Sidepodcast

Ever Dream of Being a Radio DJ?

A few weeks ago, RG came up with the idea of Sidepodradio in the comments. It was mentioned in jest, and some of the Sidepodcommunity came up with shows they'd like to do, tailored to their interests. Fast forward to now, and Sidepodradio is real, it's happening and we want you to be a part of it.

Not Another Sidepod... Show

Yes, sorry about that. Not content with providing more content than it is feasible to listen to, we are now going to go for an entire 12 hours on Sunday 2nd August. From 12pm UK time to midnight, we will be broadcasting various shows in half hour slots, and there will be plenty to listen to. The exact mechanics of the process are yet to be decided, but as a listener, all you have to do is show up to the Live Comments on Sunday and get listening.

Put That Hairbrush Away

Now, for the more adventurous out there, we need you. No longer do you have to stand in front of the mirror with a hairbrush, there are 24 half hour slots to fill and we want you to host them. The wiki is already filling up with great content, but there is still plenty of space for more. Have an idea for a radio show that you've always wanted to broadcast? Now is your chance. It doesn't even have to be specifically about F1. We're going for a Parade Lap feel, where F1 is always there, but doesn't have to be on the tip of our tongue.

The options are limitless as well. You can broadcast live with us on the day, or you can submit a pre-recorded show. You can take callers, play music, discuss whatever topics are on your mind. You can be on air with Mr C and myself, or you can fly solo. If you want technical help or advice, ask away.

A Whole Half Hour

Say you don't want to commit to an entire show (and I'll be disappointed if you don't), there's space for you as well. Why not leave us a voicemail with a smooth transition that we can play between shows? Ever wanted to be like the callers on radio that say: "Every time I'm on the interwebs, I listen to Sidepodradio." Now you can. Call us on 0121 28 87225, and leave a quick thought for us to play.

Sidepodcast - Hobby Turned Radio Station

Calling it radio is perhaps a little misleading because we  aren't suddenly going to be hitting the FM airwaves or anything like that. Radio is expensive, the internet is less so. However, broadcasting for 12 hours will cost us a little more, something in the region of £120. We are therefore asking for donations, however big or small, to put towards the cause. There's a paypal donate button on the right hand side of the homepage. If we go over our total, the rest of the money will go to an as yet undecided charity.

So, there you have it. That's what we know so far, and in our usual chaotic and spontaneous fashion, it will all come together at the last minute. However, if you have any questions or thoughts, leave them in the comments or email me: christine at sidepodcast dot com.

Do They Party as Hard as We Do?

Force India have issued a press release today that seems to have snuck under the radar a little bit. It doesn't make for heavy reading, and there's no earth shattering news in there, but it certainly does brighten up one's day.

Dr Vijay Mallya is making a point that the Force India F1 Team partied like it was 1999 this year, and they intend to keep on doing so. The press release lists a whole host of celebrity names I've never heard of, and three that I have, but it's the little details that make me smile.

The idea of Sakon Yamamoto taking to the decks to DJ a set for an FIF1 party is something that will keep me going for days. Cricketers mingling with Bollywood beauties, all bopping around to the tunes from the hands of an F1 driver. Only at a Mallya party, I reckon.

Anyway, the point to all this is that in these troubled times, it's nice to know there is still fun to be had. It may be all about cost-cutting here, scrimping and saving there, but the champagne still needs drinking and Mallya knows just the people to do so.

This gets a hearty thumbs up from me, because half the battle of turning around a recession is getting people to believe things will be okay. The press release signs off:

The team gave Good Times and promises to give more Good Times during the 2009 season.

That's good times with a capital G & T. I'll drink to that.