Tag: music

Posted on

Alright.

Was going through a bunch of old disks today. USB drives. Doing some cleanup, and realized life has been pretty damn awesome. Mostly, because of music, but also because of technology. Media has provided the incentive to be curious about technology. And since the late 90’s/early 00’s, motivated and inspired to research and learn.

The trip to New Jersey, to see the Fire (for like the 10th time). North, south, central areas of the state…simply travelling for concerts. The bluegrass state, for the “Initial” fests.

Golf trips, also inspired by media reviews; golfnow. Trips to the upper Midwest and southern states.

The very early days of my own computer/technology introductions…Gateway, Encarta.

Research before my favorite vacation (as a kid). The trip to Alcatraz, Oakland, Monterey, CA.

It continues to be fun.

Posted on

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.

Posted on

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!

Posted on

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.

Posted on

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!:

Posted on

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)

Posted on

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?

Posted on

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.

Posted on

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)

Posted on

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)