What’s on your mind?

[Certificate of Excellence]

I dont know exactly what this is but here goes. Today was picture day at school. The picture selection was abysmal. For individual photos, they had these stupid options - keychain/dogtags, 3x5s with their name on the bottom (like WE & our families dont know our child's name?) and an 8x10 but it was in landscape and had the 3x5 photo with an "inspirational message". I have no need for or desire to turn my child's face into an inspirational message for others. These were the only options on the flyer - no normal pictures for dads wallet, or grandma & grandpas book shelf or a nice 8x10 for the wall. What sort of brain dead marketing is this? I was so incredibly annoyed by not only the offerings but also the lack of what 99% of people I think would want. Now, there was a sibling option on a separate flyer which did have the normal offerings but was a separate option all together and frankly with mornings as hectic as they arlready are, I was not going to get the kids to school 1/2hr early to do that, so that was off the table. Additionally they offered a 20% discount if done/preordered online. OK, that's nice, but when you go to the website which is clunky and stupidly designed, there is a disclaimer under the promo code field that clearly states the pricing on the flyer includes the 20% ... wait what? Why include it on the flyer then? Just state the best price and be done with it. This treats us like we're idiots that cannot read or do math. Frankly the experience turned me off so much, I opted not to preorder anything - I opted for proofs to be sent to the school for review. The kids will get their pictures and we'll get proofs and hopefully *fingers crossed* we get some aditional photo offerings besides the horrendous garbage they were peddling on their flyer/website.

Right after this, I had my middle kiddo who is in kindergartem this year, bring me a book club sign up because he wanted a "book buddy". On the flyer for this wonderful opportunity "to drive a love of reading for your child" It clearly says, sign up and your kiddo will get a free book buddy. OK, fine. I read with my middle kiddo at least 3-5 times a week already but whatever, he wants this, Im all for it. So I get through to the last page of the sign up process and it says "to recieve your free book buddy, you must send out 10 sponsorship emails to your friends or family and they must sponsor your child to $100.00. All sponsorships must be paid for in advance to recive the book buddy".

I flatly refuse to be a spambot for this POS data mining data brokers ... I mean "book club" business. I wasted so much of my time this morning on this ********* - just need to breathe lol. On the bright side, my truck is done ... to the tune of $1350 USD later lol (starter coil, distributor+cables, new PCM [the computer]). BUT I cant complain. I havent had a car payment in ... 20 years, so when you amoratize that out, thats not too shabby I suppose.

SO time to ditch the steaming pile of inept, deceptive, time wasting (you know what lol) that dropped in my lap this morning and get my truck back

 

[Scepticalscribe]

I dont know exactly what this is but here goes. Today was picture day at school. The picture selection was abysmal. For individual photos, they had these stupid options - keychain/dogtags, 3x5s with their name on the bottom (like WE & our families dont know our child's name?) and an 8x10 but it was in landscape and had the 3x5 photo with an "inspirational message". I have no need for or desire to turn my child's face into an inspirational message for others. These were the only options on the flyer - no normal pictures for dads wallet, or grandma & grandpas book shelf or a nice 8x10 for the wall. What sort of brain dead marketing is this? I was so incredibly annoyed by not only the offerings but also the lack of what 99% of people I think would want. Now, there was a sibling option on a separate flyer which did have the normal offerings but was a separate option all together and frankly with mornings as hectic as they arlready are, I was not going to get the kids to school 1/2hr early to do that, so that was off the table. Additionally they offered a 20% discount if done/preordered online. OK, that's nice, but when you go to the website which is clunky and stupidly designed, there is a disclaimer under the promo code field that clearly states the pricing on the flyer includes the 20% ... wait what? Why include it on the flyer then? Just state the best price and be done with it. This treats us like we're idiots that cannot read or do math. Frankly the experience turned me off so much, I opted not to preorder anything - I opted for proofs to be sent to the school for review. The kids will get their pictures and we'll get proofs and hopefully *fingers crossed* we get some aditional photo offerings besides the horrendous garbage they were peddling on their flyer/website.

Right after this, I had my middle kiddo who is in kindergartem this year, bring me a book club sign up because he wanted a "book buddy". On the flyer for this wonderful opportunity "to drive a love of reading for your child" It clearly says, sign up and your kiddo will get a free book buddy. OK, fine. I read with my middle kiddo at least 3-5 times a week already but whatever, he wants this, Im all for it. So I get through to the last page of the sign up process and it says "to recieve your free book buddy, you must send out 10 sponsorship emails to your friends or family and they must sponsor your child to $100.00. All sponsorships must be paid for in advance to recive the book buddy".

I flatly refuse to be a spambot for this POS data mining data brokers ... I mean "book club" business. I wasted so much of my time this morning on this ********* - just need to breathe lol. On the bright side, my truck is done ... to the tune of $1350 USD later lol (starter coil, distributor+cables, new PCM [the computer]). BUT I cant complain. I havent had a car payment in ... 20 years, so when you amoratize that out, thats not too shabby I suppose.

SO time to ditch the steaming pile of inept, deceptive, time wasting (you know what lol) that dropped in my lap this morning and get my truck back

Well, I have said it (and written this) before, not least on this very site, but, I would argue that when social media platforms and access to the online world are (supposedly) "free" to use, you, and your data are the product.

 

[The Clark]

The girl that ghosted me is back in my DMs. Lengthy reply, mentioned some family drama and apologized profusely. I do believe her, but I am going to make it clear that if we continue talking, I need communication, even if it's just "Hey, I've seen your message, and I will be replying as soon as I can, just a lot going on" etc.. going full radio silent is not how you treat someone you have respect for. She is quite attractive, and I feel as though she get away with this a lot, but I want to make it clear that I'm not interested in something that's on and off. I'm going to wait a few days and then express this to her. Ugh, why can't people just be reasonable?

Anyway, new iPhone Pro looks pretty cool.. I'm happy with my 16P so I won't be upgrading, but that orange is stunning (IMO).

Hope you're all well.

 

[rm5]

Man I get that. It’s why I & most musicians I know have a lot of instruments/gear. Emulation is great and quite convincing/good nowadays but sometimes, only the real thing will provide what you need sonically/tonally speaking.

I totally agree! I have to make some sacrifices of course. Nord keyboards have the best and most realistic sounds of any, but I dislike them greatly because the keyboard action is super plasticky, the keys are hardly weighted (even on the "Hammer Action 88" models), and they just generally feel awful to play. The Nord market caters to those who prioritize good sound over good action, and I'm the opposite.

My Yamaha CP88 stage keyboard has the action almost of a grand piano, and I haven't played ANY other board with that good of an action, besides a real piano. And the Yamaha MX61 I bought a couple months back I'm taking up to Wisconsin (college) with me. It has remarkably good sounds, actually. Some I like better than on my CP88.

 

[Certificate of Excellence]

Well, I have said it (and written this) before, not least on this very site, but, I would argue that when social media platforms and access to the online world are (supposedly) "free" to use, you, and your data are the product.

Obviously - this club itself is not free lol. The book buddy can be free but the books I am supposed to buy through the book club for my kiddo cost and are not cheap LOL. So effectively, they are saying:

1.) Spam our business
2.) Give your family and friends contact information to us
3.) Have your family give us money

Then we'll send your kid the free book buddy.

No thank you.

 

[Apple fanboy]

Obviously - this club itself is not free lol. The book buddy can be free but the books I am supposed to buy through the book club for my kiddo cost and are not cheap LOL. So effectively, they are saying:

1.) Spam our business
2.) Give your family and friends contact information to us
3.) Have your family give us money

Then we'll send your kid the free book buddy.

No thank you.

Just get him a library card. Problem solved!

 

[Certificate of Excellence]

Just get him a library card. Problem solved!

They have them. Well youngest doesn’t but I have acquired a sizable library of baby books from the first two kids strategically placed on the bottom bookshelf for kiddo 3. Oldest two actually get a new book or two at the school library each week as part of their week includes one library visit on Tuesdays. That is usually what we read through that week.

 

[rm5]

The girl that ghosted me is back in my DMs. Lengthy reply, mentioned some family drama and apologized profusely. I do believe her, but I am going to make it clear that if we continue talking, I need communication, even if it's just "Hey, I've seen your message, and I will be replying as soon as I can, just a lot going on" etc.. going full radio silent is not how you treat someone you have respect for. She is quite attractive, and I feel as though she get away with this a lot, but I want to make it clear that I'm not interested in something that's on and off. I'm going to wait a few days and then express this to her. Ugh, why can't people just be reasonable?

I would argue that this applies not just in relationships, but also in most other settings, too. While I am wholly against the "always on" nature of some jobs, giving someone 24 hours to respond to a text or email is reasonable, I think. I am generally very quick to respond to any communication (within a few minutes), but that's just me. Everyone operates differently, so I think a day is a good timeframe.

I'm also really bad with setting my own boundaries. I've learned to take every opportunity available, which I think in itself is a good practice, but there is a limit. I'll be the main guy in the conservatory this year (if not the next two years) since most of the other high-level pianists have graduated this past year. I've already gotten several calls to play on peoples' grad school auditions, senior degree recitals, and for recordings of their compositions--BEFORE I've even stepped foot on campus. Which is absolutely wonderful, but I know that I can't do everything.

Anyway, new iPhone Pro looks pretty cool.. I'm happy with my 16P so I won't be upgrading, but that orange is stunning (IMO).

I too like the new design of the iPhone, but I'm good with my current one. If anything, I would upgrade my iPad (A14 iPad Air), but it works perfectly fine for the one thing I use it for (reading sheet music). Battery is a little iffy after five years but that can be replaced cheaply.

Hope you're all well.

Yep, doing great! Just one more day until I fly back to college--really looking forward to meeting all the new first-year students.

 

[Certificate of Excellence]

The girl that ghosted me is back in my DMs. Lengthy reply, mentioned some family drama and apologized profusely. I do believe her, but I am going to make it clear that if we continue talking, I need communication, even if it's just "Hey, I've seen your message, and I will be replying as soon as I can, just a lot going on" etc.. going full radio silent is not how you treat someone you have respect for. She is quite attractive, and I feel as though she get away with this a lot, but I want to make it clear that I'm not interested in something that's on and off. I'm going to wait a few days and then express this to her. Ugh, why can't people just be reasonable?

Anyway, new iPhone Pro looks pretty cool.. I'm happy with my 16P so I won't be upgrading, but that orange is stunning (IMO).

Hope you're all well.

I'd not demand anything of her other than be genuinely curious about and open to what pulled her away. Give her a chance to explain herself in a normal way, not this emotionally charged, guarded, clingy weirdo space.

If it's BS, you'll know it and move on. If it's real ie: my parents got hit by a car and are in critical condition & I was with them, then you know its' real and can understand, empathize, show support and move forward if you want.

I dont think you're understanding of the situation allows for any demands or expectations from her really at this point and as for your own emotions; you're a grown person - control them so you can hear her and understand the situation and not react or make assumptions about her as you have.

 

[The Clark]

I'd not demand anything of her other than be genuinely curious about and open to what pulled her away. Give her a chance to explain herself in a normal way, not this emotionally charged, guarded, clingy weirdo space.

If it's BS, you'll know it and move on. If it's real ie: my parents got hit by a car and are in critical condition & I was with them, then you know its' real and can understand, empathize, show support and move forward if you want.

I dont think you're understanding of the situation allows for any demands or expectations from her really at this point and as for your own emotions; you're a grown person - control them so you can hear her and understand the situation and not react or make assumptions about her as you have.

Nah I think I will be clear with my boundaries but thanks.

 

[BotchQue]

...I had an old Yamaha PSR keyboard at the time and it had this synth patch called "Skyline." I mainly used it to double horn lines. It had the timbre almost of an alto saxophone--super fat, gritty, and also piercing in the top end. The sound could cut through an entire horn section and was great for soloing with. NONE of my keyboards I currently own have that sound--Yamaha ditched it in their newer boards, and even the older MX61 I have doesn't include Skyline. Kind of a shame, I really miss that patch. Maybe I'll run across a cheap PSR sometime just for that sound lol.

I have a rack mounted Oberheim Matrix 1000 that I keep for just one patch, like yours a snarly, vicious tone that can cut thru two guitar players when I need it to.

 

[Certificate of Excellence]

Nah I think I will be clear with my boundaries but thanks.

Good luck with that conversation.

 

[The Clark]

Good luck with that conversation.

Just finished it and it went well. Mini golf next week.

 

[The Clark]

I would argue that this applies not just in relationships, but also in most other settings, too. While I am wholly against the "always on" nature of some jobs, giving someone 24 hours to respond to a text or email is reasonable, I think. I am generally very quick to respond to any communication (within a few minutes), but that's just me. Everyone operates differently, so I think a day is a good timeframe.

I'm also really bad with setting my own boundaries. I've learned to take every opportunity available, which I think in itself is a good practice, but there is a limit. I'll be the main guy in the conservatory this year (if not the next two years) since most of the other high-level pianists have graduated this past year. I've already gotten several calls to play on peoples' grad school auditions, senior degree recitals, and for recordings of their compositions--BEFORE I've even stepped foot on campus. Which is absolutely wonderful, but I know that I can't do everything.

I too like the new design of the iPhone, but I'm good with my current one. If anything, I would upgrade my iPad (A14 iPad Air), but it works perfectly fine for the one thing I use it for (reading sheet music). Battery is a little iffy after five years but that can be replaced cheaply.

Yep, doing great! Just one more day until I fly back to college--really looking forward to meeting all the new first-year students.

Do you know much about Acoustic guitars? I need a new one. I really like the Taylor series but they are a touch bright.. I was thinking something darker like Martin but Im not sure.

 

[rm5]

Do you know much about Acoustic guitars? I need a new one. I really like the Taylor series but they are a touch bright.. I was thinking something darker like Martin but Im not sure.

I don't, unfortunately. I have a Seagull acoustic and I honestly don't like the sound of it at all. Found a Fender acoustic as well at an estate sale, and paid about $100 to restore it. THAT is a nice guitar. I'm not a guitarist though, and sadly I rarely play either of them.

 

[Certificate of Excellence]

I’d recommend a jumbo bodied acoustic with a cedar top & larger guage strings for a deeper, darker tone. I’m particular to Guild myself but Taylor, Martin and many others make acoustics like this and at varying price points from a couple hundred to thousands dependent on your budget.

 

[Certificate of Excellence]

Interestingly, one of my favorite acoustics that met an untimely death about 10 years ago now (headstock snap) was a Gibson Epiphone hummingbird dreadnaught body acoustic with typical spruce top and mahogany back and sides. That acoustic had such a beautiful, round and
Balanced sound with a beautiful deepness to it much like what a jumbo bodied guitar would produce. I loved the way that guitar sounded, looked, the neck profile lol - everything about it. It was one of those lucky finds on the used market - cheaper but exceptional tonal acoustics. I haven’t owned multiple, so I’m unsure if it was just that guitar or is emblematic of all Hummingbird acoustics but that was a
Very fine guitar for a mass production run Indonesian (IIRC) acoustic.

 

[Macky-Mac]

Do you know much about Acoustic guitars? I need a new one. I really like the Taylor series but they are a touch bright.. I was thinking something darker like Martin but Im not sure.

So go find a store with Martin stock and play a few. Playing them is the only way to find out.

The best body shape is going to depend on what and how you're going to play.

 

[Certificate of Excellence]

So go find a store with Martin stock and play a few. Playing them is the only way to find out.

The best body shape is going to depend on what and how you're going to play.

Good point - LOL this reminds me of a good musician singer song writer friend of mine that I played with for about 18 years or so - anyways he loved the deeper and darker tones he could get from a jumbo for strumming rhythm/melodies BUT he said his arms were too short to comfortably play them. I let him borrow a couple of mine for a test drive which he then bought one from me (a Guild jumbo) but then sold it back to me because of the short arm (or maybe big body?) issue LOL. I’m lucky in that I’m tall and have long monkey arms so no problems accommodating the larger size.

Anyways, I guess it cut into him when he played live so trying different body styles and woods is important. There are many factors at play.

 

[rm5]

All I will say: editing this podcast the day before I leave is exactly like cramming a final paper the morning it's due. I'm delivering the files on a hard drive, so they HAVE to be done by the end of the day. Plus, I have yet to pack anything. It's literally like finals week, but at home lol. (Hopefully actual finals week in November isn't this bad.)

 

[rm5]

Not that I really care all that much, but I guess this is cool. Apple Music has had lossless audio forever, and now Spotify does, too.

I’m not an “audiophile” in the traditional sense—that is, I don’t really care about lossless unless it’s for a client project. If I’m just listening to music, I don’t care. However, I VERY much care about the quality of the recording, mixing, and mastering of the music itself.

 

[Certificate of Excellence]

Not that I really care all that much, but I guess this is cool. Apple Music has had lossless audio forever, and now Spotify does, too.

I’m not an “audiophile” in the traditional sense—that is, I don’t really care about lossless unless it’s for a client project. If I’m just listening to music, I don’t care. However, I VERY much care about the quality of the recording, mixing, and mastering of the music itself.

View attachment 2546752

Now that is something worth paying for. I stopped paying for Spotify when they dropped PowerPC Macos support which was quite a while ago and I haven't returned. I actually stream Pandora because there is still a supported standalone app for machines back to Intel Core 2 Duos running 10.11 El Capitan & I purchased another app for $1.00 off the itunes store many years ago that still works and is compatible back to Snow Leopard 10.6.8, so I have that across all my devices from my M2 MBP to my own and my kiddos Intel macs (an 09 20" imac and a 09 mbp & 08 mb) and my iphone 14, which I habitually stream through my car or my ear buds. It just ended up working out that way.

I'd still use Spotify if I could get their open.spotify.com web app to work in Basilisk on my older intel macs but it has always errored out with a DRM protected content error for me and while Basilisk is a fork of Mozilla and based off Firefox 57, in its settings there unfortunately is not a protected content option to enable for web use, despite Spotify support saying there is one lol.

Oh well, dems da breaks Cool that Spotify has lossless now though for premium users. I think that definitely adds value for many folks.

 

[AVBeatMan]

In a meeting in the office today. From next week everyone not only has to come in 3 days a week but at least 22 hours and 12 minutes a week. We are, after all, children....🤣 As for flexi....? 🤔

 

[VisceralRealist]

Not that I really care all that much, but I guess this is cool. Apple Music has had lossless audio forever, and now Spotify does, too.

I’m not an “audiophile” in the traditional sense—that is, I don’t really care about lossless unless it’s for a client project. If I’m just listening to music, I don’t care. However, I VERY much care about the quality of the recording, mixing, and mastering of the music itself.

View attachment 2546752

I am a bit of an audiophile. It's been a hobby of mine for a few years. When it comes to streaming, Qobuz is my preferred, but I acknowledge their library is a bit small and their app is not the best.

Spotify finally having lossless might make me want to use them again, especially since it is the best app for helping me discover new music.

A bit disappointing it won't have hi-res lossless like Apple Music does. But Apple Music not having a Mac app for Apple Classical makes me not want to use it!

No streaming service is perfect.

 

[rm5]

Spotify finally having lossless might make me want to use them again, especially since it is the best app for helping me discover new music.

I like Spotify for its ease of use and large catalog. But I don’t use it to discover any new music. That comes from other people usually, or by me searching artists’ discographies.

A bit disappointing it won't have hi-res lossless like Apple Music does. But Apple Music not having a Mac app for Apple Classical makes me not want to use it!

I’ve never looked into Apple Music Classical. Even so, I have mixed feelings. I think it’s nice to have a classical-exclusive catalog, making it easier to discover new music in that tradition. I just wonder what is excluded from it (that should be included) in terms of other, lesser-known composers. Again, I haven’t really looked into the platform so this is just going off what I understand it to be.

Moreover I think it gets at my dislike of the term “classical music” itself.

No streaming service is perfect.

Indeed. Honestly, that’s why I buy albums. It’s so comforting knowing that I own it and it cannot be taken away from me.