tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53629525433385565212023-11-15T09:08:31.101-08:00Sounds of RayA general collection of info and ideas from ... ME :)Rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00645783408632744494noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5362952543338556521.post-19736346937832945752015-07-02T13:21:00.001-07:002015-07-02T13:44:35.297-07:00I've been thinking about doing this for a while. But, I was not sure "how." I want to tell the story behind the songs that I've been putting up on SoundCloud. So, maybe I'll use *The Blog* to do that.<br />
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Well, good idea. But, I have a better idea. I'll be putting all that in the Sounds of Ray website. Visit the Songs List page to find links to the recordings and the info.<br />
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But, give me a few days to get that going. It should be on its way by mid-July.Rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00645783408632744494noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5362952543338556521.post-29863045503191595762015-05-29T07:20:00.001-07:002015-05-29T07:20:47.929-07:00New Computer - New SongsOK. yes. I've been way too slow at making entries here. But, I have news that I want to mention.<br />
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First, my old computer died. Luckily, it was the motherboard. So, all my data was OK. But, it forced me to buy a new computer. Sure, I'd have loved to have replaced it with an iMac or even the new Mac Pro. But, I'm not flush with money these days. Dell provided me with a nice payment plan option on a really good machine (that was a quarter of the price of a Mac), so I went with it. 'Nough said about that.<br />
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Now, I had two computers: one for general stuff and one for recording my music. Well, that second machine was even older and limping along. So, I basically replaced two machines with this one. <br />
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And what a difference a decade makes. I upgraded the most critical software (something I haven't been able to do for years) and am finally enjoying recording again.<br />
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So, that's the *real* news here. I've recorded (or re-recorded in some cases) 5 songs, as of this moment, and put them up on SoundCloud. I've got two more that I'm working on and about 10 more I'd like to record and get up there by the end of June. Then, I'll decide on the 20 (or so) other songs I list as "OK" songs.<br />
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And, that doesn't include any of the dozen or more songs on my "working" table just waiting for that tiny spark of inspiration that will give them a place in my Songs List.<br />
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The link to SoundCloud is down in the "More Sites" box in the lower right ("SOR on SoundCloud"), if you'd like to listen in. Also, I'll be posting updates on the SOR FB account (I hope).Rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00645783408632744494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5362952543338556521.post-62477094166953941482013-01-07T21:29:00.002-08:002013-01-07T21:40:07.781-08:00Paris – Some Impressions<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After those last few detours, I’m back to writing about France, and Paris in particular.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, I’m not going into a travel-log, though we went to many notable places.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, rather, I want to talk about my impressions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the fact that I may have located where my song, "Je Suis l’Amour," could have taken place.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, impressions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt like I was in a special place (as I was).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could feel it under my feet, through my eyes, in my ears .. . it was wonderful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a side note, it would have been even better if I could read the signs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, that limitation (on my part) almost melted away by the 4<sup>th</sup> day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Things that were strange and new because familiar and comfortable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The chatter between people started to have depth and feeling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I started to understand, just a little, but enough to feel at ease.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I often chuckle when thinking about the waiter who did not speak English.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My wife had a little cheat-sheet of words for food preparation, since I like my beef very well done (it’s biological … you don’t want to know what beef juice does to me, and quickly).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, we stumbled through our order, he nodded and soon brought us just what we had ordered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had picked up some courtesies from Liane.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, when I signaled for the check, he brought it over, dropped it off and winked at me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Haha.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew he understood all along.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And, there was the old man (I have to be careful who I call “old” .. he may have been only a few years older than me) sitting at the bus stop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wasn’t waiting for a bus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was just sitting there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He engaged me in conversation, talking about restaurants we might enjoy and how much he was thankful for General Patton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All the time, he talked with a casual toss of his hand in a tired, humored voice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do not think I treated him well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I actually was a little afraid of him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, as soon as the bus came, I bid him good day and jumped on the bus.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now, on the bus, we met another interesting person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was from Montreal and was in Paris visiting her male friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was very helpful in providing directions for getting back to our hotel, since not all the bus lines were running. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Was it Sunday?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not sure. Anyway, we made it back just fine with her help.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, for months I had worried about how I would get around in Paris. When the time came,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> t</span>he answer?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just fine. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now, about my song.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We went on the boat ride up and down the Seine one evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, I was looking at the shore for two reasons: 1) because I had seen pictures of the house boats docked at the waters edge and 2) I was looking for where my song could have taken place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I found two likely spots, both in the same general area on le Quai d’Anjou, either near la Rue Poulletier or at the other end of the island, where the road is le Quai de Bourbon, near a small park at the isle tip, both on Ile Saint-Loius.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So many more things come to mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the hour is late and I must post this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also another day and another post, right? (Usually). I will continue with more little notes on this magical city.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">So, bye for now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, remember to have fun … where ever you are.</span>Rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00645783408632744494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5362952543338556521.post-68223391772141626922013-01-06T21:45:00.000-08:002013-01-06T21:52:11.876-08:001975 – the year I leaped and missed<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I don’t know what most of you were doing in 1975, but I was trying to find where I fit in after spending 4 years in the USAF.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was working at my 3<sup>rd</sup> job in 2 years, had broken up with my heart throb, had a new motorcycle and was working on new songs and what I was going to do with them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I had originally marked this point as 1974.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, after thinking back through my experiences, I decided 1975 was more correct, since in 1976 I had a total life change by following the job trail out to Minnesota.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Anyway, I had played a few bars and some back rooms and was getting positive results.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I even had an offer to join with a band out of Connecticut (which I didn’t take because I wasn’t sure it was my style). I figured it was time to search out a publisher.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>{Where is that Time Machine when you need it, right?}</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Anyway, my choices were the City (NYC, that is) or Boston.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I called around and both places wanted to see all new material in person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I decided that Boston was the better route for that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I made an appointment …. wait … wait … that’s what I should have done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, what I *really* did was make a quick cassette tape of some songs, packed a lunch and drove to Boston with an address in hand.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now, that’s bad, right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, I did this on a Saturday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I drove all the way to Boston.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got within a few blocks of my destination when I slammed into the back of someone making a right turn ... except he stopped suddenly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bam!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luckily no one was hurt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had an accident earlier on that same spot and hadn’t had time to fix it yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, I wiped out my headlight and right front fender.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We agreed to let it go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pried the fender out enough to allow the wheel full movement (mostly).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, my headlights were toast since the circuit was shorted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I drove to where the production company office was and went in to see the head man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, and that’s where the appointment would have been nice, he wasn’t in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The receptionist said she’d take my tape.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, I didn’t want to leave it and just left.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got back in my busted car, ate my cold sandwich and drove home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was dark before I got close.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I ran the rest of the way with just my running lights on: no headlights.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So there you go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I leaped and missed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Poor planning, poor timing, and bad luck all rolled into one experience.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Was it bad?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who can say if any mishap is bad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes it works out for the better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, the absolute *worst* thing you can do is give up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have never given up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I may fall into slumps at times (even for several years).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, the spark still shines inside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I suspect it will until I take that last final breath.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, keep trying, regardless of the outcome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, please, have fun doing it … in any life.</span></div>
Rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00645783408632744494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5362952543338556521.post-57289330898083733512013-01-05T21:48:00.000-08:002013-01-06T18:43:57.186-08:00Minnesota Performers<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Well, I’m taking a break from stories of France because today was a special day and it made me think about another topic: performers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Why today?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, first off, a good associate of mine died several weeks ago after a long, three year battle with ALS.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, today we buried one of my wife’s cousins who came down with ALS not more than a year ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She went very quickly towards the end.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, what has this to do with performers?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, her cousin was well loved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And as a tribute to her at her service a father/daughter team sang two songs, her on the guitar and he on the mandolin. They have obviously done this before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had a fantastically sweet voice and was excellent on the guitar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And he was pretty darn good with harmony and playing the mandolin.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">There is so much wonderful talent in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I suspect these two came from the North Shore, Duluth area, since that’s where my wife’s cousin has been living.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the North Shore (of Lake Superior, for those who were wondering) is not lacking in talent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Michael Monroe, one of my favorite MN singer/songwriters, hails from that neck of the wood (but he’s not the Finnish rock star Michael M). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, there are so many others.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And, the talent is abundant all over the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is an incredible time for music in the history of Mankind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And with the Internet and inexpensive hardware/software, production and distribution is almost too easy.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">So, what’s the big deal?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, regardless of how I come across, I understand that I am no great shakes vocally and performance-wise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do have my “style” on the 12-string.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, I really envy people who can pick a mean guitar or play the piano like they were born with it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">There are times when I feel so out-of-it, or full-of-it, or just plain foolish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just another person trying to be heard in that great cacophony of people trying to get heard.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Then, I get this notice asking me to play (in Second Life) on Feb 10<sup>th</sup> at 7pm PST for an hour at a benefit to “Be the Match” for bone marrow transplants and I feel invigorated again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Isn’t Life (and Second Life) wonderful?!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, final edit going in just after midnight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, I’m shutting down for some shut-eye.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remember to have fun .. anywhere, in any life.</span></div>
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Rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00645783408632744494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5362952543338556521.post-62681812881051224712013-01-04T21:34:00.001-08:002013-01-04T21:34:59.376-08:00More on France: Verdun and Strasburg<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s late Friday night and I’m tired and frustrated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe some of you are, too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, we both know what the answer is, right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Go to bed … LOL!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will soon. </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m sitting here with a cup of hot coco, wondering what I want to write about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had picked up the guitar just a bit ago and played a few songs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, I don’t have the energy to turn the whole system on and really get into it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Guess that’s another sign that I should “go to bed!”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">But, being a night owl, that’s not an option; at least not for another hour.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was thinking about what else to tell you, in a few paragraphs, about France before I jump into talking about Paris.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was really stunned by the Verdun area: how blasted it was during WWI.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How you still can’t walk in some of the woods (they are woods again now after being just blasted dirt back then) because of the unexploded ordinance and shells in the ground.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The museum is solemn, but very complete, explaining much of the history leading up to events in the area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The whole thing is just amazing to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t want to go into any details because you need to be specific on things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You just can’t say “The Germans did this” and “the French did that” because not all Germans were involved, as well as not all French likewise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, there is a pattern of villainizing the other on both sides that made such a conflict easier to support.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a sad, repeating portrait in history to “create an enemy” so that you can do battle with them and hope to defeat them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">[A side comment on that … I just saw the movie “Lincoln” and it actually brought up that point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His son was so disgusted and upset with the atrocities being perpetrated on “our boys” (paraphrased) that he insisted on joining up to fight the South: another example of this pattern.]</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, that was the sad part of that area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The interesting part is that over the centuries that section of land has changed hands between France and Germany many times, resulting in a merging of cultures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think back to the Inn Keeper at the Comfort Inn in Strasburg. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was a delightfully cheerful fellow who could speak three languages very well: French, German, and English.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, for what languages he didn’t know, there was someone else on staff that might.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He and Liane would have a lively talk in French to each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then a German couple came in and he had a lively chat with them. After which I, needing change for a 10 spot for the machines, had a pleasant chat in English with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d stop by there again anytime (besides the fact it was just off the Tram line, making it an easy point to go into town from).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now that’s another interesting point about the trip:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>transportation was excellent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Trains, buses, trams, metro lines, even taxis … all so accessible and well done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And almost everything was on time, with displays showing what’s coming and in how long.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was really nice.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I suppose you world travelers are chuckling at my silliness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, I’ve had a semi-sheltered life: my only trip outside the States was a tour of duty in Southeast Asia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, I guess my point being, again, that I met many wonderful people who made the trip so magical.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Enough for tonight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wish you all sweet dreams … and have fun, wherever you are.</span></div>
Rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00645783408632744494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5362952543338556521.post-60052817697213011192013-01-03T20:36:00.000-08:002013-01-04T05:49:17.084-08:00France – Alsace/Lorraine<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Last September (2012), my wife and I joined two other couples to take a week tour of the Alsace/Lorraine area of France, finishing up with 5 days in Paris.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll talk about Paris later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For now, I want to mention the trip and our companions.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The trip was organized by our good friend, Liane, who basically does this for a living.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, our journey was one to catch places she and her husband, Jim, had not really spent much time in before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was fine with me … anyplace in France was new for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plus, since she speaks fluent French (as opposed to my 10 word vocabulary), it was a no-stress journey through Wonderland (voyage à travers le pays des merveilles?). {Isn’t Google wonderful … LOL} <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our other travel companions are a fun couple and friends: Jim and Janet.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now, it wasn’t without it’s mishaps. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Right away, our rental van was not there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It took a few hours to get one that would work for six with baggage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, it all worked out well in the end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We loaded up the van and were on our way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The GPS was unpacked and plugged in (for insurance on getting where we were headed) and christened “Gracie.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>{I should note that Gracie gave us quite the chuckle now and then with her pronunciation of some of the French names.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Later, at lunch at an open air café, I had the distinct pleasure of “wearing” a demi of beer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I saw it happening in slow motion as the waiter leaned forward to set down one beer and the tray started to tilt. Now, I must say, if you are going to spill beer on someone, I’m your guy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The poor waiter (in training) was terrified.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, I just laughed, and wondered if I should suck it out of my shirt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Liane had a lengthy conversation with the head waiter, who said he would offer me one of his suits, but I was obviously not his size.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>LOL.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s all good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am NOT his size. I am probably twice his size. They paid for the dry cleaning and I got a great story out of it. And, I’m sure the waiter in training got quite the scolding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do feel badly about that, though.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m not going into details on every day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were in Reims for two days (the site of my beer bath), across the border to Luxembourg for one day, back down to Strasburg for two days, then two days in Colmar before heading back to Paris for five days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And between each stop were lovely, peaceful small towns, castles, battlefields, and cemeteries, as well as one detainment camp: Natzweiler.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And grape vines! As far as the eye could see, covering hillside after hillside. We even got the chance to see a load of grapes “de-stemmed.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is fascinating how the machine can take the grapes off the stems without damaging the fruit itself.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">But, the true delight of the trip was in meeting many, many wonderful people, including the many friends of Liane’s (because of her business and travels).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They gave us personal tours, shared lunches and dinners with us, and just added so much fun and laughter to an already marvelous trip.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, I must say that if you travel to places new to you, do it with someone who knows the area and the language.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You will have so much more fun than just taking a standard tour.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As always, have fun … anywhere, in any life.</span></div>
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Rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00645783408632744494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5362952543338556521.post-38098830433593063832013-01-02T13:39:00.002-08:002013-01-02T13:45:27.674-08:00New Year, Old Life<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">LOL.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Strange title, that one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, it’s very appropriate for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am still working on what I wanted a decade ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some things just take time, I guess.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, what is that?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, I suppose it’s what many people want … to show a wide range of people (the world, maybe?) what you are about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For me, that’s my music.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It also might be my thoughts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, then, I have a lot of personal thoughts that I don’t share, mainly because they are mine and not shared by many around me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">But, the list of things I do want to share in this New Year and new endeavor (this blog) is huge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The short list is …</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-</span><span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Impressions and experiences of my trip to France.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-</span><span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Paris … City of Lights, city of Love.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-</span><span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Enya, James Taylor, Gordon Lightfoot, Bob Dylan, Jim Croce, etc, etc, … </span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-</span><span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1974 … the year I leaped and missed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-</span><span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What *is* the Cost of Freedom (referring to my song)</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-</span><span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Choices … make them or lose them</span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-</span><span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">On Aging</span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-</span><span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">On “Looks”</span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-</span><span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Missed Opportunities</span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-</span><span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">MAS (Minnesota Association of Songwriters)</span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-</span><span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My Father</span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-</span><span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My Mother</span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-</span><span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My Sisters (that could be juicy .. but don’t be fooled)</span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-</span><span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My Wife and boys</span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-</span><span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Songwriting … my approach</span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-</span><span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Evolution and Intelligence</span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-</span><span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I watched three birds a-singing</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">That should takes us through January (assuming I keep writing one a day).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We shall see what February brings.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In the meantime, “New Year, Old Life” just means to me that not everything changes with the calendar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I still have similar agendas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I still need to lose weight (I still need to work on that). I still need to work, period (for a little bit more, anyway). I still need to treat everyone with dignity and respect, even when I don’t think they deserve it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, I still need to remember to buy flowers for that special woman who puts up with my silliness and forgetfulness every single day of the year, regardless if it’s a New Year or not.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">So, until next time, have fun … in any life (or year).</span>Rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00645783408632744494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5362952543338556521.post-36931069358728650112013-01-02T13:00:00.002-08:002013-01-02T13:00:33.589-08:00Blog VS Website<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Well, just a quick note here to comment about the fact that I have my website (Sounds-of-ray dot com) and this Blog at Blogspot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both have blogs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both have lists of my songs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both have links to similar things.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, what gives?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think I will answer that by saying that *this* site will be more blog-like than the website.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plus, I’ll be talking more about my music on the website and more about my feelings about music and things here.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, if you want info, go to my main web site.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You want my impressions and opinions, look around in here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In truth, this blog should end up more interesting than the other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, “interesting” is in the eye of the beholder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, you decide.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Short post this one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another longer one coming later today.</span></div>
Rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00645783408632744494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5362952543338556521.post-90503814596634134732013-01-01T08:16:00.000-08:002013-01-01T08:16:02.596-08:00Real Life, Second Life?<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">OK.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The question I get asked the most is, “You play where?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, when I say, “In Second Life,” they usually stare blankly back at me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, what’s up with this “playing in Second Life” stuff anyway?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, back in October of 2006 I got wind of this virtual world called Second Life where a lot of musicians, singers and DJs were starting to strut their stuff to world-wide audiences. It sounded like a cool idea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I joined up (opened an account).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At that time you could create your own first name but had to choose a last name from their list of names.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I decided to keep “Ray” as my first name (has had its pluses and minuses) and chose a last name that sounded musical: “Weyland.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now we could diverge here because that’s what I did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got into building things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I didn’t actually start performing until early in 2008.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before that, I had created a small meeting place (a virtual Bar, you might say), put together a 60 minute taped show of my songs and streamed that 24/7 at my place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did that because I sent an mp3 to someone who wanted to hear me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They really loved the song and set me up with this capability.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, it was not effective because it required that someone come along and actually stay for the “show.” That seldom happened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Later, another friend I knew, who had a “venue” where she hosted Live shows, wanted to hear my music.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I sent her a 3 song demo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She signed me up immediately.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And that was the start of my performing in Second Life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I don’t perform in “Real Life” (that’s what people in SL call it) because I’m not equipped for it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plus, I have always had terrible Stage Fright.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thanks to SL, I could probably get over that now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, the gear is the limiting factor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having said that, I’m sure the first few gigs would be traumatic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now, it’s not like I haven’t sung in RL before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was a member of the Minnesota Association of Songwriters (MAS) for a number of years and joined into some of their group jams and played in one group outing at a local mall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was loads of fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, you should have been there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I started sweating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was dripping sweat so badly I couldn’t see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of my fellow performers gave me some paper towels to dry off with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a hoot (sort of). But, that’s where I also learned that I was improperly equipped for doing Live gigs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, there you have it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s why I perform in Second Life as Ray Weyland.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Besides the fact I can play in my PJs and no one would know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plus, the audience can chat with me while I play and you can have all sorts of special effects going on (I don’t but many do) during your show.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, I have played to people from Minnesota to England to Australia. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It really is great fun.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, until next time, have fun … in any Life.</span></div>
Rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00645783408632744494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5362952543338556521.post-14995022994973750262012-12-31T08:19:00.001-08:002012-12-31T09:42:02.785-08:00Project Studio? Really?<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ahhhh … Day Two of this blog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the big question, what to write about?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And even bigger … should I?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Well, the answer to that last one is, “Yes and No.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s the last day of 2012 and it brings to mind all sorts of things left undone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, the “No” would relate to the possibility of countless useless ramblings on that subject.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, I do want to mention something about a subject that has kept me going, yet is far underutilized … my small project studio.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I do have a web cam capability on this machine I’m writing this from in my studio.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, I will not be turning it on soon because it would reveal a totally wild mess: books, papers, hardware piled all over the place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From an acoustic sense, I suppose it provides a high degree of scatter and dampening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, from a visual aspect, it is not good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not sure if it will ever get “cleaned-up.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would think if that were to happen, I’d be forced to install some acoustic baffles and absorbers … LOL.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">But, all silliness aside, it is functional, though getting older.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It consists of two PCs [Yes, no Macs, sorry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though, if I had the resources to update it, I could see several Macs in the picture.], a number of nice microphones, vocal and guitar processors, a few near-field monitors and headsets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also have an 8 channel mixer and stereo compressor/limiter for use during my shows broadcasted into Second Life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For instruments, I have a small MIDI keyboard and several guitars.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I use Cubase as my primary recording software.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have many others, but, prefer Cubase.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not going to argue the pros and cons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It just works well for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stay with what works well, regardless of what works well for others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not selling software.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m selling “me” and “my songs.” Period!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Having said that, I admit that I am not a professional Recoding Engineer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, what comes out on the MP3 might not be the best mix.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I kept tweaking it forever, it would never get done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, at some point I cringe and say, “Enough!”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">One last comment about the two computers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The one is a rack mounted machine dedicated to recording (well, mostly).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The other is the floor unit I am working on right now that is primarily for general use and connects to the Internet for all those Internet related things. If I were to expand, I’d replace these two with more modern units and add a small “server” to broadcast a stream 24/7 of my songs and commentary, mostly into Second Life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, that’s it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing fancy, just functional.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Oh, and what’s that comment about “mostly” on that rack mounted unit?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>*Sigh* When my video card failed on my floor unit and I had to replace it, none of my favorite games would run on the new card and drivers. BUT, they run on the rack unit just fine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m a big MYST freak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And really love to wander the worlds there periodically.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I just wander them on a different machine now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It works </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, until next time (next year?), have fun with what you do .. in any Life.</span></div>
Rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00645783408632744494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5362952543338556521.post-18555517957959956072012-12-30T11:41:00.004-08:002012-12-30T21:27:30.279-08:00Hello Bloggerville!OK! Hello everyone. I hope all is well with you. It may seem silly to start this Blog out this way. But, when thinking about how to start, I decided the best way to start is like I would start one of my Live Sets on Second Life (SL) ... you do know about Secone Life, don't you. Well, if you said "YES!," then all is good. If you said "A little," then I think you might need some more info. If you said "No," well, then you need a *lot* of additional info (see links at bottom of page).<br />
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Anyway, I am usually coming to you out of my (or someone else's) Venue in SL. Mostly Live, on the spot (well, maybe 30 secs later because of streaming lag), just me and my 12-string bringing you mostly my own original songs (hits and otherwise).<br />
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There's lots of other things to know about me and the Sounds of Ray. I'll be listing them here and there. And I'll be keeping you posted on the latest of what's going on, too. So, stay tuned! Return often (or subscribe to a feed).<br />
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So, until the next post, have fun ... in whatever life you are in.<br />
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OH!!! One more thing ... you can't find me as myself in SL. I am Ray Weyland there. Say "Hi" if you are nearby.Rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00645783408632744494noreply@blogger.com0