CosmicDog's Awareness

I can hardly believe it myself

I actually got something done today.  And I'm not just referring to deleting the old shows off my DVR. 

I went down to my church and completely reinstalled the sound system.  You see, in addition to being the web master, pianist, and guitarist for the Vineyard Christian Fellowship of Modesto, I am also the sound engineer. 

Our setup is pretty simple, it's kinda cobbled together from the equipment that was left behind when we were robbed a few years ago.  However, we faced some challenges when we moved into the new building last year, one of which is that half the power outlets on the stage are not grounded.  This is bad news for power amps and such.  So we put part of the equipment, the mixer and monitor amps on the stage, and the main power amps in a closet to the side.  This would have been fine, even with the cables trailing across the floor, except that we would sometimes forget to turn the main amps on.  (By we, I mean people who try to run the sound system that are not me).  Also, closets tend to get filled with useful items that just happen to not be useful at the moment.  So it was getting harder and harder to get to the cabinet to turn the amps on. 

As for the stage setup, when we first started at this new building, I was playing bass on Sunday mornings, which for communications sake and for the hearing of the backup singers, meant that was usually on the right side of the stage.  So we placed the mixer on right side so I could adjust the monitor mix and the house mix.  Nowadays, I split Sunday mornings between playing guitar and piano, which is on the left side of the stage.

I pulled all the cables and moved the cabinets to the left side of the stage.  By the way, it's was no small feat getting the power amp cabinet on the stage, that thing is heavy!  I plugged everything back in and nothing exploded, a good sign to be sure.  So, I decided to add another monitor to the stage.  I also moved the digital piano and raised its stand so that could more easily transition between guitar and piano, and since I'm standing, it's a bit easier to sing.  I think everything looks really good and I'm looking forward to how my pastor/worship leader (band leader to you non-churchy folk) receives it.

Anyway, I'm exhausted and covered in dust.  I'm going to go take shower and go to bed.

Told ya so

You Are 71% Tortured Genius

You are smart. Brilliant in fact. And while it's a blessing, it's also a curse. Your head is filled with everything - grand ideas, insufferable worries, and a good deal of angst.

Are You a Tortured Genius?

HELLO...Hello...hello

I can't really think of anything to write about today, except that I have a three day weekend starting tomorrow.  However, I've been wondering, since I've been posting regularly for the last two weeks, "Is Anybody Reading This?"  My guess is probably not, but who knows?

So, if you are reading my little corner of the universe, please, leave a comment.  Just to say hi.

Out.

Of course I saw tonight's South Park

South Park + '24' = me squeeling like a little girl!

The only problem: I have the CTU ringtone on my phone, so, yeah, I kept looking at my phone every two minutes.

Other than that, awesome.  Absolutely, 99%, awesome.

Hipsters Unite!

The Smashing Pumpkins are back! ...sort of.  Billy Corgan and Jimmy Chamberlain and some other folks that are probably not D'arcy or James Iha are recording a new album (Zeitgeist) and going on tour.  I still think it's cool, everybody knows that Billy Corgan is the Smashing Pumpkins, except when he's Zwan, which is when he Zucks.  Anyway, the tour starts on 5/22/07 in Paris, France.

I am the proud owner of every Smashing Pumpkins studio album and I am really looking forward to Zeitgeist.  Expect youtube to be flooded with videos of my amazing solo acoustic performances of classic SP tunes.

About that $4000 you owe me...

 

Gibson has released a Kiefer Sutherland model guitar!  I MUST HAVE IT!!!  Normally, I would never consider spending $4000 for a guitar, even if I had that kind of money.  But, Good Lord, Jack-Frickin'-Bauer's guitar?  Are you kidding me?! 

So, if you have that $4000 you owe me (you know who you are), it's time to pay up.  Otherwise, if the 1000 of you that I loaned $4 can get that back to me, that would be good too.

Alternatively, you can purchase some immortality.  Give me some money and a I will write and perform a song for you with my new Gibson KS-336.  Seriously.  Drop me an e-mail.  For realzies.

Oh, and read the article/interview on Gibson's website with Kiefer.  It's full of awesome.

Every other day it's food, food, food!

Heather Armstrong posted this entry on her blog today.

Wowzers, crappy food = spectacular sex?  In their world, I am a Porn Star!  Seriously, there is a reasonably healthy Teriyaki Bowl restaurant about 10 minutes from my house and there is a McDonald's about 3 minutes away. Guess where I go 9 times out of 10.

Laziness = bigness, I certainly can't argue with that equation.

Jack Bauer and a super case of the Mondays

I found these on The Vancouverite and laughed my butt off!

Jack vs. Chunk

Everybody's Job Sucks on Monday

So...

Is she a cylon? Cliffhangers are cool, except when you have to wait 9 months for the resolution.

This is almost as bad as waiting for the follow-up to Terry Brooks' Armageddon's Children.

Research, Ideas

I finally have an idea for a SciFi story:

The year is 2025. The Digital age has come to maturity. All electronic devices are connected to a wireless high speed international network. All computer applications, files, games, media, entertainment, and information is distributed through this Network. Access is granted through your DNA code. Any attempt to remain anonymous is illegal. The only ones off the Net are criminals and terrorists, and the special investigators that hunt them.

This is just the setting of the story, I look forward to walking around in it and seeing what stories develop.

This is inspired by:

1. The convergence of digital media and information, i.e. TV and movies through the Internet, and digital devices that have multiple uses, i.e. my Palm TX plays video and music, accesses the Internet, and even controls my TV.

2. DRM and and the DMCA.

3. The Patriot Act and the current administration abuse of power and disregard for individual privacy.

4. And, of course, '24'.

And now, I'm off to do some research.