Podcast Directory

A few years ago I made a major switch on my iPod. I started out listening to all my tunes from over the years, but quickly found myself losing interest. I wanted something new to listen to, but wasn't really interested in new music. I searched the iTunes store and fell in love with podcasts.

I know it makes me sound really old, but I'd rather listen to stories than music nowadays. Here's a look into a few of my favorites.

1. Freakonomics Radio: I was turned on to this series of books a couple of years ago and couldn't wait for more. In a nutshell the books deal with data and how it shows the hidden side of the world around us. The podcast is more of the same, with Stephen Dubner tackling topics like - What are the characteristics of a good radio station, What does the NFL need to learn about real estate, and Where did all the runs go in major league baseball. This is one of my new "must" downloads.

2. RadioWest: This is one of the best local programs on the air today. I love the various topics discussed and the issues related to life in Utah. I don't know how Doug Fabrizio gets so prepared every day for his set of interviews, but he is spot on all the time. One thing I love about this show is the honest and open approach they take in discussing the Church. They just did a great show on the impact and reaction to President Packer's talk during last General Conference.

3. This American Life: I think this is the best podcast available today. Every Monday I look forward to the new episode I downloaded over the weekend. Ira Glass is one of the most talented people in media today. I haven't spent money on any of the other podcastsv on my list, but TAL is too good not to own the app on my iPhone. My favorite episodes involve every day events turned on their heads. If you've never the show on babysitting, it's a can't miss.

4. The BS Report: This is one my guilty pleasures. As a sports junkie I can't get enough of Bill Simmons, the Sports Guy. The show is all over the place as Simmons talks to athletes, commentators, and everyday fans. It doesn't hurt that Simmons is a die hard Red Sox fan, but I'd listen even if he wasn't.

I Voted

Every year I go through a ritual on the first Tuesday of November.  I read all the different positions, find out about each of the candidates, and listen to all of the various arguments.  Then I proceed to the ballot box and pick all of the losers.  I can't say I'm shocked by the results when I watch the news later that evening.  I usually pick the Democrats and, in this state, that means I pick the losers.

Oh sure.  An occasional Jim Matheson gets elected.  Or maybe even Pat Jones in the State Senate.  But generally, my vote is really just an exercise in my civic duty and not a meaningful chance to make a difference in the way things are.

I'm sure Peter Corroon will lose for Governor.  I'm positive that Sam Granato won't be going to the Senate (Is it just me or is it saying something that Utah Republicans got rid of Bob Bennett and want to put Mike Lee in office.   That guy is way too over the top for me).  But I can say that I was out there casting my vote for the opposition.  At least it makes me smile that I can cancel out one of my Fox News watching neighbors.....

NaBloPoMo

Earlier tonight Tara and I were discussing National Blog Posting Month or NaBloPoMo and whether or not we wanted to participate. In the past I've always been pretty excited for this month in the blog each year. It gives me a chance to stretch myself and I see if there's something to share beyond the kids, my job, or church. Even though those are the main topics in my life, I'd like to write more about what I'm thinking or some of my history that makes me, well me. We'll see if we can make it - 30 posts in 30 days seems like a daunting task this year.

Trunk or Treat

The annual Trunk or Treat at the ward was another great success. Hilarie was put in charge of it this year, so all the activities and food were top notch. The kids had a great time, as it was their first real chance to show off this year's costumes.

Alex was a dragon (no real surprise there), Dylan was a dinosaur (every thought he was Sully from Monster's Inc.), and Kennedy was a Dorothy (she finally made a decision on Tuesday). Tara and I also dressed up, but it was a little harder to identify what we were since we were very last minute. Still, everyone has a good time and the kids got a great haul!

Breaking Tradition

For the last couple of months Tara and I have been engaged in a debate.  Is it time to join the 21st Century or stay back in the 19th Century?

How could we make this dramatic jump?  Simple, get rid of our land line phone.  I started thinking about this earlier this year, but never really looked into the steps required.  Then I noticed my bill.  I was paying $47 a month for my land line from QWEST.  What?!  This is a phone that we don't really even use.

Why were we still paying for such an outdated phone?  To me it came down to one word - TRADITION.  Think about it.  Most of us grew up in a time before cell phones.  There wasn't any other choice than to sign up with the phone company for service.  I actually remember how excited I was when we got our first phone number after we were married.  It was a sign that we were adults, independent and free.

Little did I realize that freedom was actually captivity.  The phone company never provided us with any more services, but our bill kept creeping up.  When I finally wised up and started checking into things VOIP (voice over Internet) made total sense.

Now I can hear the cell phones crowd laughing out there right now.  Why even have a phone at home?  It came down to two issues: 1) As the kids get older and start getting calls we wanted to have a phone they could use that wasn't one of our cell phones.  2) I don't want to give out my cell number to everyone.  Sure, I use Google Voice, but it still means that everyone ends up calling my cell phone.  Having a home phone gives me a buffer from all the Ward phone calls.

Last week we finally made the break and canceled our QWEST service!  Now that is real freedom.  Since we switched to Ooma the only bill we pay is for Federal fees ($3.47 per month).  Is it perfect?  No.  But is $3.47 better than $47?  No question about it!