If you have been wondering why I’ve paid so much attention to video podcasts lately I can clear it all up with just two words: Writer’s strike.

It’s amazing how something that really shouldn’t affect us does in subtle, but meaningful ways. Because of the strike I had to find fresh stuff to talk about on a weekly basis and the only place that I’m aware of that’s capable of providing that much fresh material is the ever expanding library of podcasts found around the Web and at the iTunes Store. I see that as a good thing because I would not have known about all of that great content that is created from the git-go to be absolutely, positively, and in all other ways, free.

It’s inconceivable.

Another great thing about video podcasts is that most are not produced anywhere near Hollywood. Most are small-time, low budget efforts and can’t afford professional writers to produce scripts (or not) for them. In fact I believe that’s why so many people like what they find in podcasts; It’s original and often very personal. It’s just good stuff.

Now that the writer’s strike is over and the pipeline of major network shows is starting to fill again there will be more freebie episodes in the Free on iTunes section of the iTunes Store and even more stuff for me to talk about. Does it mean that I will ignore podcasts like a certain Miss Popularity ignored a certain skinny, nerdy guy back in the seventh grade even though he was smart and funny and would have done anything for her if she would have just smiled at him????

Ummm... no.

Someone much smarter than me (probably another nerd) once said that you can never get the genie back in the bottle again once you let it out. Now that I know how great podcasts are it would be inconceivable for me to ignore them.

Anyway, let’s get on with it, shall we?

First up we have a new MoJo show, Three Sheets.

Anyone who has, in his or her lifetime, had more than a few brewskis will recognize that if this phrase is said of you, you should:

• Not drive.
• Choose the commode you will get friendly with in a moment.
• Make no decisions regarding money, relationships, or your ability to take a punch.
• Make every effort to remain fully clothed.

So, what’s a show about drinking really about? Well, it’s mostly about the stuff you drink, where it comes from, who tends to drink it, and what it’s like to drink it. Comedian Zane Lamprey leads us on a world tour of spirits. Each 25 minute episode focuses on a different country and the wines, beers, and hard liquors therein.

There are two free episodes on the iTunes Store this week; Croatia and Belgium. They are amusing and Zane does manage to get some real info in about the country and its alcohol products before he starts to sample, and while he samples, and even after he samples. Zane also gets to nibble on food in his travels, so all of that drinking isn’t on an empty stomach, which is a good thing.

All in all, Three Sheets is not a bad show. Grab the free episodes while you can at the iTunes Store.

Speaking of travel and alcohol, there’s probably no other group of people who are more closely associated with drinking than sailors. In fact, that’s where the phrase "three sheets to the wind" comes from.

Factoid: The "sheets" in "three sheets to the winds" does not refer to three loose sails, but actually lose ropes on three of the four corners of a sail. A ship with unanchored sails was uncontrollable, pretty much like a sailor with more than a few beers under his belt. Hence the phrase.

While sailors still drink when they get the chance few actually deal with sheets in there daily routine, and if you watch the men and women on an aircraft carrier you’llÊ see just how tough and rewarding their job is.

Carrier is a new PBS show that focuses on the men and women who sail and serve aboard the carrier USS Nimitz.

The Nimitz a huge ship, capable of housing more than 6,000 people, a whole squadron of aircraft, and can sail for years without refueling because of its two nuclear power plants. It is, for all intents, a floating town, and every town has its peculiar citizenry; that’s what Carrier is all about. Think Peyton Place in military drab.

There’s a free 25 minute preview at the iTunes Store.

OK, now for something completely different: IFC.com’s Lunchbox.

What is it?

It’s a podcast, but beyond that I’m not sure.

In one episode, an oafish Jon Gabrush attempts to simulate a trendy party. The results makes me wish I was three sheets to the wind before watching. In another episode sleepy eyed Aimee Carlson points out some websites that might be interesting to you, or not. Yet another two minute episode has Jon Gabrush cluing us in on how to tell if we are watching a Blaxploitation flick.

Hey Jon, you forgot a clue: If the dialogue in the movie you are watching is heavily laced with the words baby, momma, brotha, or sucka then you are watching a Blaxploitation film.

So, what’s IFC.com’s Lunchbox all about?

I have no idea. It’s a daily show and there are at least 30 episodes available on the iTunes Store, so watch them and maybe you can figure it out.

Well, there it is for another week. But before I go I have to point you to a game EA Mobile has just posted for the iPod: Mah Jong.

Not familiar with Mah Jong? Think of it as a puzzle that you take apart instead of putting it together. There are rules, of course, and it can be fun. The other versions I’ve payed were great time wasters. (That’s a good thing.) Hopefully this version will be too.

OK, that’s it. Stop back next week for more Free on iTunes.

More free stuff at the iTunes Store with direct links:

Vern Seward is a writer who currently lives in Orlando, FL. He’s been a Mac fan since Atari Computers folded, but has worked with computers of nearly every type for 20 years.