Marley Was Dead

So begins one of the better pieces of classic literature out there. I'm certain there are a few of you reading this that are "Book on Tape" (i.e. audiobook) aficionado's. I'd like to be, and have in the past made a concerted effort to become one. Unfortunately however, I have the attention span of a two year old, so as soon as Jimmy Masshole cuts me off in traffic, Msrs. Sedaris & Lehane get thrown into the back seat and Mr. Mid L. Finger takes center stage. I find I keep having to hit the rewind button so that I can forget to pay attention to that last sentence a second time.

Practice makes perfect, however, and I'm willing to give it another go - especially as it's free this time. On their 'Penguin Podcast' website, Penguin Books is making available the Dickens' classic 'A Christmas Carol' in it's entirety (that's the one with Bob Cratchett, the Ghosts of Christmas' Past, Present & Future, "God Bless Us, Everyone" and all that hoo-ha. No, it is NOT called Scrooge, you heathen.)

Although a quick read, it's still lengthy enough to warrant releasing in five installments, the first of which was made available today and can be found here. You can download the installments directly or through the iTunes 'podcast' feature ('podcast' for those unfamiliar with that rather ridiculous term, is a fancy way of saying 'very big MP3 file.' Usually it contains news/spoken word broadcasts, as opposed to music, and most people elect to play them from their iPod or other MP3 player, hence the name. None of that is necessary however. All you really need is a computer and a pair of speakers.)

No word on how long one has to wait between installments, but I'm hoping for one a day. Whatever the case, the MP3's will only be available until January 3rd, so make sure you download 'em and listen up. Personally, I plan to burn them to a CD and will attempt to, yet again, listen in the car. Should someone cut me off, I'll simply turn the volume up and let Ebenezer do the rest.

"Bah! Humbug! Pick a lane, you f***!"