Podcast coming later tonight; What is a Podcast?

Wow. That's all I can say about that. Wow.

Alright, once you're done lookin' at that, it's time for some news. Well, I got a page set up to host my new podcast, which I've tentatively titled Jump Cut Radio. Nathan should be stopping by later tonight to record the episode with me. Let me go ahead and briefly explain what a podcast is exactly.

Podcasting uses RSS feeds with enclosures to transmit MP3 files to personal computers that have subscribed to the specific feeds they want to listen to. If you've ever used programs like NetNewsWire, which are designed to look on news websites like CNN and BBC and check for new articles, you've had some experience with RSS and XML feeds. Podcasting is similar, except instead of news articles, people post mp3 files which special software (iPodderX is one example) looks for and downloads onto your computer.

What podcasting has to offer are downloadable radio broadcasts that you can listen to on-demand using your iPod (or other Mp3 player, hence the name, PODcasts). The technology was developed by Adam Curry, a former VJ on MTV, who has a bunch of websites that help explain what podcasting is all about (I recommend visiting iPodder.org for more info). His podcast, the Daily Source Code, is probably the one you should start with. He talks about new technologies and breakthroughs in podcasting, the latest podcasts, plus some cool music. You can download it at Curry.com

Most of the podcasts out right now are mostly talk shows. Since you need ASCAP and BMI licenses to broadcast mainstream music on the internet, most folks who do play music play independent or indie artists. My personal favorite is Tracks Up the Tree, hosted by Funtime Ben, at UpTheTree.com. There's also Coverville, a radio station that plays rare and obscure cover songs, which is ASCAP licensed, at Coverville.com

The best place to look for the most popular podcasts, plus how to get set up and download the right software, is Podcast Alley.

I think that pretty much sums up podcasting. I hope it gave everyone a basic understanding of this awesome new technology.

Random News Article of the Week: Robot arms are put to the ultimate test: an arm wrestling competition!
Free MP3 of the Week: New Coldplay Song! WHOO-HOO! (oh, and apparently, it sounds a lot like a Kraftwerk song)

(UPDATE: They've taken off the Coldplay MP3 due to bandwidth overload. If you want it, e-mail me and I'll try and send it to you.)

Also, if you have a buck to spend (or if you've won a free song from Pepsi), I highly recommend downloading this new song from Ben Folds. WARNING: May contain profanity.

Nope, scratch that. MOST DEFINITELY contains profanity.