A New Look for the Addict Blog

Well, it turned out if I wanted to use Bloggers new poll feature, I had to upgrade the template. So, after saving all my code, I upgraded. Then spent two hours learning the new way of doing things.

Overall, I like the set up. Then I figured since I was changing the template ANYWAY, that maybe I should completely change clothes.

What do you think of my new outfit? And will I find matching shoes?


Now, to think of polls... hey I know the perfect one to start with!

Thoughts on Billibub Baddings, from one of Billi's Babes

WARNING: Definite spoiler alert! (very minor in the first part- I'll warn you when they become major)

I just finished listening to the podiobook Billibub Baddings and the Case of the Singing Sword, written by sci-fi/fantasy author Tee Morris. Billibub is a Dwarf from another world who was sucked through a time warp into 1920's Chicago. After settling in and making ends meet with odd jobs (I'll need to go watch "The Wizard of Oz" again now), Billi settles into his own business as a private detective. When the beautiful and very rich Julia Lessinger enters his office, what starts off as a simple case of "who killed my boyfriend", quickly turns into a search for something much deeper and definitely more valuable. An ancient and very powerful sword we find is the object of a lot of people's affections.

Billi is led into the dark world of prohibition and mobsters- including a meeting with Al Capone himself- and definitely gets more than he bargained for in this case. Was it worth the grundlemolking? Well, I guess you'll have to ask him...

Another big draw to this book is not only the entertaining story, but it's presentation. Although still a straight reading by the author, it has a definite audio cinema feeling to it. A full-cast, sound effects, and background music turn this book into an audiophile's true delight.

For me, it was the first time hearing a book done this way. However, I hear it has been done before, and by the same author. Another of Tee Morris' books, Morevi: The Chronicles of Rafe and Askana, was also done in this format. (I've not listened yet- but I hear a remastered version is in the works. Maybe I'll hold out!) What is exciting for me is seeing the bridge connect the podiobook and audio cinema worlds. There are so many things available to the podcaster now (voices, sounds, and the like), authors truly can let their creative juices flow, and bring something even more entertaining to the listeners' ear. I feel it also lets you see more into the mind of the author, and exactly what they were envisioning while writing, yet because it's entirely done through sounds, there is still enough room left for your own mind to envision on its own (unlike TV and movies).

I had the huge honor of being cast as a BB Player (No, this is not why I am speaking so highly of this book- I certainly could have simply recorded my lines and hated the story. After listening to only a bit of ONE of the three listener feedback shows, I know I'm not alone in my thoughts about how good it really is). As someone who is a definite newbie to the voice acting world, I found it fun to take on a character who I know looked great, but sounded awful. I was also very anxious to see exactly how the whole book would be put together. Really, I was thinking it would still be straight reading, with the actors lines thrown in, and no extra frills. I was certainly wrong about that!

(**Here's the MAJOR spoiler alert!)
I was most excited about Chapter 15. It was the climax of the whole story- all secrets revealed. The best part? I die! When I read the chapter before recording, I was like "Daaaamn, it all sure hits the fan here!" Daphne was maimed badly, so had to slowly deteriorate before the end came. I had a great time recording- and couldn't wait for the chapter to premiere.

As all "the snitches" know, it was completely worth the wait. Even knowing what was going to happen, I was still sucked into the entire chapter, so when that final shot went off- yeah, I jumped. I died brilliantly! Though I find thinking back that I can't take as much credit as the one who put the chapter together. Podcasting really brings forth talent that would otherwise be hidden, not only in acting, but in editing and producing as well. Tee Morris is well-rounded in all three.

Don't believe me? Well, then you will just have to hear it for yourself. The link below will take you to the podcast site. Each chapter is set up in "show form", so you get "Billi Banter" from Tee at the beginning and end of each one. If you'd like to only hear the book, you can do so from Podiobooks, right here at this link.

Stop Cyber Bullying- a small PSA

Forgive me fellow Addicts, just jumping in with a quick message about a story that caught my attention. As a fellow blogger myself, and knowing many of you blog, it seemed important to put here.

I posted about these horrible threats happening to a blogger on the Truth Seekers message board earlier today. For me, it hits home because being as outspoken I am about subjects, I feel very lucky that I haven't had more hatred thrown in my direction. I mean, this woman is a tech blogger for God's sake- what hate could possibly be thrown at a tech blogger? But that is exactly what hate is- irrational, and with no basis of understanding whatsoever.

So tomorrow bloggers are attempting to make a statement about bullying on the web. I am not sure what sort of impact it will make, but I'm willing to participate and show my support. I'm going to post my anniversary episode of my podcast late tonight, then no blogging of any kind until Saturday!

Thanks Jay, for bringing this story to my attention. I knew Twitter was good for something- it led me to your blog! Hell I all ready love your music!

Insomniatic Blog Cleaning

Well, I've cleaned up the site a bit. Actually, I might have made it more cluttered, I don't know. As I sit here at almost 2:30 in the morning (yes I just took that picture), I decided to do a few maintenance items to the site. I added a few shows that have been on The Sonic Society but have not been added to my links yet. I put up a video from Mo Rocca about the Public Radio Contest, and shrunk the button I had originally. I even made a blogroll from my Bloglines account, so you can have access to all the audio sites that I check daily. Don't you feel special?

Oh, and the Twitter button. Dear God, I fought that one as long as I could. But, not only am I an audio addict, I am also a device-and gadget-I- have-no-use-for addict as well. How I fought off the Twits! But when I was told I could have it connected to my cell phone? Oh man... that was it for me. I'm as bad a text-messenger as any 15-year-old. I'm waiting for my husband to confiscate my phone and ground me. And that's fine. I will just stomp up to my room, slam the door, and play Marilyn Manson music at full volume.

But now, with this button, all of YOU get to see the insanely unimportant things I plug in. Yayyyyyy- YOU!

Anyway, those of you who have subscribed to this feed, and get email notifications with the posts, I invite you to come on over to the site and take a look-see! Those of you reading directly, well, you see it all ready. :-P

All right, time to attempt that sleep thing again.

If I knew then what I know now

An intersting question presented on a podcasting blog I've recently discovered:

If you knew “then” what you know “now” (in terms of Podcast production), how would your Podcast be different today?

I've been thinking a lot about my podcast lately, as I have an anniversary approaching. An entire year and 23 episodes under my belt! As with any momentous occasion, it causes reflection. Where you began, where you are now, where you see yourself going. I have an interesting circumstance, because I was podcast-producing for a couple of months before I began my own show. So I was able to learn some of the production side that way. Really, even that was just basic editing, because the show was complete. Just cutting and pasting and inserting. But it did enable me to become comfortable with programs, and with my own abilities. I will always be grateful for that opportunity- thank you Sonic Society!

In all honesty, I don't think my show would be any different today, speaking strictly from a production point of view. It evolved exactly as it should. Podcasting has always seemed to be a "learn as you go" endeavor, for the most part. The quality definitely became better over time, with practice. I think there is less pressure simply in the fact that you have complete control over your podcast, in creativity, content, even time. What I also found is, as I began listening to more podcasts, I started experimenting more with my own show. Trying different things. So that would add to the production evolution as well.

How would you answer this question?

Well then...

Seems as though I've dropped of the face of the internet, eh?
It's been nice, I must say. Have enjoyed my holiday very much... just being disconnected for a change.

However, I am getting that feeling. Besides the feeling of "god I have ate way too much the past two weeks but yes I will so have another slice of (insert dessert here)" -the feeling that it's time to start getting back to work!

My goal this holiday was to listen to three major audio works- one radio drama, and two podiobooks. Well, here I am 8 days into my 10 day vacation and I have just about finished the radio drama. But to be fair it was long, like epic-long. I'm dying to tell you all more about it, but it will have to wait until I finish the last two tracks.

(hint)

As for the other two, well, my work is cut out for me, that is for sure! But I can't wait- I love having time to listen! Perhaps I will be able to get a podiobook in on the plane trip home!