Posts

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Still Around?

Just out of curiosity, I did some searching the other day. Instant messaging software introduced me to many like minded people and music, movies, even art. It was no surprise that AIM and YIM have been gone for quite some time. ICQ, the most recent victim of modern technology and trends.

What surprised me is that IRC is still active. Granted, it appears limited to those there for nostalgia or the extremely tech oriented, but it’s great to see one of the old chat clients still up and running. Through various servers and users. I’ve discovered quite a few bands, movies, and learned quite a bit. My first (chipped) original xbox software was released and supported through irc channels.

Social media and platforms such as discord have replaced many of the “old school” favorites. It would be great if something basic like AIM could be released again, because it was a perfect platform to meet people with similar interests. As well as discuss and discover new things. And it didn’t feel overly invasive.

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Music and Sports

So, from what I hear, the Super Bowl is coming up. And, once again, there is controversy over the half time performers. Which made me think about the relationship between music and sports. Hate to say it, but during my college years “jock jams” became very popular. A carefully selected collection of tracks from various artists intended to make you move, dance, or cheer for a team (not always your team, because your team may not be playing).

The last very impressive half time show was this one imo.

The Chicago Bears had the Super Bowl Shuffle. Several sports stars have attempted to enter the music industry. And a few made some pretty damn good songs, often times teaming up with known entertainers in the industry. Deion Sanders comes to mind.

And this guy…what a song!:

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The Beauty of the Internet

Years ago I would search the internet for various devices to assist me OR help me create the perfect media setup. Preferably, an army of SBC’s networked through a NAS server in a central location. At that time, 2TB drives were massive, and the specialty disks you bought were expensive. Wireless internet was still a bit limited, so hardwiring with cat5 seemed the best option for networking. You would have to buy the kits, the connection testers, and of course the hardware.

Refurbished pcs were the best option in the beginning, then of course, SBCs made a lot more sense for “frontend” devices. Full Linux systems, in the beginning, evolved into much more tailored Linux systems (apps/software for popular mobile devices appeared much later). All this had me ordering many test/development hardware components (I probably had no business buying). But, did learn a lot!

The beauty of the internet, for me, has always been options. It’s what makes building PC’s so much fun. You choose the hardware, the components, eventually the price, and then finish a project (keeping purpose and functionality in mind, of course). For media projects, I’ve purchased “beta” components from S. Korea, Israel, and had fun testing those RPi’s in the very beginning. Anyone remember the OUYA?

Outside of tech related internet purchases, I’ve purchased wine (from a movie) from California. Wine from a band (from AZ). Before gardening season, hard to find seeds from all over the country.

Did you know that Amazon sells bifocals? If you need spares, you can buy a few for under $20. Silk screening kits, beer brewing kits, etc. All interests and products I’ve enjoyed using and hobbies I dabble in now and then.

Options are good. The internet has created many. No matter how young or old you are.

From the Computer Love (ZAPP) man himself Roger Troutman (OH)

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Just Cooking.

Living alone has it’s perks. Sure, you are free to watch what you want on tv, choose your own music, do what you want on your free time, etc. But it also forces you to learn a few things. One of them is meal preparation. Are you a leader, follower, or creatively go by your taste buds?

A few things I’ve considered over the years are nutrition, tastes, carbs, calories. Over the past few year I’ve actually cooked with oranges (not orange peels) to sweeten meals. At certain points, I’ve gone “carb free” UNLESS it was a natural carb (derived from fruit or plant). And snacked on only greens and nuts.

There is always a temptation, though, isn’t there? Sometimes you have to indulge.

The slow cooker is one of my favorite devices in my cooking arsenal. You can buy a seasoned pork loin, the kind in the sealed bag, throw it in a crock pot for about 8 hrs, and end up with delicious “pulled” pork. Or, grab a can of beer, some sauer kraut, and a few sausage links, and end up with a delicious German meal.

At this moment, I’m cookin dry beans and rice, to store and add to other meals I’ve created or a salad. Versatile items also, in meal preparation.

The last thing I’ll mention is hard boiled eggs, always good to have on hand. They can be used for any homemade salad…chef, chicken, potato, etc, turned into the DEVIL, or simple salty bliss.

Maybe I’ll start posting recipes at some point. As a T1, I’ve heard diet is important ;).

Is Ti T1?

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It’s Thursday.

Just received notice that there may be yet another show celebrating 25 years of Full Collapse. They’re going to the capital…no not that one, the state capital. In my 20’s, I can remember strolling around the merch/bar area at a local show and running into another fan of post hardcore music. After offering me a drink, he began to talk about the music he listened to. He insisted that I see this band live. So I put it on my bucket list.

About 20 yrs later, I was able to see a great show. And it appears they are coming back.

Full Collapse may be one of the best albums in my collection. Looking back, it was a pivotal point in the post-hardcore style of music. (The bands that kind of flew under the radar, but were absolutely brilliant)

Considering the trek to see them again.

I’ll have some Skyline Chili, then sleep on the idea.

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Old School (Revisited)

So we’re told to stay indoors. And when we stay indoors, we get restless. How about cooking… red beans and rice, pulled pork, salad with that good ginger dressing (similar to the hibachi place)? Fish sound good tomorrow? You can crust it with crackers, add a light butter garlic sauce to flavor. Pair it with green beans and you’re set.

While I was driving to pick up groceries today, the USB drive was serving some old school classics. So I thought about revisiting a previous post, and adding a new list of past favorites.

Great stuff during the winter blast. And good food too! (Home cooking)

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Woof!

The winter storm is presenting many challenges, and now that we are dealing with bitterly cold temps, I’m looking over at my dog. Road travel has been limited to “necessary driving” only, so I’ve complied. Luckily, I prepared. I’m doing fine, but how’s the dog?

It’s been awhile since I’ve talked about that furry, anti-social, cat-like, bear like, stubborn, rebellious, independent, but also clingy, deceivingly intelligent, super protective, constantly shedding, dog of mine. He’s doing fine, and is becoming very comfortable with travelling. More recently, he’s enjoying the piles of snow he has to jump through to get to his “spots” outside. Its no surprise that he gets along well with those he’s around most. I’ve had 4 chows, they actually love people. But “Say No to Strangers”. The warming up period is challenging.

In my huge book on chow chows, it tells a story of Sigmund Freud using his dog to help during therapy sessions. And today, it appears the breed is being used to treat PTSD patients. I imagine this is because of their attachment style and natural behavior, being fiercely loyal and protective.

So the dog is doing very well. He has a buddy who stops over every once in a awhile to play, and another walking buddy he sees when we take trips to the north. He loves visiting family, and gets along with everyone.

He is currently studying the English language, and my every word. This dog understands, and is becoming frighteningly aware of my vocabulary, cues and commands. Deceptively smart, but seemingly oblivious.

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Gardening

Anyone else looking forward to Spring? The longer days, the temperature, the gardening adventures? Right now, I already started a small group of tomatoes that have just sprouted. Probably way too early. They are going to need to be transplanted several times.

The big question is always: how many seeds are going to be planted this year? How many plants and vegetables are adequate to maintain? Given the cooking I’ve been recently doing, I think some peppers would be a great addition. Several blackberry plants already populate the garden, and they are an excellent addition to yogurt and cereal. Nothing beats dark berries for flavor and nutrition.

The recent winter storm proved that the battery powered snow blower was perfectly capable of handling nature’s challenges. The battery powered mower has impressed me over and over again with it’s abilities. What I have yet to test is the rototiller. I’m looking forward to testing it out this year.

It’s very early, but I’m already looking forward to that time change. Moving the inside plants out, and getting a little help from what seasonal nature provides…

Oops. Forgot to mention. Since I’m not currently on any social med (3 yrs. at least) . I’ve updated the “About” page. (It was recommended)

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Emergency.

It’s around 9:30 pm on a Saturday. I’m sipping a Sam Adam’s Cold Snap (probably my favorite beer). Like a good swath of the country, our area is on the verge of a snow emergency. At this point, I filled the car with gas, boiled eggs, made some cold pasta meals, some rice, beans, and checked the stock of milk and cereal. All good.

The batteries are charged for the flash light, as well as the batteries for the snow blower. Will it make it through several inches of snow on the driveway? Time will tell… and all this gets my mind going. How much profit is created off emergencies? The threat of catastrophe? For products? For behavior? For behaviors that create more profit, from products and services that remove worry and resolve conflict?

Shovels. Food. Seasonal Machinery. Spirituality. Assistance. Products? What is necessary?

After Covid, it seems that several services absolutely took off. Especially the “stay at home” kind. Online medical appointments, grocery pickup and delivery, pharmaceutical deliveries, even car buying on line. Was any of this a direct result of covid? When did the influx of all these damn prescription pill advertisements start on TV? For anxiety. Depression. Cancer. Psychological Disorders. Diabetes?

A marketplace?

The main argument against academia, and the pursuit of higher education is that it creates, then instills, too many questions in students. Are it’s pupils intelligently questioning the status quo and those that rely simply on “faith and confidence” in an existing system? Where does consumerism, marketing and advertisering fit in?

The culture definitely changes with every major event that occurs. Are we, as a society, recognizing this?

Edit: Off the album: This Type of Thinking Could Do Us In!

-SK

If you like this song, this is another great tune by the band. Love music always.

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Accessing Online Music/DLing

So I’ve been reading about a few people having trouble accessing and/or downloading music for multiple songs off YT for listening (later) on various devices. Many browsers (Firefox, Chrome, etc) have extensions or addons which can be used to accomplish this feat. If you are a fan of live music or mashups, these are excellent tools to use to transfer to USB or device.

Firefox offers downloadhelper (and other extensions), which allow you to download in audio format. Of course, you can use this tool to download full podcasts, or any sort of audio also.

Recently, I downloaded this old school mashup.

ROCK ON MY FRIENDS!