Update of things coming to an end

As you might have guessed, I’ve run out of podcasts to talk about. There are others I listen to, like Slice of SciFi. The show is very much a news entertainment show, kind of an ET for genre stuff. If that’s your thing, then give it a listen.

And there are podcasts I’ve listened to and just don’t like. Some to the reasons I’ve mentioned already like the voice, and the schedule. Sometimes it’s just plain content. Whatever the reason, I’m not going to mention them. Not because they suck, but because I think they suck, and I don’t want my opinion to dissuade you from someone else’s pride and joy.

I will, however, rant about something that a majority of podcasts do, and that’s the VOICEMAIL show. This is intended as a fan appreciation show, where listeners can call in to an answering machine and ask questions, says what a wonderful, etc.

But most of what these shows have become is promos for other podcasters. There is rarely a caller who doesn’t have a podcast. There are others who have adopted cute nicknames and have used the voicemail show to become ‘characters’ in their own world. Many of the so-called questions are pats on the back for the show.

This doesn’t mean I hate voicemail shows. In fact I like them a lot, IF they are done with moderation. A weekly voicemail show is beyond overkill; it’s taking a steamroller to month-old roadkill.

Now, the beauty of podcasts is that I don’t have to listen to them, or even download them. Well, my itunes downloader doesn’t discriminate, but I don’t mind that. What I do mind is when she shows aren’t labeled as voicemail shows so I could delete them.

Ultimately voicemail shows are for three two people, the host of the show, and the people calling in. Anyone else listening to a voicemail show is just waiting to hear their own voice—mail.

My niece got married last weekend. There is nothing like going to a wedding to find out just how old you are. Kids you still remember babysitting are drinking, dancing, and carrying on like adults, because, well, they are. Somewhere time skipped a beat and everyone around you has grown up—or got old.

Another thing about weddings is that you meet people you don’t recognize, yet know you with a glance. I expected to know my family, sister, brother-in-law, and niece’s and that’s it. My sister is considerably older than my and naturally we hung out in different worlds, so why should I know her friends, or her daughter’s friends for that matter.

Well, it didn’t work that way. I kept get called over to talk to these people, most of whom knew me when I was little, but others my own age, like Joe who I played with when my sister babysat. And he has a son about 12, just to make me feel old again. I guess it’s worse for all those who knew me as a kid and now see me married with a family of my own.

BUT, I did look good in my suit. Which reminds me, if you have lost considerable weight since the last time a relative has seen you, it might be a good idea to let them know why, just to avoid the looks of concern and the "are you dying," questions.

Mike