May 21, 2008
Episode 5
In Episode 5 we interview Robert (Bob) Holmstrom, one of our favorite local ASL masters. Bob chats about his ASL history, discusses tournaments, helps us with the “What’s in the Box” segment (it’s Valor of the Guards!) and more. We hope you like it.
Listen Now:
Standard Podcasts [61:40m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download | Embeddable Player | Hits (1101)
Ian said,
May 22, 2008 @ 1:30 am
Just wanted to say that I think you’re doing a great job and as an ASL noob I’m picking up all sorts of useful information and tips. I’ve actually gone back and listened to the first four podcasts more than once to see if I can pick up anything I missed previously. Great stuff!
Please keep it coming
Ian UK
the2halfsquads said,
May 22, 2008 @ 5:46 am
Thank you Ian. We’re very glad you like the show. We have lots of material to present for noobs, though Episode 5’s interview with our friend Bob didn’t leave much time for our planned topic list.
As you might imagine, it’s challenging putting this kind of thing together between jobs, family and playing ASL. I dare say, Dave and I are probably our own harshest critics (so far!) and are always talking about ways to make the show better. We want to reach everyone from ASL veterans to noobs and non-players, and keep the whole podcast entertaining enough to listen to no matter what your skill level.
But we’re having a great time and are already planning Episode 6, due out in about three weeks. Expect some good noob topics and tips in this one, along with a history lesson, Quiz Show, scenario reports, news and lots more.
Until then,
Jeff & Dave
Cam said,
May 22, 2008 @ 6:29 am
I too am an ASL newbie, having had version 1 of the Rule Book, Beyond Valor, Paratrooper, Yanks and all three Starter Kits on the shelf for some time now. Your podcast has renewed my interest in trying to learn the game.
Thanks, and keep them coming.
Cam
Joe Pellam said,
May 22, 2008 @ 9:15 am
Wow, I just finished listening to this episode at work and can see the two of you guys getting more “polished” with each new show. Bob (I like to call him the rules Guru) was an excellent guest to have, as he is a vast warehouse of knowledge when it comes to the rules and uses this knowledge effectively in teaching the game to new players as well as us older players with bad habits.
Looking forward to episode six already.
Cheesy Nacho said,
May 23, 2008 @ 11:15 am
I think the VOTG Fountain is also featured in ‘Enemy at the Gates’.
Great stuff guys keep it up.
Best regards
Cheesy Nacho
Candice said,
May 24, 2008 @ 5:41 pm
HI guys,
I want to congratulate you two for putting out an excellent series of podcasts. The material is good and since I am an ASL newbie it seems just right for me. The interviews seem to fill the void of “experienced” ASLers quite nicely. My favorite segment was the Counter Quiz, as I can’t remember half of that all those numbers and letters mean. When I can read them, that is (they’re really small!).
You guys might want to look into figuring out how to integrate phone calls or Skype or some such so that you might be able to interview people who aren’t local. It’s something to think about for when your local well runs dry.
I have a topic to suggest: The ways different groups of players see one another and interact. Are newbies always welcomed? Do the old timers who played SL since ye olden times act a bit snobbish? What’s a good way for a new player to actually find resources like play aids or new friends to play ASL with? Maybe mention a few good websites or some such.
I’ll go back to clipping counters (which is another question - do you guys clip or not?)…
Candice
the2halfsquads said,
May 26, 2008 @ 4:13 pm
Hi Candice,
ASL newbies seem to especially like the show — which is understandable — but we hope to have a little something for everyone each show. We’re happy to report that a couple of former experienced players have found a renewed interest in the game, and several folks that have never played have decided to take the plunge. We’re thinking about running a “find a new ASL’er” month, where we’ll challenge everyone to hunt for new talent and report back with results of the first foray.
We’re already working on the Skype idea. Hopefully we’ll even have voice mail on it so listeners can leave audio messages.
Thanks for your interest and your excellent topic ideas. Until next time…
Jeff (and Dave)
PS: Do we clip or not? Listen to Episode 6 to find out!
Bruce Hartman said,
May 27, 2008 @ 5:05 pm
Another excellent show. Chock full of really good stuff. I liked every single segment - except the very end where you said that I can’t use the show’s material unless I give credit to you. I now have no material for my own show - the 6+1 Armor Leader.
I noticed that you didn’t go over the user feedback very much - and made a comment about being “over it”. I wonder if my last comment had anything to do with it . . .
Keep up the great work!
the2halfsquads said,
May 27, 2008 @ 5:22 pm
We certainly don’t mean to say we’re over the excitement or gratitude (and relief!) for the favorable feedback. We just meant we don’t need feel the need to read it all on the air. And, yes, your post did influence our thinking on that — in a very good way.
Can’t wait to hear your show, though we must warn you we have exclusive copyright on the phrase “What’s in the Box”, as well as the individual words “what’s”, “in” and “Box”. As long as you don’t use those words, you’ll be OK.
Thanks for your loyal listening and feedback.
Jeff & Dave
Daniel Brown said,
May 28, 2008 @ 7:41 pm
Again, I enjoyed the show. You are getting gooder and gooder.
Well, I do have one piece of feedback. I need you to turn the level up. I listen to the podcast in my car through an IPod transmitter. When the level is low I can not hear you even when I have my volume on high.
Dispite the fact that I have been playing SL and ASL longer than anyone I know, my absence from the game for many years has cause me to forget much of the rules. For that reason, I enjoy when you quiz each other and when you go over some aspect of the rules. I helps to jog my memory.
I have been enjoying SK #1 and I look forward to playing SK #2 and #3 before I shell out the bucks to get back into the full thing. I am suprised how much I don’t hate the new thin boards. I wonder how other long time ASL players think about the new boards. I dread the $$$ I am going to spend when I really get back into buying the full set.
Keep up the good work.
the2halfsquads said,
May 28, 2008 @ 8:21 pm
Yes, Daniel, the level was too low this time. I don’t know how I made that mistake. We’re hoping to get to Episode 6 within the next two weeks and I’ll be sure to double-check the volume. There should be some excellent content for both new and experienced players next time. We’ll keep you posted.
As for the expense of ASL, well, it’s cheaper than buying a yacht and not as difficult to maintain . . . once you have all the counters clipped.
Jeff (and Dave)
Keith said,
June 4, 2008 @ 3:20 pm
Great work, getting better and better (as others have said) and what Daniel said - need to get the level up. Best way is to record hot the first time, but if that doesn’t work, you can use a freeware loudness maximizer / limiter to get the signal hotter without distorting. I have used Kjaerhus Master Limiter for a few years now, easy, works great, and it is free. http://www.kjaerhusaudio.com/classic-master-limiter.php.
You didn’t ask me to, but I’m working on some “What’s In the Box?” segment music for you guys, and will email it over when it is in good enough shape for your consideration.
Keep up the great work! Keith
Keith said,
June 4, 2008 @ 3:27 pm
Or… you’re more than welcome to email me the edited show, and I’ll remove the hiss (if any) and boost the level and send it back to you. Just a fan, trying to do what he can! (That was unintentional.)
Keith
Walsfeo said,
June 7, 2008 @ 6:59 pm
Please come over and sign up your podcasts for the Board Game Podcast Directory. http://boardgamepodcasts.com/
There is no cost, no obligation, and it will expose your podcast to a wider audience.
Cheers!
-Donald
Done, Donald. We will promote the site on the show. Thank you.
Don Lazov said,
June 13, 2008 @ 3:56 pm
Again thanks for another fine episode. I really liked hearing Bob, he might be a little younger then me if he was 7 when he started SL I was about 12 then. Like Bob I was ‘learned’ in ASOP and when I stopped playing ASL 14 years ago we all used ASOP. I don’t use the IIFT but the old standard. Back then we did not use words like eliminated we used Killed it was great that Avalon Hill had a chart that had KIA in it! So that may make me an old throw back but we had a blast back then. Really hoping to find new people to have a blast with again.
Thanks for listening, Don and for your comments. We’re glad you were able to catch up on all the episodes.
It’s interesting to note how “political correctness” has crept into so many facets of our lives. The use of “eliminated” vs. “killed” is a perfect example. Last night I watched “Guadalcanal Diary” and it was fascinating to contemplate how the dialog of this 1943 movie might be modified for a modern version. I won’t comment on whether it’s good or bad or anything else, but will instead leave those philosophical discussions for other times and venues. Suffice it to say it’s sociologically remarkable.
Jeff
Griff55 said,
June 15, 2008 @ 4:17 pm
Excellent I have enjoyed all 5 episodes and look forward to more. Keep up the good work and Thank You. Griff55 Wales UK