servant of the Servants of God" adverts! While you're at it, treat yourself to Stephen's review of the brilliant film "Millions".

NFLH: Papal Funeral Edition

Here's the News From Lower Hallenia, Number 2: the Papal Funeral Edition.

nflh040805.mp3 (15:50, 4.8 megabytes)

Topics in this week's podcast:
I. Introduction
II. Five Questions: Appearance
III. John Paul II's Funeral: thoughts
IV. Shout-Outs: Ryan & Tom
V. Favorite Song of the Week: "Blow It Out", by The Features
VI. Over and Out

Inaugural NFLH Podcast

Podcasting is all the rage lately: folks recording themselves, like a radio show, and then posting the file for download on the web. Almost 4,000 different podcasts are available on iPodderX alone. Now just how is it that I do not have a podcast? I love microphones, so one might think that it's a natural thing for me to get on the bandwagon!

Of course, I've been podcasting for a while, by making available recorded versions of my various radio shows on KDUP. You'll likely enjoy my current show, "The Definite Article" with co-host Max Kalchthaler, or even last year's "Big Men On Campus Radio Hour" with Joe Fagan. Either way, your ears are in for a treat!

But occasionally, a Devoted Reader sends me an electric mail to request even more. More of my personal thoughts, in pithy little chunks. You know me: my life is gift, so here it is: my first solo podcast, entitled "The News From Lower Hallenia". The audio quality is pretty rough, since I was sitting at my kitchen countertop while I recorded this - you can actually hear my refrigerator and air conditioner running in the background! But give it a listen and see if it pleases you:

nflh040505.mp3 (12.1 megabytes, 18:07)

Topics for this inaugural podcast:
    How often? (once a week, aim for Fridays)
    Friday Five - Singing
    Pope John Paul II
    Meating Friday
    Shout-outs
    Favorite Song Of The Week (Gwen Stefani, "Bubble Pop Electric")
    Signoff

Please drop me a line if you like the show, or have any suggestions!