WHAT NOW? NAILS

As of the first of this year, 2009, I've decided to no longer publish The Daily Zipcast Podcast. Although I do enjoy podcasting I felt it best to stop and try other things. New year, new projects like blogging more. Blogging is a thought process and will probably take a little longer then simply recording a podcast. Not that I didn't think about the process and content of the podcast but I do admit sometimes it was just too easy to put out a lot of nonsense than to think the project through. At least here, you won't hear me say, "you know" like Caroline Kennedy or use "uh" over an over. I'm sure I can find other ways to get your attention.

Speaking of attention, I just realised that I'll need to cut my nails more often if I'm to type. I just cut them last week and it seems they already need cutting. I hate the sound of long nails hitting the keys. I'm a man. I don't grow my nails long but if they get past a certain length, I go bonkers. It feels that they are in my way. The disadvantage of short nails is picking up thin objects off the ground like coins or slivers of paper. Nails are useful for that but that's about it.

Editing. Now that's the other thing about blogging. You have to proff read. Oops! Make that "Proof" read, So, if I'm to "nail it" as a blogger, I have to be careful about what I say and proof read for mistakes. Good English is important too. I might need some help there but as I blog perhaps that will improve too. If it gets to be too much work, I might go back to podcasting.

IT'S OPEN, THE ZIPCAST STORE

The Zipcast Store is open for business. Here's the link.

http://www.zipcaststore.us

Shop til ya drop

The Zipcast Store

I'll post a link soon to my Amazon store I simply called The Zipcast Store. Once it's up and ready you should be able to reach it by clicking on zipcaststore.us . I feature the catagories I like.

Here they are: cameras, books, the Kindle ( an electronic reading device ), musicial instruments ( and other audio items ), and electronics.

Take a look around. There's always some good deals. I'm hoping to supplement my income by promoting the site on my podcast called The Daily Zipcast. Join me sometimes as I discuss the topics of the day and some down home chatter about whatever is on my mind.

You can visit zip71101.mevio.com or go to iTunes and subscribe. You can listen online or move the mp3 file to your media player. See you there.

Ron

RAIN TODAY

I'm home today because I woke up in the middle of the night with a bad headache. It kept me from getting back to sleep for a while. After an hour or so I decided to take some Advil and within a few minutes I was fast asleep. I woke up around 5:30 and the headache was still there but not as painful. I dosed for another hour and then got up to get ready for work. After bathing I decided I'd stay at home today. I've been so busy for the past two weeks that my body seemed to tell me that I needed to slow down. The headache is gone but I feel so sleepy now. About two hours ago I was sitting on the couch and begin to dose off as I listened to the rain and the pitter-patter of it on the roof. I slept so good I didn't want to wake up but when I finally forced myself to open my eyes my head had fallen to one side and was stiff. I slowly raised my head and stretched then walked back to my computer room to check my mail. After that I got a bite to eat and checked Twitter. Nothing interesting at the moment. Now I'm blogging hoping this will help me clear my head and get my day going but somehow I've got a feeling if the rain comes back, I'll go back to sleeppppppppppppppp.

The Daily Zipcast ZIP 71101

It's almost been 2 months that I've been doing my podcast ZIP 71101 - The Zipcast, as a daily show. I wasn't sure I'd last this long but so far, so good. I've found myself moving from a personal journal podcast to a topical podcast featuring my take on current world events, technology and music with my personal material included in the mix.

I've always loved technology. I can remember when I was 10 years old, taking the back off a new transistor radio just to see how it worked. I took basic electronics in high school and had a blast but after that moved on to other things. When I got my first computer I couldn't wait to learn all I could about it. That was probably in 1980-81. Now I can't go one day without one. Podcasting opened up a door for me to explore the world of "broadcasting" again and took me back to my high school days when I was known as the guy that wanted to be a DJ. Although I don't consider myself as a DJ, I do feel I'm fulfilling my dream to communicate.

KEEPING MY HEAD ABOVE WATER

Keeping my head above water is a full time job. I'm always into one thing or another, trying this and moving on to something else. I lose interest unless I really focus on what I'm doing. There are so many things to do, places to go and things I want to try. Will there be enough time in my life to try everything? The answer is no but if I really focus on what's in front of me now perhaps I'll have some success.
Podcasting is an area I've focused on this year. I'm trying to publish a show 5 days a week. It's getting easier but the subjects are getting fewer. I wonder what I'll do next? Video? Oops! too late, been there and doing that now as well. I'm looking at ooVoo now. http://www.oovoo.com . How can I use this for my video podcasting? Perhaps Ho! Agenda would be a perfect fit for it. Viewers could watch Tom and I talk for hours about how people waste their time talking and not doing. Whoa! hmm, so that's what we do. Well at least it's entertainment for us and you're invited to listen in. Here's the links.
http://hoagenda.podshow.com
http://truckertom.podshow.com
http://zip71101.podshow.com

From time to time we get together on Skype and just yap about everything from the atom to technology. Two great wanna be minds get together and share our vision for the world as we see it. After all, we're the kings of our domains.

I think I've blogged enough for now. See you in a few weeks, months or whatever.

Ron

I'm Really Mad

How stupid I was to sign up with Quechup. I apologise to anyone that got suckered in because of my mistake. It apparently read my address book and my email and stole my passwords as well. Someone should go to jail for this. I hope they get shut down, fined and get jail time. It's a shame they were so stupid. GRRRRRRRRRR

il trailer del film di Lanois by U2place.com

Daniel Lanois new movie trailer. Yes, Shawn appears in the movie but not in the trailer. However, you can hear him playing bass. December, 2006

Daniel Lanois - The Maker

This video was shot in Shreveport, LA in December of 2006. My son, Shawn Stroope is on bass. The musicians are Daniel Lanois, Brain and Brady Blade, Buddy Miller and Shawn Stroope. It was a great concert.

Where Is Ricky Lips, Jr. ?

June 11th, I spoke to Ricky Lips, Jr. at his home in South Louisiana. He's doing well and getting on with his life. He finished high school and is working but soon will be leaving home to start his new life and career. Please, go to my podcast to find out more. The web address is http://zip.podshow.com .

Right after interviewing Ricky I became ill. I had some mean virus that causes stomach cramps and nausea. Not a lot of fun. It lasted about a week and now I'm better but not quite out of the woods. At least I can eat something now besides popcicles and jello
Until next time, Ron

New 2007 Ricky Lips, Jr. Update

June 10, 2007

I was suppose to have an interview with Ricky Lip, Jr. tonight but due to technical problems the interview has been postponed until another night this week. I did speak with Ricky breifly and he told about some of his plans for the future. I'll be sharing that with you and also asking about his life over the past year. I'm sure this will be interesting so please watch for the interview. I hope to have it out by this coming weekend.

I mentioned the Tavis Smiley PBS program "Right to Return: New Home Movies from the 9th Ward" on my last podcast. I now have the dates of the re-play of this 5 night series about the plight of those who have returned to New Orleans to rebuild in the 9th Ward. Please check your local listings for the time. The series re-airs Monday, July 16th - Friday, July 20. This is a documentary by award winning producer Jonathan Demme and made on home movie equipment. Very interesting and moving. You'll see the real heart of the 9th Ward community.

I sent Tavis Smiley a link to my Ricky Lips interview. If you feel it was a moving story, please go to pbs.org, and send him an email as well. It seems everyone wants to talk about what should be done but no one is actually doing anything. I hope my interview with Ricky will open new doors for the people of South Louisiana as well as Mississippi and Florida.

I'm also working on the idea of releasing my photos and video of my tour of the city back in March of 2006. Not much has changed so I'm told. I need to get permisson to air the audio. If that's not possible I'll just add my photos and mix them with the video with commentary and music. Perhaps clips from some of the Katrina interviews that I've not released as well. I have a friend that I'm considering asking to help me edit it into a professional documentary. I've not made up my mind yet because I know it's a lot of work for free.

Wow, I'm getting into this blogging stuff. I hope to start listing my blog on several sites to generate more interest in the podcast. Got any thoughts or ideas? Please pass them on to me. My email, zipcast@gmail.com

Ron

I forgot Blogger

I forgot about Blogger. It was last January when I last posted anything. OOPS!

May 23, 2007, my birthday. Today I'm 57. A classic car year, 1957. Wow, I was only 7 years old, 50 years ago. I had a birthday party and I have some pictures to prove it, somewhere. I do remember it well. Mosby Street, Eldorado, AR. My friends from the neighborhood were there. John & Eddie Hopkins, Mike and Allen Morgan, Butch, MaryBeth, Sam ( My baby brother ) and a few strays who dropped by uninvited to get some cake. ha!

Had a great day today. Shawn, my 33 year old son dropped by and gave me the new Wilco CD and DVD as a gift. Chris my youngest called me, a co-worker called, Sam called (see above), Mom called and of course, my wife told me "Happy Birthday" .....wake up. ha! She woke me up to say, " I'm leaving, happy birthday"....No...she was going to work. ha!

That's about it. See you at the next blog..in a few>>>>>>>>>>>>>> weeks, months, or years.

Ron

ZIP 71101 PODCAST - 2007 VERSION

It's 2007, a new year and a new opportunity to share my music and thoughts with you. Oh, don't forget interviews with music artists and other podcasters. It's going to be bigger and better then ever. Please join me in making 2007 the best year ever for podcasting. Happy New Year. Here's the link zip71101.com .

WORK

It's really been a busy week at work but man, I've really enjoyed it. WHAT? Yep!... I've really enjoyed working this week. I had to fill in for my wife so she could take vacation. I learned quite a bit about the business and helped a lot of folks with their business needs. Work is good, when you enjoy it. So, find what you enjoy and do it the best you know how and you'll be rewarded.

Still Small Voice

I mentioned the still small voice in the last blog. That's taken from the Bible. I'll discuss this in a future blog but for now it's when you just know something or something happens and things just fall into place and you sense it's a confirmation of what you've been considering. That ought to confuse you.

THINGS THAT MATTER

A couple of days ago I was looking for something to read. I looked on all the shelves on the bookcase but the bottom one. I almost didn't look because most of the books are photography books and catalogs but suddenly I found myself on my knees. My eyes fell on a book that I had forgotten about. It was recommended by a friend a couple of years ago but for some strange reason I remember looking it over and scanning a few pages. It was interesting so I placed it on the bookshelf but never thought of it again. I took the book off the shelf and again thumbed through the pages. I was tired of working on my computer, watching TV and just plain bored with life. I needed a new cause, a reason to do something productive, a new purpose, perhaps new direction but I just couldn't put my finger on it. I lay on the bed and started reading and the more I read, the more I wanted to read. The book is by Hal Urban and it's called Life's Greatest Lessons, 20 Things That Matter. After reading for about an hour I decided to get up and send the writer an email. I thought that this guy should have a podcast so I went to his website and saw how busy he was and put the thought aside. Then it hit me. I was the one to have the podcast. After all, the thought came to me so maybe I should be the one. I have lots of stories and ideas about the subject. I wrote my friend and fellow podcaster, Tom Wiles and told him about the idea. He wrote back and said the idea was great and that I should do it. So with that settled, I put it out of my mind until today. Late this afternoon I decided to go outside, sit in the shade and continue reading the book. I opened the closet door to get a pair of shoes and something caught my eye. It was another book. My wife has some books stored in the top of my closet but I never pay attention to them. This book was the Daily Guideposts 2004. I didn't even know we had such a book. It turns out that it was a gift to my wife from a church friend. I felt drawn to the book but didn't know why. I just knew I had to check it out. I took it outside with me leaving the other book inside. I pulled up a yard chair and was admiring the golden rays of the evening sun for a few minutes and at the same time, not looking, I opened the book and stuck my forefinger in it. Why, I don't know, but when I finally opened the book it was on a page about Christmas and the title of the chapter was " Advent With Things That Matter". Wow, it was an awesome moment. I just stared at those words knowing that something special and divine just happened. I read the chapter and got some ideas for the first podcast, closed the book, looked on the back cover and at the top it reads, "Welcome, Join our family of sixty writers and read about the Things That Matter in life. Things like this just don't happen everyday and when they do I've learned to listen to the still small voice inside because it just might be God telling me what to do next. In this case, I have to believe it was God. Too many things have been happening or showing up that point to what I am to do. All of this started when I made a commitment to use my time better and put some things aside that I could live without. I'd been looking for an idea for a new podcast and had given up. I wanted to do more then just play music and talk about unimportant things. I wanted to leave my listeners with something to think about. Perhaps I'll keep my other podcast and have a feature called Things That Matter but for now I'm considering making a totally new podcast and of course it will be called "Things That Matter". I'll keep you posted when it starts.
One that matters to me now is that I continue to listen to that inner voice more often.
That's all for now. Have a wonderful summer.

UnSeen Things - Mother's Day 2006

It's been a long Mother's Day. I put over 80 miles on my car picking up my mother and going to my wife's sister's new home and back again. It was a nice time but I was really saddened to see how much my brother-in-law had gone down. He's lost at least 30 pounds and is beginning to look like another person. He seemed to be having a good day today and was up and about and talkative. God bless him, he has a rare form of stomach cancer and has been given only a few months to live. His name is Larry Averitt and when you pray, pray for him. He's a wonderful person. I've known him for nearly 30 years and I've never seen him mad, angry or upset. No one could ask for a better friend then Larry. I'm glad I had some time to spend with him today.

Of course, there's nothing on TV tonight, no movies worth watching or anything interesting. I'm bored and a bit tired. I bought a book at Wal-Mart on the discount table and I've started reading it. It's a Christian book but not the usual preachy type. The writer is a thinker and has really put some thought and time into the subject. He says the empty feeling we all get sometimes is home sickness. Not for this world but for something that God put in all of us. It's the longing for home. Not an earthly home but for heaven. Since we are body, soul and spirit, it's in our heart (spirit) and was placed there by our Father, God, and it's a longing for our real home. Our final destination. It's a longing for something more then the riches of earth offer. I think he's right. The name of the book is UnSeen Things by Mark Buchanan.
Have you ever stood alone on the side of the road watching the sun go down. That big red ball of fire slowly sinking out of site only leaving an afterglow of beautiful golden rays that soon disappear into darkness. That feeling of loneliness, emptiness, abandonment or whatever you choose to call it is telling us it's time to go home. Kind of the way I feel right now. I think it's a time to reflect, to pray, to seek God, to draw near Him. It's as though He's pulling us to Him, placing His arms of mercy around us, telling us that He's there.

I've only read the first 3 chapters but those are my thoughts about what Buchanan is trying to say.
Here's a quote from the book,

"It is eternity in my heart, It is a taste, however elusive, of some Other Thing, some Unseen Thing. It is a reminder that the world is not enough, and that every bone and cell in me knows that. It is a desire for something that earth can make me thirst for, but never quench"

The quote is from a memory of his youth of his parents laughing. They have long since passed into eternity. It's the feeling that best describes a desire to go back to that time and place, but of course, it's not possible. It's the longing he feels for that time. A haunting memory.
Although we haven't seen God, we know He's there and we long to see Him. It's as though we have a memory of Him. If we are made in His image, then we must have a longing to know our Creator and Father. It's a desire to be with Him in His house. It's that drawing in our hearts that let's us know He's there and is also longing to be with us.

I think you know what I'm saying. The more you read the Bible and get understanding, the closer you get to God. The closer you get, you begin to understand and hear His voice. Listen, it's not in the wind or the fire or storm. It's in your heart, you spirit. The Bible calls the heart the "candle of the Lord", meaning where we get our understanding. It lights the path of our life here on earth. It's the only place where you'll hear that familiar voice calling us home.

It's Over Until Next Year

Yep, it's over. The turkey and dressing, family visits, eating too much. Whew! Next up is Christmas and it's a bit more complicated. It seems that it comes so slow and when it finally arrives it's over in a matter of hours. Then.....New Years Day, we get to start over, lose weight, starve, and make promises to ourselves that we can't keep. What a great life, because everything in between is just icing on the cake.
Hey, are you listening to me? Wake up. Oh! who won the game? I don't know, I was getting some dessert during the last play of the game. Oh well, I'll just watch it on the news or ESPN.
If you read my blog, please send me a short e-mail and put this line in the subject line. Cut and paste the one that applies.

Yes, I read your stupid blog.

No, I don't waste my time on you. ( Yeah right )

Send e-mail to rstroope@gmail.com

Merry Christmas,....Happy New Year..

Thanksgiving and Christmas

Howdy,
I've been really busy lately working on my podcasts and other projects. My podcasts are coming out about twice a month now and I really haven't taken a lot of thought in creating them. Shame on me, but life has really gotten busy. I'm working almost everyday now so that really drains my energy. By the time I get home, I'm ready to take a nap and just kick back. Peyton, my oldest grandson had his tonsils removed Monday and he stayed with us for the past few days. My wife is off on vacation and I took off Monday for his surgery, worked Tuesday, off today and the rest of the week. I bought him his first BB gun. Oh well, he already has a deer rifle so I guess I didn't really make a big impression but it's the thought that counts. Right? He wanted to shoot the neighborhood squirrels and birds but I stepped in and explained that I liked my animals. So, he shot me....no not really..just kidding, but I think he probably thought about it. Well, it's Thanksgiving so I know you don't want to waste time reading this so I hope you have a great Thanksgiving Day and can spend time with your friends and family. Thanks for listening...or is it reading..whatever, you know what I mean.

Ron

Podcasting, Hurricanes, and Who Knows What's Next

I've got to make this quick. First, hello to Shelia Kidd in Austin, Texas. Shelia is the sister to one of my dearest friends, the late Quinton Grace. She is a very talented singer and song writer now living in Austin, TX. It was a thrill to see your note. Call me the next time you come to Shreveport. Wow, how exciting...only on the internet. Shelia, please check out my podcast, zip71101 found at www.zip71101.com. It's about the music you love.
There have been lots of things happening over the past 2 months. In September, as you know by now, the Gulf Coast had a visit from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. I interviewed several of the refugee's from the New Orleans area on my podcast. I sent a note to Adam Curry, the Pod Father, and a link to my podcast. He used a portion of it on his show which is out of Gilford, England. It was picked up by podcasters in Amsterdam, Los Angles, London, NYC and lots of other podcasters talked about my reporting and played a portion of my interviews. My audience suddenly grew and I estimate that several hundred thousand listeners heard my interview and comments all over the world. I had 676 hits to my site last month which was more then anytime since I've been podcasting. I hope I'll gain some listeners from it. My orginal idea for the podcast was to interview some of the orginal performers that were on the Louisiana Hayride during the 50's and 60's. Then my idea changed to feature all the musicians in the Ark-La-Tex area as well. Now it changing even more to music, talk and news. Please visit my site, even though it needs to be updated, and listen to a few podcasts and read the infomation there.

For Darrell Evans Fans

Darrell's new podcast called, WorshipPodcasting in now linked in iTunes. He and my son, Shawn Stroope ( bass player ) are preparing to launch it very soon. There's lot's of interesting things happening with Darrell but I'll let him tell you about it, so keep an eye out for it in the very near future. By the way, today is the one year wedding anniversary for Shawn and Sarah. They were married in NYC on year ago today. The day after a 3 month tour with Darrell. They wed in Central Park and Darrell sang. Daniel Nelson, drummer and youth pastor performed the ceremony and the rest of the band and family members looked on.

Parker, Peyton and Caitlyn

Parker, my new grandson is now 3 months old, growing, laughing, smiling, eating and doing the things new babied do....pooping. Peyton (7) and Caitlyn (5) love their new little baby brother. Caitlyn just turned 5 years old on October 5th. I told here she was still our baby girl...or durel as she says. She was featured on podcast # 10, so if you get some spare time, it's worth a listen.
Peyton's getting interested in playing the guitar and music suddenly...thanks to Uncle Shawn who bought him a little guitar not too long ago.

Shreveport Sound Syndicate

Back to the music for a moment. I was asked to speak to the Shreveport Sound Syndicate group last week about podcasting and podsafe music. I recorded my talk and might feature some of it on a future podcast. I met several muscians, producers, songwriters and artists and got some possible interviews from some of them. The latest podcast, made today, is about Jason Ashley and features some of his music from his new CD called Coming Up Clean. I think this young man just might be a new bright country star in the future.

Books I've Read Recently

I just read the book, Chronicles, volume one, by Bob Dylan. I found the book to be more then what I expected. Dylan turns out to be quite a good writer. It's an autobiography that will leave you asking for more. If you have an interest in Bob Dylan, I recommend it. You'll find the "real Bob Dylan" in these pages. I also saw most of the new Martin Scorsese picture about Bob Dylan, NO DIRECTION HOME. I also, picked up the soundtrack a few days later. It's got some early home recordings and live recordings that are interesting. It's called No Direction Home: The Soundtrack....The Boodleg Series Vol. 7.

I'm also a big Wynonna Judd fan so I bought her new book, Coming Home to Myself. I haven't started reading it yet but I did see her on Larry King Live. ( I also just read Larry's book, How to Talk to Anyone, Anytime, Anywhere..The Secrets of Good Communication.)

Now, ask me, " What have you been doing for the past 2 months?"

Answer: Podcasting, reading, speaking, working and helping out some friends and family.

Well, that's about it for now. I'm looking forward to making more podcast in the future with some great interviews. Check out my podcast, ZIP71101 at www.zip71101.com and if you feel inclined to vote, please follow the directions it the right top corner of the webpage. I'd appreciate it. Also, you can listen to the show in streaming audio by going to the top left side of the page and clink on the Listen Now button.

No time to check spelling or grammar so you'll have to figure it out on your own.

Later...