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Despite all appearances no alcohol was consumed before the making of this podcast. It just felt great to have come to some good decisions today about how Notes from Spain and Notes in Spanish are going to continue wonderfully into the future!
Photo: Marina on an unfortunately graffitied swing in the park. Discuss the podcast below or in the forum.



Chris M
22 Nov 06 at 12:43 am
Why would anyone write ‘Polla y coño’ on a swing, or even as graffiti anywhere? Does it have any special meaning or significance in this case? Seems strange.
Ben
22 Nov 06 at 1:21 am
Very strange, and very offensive in a children’s play area. That’s why I found it striking and posted the image. There is a real problem with graffiti in Madrid at the moment, I hope to post more about it in the future.
Nick
22 Nov 06 at 4:22 pm
I think its awful that someone would grafitti “dick” and “fanny” on a kid’s swing.
Sully
24 Nov 06 at 4:43 pm
It sounds like the survey results were helpful in focusing all that you’re doing. Many blogs and podcasts are updated so infrequently that it doesn’t encourage repeat visits. People get a good idea, put together a couple of weeks worth of content, and then drift away. I’m a relatively new listener to the “Notes” podcasts, but it’s clear that by updating each one on a regular basis and expanding slowly that you’ve developed a really strong library of content.
And keep in mind that some of us like the rambling nature of the podcasts.
Ben
24 Nov 06 at 5:40 pm
Hi Sully, thanks for your comments. I’m glad the rambling goes down well occasionaly. Hopefully the next one will be filled with the sounds of Spain!
Scott Lunt
28 Nov 06 at 7:09 pm
Ben and Marina, Nice work. It’s tough to keep up the energy and i think you’re making the right decisions by staying within your means. I haven’t yet heard the spanish version of the podcast but I’m on my way there now!
Hola! from Budapest.
Skip
29 Nov 06 at 3:08 pm
Hey Ben and Marina,
Just listend to #51, and being a long time listener, I’m glad to hear that you guys have decide to focus on the “core” ideas.
I really enjoyed the rambling… I just think it is so much more geniune than some produced and scripted shows. I think this is what really sets NFS apart from other podcast. You don’t have a lot of intro’s, commercials, music, etc… just pure Ben & Marina. It is extrodinarily refreshing in the world today. Plus you guys have a lot of good chemistry together and the Community really enjoys that!
I’m sure the Spanish have a “word” for it, but in Swedish, I think the word would be “Lagom” – not too much, not too little, just perfect!
I myself don’t know how you find the time! I barely stay caught up with everything… sometimes late at night, after the kids have fallen asleep, and the wife is turned in, but my mind is drifting off to far away places… I like to read the forums and dream about trading the rat race for a little slice of iberian life myself. Enough of my own rambling…
Hola! from Austin, Texas.
Ben
29 Nov 06 at 6:48 pm
Thanks JT, it is wonderful to know that the rambling is appreciated! As for finding the time, I suppose not having kids yet helps, and spending all day in front of the screen… and doing little else!
PattyN
8 Apr 07 at 3:31 am
Ben and Marina, Although I am an almost daily viewer to the Forum, your Podcasts are still my favorite and certainly what bring me back to the site on a regular basis; they’re fun, informative and not too ponderous. Sorry I missed the survey, I only found the podcasts a couple months ago, but I’ll certainly be happy to fill one out next time around; sounds like I’m not in your typical demographic. Keep up the good work.
Ben
8 Apr 07 at 11:39 am
Hi Patty, great to hear from you, what demographic are you, I’m intrigued now! Ben
PattyN
8 Apr 07 at 10:26 pm
jaja. I’m retired, which means I’m over well 40, have no occupation, but a pretty good income. I’m planning on 2 trips to Spain this year, and despite taking Beginning Spanish 4 times, I’m still clearly at the beginner level, so it would be stretch to say that I’m actively trying to learn Spanish.