Back to ranting.... Great Television ranters of our time. The first that comes to mind and probably the most recent would be George Costanza. But perhaps even more impressive than George would have to be George's TV father. Who could forget "Festivus", where the family would gather together and recount all the ways they disappointed him.
Australias outstanding contribution to ranting would have to be Ted Bullpit from Kingswood country. "Not the Kingswood!" was a familiar cry as well as a few others which I won't mention due to "code of conduct" alert. I should perhaps mention a personal favourite - Paul McDermott whos delivery is full of sexual inuendo and smugness. Compared with his early rantings in DAAS which were delivered with finely honed aggression. But undoubtedly the greatest ranter of our time on television would be Basil Fawlty. 12 ranting episodes of borderline breakdown. Who could forget "Don't mention the war" or "Basil the rat."

Anyway I should be talking to you about podcasts I have heard and a Libraries application of the medium. To continue with the ranting theme I'm sure there isn't a library out there that broadcasts it's own "Speakers Corner". Just imagine, send in your own personalised rant. On any subject! No heckling - just rant away. Uncensored! Because libraries don't support censorship. Mind you we would probably need to have a few lawyers on staff. I think this idea is a real goer - conspiracy theories, politicians, local government, as well as a few of the classics like "when I was a boy..." and "kids today..." I tell you this is a winner!!
Just to add a footnote - if you want a podcast to listen to then try the "Jackie French at Monash Wordfest 2010 June 2 at Clayton Theatrette" The Jackie French impersonation of a wombat and how to speak wombat well... what can I say!