iPod Convert: Family Folktales

One of may favorite genres of podcasts to hunt down is the quality child-friendly storytelling podcast. I love The Moth for myself, but it is not for listening to between home and daycare, if you know what I mean. Storynory is always a hit with The Young Man, but as I mentioned in my earlier review of Storynory, was looking for a bit more diversity in the sources of the tales told. I've tried a few podcasts I found through iTunes, but several were either too saccharine or just weird.

Enter the Nashville Public Library Family Folktales Podcast. Although it's a pretty no-frills production it is solid and high-quality. Family Folktales has introduced us to new and unforgettable characters, like the Tanuki in "How the Wicked Tanuki Was Punished." The sources of the folktales seem to be pretty international, which is such a bonus for my kids who are exposed to a steady and mind numbing stream of Transformers and Power Rangers through school. Who ever thought that returning Strawberry Shortcake and those silly plastic ponies to the kids market was a good idea? Oh, never mind, the same geniuses who brought us Bratz! But I digress (which probably could be a title for this blog if I ever decided to change it).

There isn't a whole lot of information about the podcast, previous shows, or the narrator on the main webpage. However, it is worth looking through the archive on iTunes, although there are only six episodes. I certainly hope they keep up production, because we have enjoyed every single one of the shows so far, and how may podcasts can you say that about? The narrator is pleasant and engaging without trying too hard, although I would guess that acting is not her day job. The more I pay attention, the more I think that librarians get to have all the fun. I will say that these are pretty unfiltered traditional fairy tales. Parents die, grow-ups are wicked, and princesses get saved (so far, at least). We haven't run into any nightmares yet, but these stories are in the vein of the original Snow White, red-hot iron dancing shoes and all. So be forewarned, but please, please don't be scared off. Barney is a whole lot creepier, in my opinion.

So, if you are looking for stories with a bit more depth to them to share with your kids, or if you yourself are a fan of traditional fairy tales and folktales, please try Family Folktales and think about spreading the word and subscribing. Everyone likes a little appreciation, and in this case it is well deserved.

Return of the iPod Convert:The Moth Podcast

So what is it, you say, that possesses one to obtain a much better Internet connection, and then just stop blogging? I don't know, I have no good excuse. Perhaps it's been the siren's call of Facebook, or just a much-needed break. Whatever it was, I'm back.

I had a bad scare a few weeks back when my hand-me-down iPod started acting up. All is well now, except for an added quirk in ending the sync, but it wasn't until I was facing the possibility of going without my iPod that I realized how very attached I've become. I also use it almost exclusively to listen to podcasts.I still include some basic music when I sync, but it's purely for show or emergency no-radio situations. We're heavy on commercial country stations in my neck of the woods, and I'm not a fan.

I have, however, found a few new podcasts of note. A recent favorite is The Moth Podcast, which is like Selected Shorts took a detour through the studio of This American Life and decided to give amateur stand-up comedy a try. In a good way. Now, The Moth significantly predates the wunderkind This American Life, (another home favorite), but I remained woefully under-exposed to it's existence until last week.

The Moth bills itself as a non-profit storytelling organization and sponsor of "StorySlams." I have to say, the stories that I have listened to so far do have a certain what-the-hell, I'm buzzed anyway, I'll just grab-the-damn-mic quality to them. The live storytelling injects an element of risk and adrenaline, in contrast to the This American Life's cool, smooth and hip production style. The stories are a rush, grab you by the seat of your pants, and not for kids. Some of the guest storytellers are very well known, so it's surprising to catch hold of their nervous energy and hear the relief and joy in their voices as they come into the home stretch of an individual piece. I get the feeling that these are the stories that catch a teller by surprise, like when you end a conversation feeling as if it's been cathartic, but you have no idea how you ended up where you did.

Given the political season, my favorite episode so far is the most recent one, Joe Lockhart's "Impeachment Day." I'm also looking forward to Ritchie DiSalvo's "Anthony the Hat." In iTunes you are provided with "clean" and "explicit" coding for each episode ... I suggest you pay attention to this warning if you often travel with young children in the car (and want to avoid trying not to snort your tea out your nose and look disapproving at the same time. For example.) I had been feeling that my podcast playlist was getting a bit stale, and The Moth is certainly freshening it up.

If you enjoy quirky storytelling and don't mind the unpredictable, I suggest giving The Moth a try. Who knows, you might just end up on stage some day, not sure how you ended up there, but jonesing to tell a good story. Hey, it beats karaoke.

1% Well-Read Challenge: An Artist of the Floating World

Although I had to fit it in between all sorts of extra-curricular reading (think mysteries), I really enjoyed Kazuo Ishiguro's An Artist of the Floating World. It didn't hurt that I've been interested in the past in the use of art and architecture in the service of political ideology. Indeed, my undergraduate honors thesis was on the ways in which architecture and the movements of the early twentieth century were variously co-opted or derided in Italy during the fascist regime. Fun times, let me tell you, fun times. So Ishiguro's exploration of a similar topic through the musings of Japanese artist after WWII was, in a way, familiar territory.

It was also refreshing, to be quite honest, to read a work that didn't go on long past any reasonable point of stopping. This was a shorter read, and a perfect length for the story being told. It was not an epic, with deep character exploration of even peripheral figures and multiple complex plot lines. As befits the topic, the tale was told through the almost myopic view of the narrator. I am not a political scientist, but at the end of the day, don't all dictators really work from a world-view that cannot accommodate other viewpoints or experiences? That the narrator is starting to confess that he may hold some responsibility for what befalls him, his country, and his fellow artists helps to lighten what could otherwise be an oppressive and stifling atmosphere. All the while, Ishiguro manages to maintain his vulnerability and essential human appeal. In that sense, the book is truly remarkable.

I don't know what my next choice for the challenge will be. I'm avoiding Sostiene Peiriera for now, with the excuse that I'll need time to read during daylight hours and without a baby latched on and draped over one of my arms. I will need to consult my dictionary; this much is clear. If I have to pull out my old grammar textbook, so be it.

On an unrelated note, my iPod may be dying. I am in denial. Who knew I could become so attached to that which I mocked so completely? If it turns out to be true, I might just have to, as Miles puts it, "sob just a little bit."

iPod Convert: Sequenza21's Listening Room

I've found what I've been looking for. Almost.

I don't have a podcast review for contemporary or new classical music, because I haven't found the music I'm craving in a podcast format. Perhaps it doesn't exist, although given everything else I can find on iTunes alone, I find that hard to believe. I'd started to feel pretty discouraged in my search for free, exciting classical music online, and equally discouraged that the artists that I know must be out there producing innovative and challenging music aren't getting sufficient exposure. However, I just (just!) found Sequenza21's Listening Room wiki, and I think I'm in love. I'm on my third consecutive listen of the second movement of Jason R. Taylor's Four Stories High piece for baroque lute, Toy for Luka. I defy you to listen to these short two minutes of bliss and not want to rush on out and hug your child. I'm restraining myself from listening for a fourth time as I type. Nevermind, I'm listening again. (For what it's worth, the Listening Room lists Puzzle Piece as the second movement, but Jason Taylor's website lists Toy as the second and Puzzle as the third. Puzzle Piece is also very good). Lucky for Mr. Taylor, I'm already happily married and not to good on the whole childbearing front, because I think I'd want to bear this man's children.

I'm new to the wiki format, but the Sequenza21 wiki seems like an ideal format for new composers and artists to promote their music and connect. I'll probably stick with the Listening Room, but some of the other pages are also interesting. At the very least, it is a source to find new artists, and perhaps I can feed my (apparently) odd obsession that way. It lacks the convenience of the podcast, but downloading, converting and importing the mp3s is really only a few extra steps.

I also enjoyed the Basso Moderno Duo's Inspired by Nature. I have yet to listen to Daniel Carr's Some Robots Are Playing the Last Movement of My Piano Sonata, but I'm intrigued. I'd also encourage a stop by the Sequenza21's main page, which looks like a fantastic source in its own right.

I didn't find what I expected to, but the end point of this specific iPod Convert quest was still worth it. I found some other intriguing resources along the way, and I may share them as I have time to explore a bit more. For now, though, I am satiated.

iPod Convert: Research Edition

The iPod Convert feature will be back next week, as I'm still doing research on the contemporary/new classical music podcast options. So far it seems like a pretty thin field. If I find anything along the way, I may post an early review.

iPod Convert: Sleepy Eyes Knits and a Wish

This week's podcast review is a split decision ... a quick review of a podcast I've just found and am warming up to, and a fervent wish for a podcast that isn't (yet). I've also split my topics between knitting and music, two activities that normally go together quite well (unless you live with two small children, two needy dogs, two fractious kitties, and one long-suffering husband). My knitting time has been relegated to car rides (when I can avoid vertigo), late nights (if my eyes are open), and work meetings (I'm tired of knitting washcloths).

This makes the title of "Sleepy Eyes Knits" particularly apropos, although I don't know the origin of the name. Sleepy Eyes Knits is a relatively new podcast from Gina House, who has a lovely blog at Sleepy Eyes Knitting. It's the strong connection between Gina's podcast, her blog, her pattern designs, and some lovely tutorials and projects that has moved me to offer a review.

I'll try to explain. There are some podcasts that grow on me slowly, for whatever reason. It may be the podcasters' inflection, voice, timing or music choices that initially don't click with me. However, there is usually some kernel that keeps me listening. In my quest for new podcasts to review every week, I've discovered quite a few (that shall remain nameless) that I turn off in the first five minutes, delete from my itunes queue, and then swear to never download again. It's the ones that I am unsure about, that I listen to for just a few more minutes, and then, well, maybe just one more episode, those are the ones that seem to become some of my favorite listening. This was true of Geek.Farm.Life, which is now a cult favorite in my household. I suspect the same may be happening Sleepy Eyes Knits, although without the expanded family following (the Young Man is learning how to knit, but isn't obsessed with it yet).

Let me just point out that Gina clearly loves (loves!) fiber, knitting and patterns. Even a cursory look at her blog will yield the many patterns of her own design that she has posted, both free and for a nominal fee. ( I can see why the Amanda Hat is so popular. What a lovely design.) Apparently she also works in a yarn store, which immediately puts me in awe. My experience during my teen years of doing annual inventory at our local JoAnn's (when they actually sold fabric) taught me that I would be lucky to leave any place of employ that also sold fiber with even a shred of a paycheck. I have a pretty killer DMC floss collection, the majority of which dates from my *very first job* at a Jamesway department store. On employee discount nights I would load up with $20+ worth of embroidery thread, and that's when the normal price was still 4/$1. I still remember one evening when the floss was also on sale. Sale, discount, already low price, perhaps you get the picture. But I digress.

Sleepy Eyes Knits is full of Gina's chatty and quirky banter about yarns, patterns, new projects (old projects), and the occasional knitting notion. Gina clearly embraces her inner fiber geek, with very little apology. As it should be! On my first 1+ listens, I've become a little lost in the constant flurry of different pattern names and yarns, but it's inspiration to haunt Ravelry a bit more. I also appreciate Gina's promotion of lace patterns, and unabashed embrace of knitting scarves (at least, so far). The socks, well, I've already confessed to how I feel about socks. The less said, the better.

A final note ... the first episode I listened to (Episode 15: Pattern Palooza), featured the song/parody titled "50 Ways to Loose Your Luggage" by Robert Lund. I suggest a listen. Oh, and one more thing ... check out the crock-pot fiber dyeing tutorial.

So, with that transition, on to the music portion of this review. In a perfect world, Fresh Ink, a radio show produced by the Syracuse-based Society for New Music would release their past programs as podcasts. The show is phenomenal. I first caught the August 3rd show, Playful Music II on the drive home from Maine. You could barely tear me away. Poor Miles, I kept telling him to "shush!"; lucky for Miss T, she was sleeping. I enjoy classical music, but our local stations lack a little creativity. The morning music segment always starts with an overture. Need I say more? Jacob ter Veldhuis Jesus is coming, from The Garden of Love (Innova) was a revelation. Samples and classical music seem like an odd mix to you? Think again. The Society does provide some video of selected concerts and mp3s of Society-commissioned works, and this is a temporary balm.

I'm currently searching for a new music (classical format) podcast, hopefully for next week's iPod Convert review. I'd happily take any suggestions.

iPod Convert: Gospel Urban Soul

The recent trip to Maine provided plenty of podcast listening time, and my review for this week comes from approximately hour five of our first day's drive. This was not a universally appreciated choice in the minivan, but the dissenters can write their own blogs. Three out of the four of us were awake, and I'm pretty sure I can count on Miss T's vote, as she seems to appreciate a good vibe. My podcast choice for this week is Gospel Urban Soul, presented by DJ Herman MonStar out of Jacksonville, Florida.

I've written before about my love for "dusties" and urban soul music, and also pointed out the somewhat laughable conceit of my being able to speak with any legitimacy to music from the African-American experience. I try to broach the topic with humility and an acknowledgment of my profound ignorance. Good music is good music, and when listened to with a respectful ear and curiosity, I hope I can still learn and appreciate. In this case, gospel music legitimately has its own evangelical agenda, and you can count me among the converted.

I will be frank; Gospel Urban Soul will not be for everyone. This modern, funky gospel music with a distinctly urban twist is unapologetic about praising God and espousing personal salvation. This isn't a problem for me. If I'm listening to gospel music, I expect it to reflect and to present, well, the Gospel. I spent a brief year as a member of a small gospel choir, and although I was young and stupid at the time, the experience is still important to my spiritual formation. My own take on and practice of Christianity may not be the same as everything sung about in modern gospel music, but I think I can benefit from the forthrightness of the music and the witness it offers.

God comes to us in many different ways. If I am shy to shout, "Praise God!", the artists presented by the DJ Herman MonStar are not. And the standard of musicality for artists is high ... not once did I feel bored or as if the music being presented was derivative, even if I personally liked some songs or artist more than others. The selections were joyous, often beautifully sung, catchy and always deeply felt. I particularly liked "I Can Feel Him", by DJ EL from Episode 11. (Although this track did leave the Hubby opening our glovebox on a search for "Jesus in my car." Heathen.)

This isn't a weekly podcast ... episodes appear to come out every three months or so. I certainly hope that DJ Herman MonStar will continue in his efforts with Gospel Urban Soul, and that he and his program enjoy broad distribution. I'm sure that I'm not alone when I admit that I struggle with my faith; I can't say it reaches to the level of wrestling with God as Jacob did, but I walked away for several years, and came back despite myself. Gospel Urban Soul helps to remind me of the joy and profundity of that return, and of the rich diversity of God's grace. From the Gospel Urban Soul website: "The Gospel Music Network plays blazin' hot music from God's gifted and talented recording artists spreading the good news. God's word will nourish your spirit and the music inspired by God will satisfy your soul. You will surely be entertained, encouraged and uplifted. Get ready to experience the next movement in gospel music."

Amen (and thank you).

iPod Convert: Storynory!

My latest podcast recommendation comes from the search for non-commercial and kid-friendly listening for the driving I do with the urchins. Now, most of my frequent listening is already pretty safe (what can I say, it is my lot in life), but I would also like to have content specifically created for kids. We've had great luck with audio books for The Young Man, and his interest in Geek.Farm.Life made me feel pretty secure in his ability to follow along without any visual aids. (Such a funny child ... he is always asking for more "Farm Phone Rocks" as he calls GFL. I'd love to know what he gets out of the podcasts.The Hubby fears it is more fuel for the pig obsession.)

But back to the topic at hand. My latest find is Storynory, and it is a hit. I actually didn't get to listen to the trial run of a Storynory podcast with Miles and Miss T, but I certainly heard about it after the fact. We came in to the series with an episode of an ongoing Robin Hood storyline. Now, Miles' retelling of the episode leads me to believe he didn't get all of the subtleties of the Sheriff of Nottingham's visit to Robin's forest hide-a-way, but that certainly didn't stop him from enjoying the story. I was quickly tasked with finding more of the same, and stocking up for our upcoming trek to Maine. Direct from the Storynory site: "Our stories have bought harmony in place of strife on the back seats of cars all over the world. Next time you go away, take Storynory with you."

I'll be sure to, although our strife is blissfully limited, and the savage beast that is a pissed-off Teija isn't likely to be soothed by Jack and the Beanstalk. (Perhaps she prefers the Jasper FForde version? That's my little hard-boiled sweetie-pie.)

Please don't be put off by the somewhat basic website. It isn't fancy, and I found I had to navigate a bit to get to what I wanted. It is so worth it. The focus at Storynory is the storytelling. The narrator Natasha's timing is excellent, (Goodness! She's a looker!), and her interpretations of the different characters avoid the saccharine over-simplification of so much storytelling for children. I appreciate that at five Miles will have to reach to understand some of the motivations of main characters, or that the language is challenging and the fairy tales retain a bit of their Brothers Grimm darkness. I think it is the complexity of these classic tales and the foibles of their characters that enthralls him. I kid-you-not, I didn't hear a peep from him during his second listening of the Sheriff Who Came to Dinner episode, and he can ask questions from sun-up to sundown when the mood strikes him. The stories are also well-paced and not overly long, which shows that the producers know more than a thing or two about kids.

I can't wait to delve into the classic fairytales page, and appreciate that the stories are broken down by primary source, including the aforementioned Brothers Grimm, Charles Perrault, Hans Christian Anderson and others. There is even a category of tales for younger listeners. The Oscar Wilde story is one I am completely unfamiliar with (I.Love.Oscar.Wilde.).

Some parents may be struck by a certain Euro-centric quality to the story selections. The founders are based in London, so this isn't a complete surprise. This is my initial impression, and I may yet be proven wrong, particularly when it comes to the original stories. I did not realize the extent to which I personally expect to see selections from all over the world until I started to review the archives. I mention this mostly as an encouragement to try to find other sources for folk tales and stories from around the word, and not to detract in any way from the ones offered by Storynory. If you find other sources to expand your family's array of children's stories, please post a comment! Storynory does have a Japanese site, so perhaps some selections for that audience will migrate over to the English-language site as well? I can hope.

I could go on, but I think I've hit the highlights. I'm so enamored I might even add a page widget. For the most part, though, I'll enjoy listening.