June 2005
Monday, June 13
I had to get a new telephone for the playroom/future studio, for two reasons.
First, the existing one had a cheap, obnoxious ring, causing auditory discomfort not unlike a drill through the eardrum. Second, it was on the same frequency as the wireless network, which would completely vanish every time I answered the phone. Sort of funny, but unacceptable.
I found one by Panasonic that's loaded with features. It has the usual stuff: a directory, caller ID memory, an answering machine. It speaks to you in speech synthesis, informing you of who's calling, and from what number. I won't use that very often, if at all. Both the base unit and the handset have speakerphone functionality, which I will avoid using, because I could smack the shit out of anyone who thinks they're such hot snot that they don't have to pick up the phone and directly speak to me.
But the REALLY cool features are, it doesn't obliterate my wireless, the antenna blinks colors for silent ring, and: you can load audio from any source, for your own ringtones. So, using Logic and the Roland Handsonic drum pad, I made some tuned percussive ringtones. Right out of the iMac into the handset, with the supplied cable. You get ninety seconds total, enough for plenty, unless you're doing a whole verse and chorus.
Sunday morning, I was having a strange and vivid dream, when a call came in. For a moment, I thought the drum pad was going off by itself. Then I realized it was my new telephone.
Monday, June 6
This morning, as I did my usual quick scan of Nashville's daily newspaper, I happened to notice that Kraftwerk has a new recorded music package about to be released. I don't keep up with them much, having only a distant but loyal interest, so this was a pleasant surprise. These days, one has to give credit to any entertainment entity (although they'd likely describe themselves a bit differently) that continues to hold market interest and be a viable musical presence.
So I decided to have a look at their website. Lo and behold, they have a new section there: "KlingKlang Konsum Produkt." Yep - good old-fashioned Western capitalism. Concert programs with fascinating live show photos, T-shirts (hell, yeah!) and skateboard platforms. Those Aryan boys are smart. My hat is off to them.
I encourage everyone to visit Kraftwerk.com.
Friday, June 3
My friend, Terry Wilemon (Terescope Wireman), lives in a far corner of western Texas. His technical skills took him there, to work in a large observatory. Out there, it's far enough removed from human-generated light sources to be amply dark for astronomical research.
I have a couple years' distant history with Terry, which I hold as some of the most memorable and meaningful, and I miss his physical presence. He is not wanting for company however, with a lovely wife and a very young daughter endowed, I'm told, wth enough life force for three people.
Recently, I got a reply to an email I'd sent him about the directions my life is taking. Terry has a way with words that I can only admire from a wistful distance. I was so taken with his generous soliloquy that I decided to post it here.
"First and foremost, get unabashedly, undeniably, unpredictably weird; expunging from your system all that has been lurking and contained for too long. And do it quickly. A whole album if you like, explosive in ways that you (and I) would most appreciate as chance to be blown to the other realms, as others have done for us. Unleash that which in 20 years hence you would be satisfied with and delighted by. The expressively genuine effort that on your deathbed you might reflect on as being an endeavor you are most contented to have pursued.
In addition, cast aside all doubt that what you devise would be anything less than brilliant. So why not just fucking go nuts! Extend your boundaries that Confidence may secure an immutable toehold and carry the day in any future project regardless of species or intent. I challenge you to be extraordinary, and do this more than anything, for yourself...though I humbly submit that my appreciative desires salivate at the notion.
How hard it is to go deep into the mud of one's own soul and wrestle in darkness the stuff that is known only in subconscious terrain most of the time, but contains the salve of divinity that when spread by Muses illuminates the singularity that is you and you alone. We spend so much energy attempting to alleviate the strain of rebellion against the powerful forces that from birth incessantly contrive to constrain, formalize and indoctrinate us for mindless production and obedient servitude, that what is left is little more than a weary soldier seeking a way home with dignity. Rest and resume, and when such a blessed spark comes your way as it has now, charge with all your might toward the destined moment; regain the sacred assignment and proceed without fear, for all the force of the Omniverse supports those who create with pure intent. That is to say, go for it. In all one's folly, the Goddess loves you indeed and applauds the effort. Isis Isis, Ra Ra Ra!"
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