Serial Sidelines http://serialsidelines.com A Podcast Dedicated to Geek Hobbies Wed, 01 May 2013 23:42:46 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5.1 Serial Sidelines is a podcast dedicated to geek hobbies. We talk about it all, including occasional ventures into non-geek hobbies in a hope to entertain and enlighten the (hopefully) washed geek masses. Common topics include tabletop, board, and video games, technology, news, and gadgets. Serial Sidelines yes Serial Sidelines alan@caruth.org alan@caruth.org (Serial Sidelines) Serial Sidelines A Podcast Dedicated to Geek Hobbies geek, hobbies, gadgets, technology, tabletop, rpg, video, games, hobby, discussion, gaming Serial Sidelines - Serial Sidelines http://www.serialsidelines.com/podcasts/Serial_Sidelines_Logo.jpg http://serialsidelines.com Weekly And you might be asking… http://serialsidelines.com/?p=414 http://serialsidelines.com/?p=414#comments Wed, 01 May 2013 23:42:46 +0000 Alan http://serialsidelines.com/?p=414 Continue reading → ]]> What happened to these guys? They just dropped off the map…

The strange thing is, we’ve recorded a few episodes the last month+ but they have not seen the light of day. Life, priorities, summer, work, we can blame everything but at the end of the day, we’re a bunch of slackers. Hopefully one of these days we’ll pull it back together and get some new good stuff out.

]]> http://serialsidelines.com/?feed=rss2&p=414 0 Paranoia (or: Citizen, you are not authorized for that information.) http://serialsidelines.com/?p=408 http://serialsidelines.com/?p=408#comments Mon, 18 Feb 2013 07:21:34 +0000 Alan http://serialsidelines.com/?p=408 Today we inject a classic “What have you been up to?” segment followed by a discussion about the tabletop RPG Paranoia. I can’t tell you anymore since it is above my security clearance. Paranoia starts 47 minutes in, random BS starts immediately.

]]> http://serialsidelines.com/?feed=rss2&p=408 0 paranoia,rpg,tabletop Today we inject a classic "What have you been up to?" segment followed by a discussion about the tabletop RPG Paranoia. I can't tell you anymore since it is above my security clearance. Paranoia starts 47 minutes in, random BS starts immediately. Today we inject a classic "What have you been up to?" segment followed by a discussion about the tabletop RPG Paranoia. I can't tell you anymore since it is above my security clearance. Paranoia starts 47 minutes in, random BS starts immediately. SerialSidelines.com yes 1:44:56 The Stuff Geeks Carry (or: What’s in your sack?) http://serialsidelines.com/?p=404 http://serialsidelines.com/?p=404#comments Mon, 04 Feb 2013 04:13:32 +0000 Alan http://serialsidelines.com/?p=404 Continue reading → ]]> Darrin’s Donated Notes for Tonight’s Episode!

Nick’s sack: Samsung Galaxy phone, headlamp, non-functional rocket launcher (oh wait, that was from a gun buyback campaign), Leatherman, pocket knife, micro sd card, card adapter, usb drive, headphones, concealed gun (the aforementioned rocket launcher).  In his larger, regular carry bag: tablet, charger for tablet, charger for phone, and water bottle, flashlight, lighter.

Darrin’s pocket: phone, fitbit, security card.  In my work bag: a book, currently Walden, before that Frank Miller graphic novels, usb drives, pen & paper, headphones, handkerchief, oh ya wallet.

Logan’s side: iPod, wallet, phone, watch.  Phone is optional.

Jim’s satchel: iPhone 3gs, Nexus 7 tablet, keychain with laser pointer/flashlight/multi-tool, keys, PSP (top game: Blood Bowl), Dr. Who sonic screwdriver pen, smokes, lighter, dice bag, pertinent game books to the game master request at hand, backup movie/DVD if game doesn’t play out, portable game: Chez Geek, Eldersign, Munchkin, candy for when visiting houses with kids (it’s a Greek thing), Mountain Dew, knock-off 5 hour energy, Claritin allergy meds, morphine.  Glove box? Condoms, Imodium, wet naps.

Alan’s murse (man purse), eventually transitioned to jacket: chargers and car adapters for all his stuff, phone, game boy, e-Reader, iPad in the past.  Currently in his jacket: maybe a loaded gun, phone (Galaxy Note 2), replaced Nexus 7 since the phone is so large, iPod touch, Gameboy 3DS (rarely use), pocket knife, Kindle paper white for eBooks, fitbit.  In the backpack is urban survival goodies, including everything needed to survive overnight and a small inflatable bounce house.  Business cards, wifi hotspot, multi-tool.

Slight tangent about when it’s appropriate to carry money, lots of lots of money or survival gear.

Sign the unlock petition!

Alan’s cool key ring 

]]> http://serialsidelines.com/?feed=rss2&p=404 0 Darrin's Donated Notes for Tonight's Episode! - Nick's sack: Samsung Galaxy phone, headlamp, non-functional rocket launcher (oh wait, that was from a gun buyback campaign), Leatherman, pocket knife, micro sd card, card adapter, usb drive, headphones, Darrin's Donated Notes for Tonight's Episode! Nick's sack: Samsung Galaxy phone, headlamp, non-functional rocket launcher (oh wait, that was from a gun buyback campaign), Leatherman, pocket knife, micro sd card, card adapter, usb drive, headphones, concealed gun (the aforementioned rocket launcher).  In his larger, regular carry bag: tablet, charger for tablet, charger for phone, and water bottle, flashlight, lighter. Darrin's pocket: phone, fitbit, security card.  In my work bag: a book, currently Walden, before that Frank Miller graphic novels, usb drives, pen & paper, headphones, handkerchief, oh ya wallet. Logan's side: iPod, wallet, phone, watch.  Phone is optional. Jim's satchel: iPhone 3gs, Nexus 7 tablet, keychain with laser pointer/flashlight/multi-tool, keys, PSP (top game: Blood Bowl), Dr. Who sonic screwdriver pen, smokes, lighter, dice bag, pertinent game books to the game master request at hand, backup movie/DVD if game doesn't play out, portable game: Chez Geek, Eldersign, Munchkin, candy for when visiting houses with kids (it's a Greek thing), Mountain Dew, knock-off 5 hour energy, Claritin allergy meds, morphine.  Glove box? Condoms, Imodium, wet naps. Alan's murse (man purse), eventually transitioned to jacket: chargers and car adapters for all his stuff, phone, game boy, e-Reader, iPad in the past.  Currently in his jacket: maybe a loaded gun, phone (Galaxy Note 2), replaced Nexus 7 since the phone is so large, iPod touch, Gameboy 3DS (rarely use), pocket knife, Kindle paper white for eBooks, fitbit.  In the backpack is urban survival goodies, including everything needed to survive overnight and a small inflatable bounce house.  Business cards, wifi hotspot, multi-tool. Slight tangent about when it's appropriate to carry money, lots of lots of money or survival gear. Sign the unlock petition! Alan's cool key ring  SerialSidelines.com yes 1:17:01 Gun Basics without the Politics (or: Buying your first evil black rifle) http://serialsidelines.com/?p=400 http://serialsidelines.com/?p=400#comments Mon, 28 Jan 2013 07:51:24 +0000 Alan http://serialsidelines.com/?p=400 Continue reading → ]]> This week we discussed the basics of buying your first firearm, basics about shooting and what you should do when you walk into a gun store where everyone is dressed like they are ready for WW III. We welcome any questions folks have since there was not enough time to cover but 1% of all we could have discussed.

Topics covered:

  • The process to purchase a gun / getting comfortable
  • NCIS Background check process – Easy as pie (and fast) unless you can’t buy firearms
  • Buying your first ammunition
  • Magazine vs. Clip 
  • Defining an Assault Weapon/Rifle
  • Picking calibers – Not just cost of weapon – greatly impacts cost of ammunition
  • Mail Order Ammunition
  • Buying a concealed carry weapon – be sure to take into account size
  • How much should you buy?
  • Self Defense Rounds
  • Rules of gun safety 
  • The Judge / The Governor 
  • Glock 19
  • Cheapie 22 Rifle with Scope
  • Browning High Power
  • The Survival Podcast

Our intro music was brought to you by Cannon Fodder and outro was compliments of Cows With Guns by Dana Lyons.

]]> http://serialsidelines.com/?feed=rss2&p=400 0 This week we discussed the basics of buying your first firearm, basics about shooting and what you should do when you walk into a gun store where everyone is dressed like they are ready for WW III. We welcome any questions folks have since there was no... This week we discussed the basics of buying your first firearm, basics about shooting and what you should do when you walk into a gun store where everyone is dressed like they are ready for WW III. We welcome any questions folks have since there was not enough time to cover but 1% of all we could have discussed. Topics covered: The process to purchase a gun / getting comfortable NCIS Background check process - Easy as pie (and fast) unless you can't buy firearms Buying your first ammunition Magazine vs. Clip  Defining an Assault Weapon/Rifle Picking calibers - Not just cost of weapon - greatly impacts cost of ammunition Mail Order Ammunition Buying a concealed carry weapon - be sure to take into account size How much should you buy? Self Defense Rounds Rules of gun safety  The Judge / The Governor  Glock 19 Cheapie 22 Rifle with Scope Browning High Power The Survival Podcast Our intro music was brought to you by Cannon Fodder and outro was compliments of Cows With Guns by Dana Lyons. SerialSidelines.com yes 1:27:20 Making Beer (or: Cleanliness only matters while cookin’) http://serialsidelines.com/?p=398 http://serialsidelines.com/?p=398#comments Mon, 21 Jan 2013 04:39:11 +0000 Alan http://serialsidelines.com/?p=398 Continue reading → ]]> Today we discussed making beer, then at one hour in, we switch to a retro “What have you been up to?” segment. Join us for our self-deprecation and admissions to exactly how dirty our living spaces were in our 20′s. Thanks to Darrin for the notes today.

Early Discussion

  • Making beer is cheaper than buying the quality of beer you’ll drink, but you’ll never beat Schlitz or Natty Ice. You don’t save when you brew, you just drink more
  •  Wives versus making beer: it’s a strange brew.

Why brew your own? 

  • Make large quantities of the style you like
  • Let’s you play around with different adjuncts in your brewing, like a pumpkin ale, raspberry porter, coffee stout, or honey spiked beer

How do you do it?

  • Combining water, starching surgery source (cereal grains, malted barley), yeast, hops, time, patience
  • Requires one busy day of work, a couple hours here and there, and otherwise a few weeks
  • Get items at your local home brew store, follow directions in podcast, or on back of box (ha)

Notes to be more successful

  • Stick to Ales initially, as they are easier to brew
  • Start with recipes, then deviate when you get some skill
  • Know that you’re not perfecting your recipes, rather your sense of skill and palate
  • Looking for a good read? “History of the World in Six Glasses” – history from perspective of beer, wine, distilled spirits, coffee, tea, and Coca Cola

 1 Hour In – What have you been up to? (Retro Segment!)

]]> http://serialsidelines.com/?feed=rss2&p=398 0 beer,brewing,gadgets,gaming,geek,hobbies,lovecraft,nerd,tabletop Today we discussed making beer, then at one hour in, we switch to a retro "What have you been up to?" segment. Join us for our self-deprecation and admissions to exactly how dirty our living spaces were in our 20's. Thanks to Darrin for the notes today. Today we discussed making beer, then at one hour in, we switch to a retro "What have you been up to?" segment. Join us for our self-deprecation and admissions to exactly how dirty our living spaces were in our 20's. Thanks to Darrin for the notes today. Early Discussion Making beer is cheaper than buying the quality of beer you'll drink, but you'll never beat Schlitz or Natty Ice. You don't save when you brew, you just drink more  Wives versus making beer: it's a strange brew. Why brew your own?  Make large quantities of the style you like Let's you play around with different adjuncts in your brewing, like a pumpkin ale, raspberry porter, coffee stout, or honey spiked beer How do you do it? Combining water, starching surgery source (cereal grains, malted barley), yeast, hops, time, patience Requires one busy day of work, a couple hours here and there, and otherwise a few weeks Get items at your local home brew store, follow directions in podcast, or on back of box (ha) Notes to be more successful Stick to Ales initially, as they are easier to brew Start with recipes, then deviate when you get some skill Know that you're not perfecting your recipes, rather your sense of skill and palate Looking for a good read? "History of the World in Six Glasses" - history from perspective of beer, wine, distilled spirits, coffee, tea, and Coca Cola  1 Hour In - What have you been up to? (Retro Segment!) SerialSidelines.com yes 1:32:36 Television Shows that Ended Prematurely (or: Dead Like Me was robbed!) http://serialsidelines.com/?p=391 http://serialsidelines.com/?p=391#comments Mon, 14 Jan 2013 08:14:53 +0000 Alan http://serialsidelines.com/?p=391 Continue reading → ]]> This week we discussed shows that died before they deserved to. If you feel that we ignored some poor show that should have been on the list (just as a network did while it was alive), let us know!

  • Freaks and Geeks – Darrin; too slow for TV, but great yarn overall.  Available on Netflix
  • Futurama – Josh & Nick; died too early, but thankfully reborn on Comedy Central
  • Dead Like Me – Logan, Alan. Available on Amazon Prime
  • Chappelle’s Show – Alan. So funny, but way too racially charged for the creator Chapelle.
  • Titus – Nick.  Brutally funny, dark.
  • Quick mention of Get a Life (Chris Elliott) and Louie (CK) and the possibility of a comedian curse – theory killed by Seinfeld.
  • Veronica Mars – Darrin. Rob Thomas wrote, snarky humor won me over.  Rob bring’s his snark back in Party Down, a show about out of work actor caterers, available on Netflix.
  • Farscape – sci-fi winner for Josh, Nick.
  • Quick mention of Joss Whedon’s fans hatred of early cancellations for Firefly, Angel, and maybe Dollhouse
  • Quick mention of shows that went to shit after they figured out they were being cancelled.  Nick mentioned Angel, Darrin mentioned Felicity.
  • Stargate Atlantis – Logan. Cancelled, and the show that replaced it, Stargate Universe, SUCKED per Logan
  • Bill Nye the Science Guy – Youtube channel available on the Nerdist
  • Flashforward – Alan, great conspiracy plot, neat idea that could have developed into a great story.
  • Jericho – Nick & Alan, caught after it was cancelled.  Partially revived, but cancelled again. Available on Netflix
  • Preemptive call for Community – Darrin, lost most writers/producers, meaning the next season will suck, but the first few are great.
  • Deadwood – Josh.  Lots of cursing, so you’ll be able to curse at it’s death on a whole new level.
  • Masters of Horror – Alan. Vignette format, Alan loves the story contained to an episode format, particularly horror and sci-fi.
  • Reaper (who doesn’t love a story about selling a kid’s soul) and Terminator: Sarah Connor Chronicles (plays off movie franchise). Nick.
  • Tangent of Emo versus High Action movies
  • Go Steroids – except for Carrot Top
  • Largest Infected Biceps
  • Nick Cage – aged between American Graffiti and American Treasure
  • Tonight Show With Conan O’Brien – final plug of a show that died too early, but was reborn quickly.
]]> http://serialsidelines.com/?feed=rss2&p=391 0 games,geek,hobbies,science fiction,series,television,tv This week we discussed shows that died before they deserved to. If you feel that we ignored some poor show that should have been on the list (just as a network did while it was alive), let us know! Freaks and Geeks - Darrin; too slow for TV, This week we discussed shows that died before they deserved to. If you feel that we ignored some poor show that should have been on the list (just as a network did while it was alive), let us know! Freaks and Geeks - Darrin; too slow for TV, but great yarn overall.  Available on Netflix Futurama - Josh & Nick; died too early, but thankfully reborn on Comedy Central Dead Like Me - Logan, Alan. Available on Amazon Prime Chappelle's Show - Alan. So funny, but way too racially charged for the creator Chapelle. Titus - Nick.  Brutally funny, dark. Quick mention of Get a Life (Chris Elliott) and Louie (CK) and the possibility of a comedian curse - theory killed by Seinfeld. Veronica Mars - Darrin. Rob Thomas wrote, snarky humor won me over.  Rob bring's his snark back in Party Down, a show about out of work actor caterers, available on Netflix. Farscape - sci-fi winner for Josh, Nick. Quick mention of Joss Whedon's fans hatred of early cancellations for Firefly, Angel, and maybe Dollhouse Quick mention of shows that went to shit after they figured out they were being cancelled.  Nick mentioned Angel, Darrin mentioned Felicity. Stargate Atlantis - Logan. Cancelled, and the show that replaced it, Stargate Universe, SUCKED per Logan Bill Nye the Science Guy - Youtube channel available on the Nerdist Flashforward - Alan, great conspiracy plot, neat idea that could have developed into a great story. Jericho - Nick & Alan, caught after it was cancelled.  Partially revived, but cancelled again. Available on Netflix Preemptive call for Community - Darrin, lost most writers/producers, meaning the next season will suck, but the first few are great. Deadwood - Josh.  Lots of cursing, so you'll be able to curse at it's death on a whole new level. Masters of Horror - Alan. Vignette format, Alan loves the story contained to an episode format, particularly horror and sci-fi. Reaper (who doesn't love a story about selling a kid's soul) and Terminator: Sarah Connor Chronicles (plays off movie franchise). Nick. Tangent of Emo versus High Action movies Go Steroids - except for Carrot Top Largest Infected Biceps Nick Cage - aged between American Graffiti and American Treasure Tonight Show With Conan O'Brien - final plug of a show that died too early, but was reborn quickly. SerialSidelines.com yes 1:27:09 SciFi Gaming (or: Remember your life through speedruns) http://serialsidelines.com/?p=387 http://serialsidelines.com/?p=387#comments Mon, 07 Jan 2013 05:51:49 +0000 Alan http://serialsidelines.com/?p=387 Continue reading → ]]> This week we discussed the joys of SciFi gaming with a primary focus on video games and secondary focus on tabletop/board games. Which ones did we miss? Let us know in the comments or forums!

Thanks to Darrin for assembling the draft notes.  Outro music brought to you by Valve/Jonathan Coultan.

 

]]> http://serialsidelines.com/?feed=rss2&p=387 0 board,games,gaming,geek,hobbies,scifi,speedrun,tabletop,video games This week we discussed the joys of SciFi gaming with a primary focus on video games and secondary focus on tabletop/board games. Which ones did we miss? Let us know in the comments or forums! Starship Catan Vibrators Sold Everywhere! Walgreens! This week we discussed the joys of SciFi gaming with a primary focus on video games and secondary focus on tabletop/board games. Which ones did we miss? Let us know in the comments or forums! Starship Catan Vibrators Sold Everywhere! Walgreens! CVS! On Television! Logan's favorte: Halo Doom Darrin's (BS) favorite: Zool from the Amiga James Pond Bionic Commando on NES Spelunker NES Shadow of the Beast Fatal Rewind/The Killing Gameshow Nick's favorites: Star Control 2 and The Original X-Com Alan revises: Dune 2 Console differences Wishing Nintendo would exit the Console market Logan and Alan agree: Metroid Shadow Complex - Metroid-Like Fallout series Tron and Discs of Tron Half-Life Unreal Duke Nuk'em 3D Blood Alan: Global War on BBSes Logan: Mass Effect Games What comes first - the full story arc, or the game? Logan waxes on uber killing abilities Rise of Nations Dishonored Star Craft vs. Age of Empires Losing your life to Command and Conquer Star Wars http://starwars.com/ StarWars Battlefront Speedruns X3 Elite Oolite Side Missions vs. Main Story - why bother with the distractions? Cause they're fun! Borderlands Final speed round: Space Ace, Dead Space, Shadow Run, War Hammer, Another World/Out of this World, Portal game series Glados Still Alive DAMN YOU STEAM AND YOUR HOLIDAY SALES!! Thanks to Darrin for assembling the draft notes.  Outro music brought to you by Valve/Jonathan Coultan.   SerialSidelines.com yes 1:29:17 Added Attraction: Fiasco Live Play http://serialsidelines.com/?p=384 http://serialsidelines.com/?p=384#comments Sun, 30 Dec 2012 04:33:07 +0000 Alan http://serialsidelines.com/?p=384 Continue reading → ]]> This week we present our first Live Play Episode, where we experienced the joy of Fiasco. Our participants were Aaron, Rodney, Jim, Logan and Alan. Great game, everyone listening should try it out at least once and if it doesn’t work out – find some more creative friends :^).

During this episode I learned a lot of about our recording technique for live events and what to do in the future – in addition my wife hooked me up with an additional recorder for future events for Christmas (yay!).

Have a listen and let us know what you think in the Forums!

]]> http://serialsidelines.com/?feed=rss2&p=384 0 Added Attraction: Fiasco Live Play This week we present our first Live Play Episode, where we experienced the joy of Fiasco. Our participants were Aaron, Rodney, Jim, Logan and Alan. Great game, everyone listening should try it out at least once and if it doesn't work out - find some more creative friends :^). During this episode I learned a lot of about our recording technique for live events and what to do in the future - in addition my wife hooked me up with an additional recorder for future events for Christmas (yay!). Have a listen and let us know what you think in the Forums! SerialSidelines.com yes 2:12:12 Looking for input – TV Series that Ended Before their Time? http://serialsidelines.com/?p=382 http://serialsidelines.com/?p=382#comments Fri, 28 Dec 2012 20:33:53 +0000 Alan http://serialsidelines.com/?p=382 Next week we’ll be chatting about TV Series, which ended before their time. Got any on your mind that we shouldn’t leave off the list? Feel free to leave a comment here or post in the forums with your ideas!

]]> http://serialsidelines.com/?feed=rss2&p=382 0 Happy Holidays! http://serialsidelines.com/?p=379 http://serialsidelines.com/?p=379#comments Mon, 24 Dec 2012 07:16:22 +0000 Alan http://serialsidelines.com/?p=379 Continue reading → ]]> Happy Holidays everyone!

I’m prepping a special episode this week; a recording of a live play session we did of Fiasco a month or so back with Jim as our master coordinator. I should have it ready for posting in the next few days.

For those who have not heard of it, it is a different game than any other I’ve ever played at the tabletop – the players write the story as they go. There are very few chance events (as long as you don’t consider other players writing your story as chance :^) ) and a storyline being assembled by all the players as they proceed. It reminds me of writing the movie Snatch or Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels on the fly. Super fun.

]]> http://serialsidelines.com/?feed=rss2&p=379 0 Stupid Computer Tricks of the Past + Mini X-Com Review (or: The world before Plug-n-Play) http://serialsidelines.com/?p=376 http://serialsidelines.com/?p=376#comments Mon, 17 Dec 2012 09:48:29 +0000 Alan http://serialsidelines.com/?p=376 Continue reading → ]]> This week we pondered computer times past including connecting to the Internet prior to commercial ISPs, fighting peripheral before reliable plug-n-play, and fit in a discussion about the new X-Com release (1h5m in).

Topics Discussed:

1hr5m – XCom Discussion/Review

Darrin’s Notes (minus duplication from above)!

  • BBS
  • Floppy drives
  • Our friends, the IRQ settings
  •         IRQ  0    Timer channel 0 (May mean “no interrupt”.  See below.)
  •         IRQ  1    Keyboard
  •         IRQ  2    Cascade for controller 2
  •         IRQ  3    Serial port 2
  •         IRQ  4    Serial port 1
  •         IRQ  5    Parallel port 2, Sound card
  •         IRQ  6    Floppy diskette
  •         IRQ  7    Parallel port 1
  •         IRQ  8    Real-time clock
  •         IRQ  9    Redirected to IRQ2
  •         IRQ 10    not assigned
  •         IRQ 11    not assigned
  •         IRQ 12    not assigned
  •         IRQ 13    Math co-processor
  •         IRQ 14    Hard disk controller 1
  •         IRQ 15    Hard disk controller 2
  • IRQ not less or equal and blue screen of death (BSOD) still a good, nearby friend
  • DOS commands — why are they still around?  CLIs (command line interfaces) are primitive, but quick and dirty
  • IDE hard drives with their slave/master archaic nomenclature.  god help you if you got a drive over 2 gigs and your BIOS didn’t support it!
  • Buying RAM? Be sure to match the memory, get the right speed, yada yada… it’s still a pain in the ass.
  • Want to keep as much memory as possible available for your game?  For your Windows 3.1?  Keep a couple config.sys and autoexec.bat files!
  • Token ring networks were a beautiful design, but so memory intensive and so expensive.
  • LAN parties; bring over your computer in your laundry basket
  • God save you if you ever had to use a hex editor
  • Something about games, blah (ha)
  • And because we love you, dear listener
]]> http://serialsidelines.com/?feed=rss2&p=376 1 amiga,commodore,computers,geek,history,hobbies,pc,x-com,xcom This week we pondered computer times past including connecting to the Internet prior to commercial ISPs, fighting peripheral before reliable plug-n-play, and fit in a discussion about the new X-Com release (1h5m in). - Topics Discussed: - This week we pondered computer times past including connecting to the Internet prior to commercial ISPs, fighting peripheral before reliable plug-n-play, and fit in a discussion about the new X-Com release (1h5m in). Topics Discussed: Raising Hope Acoustic Coupler TRS-80 AT/Initialization Strings Trumpet WinSock UAA Vax Commodore 64 - Floppy Disk and Tape Drive Loader Single vs double sided floppy tool BSOD IRQ's 64 Bit instruction set IDE / Master - Slave Configurations Winbook Token Ring UTP BNC/Coaxial Connectors Hex Editing Copy protection dongle Code Wheel Copy Protection Leisure Suit Larry Questions 1hr5m - XCom Discussion/Review Oolite Jim's Wish List Dead Space 3 Hotline Miami Darrin's Notes (minus duplication from above)! BBS Floppy drives Our friends, the IRQ settings         IRQ  0    Timer channel 0 (May mean "no interrupt".  See below.)         IRQ  1    Keyboard         IRQ  2    Cascade for controller 2         IRQ  3    Serial port 2         IRQ  4    Serial port 1         IRQ  5    Parallel port 2, Sound card         IRQ  6    Floppy diskette         IRQ  7    Parallel port 1         IRQ  8    Real-time clock         IRQ  9    Redirected to IRQ2         IRQ 10    not assigned         IRQ 11    not assigned         IRQ 12    not assigned         IRQ 13    Math co-processor         IRQ 14    Hard disk controller 1         IRQ 15    Hard disk controller 2 IRQ not less or equal and blue screen of death (BSOD) still a good, nearby friend DOS commands -- why are they still around?  CLIs (command line interfaces) are primitive, but quick and dirty IDE hard drives with their slave/master archaic nomenclature.  god help you if you got a drive over 2 gigs and your BIOS didn't support it! Buying RAM? Be sure to match the memory, get the right speed, yada yada… it's still a pain in the ass. Want to keep as much memory as possible available for your game?  For your Windows 3.1?  Keep a couple config.sys and autoexec.bat files! Token ring networks were a beautiful design, but so memory intensive and so expensive. LAN parties; bring over your computer in your laundry basket God save you if you ever had to use a hex editor Something about games, blah (ha) And because we love you, dear listener SerialSidelines.com yes 1:29:18 Surviving a Disaster (or: How the west was won by 47 types of Zombie) http://serialsidelines.com/?p=373 http://serialsidelines.com/?p=373#comments Mon, 10 Dec 2012 05:03:22 +0000 Alan http://serialsidelines.com/?p=373 Continue reading → ]]> This week we discussed preparing for and surviving disasters, and how Logan’s definition of Zombie isn’t Nick’s, or Alan’s, or Josh’s, or Darrin’s. Part one was prepping for real disasters; part two was surviving Zombies and what we really discovered was that defining your zombie is as hard as preparing for them.

It is worth noting that we changed the Podcast format this episode by jumping right into the main topic. Part two, surviving, and more importantly defining your zombie, started 58 minutes in.

Welcome Aboard!

Zero Minutes In – Disaster Survival

  • Concealed Carry Weapon Course
  • Josh takes a Hurrication
  • Earthquakes
  • Currencies – Gold, Dollars, what is the future of the reserve currency?
  • Generators, solar panels, etc.

58 Minutes in  - Zombie Survival

  • Surviving Zombies is as important as knowing 1. where you are on the planet and 2. what type of zombies you are dealing with
  • Day Z Arma game mod
  • Happy Birthday Alex!
Some additional notes from Nick:

Here is the link to many various first-aid, outdoor skills, survival, and miscellaneous prepping electronic documents and pdf’s I mentioned during the podcast.  Altogether the documents total almost 200 docs and take up about 1gb in space in all:

http://ferfal.blogspot.com/2012/11/100-neat-free-survival-downloads.html

Assuming that the December 2012 Mayan Mutant Zombie Biker Apocalypse allows you to still use your computer/tablet/phone/random-computing-device, maybe a few of these might be of help ;)
(to be fair there’s definitely some useless material here-and-there… I swear one of these documents looked like it was from the GURPS RPG martial arts book ;)

Notes from Darrin (WAY more useful than mine!):

Items for emergency preparedness:

  • A FULL pantry
  • water, water filter, or water in pipes/water heater
  • camping supplies: tent, camping stove, fan, sleeping bags
  • fuel: propane, sterno, wood
  • fire starter: matches, candles
  • blankets
  • tarps, rope
  • tools: hammer, screwdrivers, saw, small shovel/axe combo
  • gloves: rubber, leather
  • firearms: pistol, several clips, couple boxes ammo — if that’s your thing
  • solar radio with weather band and maybe a charger – eton brand is great
  • first aid kit, medications, baby wipes, hand sanitizer
  • flashlights and batteries
  • bug repellant
  • things to keep you busy: books, games, marshmallows, lube
  • cash for two months expenses
  • should you shit in your yard, or the “luggable loo“?

Related Sites:
http://blogs.cdc.gov/publichealthmatters/2011/05/preparedness-101-zombie-apocalypse/
http://www.lovetheoutdoors.com/camping/checklists.htm

 

]]> http://serialsidelines.com/?feed=rss2&p=373 0 disaster,geek,hobbies,nerd,prep,preparing,prepping,survival,zombie Surviving a Disaster (or: How the west was won by 47 types of Zombie) This week we discussed preparing for and surviving disasters, and how Logan's definition of Zombie isn't Nick's, or Alan's, or Josh's, or Darrin's. Part one was prepping for real disasters; part two was surviving Zombies and what we really discovered was that defining your zombie is as hard as preparing for them. It is worth noting that we changed the Podcast format this episode by jumping right into the main topic. Part two, surviving, and more importantly defining your zombie, started 58 minutes in. Welcome Aboard! Zero Minutes In - Disaster Survival Concealed Carry Weapon Course Josh takes a Hurrication Earthquakes Currencies - Gold, Dollars, what is the future of the reserve currency? Generators, solar panels, etc. 58 Minutes in - Zombie Survival Surviving Zombies is as important as knowing 1. where you are on the planet and 2. what type of zombies you are dealing with Day Z Arma game mod Happy Birthday Alex! Some additional notes from Nick: Here is the link to many various first-aid, outdoor skills, survival, and miscellaneous prepping electronic documents and pdf's I mentioned during the podcast. Altogether the documents total almost 200 docs and take up about 1gb in space in all: http://ferfal.blogspot.com/2012/11/100-neat-free-survival-downloads.html Assuming that the December 2012 Mayan Mutant Zombie Biker Apocalypse allows you to still use your computer/tablet/phone/random-computing-device, maybe a few of these might be of help ;) (to be fair there's definitely some useless material here-and-there... I swear one of these documents looked like it was from the GURPS RPG martial arts book ;) Notes from Darrin (WAY more useful than mine!): Items for emergency preparedness: A FULL pantry water, water filter, or water in pipes/water heater camping supplies: tent, camping stove, fan, sleeping bags fuel: propane, sterno, wood fire starter: matches, candles blankets tarps, rope tools: hammer, screwdrivers, saw, small shovel/axe combo gloves: rubber, leather firearms: pistol, several clips, couple boxes ammo -- if that's your thing solar radio with weather band and maybe a charger - eton brand is great first aid kit, medications, baby wipes, hand sanitizer flashlights and batteries bug repellant things to keep you busy: books, games, marshmallows, lube cash for two months expenses should you shit in your yard, or the "luggable loo"? Related Sites: http://blogs.cdc.gov/publichealthmatters/2011/05/preparedness-101-zombie-apocalypse/ http://www.lovetheoutdoors.com/camping/checklists.htm SerialSidelines.com yes 1:37:53 Gaming Updates (or: How the west was won by PopCap) http://serialsidelines.com/?p=369 http://serialsidelines.com/?p=369#comments Mon, 03 Dec 2012 06:13:29 +0000 Alan http://serialsidelines.com/?p=369 Continue reading → ]]> This week we talk about what video games people have been playing, how Josh denies knowledge of Bejeweled or PopCap and that there are too many meme-able stories in the news right now. Join us for our expedition… then discuss in our forums and tell us all about the games you have been playing, and how we’re a bunch of schmucks for missing out!

And it begins:

50 minutes in: Gaming Updates!

]]> http://serialsidelines.com/?feed=rss2&p=369 0 board,geek,hobbies,nerd,rpg,video,video games Gaming Updates (or: How the west was won by PopCap) This week we talk about what video games people have been playing, how Josh denies knowledge of Bejeweled or PopCap and that there are too many meme-able stories in the news right now. Join us for our expedition... then discuss in our forums and tell us all about the games you have been playing, and how we're a bunch of schmucks for missing out! And it begins: XCom reboot Star Wars Tabletop RPG by Fantasy Flight Pioneer Receiver on Woot Deal Skyfall (Minor Spoilers!) Prometheus (Minor spoilers!) Route 66 Things the Internet Needs to Shut the Fuck Up About: Twinkies David Petraeus Giant Alligator Clip/Binder Clip on Obama Document / Fox news - Clipgate 50 minutes in: Gaming Updates! City of X Games Ending LOTRO DDO Tesla Wars Game Dev Story Anomoly Rebuild Portal Mutant Registration Act DC Elseworlds PopCap / Bejeweled Elite: Dangerous on Kickstarter SerialSidelines.com yes 1:40:17 Legal issues facing Geek Hobbies (or: Jailbreak – It’s a gateway hack) http://serialsidelines.com/?p=365 http://serialsidelines.com/?p=365#comments Mon, 26 Nov 2012 05:21:45 +0000 Alan http://serialsidelines.com/?p=365 Continue reading → ]]> This week we discussed legality surrounding geek issues, with the main focus on technology. We hit a couple of topics including legality of jailbreaking phones vs. tablets, net neutrality and software patents. The main topic starts almost immediately so no need to fast forward for those of you who want to get straight to the guts!

]]> http://serialsidelines.com/?feed=rss2&p=365 0 dmca,gaming,geek,hobbies,jailbreak,legal,net neutrality,patents Legal issues facing Geek Hobbies (or: Jailbreak - It's a gateway hack) This week we discussed legality surrounding geek issues, with the main focus on technology. We hit a couple of topics including legality of jailbreaking phones vs. tablets, net neutrality and software patents. The main topic starts almost immediately so no need to fast forward for those of you who want to get straight to the guts! Find complete links and forums at serialsidelines.com. Topics Covered: Casino the movie The desire to own media vs. "rent" it Zune/Xbox Music Pass DMCA Rooting Kindle Fire Net Neutrality XDA Developers Touchstone Wireless Chargin for Note II Legal to Jailbreak phone but not Tablet? Software Patents and Innovation Nic-O-Dic Last couple of days for CoC codes! SerialSidelines.com yes 1:27:05 Where we get our news… (or: The Internet isn’t all about porn.) http://serialsidelines.com/?p=361 http://serialsidelines.com/?p=361#comments Sun, 18 Nov 2012 05:14:39 +0000 Alan http://serialsidelines.com/?p=361 Continue reading → ]]> This week (or last week since we are a week behind) we had a chat about where we get our tech, culture, current events and other news. If you have any favorites we didn’t mention, let us know in the comments or forums! The main event starts 50 minutes in for those who want to go straight for the guts.

The Pre-Show:

50 Minutes in – Where do you get your news?

]]> http://serialsidelines.com/?feed=rss2&p=361 0 games,gaming,geek,news,tech,video games,web,websites Where we get our news... (or: The Internet isn't all about porn.) This week we had a chat about where we get our tech, culture, current events and other news. If you have any favorites we didn't mention, let us know in the comments or forums at serialsidelines.com! The main event starts 50 minutes in for those who want to go straight for the guts. SerialSidelines.com yes 1:37:11 Post delayed a few days.. http://serialsidelines.com/?p=356 http://serialsidelines.com/?p=356#comments Mon, 12 Nov 2012 23:44:26 +0000 Alan http://serialsidelines.com/?p=356 Continue reading → ]]> Quick update: This week got away from me while I was commuting around the south of the U.S. and tending to family issues, with this said, I’m editing the episode right now. My apologies for the delay, feel free to send hate mail directly to me.

—-

I’ve been on the road the last few days, which has delayed my editing/posting of our beautiful child (or hamburger, depending on how you look at it), the podcast.

I should have it online within a few days. If you have any complaints, suggestions, or want to learn how to be our volunteer backup editor, email me :P .

]]> http://serialsidelines.com/?feed=rss2&p=356 0 Star Wars (or: Fooling your S.O. into watching camp.) http://serialsidelines.com/?p=352 http://serialsidelines.com/?p=352#comments Sat, 03 Nov 2012 20:58:04 +0000 Alan http://serialsidelines.com/?p=352 Continue reading → ]]> This week we discussed Star Wars, including the fact that we host a geek podcast and half the hosts haven’t seen it since they were kids. The new Serial Sidelines – the random hobbies podcast, cause we lost our geek cred. Something like that. Plus, we have another CoC: The Wasted Land code to give away!

The main event starts 42 minutes in for those who want to go straight to the guts, although you should at least listen to the intro music, it was worth it.

Let us know what you think in the Forums!

The Pre-Show:

42 Minutes In: Star Wars

  • Monomyth
  • George Lucas: Divorce driving 1-3?
  • A condensed history of the Star Wars Universe
  • Obligatory reference to Spaceballs
  • Additional world history added to the Star Wars RPG by Jim

]]> http://serialsidelines.com/?feed=rss2&p=352 0 gadgets,gaming,geek,george lucas,hobbies,movie,nerd,star wars Star Wars (or: Fooling your S.O. into watching camp.) This week we discussed Star Wars, including the fact that we host a geek podcast and half the hosts haven't seen it since they were kids. The new Serial Sidelines - the random hobbies podcast, cause we lost our geek cred. Something like that. Plus, we have another CoC: The Wasted Land code to give away! The main event starts 42 minutes in for those who want to go straight to the guts, although you should at least listen to the intro music, it was worth it. Let us know what you think at serialsidelines.com! SerialSidelines.com yes 1:27:46 Space Part 2 – Interstellar space! (or: Darrin can’t resist the gas giants) http://serialsidelines.com/?p=349 http://serialsidelines.com/?p=349#comments Mon, 29 Oct 2012 07:23:48 +0000 Alan http://serialsidelines.com/?p=349 Continue reading → ]]> This episode we took a dive into interstellar space – detecting planets, travel to other stars, meeting sentient species, and how humans might screw it all up. Jump in and let us know what you think on the forums! For those who like to jump straight to the Soylent Green, Space 2 starts 40 Minutes in.

Also, for the first time in Serial Sidelines history we are also giving away a couple of codes for Call of Cthulhu: The Wasted Land compliments of Red Wasp Design. Listen-in to learn how to get one!

The Pre-Show:

  • 2 Minutes – The Second Presidential Debate
  • 9 Minutes – Nick live and in-person!
  • 15 Minutes – Darrin is up
  • 19 Minutes – Josh!
  • 24 Minutes – Jim
  • 36 Minutes – Alan

40 Minutes – Space Part 2:

 

]]> http://serialsidelines.com/?feed=rss2&p=349 0 cthulhu,future,geek,hobbies,science fiction,scifi,space,travel Space Part 2 - Interstellar space! (or: Darrin can't resist the gas giants) This episode we took a dive into interstellar space - detecting planets, travel to other stars, meeting sentient species, and how humans might screw it all up. Jump in and let us know what you think on the forums at serialsidelines.com! For those who like to jump straight to the Soylent Green, Space 2 starts 40 Minutes in. Also, for the first time in Serial Sidelines history we are also giving away a couple of codes for Call of Cthulhu: The Wasted Land compliments of Red Wasp Design. Listen-in to learn how to get one! SerialSidelines.com yes 1:36:42 Space Part 1 (or: Queue the resident aerospace engineer) http://serialsidelines.com/?p=344 http://serialsidelines.com/?p=344#comments Mon, 22 Oct 2012 01:31:01 +0000 Alan http://serialsidelines.com/?p=344 Continue reading → ]]> The topic this week was Space with a focus on the efforts to launch vehicles into space, the differences between commercial and government efforts and robotic exploration within our solar system. The main topic started 36 minutes in for those who want to get straight to the guts!

The Pre-Show

36 Minutes In – Space

]]> http://serialsidelines.com/?feed=rss2&p=344 0 Arduino,books,exploration,geek,hobbies,nerd,science fiction,solar system,space Space Part 1 (or: Queue the resident aerospace engineer) The topic this week was Space with a focus on the efforts to launch vehicles into space, the differences between commercial and government efforts and robotic exploration within our solar system. The main topic started 36 minutes in for those who want to get straight to the guts! Find more information and discussion at serialsidelines.com. SerialSidelines.com yes 1:25:46 Geekery at Work and Home (or: The wide and wooly world of malware) http://serialsidelines.com/?p=341 http://serialsidelines.com/?p=341#comments Mon, 15 Oct 2012 01:44:13 +0000 Alan http://serialsidelines.com/?p=341 Continue reading → ]]> Welcome to episode 25 of Serial Sidelines! This time we ventured places we only wish we had never visited before and at somewhere around 41 minutes minutes in we shift-gears to talking about both home and work geek exploits throughout the years. Join us on the journey and let us know what you think!

The Pre-Show:

41 Minutes In: Geekery at Work and Home

]]> http://serialsidelines.com/?feed=rss2&p=341 0 Geekery at Work and Home (or: The wide and wooly world of malware) Welcome to episode 25 of Serial Sidelines! This time we ventured places we only wish we had never visited before and at somewhere around 41 minutes minutes in we shift-gears to talking about both home and work geek exploits throughout the years. Join us on the journey and let us know what you think at our website, serialsidelines.com! SerialSidelines.com yes 1:29:53 iOS 6 (or: Jim lays the Star Wars street-side smack down) http://serialsidelines.com/?p=337 http://serialsidelines.com/?p=337#comments Mon, 08 Oct 2012 07:30:11 +0000 Alan http://serialsidelines.com/?p=337 Continue reading → ]]> This week we discussed the failure that is a geek podcast that hasn’t fully grokked Star Wars, the Apple IOS6 release, new hardware announcements, Nanowrimo and when it is time to force culture down your own throat.  Let us know what you think in the forums!

The Pre-Show:

39 Minutes In – IOS 6:

]]> http://serialsidelines.com/?feed=rss2&p=337 0 Apple,gaming,geek,hobbies,innovation,Ios,iphone,lovecraft,movies iOS 6 (or: Jim lays the Star Wars street-side smack down) This week we discussed the failure that is a geek podcast that hasn't fully grokked Star Wars, the Apple IOS6 release, new hardware announcements, Nanowrimo and when it is time to force culture down your own throat. Let us know what you think at serialsidelines.com! SerialSidelines.com yes 1:17:41 Growing up Geek (or: How Greek are you?) http://serialsidelines.com/?p=335 http://serialsidelines.com/?p=335#comments Mon, 01 Oct 2012 06:38:47 +0000 Alan http://serialsidelines.com/?p=335 Continue reading → ]]> During this episode we took-on the topic of what it was like to grow up as a geek. Let us know what you think, or, if we have  completely misrepresented geek culture tell us in the forums!
The (extremely short list of) Topics:
]]> http://serialsidelines.com/?feed=rss2&p=335 4 CoC,games,gaming,geek,hobbies,movies,nerd,rpg,tabletop Growing up Geek (or: How Greek are you?) During this episode we took-on the topic of what it was like to grow up as a geek. Let us know what you think, or, if we have completely misrepresented geek culture tell us in the forums at serialsidelines.com! SerialSidelines.com yes 1:28:32 Defining Fantasy (or: Error Correction by the Co-Co-Host) http://serialsidelines.com/?p=330 http://serialsidelines.com/?p=330#comments Mon, 24 Sep 2012 06:18:07 +0000 Alan http://serialsidelines.com/?p=330 Continue reading → ]]> This week we addressed the wild wooly world of Fantasy. The conversation took us through the discussion of what is Fantasy and what is not, how it is defined, and the tie-in with other genres such as SciFi. Let us know your thoughts or what we missed, or completely messed up defining in the Forums!

The Pre-Show

45 Minutes In: Fantasy

]]> http://serialsidelines.com/?feed=rss2&p=330 0 books,fantasy,gadgets,gaming,geek,hobbies,movies,reading Defining Fantasy (or: Error Correction by the Co-Co-Host) This week we addressed the wild wooly world of Fantasy. The conversation took us through the discussion of what is Fantasy and what is not, how it is defined, and the tie-in with other genres such as SciFi. Jump into our forums at SerialSidelines.com and provide us your feedback! SerialSidelines.com yes 1:34:02 SciFi Part 2 (or: DragonCon condensed to 9 minutes for your listening pleasure) http://serialsidelines.com/?p=327 http://serialsidelines.com/?p=327#comments Sun, 16 Sep 2012 21:31:02 +0000 Alan http://serialsidelines.com/?p=327 Continue reading → ]]> This week we took-on SciFi with a focus on television series and movies, which influenced our early lives and continue to inspire us today. The main topic starts 33 minutes in.

As a side note: Due to the computer issues last week we’re now one episode behind in posting. I’ll fix that up at some surprise time in the future. Thanks for listening!

The Pre-Show:

Scifi! 33 Minutes In:

]]> http://serialsidelines.com/?feed=rss2&p=327 0 games,geek,hobbies,movies,nerd,science fiction,scifi,television,video SciFi Part 2 (or: DragonCon condensed to 9 minutes for your listening pleasure) This week we took-on SciFi with a focus on television series and movies, which influenced our early lives and continue to inspire us today. The main topic starts 33 minutes in. Please visit our website - serialsidelines.com to recommend future topics, provide input on this episode, comment or contact the hosts! SerialSidelines.com yes 1:11:34 Episode Delay (or: Computers conspire but we will prevail!) http://serialsidelines.com/?p=323 http://serialsidelines.com/?p=323#comments Mon, 10 Sep 2012 07:46:58 +0000 Alan http://serialsidelines.com/?p=323 Continue reading → ]]> Tonight while prepping the episode my computer froze causing a reboot. Then it froze again and provided some excellent graphic corruption telling me something was very wrong.

A couple hours of troubleshooting later I’ve formatted the drive and am starting to reinstall (the machine had been quirky for a few weeks so my guess is there was a data/drive corruption issue so I’m not doing a full backup restore).

This will probably mean a delay of a few days before I can get the computer back in a state to post the podcast. Luckily because I maintain backups the episode should still be safe, I’ll just need to re-edit.

As a positive – you should get two episodes this upcoming week :^).

BTW: Time Machine rocks.

]]> http://serialsidelines.com/?feed=rss2&p=323 0 Science Fiction Pt. 1 (or: Heinlein Approved Orgies – Discuss) http://serialsidelines.com/?p=318 http://serialsidelines.com/?p=318#comments Mon, 03 Sep 2012 03:06:27 +0000 Alan http://serialsidelines.com/?p=318 Continue reading → ]]> On this week’s episode we took-on Science Fiction (but not double feature shows). This will be a multi-part series so we started with books and will drift wherever the winds take us. We had the recorder stop recording at about 44 minutes so we’ll continue the discussion next week where we left-off.

Another major change this week is we have shrunk the download size considerably – by switching encoders to something geek-approved (Lame) I was able to keep the quality but cut some of the bulk.

Let us know what you think in the forums – and if you have recommendations of things we must hit as part of any good Science Fiction discussion let us know!

The Line-Up

29 Minutes In: SciFi not SyFy

44 minutes – Break in Audio – Recorder quit recording.. but we bring it back to close it down!

]]> http://serialsidelines.com/?feed=rss2&p=318 0 books,gadgets,gaming,geek,hobbies,movies,nerd,science fiction,scifi Science Fiction Pt. 1 (or: Heinlein Approved Orgies - Discuss) On this week's episode we took-on Science Fiction (but not double feature shows). This will be a multi-part series so we started with books and will drift wherever the winds take us. We had the recorder stop recording at about 44 minutes so we'll continue the discussion next week where we left-off. If you have questions, comments, or things we must discuss during any good Science Fiction discussion let us know at serialsidelines.com! SerialSidelines.com yes 54:50 Board Games (or: Hipster Estate Sale Today!) http://serialsidelines.com/?p=313 http://serialsidelines.com/?p=313#comments Mon, 27 Aug 2012 02:14:24 +0000 Alan http://serialsidelines.com/?p=313 Continue reading → ]]> This week we grappled with both standard board games everyone would know such as Monopoly or Risk, and more obscure games such as Ticket to Ride, Illuminati, and Zombies!!!. In addition, we spent some time discussing Minecraft, Fallout, Grimrock, and A Tale in the Desert.

Give us your opinion in the forums!

53 Minutes In – Board Games

]]> http://serialsidelines.com/?feed=rss2&p=313 0 board games,games,gaming,geek,hobbies,minecraft,tabletop,video games Board Games (or: Hipster Estate Sale Today!) This week we grappled with both standard board games everyone would know such as Monopoly or Risk, and more obscure games such as Ticket to Ride, Illuminati, and Zombies!!!. In addition, we spent some time discussing Minecraft, Fallout, Grimrock, and A Tale in the Desert. The main topic starts 53 minutes in. Check out the forums, provide us input, and suggest new topics at serialsidelines.com. Serial Sidelines yes 1:48:59 Road Trips Episode 2 (or: Doing the Wet Dual Purpose) http://serialsidelines.com/?p=290 http://serialsidelines.com/?p=290#comments Mon, 20 Aug 2012 07:02:19 +0000 Alan http://serialsidelines.com/?p=290 Continue reading → ]]> This week we took on a second round of Road Trip discussion combined with some observations on beer choices, Google’s knowledge and correlation of everything, sabbaticals, Russian Married With Children, and showering while on the road. The Road Trips discussion starts at 50 minutes for those going straight for the guts.
In addition to our regular coverage – we need some help understanding the Wet Dual Purpose. Let us know what you think in the forums!
BTW, early on in this episode I mention splitting the show into two. After contemplating the management and posting I decided to hold-off on that change for the moment. Feel free to let us know your thoughts on breaking the show into a few different segments.
Does the Wet Dual Purpose

Does the Wet Dual Purpose

The topics:

50 Minutes In – Road Trips Part 2:

DCP00781 DCP00782 DCP00783 DCP00784 DCP00788 DCP00800 DCP00813 DCP00855 DCP00862 DCP00972 DCP00991 DCP01027 Does the Wet Dual Purpose We have lift-off on Episode 18! ]]> http://serialsidelines.com/?feed=rss2&p=290 0 Arduino,beer,brew,car,geek,hobbies,road trip,travel,wet dual purpose Road Trips Episode 2 (or: Doing the Wet Dual Purpose) This week we took on a second round of Road Trip discussion combined with some observations on beer choices, Google's knowledge and correlation of everything, sabbaticals, Russian Married With Children, and showering while on the road. The Road Trips discussion starts at 50 minutes for those going straight for the guts. In addition to our regular coverage - we need some help understanding the Wet Dual Purpose. Let us know what you think in the forums at serialsidelines.com! Serial Sidelines yes 1:42:29 Road Trips (or: What happens when Josh goes to sleep) http://serialsidelines.com/?p=282 http://serialsidelines.com/?p=282#comments Mon, 13 Aug 2012 03:27:07 +0000 Alan http://serialsidelines.com/?p=282 Continue reading → ]]> This week we touched on road trips, Nick’s roadkill history, Olympics coverage, and the strange things you ask people to ship to you when you are in another country among many other things. Join us for our our adventure to Mars in 14 minutes and to London in 6 hours! Our hosts today are Jim, Nick, Alan, and Darrin.

Discuss in the forum!

57 Minutes / Road Trips

Josh's Arduino Creation

Josh’s Arduino Creation

Josh and Babe

Josh and Babe

Nick at Defcon 2000

Nick at Defcon 2000

Logan and Alan in San Diego

Logan and Alan in San Diego 2006

One of Nick's many Bumper Decorations

One of Nick’s many Bumper Decorations

]]> http://serialsidelines.com/?feed=rss2&p=282 0 Arduino,Dr. Who,driving,electronics,gaming,geek,hobbies,mongolia,road trip Road Trips (or: What happens when Josh goes to sleep) This week we touched on road trips, Nick's roadkill history, Olympics coverage, and the strange things you ask people to ship to you when you are in another country among many other things. Join us for our our adventure to Mars in 14 minutes and to London in 6 hours! Our hosts today are Jim, Nick, Alan, and Darrin. The main topic starts 57 minutes in. Find information about this episode including our forums and links to our G+ and Twitter feeds at serialsidelines.com. Serial Sidelines yes 1:40:03 How do you fund your hobbies? (Or: Logan discloses the existence of his eagle attack army) http://serialsidelines.com/?p=276 http://serialsidelines.com/?p=276#comments Mon, 06 Aug 2012 03:16:24 +0000 Alan http://serialsidelines.com/?p=276 Continue reading → ]]> Today the primary topic is budgeting for hobbies and how they are funded. Prior to reaching that discussion we hit on Olympics coverage, Nick’s recent visit to China, strange food, and Josh’s consumption of Logan-aged grapes. Welcome to our episode!

BTW: Other awesome news of the day - Curiosity lands on Mars!

]]> http://serialsidelines.com/?feed=rss2&p=276 0 funds,games,geek,hobbies,money,olympics,port,travel How do you fund your hobbies? (Or: Logan discloses the existence of his eagle attack army) Today the primary topic is budgeting for hobbies and how they are funded. Prior to reaching that discussion we hit on Olympics coverage, Nick's recent visit to China, strange food, and Josh's consumption of Logan-aged grapes. Welcome to our episode! Find more information about our show at serialsidelines.com. Serial Sidelines yes 1:40:07 Derailed (or: We attempt Talisman and end-up in Travel) http://serialsidelines.com/?p=272 http://serialsidelines.com/?p=272#comments Mon, 30 Jul 2012 08:21:59 +0000 Alan http://serialsidelines.com/?p=272 Continue reading → ]]> Tonight we discussed a potpourri of topics including Batman (no spoilers), travel, music, and books. We never made it to the intended main topic of Talisman but hit on several good tidbits such as why folks enjoy Whitest Kids U’Know. Join us for some random banter, followed by even more random banter for your amusement!

]]> http://serialsidelines.com/?feed=rss2&p=272 0 battle royale,cthulhu,gaming,geek,hobbies,movies,travel Derailed (or: We attempt Talisman and end-up in Travel) Tonight we discussed a potpourri of topics including Batman (no spoilers), travel, music, and books. We never made it to the intended main topic of Talisman but hit on several good tidbits such as why folks enjoy Whitest Kids U'Know. Join us for some random banter, followed by even more random banter for your amusement! Find our forum, links, and methods to contact the hosts at serialsidelines.com! Serial Sidelines yes 1:22:47 Added Attraction: Josh talks up Perth and Business Class Flight (or: What the hell do you have an anvil collection for?) http://serialsidelines.com/?p=257 http://serialsidelines.com/?p=257#comments Sat, 28 Jul 2012 06:29:10 +0000 Alan http://serialsidelines.com/?p=257 Continue reading → ]]> This week we’ve got a extra episode for you – Josh took a trip to Perth over the last few weeks and chatted it up for an hour regarding Business Class Flight, work-style in Perth, and recommends that airlines have for-hire cuddle mates. Since this is a bonus episode there has been very little editing so don’t expect sparkles to come flying out your speakers as it plays, or if they do, get a fire extinguisher. With this said, thanks for listening!

Things Discussed

]]> http://serialsidelines.com/?feed=rss2&p=257 2 australia,business class,gaming,geek,hobbies,international,nerd,perth,travel Added Attraction: Josh talks up Perth and Business Class Flight (or: What the hell do you have an anvil collection for?) This week we've got a extra episode for you - Josh took a trip to Perth over the last few weeks and chatted it up for an hour regarding Business Class Flight, work-style in Perth, and recommends that airlines have for-hire cuddle mates. Since this is a bonus episode there has been very little editing so don't expect sparkles to come flying out your speakers as it plays, or if they do, get a fire extinguisher. With this said, thanks for listening! For an episode breakdown and links please visit serialsidelines.com. Serial Sidelines yes 55:54 Home Audio and Video Part 2 (or: Providing Oral Pleasure to Apple) http://serialsidelines.com/?p=251 http://serialsidelines.com/?p=251#comments Sun, 22 Jul 2012 03:21:00 +0000 Alan http://serialsidelines.com/?p=251 Continue reading → ]]> This week we covered several aspects of Home Audio and Video distribution and management with some focus on control systems, Apple Airplay, receivers, keeping it simple for significant others, and making fun of Alan’s 13 to 18 Airport Expresses. In addition to the main topic we spent some time talking about comic con, Dragoncon, hygeine while at such events, and Woz’s backpack.

The Pre-Show:

Home Audio and Video Setups Round 2 – 45 Minutes In:

Darrin’s Wall of Portals to the Twilight Zone.

]]> http://serialsidelines.com/?feed=rss2&p=251 0 Airplay,Apple,audio,distribution,geek,hobbies,home theater,movies,theater,video Home Audio and Video Part 2 (or: Providing Oral Pleasure to Apple) This week we covered several aspects of Home Audio and Video distribution and management with some focus on control systems, Apple Airplay, receivers, keeping it simple for significant others, and making fun of Alan's 13 to 18 Airport Expresses. In addition to the main topic we spent some time talking about comic con, Dragoncon, hygeine while at such events, and Woz's backpack. We switch gears to the main topic 45 Minutes into the Podcast. Links to the topics discussed, how to contact the hosts, and additional information about the show can be found at serialsidelines.com. Serial Sidelines yes 1:26:08 How you watch TV (or: It is like they were designed by programmers.) http://serialsidelines.com/?p=248 http://serialsidelines.com/?p=248#comments Sun, 15 Jul 2012 06:45:24 +0000 Alan http://serialsidelines.com/?p=248 Continue reading → ]]> This week on the show we spent time talking about movies, TV shows, the impact of reality TV, and a couple of our host’s video consumption setups. Join us for our adventure through vaccinations, books with wood covers, how to travel overseas without acquiring an STD, and Darrin’s mic being a freebie in a box of cracker jacks.

The Pre-Show:

1 Hour In – Home Theater/Television Setups:

Top Three Movies from each host:

Darrin’s Programming Quality Chart:

Highest Common Denominator

  • Mad Men
  • Community
  • Anthony Bourdain-anything
  • American Pickers
  • Louie
  • Simpsons
  • 30 Rock
  • The Office
  • Glee
  • Hoarders
  • Bride-anything (Bridezillas, Marry that Dress or whatever)
  • Kardashians-anything
  • Jersey Shore

Lowest Common Denominator

]]> http://serialsidelines.com/?feed=rss2&p=248 0 diablo,games,gaming,geek,hobbies,home theater,surround sound,television How you watch TV (or: It is like they were designed by programmers.) This week on the show we spent time talking about movies, TV shows, the impact of reality TV, and a couple of our host's video consumption setups. Join us for our adventure through vaccinations, books with wood covers, how to travel overseas without acquiring an STD, and Darrin's mic being a freebie in a box of cracker jacks. You can provide input or find more about the episode at serialsidelines.com including a full breakdown and links relating to this episode. Serial Sidelines yes 1:34:13 Smart Devices and Apps (or: How Bronies hijacked our Podcast) http://serialsidelines.com/?p=231 http://serialsidelines.com/?p=231#comments Mon, 09 Jul 2012 01:19:17 +0000 Alan http://serialsidelines.com/?p=231 Continue reading → ]]> This week we spent some time discussing our favorite apps on Smart devices and the OS quirks between iOS and Android. In addition, we heard how Nick continues to threaten his Xbox until it functions for a few more hours, erotica pre-Internet, experiences with credit/debit card compromises, and the sub-culture of Bronies.

A note: We had some fairly substantial audio/disconnect issues during this episode. We’ve cleaned it up as best we could without losing content but there are a couple spots that are pretty rough. Thanks for sticking with us through the technical difficulties.

The Pre-Show:

35 Minutes in: Your smart devices and favorite apps

 

]]> http://serialsidelines.com/?feed=rss2&p=231 0 Airplay,Android,Apple,Apps,Arduino,geek,hobbies,Ios,xbox Smart Devices and Apps (or: How Bronies hijacked our Podcast) This week we spent some time discussing our favorite apps on Smart devices and the OS quirks between iOS and Android. In addition, we heard how Nick continues to threaten his Xbox until it functions for a few more hours, erotica pre-Internet, experiences with credit/debit card compromises, and the sub-culture of Bronies. You can find a breakdown of this show and links to all the topics discussed at serialsidelines.com. A note: We had some fairly substantial audio/disconnect issues during this episode. We've cleaned it up as best we could without losing content but there are a couple spots that are pretty rough. Thanks for sticking with us through the technical difficulties. Serial Sidelines yes 1:41:41 How Serial Sidelines is Produced – Technical Overview http://serialsidelines.com/?p=226 http://serialsidelines.com/?p=226#comments Sat, 07 Jul 2012 00:27:51 +0000 Alan http://serialsidelines.com/?p=226 Yesterday I posted a blog entry over on my personal blog regarding the post-production process for Serial Sidelines. If you have any interest feel free to take a look and if you have Podcasting experience feel free to throw in some input in the forums!

Darrin, Josh, Nick, and Logan

]]> http://serialsidelines.com/?feed=rss2&p=226 0 Deadlands (or: Beneath it all, it’s horror.) http://serialsidelines.com/?p=215 http://serialsidelines.com/?p=215#comments Mon, 02 Jul 2012 04:35:31 +0000 Alan http://serialsidelines.com/?p=215 Continue reading → ]]> This week on the podcast we took on the tabletop role-playing game Deadlands, which is a horror western game set in three different time periods, with the first being after the Civil War, which was brought to a standstill by the introduction of magic and zombies into the world. From the breadth of the topic and game timeline, this might be the first in fifteen parts over the next five years (just kidding.. or not.) Join us for this, a discussion on Josh making mayonnaise, magical unicorns, solstice activities, and shooting bows in Mongolia among other things.

What is Everyone Doing?

55 Minutes In: Deadlands

]]> http://serialsidelines.com/?feed=rss2&p=215 0 CoC,deadlands,games,gaming,geek,mongolia,nerd,rpg,savage worlds,tabletop,xbox Deadlands (or: Beneath it all, it's horror.) This week on the podcast we took on the tabletop role-playing game Deadlands, which is a horror western game set in three different time periods, with the first being after the Civil War, which was brought to a standstill by the introduction of magic and zombies into the world. From the breadth of the topic and game timeline, this might be the first in fifteen parts over the next five years (just kidding.. or not.) Join us for this, a discussion on Josh making mayonnaise, magical unicorns, solstice activities, and shooting bows in Mongolia among other things. You can find out more information about this podcast, including links and more at serialsidelines.com. Serial Sidelines yes 1:49:29 Kit Electronics (or: Knight Rider made me do it!) http://serialsidelines.com/?p=203 http://serialsidelines.com/?p=203#comments Sun, 24 Jun 2012 08:14:43 +0000 Alan http://serialsidelines.com/?p=203 Continue reading → ]]> The topic beat with a stick this week is Kit Electronics, which is building electronics projects from the ground-up using some basic tools using pre-existing plans, usually with the parts included. Some examples of the good stuff you can build are FM Transmitters (need your own radio station?), amplifiers, clocks, RC cars, and radar guns (the type to determine the speed of objects.) One of the best things about getting started is you don’t need to have any electronics knowledge – the kits provide the plans, which you can use to learn as you go. In addition we spent some time discussing tabletop games, Mass Effect 3, Borderlands, and mice in grocery stores.

This episode represents the third in our Cheap Hobbies podcast series, which represents hobbies you can get involved in for <$250.

Our hosts today were Nick, Darrin, Jim, Logan, and Alan.

The Pre-Show:

33 Minutes In – Kit Electronics

Stuff you should get:

Suggestions for new folks:

  • Practice your solder joints
  • Get a good soldering iron
  • Have patience
  • Follow the directions precisely
  • Get a good multimeter
Darrin, Meet Acupuncture
Alan's Kit Electronics Setup

Alan’s Kit Electronics Setup

Podcast 10 & Nick's Helping Hands

Podcast 10 & Nick’s Helping Hands

]]> http://serialsidelines.com/?feed=rss2&p=203 0 diy,electronics,gaming,geek,hobbies,kits,solder,tabletop Kit Electronics (or: Knight Rider made me do it!) The topic beat with a stick this week is Kit Electronics, which is building electronics projects from the ground-up using some basic tools using pre-existing plans, usually with the parts included. Some examples of the good stuff you can build are FM Transmitters (need your own radio station?), amplifiers, clocks, RC cars, and radar guns (the type to determine the speed of objects.) One of the best things about getting started is you don't need to have any electronics knowledge - the kits provide the plans, which you can use to learn as you go. In addition we spent some time discussing tabletop games, Mass Effect 3, Borderlands, and mice in grocery stores. You can contribute to the discussion, make suggestions, and find links to the items discussed in the episode at serialsidelines.com. Serial Sidelines yes 1:09:45 Urban Gardening (or: The Way of Lazy Gardening) http://serialsidelines.com/?p=201 http://serialsidelines.com/?p=201#comments Mon, 18 Jun 2012 06:45:43 +0000 Alan http://serialsidelines.com/?p=201 Continue reading → ]]>

Today, as part of our Cheap Hobbies series, we discussed Urban Gardening, which covers the creation of gardens in areas where cement is more common than trees and grass. Darrin shares his experiences attempting to start a garden in the city and how things like irrigation systems and bees are important factors in keeping things growing and easy to maintain.

What has everyone been up to?

  • Nick is a legal resident of Mongolia!
  • Fixing an Xbox in Mongolia
  • Squirrels eating everything in the garden
  • Darrin’s Fitbit challenge with Tanya
  • Why do people go to art gallery openings/shows?
  • Things not to do: Wood-chip your coworkers then use Instagram to take hipster photos of them
  • Alan reading books on audio production
  • Alan’s first visit to a Guitar Center goes both good and bad – buys a Traveler Guitar as his new travel instrument
  • Interesting trip to Vegas during EDC complete with a unique Benihana visit

Urban Gardening: 26 Minutes In

  • Darrin figured out the podcast formula! Came prepared!
  • Container gardening
  • Automatic watering system
  • Doing your own composting in an urban environment?
  • Not many bug issues, but squirrels are a pain
  • What do you need to get started?
  • Some plants – even from the grocery store
  • Some pots
  • Miracle grow soil is handy
  • Get a good set of pruning sheers – bypass sheers
  • Aerogardens might be a good place to start for someone who wants something dead simple
  • Irrigationdirect.com – plug from Darrin
  • A timer could help if you get a irrigation system
  • Get a lattice if you need it for your plants
  • Encourage bees to visit
  • A downward spiral: Starts with veggies, then bees, then birds, then hobos.
  • Darrin didn’t contemplate the fact that the peanuts he planted are root veggies
  • Plants that tweet you when they need water
  • Seeds – Heirloom, Seedlings
  • Garlic and Pineappe Tops – easy stuff to grow right from the store
  • Hardiness Zones
  • Hardening your plants before putting them outside full-time
  • Attempting to plant in Mongolia
  • Heating Pads and keeping plants warm
  • Understanding seasons with plants – the importance of wintering / reduced water and light cycles
  • 1h14m – Getting Darrin to say “Duration between”
  • Lap Giraffe Commercials
  • 20 minutes a day at first to keep it up down to 20-25 minutes a week
  • Attack of the killer tomatoes – Elvira
  • Apple’s Refreshed Macbook Pro with Retina Display
]]> http://serialsidelines.com/?feed=rss2&p=201 0 gardening,geek,grow,hobby,irrigation,plants,urban,vegetables,xbox Urban Gardening (or: The Way of Lazy Gardening) Today, as part of our Cheap Hobbies series, we discussed Urban Gardening, which covers the creation of gardens in areas where cement is more common than trees and grass. Darrin shares his experiences attempting to start a garden in the city and how things like irrigation systems and bees are important factors in keeping things growing and easy to maintain. Serial Sidelines yes 1:30:36 Charcuterie (or: Duck Tales – The Extended Booby Edition!) http://serialsidelines.com/?p=192 http://serialsidelines.com/?p=192#comments Sun, 10 Jun 2012 18:24:55 +0000 Alan http://serialsidelines.com/?p=192 Continue reading → ]]> This episode is likely the beginning of a disconnected series on Charcuterie, which is a French term for meat preservation. Examples of cured meats you might consume regularly are bacon, ham, and sausage. Today we discussed the basics of charcuterie and Josh provided a walk-through of prepping French Style of Duck Confit, which is surprisingly easy; you probably have the tools you need already in your home. In addition to the main topic we did a good job of slaughtering some conversation on gaming, vegetarianism, disclaiming watching TMZ, and plenty of pot jokes to go along with the smokin’ discussion.

This is the first in a series of episodes on Cheap Hobbies, which we have defined as hobbies you can participate in beginning-to-end for under $250 investment.

The Lead-Up:

33 Minutes In: Charcuterie

Josh’s article on Make regarding rendering fat (brand new!)

]]> http://serialsidelines.com/?feed=rss2&p=192 0 confit,curing,duck,geek,hobbies,meat,preservation,smoking Charcuterie (or: Duck Tales - The Extended Booby Edition!) This episode is likely the beginning of a disconnected series on Charcuterie, which is a French term for meat preservation. Examples of cured meats you might consume regularly are bacon, ham, and sausage. Today we discussed the basics of charcuterie and Josh provided a walk-through of prepping French Style of Duck Confit, which is surprisingly easy; you probably have the tools you need already in your home. In addition to the main topic we did a good job of slaughtering some conversation on gaming, vegetarianism, disclaiming watching TMZ, and plenty of pot jokes to go along with the smokin' discussion. This is the first in a series of episodes on Cheap Hobbies, which we have defined as hobbies you can participate in beginning-to-end for under $250 investment. Serial Sidelines yes 1:17:40 We Want You! http://serialsidelines.com/?p=190 http://serialsidelines.com/?p=190#comments Sat, 09 Jun 2012 00:59:49 +0000 Alan http://serialsidelines.com/?p=190 Continue reading → ]]> But not in some sort of creepy guy on the street way. We’re looking for folks with interesting hobbies to come on the show and talk about them. Either that, or just drop in and be a guest host for an episode so that we have someone new to banter about within our shark-jumping love-fest.

If you have a great, wonderful, magnificent hobby, or just something you are completely obsessed with, let us know. Geekliness not required, we would love to get a latex fetishist or artist obsessed with microwaving crayons on the show.

Email alan <at> this website.com and give us a shout!

]]> http://serialsidelines.com/?feed=rss2&p=190 0 High-Speed Photography (or: A moose is driving my car and a squirrel is suing me for his PTSD) http://serialsidelines.com/?p=176 http://serialsidelines.com/?p=176#comments Sun, 03 Jun 2012 09:57:30 +0000 Alan http://serialsidelines.com/?p=176 Continue reading → ]]> In this episode we focus on high-speed photography, which is stopping the motion of moving objects within photographs by using high shutter speed on your camera or short bursts of light. In addition we talk about the major photo settings on your camera and why high-speed photography will help you learn the ever-elusive “manual” mode. As a bonus we addressed such universal questions such as: How do we photograph a moose bouncing off your car hood? How to catch a squirrel  making fast action while stealing your car in middle of the night? and the only practical use for setting your sock lint on fire.

What has everyone been up to?

  • Darrin used a saw!
  • Josh went to San Antonio!
  • Drinking his weekend away
  • Nick spends time in the countryside -  Mountain biking with the Mongolian 1%ers
  • Herding Horses with a LX570
  • Obligatory reference to The Oatmeal
  • The difference in time available (and hence video game skill) between kids and adults
  •  Body Odor Achievements in WoW
  • Alan playing some Diablo 3
  • Cutting down stuff with a chainsaw
  • Alan got a 22 rifle with all sorts of accessories for his B-day

14:45 – High-Speed Photography Segment

Jenga Tower assault by Tennis Ball

Jenga Tower assault by Tennis Ball

Strawberry Drop using Continuous Light

Strawberry Drop using Continuous Light

Balloon Dying

Balloon Dying

 

Balloon Bag Falling

Balloon Bag Falling

Soft Box Setup

Soft Box Setup

Depth of Field

Depth of Field

Balloon Before Death

Balloon Before Death

 

Overall Trigger setup

Overall Trigger setup

Natural Double Exposure

Natural Double Exposure

 

 

]]> http://serialsidelines.com/?feed=rss2&p=176 0 aperture,dslr,f-stop,high-speed,manual mode,photography,shutter,slr High-Speed Photography (or: A moose is driving my car and a squirrel is suing me for his PTSD) In this episode we focus on high-speed photography, which is stopping the motion of moving objects within photographs by using high shutter speed on your camera or short bursts of light. In addition we talk about the major photo settings on your camera and why high-speed photography will help you learn the ever-elusive "manual" mode. As a bonus we addressed such universal questions such as: How do we photograph a moose bouncing off your car hood? How to catch a squirrel making fast action while stealing your car in middle of the night? and the only practical use for setting your sock lint on fire. SerialSidelines.com yes 1:09:44 Call of Cthulhu (or: Why I should have become a History Major) http://serialsidelines.com/?p=158 http://serialsidelines.com/?p=158#comments Mon, 28 May 2012 07:58:25 +0000 Alan http://serialsidelines.com/?p=158 Continue reading → ]]> During this episode we spent time taking a deep-dive into the game Call of Cthulhu and other Lovecraftian topics in an effort to shed some light on a great game where goblins are not your primary prey from levels one to five. In addition we discussed Facebook-style games, impressions on recent video games including Diablo 3, Max Payne 3, and Game of Thrones, the new and improved Beavis and Butthead show, High-Speed Photography, and how life is like a box of chocolates.

Our hosts today included Jim, Nick, Darrin, Josh, and Alan.

What has everyone been up to?

Call of Cthulhu (CoC) Main Topic – 35 Minutes In

  • Dark Ages, Invictus, 20′s, 1890′s, Modern
  • Chaosium
  • BRP Gaming System
  • Percentile-based system
  • Insert CoC jokes here
  • Mansions of Madness
  • Arkham Horror
  • Stephen King’s world
  • Essentials: Main rulebook, settings books for your desired era
  • Setting the game apart from standard fantasy RPG’s
  • Sex in Gaming – how much is too much?
  • Noir/Mystery Aspects of the game
  • Focus on non-combat skills rather than battle-readiness – Chemistry, Astronomy, Book learning, Library
  • Monsters are powerful, humans are not
  • Grace under Pressure
  • The game is heavy on props
  • Trail of Cthulhu - Uses the Gumshoe system – Built for Noir gaming stories, then applied to the Lovecraft world
  • Dealing with situations where humanity is doomed due to a failed die roll
  • Knights of the dinner table – Teacher Game Master
  • In the 20′s, everyone wants a Tommy Gun
  • Cthulhu - The great one who sleeps under the sea who will one day destroy mankind
  • Reading about Lovecraft Recommendations: Call of Cthuhlu, Shadow over Innsmouth, At the Mountains of Madness
  • Minimum Acquisition list for playing: Main rulebook, Investigators Companions, Settings book for the era you want to play in
  • Classes – More like real life than a normal game.
  • Reference Materials such as old Sears catalogs are useful
  • Yog Sothoth
  • A few minis/something to diagram with is handy
  • Zombies!!! is a useful mega-mini resource
  • Darkest of the Hillside Thickets – Lovecraft Themed Music
  • Midnight Syndicate
  • Byakhee Character generator – CoC 
  • Delta Green – The X-Files if their bosses actually believed them to some degree
  • Jim Volunteers to run CoC for anyone!
  • Jim is looking for people to play Beyond the Mountains of Madness CoC Campaign. Contact him (jim at this website.com) if you are interested in participating.
Strawberry High-Speed
Balloon Popping

Balloon being popped, captured with high-speed trigger setup.

Pre-Defcon 2000 Nick, Lee, Josh, Ken, Alan

Pre-Defcon 2000 Nick, Lee, Josh, Ken, Alan

Nick @ Defcon 2000

Nick @ Defcon 2000

Alan @ Defcon 2000

Alan @ Defcon 2000

 

Josh @ Defcon 2000

Josh @ Defcon 2000

Nick, Josh, Alan, Lee, and Darrin @ Darrin's Wedding Post Defcon 2000

Nick, Josh, Alan, Lee, and Darrin @ Darrin's Wedding Post Defcon 2000

 

]]> http://serialsidelines.com/?feed=rss2&p=158 0 CoC,cthulhu,gadgets,gaming,geek,hobbies,rpg,tabletop Call of Cthulhu (or: Why I should have become a History major) During this episode we spent time taking a deep-dive into the game Call of Cthulhu and other Lovecraftian topics in an effort to shed some light on a great game where goblins are not your primary prey from levels one to five. In addition we discussed Facebook-style games, impressions on recent video games including Diablo 3, Max Payne 3, and Game of Thrones, the new and improved Beavis and Butthead show, High-Speed Photography, and how life is like a box of chocolates. Serial Sidelines yes 1:35:07 Guitars (or: ..but I don’t think I’d pull it out at a picnic) http://serialsidelines.com/?p=151 http://serialsidelines.com/?p=151#comments Mon, 21 May 2012 01:53:54 +0000 Alan http://serialsidelines.com/?p=151 Continue reading → ]]> In this episode we talk about emasculating hobbies, garden irrigation, the fitbit, high heels, Nick’s run-in with both a moose and a deer in the same car, finding pizza in Mongolia, getting old issues, and some banter about Darrin and Alan’s adventures while learning guitar. Join us on our journey through stories of incontinence and playing guitar only in a dark closet while alone.

Our hosts today are Darrin, Nick the deer killer, and Alan.

Items mentioned in this episode include…

Guitars Finally! Only 42 Minutes in!
  • Darrin picked up guitar!
  • Decided to pick it back up at his wife’s suggestion
  • Old Town School Folk Music in Chicago – The best part! You can drink beer! – Pretty much all good instruments except for pole dancing.
  • Youtube vs. Classroom Learning
  • Marty Schwartz Youtube
  • Chords – What are they?
  • Live Instruction – Being forced to go every week provided motivation to keep practicing
  • Ultimate-Guitar.com
  • Hand Position
  • Picks
  • Barre Chords
  • Fretboards Locations
  • G-Spot Theory
  • Spend Time learning
  • A few chords means a lot
  • Getting a Guitar – Low vs. High End
  • Martin
  • Yamaha
  • Don’t Buy at Retail Prices – Music
  • You don’t spend a lot on your first guitar
  • Initial Investment – Guitar, Tuner, and perhaps some strings
  • What are frets?
  • Guitar tuner apps
  • Clip-on tuners – Super handy
  • Humidifier in Dry Climates
  • Relative Tuning
  • Learning via the web – Google, Johnny Cash, Buffalo Gal
  • Transporting a guitar on airplanes
  • Shapes and type of guitar – dreadnaught, classic, steel string, jumbo, concert, grand concert
  • Get a guitar that you like
  • Taylor Guitars
  • Using Picks vs Fingers
  • Tabs – you don’t need to learn music
  • Rockband – the best party game ever – and its demise.
Before listening to Serial Sidelines please recognize that if this were the mid-1980′s we would be brought up in front of congress to define what what words were appropriate to use in public.

 

]]> http://serialsidelines.com/?feed=rss2&p=151 0 gardening,geek,guitar,instruments,music,rhps,rockband,tuning Guitars (or: ..but I don't think I'd pull it out at a picnic) In this episode we talk about emasculating hobbies, garden irrigation, the fitbit, high heels, Nick's run-in with both a moose and a deer in the same car, finding pizza in Mongolia, getting old issues, and some banter about Darrin and Alan's adventures while learning guitar. Join us on our journey through stories of incontinence and playing guitar only in a dark closet while alone. Serial Sidelines yes 1:28:46 Movies (or: I’m not downloading this one, that’s for sure.) http://serialsidelines.com/?p=132 http://serialsidelines.com/?p=132#comments Mon, 14 May 2012 01:49:09 +0000 Alan http://serialsidelines.com/?p=132 Continue reading → ]]> In this episode we discuss a ton of movies in short of just about all varieties including horror, scifi, addictive movies, romantic comedies, and movies we never want to see again among others. We also hit on how we’re all a bit more domestic than we would care to admit, and how Josh’s backpack vacuum takes the cake, especially when combined with chainsaws and book binding.

This episode comes with a mild movie spoiler warning, we didn’t dig into detail on anything but there are some tidbits here and there.

Hosts today include Darrin from Chicago (now our nominee for shittier-than-Mongolia Internet), Nick from Mongolia, Josh from Yee Haw land, Jim from the nether, and Alan from Alaska.

As with the last episode there are a few Skype audio issues, which we’re continuing to work on resolving, although Darrin is now the bringer of craptastic audio quality, outranking Nick.

Podcast Breakdown:

What have you been up to and What are you looking forward to?

Main Segment: Movies

As with all episodes of Serial Sidelines, this episode comes with an explicit lyrics warning.

 

Nick's Homemade Tortillas

]]> http://serialsidelines.com/?feed=rss2&p=132 0 Movies (or: I'm not downloading this one, that's for sure.) In this episode we discuss a ton of movies in short of just about all varieties including horror, scifi, addictive movies, romantic comedies, and movies we never want to see again among others. We also hit on how we're all a bit more domestic than we would care to admit, and how Josh's backpack vacuum takes the cake, especially when combined with chainsaws and book binding. This episode comes with a mild movie spoiler warning, we didn't dig into detail on anything but there are some tidbits here and there. Serial Sidelines yes 1:25:15 Episode 3: Video Games (or: Jim gets an iPhone but denies Smug) http://serialsidelines.com/?p=107 http://serialsidelines.com/?p=107#comments Sun, 06 May 2012 18:22:56 +0000 Alan http://serialsidelines.com/?p=107 Continue reading → ]]>

GTA Casino Royale

GTA SA Resident Evil

In this episode we banter about video games, discussing several specific games including Walking Dead the game, Mass Effect 3, Diablo 3 and Skyrim and general gaming concepts such as full-release games you can beat in a day, kid-friendly diversions, and games that destroyed our friends lives.

Our hosts this week include Jim, Josh, Nick (Straight from Mongolia!), and Alan. The False Nick mentioned is played by Nick Berget, not of Mongolia.

There are a few audio glitches due to the use of Skype from Mongolia. We’re working on improving that connection for future episodes.

Podcast Breakdown:

What has everyone been doing?

Jim

Josh

Nick

Alan

What are people looking forward to?

Jim

Josh

Nick

Alan

  • Looking forward to non-shitty internet

Main Topic: Video Games

Jim

Josh

Nick

Alan

Final Thoughts

As with all episodes of Serial Sidelines, please assure your frontal lobe is obscenity enabled before listening.

]]> http://serialsidelines.com/?feed=rss2&p=107 0 addiction,casual games,diablo,games,iphone,mass effect,mmo,mongolia,software,video,xbox Episode 3: Video Games (or: Jim gets an iPhone but denies smug) In this episode we banter about video games, discussing several specific games including Walking Dead the game, Mass Effect 3, Diablo 3, Enter the Matrix, and Skyrim and general gaming concepts such as full-release games you can beat in a day, kid-friendly diversions, and games that destroyed our friends lives. Our hosts this week include Jim, Josh, Nick (Straight from Mongolia!), and Alan. There are a few audio glitches due to the use of Skype from Mongolia. We're working on improving that connection for future episodes. Serial Sidelines yes 1:16:43 Posting Schedule and Failed Attempt http://serialsidelines.com/?p=101 http://serialsidelines.com/?p=101#comments Wed, 02 May 2012 03:08:14 +0000 Alan http://serialsidelines.com/?p=101 Continue reading → ]]> Our goal is to have the podcast online every week on Sunday (we are on-track as of this week).

Tonight we were excited to record the episode, which is going to be based upon video games, but due to timezone coordination madness it fell through. Never fear! An episode will be available this week.

To show that we made an attempt, here is a screenshot of the super-sexy hotel room-based studio. Next time we succeed! Huzzah!

Hotel Studio for (failed) Episode 3

]]> http://serialsidelines.com/?feed=rss2&p=101 0 Serial Sidelines now Available on iTunes http://serialsidelines.com/?p=95 http://serialsidelines.com/?p=95#comments Fri, 27 Apr 2012 18:06:07 +0000 Alan http://serialsidelines.com/?p=95 Howdy folks, we received approval from Apple this morning stating that the podcast is now available on iTunes.

Travel forth all ye iTunes users and rejoice!

]]> http://serialsidelines.com/?feed=rss2&p=95 0 Episode 2: Hand Tool Woodworking (or: Resisting the urge to joke about Josh’s wood) http://serialsidelines.com/?p=73 http://serialsidelines.com/?p=73#comments Thu, 26 Apr 2012 19:31:02 +0000 Alan http://serialsidelines.com/?p=73 Continue reading → ]]> Today our deep-dive topic is Hand Tool Woodworking, which has been one of Josh’s primary hobbies since moving to Texas several years ago. Unlike modern woodworking hand tool woodworking is both apartment friendly (due to the lack of power tools) and consumes plenty of time, allowing him to consume all the beer he has brewed with minimal chance of cutting limbs off.

Bumper music brought to you by Jim.

What has everyone been doing?

Looking forward to it:

 

Primary Topic: Hand Tool Woodworking

Josh’s Notes and links relating to woodworking:

Here are some good sets of project pictures pick from.

http://www.acerbic.org/images/WWing/QaTable/

This is that coffee table I talked about at length, there are also some shots with it next to the first coffee table I built Most of the pictures were photo-bombed by cats.

Josh's Coffee Table

http://www.acerbic.org/images/WWing/LampStand2/

One of my end tables, very recent project. Includes some in progress pictures and side by side shots with it’s older brother (same table, built three years prior):

http://www.acerbic.org/images/WWing/Cherry_Mirror/

Simple mirror I made for my niece with a little light carving.

http://www.acerbic.org/images/WWing/outdoor_table/

A table made from cheap cedar fencing material and slate tiles from Lowes.

http://www.acerbic.org/images/WWing/TV_Stand/

My TV stand, which is just a half sized trestle dining table, done up to look good surrounded by high tech gizmos.

http://www.acerbic.org/images/WWing/AV_Bookcase/

Simple bookcase to go with TV stand, included mainly so you can’t make fun of the very redneck picture in the other folder showing the new TV sitting in front of the old school entertainment center :-P

Some tool porn:

http://www.acerbic.org/images/WWing/Moulson_Bros_Backsaw/

Backsaw Josh Restored

Old saw I fixed up

http://www.acerbic.org/images/WWing/tools/sawfind/

Bunch of old saws I scored on eBay

http://www.acerbic.org/images/WWing/tools/Sargent_409/

My favorite smoothing plane, a 120 year old Sargent model 409.

Designed to take a very, very light cut and leave a very smooth surface.

http://www.acerbic.org/images/WWing/Chisel_Rack/Upgraded/IMG_1940.JPG

Chisels

Links to places to learn, buy and discuss woodworking stuff:

http://www.woodnet.net/forums/

Woodnet forums – good place to talk shop. A good mix of people there.

I once accidentally started a vi vs emacs flame war here, there’s a good geek population there. The classifieds section of the forum is a good resource for buying vintage tools (hand and power)

http://www.lostartpress.com/Default.asp

My favorite woodworking publisher, the blog here is fantastic and funny.

http://toolsforworkingwood.com/

Great source for new hand hand tools and supplies, really excellent blog as well

http://www.leevalley.com/

Another great source of new tools and supplies.

http://www.cianperez.com/Wood/Wood_home.htm

A crapload of good information here.

Before listening please take a look at the Serial Sidelines Every Show Explicit Guarantee.

]]> http://serialsidelines.com/?feed=rss2&p=73 0 games,gaming,geek,hand tools,restoration,rpg,tabletop,video,woodworking Episode 2: Hand Tool Woodworking Our topic today is hand tool wood working, which involves creating objects with a minimum number of power tools involved, making it both apartment friendly and a great time consumer. In addition we spend a bit talking over what Josh, Jim, and Alan are up to and what is next for them. Topics include: Woodworking, Tabletop Gaming, Board Games, Video Games, Making Bacon, and random banter. Serial Sidelines yes 1:03:50 Episode 1: Tabletop Gaming (or: I bet you a bunch of these are going to end in philia!) http://serialsidelines.com/?p=17 http://serialsidelines.com/?p=17#comments Sun, 22 Apr 2012 19:03:34 +0000 Alan http://serialsidelines.com/?p=17 Continue reading → ]]> The first episode of the podcast is online and ready for consumption!

Josh, Jim and I spent an hour talking about all sorts of good stuff, ending up where all good Podcasts do – with a discussion on how sex is handled within RPG’s.

 

Primary Topic: Tabletop Gaming

Some of the topics discussed, mentioned, or beat to death:

Before listening please assure that you understand the Serial Sidelines Every Show Explicit Guarantee.

]]> http://serialsidelines.com/?feed=rss2&p=17 0 tabletop, rpg, gaming, lovecraft, CoC, Who, DnD Episode 1: Tabletop Role Playing Games Today we discuss tabletop gaming including some focus on the Pathfinder, Call of Cthuhlu, D20 as a system, and D&D among others. We also talk through other geekly topics such as video games, and the worst RPG's of all time. Serial Sidelines yes 1:12:07