Musings of a Tech Writer

MTW 98

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 20:24:00 GMT

In unveil my new intro and talk about being sober for two years, the critic in my head, and Adam Lambert.

A quiet afternoon

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 21:03:00 GMT

It was a warm sunny afternoon with a brilliant clear blue sky. I sat at a picnic table with my lunch from Safeway: broccoli salad and a turkey wrap. Usually from this park I could see planes taking off from SFO and the Oakland airport. Not today. No plays would fly today. "There's a three-hour time difference. So there probably weren't many people in those buildings," my boss had said on the phone. My mind numb, I didn't catch her mistake. But wait. Six a.m. on the west coast mean nine a.m. on the east coast, not three a.m. Those buildings were horribly full. There was no work that day. There would be no trip over the Bay Bridge, which now appeared vulnerable and exposed. Sitting there on Bay Farm Island, eating a turkey wrap, I was glad that planes for one day weren't shattering the peace and quiet.

MTW 97

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 20:49:00 GMT

Join me as I wander around on a rainy night, trying to find the Chan Center at UBC. The outro music is Elsa's Procession to the Cathedral by Richard Wagner.

MTW 96

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 01:42:00 GMT

I lay out my back story.

An eccentric person

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 23:41:00 GMT

I wrote the following during a ten-minute creative writing exercise in my class. Let me know what you think. I have more.

My grandmother sat at a white Formica table, the top emblazoned with a large yellow daisy, a cigarette in one hand.

Frito corn chips ringed the saucer of her coffee cup.

She wore her favorite lucky bathrobe covered with green shamrocks.

I knew where all her candy was. She kept Wrigley's gum in the smallest drawer of her kitchen. The front parlor held a glass jar of anise candies with dark red wrappers.

But in the back pantry, she maintained stacks of prune juice in glass bottles. This held no appeal to a six-year-old.

"Your Aunt Fanny takes too many baths," she said, exhaling a stream of smoke from her nostrils. "If you take too many baths, you lose all of your good body oils."

"How many baths does she take, gramma?"

"Oh she takes one every other day. Sometimes once a day. You only need one bath every week or so."

Grandma dipped a Frito into her coffee cup and took a bite.

I reached into the greasy paper napkin and also took a Frito, munching it slowly.

"That's why she gets so many colds, honey."

MTW 95

Sun, 8 Nov 2009 19:54:00 GMT

As I shuffle through my DVDs, I talk about a new addition to my collection, and going to the movies.

When the truth is found to be lies
And all the joy within you dies

Don't you want somebody to love?

MTW 94

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 19:52:00 GMT

I'm back. And there's a light over at the Frankenstein place.

MTW 93

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 19:05:00 GMT

This week, a 38-minute version of a classic.

MTW 92

Sat, 17 Oct 2009 18:14:00 GMT

My tribute to crazy.

Plan for MTW

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 16:47:00 GMT

I've decided to finish out the rest of the year with MTW, making it to at least episode 100. I'm at 90-something now so I might as well keep going. The remaining episodes will probably be audio mash-ups.

Since I've started MTW, I've tried to post one episode a week. Next year, I plan to only post episodes when I feel like recording them. Crickets. Is there anything more boring than someone talking about their podcast schedule?

Anyway, I'm just at a point where I'm switching gears. I've enjoyed MTW but I'm getting more into writing. So that's where I want to focus my time and energy.

Thanks.

Mark

MTW 91

Sun, 4 Oct 2009 17:29:00 GMT

I'm not in a place to create a spoken podcast. I'm not sure what to call it but here's a short experimental audio collage. Let me know what you think.

What's Next?

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 22:45:00 GMT

Dear listeners,

I'm trying to figure out what to do with my podcast. I don't want to keep doing the same show every week.

When I first thought about podcasting, I wanted to do something innovative. Well, that hasn't really happened.

I need to regroup and think about what I want this podcast to be or if I want to just blog.

So I'm taking a break for a bit while I try to figure out what I want to do. Thanks for your patience as I work my way through the podcasting blues.

MTW 90

Sun, 20 Sep 2009 20:36:00 GMT

My computer crashed and this is the first episode with my new HP. I mostly talk about the crash.

MTW 89

Sun, 13 Sep 2009 16:51:00 GMT

Breakthrough

MTW 88

Sun, 6 Sep 2009 18:21:00 GMT

Cleaning the house, I talk about Ekhart Tolle, non-alcoholic beer, and the mob.

MTW 87

Sun, 6 Sep 2009 18:02:00 GMT

In this short episode, I talk about multi-tasking and Whitney Houston's comeback.

MTW 86

Sun, 23 Aug 2009 17:34:00 GMT

On the menu today: Alarm systems, Altar Boyz, meditation, and Pushing Daisies.

MTW 85

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 02:38:23 GMT

I almost deleted this one because of the muffled sound quality. But I couldn't bring myself to re-record it. I go to a supermarket and talk about Julia Sweeney, Canadian health care, and an embarrassing elevator experience.

MTW 84

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 00:39:00 GMT

I as I stumble along, I try to figure out my future.

MTW 83

Sun, 2 Aug 2009 16:27:00 GMT

Pride! That is what's so often forgotten... I talk about Pride, the heat wave, car troubles, and Carnival of Souls.

MTW 82

Sun, 26 Jul 2009 18:11:00 GMT

This episode is devoted to stewing.

MTW 81

Sun, 19 Jul 2009 15:25:00 GMT

Today's topics are cleaning and the end of the world.

MTW 80

Sun, 12 Jul 2009 17:26:00 GMT

I talk about weight, hair, and my energy theory of life. Please check out Paul's blog.

MTW 79

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 00:13:00 GMT

This is a bonus episode. I yammer about dogs, working at home, and massages.

MTW 78

Sat, 4 Jul 2009 21:56:00 GMT

I talk about my class reunion, border crossings, and the passing of Michael Jackson.

MTW 77

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 18:46:00 GMT

On a windy afternoon, I talk about soup and high school crushes.

MTW 76

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 18:14:00 GMT

In this short episode, I talk about my love of Prisoner: Cell Block H.

MTW 75

Mon, 8 Jun 2009 05:14:00 GMT

Taking a stroll, I talk about reality television, gossip, OCD, and my intuition.

MTW 74

Tue, 2 Jun 2009 04:16:00 GMT

I talk about my weekend, the demise of General Motors, ferries, and the book "1973 Nervous Breakdown: Watergate, Warhol, and the Birth of Post-Sixties America."

MTW 73

Mon, 25 May 2009 01:04:00 GMT

I take you along on a walk and discuss one-on-one relationships, credit card debt, Bernie Madoff, friends, and fried eggs.

MTW 72

Mon, 18 May 2009 18:35:00 GMT

Broadcasting from a creek next our motel in Cache Creek B.C., I talk about wandering through rural B.C., George Carlin, my upcoming class reunion, and aggravating podcast downloads. My rantings get cut off because the batteries in my recorder died. So this episode is mercifully short.

MTW 71

Sun, 10 May 2009 17:20:00 GMT

On this Mother's Day, I talk about how this day can feel like cruel joke, Bea Arthur's passing, John Edwards, guilt, and ball-shaped hands.

MTW 70

Sun, 3 May 2009 16:07:00 GMT

In the Phoenix airport, I lament coming back from my trip and talk about swine flu, going through security, and Jimmy Carter. The outro music reminds me of my niece.

MTW 69

Sun, 3 May 2009 15:40:00 GMT

Back from vacation, I talk about being disorientated, volleyball, catching-up, and DVDs.

MTW 68

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 01:59:00 GMT

I talk about minding my own business, my dad's suicide attempt, and mature singers. You can watch Susan Boyle's performance here.

MTW 67

Sun, 12 Apr 2009 17:09:00 GMT

Surrounded by loud shoppers and associates, I walk through Ikea talking about our trip to Pemberton B.C., American Idol, Somali pirates, bankrupt pension plans, parents who take their kids everywhere, and Japanese covers of English songs. I had no prepared topics and didn't edit in this episode so please forgive the rough audio and long pauses.

MTW 66

Mon, 6 Apr 2009 02:53:19 GMT

Down by the stream, I send out some messages to other podcasters, talk about conflict, the Olympics, and Brad Pitt as Jesse James.

MTW 65

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 02:25:00 GMT

On a walk to work I talk about my bout of podcasting blues and Russian hackers. Happy Monday.

Not feeling it today

Sun, 29 Mar 2009 19:28:00 GMT

I don't have an episode in me today. The weather is just too nice and we're off to enjoy the sun. I'll get an episode posted shortly.

I haven't been listening to podcasts for the last week. I'm taking a bit of a break and letting my favorites pile up.

If you haven't seen it check out the Frontline special on the U.S. deficit. You can watch the whole show on their web site.

Basically, to the U.S. is running huge deficits to take care of our aging population. We are borrowing from China and Saudi Arabia to keep living beyond our means. There are some hard choices coming. Probably the best thing our creditors can do for us is to cut off the money which will force us into financial rehab.

MTW 64

Sun, 22 Mar 2009 19:12:00 GMT

In my car/studio, I talk about my stress-related cold, being independent, and Latin drag queens. Beyondexgay.com has published my story about my experience with Exodus. Check it out. Comments are welcome and appreciated.

MTW 63

Sun, 15 Mar 2009 19:26:00 GMT

On a rainy Sunday, I talk about being organized, losing the genetic lottery, and escaping into the movie Double Indemnity.

MTW 62

Sun, 8 Mar 2009 03:20:00 GMT

Buckle your seat belts. This is a long episode. First, while cleaning up the kitchen, I talk about surviving Exodus. The episode abruptly ends and then picks-up after my trip to the "L Word" auction. Between topics and the outro music, this could be the gayest episode so far. Oh, and sorry

about all the car noise.

MTW 61

Sun, 1 Mar 2009 20:05:00 GMT

I unveil my new intro. Let me know what you think. I also discuss economic woes, addiction, going back to the gym, and pillow shopping.

MTW 60

Sun, 22 Feb 2009 17:55:00 GMT

Topics this week include the 3D movie Coraline, rampant inconsideration, and my dream house.

MTW 59

Sun, 15 Feb 2009 17:04:00 GMT

I talk about the new DVD of Yentl and try to bury the hatchet with a disgruntled listener.

MTW 58

Sun, 8 Feb 2009 18:53:00 GMT

In this oddly philosophical episode, I talk about living in the moment, TV, and looking for love.

MTW 57

Sun, 1 Feb 2009 18:36:00 GMT

In this drowsy-cast I try to pass on some tips on job hunting in this economy and rant about Canada's objections to "Buy American."

MTW 56

Sun, 25 Jan 2009 18:51:00 GMT

I talk about inauguration day and the return of promise.

MTW 55

Sun, 18 Jan 2009 20:10:00 GMT

I bid farewell to George W. and discuss dealing with depression, my updated financial plan for 2009, and my sagging Libsyn statistics.

MTW 54

Sun, 11 Jan 2009 20:13:00 GMT

I talk about the recent severe and gloomy weather and my current fascination with Grey Gardens.

MTW 53

Mon, 5 Jan 2009 02:49:00 GMT

I chat about The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and my love of the music, but not the story, of Carousel.

MTW 52

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 05:46:00 GMT

Here is my first annual year-in-review episode. Thanks to you all for sticking with my during my first year of podcasting. Happy 2009!

MTW 50

Sun, 14 Dec 2008 19:47:00 GMT

For the MTW golden anniversary (I think) I talk about the mishmash of old styles during the 80s which led me to drag an enormous desk into my childhood bedroom.

MTW 49

Sun, 7 Dec 2008 18:04:00 GMT

I rant about line-jumpers and inconsiderate smokers. I also talk about anger management.

MTW 48

Sun, 30 Nov 2008 18:52:00 GMT

From deep within my podcasting closet, a short episode about waking up, my latest contribution to the ailing U.S. economy, and my latest theory on the meaning of life.

Wondering what you can do about Proposition 8? See jointheimpact.com.

MTW 47

Sun, 23 Nov 2008 18:33:32 GMT

Walking along the Sea Wall in Coal Harbour, I question the value of career networking.

MTW 46

Sun, 16 Nov 2008 21:05:00 GMT

I talk about the wearying battle for U.S. marriage rights.

MTW 45

Sat, 8 Nov 2008 17:38:00 GMT

Still in shock from the results of the presidential election, I talk about how the victory feels like a homecoming.

MTW 44

Sun, 2 Nov 2008 18:55:00 GMT

I talk about John McCain's sad and surreal appearance on SNL, falling behind in school, and the podcasting universe. I also beg for votes for Obama. The final words of encouragement are courtesy of the late great Tiny Tim.

MTW 43

Sun, 26 Oct 2008 18:22:00 GMT

From deep within my podcasting closet I compare the Canadian and American elections, reveal my radical financial plan, and tackle the subject of smug Canadians.

MTW 42

Sun, 19 Oct 2008 18:00:00 GMT

I talk about what I've learned about relationships and my upcoming 25th high school class reunion. The crashing waves are courtesy of the Stanley Park seawall.

MTW 41

Sun, 12 Oct 2008 17:06:00 GMT

Back in Vancouver, I talk about my trip to Montreal and Quebec City.

MTW 40

Fri, 3 Oct 2008 15:45:00 GMT

Wearing a hat with microphones attached, I roam around the house talking about Mandy Patinkin and job security.

MTW 39

Sun, 28 Sep 2008 17:34:00 GMT

I talk about the U.S. financial crisis and wonder if we're heading for another depression. Cheery stuff.

MTW 38

Sun, 21 Sep 2008 17:46:00 GMT

Walking the streets of Vancouver, I talk about my bad experiences with a female barber.

MTW 37

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 00:23:00 GMT

This is my first annual housekeeping episode where I clear out my backlog of topics.

MTW 36

Sun, 7 Sep 2008 16:31:00 GMT

As a bit of back story, I talk about my mom's long, chronic illness.

MTW 35

Sun, 31 Aug 2008 19:32:00 GMT

This was the my third attempt to record this episode. Hopefully it turned out this time. The theme of this episode is less is more.

MTW 34

Sun, 24 Aug 2008 18:38:00 GMT

I roam around the house talking about Star Wars and being a worry wort.

MTW 33

Sun, 17 Aug 2008 18:09:00 GMT

I wander around a park and talk about my two-year experiment on the heterosexual highway.

MTW 32

Sun, 10 Aug 2008 17:53:00 GMT

This is my first experiment with the binaural microphones as I wander along English Bay in Vancouver.

MTW 31

Sun, 3 Aug 2008 20:15:00 GMT

Late at night I talk about my first love, Tim.

MTW 30

Sun, 27 Jul 2008 08:09:00 GMT

I rant about male-bashing and, as if that's not thorny enough, gay guys who have marriage-like relationships with women.

MTW 29

Sun, 20 Jul 2008 16:15:00 GMT

I ramble on about movies, climate change, and my first sober summer in 20 years.

MTW 28

Sun, 13 Jul 2008 17:04:00 GMT

I've got the day off and I chat about food, gym guilt, lost musicals, my love of documentaries, and keeping it together past 40. Musical interlude courtesy of B.B.'s legal team.

Musings of a Tech Writer - Episode 27

Sun, 6 Jul 2008 18:48:00 GMT

This is the second part of my conversation with Nick Thomas. Thanks again to Nick for being so honest.

For more information on Nick, see http://nickthomas.wordpress.com/.

Musings of a Tech Writer - Episode 26

Sun, 29 Jun 2008 17:44:00 GMT

This is part one of my interview with podcaster Nick Thomas. Nick was generous with his time and spent an hour chatting with me after I lost our original interview due to audio problems. Thanks Nick!

For more information on Nick, see http://nickthomas.wordpress.com/.

Musings of a Tech Writer - Episode 25

Sun, 22 Jun 2008 17:18:00 GMT

I talk about my trip to the dentist, letting go of my self-consciousness, and being where I am.

Musings of a Tech Writer - Episode 24

Sun, 15 Jun 2008 16:52:00 GMT

I test out my new microphone and muse about money and how the lack of it affected my earlier years.

Musings of a Tech Writer - Episode 23

Sun, 8 Jun 2008 16:24:00 GMT

There have been a lot of changes lately. I talk about the demise of Mysterious Universe and Hillary Clinton's campaign. I also talk about the unfortunate return of my neighbor and his dogs.

Musings of a Tech Writer - Episode 22

Sun, 1 Jun 2008 16:07:00 GMT

It's a rainy day and I'm hiding from other people, working from home. I talk about getting $300 to stimulate the U.S. economy even though I live in Canada.

My URL has changed to musingsofatechwriter.com. The Libsyn address will still work but you may want to update your bookmark if you download episodes from the web site. My e-mail has also changed and is now mark@musingsofatechwriter.com. Thanks.

Musings of a Tech Writer - Episode 21

Sun, 25 May 2008 16:01:00 GMT

I talk about the top ten things that drive me crazy about podcasts:
10. Poor sound quality. Guilty.
9. Podcasters who ask for reviews.
8. Podcasters who frequently discuss the technologies of podcasting.
7. Podcasters who spend half of their podcasts trying to set up Skype calls.
6. Podcasters who ask for money and gifts.
5. Podcasters who don't respect their listeners time.
4. Podcasters who are obsessed with downloads and stats.
3. Podcasters who don't respond to listener e-mails.
2. Podcasters who take their show and themselves very seriously.
1. Podcasters who group together like bats and kiss the ass of the alpha bat.

Musings of a Tech Writer - Episode 20

Sun, 18 May 2008 18:54:00 GMT

From the banks of Burnaby Lake, I take you, my dear listeners, back in time to a trip to my doctor's office for some test results. Just where you wanted to go. I also talk about my new computer. Leave me comment on my blog.

Musings of a Tech Writer - Episode 19

Mon, 12 May 2008 00:11:00 GMT

I talk about attending DocTrain 2008 and my issues with the Society for Technical Communication (STC). Send your rebuttals to tech-writer@shaw.ca.

Musings of a Tech Writer - Episode 18

Sun, 4 May 2008 23:50:00 GMT

Sorry about my voice. I had a cold. I talk about my my preoccupation with years and say thanks to Nick Thomas. You can subscribe to his self-titled podcast at the Itunes.

Musings of a Tech Writer - Episode 17

Sun, 27 Apr 2008 17:52:00 GMT

My computer takes over the podcast this week. The theme is 1966.

Musings of a Tech Writer - Episode 16

Sun, 20 Apr 2008 21:11:00 GMT

I lament some of the tools of our trade. If you have an answer to my problem, please send me an e-mail at tech-writer@shaw.ca

Musings of a Tech Writer - Episode 15

Sun, 13 Apr 2008 16:58:00 GMT

Enough of my yammering. This week it's a bit of a mash-up with a little Queen and Madonna ranting. What more could you ask for?

Musings of a Tech Writer - Episode 14

Sun, 6 Apr 2008 18:49:00 GMT

A dream from a mall.

Musings of a Tech Writer - Episode 13

Sat, 29 Mar 2008 18:16:00 GMT

Unlucky 13. Beware of an upside down McRib. They could be hiding something.

Musings of a Tech Writer - Episode 12

Sun, 23 Mar 2008 17:43:00 GMT

Thanksgiving in spring.

Musings of a Tech Writer - Episode 11

Sun, 16 Mar 2008 18:27:00 GMT

On the way to pick up my takeout I talk about annoying kids, food, and protecting privacy.

Musings of a Tech Writer - Episode 10

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 00:58:00 GMT

Alone at last.

Musings of a Tech Writer - Episode 9

Sun, 2 Mar 2008 18:00:00 GMT

I first became aware of Joan Crawford when I snuck off to see the movie Mommie Dearest when it opened on Mother's Day. Afterwards I had to find out more about Joan and eventually I watched a ton of her movies, from the '20s to the '70s. No matter her age, when she's on screen, my eye goes to her. Today, I read from her one and only book, My Way of Life.

Musings of a Tech Writer - Episode 8

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 19:25:00 GMT

On a work break in Vancouver's Coal Harbor, I talk about my future career plans and the booming housing market.

Musings of a Tech Writer - Episode 7

Sun, 17 Feb 2008 18:47:00 GMT

Returning from a trip to the U.S., I ponder aspects of my home country that I like and don't like so much.

Musings of a Tech Writer - Episode 6

Sat, 9 Feb 2008 21:05:00 GMT

I'm in the kitchen chatting about super Tuesday and podcasting.

Musings of a Tech Writer - Episode 5

Sat, 2 Feb 2008 19:14:00 GMT

I reveal the meaning of life. Actually, I just give it my best guess.

Musings of a Tech Writer - Episode 4

Sat, 26 Jan 2008 18:01:00 GMT

I talk about my mom's passing and its effect on me.

Musings of a Tech Writer - Episode 3

Sat, 19 Jan 2008 18:34:00 GMT

I chat about cleaning up the clutter and separating from the booze.

Musings of a Tech Writer - Episode 2

Sun, 13 Jan 2008 18:01:00 GMT

My very second podcast (not show). I talk about Libsyn, unsavory podcast dynamics, Adobe Acrobat 8 Pro, and saying "no!" I also give a preview of coming attractions.

Musings of a Tech Writer - Episode 1

Mon, 7 Jan 2008 00:11:00 GMT

Here is my very first podcast. Welcome me to the 21st century. I talk about the purpose of the podcast, give a disclaimer, and prattle on about my insomnia, the U.S. presidential primaries, Survivor, and my disconnect with MySpace.