Ramblings and Stuff

Changes

2012-01-06T20:40:00.002-05:00

No, no, the site's not going anywhere. Neither am I going to abandon you all or anything. But, I just thought I'd let you know that I just got done making some adjustments to some of the site. I updated the contact page and added a new page focused on internet radio. Also, you'll notice the Twitter gadget is gone from the site. Basically, it stopped working when I implemented the brilliant idea to protect my tweets and change my user name. I changed everything back to where they were, but the gadget thing was still broken, so I just decided to get rid of it. That's all I've done. And who knows, I might get some more bright ideas. lol that's all from me for now. Hope you all are doing well.

Google Reader, Chrome, and why Firefox is better.

2012-01-04T16:47:00.002-05:00

Okay, so, we've got three things to talk about. first, Google Reader:

My day started off with an idea. Let's, in the search for *the* perfect podcatcher, see what Google Reader can do. Can it be used as a podcatcher? The answer is a pleasantly surprising yes. So that was the first thing that I did. I'm in the process of taking all the blogs that I want to read and putting them into Reader.

Next up, I decided (for the umpteenth time) to try Chrome, Goog'e browser. The experience was ... doable. but when it came to Reader, um, let's just say it made me run right back to firefox, where things are reliable and just work.

So, that brings me to why Firefox is better. Let's just say that, in my situation, given that I'm using a screen access solution and that accessing Chrome is fairly new, it's got a long way to go before it's at the same level as Firefox or Internet Exploder, uh, explorer. So, that's basically it. I'm standardizing on Google for multiple reasons, one of them being that things just are smooth across the board, and hey, let's face it, while I'm aware of what Google's downside is, I'm also aware that, in their defense, they're trying to do some innovative things. It could always be worse. Anyway, I'm going to shut up now and press publish. lol :)

Just a quick hi.

2011-12-30T15:41:00.002-05:00

And here you all thought I was going to rant more on GoDaddy. :) Well, I could, but I'll refrain for the time being. Just busy doing the normal stuff, especially for this busy holiday season.

Turns out I don't have to update pages or anything afterall, though I would like to put up a page for Internet radio, etc, since, as some of you know, I'm a huge Internet radio fan. I might do that, but then again, I might not. Ya just never know what I'll be doing next. Some of it might not be a good idea, but some of it might. Anyway, I'd better shut up and hit publish before I go off the deep end and ramble incoherently about dogs, flowers, caffeinated beverages, or some combination of all of the above. :) Talk to you all later.

I wish I could transfer my domain ...

2011-12-22T20:50:00.001-05:00

to somewhere other than Godaddy, who, much to my complete disgust, is in support of SOPA,(Stop Online Piracy Act), which, contrary to its name (and pretty consistent with the way that governments like to do things), will destroy the internet as we know it.

Now, let me explain something here. I'm not saying that we shouldn't do all we can to stop illegal activity, but when "illegal" activity is so vaguely defined as to basically entail anything and everything that the major music and film industries deem "illegal", I'm sorry, but lines need to be drawn somewhere. What exactly *is* "online piracy" anyway? Is it me grabbing stuff from YouTube for the sake of my job as a worship leader piracy? If it's for my own personal use, then clearly no, despite what the music industry might say. I, as a law-abiding citizen of this great nation, have rights, and I refuse, under any circumstances, to give those rights up, thank you very much. Also, this bill, as well as the Protect IP Act (PIPA), pretty much will gut the internet here in the States. that essentially means no more Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Dropbox, SendSpace, etc. My biggest fear isn't so much these sites, but where exactly do you draw the line? Today it's "online piracy", whatever that's supposed to mean, but what will it be tomorrow? will it be political speech in opposition to what our governemtn says? Will it be religious speech that might "offend" others? I, and many others around the world, view the internet as the last bastion of free speech left to us as citizens. We lost the airwaves years ago. It used to be that radio and television were media catering to our wants and needs, but sadly, with the influence of corporations and conglomerations, this is no longer the case. we're being bombarded with nothing but advertisement after advertisement for products and services we probably don't even need, let alone want. And somehow we're all supposed to care?

So, what does all this have to do with me transferring my domain? Well, seeing as how I pay Godaddy for the privellege of having a domain, I feel I'm also supporting their efforts to get this bill, that I vehemently oppose, shoved through. Unfortunately, it seems every time I turn around, I'm inadvertently supporting something I oppose, and much of it I simply have no control over. If we knew where most of our tax dollars went, we'd refuse to pay taxes. However, as a Christian, I do still have to pay my taxes, even though I happen to know that my tax dollars go to things which I simply wouldn't even spend a penny on. So, the best I can do at this time is post this, letting you all know that I firmly believe that while online piracy is a problem that must be dealt with, first, leglislation isn't the answer, and second, there must be definitions established and these industries must be held accountable to us. We, the people of this country, absolutely must have a say, and not lobby groups. congress must realize they are accountable to us. They work for us, not we for them. So, there you have it. I'm getting off my soap box (or is that SOPA box?). :) Hope you all are well, and I really need to update a page or two around here. :) Take care folks. Have a merry Christmas and happy New Year. :)

Profile pics, and other randomness.

2011-10-17T16:12:00.000-04:00

Hi folks! I exist, yes, you know this now. But, this just in: Now you can know for sure that I exist! If you look at my Facebook or my Twitter, you'll see my face, and yes, it's my face! :) both of those pics were taken earlier today, so that's cool. It feels good to actually have a picture! Anyway, what else has been happening? Not much. Just the same thing, different day. Hope everyone's doing well. I was going to post about other things, but I kind of forgot. :) Can't blame the beer, since I only had one.

Nope. Haven't died yet.

2011-05-27T14:06:00.000-04:00

I do, despite all appearances here on this little corner of the web, still exist. Haven't been up to much music-wise, but ya know, that'll come, I'm sure. :) I mean, it always could be worse, right? I could be in any mumber of undesirable situations right now, which would prevent me from writing here. I won't go into those, since, afterall, the possibilities, sad to say, are virtually endless. Anyway, just thought I'd just let you know I'm still around and will keep you all posted if something interesting happens. :) If you really wanted to know what's going on in my life on a daily basis, there's always my Twitter and Facebook, which you can find on the handy little contact page. Anyway, I'm going to shut up now. Talk to you all later! :)

An interesting article.

2011-04-24T12:51:00.001-04:00

Just found this on Wikipedia, and it's fantastic, explaining yet more reasons why I have some major concerns about major labels and their contracts. As an independent musician, it's a matter of conscience for me to remain so. comments?

Welcome! :)

2011-04-23T14:33:00.000-04:00

You've got ... my new look and feel for the current site! Wow, if you click on that link, it just takes you back here. why did I do that? To prove to everyone that what you're looking at is the official new look and feel of this site! :) Best of everything right here from my end and yours. :) So, welcome to the official site! :)

Posting.

2011-04-01T13:19:00.001-04:00

Just for fun, I want you all to take a look at this really, really, (did I mention really?) important link! Yes, it's a must! :)

Bach's birthday.

2011-03-21T17:55:00.000-04:00

1685 was a very special year for the world of music, though had you asked anyone at the time, they wouldn't have told you so. And it wouldn't be until later on that anyone would actually figure that out. Why? Because one of the greatest composers of some of the best music ever was born today back in 1685.

Okay, you might not be the biggest fan of his music. You might find classical music (well, I should put classical in scare quotes, as that's actually inacrynistic) really, really boring. Or you might just not have much of an appreciation and call me a crazy nut for thinking his music rocks hardcore. But hey, to each their own, and, regardless of your feelings, perceived or real, about such music, two things are pretty much established fact:

1. Modern music wouldn't exist without his contributions, and
2. every single person knows at least one of his pieces.

So, why would I think his music is fantastic? Well, multiple reasons. One of them happens to be that the guy was not only an interesting musician, he was just a really interesting guy who was actually pretty intelligent. For example, his Bible was found a number of years ago, and I'm told that he had loads of notes in there. So, he was really into theological matters, which, if you really get into his music, comes across quite clearly. And he not only wrote sacred music, but he also wrote secular stuff too.

He also had one heck of a sense of humor. See, it used to be thought that a contada was strictly sacred. It wasn't unheard of to hear one weekly in church. Well, that was true, until "cabbage and Beer" came along. Why he wrote that is beyond me but I can imagine he must have been laughing hysterically while writing it. (And by the way, "Cabbage and Beer" is kind of a rough translation of the german title, at least to my knowledge.) I'm going off of memory here, so if I get a few facts wrong, you'll know why. Needless to say, as a musician myself, and one who's done a bit of composition, I have loads of respect for J.S.B. check out Wikipedia for all the "correct" info. I'm going to post this thing. Talk to you all later.

One broken link.

2011-03-19T14:33:00.001-04:00

My album will no longer be freely available, not because I don't believe the music industry needs to be seriously reformed, or that I want to be unfair to those who want to have the album but can't afford it, but it was pointed out that it would be more fair to all involved if it weren't free. Don't ask me to explain it, it would take a very long post on it. But anyway, let me ask you all a question. I could do one of two things: I could

Sell CD's for a set price, or

have those who want the album name their own price.

Let me know via comments. I can see advantages to both, and I'll keep you informed on further developments. glad that all the feedback to the apparently limited-edition free album have been good. I know that those who grabbed it would pay for physical discs, so no being ripped off for me. :) but ya know, if you do pay for the album, you know that money's not going to some crooked exec, which seems to be the thing these days. If I'm going to be rich and famous, I want to get there via hard work and knowing that I was fair to all. But then again, do I really want to be rich and famous? I mean, knowing the temptations that brings with it, is that something that I want? No, it isn't. If I do become famous, it won't be because I intentionally set that as a goal. Would I be grateful? Of course. but I would also be all the more careful to watch myself and not get carried away by the mentality of entitlement that unfortunately comes with the riches and fame. I'm getting way off topic, but hey, as long as I'm making sense, that's really what matters. Hope you all are doing well, and I will definitely keep you informed as to the album. Not quite sure what I'm going to do with it. But it'll be there for sure.

Link test.

2011-03-12T15:27:00.000-05:00

So, if I just post this like so, what happens?

A test post.

2011-03-12T14:55:00.001-05:00

And here, folks, is a test post for Blogger coming to you from a client called Semagic. :) Does this work? we shall see.

The album is finally here!

2010-12-29T17:02:00.003-05:00

Folks, it's been a long time in coming, but the long-awaited and much-anticipated albumb "Clean Slate" is available for download! It's in Ogg format, but it's free, and that's cool! :) Want it? Click here to get it! Hope you enjoy it. :)

Yes, I'm still alive.

2010-12-02T14:46:00.002-05:00

Imagine that, folks. I'm not dead. Just switched browsers and stuff so ya know, I just forget to post. lol

Anyway, nothing much happening with me, personally or otherwise. Well, okay, my track Atmosphere apparently is becoming quite popular, and if you click on that link, you get your very own copy of said track for absolutely no charge at all. :) That's the kind of musician I try to be--fair to all including consumers. :)

That's basically it, besides all the usual I got up and did stuff and then went to bed at night things. lol There ya go. :) Hopefully soon I'll have my domain pointing right here, and that'll be great. Until then, have fun looking at this very obvious blog. :)

And he blogs again!

2010-09-15T15:48:00.002-04:00

Okay, it's official, you all should be scared now! Hahahahahaha, or something. This is just a quick update to let you all know I'm still alive and I'm planning on blogging a little more frequently. I hope you all are well.

Why Ramblings And Stuff?

2010-08-17T18:43:00.002-04:00

Well, welcome to the new look and feel of my official site! :) I decided to start a blog here on Google's Blogger mostly to make it easier for me to update the site, and also to separate the static information from the dynamic stuff. that's the beauty of blogging, and I think everyone should at least have one or more blogs, if nothing else than to be annoying. ;)

So, why exactly *did* I call this thing Ramblings And Stuff? Well, obviously, it's a blog, so expect ramblings about whatever crosses my mind, but there's stuff here too, like my contact info and a bio page, and who knows what else might make an appearance here! :) You'll find posts here ranging from information about gigs to new tracks, and anything and everything else in between and beyond. You essentially never know what you'll find here, so check back often for the latest and greatest on all things me! :) Hope you all are well, and hope to hear from you all soon! :)