TOTP - Top Ten Ideal Flatmates

Ok. You've got a new flat and have to compile a list of potential tennants, dead or alive as your Top Ten Ideal Flatmate. You think this is crazy? Well Rob did it and made a show about it, here is his top ten:-

• 10 – Charlie Dimmock
• 9 – Maggie from How Clean is Your House
• 8 – Mickey Mouse
• 7 – Deliah Smith
• 6 – Noel Edmunds
• 5 – Jeremy Paxman
• 4 – Gandhi
• 3 - Handy Andy
• 2 – Frank Skinner
• 1 – Kylie

We also played our first audio comment from a listener during this show. Would you like to know how to get on? Its easy, just email topofthepods@gmail.com with an attached mp3 and check out our show on www.topofthepods.com. If you don't feel brave enough to record an mp3 then why not try just writing us a list instead?

TOTP - Top Ten Alcoholic Beverages

Thanks to Rowley from Darkcompass for writing this list, it is his Top Ten Alcoholic Beverages:-

• 10 – Champagne
• 9 – Scrumpy Cider
• 8 – Bass Bitter
• 7 – Glenmorangie Whiskey
• 6 – Sambuca
• 5 – Jack Daniels
• 4 – Gin and Tonic
• 3 - Vodka and Coke
• 2 – Tequila
• 1 – Carlsberg

Has anyone noticed that when people send us things we play them on www.topofthepods.com without question? It sounds like a great way to promote your podcast, website, product or service. So why not send us your list, comments, promo clip or mp3 audio comments to topofthepods@gmail.com?

TOTP - Top Ten Things I Wanted To Be When I Grew Up

Dreams and aspirations of great things when we were children. Where did we go wrong? Here is the top ten list of things Rob wanted to be when he grew up:-

• 10 - Fireman
• 9 - Rock Star
• 8 - Millionairre
• 7 - Beer Tester
• 6 - Racing Driver
• 5 - Married to Katherine Zeta Jones
• 4 - Pilot
• 3 - In the A-Team
• 2 - Cowboy
• 1 - Astronaught

Listeners - did any of you ever achieve any of these? If you've become an astronaught, millionairee, beer tester or Micheal Douglas we'd love to hear from you. Especially if you are a millionairre. Send your emails to topofthepods@gmail.com and don't forget to mark in the subject line "Hey, I always wanted to be an XXX and look at me now!". We look forward to hearing from you and reading out your emails on http://www.topofthepods.com/.

TOTP - Top Ten Star Wars People

As if Star Wars hasn't already got all the media limelight a loyal listener has sent in his list of the top ten star wars stars:-

• 10 – Princess Leia
• 9 – Obi Wan Kenobi
• 8 – Grand Master Tarquin (and the furious five?)
• 7 – Chewbacca
• 6 – Admiral Akbar
• 5 – Darth Vader
• 4 – Lando Parisian
• 3 - Storm Trooper(s)
• 2 – Hands Solo
• 1 – Bubba Feet

Star Wars fans - if you know who on earth Grandma Tarkin is (or how to even spell his / her name) please drop us an email to topofthepods@gmail.com explaining, and we'll give you a special mention on the www.topofthepods.com podcast.

TOTP - Top Ten Essential Podcasting Equipment

We couldn't resist it any longer, like every other podcaster we just had to go and talk about our podcasting equipment. So for those building up a home studio and wanting to podcast here is the top ten list of kit for the shopping list in order of importance, and we have also provided audio examples of some of the items in use:-

• 10 – Mic Stand (when we did a demo of stomping on the floor our mic stands did such a good job of filtering out the rumble that nothing came out in this podcast!)
• 9 – Decent cables and an audio patch bay
• 8 – Effects units
• 7 – Audio playback device such as a minidisc, mp3 player or turntables
• 6 – Limiter (this comes into play every time Jon laughs)
• 5 – Noise Gate (try one of these if you have a loud computer fan)
• 4 – Mixing desk (we recommend more than 2 outputs)
• 3 - Compressor
• 2 – A computer that isn't running anything other than your audio recording software.
• 1 – A Mic - look for a decent 48 volt phantom powered condenser mic. We both use the incredible value MXL 990's, which come with a shock cradle and carry case.

When looking for any studio kit try buying it in rack mountable form, buying a £30 rack keeps everything tidy and easily accessible.

For a podcast devoted to audio production visit The Point presented by the audio engineer for IT Conversations Paul Figgiani. Paul also maintains an excellent web site called Podcast Rigs, and has put together some entry, basic and pro example sytems. We also recommend writing your own top ten list, emailing it to topofthepods@gmail.com and then keeping a watchful eye on www.topofthepods.com.

By the way, why don't you vote for us over at podcast alley - we just wanna make it in to the top ten and we'll have done our job (we are a top ten show after all). Thanks if you voted and get your ass over there if you haven't!!

TOTP - Top Ten Inventions

Boy oh boy, its Jons Top Ten list of Inventions. Don't expect inventions like the wheel, the microchip, penicillin or the internal combustion engine. Remember we are talking about Jons' list here, the individual who thinks a pair of smelly old sandals are the nineth crowning achievement known to mankind:-

• 10 – Gortex
• 9 – Sandals
• 8 – International Flight
• 7 – Large Screen TVs
• 6 – Fridges with Ice Making Facilities
• 5 – Video Games
• 4 – Scarylectrics
• 3 - Water Pistol
• 2 – The Internet
• 1 – Apple Computer

Here is the drill. You email your very own top ten list of anything at all to topofthepods@gmail.com, we read them out and post them on our website at www.topofthepods.com. Simple huh?

TOTP - Top Ten Puddings

We love puddings, or desserts as our American cousins refer to them. We love them so much that we even rank them, here is Robs top ten list:-

• 10 – Chocolate Cake
• 9 – Apple Crumble and Custard
• 8 – Vienetta
• 7 – Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
• 6 – Butterscotch Angel Delight
• 5 – Strawberry Angel Delight
• 4 – Jam Roly Poly
• 3 - Apple Pie and squirty cream
• 2 – Cheesecake
• 1 – Treacle Tart and Custard

Now for those non British types who are curious to know about some of these quality desserts (such as listeners who have subscribed to www.britcaster.com) we recommend that you listen and learn. If you feel like you have a list for us then please email topofthepods@gmail.com.

TOTP - Top Ten Cartoons

Rob was going to do his Top Ten Cartoons tommorow, but Jon spring his Top Ten Cartoons on the audience today:-

• 10 – South Park
• 9 – Whacky Races
• 8 – Ren and Stimpy
• 7 – Looney Tunes
• 6 – Dangermouse
• 5 – Bttle of the Planets
• 4 – Beavis and Butthead
• 3 - King of the Hill
• 2 – Tom and Jerry
• 1 – The Simpsons

Make sure when you've listened to the show you head over to www.topofthepods.com and leave us your comments. Also we have issued a challenge to bring us a listeners top ten list of Simpsons charecters, we'll broadcast the first email we receive to topofthepods@gmail.com.

TOTP - Top Ten 80s Electronic Artists

Its a listener list day today, this time its the turn of the 80's Electro Artists to battle it out for the coverted number one slot:-

• 10 – Human League
• 9 – Yazoo
• 8 – Jimmy Summerville
• 7 – Pet Shop Boys
• 6 – New Order
• 5 – Soft Cell
• 4 – Erasure
• 3 - Depeche Mode
• 2 – Electronic
• 1 – Visage

We love listener lists, so if you have one that you'd like us to present to the rest of the world then please email topofthepods@gmail.com with your top ten. Its harder than you think to find ten things with something in common.

TOTP - Top Ten Transportation

Jon presents his top ten list of transportation and suprises everyone by not mentioning heavy goods vehicles:-

• 10 – Landrover
• 9 – Rollerblades
• 8 – Surfboards
• 7 – Skateboards
• 6 – Mountain Bikes
• 5 – Space Shuttle
• 4 – Parachute
• 3 - Microlight
• 2 – Paraglider
• 1 – Motorbike

Plea for help! Send your emails with your top ten lists to topofthepods@gmail.com as we love hearing your opinions of good and bad things. Don't forget to tell your friends about the show at www.topofthepods.com - by now we have a vast library of top ten lists to cater for all tastes so there is something for everyone.

TOTP - Top Ten Blue Peter Presenters

Remember Blue Peter, the great kids TV show we all grew up wit?. We've had decades of presenters and here are Robs favourites:-

• 10 – Sarah Green
• 9 – Anthea Turner
• 8 – Richard Bacon
• 7 – Janet Ellis
• 6 – Mark Curry
• 5 – Karen Keeting
• 4 – Peter Duncan
• 3 - John Leslie
• 2 – John Noakes
• 1 – Peter Pervis

TOTP - Top Ten Sandwiches

We introduce the first of our food podcasts to make you feel hungry, its one of our listeners again and his great taste in sandwiches:-

• 10 – Roast Beef and Horse radish
• 9 – Peanut Butter and jam
• 8 – Haslet
• 7 – Walkers Salt & Vinegar Crisps
• 6 – Herta Frankfurters/Regular Sausages
• 5 – Steak, ciabata, fries
• 4 – Chicken, Mayo and Sweetcorn
• 3 - Cheese and Pickle
• 2 – Fishfingers and Tomato Ketchup
• 1 – Chip Butty

If you are a listener and have a list then please email us at topofthepods@gmail.com with your contributions.

TOTP - Top Ten Shoes

A fantastic insight into the world of shoes, provided by a loyal listener who wishes to be known as 'C'. We were experimenting with different mic setups, in this experiment we learnt that its a good idea for Rob to switch his microphone on for future recording sessions:-

• 10 – Cowboy boots (originally Spats / Blakies until Jon played his Joker)
• 9 – Baseball shoes
• 8 – The Flip Flip
• 7 – The Winklepicker
• 6 – The Trainer
• 5 – The Plimsoll
• 4 – Moon Boots
• 3 - Loafers
• 2 – The Mocasin
• 1 – The Sandal

Thanks by the way to Podcast Paul who gave us a glowing review on show number 50 recently, motivating us to do even more quality podcasts. Remember we are after your lists and other ideas, send them over to topofthepods@gmail.com and we'll broadcast them.

TOTP - Top Ten Small Things

That pesky Jon has managed to pinch Robs idea and produce a top ten list of small things. Wonder if its like the top ten list of big things?:-

• 10 – Sausage Dogs
• 9 – Mini DVD Players
• 8 – Bees
• 7 – Peas
• 6 – Bonzi Trees
• 5 – 12" Apple Powerbook
• 4 – Stars
• 3 - Dust
• 2 – Sand
• 1 – Ants

Hosting problems

Hi loyal listeners, we've gone over our allocated bandwidth for this month for our MP3 hosting. We will be fixing this problem by the end of today and our shows will continue as usual by tommorow.

Thanks for listening!

Top of the Pods
topofthepods@gmail.com

TOTP - Top Ten Bears

Thanks to loyal listener Martin for providing us with this list of Top Ten Bears to add to our growing bank of podcasts:-

• 10 – Brown bear
• 9 – Koala bear
• 8 – Little Ted
• 7 – Winnie the Pooh
• 6 – Paddington
• 5 – Huggy bear
• 4 – Fozzy Bear
• 3 - Gentle Ben
• 2 – Sue
• 1 – Bungle

TOTP - Top Ten Tims Most Pimpable Rides

Another listener list, this time from Tim. A list of awesome cars that are most pimpable, thanks Tim:-

• 10 – US Yellow School Bus
• 9 – The Original Mini
• 8 – Old Corvette
• 7 – Jeep Wrangler
• 6 – VW Beetle
• 5 – VW Camper Van
• 4 – H1 Hummer
• 3 - Cadalac
• 2 – Landrover Defender
• 1 – Dodge Van

TOTP - Top Ten Cool Google Features

A good one for joining in at work with, its some of the best features of Google. You may have heard of some of these, others you might not:-

• 10 – Google Toolbar
• 9 – Google Suggest
• 8 – Google reverse search (backward links)
• 7 – Search this site
• 6 – Google Cache
• 5 – Google Groups
• 4 – Google Alerts
• 3 - Froogle
• 2 – Google Images
• 1 – Google Search

TOTP - Top Ten Kevins Actors

Its thanks to one of our listeners Kevin that we have the pleasure of presenting the top ten list of actors. Not only is it a really good list, and Kevin has also saved us writing something for today:-

• 10 – John Candy
• 9 – McKylie Corker
• 8 – Jack Nicholson
• 7 – Jonny Depp
• 6 – Samuel L Jackson
• 5 – Brad Pitt
• 4 – Eddie Murphy
• 3 - Ray Lee Otter
• 2 – Robert DeNiro
• 1 – Al Pacino

TOTP - Top Ten Movies With Animals

Jon's scraping the barrel here for an amusing list. Granted, it is amusing, but maybe he should try a little harder next time... Movies with animals in? Blimey! :-

• 10 – Cat - Cat's Eyes
• 9 – Birds - The Birds
• 8 – Gorilla - Trading Places (how come rob hasn't seen this classic?)
• 7 – Dog - Something About Mary
• 6 – Shark - Jaws
• 5 – Dog - K9
• 4 – Preying Mantis - Enter The Dragon
• 3 - Monkey - Ace Ventura
• 2 – Kangaroo - Skippy (was there a film?)
• 1 – Orang-utan - Any Which Way But Loose

TOTP - Top Ten Bands With Numbers In Their Name

Roberto likes some rather disturbing music. He's a 80's freak. His list is as bad as his taste. However there are a couple of gems in there... :-

• 10 – Two Men, A Drum Machine And A Trumpet
• 9 – Apollo 303
• 8 – 911
• 7 – U2
• 6 – East 17
• 5 – The Three Degrees
• 4 – The Four Tops
• 3 - 808 State
• 2 – The Jackson 5
• 1 – Five Star

TOTP - Top Ten Web Sites

We use the web a lot - all the time in fact. Rob is a total web geek and Jonathan isn't. Jonathan has compiled his favourite web sites. They are just the sites he's using most at the moment. Not the best sites in the world or anything, just... well you know what I mean. :-

• 10 – www.engadget.com
• 9 – www.lipsum.com
• 8 – www.apple.com/uk
• 7 – www.ebay.co.uk
• 6 – www.skysports.com
• 5 – http://www.gettyimages.com/
• 4 – www.autotrader.co.uk
• 3 - www.kelkoo.co.uk
• 2 – http://www.bbc.co.uk/
• 1 – www.google.com

TOTP - Top Ten Big Things

Rob is trying to be very clever and quirky with his rather off-the-wall list of top ten big things. The thing is though, I really wish that it had been my idea... :-

• 10 – Big Mac
• 9 – Wide Screen TVs
• 8 – The Big Bopper
• 7 – Big Daddy
• 6 – Elephants/Rhinos/Hippos/Whales (whales? they are like 50 times bigger than an elephant - rob you moron!)
• 5 – Monster Trucks
• 4 – The Big Dipper - (The consternation not the crappy blackpool rollercoaster)
• 3 - Sears Tower (strangly smaller than the Big Dipper)
• 2 – Mount Everest (still smaller that the consternation)
• 1 – Jupiter (still not bigger than the Big Dipper, but a good number 1 all the same)

TOTP - Top Ten Magazines

Jon buys a lot of magazines. However some he reads in the newsagents. Tight bugger. Here's his current top ten... :-

• 10 – Land Rover Owner International (Sad git doesn't even own one)
• 9 – Creative Arts
• 8 – Creative Review
• 7 – Auto Trader
• 6 – NME
• 5 – T3
• 4 – Adbusters
• 3 - Graffik
• 2 – Mac User
• 1 – Adrenalin

TOTP - Top Ten Comedians

Jonathan lets us know who he thinks are the best comedians in the land, meanwhile rob disagrees :-

• 10 – John Candy
• 9 – Dan Ackroyd
• 8 – Lee Evans
• 7 – Billy Connolly
• 6 – Ricky Gervais
• 5 – Peter Kaye
• 4 – Steve Martin
• 3 - Richard Prior
• 2 – Eddie Izzard
• 1 – Eddie Murphy

TOTP - Top Ten Villians

Roberto reveals his somewhat dodgy list of villians. Dirty Den a villian? Come on.... :-

• 10 – Davros (Dr. Who?)
• 9 – Lex Lutha (Superman)
• 8 – John Silverman (The Karate Kid III)
• 7 – Dirty Den (Eastenders)
• 6 – Zoron (James Bond - the one with the fight in???)
• 5 – Jabba The Hut (Star Wars)
• 4 – Voltar (Battle Star Galactica)
• 3 - Blowfelt (James Bond)
• 2 – Darth Vadar (Star Wars)
• 1 – The Joker (Batman)

TOTP - Top Ten DVD's in Jon's Collection

Jon introduces us to his favourite DVDs from his vast collection. Rob argues, but only has 20 DVDs. No future list from him then... :-

• 10 – The Goonies
• 9 – CSI - Miami
• 8 – The Good Bad & The Ugly
• 7 – Enter The Dragon
• 6 – Nip /Tuck
• 5 – Curb Your Enthusiasm
• 4 – Brewster's Millions
• 3 - Trading Places
• 2 – The Sopranos Series 1 thru 5
• 1 – CSI - Vegas