Dumbed Down Life - Blog

Dumbed Down Life 64

2010-02-28T19:19:00.002Z

The F1 season is soon to be upon us. Lance & Darren discuss the old cars and what to expect with this season's rule changes.

Song 1: Secret pop band - Saccharin Smile
http://www.myspace.com/secretpopband

F1, The Build Up
Lance and Darren talk about memories of F1 and the upcoming season.

Song 2: The Weightlifters - Rock 'n' Roll Police
http://www.myspace.com/weightlifters

Contact
Tel - 07092 274 759
E-mail - ddl.podshow@googlemail.com
Website http://www.dumbeddownlife.com
Twitter Username: DumbedDownLife

Dumbed Down Life 63

2010-02-19T16:11:00.003Z

First we would like to appologise for the poor presentation of this particular episode. The track name is missing the number, there's no album art and I hope you don't use the track number to sort your podcasts as that is missing too. Lance really did a bad job on this one and should be ashamed.

On the other hand... Without Lance's determination and dedication to keeping this show running I'm sure it would never have got this far.

Oh and the unusual sound quality is because this show was recorded in the Priory (no, not THAT Priory) in Wellingborough over a nice lunch.

Song 1: Good Enough - Alexx Calise
http://www.alexxcalise.com

What's The Buzz?
Remember last week when everyone was talking about Google's new social Networking tool Buzz? Well before it gets shut down over privacy issues, human rights problems or what ever Google are being accused of, Lance and I had a little chat about it.... down the pub.

Contact
Tel - 07092 274 759
E-mail - ddl.podshow@googlemail.com
Website http://www.dumbeddownlife.com
Twitter Username: DumbedDownLife

The Evolution Of A Logo

2010-02-12T17:53:00.001Z

When Lance and I started the Dumbed Down Life podcast we knew from the beginning that we'd need a web site to go with it.

Lance modified one of the standard templates supplied by Blogger, the service which we'd chosen to host the site, giving us the orange colour and space for a logo.

We talked about a logo and Lance came up with the idea of a graphic to represent each of the words in the title. For "Dumbed" we had a dunce cap, "Down" an arrow pointing down and "Life" a heart.

Initial concepts for the logo made the hat and arrow more pictorial.

Although we didn't have big plans for the podcast and associated web site we still wanted an identity that would look good printed on business cards, letter heads and t-shirts. We simplified the dunce cap to the triangle at the top of the logo, the arrow to the triangle at the bottom and proportioned the heart shape to fit into the triangle shape of the logo.

From the first cleaned up attempt at the stylised logo we cleaned it up, making sure the "D" triangles were equilateral. Now we had the template for our logo.

While simple and clean would be great for print and scaling it was clear that for use with the Internet, where we had more colours to play with, some subtle art package tweeks were needed.

Playing with layers, putting a coloured logo over a black one gives a very simple drop shadow. We interchange the white and Orange colours, sometimes having the orange logo, sometimes having the orange background.

As the logo is so simple we have sometimes used it as a stencil with other images to create album art for our podcast that is relevant to the recording.

When the merged image is simple it works pretty well. However, mixing pictures in the logo with a complicated background was a little over ambitious.

The simple design scales will for displaying on the web page even when rendered on a portable device.

We printed off some DDL t-shirts after first testing the design on a model in Second Life.

The DDL racing car was a plain white car with some paint package trickery to place the logos.

In the 80's a brand of compilation albums titled "Now That's What I Call Music" was launched. The logo for the brand went through a few incarnations. As with the DDL logo it started off two dimensional. When they reached "Now That's What I Call Music 20" they settled with a three dimensional logo which, with little variation, has continued in use up to the present day. Even when the series reset the counter for the US market they've kept the same, brand logo of the 3d model. It was this logo which I'd seen emblazoned on albums, cassettes and CD's that inspired me to wanting a similar 3d rendering for the DDL logo.

As part of a test for the 3d software I created a basic copy of the NOW logo.

Lance used a graphic program called Moray that creates files to then be rendered in a specialist program called POV. The program uses simple shapes combined to make complex ones.

The "D" was simple to create and we created that as a test not long after we'd created the original 2D logo. The heart for the "L" was more complex. This render of the logo in glass shows how the heart shape is made up of intersecting cylinders and cubes.

We've not found yet if it is possible in Moray to render the transparent materials without showing the complicated parts of the workings inside the "L".

With this model we are now able to change the texture, lighting, scale and positioning. We can combine the logo with other 3d models.

Something to note about our 3d model is that it can't actually be made, well not made and stood up, at least not without "cheating". The center of the "D" floats in mid air.

We'll be adding a gallery page to the DDL web site, look out for different album art, desktop wallpapers and various other DDL images in the future.

Dumbed Down Life 062

2010-01-18T20:44:00.005Z

In this episode, Lance welcomes a "Friend"of the show...., Talks about the weather and the damage it can cause and why should think before you open your mouth

The People - He's Just One Of A Kind
http://www.myspace.com/folket

Tilen Hvoratic - Times of Greed
http://tilen-hrovatic.webs.com/

The Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge
http://www.thethreepeakschallenge.co.uk/Yorkshire-Three-Peaks-Challenge/

Contact

Tel - 07092 274 759
E-mail - ddl.podshow@googlemail.com
Website http://www.dumbeddownlife.com
Twitter Username: DumbedDownLife

Dumbed Down Life 061

2010-01-10T20:19:00.005Z

In this episode, Lance give an incoherent review of the new 3D movie, Avatar and geeks out over the latest toy for the iPod

Smoke Ring Days - In Other Lives
http://www.smokeringdays.com/

Avatar
http://www.avatarmovie.com/

AR. Drone
http://ardrone2.parrot.com/parrot-ar-drone/en/index.html

The Bugcast
http://www.thebugcast.org/

The Random Three
http://www.stainlesssteelrat.net/

Contact

Tel - 07092 274 759
E-mail - ddl.podshow@googlemail.com
Website http://www.dumbeddownlife.com
Twitter Username: DumbedDownLife

Dumbed Down Life 060

2009-12-31T18:00:00.003Z

The first in the new wave of Dumbed Down Life shows. Leaner, meaner and hopefully more frequent than ever before...

Ten Year Vamp - Never Know
http://www.tenyearvamp.com

Contact

Tel - 07092 274 759
E-mail - ddl.podshow@googlemail.com
Website http://www.dumbeddownlife.com
Twitter Username: DumbedDownLife

Dumbed Down Life 59

2009-09-29T12:08:00.003+01:00

It's been a while, again but special circumstances force Daz to make a new Dumbed Down Life. A little different but hey we've never really settled on a format so we hope you like this one!

Trina Elle - Stutter
http://www.trinaelle.com/

Nick Daugherty - Staring At The Sun
http://www.nickdaugherty.com/

Britney,Lady Gaga,Timberland ft Kerry Hilsen - Poker Circus
http://www.mashuptown.com

Team 9 - Screaming
http://www.mashuptown.com

Rosie - Midnight And The Stars And You

Daydream on Autopilot - Call Me
http://www.arielpublicity.net

Klaus Wunderlich
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Klaus_Wunderlich

Contact
Tel - 07092 274 759
E-mail - ddl.podshow@googlemail.com
Website http://www.dumbeddownlife.com
Twitter Username: DumbedDownLife

Dumbed Down Life 58 The Malaysian Grand Prix

2009-04-05T18:01:00.002+01:00

A short show this time with just Daz commenting on the Malaysian Grand Prix.

Delaying the start of the race until 5pm to increase Eupean TV audiences put it at high risk of being washed out.

Jenson Button on pole possition in a car that he'd yet to drive in the wet. Would the skies open? If so, how would the new Brawn car handle in the new environment?

Contact
Tel - 07092 274 759
E-mail - ddl.podshow@googlemail.com
Website http://www.dumbeddownlife.com
Twitter Username: DumbedDownLife

Dumbed Down Life 57

2009-04-05T00:19:00.002+01:00

We discuss the return of True Blood, Digital TV, Online entertainment and the Watchmen.

Music in this week's show

Natalie Brown - Hold Your Head Up High
http://www.natalie-brown.com/

Dustin Schmidt - Dead Bired Blues
http://www.myspace.com/dustinschmidt1

Pato Banton - Heal This World
http://www.patobanton.com/

Contact
Tel - 07092 274 759
E-mail - ddl.podshow@googlemail.com
Website http://www.dumbeddownlife.com
Twitter Username: DumbedDownLife

Music from Podshow Music - http://music.podshow.com

Dumbed Down Life 56

2009-03-29T19:31:00.004+01:00

Dumbed Down Racing The Australian Grand Prix
Just a talk show for this episode. Lance and Darren were up at the crack of dawn on a Sunday morning, this in itself is newsworthy information. Watching coverage provided by the BBC our sports reporters prove how it's not as easy as it sounds to be a commentator on this premier motoring sport. Both Lance and Darren now have an even bigger admiration for Murray Walker.

If you're not into motor racing or Formula One then you may want to skip this episode.

Contact
Tel - 07092 274 759
E-mail - ddl.podshow@googlemail.com
Website http://www.dumbeddownlife.com
Twitter Username: DumbedDownLife

Brawn GP and Virgin

2009-03-28T09:37:00.002Z

When Honda pulled out of Formula One at the end of last year Richard Branson was on the short list for "will they buy it". The Virgin boss with his trademark grin told us that if he were in talks about F1 then he wouldn't be able to tell us but as soon as he has something then we'll know. Now we know.

The two Virgin/Brawn cars have qualified on the front row of the grid for the race on Sunday.

2009 Formula One Grand Prix

2009-03-28T00:49:00.002Z

The web site has been given a Formula One make over. The DDL Racing car looks as sparce as the Brawn team car, but the DDL pit crew can now re-fill their coffee cups in record time to keep them going through the early, hours of the morning to bring you the first race of the season.

With changes to rules we've already seen that some of the teams that have dominated the front rows of the grid in recent years have been left at the back during practice. The current world champion doesn't fancy his chances at holding on to the title.

Varying interpretations of new rules have meant that the new Brawn team are among the fastest on the track but they get point will they later be taken away on appeal?

Before the qualifying for the first race has even started there's excitement to the 2009 Formula One Grand Prix.

The Dumbed Down Life team will be covering races throughout the year. Starting early on Sunday morning with the Australian Grand Prix. Follow @Dumbeddownlife on Twitter as we record the show.

Dumbed Down Life 55

2009-03-05T11:32:00.002Z

The Dumbed Down Life driving show.
This week Doug took his U.S. driving test and that led us on to recounting our test experiences and other driving related stories.

Songs in this show:

Bobby Tinsley - What About Bob?
http://www.myspace.com/bobbytinsley

Kav - Rock Chick
http://www.myspace.com/kavsonic

Shadowjack - Glow
http://shadowjack-music.blogspot.com/

Promo
This Week In London
http://thisweekinlondon.blogspot.com/

Contact
Tel - 07092 274 759
E-mail - ddl.podshow@googlemail.com
Website http://www.dumbeddownlife.com
Twitter Username: DumbedDownLife

Dumbed Down Life 54 (Music)

2009-02-17T19:12:00.002Z

As something different between "Normal" Dumbed Down Life shows, we are going to produce a number of music only shows showcasing the newest podsafe music. If you know of any music you would like us to play on the show, please contact us and let us know/

Song Anthony Rose - I believe

Song Vadadi - 21G
http://www.vadadi.com/The_Official_Vadadi_WebSite/main.html

Song Lucy Pickard - Andrew

Song Brother Joscephus and the Love Revival Revolution Orchestra - A Child Shall Lead

Song Vitor Cunah - Connected by Dots
http://www.vitor-cunha.com/home.php

Promo Table rappers - Persistent Spirit
http://tablerappers.com/

Contact
Tel - 07092 274 759
E-mail - ddl.podshow@googlemail.com
Website http://www.dumbeddownlife.com
Twitter Username: DumbedDownLife
Music from Podshow Music - http://music.podshow.com

Dumbed Down Life 53

2009-02-16T12:35:00.003Z

Song Mighty Mike - Mercy for Roxanne
Http://www.mashuptown.com

Topic President Obama

Promo GeekCred
http://www.geekcred.net

Topic Twitter
http://www.Twitter.com

Song Jessi Hamilton - I'll Cry For You
http://www.jessihamiltonmusic.com

Topic Gardening

Promo Let's Watch Movies
http://letswatchmovies.com

ContactTel - 07092 274 759
E-mail - ddl.podshow@googlemail.com
Website http://www.dumbeddownlife.com
Twitter Username: DumbedDownLife

Happy New Year?

2009-02-02T00:34:00.002Z

What happened to January? Well I'm not sure about you but sitting here watching the snow it still feels like Christmas to me.
This is just a quick post to let you know, DDL52 was not the last, oh no, you don't get away from us that easy! As I'm typing this, well maybe not right now since he's probably tucked up in bed, Lance has all the bits for DDL53 and will be uploading the new show, in a matter of days, maybe even hours!
If we all get snowed in then perhaps podcasting will be all we can do?

Dumbed Down Life 52

2008-12-31T10:16:00.002Z

SONG 1
Traces Of Nuts - I'm not Santa Claus, I've Come

Topic Best bits of the show
Darren Millionaire - Lance Virtual Barber & Lyricosis

SONG 2
Boy @ Heart - no matter what you have done or have not done

Song 3
Boy @ Heart - Don't be afraid of your shadow

Darren - Race of Champions

Song 4
Lance Larson - listen to your heartbeat

Topic - Christmas trivia

Song 5
Larry the cable guy

ContactTel - 07092 274 759
E-mail - ddl.podshow@googlemail.com
Website http://www.dumbeddownlife.com
Twitter Username: DumbedDownLife

Music from Podshow Music - http://music.podshow.com

Day 17

2008-12-17T10:35:00.001Z

I can't imagine that many of you were able to get that mobile phone game to work, if you did, I hope you also found more programs on that site to fill up your memory card with.

http://www.dumbeddownlife.com/…dvent1.htm

Another classic but re-packaged, you get not one but lots (four or five?) games with today's link these you play on your web browser so should work for most viewers.

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DAY 14

2008-12-14T09:17:00.001Z

While it's quite possible we'll have a white Christmas this year in the UK, I don't think we'll have quite so much snow. My dog would poke her nose outside, shiver and come back in!

http://www.dumbeddownlife.com/…dvent1.htm

Today's game is a classic, if you've been on the Internet for more than 12 months you'll almost certainly know this one.

You have to download and install the game, it's only a trial version but you do get an hour of entertainment from it.

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DAY 13

2008-12-13T19:03:00.001Z

A little delayed today since last night was the works Christmas party and I was, a little worse for ware.

The cartoon from day 12 was reminiscent of the short cartoons that used to play on BBC2 back in the day when we only had a choice from three channels.

http://www.dumbeddownlife.com/…dvent1.htm

A nice, Christmassy YouTube clip for today.

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Day 12

2008-12-12T00:48:00.001Z

My apologies for not getting Day 11 up in a timely fashion. I thought I'd uploaded the page but must have made a mistake somewhere.

BigBuckBunny was produced in an "open source" environment, meaning that it was written and produced as a project with input from many different people and the final product not tied to the tight copyright laws of most films.

http://www.dumbeddownlife.com/…dvent1.htm

Day 12 we have another cartoon, a little strange and will no doubt scare the willies out of Doug!

There's also a new Dumbed Down Life recording, number 51!

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Dumbed Down Life 51

2008-12-11T23:39:00.002Z

Oliver Postgate and his creations
The Dumbed Down Life Advent Calendar
and look what my Dog can do :)

SONG 1
Sean Patrick McGraw - Southern In Yer Soul
http://www.myspace.com/seanpatrickmcgraw
Topic
Lance - Oliver Postgate
http://www.oliverpostgate.co.uk/
Contagious Promo
http://www.scottsilger.com
SONG 2
Sunspot - Pretend
http://www.sunspotmusic.com/sites/pathofmostresistance/
Topic
Darren - Advent Calendar, Hooked On Puzzles
http://www.dumbeddownlife.com/advent1.htm#
Song 3
Buddahead - Standing Still
http://www.buddaheadmusic.com/
Topic
Doug - Look what my Dog can do
Song 4
JTX - Party Like a Rockstar
http://www.stephenlynch.com/
Contact
Tel - 07092 274 759
E-mail - ddl.podshow@googlemail.com
Website http://www.dumbeddownlife.com
Twitter Username: DumbedDownLife

The book Lance was talking about was actually called Marianne Dreams by Catherine Storr and was made into the film Paper house

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marianne_Dreams

Music from Podshow Music - http://music.podshow.com

Day 10

2008-12-10T09:28:00.001Z

Scissors, paper and making stuff. Just like Blue Peter. Thanks again to Gardenfey from LiveJournal for that practical post.

http://www.dumbeddownlife.com/…dvent1.htm

Today's post is a cartoon, click Anglais (or Fracais) to watch this classic Internet cartoon.

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DAY 9

2008-12-09T01:13:00.001Z

I did warn you didn't I? I was up until 5am playing that last game, a bad case of the "just one more level".

http://www.dumbeddownlife.com/…dvent1.htm

A chance to step away from the computer with this next door.

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Day 8

2008-12-08T10:42:00.001Z

The game from Day 7 takes a while to get into and will possibly take up many, many hours, introduce to you people all over the world, and let you take their stuff :)

http://www.dumbeddownlife.com/…dvent1.htm

Today's gem really should come with a warning...

*** WARNING, HIGHLY ADDICTIVE ***

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