Nobody's Listening Podcast

Meet The NLCast Co-Hosts, Part I: Trevor

James — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 05:00:44 +0000

I recently asked the two co-hosts of Nobody’s Listening to respond to a series of interview questions. Here’s Trevor:

1. Other than podcasting… what are some of your hobbies?

Gaming is the biggest one. I also enjoy building computers. You know when I’m not working or being a husband and a dad…

2. Do you have any pets? If so, how many and what types?

3 cats, Fraser, Indy, and Cody. 2 Siamese Fighting fish Ice and Fire (the second)

3. What is your fav color?

Red…I mean Blue…ahhhhhhhhhhh

4. What’s the last movie you saw (theater or dvd)?

The Uninvited

5. What’s your fav movie of all time?

ORIGINAL Star Wars Trilogy

6. Where did you first hear about podcasts and podcasting?

I was working at a mindless job that had me behind a computer all day. So I was looking for something to listen to during the workday. When looking at comedy shows and music I found these things called podcasts and a search for comedy podcast brought up Nobody’s Listening…and here we are…

7. What would you say are your top three skills or talents?

Computer troubleshooting
Making people laugh
People skills

8. If you could live anywhere in the world… where?

Somewhere that it is between 15 and 25 degrees (59 to 77 for my pants people) all the time. Or maybe Scotland…

9. If you could meet anyone face to face in time or space… who?

This will sound clichéd, but Jesus. I mean wouldn’t that answer so many questions?

10. What is your favorite thing about guest-hosting NLCast?

The joy of relief. It has become my weekly zen moment where all I have to worry about is talking with two good people to a bunch of other good people and making them laugh. Plus I’ve gotten two good friends out of the deal so…

11. Do you have a question for our listeners?

Do these pants make me look fat?

12. Give us one random piece of advice on anything.

When your mother offers you money to not marry someone, you might want to take that into consideration in your decision. And no it wasn’t with Sonya that she did that J

13. If you did your own podcast… what would be the topic?

If it was a fun one it would be about PC gaming, if serious it would be about helping families to cope with having children with disabilities

14. Link your Twitter and Facebook.

www.twitter.com/rattface

www.facebook.com/rattface

Surprise, surprise, eh?

15. If you could have any superpower… what would you want?

A toss up between being able to stop time so I could have more time to do stuff and flying.

16. What was your favorite subject in High School?

Math, which ironically I’m horrible at now.

17. In less than four sentences… how did you meet your spouse?

We went to High School together but didn’t really hang out. Within a month of each other and unknown to each other we moved to the same city ¾ of the way across the country from where we grew up. At that time we were both in relationships that showed how a relationship isn’t suppose to be and we became friends. Many months after both of our relationships ended our friendship turned into love since we found that what we needed was right in front of us.

Or if you want the short non personal version, “We met in High School” but I’m ok with you using the above one…

18. How long have you been married at this point?

Together for 10 years, married for 6.

19. What would you say is one of your greatest successes in life so far.

This will probably sound like a copout, but my family is my greatest success. I have a wife that loves me who is strong where I am weak and two beautiful daughters. Brianna who has given me the joy of being a daddy (my little princess) and Mackenzie who has given me a whole new perspective on life due to her challenges which is why she’s my little angel.

20. If your life was a URl (www.something.com) what would it be?

www.rattface.com of course or perhaps sarcasticdryhumor.com

21. If someone gave you $200 and you had to spend it on toys from Toys R Us, what types of toys would you buy?

Star Wars Lego and Transformers

22. What is printed on your beach towel?

Toronto Blue Jays back to back World Series champions

23. How many pillows do you sleep with?

1…2 if you count my wife

24. Do you have any reoccurring dreams? If so, what?

That I’ve somehow ended up back in the Navy, but I don’t remember how to do anything…

25. What kind of sports do you enjoy watching or participating in?

I watch NASCAR, hockey and curling. I’ve played curling, hockey, softball, and golf.

Something Random For Wednesday: A Beatboxing Bird

James — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 06:29:31 +0000

Can your bird do that?

Episode 113 – Pollyanna Is Hot

James — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 05:00:14 +0000

Again, it’s listener Email and Voicemail… and for some reason John thinks a young Hayley Mills is a hottie.

Try GotoMeeting free for 30 days! For this special offer, visit www.gotomeeting.com/podcasts

I Wouldn’t Want THAT Dog…

James — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 05:00:00 +0000

In Episode 112 – Deer Deer my Weekly Update was that I had come up on a couple of guys talking just as they were finishing a funny story. It was like a moment out of a movie where there’s a group of guys… you hear the punch line of a joke and everyone laughs… but you don’t get it because you didn’t hear the story.

The line I heard was, “I wouldn’t want that dog!” and the two men busing out laughing. I went the rest of the day wondering what could have made that line so funny.

I’m asking you, the listener to submit your best story behind the line “I wouldn’t want that dog!” that would make it make sense.

Here’s what we’ve gotten so far:

There was a little boy who walked into a pet shop. A cute dog walks up to him. The boy bends down to pet him and the dog pounces on him and bites onto his nose. The boy was slapping and crying, slamming the dog on the walls while he was hanging onto his nose. The boy finally passes out and another person comes up to him and says, “I wouldn’t want that dog.”

Joe Thomas

Can you do better? Email your story to be posted here and/or read on the next show.

Network Update

James — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 05:00:36 +0000

It’s time for another tour around the NLCast universe.

Children’s Ministry Monthly

Geek Loves Nerd

Nobody’s Listening

GOK: Gospel of Kennison

GOK 5 – All The Time In The World

Nobody’s Listening Has A New Phone Number

James — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 16:45:26 +0000

After nearly two years… we’ve changed our call-in number. The old one will work for the next 3 months… but then it’s all gone. Make sure to update the phone number in you cell. You don’t have NLCast in your cell? Add it now!

What’s that number?

209-5NLCAST

or (209-565-2278)

Call us right now!

A Candid Moment From A Live NLCast Show

James — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 14:32:10 +0000

Just for the record, I was “Twittering”.

Daniel B. posted this image onto Facebook. Have you friended me? http://facebook.com/nlcast

(Compliments of Daniel B.)

Graffiti JoJo

James — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 14:10:20 +0000

I drew this quite a while back on Facebook’s Graffiti app. Thought I’d share it and a couple others.

Episode 112 – Deer Deer

James — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 07:04:13 +0000

This week it’s all about you cause it’s an all E-n-V-mail show peeps!

Check out Geek is Chic Podcast and chicken pop pod!

Try GotoMeeting free for 30 days! For this special offer, visit www.gotomeeting.com/podcasts

Smile While Talking To Improve Your Voice

James — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 18:31:51 +0000

One of the tricks of the broadcasting trade is to smile while talking. It makes your voice sound happy. If you are podcasting and have a naturally monotone or lower sounding voice, putting a smile on your face can really cheer up your sound.

That’s all I got.

Excellent Lightsaber Duel

James — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 05:20:40 +0000

I’ve seen a few… but this one’s got some moves I have never seen. Plus a great ending… with a weird twist?

No Show Tonight

James — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 02:03:25 +0000

Sorry folks… but when RealLife challenges the hobbies… RealLife always wins.

~~This will mark the first of THREE WEEKS of no shows. Consider it our Summer Vacation.~~

We’ll see you fine folks at the end of next month!

We’re going to try to do some recording tonight. Possibly do three shows in advance to fill in the one we missed last night and the two we’d miss otherwise.

What Being Featured In iTunes Does To Your Downloads

James — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 15:26:19 +0000

I’ve had a few podcasters ask how being featured in iTunes affected things around here. You can see the graph above. I don’t want to go into numbers… I’m sure there are plenty of people who are blowing me away… and others who would think I was bragging.

I think you can tell from the graph that we had a 500% increase in our downloads during that period… then it seems to have settled to about half that. So it’s both a blessing and a curse. Obviously more downloads are good…. but you have to face the fact that about half the people who found you didn’t care for your show.

Thanks again iTunes! Feel free to feature us again any time!

Someone Buy Me This IV: Ultimate Buzz Lightyear

James — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 18:09:57 +0000

OMLordy. This thing looks awesome! If you don’t know, I’ve been an avid collector of Buzz Lightyear stuff since 1996. I will own this thing eventually… but that $150 price tag will keep it on the back burner longer than I’d like.

(Thanks to everyone who sent this in)

Awesome Cadbury Eyebrows Commercial

James — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 05:45:11 +0000

From the NLCast Forums:

The World’s Funniest Commercials happened to be on TV and I saw this one and couldn’t help but share it. It’s so freaking and awesome all at the same time. – Koreo

Thanks man!

New Site Up – Let The Complaining Begin

James — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 14:34:26 +0000

I’m aware of several issues with the site:

Comics aren’t displaying on comic post pages
Main menu drop-downs are huge and wrong color
Border on thumbnails is blue
Bottom navigation on main page doesn’t work

But other than those, if you find any issues, please let me know.

Episode 111 – The Item of Ill Intention

James — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 06:04:35 +0000

Trevor takes the wheel, and his sweet time, telling a great story of his teenaged attempt at siphoning gas.

Try GotoMeeting free for 30 days! For this special offer, visit www.gotomeeting.com/podcasts.

. Join the forum discussion on this post - (9) Posts

GOK 5 – All The Time In The World

James — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 19:32:03 +0000

Just me thinking about how Scott Johnson gets to do his hobbies full-time and what I would do if I had all the time in the world.

Download

Major Site Changes Coming

James — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 16:48:47 +0000

Just a little head’s up for those of you who like knowing things in advance. I’m sick of the current site layout. I think it’s way to complicated and random. I’m also thinking I’m done with the NLCast comic.

I’ve found a new site theme I like and am working on modifying it to our purposes. It’ll be up by the end of the week or sooner. The forums and all of the pages and such will be unaffected. My goal is to improve the site, not break it for those who use it.

So next time you visit… and the whole site looks different… don’t freak out. It’s still the same place. Just has a new coat of paint.

Video: First Person Pole Vaulting

James — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:36:04 +0000

Here’s an awesome video my friend did. He owns a helmet cam and video taped himself pole vaulting. It’s the only one like it on YouTube. – Daniel Blomdahl

Thanks Dan!

How I Podcast – 2009

James — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 18:40:47 +0000

A lot of time has passed since I wrote the first How I Podcast post. I’ve gotten better/different equipment and simplified a lot of the process. I figure it’s time to update/rewrite how I podcast.

What I Use

Recording & Mixing Software

Adobe Audition 3.0 – To record, mix podcasts
SoundByte – Computerized cart system to play music and stingers in real-time
Levelator – It’s not a compressor, normalizer or limiter although it contains all three. It’s much more than those tools, and it’s much simpler to use.
WinLame – To encode wav to mp3
ID3 Tag Writer
Skype – Internet phone service for recording off-site co-hosts

Graphics Software

Photoshop
Picnik.com – Online image editor

Hardware

Self-built Desktop Computer dual-booting Vista and XP (XP for recording)
2nd Dell Laptop (older lappy to get on the Internet and run Skype)
Alesis Multi Mix 8 Firewire – External sound card & mixer
Large Diaphragm Condenser Mic
Headphones
Plosive Filters

Web Hosting & Software

Libsyn – Media Hosting
GoDaddy – Domain Registration and Web Hosting
Self-Hosted WordPress – Free blogging platform
Blubrry PowerPress – Plugin for WordPress that generates a podcast RSS feed and puts a player on your website
Ustream.tv – Live video feed so listeners can watch the show as it is being recorded.

How I Do It

Skype Recording Setup

I use two computers: A laptop running Skype and a desktop recording with Audition. I run the Skype-top’s audio output into a channel on the mixer where it is recorded on it’s own track in Audition. Then I run a main mix minus the co-hosts tracks back into the mic (line—in) of the Skype-top (see illustration). If I send them the main mix (that I hear) the subtle delay that Skype has will result in the co-hosts hearing themselves up to a full second after they spoke. So I send them the main mix, minus their own voices. This is called a mix-minus.

My condenser mic is plugged into the mixer’s first channel. A second mic goes into input two. Input three has the output from the Skype-top. Input seven is the output from my recoding machine to pick up sound effects and voicemails.

In Audition I record using the Multi-track View. I record using three tracks. Track one records me. Track two records my co-hosts on Skype. Track three records the computer (track 7 from the mixer). I might mention that since I use a Firewire Mixer which acts as a separate soundcard for the recording computer, I’m able to use SoundByte to play bumpers and voicemails using the computers native soundcard which is what goes into track seven on the mixer.

Live Video Stream

Ustream makes streaming your show a simple and cheap (free) feature for your listeners. Basically all I do is run a main mix off the mixer with a 1/4” cable into the mic input of a laptop. This laptop also has a webcam. I login to Ustream and begin broadcasting. I set things so that the video comes from the cam, but the audio comes from the line-in (mic) input. Listeners get to hear everything we hear.

Mixing

Since I record all of the sounds for my show in real time to different tracks, my first step is to adjust the volume levels between my vocal track and the skype track. I mix them down to a mono file and save that file. I open up Levelator and run the new mixed vocal track through it and then pull it back into Audition replacing the original vocal tracks in the multi track edit view.

Then I pull up the volume of the music track. If the track recorded to low, I’ll import the original music clips and overlay the music track then mute it. This gives the music a first generation sound and eliminates any background noise a third track would normally add.

Then I import the voicemails that weren’t played in the show and place them at the end. I often try to improve the volume of these tracks so listeners don’t have to turn up or down their players. I do this by looking at the waveform to see where most of the waves are peakiing. I run a Hard Limit to bring all of the waves to that level then Normalize to –1.

The important thing to note before we mix down our session is to make sure all of your various wavforms (voicemails, your voice track, music, sound effects, etc.) sound (in your ears) the same volume. In the past I used to look at the peaks of the wav files or the levels of the volume sliders but none of that matters if your ear is telling you something is louder than it should be.

After I’ve got everything right, I mix down all the wav files to a stereo wavform. If you’re not using a lot of music, you might want to mix to mono. You’ll just be doubling the size of your mp3 for no reason.

I run a Hard Limit at –4 then Normalize to –1. I save the wav as a 16 bit stereo wav file.

Encoding

I encode it using the default settings for High Quality using WinLame (to convert the file from wav to mp3). Then pull it into ID3 Tag Writer and give it a Title, Artist, Album, Comments and Art (300×300 album image). It also has a setting to change the filename based on the track, title and album. It’s best if you have a consistent way of naming your tracks and files.

Posting

I use Filezilla and upload my mp3 to Libsyn. Libsyn has a built in blog that you can use to publish your shows. It will also generate your feed that you can submit to iTunes. I chose to host my website and feed under my own url. I suggest you do the same.

In Libsyn under the Media Files tab I select my new episode, right click on the ‘direct download’ link in the left sidebar, and copy the link. Then in WordPress write a new post and add that link to the Powerpress portion of your post. Powerpress will automatically detect the length and size of your file… so once you paste that url, publish that post!

I then pull up iTunes and download my own show…. just to make sure everything went up correctly.

Conclusion

Every podcast producer will have their own way of doing things, and eventually you will to… but this is how I do it. My hope is that this will shave some time off of our learning curve. If you have any questions not answered here, post a comment or email me and I’ll see if I can help.

Something Random For Saturday

James — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 09:00:00 +0000

A squirrel on a motorcycle.

I drew it by request for my sister.

Click to make it big.

NLCast Listener Uses Evil Middle Schoolers for Good

James — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 13:36:50 +0000

I guess not all teenagers are a waste of time. I really enjoyed this live-action video remake of Strongbad’s version of techno.

Check out their other video, The Big Reveal.

Frequently Asked Questions about NLCast

James — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 22:53:26 +0000

How do you make podcasts? What’s your podcast setup?

Check out the following articles:

How I Podcast
How To Get Your Podcast Online
Six Tips For Starting A Hobby Podcast
My Podcast Setup – Home Edition
5 Ways To Help Your Podcast Stand Out
50 Podcast Resources I Use Every Week
Check out the entire Podcast Resources category.

Why didn’t you play my voice mail(s) on the show?

There are a few common reasons I choose not to play voice mails (roughly in order of how often they occur).

Too long.
Bad sound quality or background noise.
Story is very similar to something we’ve already played. (no more cats stuck between the front door and screen door)
Caller seems distracted or takes to long to get to the story.
Caller placed more than one voicemail in the same week. (It’s typically one per customer per week)
Topic or language is not appropriate for the show.
Story is not funny, or at least we didn’t get it.

Here are some voice mail guidelines:

Keep it short – The closer your message is to 30 seconds, the more likely it is to be played.
Keep it clean – We run a clean show and the content of your call must reflect that.
Make it interesting – If it’s not funny or informative or add to the show in some way, we won’t play it. Stay focused on what you’re doing. Write it out if you need to.

Why haven’t you read my story on the show?

Common reasons:

Too many stories this week. We’ll try to fit it in on a future show.
No paragraphs, sentences, spelling mistakes. Unreadable.
Similar to a story we’ve already told (enough sledding and bike jump stories)
Not funny or we didn’t get it.

Email story tips:

Great Content – Submit your emails as you want it read. Use paragraphs!
Format – Please capitalize, punctuate and spell correctly. Include a good title in the Subject line.
Topic – If you’d like your email read, give us something to read that will be interesting to those listening.

How can I support the show?

Sponsor a show
Link to us on your blog
Play our promo
Commission some art from DrawYouAPicture.com

How can I be a guest host on your show?

Though there’s no hard-set procedure… everyone who’s guest hosted who I didn’t know in real life or who wasn’t related to me has been someone who has submitted quality content, both email and v-mail, participated in our forums and been an all around great person… or they’ve been involved in a podcast that I really admired.

“I Wish James Was My Dad” by Miss Yujin

James — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 19:05:38 +0000

We at Nobody’s Listening have moved way past only having Stalkerz. We’ve now got folks who want to be straight-up-adopted into the Kennison family!

See what I mean?

(You’re awesome Yujin)

Watch This 5 Times In A Row

James — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 13:19:45 +0000

This is actually really funny… and a little bit genius. Nothing I ever recorded as a kid was anything close to this good.

Episode 110 – The Flaming Marshmallow

James — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 06:15:03 +0000

James tells the story of how he received 3rd degree burns on his face from a marshmallow.

Try GotoMeeting free for 30 days! For this special offer, visit www.gotomeeting.com/podcasts

NLCast Network Update

James — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 19:17:13 +0000

I do a lot more than just talk in a mic and draw pictures. I’m a full-fledged wanna-be blogger! Check out some of the recent work I’ve been doing in the NLCast Network.

Children’s Ministry Monthly

Geek Loves Nerd

Podcast: “How To Fight With Your Spouse”
Comic: “Attack of the Clones”
Visions Aren’t Everything – Facing reality in your marriage.
10 Ways To Do Father’s Day Right
Parenting Is Setting The Example, And Scary

GOK: Gospel of Kennison

DrawYouAPicture.com

New Shows @ CleanCasts.com

Two New Pieces Up At DYAP And A New Look

James — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 17:30:43 +0000

I recently finished a couple more commissions for some great folks over at DrawYouAPicture. I’ve also got a whole new website to boot. Check it out.

DrawYouAPicture.com

For Trevor: Canadian CSI

James — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 21:38:26 +0000

GOK 4 – My Story Part I

James — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 05:31:01 +0000

You wanna know my story? My ‘testimony’? Well here’s the first part of as much as I care to tell on the Internets.

Download

JoJo Invades My Kids Church Service

James — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 04:28:28 +0000

I do a slightly modified version of JoJo The Christian Clown for my kids church service every week. I usually do it live… but for our special graduation service I had to be present the entire time… so this video was created.

Enjoy and check out JoJo’s other video.

Someone Buy Me This: Marty McFly’s Hat

James — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 18:32:40 +0000

Amazon’s got the replica McFly hat from Back To The Future II for preorder for only $25. If I’d actually ever wear it… I’d order it myself.

McFly Hat [via Gizmodo]

Boy Survives Meteorite Hit, May Gain Superpowers

James — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 19:05:12 +0000

This is Gerritt. He’s 14. He has a better story than you will ever have for the show… even though he’ll probably never even hear of us. Gerritt was recently hit by a meteorite traveling at about 30,000 miles per hour and survived with only a 3 inch scar on his hand to show for it.

Lucky duck. There has been only one other person in history that has survived being hit by a chunk of space rock (that we know of). This story is worth the read.

Unfortunately it doesn’t look like he’s getting any special benefits (such as mutant healing factors) from the incident. Other than cool hair and a winning smile.

14-year-old hit by 30,000 mph space meteorite [via Gizmodo]

Swiss Army Kitchen Appliance Is Sweet

James — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 00:57:10 +0000

Stuff like this makes me smile so hard. Genius. Would never fit in any home kitchen in the entire world… but still genius.

[via The Awesomer]

The Piano I Pushed Down The Stairs

James — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 21:12:16 +0000

In Episode 109 of Nobody’s Listening I mentioned an old church piano I pushed down the stairs once… just before we drug the peices into a pile to burn them.

Today I’m going through Len’s (of Jawbone Radio) Flickr and find a photo of the exact same type of piano. Boy did it bring back memories.

Have you ever gotten to push a piano down a flight of stairs and watch it fall apart into a dusty heap of rotten wood? Share your story in the comments!!!

Len’s Piano Photo

Episode 109 – Back Fire

James — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 06:00:20 +0000

It’s a theme show. A theme show about fire. So the show’s theme is fire themed. James, Trevor and John ‘put out’ their best fire-related stories… and yours as well!

Try GotoMeeting free for 30 days! For this special offer, visit www.gotomeeting.com/podcasts

Check out WBR Podcast and Chicken Pop Pod.

GOK 3 – Gossips

James — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 14:51:31 +0000

ARGH! Is there anything more destructive and dramatic in life more than a very talented Gossip?

Download

Things I Wish I Could Say: To Gossips

James — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 05:00:00 +0000

Gossips… grrrrr.

Google Holodeck

James — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 10:37:25 +0000

Ever wished you could view Google Maps’ Streeet View in high speed like a video game? You can! Warning: Rated PG

[via The Awesomer]

Open Post To iTunes – Thanks!

James — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 15:55:40 +0000

The other week, you folks over at iTunes featured Nobody’s Listening on the main Podcast page in the iTunes Store. I just wanted to saw thanks! I’ve looked for a place to send an email to say thanks… but couldn’t find anything… and I don’t need tech support.

iTunes has been very good to NLCast over the years. I know NLCast is a bit of an oddity in the top Comedy Podcast scene. We’re clean, we’re not super popular… but you see fit to keep us there (or allow us to stay) and it is very much appreciated. Even early on you folks featured us as a New and Notable… and even What’s Hot (back when you did that). Again, thank you.

It was a huge honor, a huge surprise, and a huge boost to our listener-ship. As I type this I’m looking at the spot where our graphics were featured. An ad for ESPN is in it’s place. It only makes it more special. Little old NLCast was featured in a spot now reserved for ESPN! How cool is that.

So from myself, Trevor and John, my co-hosts:

Thanks you mysterious folks at iTunes. Thanks a whole bunch.

Peace,

James

Toy Story Three Trailer – Oh Boy! Oh Boy! Oh Boy!

James — Sat, 30 May 2009 03:50:47 +0000

I am genuinely excited about this film. I am a huge Toy Story fan… and a collector of Buzz Lightyear stuff since 1996. I’m looking forward to this! This is an excellent teaser trailer. Made me smile.

[via The Retroist]

Hey There Delilah – As Sung By Bible’s Samson

James — Sat, 30 May 2009 01:35:57 +0000

Christian Comedian Tim Hawkins (I’m going to have to check this guy out) rewrites pop songs. I found this on a random website and thought it was stinkin’ hilarious… and genius.

GOK 2 – Sunday Mornings

James — Fri, 29 May 2009 04:54:02 +0000

Just some thoughts on why it’s so hard to get up on Sunday… and how my Sunday’s are.

Download

Episode 108 – Pyro Boy

James — Thu, 28 May 2009 17:31:01 +0000

This week John tells a couple of stories about playing with fire.Also featuring some of the best listener submitted stories of all time.

Try GotoMeeting free for 30 days! For this special offer, visit www.gotomeeting.com/podcasts

Things I Wish I Could Say: Ninja Bikers

James — Mon, 25 May 2009 05:00:00 +0000

I have never in my life seen a ninja biker who had one lick of respect for anyone else on the road. I have never seen one driving the speed limit. I wish they were real ninjas… then at least we’d never see them.

Plants vs. Zombies Easter Eggs

James — Sat, 23 May 2009 20:25:13 +0000

My wife and I have been playing Plants vs. Zombies like mad. So far I’ve done a comic and together we’ve done a podcast about the game. Below you’ll find a couple of Easter Eggs I’ve found. I’m sure I’ll be adding more as I find them.

Click the flowers on the Main Menu.
In-game, type ‘mustache’ without the quotes to give your Zombies a more distinguished look.
You can ‘tap the glass’ in the Zombiquarium levels by right-clicking your mouse.
In-game, type ‘future’ to give your Zombies cool 80’s shades. – thanks Entity
Type ‘trickedout’ to trick-out your lawnmowers. – thanks Tree of Wisdom
Type ‘daisies’ to have zombies drop little daisies when they die.

Someone Buy Me This: Craftsman NEXTEC Auto-Hammer

James — Sat, 23 May 2009 17:38:55 +0000

You may not know… but I’m a bit of a handyman… albeit a poor one. I pretty much remodeled my entire home (with a little help). As a handyman I can attest to at least one thing: It’s all about having the right tools. This Auto-Hammer looks like a very cool tool.

It gives me chills just watching it in action. It would be most appreciated in those spots to tight to swing a proper hammer.

[Link]

Consumer Reports Rates, Rails On, The Snuggie

James — Fri, 22 May 2009 23:24:44 +0000

They don’t seem very impressed. More and more I’m convinced people just need to buy a robe and slippers.

Three-Year-Old Spends 20,000 On A Digger

James — Fri, 22 May 2009 23:20:33 +0000

Three-year-old Pipi Quinlan bought a $20,000 Kobelco digger on auction website TradeMe, prompting immediate damage control by her mum when her purchase was revealed.

Most parents are used to little ones sneaking treats into the supermarket trolley, but Pipi’s deal must take the cake.

Pretty funny story. Makes me wonder if I shouldn’t lock down my own computer.

[Link]

iPhone App Keeps You From Straight Tripping

James — Wed, 20 May 2009 07:28:04 +0000

This is just cool. It uses your iPhone camera to show you what you’re not looking at while your walking and texting.

Link [via The Awesomer]

Episode 107 – Wookie Cushion

James — Tue, 19 May 2009 22:35:17 +0000

It’s an all e-n-vmail show. Fluffy bees, wookie cushions, forgotten visitors, root canals, lazy McDonald’s employees, ninja bikers and more!

Try GotoMeeting free for 30 days! For this special offer, visit www.gotomeeting.com/podcasts

Do Yourself A Favor…

James — Tue, 19 May 2009 15:04:09 +0000

…and read the reviews on this shirt.

Comic: Things I Wish I Could Say

James — Mon, 18 May 2009 05:00:00 +0000

I hate my neighbor’s windchimes. I can hear them every moment that I’m at home. I often wonder that if I liked them more… would I care as much?

Retro Cellphone Ad

James — Sun, 17 May 2009 02:10:23 +0000

Affordable, portable. Yeah right! Wouldn’t you like to go back in time with your current cellphone and sit down next to this guy.

[via The Retroist]

Genius Beatboxer

James — Fri, 15 May 2009 23:51:16 +0000

Watch Amazing Beat Box Girl and more funny videos on CollegeHumor

I wish I could do this. I could record it in the back of my car. I have a Honda Element… so there would be better acoustics.

Weekly Poll: Have You Reviewed Us?

James — Fri, 15 May 2009 23:34:04 +0000

We have listeners… then we have awesome listeners. Wanna know the difference? Awesome listeners review us on iTunes. Have you? Here.

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

Nobody’s Listening Featured On iTunes Podcast Main Page

James — Thu, 14 May 2009 16:46:09 +0000

Load up your iTunes. Go to the Store. Click on Podcasts. What do you see right in the center of the page? Three of the uglies podcasters you ever did meet that’s who!

I’m honored that Nobody’s Listening has been featured on iTunes. It’s more than I could have ever hoped for. No scarasm at all I assure you! You should have seen me when I saw it. I squeeled like a female middle schooler.

Thanks to the folks over at iTunes for putting us up… but thanks most of all to our listeners who have left us nearly 300 iTunes reviews! Without you folks, it just wouldn’t be happening.

Guy Doing Flip On Ball: Almost The Coolest Thing Ever

James — Tue, 12 May 2009 23:02:17 +0000

I was watching this… amazed. Because the guy does a flip on a ball. Common… how cool is that right? But then… right at the end, he ruins it. How?

The wink and the gun. No… the wink and two guns. And shirtless.

I like people who are cool… and don’t know it. This guy ruined it for me.

Still… cool flip though huh.

Phun With Physics

James — Mon, 11 May 2009 16:50:44 +0000

Download Phun and play with Physics yourself.

[via The Retroist]

New Art Up At DYAP

James — Mon, 11 May 2009 16:48:19 +0000

Check it out: here, here, here and here.

Secret’s Secret

James — Mon, 11 May 2009 05:00:00 +0000

I was just thinking about deodorant and Mother’s Day and this is what came out.

Some Sweetness For Your Sunday

James — Sun, 10 May 2009 12:33:58 +0000

Fluid Sculpture from Charlie Bucket on Vimeo.

Sweet!

Deodorant

James — Fri, 08 May 2009 05:00:00 +0000

Old Spice wasn’t invited.

Someone Please Buy Me This T-Shirt

James — Thu, 07 May 2009 17:24:24 +0000

It’s perfect. I don’t do the Football Fan thing… but all the guys at work do. So I have nothing to talk about with them. This shirt could be the bridge between our worlds that I’ve been waiting for.

I wear a 2X.

Lego Batman Cake Is SO AWESOME!

James — Thu, 07 May 2009 15:32:51 +0000

My secret desire is to quit my life and start over as a cake maker. This video almost got me signed up for baking school.

Star Wars Weekends Posters

James — Thu, 07 May 2009 05:38:44 +0000

Every year Hollywood Studios (formerly Disney’s MGM Studios) does a Star Wars Weekends event. I’ve never been. I’m not proud of that fact.

Anyway, all my personal issues aside… check out these great posters they did up for this year’s event.

Disney Star Wars Weekends 2009 Posters

Someone Went And Remade “Adventure”

James — Wed, 06 May 2009 23:21:42 +0000

One of the few good games I had on the Atari 2600 as a child was Adventure. I don’t know that I knew much of what I was doing… I just enjoyed making the seahorse dragon things think they were going to be able to eat me. I always loved how their stomachs were exactly the same size as myself.

Now someone’s gone and updated the game. New graphics, sound effects, music and a graphical menu. Looks like the mazes and gameplay are the same.

This is cool and all… but why?

It’s a free download for Windows users.

The Original Edward Vampire T-Shirt

James — Mon, 04 May 2009 23:47:43 +0000

I need this shirt. Badly.

One Of The Many Reasons I Don’t Breakdance

James — Mon, 04 May 2009 21:27:49 +0000

Bwah! It hurts me to watch but still… BWAH!!!

Poll: What About 3D Movies?

James — Mon, 04 May 2009 03:33:34 +0000

I haven’t seen any of the new 3d movies… but someone out there is watching them. What do you think? Are they any good? Does the effect work? Does 3d make it a better movie?

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

Killer Bicycles Are Killer!

James — Sat, 02 May 2009 00:55:40 +0000

For those who are too young to remember… in the 80’s we said “Killer!” a lot. It was like saying something was super cool… but awesomely bad-out at the same time. It out did Radical and Tubliar by a long shot.

That being said, these bikes are totally Killer!

LOL Cat Loves Canada

James — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 04:39:21 +0000

I guess Canada’s good for something after all.

[link]

Playing For Change Vid – Best Thing I’ve Seen In A While

James — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 00:29:16 +0000

Playing For Change | Song Around The World “Stand By Me” from Concord Music Group on Vimeo.

Truly genius. This guy went around and recorded folks who play on the street for spare change, creating a ‘virtual studio’. Just make sure you watch it all the way through. I smiled the whole time.

Episode 106 – Elevator Action

James — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 23:07:51 +0000

This week we’re joined by our new guest-host John, but Trevor gets the featured story this week… and it’s a doozy.

Try GotoMeeting free for 30 days! For this special offer, visit www.gotomeeting.com/podcast

Check out our new Frappr Map.

Visit DrawYouAPicture.com to see larger versions of our new caricatures.

Visit CleanCasts.com the all-new clean podcast directory.

The Final Countdown on a Kazookeylele?

James — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 21:51:21 +0000

There are no words.

Firefox Not Keeping You Logged-In? I Have A Solution!

James — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 19:35:32 +0000

For quite a few months now I have struggled with my love of Firefox because though it will keep usernames and passwords saved, it would not keep me logged in to my favorite sites. Namely Gmail and my WordPress blogs.

It’s irritating to have to log-in every time you want to Twitter or reply to a Facebook comment. It was nearly annoying enough to make me switch back to Internet Explorer… but not quite enough.

The issue only presented itself when I closed the browser or tab. It seemed that whatever cookie was being used would be erased. I checked all the obvious things like making sure cookies were enabled. I checked for exceptions to make sure I wasn’t blocking any access to these websites. Nothing fixed it. I even completely uninstalled Firefox twice… to no avail.

Here’s what worked:

I had to delete the default Firefox profile. I didn’t even know I had a profile… but its there. You can find information on managing and removing profiles here: http://support.mozilla.com/en-US/kb/Managing+profiles

When you delete the default profile it resets Firefox. It removes all of your bookmarks and plug-ins. If you use Xmarks (formerly Foxmarks) you can reinstall the plug-in and simply re-sync your bookmarks as I did.

That’s it! Once I deleted that profile, restarted Firefox, re-synced my bookmarks… I’ve had no problem staying logged in!

I hope that helps someone out there. In my many Google searches trying to fix this, I found that it seems to be a pretty common issue… but with very little in the way of fixes for it.

People At My Church Need To See This Commercial

James — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 14:31:20 +0000

I love this.

Ring

James — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 05:00:00 +0000

If you like it then you should put a ring on it. He doesn’t want the regret later on.

Your Safe From Rhino Attaks — In Japan

James — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 18:08:27 +0000

I guess if the rhino from any of the SNES Donkey Kong Country games get’s loose in the streets of Japan… they’ll be pretty safe. I wish our country would get with the program and start preparing for potential video game character violence.

Seriously, would you know what to do if Q-Bert showed up and started jumping all diaginal and cursing at your family? No! We’re not prepared people! The Japanese are!

I Used To Have A TRS-80

James — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 17:58:42 +0000

According to this ad, the TRS-80 is probably the soul reason I’m a geek today.

Poll: How Many Pillows Do You Use?

James — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 06:54:01 +0000

Some don’t… most do… and then some overdo. Which are you?

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

Who’s That Third Guy?

James — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 05:57:35 +0000

Many of you are asking and wondering who that third guy is. Well, that’s John from Episode 103 – A Mighty Wind. Trevor and I have invited John to become a permanent guest-host and fill in that third chair.

We’ll have more info on John added to our About page as soon as he gives us some. We’re already disappointed in him.

New Look – New Banners

James — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 05:52:23 +0000

We’ve got a whole new set of banners that reflect our updated look. Grab a few and post them around your blog, facebook or whatever. Spread the Gospel of Kennison!

New NLCast Banners

Ghostbusters Game Trailer Looks Sooooo Good

James — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 04:46:42 +0000

Wow. Just wow.

[via Hardcore Christian Gamer]

Some Site Updates

James — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 12:43:41 +0000

I spent some time tweaking the site yesterday. Here are a list of some of the changes.

New header image featuring caricatures of the hosts and our new slogan.
Minimize Comic button added to main toolbar (far right). Needs more work, but it’s a start.
“Community” item added to main menu.
“Forums” moved under Community.
New pages: Social Networking, Frapper Map, Podcast Archives, Promo, Banners.
Added NLCast logo bullet to post titles.
Changed formatting of images in posts.
Updated About page.
All new 404 page.
Removed NLCast Connections from sidebar (items added to Community tab)

. Join the forum discussion on this post - (2) Posts

One Of My Favorite Songs Of All Time (Needs Literal Version)

James — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 22:25:27 +0000

I truly, truly love this song… and this version. But after finding and seeing the video… this thing is screaming for a Literal Version. Glowing eyes, swimmers, and dancing ninjas, demon choir boys, dancing cavemen? Oh yeah.

Gizmodo Guy Eats World’s Largest Cheeto [Fake]

James — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 22:02:48 +0000

World’s Largest Cheeto and the Optimus Maximus from Gizmodo on Vimeo.

I call foul on this. That guy doesn’t look nearly sick enough to have eaten that whole thing. The video is still worth it though to see the shear size of that Cheeto.

Episode 105 – Recap 2: Inside Jokes

James — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 05:00:24 +0000

It’s the second in a two-part recap series! This week focuses on the inside jokes of the show:

Broke Ya, “I have news for you!”, “Let’s Just Say”, Lucy,
and more!

Try GotoMeeting free for 30 days!

For this special offer, visit www.gotomeeting.com/podcasts

A Tough Choice

James — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 05:00:00 +0000

I know what I would do… and I’d do it without hesitation.

Weekend Poll: Your Favorite Season?

James — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 05:00:36 +0000

It’s supposedly Springtime. Not that you can tell from our Mid-West weather. It got me thinking… what’s your favorite season?

Bonus: Check out this video – 4 seasons in 40 seconds!

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

A Talented-slash-Crazy Driver

James — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 18:08:38 +0000

I enjoyed this randomness of this police chase video this afternoon. Wow.

Our New Forums – Same Great Taste, Half The Calories!

James — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 02:03:26 +0000

We’ve got all new forums. They’re so cool… because they’re full of cool people. People like you. People who love NLCast… and forums.

NLCast Forums

You’ll need to Register first.

Introducing: The Master Feed

James — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 17:12:50 +0000

On a whim I decided to offer you folks a Master Feed — a one stop spot to get everything this Kennison-boy puts out in audio form.

This single feed url contains Nobody’s Listening, Geek Loves Nerd, Children’s Ministry Monthly AND the newly created audio journal, GOK: Gospel of Kennison. Woo-hoo!

Here it is:

Weekend Poll Results: The Kids Love Crackle!

James — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 07:19:52 +0000

The Nobody’s have voted and it looks like Crackle is the people’s fav. I voted for Pop myself. I’ve always gotten the impression that he was the leader… but even I will admit he has the worst, and surly the most uncomfortable outfit of the three.

Episode 104 – The Recap Show

James — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 06:04:40 +0000

A mashup of stories, updates and recap songs from the first eight episodes of Nobody’s Listening.

Huge props to Logan for the mashup at the end and Mike for the “News for You” mashup at the opening.

Try GotoMeeting free for 30 days! For this special offer, visit www.gotomeeting.com/podcasts

Poke Ya!

James — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 05:00:00 +0000

Thanks Adam for the great story!

There’s actually a lot more than could be put into the comic:

This just happened to me and I knew I would have to share it with you and all the listeners. At school, I saw that one of my friends got a sunburn over the weekend all over her face. I thought it would be funny to poke her face.

So, I went to poke her face right under her eyes and next to her nose. As I went to poke her, she moved her head. This is going to sound hard to believe, but I swear she turned her head at the right moment and my finger went all the way up her nose. Luckily, no one got a bloody nose. Everyone laughed about it, including me, as I went to get some Germ-X and went directly to my seat before class started.

To make the story worse, that day at lunch, one of my friends was letting people dip their fingers in icing and eat it off their fingers at the lunch table. Just as I ate the icing off of my finger, the girl who got sunburned reminded me that the finger I just stuck in my mouth was the same finger that had been in her nose two hours ago. Hope you guys enjoy the story.

Thanks,

Adam

Best posts on Nobody’s Listening Podcast from 6th April – 12th April

James — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 05:00:00 +0000

Here are a few of our most popular posts from last week:

Comming Soon: The Gospel of Kennison
Posted on Wednesday, April 8th, 2009 in News and Info – Comments: (4)

It’s nothing big… just my personal audio journal. But maybe, just maybe… it is just that big!
From Episode 103: Carman’s “The Champion”
Posted on Wednesday, April 8th, 2009 in Videos – Comments: (4)

During the end of Episode 103, John and I started discussing and quoting from an artist that couldn’t be named. The artist was Carman. The song was The Champion. This used to be my favorite song of all time. It’s a little played out for me now.Thanks John!
GOK 1 – Geek Loves Nerd
Posted on Friday, April 10th, 2009 in Gospel of Kennison – Comments: (3)

I thought the best way to start this off was to talk about my wife a bit.
Grocery Store Greatness
Posted on Monday, April 6th, 2009 in Comic – Comments: (7)

Thanks Action Dan! I think all of us can relate to yelling out random things while on Auto Pilot.I know one reader in particular that sill blames NLCast for accidentally selling beer to a minor.
Weekend Poll: Snap, Crackle or Pop?
Posted on Saturday, April 11th, 2009 in Community – Comments: (6)

Which was your favorite of the three?

If you enjoy the content on this site, please make sure to subscribe to the RSS feed.

Easter Egg Hunt

James — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 20:31:55 +0000

There’s an easter egg hidden on one of the comic archive pages over at Geek Loves Nerd.

Find it, email me the link to nobodyslisteningtous@gmail.com and I’ll email you a preview of the new short-series I’m working on for GLN comics.

Weekend Poll: Snap, Crackle or Pop?

James — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 09:30:13 +0000

Which was your favorite of the three?

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.