MLK Day

A walk down the steep white wooden stairs, a turn right. A walk to the corner, then turn right at the stop sign. Look to the left, across from the historical black church. There sits the Greek restaurant, once boarded up. Years ago, there were riots in the area. Remember the drive to People’s Corner? The community grocery store was boarded up too. Along with all the local businesses in the area. While driving through, people were in the middle of the streets, holding signs. “Beep if you agree with our protest”. Protests involving an unarmed minority being shot by local authorities.

Is this every city? Sometimes you have to wonder how incidents like the one in Minnesota relate to other cities. Some sort of cultural conflict, possibly misunderstanding between different communities, their experiences, and their outlooks on life. How close are you?

Throughout history, and for better or for worse, cities become “known” for incidents like these. The city I was born in, is famous for the treacherous treks across the frozen river, giving Harriet Beecher Stowe a well-known name in history. Motivating leaders to organize the creation of a freedom center near the original passage of slaves to a free state.

Hope everyone had a wonderful MLK day. It’s great to live in a nation that honors such a good man.

Lately (I’ve Been Rationalizing)

I’ve been using refurbished or recertified computers for many years. Look on any auction site and you can find plenty. An old computer “genius” friend of mine started swapping and buying components years ago and rebuilding pcs, servers, and gaming systems. He always had luck with it.

From my perspective, the older machines and components seem to be built better. They are more manageable with easily accessible components from their cases and shells. Of course, I’m speaking in generalities here, your mileage may vary. Obviously, another big advantage is you typically get more bang for your buck in storage space, processor, and RAM.

Where does this “thinking” apply elsewhere, outside of the nerdosphere?

I’m getting old. And find many items from clothes to phones, cars to music (mostly), better in the past. The design of cars, a dress shirt, the rhythm and focus of a song, movies, shows, etc. Yes, I’m getting old… did I mention that?

So what is acceptable in an age where “new” is advertised and encouraged? Consumerism is a very powerful collective practice in America, but I think I’m starting to really change my viewpoint when it comes to materialism and products. Entertainment and even travel.

Anyone feel the same? Leave a comment below… wait a second.

Snapshot – MJK

Just realized that I was lucky enough to see this lead singer twice in concert. For two different bands. The Lollapalooza show isn’t as clear (in memory) as the show he did with his other band (APC), because it was much more recent. But one thing is for certain, he is probably one of the most creative artists I’ve followed. And he surrounds himself with equally talented people. One of his greatest gifts is to make any emotion beautiful.

I came across one of his other projects over a decade ago, and loved the website. A vineyard. And of course, he was on the forefront of that “making wine” trend also. To this day, the original site is still probably one of my favorites. (You can enter the site by clicking on the book)

Think we’ve probably gone further away from that kind of design these days. Focusing more on meta, tagging, seo, engagement, and CMS style interactive templates, etc.

Less of free flowing presentation, I guess, is my observation here.

Music/Life

So what’s been going on with this site, me, and where is this leading to? This site…probably nowhere. It’s a place to be humorous and occasionally discuss tech and music (mostly). The past year I took a long break from technology (although not completely absent). Also had the chance to catch up with people I haven’t seen in a very long time. Which to me, is more valuable than anything else I have to talk about here or elsewhere. Often times I think tech interferes with our vision of the world, perhaps persuades and manipulates are viewpoints. Sometimes things are black and white, but often times things that should be pretty straightforward get translated in the wrong language (I am talking about foreign languages to you and me, due to mindset, agendas, values, and understandings of the world).

I mentioned Sirius/XM radio in another post somewhere, and I’ve been introduced to a lot of good music. Do you ever come across that one song you hear only one time and know you have to purchase it? It plays in your head for hours, perhaps days, and finally you either buy the digital download or the whole album. This has been that song for me (the recent one).

Crazy thing is, these guys were almost certainly playing at some festivals/shows I’ve been to in the past. Perhaps I didn’t make it over to their stage. But it’s great to see them still going strong. Definitely recognize the name, had a couple songs on some comps/mixed lists back in the day. Excellent tune. Beware of the internal disc jockey spinning this constantly in your head.

“White Chocolate Was Special”

Recently heard some good news regarding ratings of the top political podcasts and growing audiences. Rumor is, Gavin Newsome is going to start his own podcast soon. One thing I’ve had difficulty doing is prying myself away from the latest news. And I say this as someone who periodically watches C-SPAN (votes, debates, etc). Yes, there are a few of us out there in the world.

It’s amazing to see my favorite childhood NBA player announcing college basketball games now. And when it comes to a break from the news, there’s nothing better than Chuck, Shaq, Kenny, and Ernie covering the NBA (although rumors are, that may end soon too).
In addition to the commentary/humorous side of the NBA, there are some excellent “legends” videos out there. (Is that word getting overused now?)

This is one I just came across, but I’ve seen quite a few.

And, hate to admit it, but I’ve been ***WATCHING MrBallen for quite a while. Great storytelling. If you are new, I would probably start here:

MrBallen

***Edited for clarification

To Start the Week

What is life without music? Just came across this in the dusty old collection and it had me smiling and grooving. What a great group the (Re)Fugees were.

Rumor is, there is a comedian and his brother that love this group. 😉

(Re)Fugees!

It Continues…

At this point, I’m definitely going to have to go through a whole bunch of old cassette tapes. If you were not aware by now, there is a countless number of remixes featuring rap/hip-hop legends on YT and elsewhere. Some really good stuff (also some terrible stuff) . Just do a little digging/sampling.

NEW Redman ft. Method Man

….nice shout out to New Edition Red.

Is it time to get Sirius?

It’s been awhile. Politics and appointments/health shifted my attention away from this place. Oh yes, there is college basketball also. Hell yes!

Typical for the holidays, this year I ran into a shiny new list of trial offers. It’s been years since entertaining any older technology for daily use. However, the more I witness current advertising, or more specifically, what is being pushed, the more I realize I may need to go back to some old ways.

Throughout the past few years, many several hour driving trips have presented a few annoyances. One of the most frustrating and irritating, the radio. About 45 min in, a terrestrial radio scan (in my location) only produces country music, religious commentary, and conservative talk. Put me in a torture chamber with that lineup, and I’ll talk in seconds.

Ever since “trying” XM Radio many many years ago, I’ve been intrigued with offers from Sirius. Well, I decided to jump in. And after a few weeks in, it has been great. Politics, music, and commentary have made trips much more enjoyable. Would highly recommend.

The biggest news, during my hiatus, was the release of several new songs from some rap/hip hop legends. This wasn’t on my radar, but definitely on the wish list. Fantastic additions for my drives also. We want more!

Ice Cube – It’s My Ego

LL Cool J & Eminem – Murdergram (Deux)