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Salem

Strolling through the mall was fun as a kid. The food court provided a plethora of options. Pizza, tacos, burgers, chicken. Cinnamon rolls, ice cream, cotton candy, funnel cake…if you weren’t diabetic (assholes). In the ’90s, there were typically at least two competing record stores inside a mall. At the moment, I’m only remembering NRM.

You would also see competing fashions and cultures. Located across from the Abercrombie store, an urban merchant (struggling to get established, somehow). And going in and out of those stores were people wearing Kani, Pelle, Skidz, then the opposite on the alternate side of the mall.

The middle carts or “shops in the center” of mall halls were always interesting. Sunglasses, supplements, jewelry, cosmetics.

One day, my brother and I noticed someone resembling a face we just saw on a cd we bought. Shopping at one of the carts in the middle of the mall. No doubt, he was shocked to learn we recognized him… in Ohio. He didn’t know we were down with BDP also.

We knew what to call him.

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Game On!

So, nutrition has been a focus lately. Lots of greens (broccoli, asparagus, brussel sprouts, beans, etc) in the diet. But, I’m also making a conscious effort of adding fruits. Mostly berries, but also oranges (C), and bananas (potassium).

It’s game night though, and nothing beats watching college basketball while munching on a pie! So it’s time to indulge. Homemade.

The conference is very competitive this year. Many coaching and roster changes occurred in the offseason. Cheer loud. Cheer often. While up. While down. No fair weathers allowed.

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Growing is Going Well

Mid February, probably way too early (Ohio). But, we’ve got a good crop growing here. Many years ago, a neighbor sold me on Rutgers tomatoes, very versatile for about every purpose. Later, I was persuaded that Beefsteak may be a good option for sandwiches, or simply slicing up with other dishes. Bulky.

So these are seeds I started planting. Will soon continue with peppers (jalapeno/banana) for salsas and more southern style dishes.

Thinking, maybe, this could be a good year for some more beer brewing.

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Hammer Time!

Alarm clock set to seven o’clock. It’s 6th grade year in middle school. Beep, beep, beep…enough!! Take your shower, insulin, go downstairs and mix up your Dominique Wilkins blend of cereal. Chocolate milk + Wheaties. Breakfast of champions.

This year you have a mission. It’s to see MC Hammer in concert. Get on the high honors list, and you’re golden. Naysayers be damned, you can do it. But, you do realize that you may stick out at the show… (this is before U Can’t Touch This hit radio/mainstream).

3.8 Average, scored 3rd row seats! We did it! (You w/ some help from some awesome teachers)

After your letter to the editor (about Hammer) in Right On magazine was published, and your class report on hip hop and Hammer received A++ at a very rural school. What’s next?

Would you actually discover other great music at the Hammer concert?

Yes. Yes you would.

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Indie Band Promotion

One of the best ways indie labels used to get bands publicity is compilation cds. Sent out as samplers, they would arrive in your mailbox along with an order, or simply in addition to a label brochure. It was a great way to introduce fans to upcoming talent.

In addition, bands (themselves) would also hand out sampler cds and cassettes at shows. Including songs from artists they were currently on tour with. Assuming you were a big enough fan of the music, going out of your way to meet the band, you were sure to be handed this freebie.

Street teams, were those people who were super fans. Fans dedicated to personally promote and spread the message. These fans were often the ones who were given 3 to 5 track discs, encouraged to pass them out to friends and others in the same “scene” (forgive me for using that characterization).

Personally, I’ve been a part/participated in all of it. Some of my favorite tunes/tracks/bands/freebies.

Good times!

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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.