Blue Dog Banter

So Long, Blogspot

2005-07-10T19:56:00.000-05:00

After several months on blogspot, the Blue Dog Banter has a new look and a new home on its own server! You'll find us at bluedogbanter.com. Update your bookmarks accordingly. The RSS feed is still the same, so you'll continue to have the same useless drivel piped into your computer automagically if you're already subscribing.

Rumors of Our Demise...

2005-07-07T14:18:00.000-05:00

...have been greatly exaggerated.

Or have they...?

Episode 11 - Behind the Podcast

2005-07-04T22:21:00.000-05:00

Download today's show in MP3 format

program length: 41:37, file size: 28.7 MB

The ambition. The turmoil. The boys. The bell. The Banter.

Like Icarus flying too close to the sun, the boys of the Blue Dog Banter sought fame, riches, and a cottage next door to Adam Curry. How did it begin so well and come crashing down so quickly? Is there a future for the Banter? Listen to this long-awaited and highly controversial edition of Behind the Podcast to learn all the horrific details--if you dare.

BTW: The voice over talent is not Matt Davis. Scheduling conflicts made it difficult for us to get together. However, Matt will be joining us in the studio as a guest host sometime in mid July. Stay subscribed (tuned).

Episode 10.6 - Oklahoma? OK! Part I

2005-06-27T16:27:00.000-05:00

Download today's show in MP3 format

program length: 6:46, file size: 3.2 MB

Didn't get a chance to go on a vacation of your own this summer? Well now you can relive every fun moment of Michael's family trip to Oklahoma while you wait for Behind the Podcast. In this installment:

Michael's family heads west and makes many stops on their 500 mile trip. Many more than ought to be necessary.
Michael's son, Liam, makes multiple messes in the car.
Michael plays video games. Many more than ought to be necessary.
The family has a day of picnicing, boating, and swimming despite treacherous weather.

Enjoy!

(Incidentally, the photo above was taken outside the "Worst Gas Station in Missouri.")

Note: this was homebrewed on Michael's computer and lacks the spit and polish that Isaac typically brings to the table. Apologies all around.

Ummm....about the show

2005-06-20T22:31:00.000-05:00

I am in the middle of the most horrendous roofing job ever attempted by a home owner. I'm close to calling Norm Abrams and the This Old House gang and telling them to step off; it's not character, it's water damaged wood caused by previous owners who were obviously idiots for putting four, yes four, layers of shingles on a roof meant only for two. Tomorrow will be day six of a "three day job."

If you'd like to nail shingles, please email me.

In other news, Michael just got back from Oklahoma. I'm sure he has some tall tales from the west.

When the show is late, we sometimes get gentle prodding from our listeners. Dane sent this to us in honor of no show:

Hey guys,

Really saddened by the fact that show isn't posted yet....That's kinda lame.

So in honor of their being no lame show to listen to, I've made a lame desktop wallpaper for you all to quickly delete.

Enjoy...

Episode 10.5 - Back to Back Books

2005-06-14T22:33:00.000-05:00

Download today's show in MP3 format

program length: 2:39, file size: 2.4 MB

We really are working on "Behind the Podcast." There's soooooooo much material, we want it to be 'just right.' We'll have it up by the end of the weekend. Until then, kick back and relax with a double dose of Mr. Books Bizarre and Unique Holidays!

Correction: In my lead in to Mr. Books, I reference his spot for June 10 and 18. I should have said June 10 and 17. Please feel free to post your mockery.

So Maybe Tuesday-ish...

2005-06-12T22:42:00.000-05:00

So we're a little slow this week. Michael is out of state and the post production on this show could make this the mother of all shows. In fact, this just in: your host for "Behind the Podcast: Blue Dog Banter" will be local Quad City celeb Matt Davis.

Matt has a long, sordid history with the members of Blue Dog Banter and will, no doubt, bring clarity and insight to the phenomenon that is BDB. You can read more about Matt here.

As always, our apologies.

Coming Soon to an Audio Device Near You...

2005-06-10T16:14:00.000-05:00

The rise, the fall, the banter.

Coming Monday, June 13.

Episode 10 - 10th Anniversary Podcast

2005-06-02T23:36:00.000-05:00

Download today's show in MP3 format

program length: 58:28, file size: 26.8 MB

Ten shows? Wow, who would have guessed? Traditionally, the tenth wedding annivesary gift is tin or aluminum. Seeing as we didn't have any of that stuff (except maybe for some empty aluminum cans) we made a Very Special Show instead.

For our tenth podcast, the BDB Show was privileged and honored to host podcasting legends Just Pete and NASA Janet from Illinoise! Were we starstruck? You bet. Was it a little weird at first? A little. But we laughed, we cried, we had chocolate chunk cookies and Doritos. In short, we're all Best Friends now. In fact, we'd go so far as to say we're Super Friends. So what else happened? Well...

Isaac and Krista receive an award for their stalking efforts
Scott unloads on Pete and Janet for not getting his name mentioned on their last show
Pete explains why he and Janet had to leave Star Wars - Episode III (only hinted at on their last show--get the gruesome details here!)
We play "Are you friends with Janet or Pete?"
Mr. Books gives us Repeat Day
Luzio = Paris Hilton
And some other things you'll have to hear to believe!

To prove we didn't just make this up, photos are now online.

Thanks to all our listeners. If it weren't for you, well, our family members would be the only ones listening to our shows (and even that's not without some coercion). And even though we apologize at the end (like we do on every show), this one is actually funny at times.

And our sincerest and heartfelt thanks to Just Pete and NASA Janet, our new Internet friends. Podcasting has the power to heal broken relationships and start new healthy ones. There: don't you feel all warm and fuzzy inside now? We do.

[Incidentally, we believe Pete and Janet may have been doing a little soundscene/soundseeing recording on their way over to Isaac and Krista's with their new iRiver last night. Why do we suspect this? Because they walked into the house with their new iRiver and a microphone. Probably just a little "security measure" in the event that we turned out to be psychos or something. At any rate, it will be interesting to see if/when that bit of audio turns up at Illinoise!]

Audio Note from Isaac: I know the music track is a little low at points. Long story. I should have a more balanced mix up by 6/4 in the afternoon, so you can redownload if you wish. 6 people in a small dining room = hard mixing.

Update on previous audio note: Music track audio is now adjusted.

BDB Now Listed on PodcastOutlaws!

2005-06-02T14:06:00.000-05:00

Gosh, are we blushing? Thanks to fellow 'caster Brian, the BDB Show can now be considered among "the brightest, funniest and most underrated Podcasts on the internet" at the Podcast Outlaws Network (that's their copy, not ours).

Be ver-wee, ver-wee quiet...we're stalking Illinoise!

2005-05-30T09:02:00.000-05:00

Isaac and Krista have been stalking Just Pete and NASA Janet at Illinoise! in preparation for our next show. You can check it out here. Make sure to take a listen to the audio from the final stalking photo.

Big News!

2005-05-29T11:20:00.000-05:00

The BDB Show will be celebrating its 10th podcast next week. Wow! How should we celebrate? How 'bout getting the boys from the BDB together with the kids from Illinoise! and doing a podcast TOGETHER? It's like the perfect storm!

Set your aggregators on stun--you won't want to miss next week's show!

Episode 9 - Must Be Summer

2005-05-28T07:32:00.000-05:00

Download today's show in MP3 format

program length: 50:01, file size: 23.0 MB

It's Memorial Day weekend. The kids have left campus and all that remains are empty dorm rooms and parking lots. So what's to discuss?

The boys reminisce about childhood summer activities (find out how geeky we really are)
Home improvement projects are not Michael's forte
Scott goes fishing and ends up photographing a burning building
Mr. Books gives us yet another Bizarre and Unique Holiday
We announce the newest addition to the BDB staff: Biz Markie signs on as Comptroller!
Lots of other stuff--too much to write!

Check it out and give us your vote at PodcastAlley.

BDB Show Plugged on Illinoise!

2005-05-24T10:55:00.000-05:00

In this tightly-knit community we like to call podcasting, our friends at Illinoise! make mention of our little Show on their own Episode #26. Just Pete and NASA Janet are the coolest people we've never met. If you haven't listened to Illinoise! yet, get over there.

And don't forget the exclamation point.

Episode 8 - Episode III

2005-05-20T14:39:00.000-05:00

Download today's show in MP3 format

program length: 49:02, file size: 22.4 MB

So aside from the fact that we weren't where we said we would be on Wednesday night (after finding only a dozen or so people in line at Parkway Cinema, we went to The Palace instead), we had a great time talking with the fans waiting to get into the first showing of Star Wars Episode III. So what's on this Show?

Hear our interaction with the fans in line
Color commentary by our special guest and Star Wars expert, Luzio
Find out about the kindliest Imperial Soldiers this side of Tatooine
Learn who's hotter: Amidala or Leia, young Obi Wan or old Obi Wan, Yoda or Kermit the Frog
And so much more!

Want to see what we saw? Look at the pictures.

And whether this is your first time here or your 501st time, how about clicking over to PodcastAlley and logging your vote for the BDB Show? Why? Well, to be frank, we're not sure it makes much difference in the grand scheme of the universe, but, hey, why not? Our little Show has been climbing the comedy charts there and, doggoneit, we feel good about that. Share the love.

Thanks to all you crazy Star Wars fans who made this 'cast possible!

Also, be sure to check out the Assistant Director's Cut. No cutting really, we just let the tape roll. Warning: we only asked the questions, we're not responsible for the answers (i.e. there might be a few low-level expletives by some of our interview-ees. Keep a finger ready at the mute button, we didn't have time to).

BDB Hits the Road for Star Wars

2005-05-17T13:43:00.000-05:00

NOTE: This graphic was added because a visitor informed us that the first one we posted was not a proper "Episode III" image. Sorry for the confusion!

Hey Trekkies! The boys from the BDB Show will be at Parkway Cinemas in Bloomington, IL for the opening of Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. Not to watch it, sillies--to talk to all those wacky Star Wars yahoos!

The first showing is at 12:01 AM, Thursday, May 19. We want to catch all the fans in the midst of their fervor and apparel, so we'll be there from 11:00 PM to midnight tomorrow night (that's Wednesday, May 18). Look for us (we'll be wielding a large microphone disguised as a light saber) and we'll look for you!

Episode 7 - Contest Winner, etc.

2005-05-14T14:33:00.000-05:00

Download today's show in MP3 format

program length: 36:28, file size: 16.9 MB

Wow, what can we say--the long-awaited Episode 7 is finally here! On today's BDB Show, hear:

why Scott thinks handicapped people should drive station wagons
we introduce a new segment, "What Are You Drinking?"
Mr. Books gives us National Shrimp Scampi Day and Moment of Laughter Day
Scott and the boys dissect a Kris Kross "song" on Spoken Rap Theatre
the winner of Contest #1 is announced
the boys mock "Longhorn"
Scott disses Bono and Microsoft in the same breath
and much more!

Mayhem and merriment await--download the Show today!

OK, So Here's the Deal

2005-05-13T21:19:00.000-05:00

What do you expect from a podcast in which the hosts apologize at the end of every show?

We're honestly trying to get Episode 7 up. Isaac was on his way into the studio today when the entire campus lost power. The computer we recorded the show on yesterday was on campus, which now had no power, hence, no post-production could take place. When I left this afternoon, he was going to take the computer home and try to get the 'cast wrapped up from there. This, my friends, is dedication.

What the ....?

2005-05-10T16:27:00.000-05:00

Why is this here? We're delivering on a promise made back in Episode 4 (April 15). If you haven't heard this show yet, enlightenment awaits. Check it out.

Coming Next Show...

2005-05-09T22:18:00.000-05:00

Later this week, tune in to the BDB Show for:

The winner of Contest #1
Another engaging installment of Scott's Spoken Rap Theatre
Mr. Books Bizarre and Unique Holidays
Responses to listener mail
The BDB take on Longhorn
Some other stuff

The Banter: Stick-shaking fun.

Episode 6 - Tiger Release Party in Chicago

2005-05-03T23:26:00.000-05:00

Download today's show in MP3 format

program length: 42:36, file size: 19.6 MB

Grab your iPods and pull up a sofa, folks: the long-awaited 'cast is here. The BDB Show hit the road last Friday to talk to the ever-so-patient crowd outside the Apple store on Michigan Avenue. Catch all the tasty bits--as well as the boys' commentary--on today's Blue Dog Banter Show!

Update: The Assistant Director's Cut is now available for download. No cutting really, just a bunch of audio frivolously slapped together. Warning: we only asked the questions, we're not responsible for the answers (i.e. there might be a few low-level expletives by some of our interview-ees. Keep a finger ready at the mute button, we didn't have time to).

Check Back Tonight for the Tiger Release Show

2005-05-03T11:52:00.000-05:00

We know you're jonesin' for the show, so--

In spite of commitments to families...
In spite of commitments to our jobs...
In spite of long hours spent studying and preparing for classes...
In spite of lack of sleep...
In spite of all things otherwise reasonable...

...we are heading into the studio tonight to put the finishing touches on the Tiger release show. Why? Because we're crazy? No.

Because we are all about you, the listener.

Check back late tonight for your fix.

What's Up with DAT?

2005-05-02T14:48:00.000-05:00

After Isaac's countless harrowing hours spent hovering over the computer and an ancient DAT recorder, it looks like we've got some workable audio. We're planning to do a little editing and commenting on it before we release it. We know, the wait is killing you. But it will have all been worth it in the end. Trust us.

'Til then, here are a few photos that Scott took to commemorate the event.

NOTE: That ain't just coffee in that cup!

While You're Waiting

2005-05-01T21:17:00.000-05:00

Check out some of the people we met in line. MacZealots is a great resource for mac users or people thinking about getting a mac. You'll hear them in this week's show along with the many others, who for 30 minutes, made us think we were celebrities.

We're workin' on it!

2005-05-01T16:32:00.000-05:00

Listen to a quick explaination of why we don't have a show yet

We're waiting for a tape head cleaner in the mail. Should be here tomorrow. We've got great interviews and commentary on the Chicago trip. Stayed tuned for more!

Contest #1 Ends May 1!

2005-04-29T13:46:00.000-05:00

If you haven't submitted your entry for Contest #1 (see above), do it NOW! Sunday, May 1 is the submission deadline. How popular is this contest? Well just check the number of comments below the prize post, pardner, and get your entry in today!

Grrroowwl

2005-04-29T10:00:00.000-05:00

Well, today's the day: Apple unleashes OS X Tiger to the masses. In Thursday's Wall Street Journal, technology writer Walt Mossberg gives the new OS high marks: "Overall, Tiger is the best and most advanced personal computer operating system on the market, despite a few drawbacks. It leaves Windows XP in the dust." No doubt.

What does this have to do with the Blue Dog Banter Show? Glad you asked! Our inveterate reporters Scott and Isaac are on their way to the Apple Store in Chicago to bring you a remote podcast of the Tiger release party! Michael will hold down the BDB Headquarters in central IL and check in while the boys are on the road. Stay tuned for this truly unique and revolutionary podcast!

Contest Prize

2005-04-22T16:18:00.000-05:00

So what are we competing for in this first contest? None other than a vintage Apple Imagewriter LQ printer! But don't let that discourage you from participating...

Episode 5 - Sting, Stang, Stung

2005-04-22T15:43:00.000-05:00

Download today's show in MP3 format

program length: 39:13, file size: 17.9 MB

Man, what didn't we cover today: Sting, Mr. Books' Bizarre and Unique Holidays, 4-20, Isaac's new pickemup truck, red tickets, museum dedications, beautiful people. This may be the show that helps us break into the Top 10.

We're responding to an outpouring of listener feedback (well, a couple of our wives) and attempting to reduce the time of the show. 35-40 minutes sounds about right, no? So with you, the listener in mind, we present this week's show. Tell your friends, family, and others about the BDB Show today!

Episode 4 - Taxman

2005-04-15T15:25:00.000-05:00

Download today's show in MP3 format

program length: 44:45, file size: 20.5 MB

It's Tax day! Talk of trips, dogs, taxes, bathrooms, and robot jockies. How could you not listen?

Episode 3 - Tales of the Sausage King

2005-04-08T16:31:00.000-05:00

Download today's show in MP3 format

program length: 50:40, file size: 23.1 MB

Our best show yet! The rig grows as the boys move to yet another location and are joined by Gretchen Froman, wife of the Sausage King, to discuss Snoop linguistics (snizzle, foshizzle, etc.). Scott institutes Spoken Word Rap Theatre. We do listener mail, Mr. Books' Bizarre and Unique Holidays, the latest news, and announce a contest in which you--the listener--can win big! Check it out (and see photos, too.)

The Show Went On

2005-04-08T15:56:00.000-05:00

So, yeah, we're still a little slow on the uptake. But here are some photos from last week's show.

Coming Next Show...

2005-04-04T21:19:00.000-05:00

On Friday, we will have Gretchen Forman (wife of Chris Forman, the Sausage King of Chicago) in the "studio" with us. The boys will explain the long, sordid history of Chris's metamorphosis from humble college student to the infamous Sausage King of Chicago. Gretchen, who has also done post-graduate work in linguistics, will offer her anatomy of the phrase "foshizzle" and it's various derivatives as a follow-up to last week's show. As always, Mr. Books will bring us "Bizarre and Unique Holidays" (unless you can come up with a better name, and we know you can, leave it in the comments) and our new entertainment reporter will be filing his first story this week as well.

Be sure to check back Friday, Saturday, or whenever we feel like editing and posting the thing.

If you would like to pump up our obviously low self-esteem, head on over to Podcast Alley (via the links section to the right) and vote for us. They also have a lot of good resources for podcasting, but that's not why we want you to go.

Episode 2 - Three Fools and Some Microphones

2005-04-02T13:16:00.000-06:00

Download today's show in MP3 format

program length: 32:44, file size: 15 MB

From Ted Nugent to Barry White, the boys cover it all. A special guest spot by Mr. Books also graces this April Fools Day extravaganza!

BTW: It's not much better than the first; what were you expecting?

Feel free to leave feedback comments via the comments link below.

Show Recorded Today

2005-04-01T16:46:00.000-06:00

We got together to record a new show this afternoon--and that's no April Fool's joke! It's chock full of the fun you've come to expect. Check the site tomorrow to download the MP3.

Vote for the BDB Show!

2005-03-30T13:50:00.000-06:00

It's official: the Blue Dog Banter Show is now listed at Podcast Alley. Go there now and vote for your favorite podcast (and vote for ours, too.).

Friday's Show Coming Together

2005-03-29T16:05:00.000-06:00

The three hosts met over lunch at--where else?--the Blue Dog Inn today to discuss details for the upcoming show. Pictured above are the production notes for Friday. These are being archived in a file for future sale on eBay once the show is good and famous.

New Show Coming

2005-03-28T13:18:00.000-06:00

Check in Friday for a special April Fool's Day episode of the BDB Show!

Feedback from the First Show

2005-03-25T14:39:00.000-06:00

A survey polling 100% of women married to Blue Dog Banter Show hosts returned the following shocking comments:

"Wildly hilarious, the most fun I've had in years!"
"You guys are geeks."

Listen for yourself and see why women everywhere are tuning into the BDB Show!

Disclaimer: Results not typical of all women everywhere. The views expressed by hosts and guests of the BDB Show are representative of the views of the hosts and guests of the BDB Show. To avoid hearing loss, exercise caution and listen to this and all podcasts at a reasonable volume. Listening to the BDB Show while exercising, driving, and pursuing other leisure activities is recommended. The wearing of shoes under most circumstances is recommended. Playing with matches is not recommended.

Episode 1 - Inaugural Show!

2005-03-22T15:05:00.000-06:00

Download today's show in MP3 format

program length: 32:51, file size: 15.1 MB

The Blue Dog Banter Show was launched before a crowd of tens this afternoon, no doubt ensuring the podcast's long-term success. The boys discussed how the idea for the show originated (history in the making!) as well as why the show was not being broadcast from its namesake restaurant. Visits from two surprise guests--Mandy and Kate--enlivened the always witty and urbane banter. Plugs for numerous sponsors made their way into the program as well. Be sure to check out photos of the guys and their guests. Critics agree: this is the podcast EVERYONE must hear!

Got some ideas for the show? Is it as inane as we think it is? Listen and let us know. This show runs 32:52.

Blue Dog Banter

So Long, Blogspot

Rumors of Our Demise...

Episode 11 - Behind the Podcast

Episode 10.6 - Oklahoma? OK! Part I

Ummm....about the show

Episode 10.5 - Back to Back Books

So Maybe Tuesday-ish...

Coming Soon to an Audio Device Near You...

Episode 10 - 10th Anniversary Podcast

BDB Now Listed on PodcastOutlaws!

Be ver-wee, ver-wee quiet...we're stalking Illinoise!

Big News!

Episode 9 - Must Be Summer

BDB Show Plugged on Illinoise!

Episode 8 - Episode III

BDB Hits the Road for Star Wars

Episode 7 - Contest Winner, etc.

OK, So Here's the Deal

What the ....?

Coming Next Show...

Episode 6 - Tiger Release Party in Chicago

Check Back Tonight for the Tiger Release Show

What's Up with DAT?

While You're Waiting

We're workin' on it!

Contest #1 Ends May 1!

*Grrroowwl*

Contest Prize

Episode 5 - Sting, Stang, Stung

Episode 4 - Taxman

Episode 3 - Tales of the Sausage King

The Show Went On

Coming Next Show...

Episode 2 - Three Fools and Some Microphones

Show Recorded Today

Vote for the BDB Show!

Friday's Show Coming Together

New Show Coming

Feedback from the First Show

Episode 1 - Inaugural Show!

Grrroowwl