If this blog were a paper journal, I’d dog-ear this page. That’s because this recording documents the moment I had my first true glimpse of the promised land for the type of internet audio I’ve been imagining from the beginning.

As mentioned repeatedly in the second and third segments, that promised land is represented by The Overnightscape Underground project. Begun nearly a decade ago by a prolific podcaster from New Jersey named Frank Nora, the project currently consists of nearly a dozen weekly recordings by an assorted group of audio enthusiasts. Frank remains the shining star of the endeavor who somehow manages to put out quality and thought provoking recordings with unbelievable frequency.

I believe that anyone remotely interested in what I’ve been trying to do with internet audio over the years will want to check out what the folks at onsug are up to. In fact, you’d even have a chance to hear yours truly on the latest installment of Overnightscape Central. Hosted and produced by PQ Ribber, this weekly show features contributions from various regular onsug producers on a single theme. And it is open to newcomers. I took the bait of PQ’s invitation from the previous episode to record a piece for the most recent topic: Free-Parking.

This discovery has been very exciting. It certainly hijacked the second two thirds of this episode. It also runs the risk of jeopardizing the orderly preparations I’ve been trying to make for my looming departure. Speaking of departing, it looks like the posts here will become much less frequent in the weeks ahead. Hopefully, I’ll be able to post some audio under the Totally Fun and Good Banner during the six weeks of further transition between the land of the rising sun and the big desert.

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If I had it all to do over again, I’d have configured things so that the data center segment, which was recorded as a Google + Hangout from Second Life, had more of dream sequence sort of feel to it. But as this is still very early days of the project, I don’t think we need to split hairs.

I did take note when a dear friend from the old days told me she was going to have to bail on the current format of TF&G. She said,

“As much as I’m rooting for you to finally make it as a podcaster, I can’t keep listening to your recent recordings. It feels too much like I’m riding on an out of control jet ski across your subconscience.” (sic)

So me might have lost a listener, but I think we’ve got the text for the first generation of TF&G t-shirts and for a bumper. I’ve already recruited a couple of listeners with voice acting experience to record the jetski bumper.

Now all we need is a graphic for the t-shirt. Please get in touch if you’d like to take a stab at it.

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It almost doesn’t seem fair to be able to have as much fun as I did in assembling this episode. Those who are curious about my current work flow might be interested to hear an extended discussion of my current podcasting process. The three audio applications referred are Hindenburg, Audio Finder and VC Audio Pro.

Speaking of process, I also tried to describe how yesterday’s animated GIF of Bing and Ray was put together. It will probably only make sense to those who’ve had some experience doing layer masking in the GIMP.

Ray Bolger is the dancer featured in the animated GIF and mp3 cover art for this episode. A full explanation for my recent interest in this actor who was also a singing comedic dancer who played the Scarecrow in the Wizard of Oz is provided in the recording as well.

There’s much more in this nearly 50 minute episode. I continue to prefer to leave things  to be discovered by the listener unencumbered by a blog post full of ‘show notes.’

I am quite satisfied with the manner in which this project is unfolding. I’m even beginning to think about how to take it to the next level. I just hope that doesn’t prove to jinx things. Time will tell.

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Bonus Link: While doing research for this episode I came across the most amazing conversation between Mr. Bolger and his co-star in the Wizard of  Oz. I highly recommend watching it.

On one level, it would be satisfying to know that these recordings are being listened to and enjoyed. But considering how much fun I’m having putting them together, that hardly matters as much as it once did. I have finally stumbled upon a format and workflow that captures a facet of what I’ve been hoping to do with podcasting for a long time.

And now a sense of purpose and direction, though it might not sound like it to the listener, of where I’m going has come in to view. This not something I’m going to bother to explain. It will become apparent as the recordings roll out.

Speaking of which, TF&G number 6 is already in the works. It should be coming your way by the end of the weekend.

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Once again, podcasting feels fun. The current projects that seem to be popping up like weeds are certainly a blast to put together and share. As mentioned at the end of the third and final segment, I’ll be setting up a mailing list later this week. This might be my sole means of digital expression while in between situations from late July through September.

Musical selections heard between the segments are from the January 2011 Pachinko Overdrive mixed compilation: Astro Sounds.

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 I’m very excited about this podcast episode for some reason. I suppose it has to do with how unusable it seemed when I listened to last night’s recording on the way to Chiba this morning. I was one button click away from deleting the file when the thought of throwing in some music occured.

Using a nifty application on my iPhone, I was able to make some edits and add some music that started to give it a bit of shape and promise. Further, in the careful listening I did while editing I got a sense of part of what was missing from the draft version.

By the time I got to Chiba and had gotten things in order for class, I was brimming with enthusiasm to record the final segment. It was fun to discover myself laughing while doing the final edits on the train ride back from Chiba.

I hope you enjoy it.

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I can’t even begin to describe this one. It happened automatically and I’m quite pleased with the way it all came together.

The segment I recorded on Tuesday wound up being a bit of a draft for the video tutorial I made last night. The final segment, recorded this afternoon delivered quite unexpectedly a most extraordinary title for the episode.

It’s likely that the current run will continue to baffle more than a few people. I suppose that can’t be helped. Everything changes when one is under the spell of short-timer fever.

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