HappyHarryNET

Cold Winter Changes

2011-12-24T05:33:00.004-05:00

NASAV_studios - December 2011 - in cabin not RV

When I began to type this blog I almost typed, "Cold Water Morning" by Neil.Diamond because that song was playing in my head when I began this blog.

Winter is upon us and the temperatures have dropped. I am living in hot showers to keep my bones from Carbonite Poisoning. Headaches have been enhancing my production schedule. We're not living in the RV motor home now but rather a rental cabin. A little more space, of course more money and a few benefits that I do appreciate. The big picture don't change much for me. I burn rubber when I'm on my feet because I don't know which day will bury me in morbid pain which will consume a week of my life.

Jennie [my ukulele] has been a good friend whom I've enjoyed spending time with. I have become quite accomplished on this instrument in such a short period of time and it is so much fun to play in banjo tuning.

The studio is functional and I love that my design works anywhere in the world. No matter where I take my kit, once I am set up, everything is identical. This makes for great workflow and production.

On another note, I just bought a Nintendo.3DS and I enjoying it during my leisure hours such as in my favorite chair and when lounging around in bed. I plan to SLOT1 the 3DS and I do plan to include everything.3DS on my upcoming and redesigned SLOT1 website. The website is functional now; I just don't list it on my main site. You can access my SLOT1 site below:

http://happyharry.net/slot1

Meanwhile, my iPodTouch32 and iOS.5 rocks - very productive platform. MissToshiba is managing the latest and greatest PC games ala Steam and Impulse (GameStop) plus my 200+ Real.Arcade games that I usually install a couple dozen of them. They are great games to play in between the heavy hitters which can simply be overwhelming when you're not in the mood.

I'm still shopping 6.string.electric guitars such as Gibson.Les.Paul, LP.Flood, Carvin and Rickenbacker. I am very pleased with my Dean.Boca.12 electric and the Ibanez.AEL20 acoustic.electric.12 has seasoned a bit and plays real nice now. Drumtracks are still getting designed and arranged ala Drumcore3 as a VST in Mixcraft5 on MissToshiba. Then I LAN them over to the MacBook and into LogicStudio. I've grown to like creating drumtracks in the bedroom where [in my mind] space appears to be clear of chaos and other spacial matters that block creativity and stump productivity.

Now 58 years of age, I am looking into moving out of the United States. But nothing will happen in coming year. I wish to finish my first record album and that time is also needed for logistics and mobility planning anyhow.

It is my sincere wish that each and every one of you enjoy your holidays including Christmas. More importantly, make it a point to spend time with the people you like and love. Do nothing else; and if that means spending time with yourself, that's okay too.

I know that I love me so I understand! >grin<

HHNET

Steve Jobs - Farewell My Friend

2011-10-06T12:26:00.004-04:00

A year ago I purchased an Apple iPod Touch with 32GB of memory storage. Since buying this post.PC.device, my life is no longer the same. It was only a matter of days when I began to realize "neurological improvements" in my health while using this device. Simple tasks that I need every day became a breeze to accomplish. It was less than 2 weeks and I had already began doing my serious work on the iPod rather than jumping onto my i7.Toshiba or using the MacBook in the studio. There was no need. I bought the Apple Bluetooth wireless keyboard and used one of my IMAK ergoBeads beanbags as a prop for the iPod; which by the way works wonderfully when remote such as Starbucks or where ever. Within weeks I had tried, tested and purchased some apps that enable me to do EVERYTHING and more, than I was doing using my PC and Mac laptop. Of course, I use my Mac and LogicStudio with a Yamaha.01X automated digital mixer with little or no compromising with any aspect of audio recording.

My point for blogging this morning is, I do not live the same way as I used to one year ago. And this is SOLELY because of the iPod.touch and its hassle-free, ease of use. Mind you, I originally purchased my iPod.touch to use my Evernote database that I had created on the Mac and Windows machines. I didn't buy my iPod for music, movies, TV and games. Little did I know that I would soon be enjoying all of that too. But, I bought it so I had access to nearly 7,000 database entries dating back to post brain injury 1993.

Apple (FireWire) Sony (iLink) and Yamaha (mLAN) each chipped into this fast data transfer protocol with the exception being Yamaha gave their FireWire technology away free to the industry which enabled users to send and receive 32 channels of digital music data, including controller data for digital mixers, all using one 6-pin FireWire cable. [meanwhile it appears as though we are still waiting for USB 3.0] and I think Apple's Thunderbolt [again] will become a powerful data transfer interface for audio, video AND data transfer. Meaning SSD and HDD connections using Thunderbolt.

In honoring Steve Jobs, I am not recording music this week or using my Mac. This may seem silly, but for me, I simply wish to reflect on his legacy and his quote, "Stay hungry, stay foolish".

I will comfortably reside on my iPod.touch as I do daily. My website will continue to display Steve Jobs' memorial photo and my site will function with my basic content. Trust me, much more is coming soon.

HHNET

NASAV_studios - A Reality

2011-08-27T21:56:00.002-04:00

Jee whiz. Nearly September 2011. But, I am excited more than ever with regards to this life long dream I've had about recording music. Of course, long ago when I first began my attempts to record music, it wasn't in 6x5.feet of space in a 27foot motor home. Still, when I think back, I tried this 2 times before. Once using Beta.HiFi as a recording deck and the second time I bought a TEAC.A3340S 15.IPS 10" reel.to.reel, 4.track multitrack recorder with Symul.Sync, a Model.2 mixer and DBX noise reduction. I still have some DBX cassette mixdowns which some were a total of 17 ping.pong tracks on a 4.track machine. They sounded pretty good at the time, but honestly, my passion was greater than the technology that I was using. But then again, I was using equipment on par with what the Beatles had. So, using that as a gauge I could accept the fact I simply just was not "as good as them". Nevertheless, my musical inspiration continued to grow and years later I purchased a Yamaha 4.track cassette machine that had some onboard DSP but you had to be a "switch nut" to use the thing. It used an insane combination of switch positions to accomplish a plethora of recording functions and tasks. I never grew to liking the unit and it eventually ended up in the hands of somebody else. Then I went through a chapter in my life where needing to record any of my music just wasn't important. But, again... that haunting need crept back into my life in the 90's when I lived in Florida and began recording again using my Korg.i3 and a 16.bit soundcard using a PC. Some nice recordings came from that chapter of my life including, Dolphin Blue and Isn't Love At All. Both songs are on my Click and Listen website.

In 2003 I moved from Florida to California. It wasn't long before wanting to move out of the city and into a motor home. Thus, NASAV was born. North American Surrealistic Adventure Vehicle. It all began hand drawn on legal pad, then pieces got printed out from the laser printer. Soon the NASAV logo as you see it today was on the wall in front of the computer table. The American flag that accompanies the logo on the RV, was initially drawn using colored pencils and crayons. After much searching, I found a place that sold high quality flags. Now I was ready to design the logo lettering from a bitmap font. Halfway through that project I got connected to a disgruntled ex-employee of NASA who gave me access to the official NASA Worm font. This put me immediately into Adobe Illustrator version 9 and the A.I. file was given to vinyl lettering shop who special ordered a vinyl that is matte black and actually looks and feels like rubber, rather than plastic. Applying the lettering and flags to the RV was a snap. SOMEDAY, I will get the RV website up so people can visually SEE this story, piece by piece.

During our first year in the RV, I was already hot to trot about getting started with the project studio. By that time, I had much of the initial design already on paper, including measurements and what recording gear I wanted buy. In 2007, I created a website for an RV park and that was the first $3,500 dollars that fueled NASAV_studios into action. Most of my recording gear was purchased by 2008 and since then has mostly been learning how to use the gear and many, many snippets of really good music. Some of these are on my website. Many of them are not, but I am beginning to leak them out.

This summer was my first public appearance musically and it went very well. I just bought another electric guitar and am shopping for the 3rd. Summer 2011 will also remind me as, "summer with Jennie". Who is Jennie? My ukulele.

Music production has been a mixed bag because I would get excited and take off and produce something. I would think it was great, but in a very short time later, learn how to do it better and then the previous music sounded [to me] like crap. So I would scrap the song and start over. I have done this several times since 2008. However, now 3 years later I am pleased with where my music is going and how it is sounding. My original idea was to record the music that I hear inside my head when I wake up each day. And, if I was not able to do that, then I would scrap the entire idea altogether. But, thanks to the quality gear that I bought and spending hundreds of hours learning how to use the gear and to improve my musical styles and performance has grown into something far beyond my wildest imagination.

In fact. NASAV_studios is just now beginning to operate, as it was intended to. From which mixer I want to use down to the smallest details. Like the routing of cables and connections from one device to another. Having many options and not being stuck with only one or two ways to do something. I didn't want that. I wanted an open ended production system. I can work with or without a computer. Mac or PC. Logic on Mac preferred and surprisingly Mixcraft5 on PC is getting big attention for constructing drum tracks ala Drumcore3.VST.

In my mind, summer is over and it's already Christmas. I can see that it will be Q4.2012 before I get a CD mastered and replicated. I could happen sooner. But, I don't want it to. The NASAV website [still] needs to get constructed. Much of the HappyHarry.NET content is getting a makeover and both HHNET and NASAV_studios will be launching out of HappyHarryNET.com which is a by-product of my band name will be HappyHarryNET and I wanted the dot com because I do plan to sell products including CD's, coffee cups, mouse pads, hats, etc.

So, even for me. When I look at this schematic, I take a deep breath and acknowledge where I've come from and how all of this came to be. It's really amazing stuff. After getting whacked by that car in 1993 I never would have dreamed I would retire to Florida for 10 years and then have my own recording studio in the mountains, living by a lake. Life is funny that way. You just never know what's in store for you right around the corner! But, I would like to say, that I did plan much of this and it feels really good to have accomplished those plans. Personally for me, the completed music will be the true stamp of approval. And, it will release me from the past to move forward and do all sorts of NEW musical ideas that I have. So much of this dream is about getting over the old one! LOL

I think we all go through much of this sort of thing in life. Sorting things out, fighting tooth and nail to get where you are trying to go. A budget helps tremendously. And, I will tell you that MANY spreadsheets made this happen! Thank you Lotus 1-2-3. >no kidding<

From time to time people ask me about progress and when can we expect to hear this so-called music that Harry is making. My answer is basically the same, but I am choosing to steal the Duke Nukem developers slogan, "WHEN IT'S DONE".

Those of you who click my blog, I genuinely appreciate your interest and your taking the time to read my dissertations.

HHNET

The Still Silence of Music

2011-05-11T02:59:00.002-04:00

It's midnight sitting here in the studio. I'm hearing the battery clock on the wall with its slight tick-tock because I have not removed the AA battery. All the recording gear is on and silent. The 4416 has a hard drive and a fan for the CD-ROM. It's notable noise but honestly I cannot say any of that noise has made its way into any recordings. The 01X on the other hand is silent and again this past week has made me very glad I bought an 01X. Fast, friendly, useful, does the job and is versatile. I'm spending more time in Logic with the current music I'm working on.

Now with nicer weather it was easy to implement increased physical activity. Walking twice a day and bicycling every other with swimming getting adding soon. The quit sugar lose weight program is still in effect and now the activity portion only makes sense. Also, I am enjoying it because the exercise is increasing my physical stamina; something I did not think I would need recording music in the studio. But, you never learn it all. At times, I find myself jamming a pencil into the side of my head trying to resolve new territory. For example I am collaborating with someone. Their voice is not in tune. This prompted me to slice up their recorded voice into several pieces and manually tune each piece. Also, the music I wrote for their vocal had to be detuned by 65 cents. In a perfect world, it would much simpler and easier to have them re-record the vocal part while they listen to my recorded click-track. Anyhow, the challenge helps me learn more about Logic; a beast of a DAW, yet elegant, in part due to it running on Mac OS X.

I daydream about eventually shooting live video in here so people can see this recording process in action. It's a magical group of live events. And having the right gear makes for a workflow that can stumble and fall yet not trip you up. First takes are some of my best work, while mistakes make up some of my finest discoveries.

This entire process from idea to recording to mastering to publishing is on a massive scale when doing it all yourself. My initial goals and timelines all have been shattered. But, I remind myself that I am working. And thanks to total recall hardware, I am moving forward step by step. The other night I was reading my own brain injury website and in noticed that I had mentioned "...late 2006 with 2007 around the corner and getting my CD done". It amazes me how many years are involved in this passionate desire.

What excites me the most is when you get to listen to my creations.

HHNET

Musical Comfort

2011-04-19T03:31:00.003-04:00

The past few nights have truly enlightened me. Musical ideas that I've had for decades are now flowing like liquid gold. And the Yamaha gear keeps reminding me why I bought them in the first place. I think what amazes me the most right now is, anytime I am simply practicing or trying out some new musical sketch, I am hearing stellar quality audio. Gain stage isn't a struggle any more and I get to attentuating fader groups real fast. Some of this is learning and habits, but another large part of this process is workflow that is in harmony with my songwriting and instrument playing.

My new ukulele 'Jennie' is a blast to play. She is showing me another side of Harry's musical interests. I am already thinking about a ukuele folk/pop/jazz disc. Although I am busy enough as it is as I continue to track and edit the current album, I am finding that venturing off and trying a different musical canvas not only freshens my ears but keeps my creativity alive and flowing. And I adore playing 'banjo' on the ukulele! Very unique sound and style.

There is still much work ahead with regards to project details concerning this album. Right now I have all projects on rotation that is managed by my iPod. I call it distributor management because it reminds me of a mechanical automotive ignition distributor that rotates around firing each spark plug one by one in turn. I never dreamed I would grow to a point in my life managing screaming headaches that I would accomplish MORE, not less. This is truly a milestone. And to frost THAT cake, recently the USA.FDA banned one of my medications. So now, I am doing pain "raw" which is delightfully different to say the least.

In closing, I am tinkering with my websites in between the myriad of todo's I am juggling. It's spring and I am enjoying my writing workshops again. As well, I am reading John Abbott's 'Napoleon Bonaparte' and Mark Russinovich's 'Zero Day' both engrossing and good reads. I became interested in Napoleon's history while playing a staggering strategy game, 'Napoleon:Total.War' which is the best gun powder strategy game I have played to date. Also, I bought the game for $8 dollars during a Steam sale! I also plan to play Total.War.Shogun2 which is a beautiful, gorgeous, 16th century strategy! I simply do not have any available time in my distributor cap to fire more spark plugs.

Napoleon: Total War and Total War: Shogun 2 Soundtracks
http://blogs.sega.com/totalwar/2011/04/11/shogun-2-and-napoleon-soundtracks-released/

HHNET

Multitrack Sampling & Recording

2011-04-10T05:19:00.008-04:00

New things are happening in the studio. The MOTIF.XS is a real work horse and really getting a lot of attention these days and nights. Much of the time I'm not sure which is which. I've been hanging out in Paltalk to air out my head and my ears. Come Monday I dive back ito the abyss of multi-track sampling.

I like working at the workstation. Sitting in front of the keys. Having the entire orchestra of sounds on tap in front of me. Although I have new acoustic electric and electric guitars, many times I find myself composing and recording live, playing guitars from the MOTIF. It rocks. Also, my mod.wheel techniques have improved and this really makes the electric guitars shine.

Having top-notch DSP/DYN/FX processors on board really helps to fine tune and get the exact sounds I am wanting in my songs. Dynamics mean so much and I love bringing out the punch in a song by using a particular EQ or Compressor. The beauty of the XS is, much of the time, I can use the ROMplers built-in sounds as they are! In their native form. But, having the ability to tweak sounds to my liking is a plus. And having a solid 16-track sequencer and full digital mixer on board, combined with full high quality signal processors on tap, makes the XS a joy to use.

My angle now is to use the XS more exclusively for recording songs from scratch through to their final mixed down version. All possible with the XS. I've already been doing this. However, I want to do some advanced tracking with samples along side my sequenced tracks. Also, I wish to sample the VoiceLive2 vocal processor tracks so they can mixed down along with the sequencer music.

It's really a joy to do all of this without having to turn on a Mac or PC. Using DAWs have their place. I won't argue that. It is easier to edit waveforms using software such as Wavelab or even editing that stuff in Tracktion3. But its more musically fulfilling to do it on the XS without the computer because then you feel as though you constructed a song using a musical instrument. Which I did. This is what I enjoy the most.

Playing real instruments such as my two 12-string guitars or the new ukulele that is getting a lot of attention. I named her, "Jennie" and she plays really nice. I am already considering recording an entire album of ukulele folk jazz.

Also, I am looking forward to getting proficient using the XS so there is no need to rely on the 01X digital mixer just to get into a DAW to record music. Actually, the MOTIF.XS is very intuitive to use for how complicated it really is. I have learned to appreciate Yamaha's effort in making this possible. Just 5 years ago this was not possible.

Meanwhile, I am working on new songs in between headaches and websites that need revising with two new websites coming soon. For now I will say this year, but perhaps late spring or after summer. I am sure people will find them useful because it is my intention to bring more CONTENT to HappyHarryNET. As for HappyHarryNET.com it is lying dormant while I continue to henpeck the design and GUI layout. That's a fancy way of saying I have yet to decide how I wish to layout the site. Also, the dot.com site's purpose is to facilitate the e-commerce of my first record album and other products which I plan to be selling eventually. So taking time to think things through on paper does just that... take time.

HHNET

Irons In The Fire

2011-03-23T08:17:00.002-04:00

After 16 years of cold and flu-less health, I finally got nabbed. I'm on the second go-round and am doing the feel better one day and feel like death the next. I suspect this condition will improve in the coming 10 days.

Meanwhile, it is raining every day and every night. This has placed an incredible damper on my vocal recordings. But, hey! The timing is just right because I am coughing my brains out and can't sing now anyhow. God's miracles.

While I whimper around with my tail between my legs as I fend of this cold, I've been surfing the net shopping for new electric guitars to be used to record new album tracks. Upcoming blog(s) will have details and photos.

I am months behind, but I am working on my webs. Right now I am reconstructing the foundation of my sites so they will be HTML, HTML5, smartphone and iOS compatible, including animation and video. Some of my original older pages such as ABOUT ME, HISTORY, etc., will be rewritten and will no longer be contain scroll boxes for improved readability.

Enjoying iOS gaming much more than I ever imagined that I would. But, hard-core PC gaming via Steam shall remain along side Xbox360 and XboxLIVE.

My Quit.Sugar.Lifestyle (QSL) is intact and going well. I will be introducing a new HappyHarryNET Health and Fitness web site, so stay tuned. Anybody can get off sugar, lose weight and feel great. It even helps fight off colds and flu.

Let our prayers remain vigil for everyone in Japan!

HHNET

01X Swap Done

2011-01-30T03:02:00.010-05:00

2008 kicked off my project studio with some official workspace. My KODAK digital cam died so after this and another overhead panoramic photo were taken there were no updates which included the near field monitors, a new 37" LED and the addition of the AW4416 which immediately claimed space where the 01X is shown in this photo.

You can see below the 4416 kicking the 01X out of the picture which forced me to relocate the MacBook which got moved to beneath the table where it is out of the way, provides its use in the studio and yet is easy to disconnect and "take with" as a remote notebook. However, now that I have an iPodTouch4G.32, I seldom take the MacBook OR MissToshiba out of the house.

Here the 4416 is shown in its new home with the MacBook still in its old location. The AW4416 provides a nearly unlimited mixing control and channel routing. 24-inputs, 44-channels and anything can be routed anywhere, including the handy 4-OMNI's which I use to connect TRS to 01X. They also talk to each other via S/PDIF and ADAT via the 4416's Y56K.

This arrangement was a bit tricky in its 6ft.x.5ft of space. However, the upside is a powerhouse of sound, DSP, FX, DYNamics and high quality instruments via the MOTIF.XS sampling workstation, which carries its weight without using either of the mixing boards or even turning on the Mac and using Logic. Firewire mLAN onboard the MOTIF makes for shooting discreet tracks to Cubase and Logic a snap.

Things in place finally. Although I am already trained left.handed on 01X, it had to go right because the 4416 just is too wide to hang on the right corner where the door entry way into the RV is located. I am adjusting quickly.

I am enjoying the RODE NT1A LDC mic very much with the VoiceLive2 vocal processor. However, already I will be inserting a TUBE mic.pre to warm things up. For straight digital the RODE is pretty warm, but not enough for my voice. For now I will use my ART.V3 shown below. It's only a $75 tube pre but very versatile for it miniscule price range. Soon I will pick up a Universal Audio Solo 610 to manage warming up any harsh mic levels.

The Art StudioV3 Tube MP is a nice way to go when your on a budget to get some tube warmth into your mix. Whereas I am a solo artist and am not recording anyone other than myself, there is no need for more tube mic.pre's in my studio. Perhaps down the road this will change.

The V3 sounds nice pre-4416 with the 02R-style pre's a bit stronger and warmer than the 01x preamps.

The VoiceLive2 preamp is hot, clean and bit bright. Which works well for harmony backing tracks and a live application. But used as a primary mic.pre it's a bit harsh, so the V3 warms things up just right!

I'm gearing up to purchase 2 electric guitars and a nice TC-Electronic Nova stomp box. It's exciting to get back into "plugged in" and use the acoustic 12's where they belong. The Dean.Boca.12.cherry will be a blast to implement into my album tracks. I am still shopping for my 6.string electric, but I have my eyes on a couple Ibanez models.

Due to complications with song #4, I scrapped it entirely and am starting from scratch. Currently I am 30% album complete.

HHNET

I'm Back... I Think

2010-12-07T17:58:00.002-05:00

Again, time flies. Jee, another glorious picnic basket of morbid headache to enjoy for days on end. This recovery time is when I find myself most cynical.

Amazing how many blog comments I just erased. Mostly spam and dumb-fucks that have less than a thimble full of sperm to talk about. It just rubs me the wrong way. I hear people compliment my blog from time to time, yet NONE of them ever have left a comment.

I think the Internet creates this false sense of celebrity-disesase. For example, I have several websites. Most of them serve a purpose being useful to others. And, although I it is not my goal to become an Internet celebrity, it would be nice if people were not so chickenshit about leaving comments. I mean, Christ, they play FARMVILLE for hours on end on Facebook, but they can't leave a comment on my blog? I don't care where you come from. That's fucking sick.

Oh, did I mention? I have declined to maintain G-rated content. Let the ESRB manage that crap. Maybe they could sleep with the folks over at the RIAA and they could all have an orgy with all of our so-called "representatives" who are members of the CFR, which by the way is not people.friendly so you best avoid them.

What's with the periods between my words? It's the ONLY guaranteed way to keep words together using any text entry field located on the Internet. I've used underscores since CP/M before DOS, but _they cannot be trusted to keep two words together. Same goes for hyphens. Perhaps using Microsoft.Word Ctrl+- (control + hypen) will keep those two words together as long as they remain a Word .DOC file. I think that is where that ends. Women have periods to get through life. I use periods to keep words together. See, we truly are symbiotic!

For those of you who even bother to read my blog anymore, I hope you can appreciate the shear volume of facts that I am representing here.

As for my music. Recording is back in motion. I'm working with Drumcore3 which helps tremendously writing and arranging drum parts. (which I always hear in my head) This is a songwriters dream come true. Or, at least a songwriter who does not have a dedicated drummer who has his kit set up and mic'd ready for recording. Still, I'm ironing out the kinks with my Ibanez.12-string. Get what you pay for would be suitable. And cutaways suck compared to dreadnaughts. Period. (there's that word again)

I've nearly finished what I call "the initial real idea" of NASAV_studios. Spent the first 18.months using inferior reference monitors (sorry KRK) which now is blatantly obvious with the Yamaha's in place. No doubt, I will flush out this system to full 7.1 surround after I decide on 01V or LS9. One is majorly affordable and the other isn't. Will deal with that later.

Anyhow, recording 10 songs is going much slower than I ever anticipated. Still, thanks to having total.recall.hardware makes it all possible. Especially when I factor in these massive headache strikes that pummel me and consume my time.

The cold(er) weather makes life physically hard for me. So what Harry, shut up! Otherwise, life is good. But frankly (whoever Frank is) I've grown tired of hearing, "Life is good". It's like that picture of the cat hanging upside down with the slogan, "Hang In There". It's stupid and it has nothing to do with saving your ass for a nickel!

In closing, the holiday season is upon us once again. Yet, again, I cannot help feeling Scrooge. Public.Reasons won't allow me to open THAT can of worms here, but if I say "fuck it" enough, perhaps in a future blog I shall treat you to these personal details about my life.

Wow! I didn't say "period" again. Now I should enjoy some sex.

HHNET

Tell Santa What You Want

2010-12-03T15:53:00.003-05:00

It's that time of year again.

Hey! Take a minute to rekindle your Christmas spirit and visit http://happyharry.net and click on Tell Santa What You Want.

As many of you know, the ultra elites and international bankers are destroying our economy here and in every country on this planet. The few countries who are not being squeezed out are in chaos by design via our military operations! It's a pretty sad state of affairs.

So, I suggest you tell Santa what you want for Christmas. Afterall, this may be your LAST Christmas as a free person.

HHNET

Some Things Don't Change

2010-10-12T14:49:00.002-04:00

Although I have many of days like today, I don't speak of them or write about the much. Way back when, it was one of my goals to stop talking about my pain. It was a milestone when I got to the point where I no longer truly had the need to tell others how badly I was hurting. Now 17 years has passed and I qualify for sharing whatever the heck I wanna share about my life.

Some of you know this all began on August 6, 1993. And to this day, I am coaching people on the side who are suffering with MTBI, closed head injuries and screaming haeadaches which have contributed to their lives becoming unmanageable. I just received a letter from a new customer just last week. She is suffering more than I am; if that is perceivably possible right now in my state of mind. However, I know pain is relative and she [in fact] is suffering greatly and in some ways that I did not have to deal with. But until we learn to cope and manage insane chronic pain, it is one wicked demon to contend with.

For me today, I woke to much of my body feeling in a "cramped" state. Along with that, the back of my skull was just screaming like a banshee in harmony to what I call the flying.saucer.disc headache slicing my brain in half and obliterating my thoughts.

My first course of action is to get "basic meds" into my system. Afterall, I have a 50/50 shot to even get onto my feet today. So I took the daiy usuals which also include water pills for edema, fish oil, B, Centrum Silver, 50,000 units D3, 3.Glucosamine and then swallowed them down with 2 cups of Breeze™ which also scores me 2 points of fiber in the middle of a blistering headache. More on this later.

I continued in bed, using my Homemedics 4-head Percussive Massage to try and break down some of the muscle cramping both in my neck, along the base of my skull and inside of my head. Today's massage workout was about 20% effective which is not as good as usual. This tells me that this headache will drag into the day. How long and how strong, I don't know yet. But, I do know that I can count on 16 hours of morbidity.

Nevertheless, I will be productive today and this is what can distinguish the difference between me and you. I suffered in bed, in fetal position for many, many years before I began to learn distractive therapy techiniques. It was years before I even got out of bed and into a chair. But, I won't bore you with that story today. For all I wanted to share today was, what it can be like for me [still 12 or more days a month] when I awake to start each day.

Now about 3 hours into my day I am sitting up. I've swallowed headache assistance twice since becoming conscious and buzzin' my skull with the massager got me sitting up. Now, I proceed to getting a cup of coffee going. If Kathy hasn't already left me a half pot of fresh brewed coffee, I opt to making my instant.fiber.coffee which will also be debuted in my upcoming Diet Tips & Tricks PDF. Today I got lucky and warm coffee was present. This means 2 minutes in the microwave and I'm on my way. My coffee cup is a low profile [5-inch wide, soup-like] which contains 3 cups of coffee. Also this cup design will never tip over. Something which is paramount for me and my condition living around high-end laptops and expensive recording equipment. Many days this coffee won't get much attention and there will be 50% of it remaining 20 hours from now. Today this will not be the case. I'm drinking it as we speak and I have consume half of it already.

With my neck, base of skull, skull and internal pain consuming much of who I am today, it is obvious that once I finish my coffee and this blog that I need to get myself onto my TotalGym to do some muscle stretching and to gain some range-of-motion. This in itself helps tremendously even when suffering with extreme levels of on-going pain.

I'm disoriented and don't know where my bluestrip is. This is a bright blue, locking box which holds about a week of my chemical toys. I had possession of this when I first awoke and need to locate where I put it after taking my initial 2 rounds. Aha! I had to stand up, but my bluestrip was where I usually keep it. I don't have any memory of my putting it there today. I know I put it away yesterday, but today, Kathy prolly stuck it there. My last visual was having it in my hands when I was laying in bed.

Just this process of "where are things" was the first 5.years of agony in life since 1993. Since then, I have learned NOT to lose things. I did learn [around 6.years post injury] that sometimes my brain does not photograph everything my eyes scan in the picture. So, to me, I don't see what I am looking for. This is not to be confused with losing things. Still, it took me almost 3.years post injury to phycially reach out and feel, for many times what I was looking for, such as keys on the table, were in fact there, yet I did not have a visual for it. Sounds unbelievable? Research it yourself. I don't time here today to do that.

As we mosey on into my day, I am thinking about working on flushing out the general user interface for my upcoming HappyHarryNET.com websites. Tinkering today will be my theme. There is no point in pressuring myself with this physical level of pain going on in my head today. Also, now that my brain is processing other pain sensors in the my body better, my spine is sore and my joints are stiff. Fall is here. Again, its TotalGym time, so I will insert my usual walk into my phsical program before getting onto the gym.

Back to thoughts. I'm working on a country song which now focuses mainly on the lead vocal which I am writing from scratch and inserting into the existing song which has harmonies. This is a bit of a backwards process and a new way to compose music. I accepted the challenge and the results are nothing less than stellar and I am proud to include this country song on my upcoming album in late 2011. But the point being, 17.years ago I would be laying in bed [in fetal position] with this blistering headache, I would not be going to work nor would I be sustaining any job anywhere. And to frost the cake, I surely would not be accomplishing anything, let alone working on new website designs or arranging and recording music!

So, those of you who knew me back in 1993 can appreciate what I am asaying here. But for the people who never knew me and are reading now, perhaps this will shed some light on chronic pain and distractive therapies. Also, maybe you know someone who is suffering and they could use some help. Feel free to send them my way. I am coaching over 612 people now. Mind you, not every day. But they e-mail me or Skype me or phone me and we talk. It's amazing to hear of their successes which have been accelerated by my sharing my techniques with them. But, as I always tell people, it's your success. You're the one doing the work. We all lean on and utilize methods used by other people which enable us to improve, conquer and move on with our lives. To this day I still break out my Anthony Robbins materials and listen to them every other year. There are "others" I read and listen to as well, but Tony has helped me a lot. Two other mentors in my life have been instrumental in my progress, but I have not seen one of them in 13 years and the other one has chosen to ignore me somewhat. Still, I lead myself now. And this is what we all must [eventually] do. Lead ourselves.

Remember that slogan, "You come in alone... you go out alone". I believe there certainly is some truth to that. However, it is important to enjoy the people around us. From all walks of life. Enjoy the people you don't like as well as the one's you love to death. This was one of the best parts of my sustatining a brain injury in 1993 -- I joined the human race.

And now, I shall stand up and get on with my day.

HHNET

Summer, Winter, Autumn & Spring

2010-10-09T19:16:00.005-04:00

Some might say Fall is here. Well, I say Fall was already here and now is nearly gone. During the tail of the actual Summer season, one afternoon the wind kicked up and spun some leaves and the air, "changed". Immediately I recognized that Summer was over and that Fall had begun. The very next day the various animals began changing their behaviors. It is quite noticeable when you pay attention to them.

The warm temperatures and breezes are gone and my bones ache again. Waking up is like the TinMan from the Wizard Of Oz. I should have an oil can on my night stand. Or at least a can of WD40. But, with this new diet and lifestyle which I began on June 25th, pushing myself onto my feet is easier than in the past. I have more energy and generally feel better even when I have a blistering headache. The weight loss benefits keep paying off with every pound that I lose. Yesterday I clocked in at 38 pounds down from 250 which is wonderful. It's not a miracle. It simply is the results from making better decisions and life choices.

Beating the rain to the finish line is important now. The RV is getting its Fall maintenance per se and I am a pretty good judge of character when it comes to MotherNature and I know I don't have much more time. I still have the roof to finish and I suspect perhaps another 10 to 20 days and then its time to get wet. Once that happens, its too late to do "dry repairing" to anything that requires it. So this weekend through next week will be the final steps to completing the chores needed to secure our home for the winter.

A few nights ago I solved the arrangement challenge that I was having with a song. I get hung.up differently than I used to. My creativity is flourishing like a waterfall. Now the larger challenge lies with arrangements. Both pre and post recording. But, this is an area that I am glad that I am experiencing. I can recall not too long ago when I didn't have a project studio, nor did I have the quality recording gear that I have now. The days and nights salivating over the equipment that I was researching prior to purchasing. And now, scratching my head when I get stuck on an arrangement. Talk about growth.

With 2011 coming, I am summing up my plans for website overhauls. I've had a lot of ideas on legal pads the past two years and while I am not going to leak any ideas here now, I do plan to improve the overall look, user interface and bring more content to my sites. Then, there is the dedicated website for my record album. That is another iron in the fire. It's not hard work. It's just work that takes time and when you wear all the hats, it takes longer.

Most of my days I live with urgency. Not because I will be 57 years old come December 20th, but rather, there is so much to do in life and so little time. Being excited about life [in itself] is simply not good enough. You can be happy and passionate in everything that you do. But it still takes TIME to get things done. Wasting time is also a precious past time that can be enjoyable. Admittedly, I don't dabble much in this category. However, I'm not going to lie about it. Everybody [including me] wastes a little time now and then. I think it's healthy and I don't think goofing off is a waste of time either! We're all human. Fiddling around and kicking a can should be a priority on your ToDo list. You gotta spend time playing no matter how much work you have to do. But, if you can blend the two of them so working becomes your playing, now you have something to really get excited about. And when you place urgency on THAT then you will get more done in the same amount of time you originally had. Don't hold your breath or stare at clocks... poof, you're dead.

I look forward to seeing SOME of you in Heaven.

HHNET

Nice Summer

2010-09-06T02:18:00.003-04:00

Well, besides the fact that I have lost nearly 35 pounds of weight, and continuing to lose, summer 2010 has been pretty nice.

Recording music slowed down a bit. A combination of headaches, getting stumped on song arrangements and collaborating on a country song that I will be including on my up and coming album in 2011.

Conduit, the code-developers for my HappyHarryNET Toolbar, wrote an article about me and posted to their blog.

The Pursuit Of HappyHarryNET
http://blog.conduit.com/2010/07/10/the-pursuit-of-happyharry-net/

Most of the information was taken from my biography and history of HappyHarryNET that is on my website. Originally, Conduit had planned to do a video interview of me and for some reason, they dropped the ball.

I am still enjoying MissToshiba. She was a good purchase. The MacBook is a workhorse for daily computing, along with everything that I throw at it in LogicPro9 and Tracktion3. And, it goes without saying that Yamaha_01X is such a wonderful digital mixer and really makes life a breeze having hardware DSP and complete mixer automation at the hardware level.

Have made time for PC games again, now that the Qosmio i7 is on the scene. I am rearranging the table space for a replacement refrigerator and a 27-inch Apple iMac i7 that is coming. The Xbox360 is collecting a little dust, as is my original Xbox. There simply is not enough time to play them all and get good bedrest. Something that I never [in the past] gave any priority.

HHNET

31 Pounds Today

2010-08-26T02:25:00.002-04:00

Amazing!

Today I officially clocked in at 31 pounds lost since June 25th. Besides losing belly fat and losing over 8 inches of body mass, I am muscularly improving and getting stronger every day. Now mountain-biking and walking a minimum of 1 mile or more and drinking nearly a gallon of water per day.

Headaches are still in the mix, but I am feeling so much better, it is a nice offset.
Amazing!

Today I officially clocked in at 31 pounds lost since June 25th. Besides losing belly fat and losing over 8 inches of body mass, I am muscularly improving and getting stronger every day. Now mountain-biking and walking a minimum of 1 mile or more and drinking nearly a gallon of water per day.

Headaches are still in the mix, but I am feeling so much better, it is a nice offset.

Life is good!

— HHNET

The Weight Is Coming Off

2010-08-05T11:16:00.000-04:00

It is amazing now that I am actively participating in this new diet that I am shedding weight and belly fat pound by pound by pound !!

A few short months ago I weighed 250 LBS when I was at the VA Hospital in San Francisco. Now, I am 27 pounds down, and I have lost at least 6-inches! I am not bloated anymore and I can even grab all of my belly with 2 hands! This statement may seem a bit silly, but 2 months ago, I could not do this for I was more pregnant than a woman at 7 months!

Also, I am feeling tremendously better. Physically. I wake everyday with good energy and a sense of well being.

I am also enjoying daily exercise, whether it be walking or riding my mountain bike.

— HHNET

Very Busy Summer 2010

2010-07-18T14:51:00.002-04:00

Hello Everyone,

These are very busy times for me.

The neurobrain doctors and I are experimenting with new medication to combat the headaches. Their most recent analysis seems to hold some water, so I am giving it my best. So far, it appears that I am not going through any side effects and there have been improvements worth noting on my calendar.

Recording music took a major slump months ago due to dizzy spells and equillibrium issues which led me back to the brain doctors at the VA. Thanks to having a "total recall studio" I was able to jump right back into the fray of my most recent project. Very glad I bought O1X. I simply cannot imagine producing music without one.

In April I began writing workshops for personal growth and improvement. This has grown into such an on-going project that a dedicated website became necessary for organization. Additionally, I plan to publish my works via hardcopy book using lulu.com online publishing.

RV life remains wonderfully private. Things are a bit noisier due to the summer crowd and vacationeers. The weather has been a solid 90 to 100 degrees by noon. And, I repaired our air conditioner twice and will be replacing the motor before Fall.

Enjoying my new Ibanez AEL2012 12-string acoustic electric guitar. I am going to put it into the shop again to try different brand and type of strings. Also, to have the neck adjusted and a few frets filed to my personal tastes. This guitar plays pretty well for an acoustic electric, and when plugged in it is a very capable instrument. Still, I find myself wanting another dreadnaught 12-string because of playability issues. Martin is a little too pricey for my taste. If I am going to spend $3,000 dollars I would forgo the guitar and plunk my cash down for a Tyros3. Time will tell. We shall see. When I go shopping for banjos again in San Francisco, I plan to try a few dreadnaught 12's too.

MissToshiba has found a niche in my life. I did not advertise her here in my blog. MissToshiba is my new PC laptop. She comes standard with a near-19-inch screen, Core i7 processor and 6GB DDR3 RAM, 7200RPM 500GB HDD, 64GB SSD, nVIDIA 360M 1GB DDR5 VRAM, 1920x1280 (1080p), Blu-ray, Bluetooth, Firewire, PCIe /54, LED backlit keyboard & 10-key numpad, SDHC memory slot, harmon/kardon surround speakers & subwoofer built-in, and she's a perky 10 pounds in weight. MissToshiba plays top of the line PC games with ease and chews on productivity applications without hesitation. This is the best desktop replacement PC that I have owned. Impressively, she can also accomplish quite a bit from her 12-cell battery and 10-Amp power supply including; burning a DVD or watching a full-length DVD movie. Blu-ray requires jacking into 110V AC power to complete watching an entire movie. Tisk, tisk. Anyhow, I am pleased in all respects and it is wonderful I was able to purchase this beauty at QVC.com on 5-easy-pay payments.

Life is good!

— HHNET

eBuddy Wins Hands Down!

2010-06-08T10:40:00.002-04:00

A few years ago, I became acquainted with eBuddy when I was wanting to run a chat-app on my NintendoDS using its built-in wi-fi capability. And, eBuddy did the job well. I liked how well eBuddy worked on the DS. So, I started using eBuddy on my PC and Mac.

Now, eBuddy has been overhauled and runs BLAZING_FAST. Not only does the client run fast, it also "logs into all your accounts faster than ANY other mobile chat-app". I've tried them all and eBuddy wins hands down.

eBuddy also provides a online browser client that is FAST. Give eBuddy a try and let it manage up to 7 of your chat clients. You'll be glad you did. http://www.ebuddy.com

--- HHNET

Finally Enjoying Blu-ray

2010-06-05T06:51:00.005-04:00

We have been enjoying "high quality" home-theater for five years now. We initially started with a 32-inch "flat screen" CRT, connected via component video cables to a progressive scan DVD player, then "optical TOSlink" (ADAT) to a "positional" 5.1 surround system.

Although we live in a smaller space now, we are enjoying a larger and better 37-inch HDTV (1920 x 1080) with a Blu-ray player connected via HDMI. Our audio output is S/PDIF digital coaxial which is fed into a AC-powered S/PDIF to TOSlink converter. Then, the TOSlink is connected to the surround amplifier.

There are a few distinct differences between our 1st system and current system:

FIRST SYSTEM

Sony 32-inch flat-CRT. Very flat CRT. Gorgeous picture quality, yet could not display true high definition, so other than cable TV, everything had downsampling or what most people refer to as those black bars on the top and bottom of the picture. Some people might call it "not full screen" or "widescreen". And way back, it used to be called "letterbox".
After a year, we sold the Sony with a 4-year in-home warranty to our brother-in-law and replaced it with a Syntax Olevia 30-inch LCD which was 1080i and could not display true high definition which is 1920 x 1080. Nevertheless, we enjoyed the Olevia for many years using it for both home theater, gaming and connecting our computers to it.
Our surround system was not optical, so although the sound quality was excellent, there was a ever-so-slight background noise. Mind you, we're being critical here. The hiss I am referring to is so minor MOST people would never audibly hear it.
Also, our surround system was a "positional" surround, meaning that the speakers are setup in the typical 2 satellites in front with center channel between them, 2 satellites in the rear and a sub-woofer in the room corner, or perhaps behind the TV screen or even behind your viewing couch. Positional surround sound, assumes the listeners will be sitting approximately in the center of the entire speaker arrangement, thus, experiencing full surround sound all around them. So if you don't sit relatively in the middle of the room, you are forced to ADJUST your surround settings so your surround sound experience is not compromised.

CURRENT SYSTEM

LG 37-inch LED HDTV, 1920 x 1080p connecting video via HDMI to a Phillips Blu-ray player with coaxial audio output connecting to a powered S/PDIF to TOSlink converter. Then the TOSlink feed connects to a SphereX "spacial" optical 5.1 surround amplifier system.
Having true high definition resolution offers "full screen" viewing for video materials that are true HD or 1920 x 1080p. This avoids seeing those "black bars" at the top and bottom of the video area.
Blu-ray video quality is superior to DVD. Colors are vibrantly gorgeous with incredible details. Blu-ray movie menus use Sun Microsystems' Java for fluid, animated interfaces.
In my opinion, it is Blu-ray AUDIO that is most impressive. Blu-ray audio is 24-bit/192kHz while DVD audio is 24-bit/96kHZ. What this means is the audio is MUCH better than DVD audio. DVD can also play 24-bit/192kHz, but only 2-channel stereo.

MORE ABOUT SURROUND

Having a surround sound system to watch movies is wonderful. Optical surround is clearly better because there is NO background noise present in the audio track. The only time you will hear digital hiss is when the optical track has lost SYNC. Usually all that is required to rectify this is turning the surround amplifier off and then back on. Then the surround LOCKS and you have SILENT high-quality surround sound.

It has been my observation that over the past 5-years, people don't seem to watching movies at home using home theaters. Yes, more and more people are buying larger, high-definition TVs. But, most people are not LISTENING to them via surround amplification. Many people are watching HDTV and listening through the built-in speakers OR perhaps they connect their audio to a STEREO amplifier.

GAMING WITH SURROUND

Gamers tend to be "up to speed" with surround because they play their games using surround sound systems. If you want to jack your Xbox360 or PS3 into your surround system, purchase a surround amplifier that has at least 2 or more TOSlink inputs. This is standard on upper-class surround amplifiers. For PC gamers, all modern sound cards now have a OPTICAL output connector which will feed surround systems. It is my understanding the best "no-brainer" surround system for a PC is the Creative Labs brand surround. You take it out of the box and connect to your PC and plug-in all of the speakers and Voila... surround PC gaming.

CLOSING NOTES

OPTICAL surround is plainly superior to any other type of surround. It is quieter and the sound is cleaner. A 300-watt, spacial optical system is much better than a 1000-watt, positional optical or coaxial system. Optical is better. But, if your Blu-ray player has coaxial audio output and your surround system is TOSlink, don't sweat it. Simply purchase a powered-converter. When shopping, be sure to LOOK at the back of BOTH the surround amplifier and the DVD or Blu-ray player to see what type of AUDIO OUTPUT CONNECTORS they use.

SURROUND MUSIC CD LISTENING

Most music CD albums (Redbook) are also encoded in surround, meaning you can listen to your CD music in surround. Usually, you will need to make speaker adjustments using your surround amplifier remote control. Once you have them set to your liking, you will simply adore the audio experience of listening to your favorite music CD in surround! Also, it has been my experience that the remote control settings for playing your music CD are not remembered. This means every time you play a music CD in surround, you MUST use the remote control to adjust the surround volumes to your liking.

Hope you enjoyed this HappyHarryNET Surround_Seminar.

--- HHNET

Added 8 Input Channels

2010-05-19T06:01:00.008-04:00

Up until now, my AW4416 only had 8-1/4-inch TRS balanced inputs. The 4416 is a 24-channel input mixer, feeding a 16-track hard disk recorder, followed by a 16-channel monitoring mixer, all feeding a stereo bus. So only having 8 TRS inputs is a disadvantage, especially during a live recording session such as mic-ing a set of drums and still having enough inputs for the rest of the band. The Yamaha MY8AD24 pictured above, is an 8-channel, 24-bit analog input card, giving the 4416 a total of 16-1/4-inch TRS balanced inputs. This card still sells for $360 dollars, but I got lucky on Ebay and got one in mint condition for $150. And, the photo below shows how the card fits into one of the 2 available I/O bays.

The slot to the left of the one shown is where the 20GB SCSI HDD is located and they can be swapped out. The slot to the right is where I installed the Waves Y56K DSP and 8-channel ADAT card.

Shown below is the deck-view of the AW4416. This is a very capable mixing and recording console that does not wither amongst modern recording technologies. Although the 4416 is now 9 years old, it is still top-class recording equipment any gear-head would want. The 01X takes things a step further, in that you can connect the digital mixer to any PC or Mac for unlimited-tracks of recording via one firewire cable.

Long live the AW4416 and 01X.

— HHNET

Glad Summer Ain't Here Yet

2010-05-09T05:36:00.000-04:00

IDK is a great way to begin my blog today. I've lost a lot of time over the past couple months. Between the usual screaming headaches and spinal pain from broken tailbone, I've not been a real happy camper. I will be attending my first pain management session at the VAMC_SF next week, so we shall see.

Needless to say most of my other projects have taken a back seat. I have been relaxing more and taking care of Kathy since her laproscopic surgery which went well and she is home recooperating well. I am barely getting 5 days of recording music into a month. So, I am disappointed.

Web sites. Hmm. Now with iPhones, Droids and iPads, I am totally redesigning the life of a website on paper. HTML5 and a handful of other web technologies are a must have to get under my belt. As it is right now, my sites will load on smartphones and iPad, however navigating them is another thing. My plans to bring new content to my sites demands that I redesign my websites to accommodate these new devices that everybody are using. This is old news already!! Sort of reminds me of the days when people's websites suddenly were not compatible with PDA's and Palm OS. But, their lifespan was so short, a lot of web designers didn't blink.

This won't be the case for iPhone, iPad, Droids and the bevy of touch-pad devices to come from Google, HTC, Samsung and many other companies.

Been walking and bicycling more with the nicer, spring-like, maybe-summer-is-coming-like weather. My bones are aching and the heat and humidity of Florida is the only solution that I know which has a positive impact.

Still, I plan to dive back into recording music. Some additional items that I ordered are all on back order. So, I'm waiting for them. This has been a continual hurry up and wait kind of project. I'm still very jazzed about Yamaha_01X and the AW4416 console. They both carry their weight and get the job done. In the computer DAW world Tracktion3 and LogicPro9 are the bomb on Mac OSX Leopard. I bought SnowLeopard also, but my mLAN firewire is only 10.5.8 compatible. Not a bad price to pay for the 01X's footprint of power.

-- HHNET

A Lot Going On

2010-04-19T13:59:00.001-04:00

Wow. Months pass like weeks now! In any case, I am keeping myself busy with several projects, along side recording music.

Slowly patching up and recording new help videos. Now with Windows7 being so popular, it only seemed befitting to redo and make some new video help for this new operating system.

Spring is here and summer is not far away. Again, another year and it’s time for RV maintenance. We had a fairly uneventful winter and NASAV is in pretty good shape. Boy! A ton of leaves this year!

People keep asking me about the toolbar. Well, I do have plans to add new content to the toolbar. I have been watching its usage and analyzing the statistics to decide what content users would like the most. I also found a really good video service that works well all around the globe. However, it is not free. Still, I try to include quality content, not just the usual junk that can be found everywhere on the Internet. I hope you appreciate that.

I’ve been enjoying the Iron browser. Iron is slimmed down and runs well on legacy hardware with Windows7, but there are a few features it comes up short on. So, I still find myself wanting to use Flock for larger browsing affairs. But, Iron will stay on my hard drive.

Am shopping for a banjo, electric guitar and amplifier. I want to play publicly this summer. Also, I hope I win my Ebay bid on the 8-ch I/O card for my AW4416 recording console. Parts are getting harder to find as time creeps along. I really want to have 16-ch of balanced 1/4-inch inputs.

Meanwhile, my 01X digital mixer is right at home with both LogicPro9 and Tracktion3 on MacOS.

Will update again once I get some of these irons off of the back burner. I LQQK forward to a hot summer!

HHNET

Trying Live Writer Again

2010-03-14T00:11:00.001-05:00

Well, back in the days of Vista, per se, I gave a whack at Windows Live Writer and my Blogger blog.

At first, I was dazzled by its simplicity and WYSIWYG user interface. But, after attempting to post a handful of blogs I began to experience detail issues with my blog and worse yet, when I would click the button to publish my blog, it would do nothing!

No need for me to say I wasn’t impressed and I quickly returned to using Blogger and what I call, “manually doing my blogs”. May be a tad more work, but it is solid and I can count on the results.

So, here I am again trying Windows Live Writer. But, this time I am using Windows 7. Ah, the glory!

How many operating systems must we live through in order to achieve our daily chores?

Actually, I was looking through a Windows magazine at the grocery store when I stumbled upon an article about a plug-in for Live Writer, called Zemanta. It’s a free download and it enables Live

Writer to analyze and follow your blog writing by offering relevant links, photos and blogs which you can immediately incorporate into your blog. The idea of this sounds amazing. The actual usage of it so far is not my cup of tea.

I think it’s important to add graphic elements to your blog. But, being a blogger myself, there is absolutely nothing wrong with writing a blog that has no graphics at all. Let’s get this cleared up right away… it’s not a right/wrong thing. But, is a blog with graphics more appealing than a blog without graphics? Yes. But, I blogged for years before I began adding graphics to my blogs. And, when I do post graphics into my blog, they are more than just relevant. I’m not real crazy about the idea of using graphics that sorta-come-close to what I am talking about. To me that is luke-warm at best. And with search engines like Bing, finding SPECIFIC graphics is not difficult at all. Which brings me to my question. Why didn’t Microsoft integrate Bing’s graphical search engine into Live Writer?

Okay, I’m gonna try clickng the publish button.

HHNET

March 2010 Already Here

2010-02-19T02:02:00.005-05:00

Seems like yesterday when I was only 7 years old. Life was much simpler and I had a wonderful childhood. My parents were married 53 years before mom passed. So, I had both my parents my entire life, including many years of my adult life.

Anyhow, I've got a lot of irons in the fire right now. Of course, it's important to me to accomplish things which hopefully secure making some of my dreams come true. To assist me in that process I am again listening to Tony Robbins, Personal Power II, now for the 3rd time. It's really great inserting a CD and hearing Tony again. So that's my motivational program right now.

It appears some people on the Internet don't approve of my new method of managing online drama and personality profiling. Whether it be facebook, myspace, paltalk or some other TCP/IP chat client, I have grown to a new place in my life. Life is short and regardless of how much happiness you have, you never can get enough. I am sick of people who are literally freaking out about their lives, and If you mention something about it, then they in turn disrespect you in kind. Whether it be drama or these insideous posts of profanity, consider yourself history. I won't tolerate it. I don't have to tolerate it and losing your online friendship (whatever that was) won't cause me to lose any sleep if you up and disappear out of my life. Mind you, most of you (so far) have removed yourselves from my friending. Meaning, I have not befriended anyone, or removed or banned anybody from any of my accounts. So, consider your little acts of immaturity your own doing.

Meanwhile, I am beginning to dabble with drum programming. The MOTIF_XS takes a little more work than I initially expected whereas it's a music workstation. But still, the end results are satisfying. Better yet, connecting my Korg_i3 to my XS renders instant, very cool, arranger automation. The Korg_i3 and MOTIF_XS are both nuclear_MIDI machines, so they pair well together.

Still, I am saving to buy Drum Core 3 which is an astounding virtual synth tool for creating solid, dynamic drum tracks in a pinch. Very easy to use and the drums sound top notch. You can mix and match using samples and/or MIDI so there is lots of flexibility.

The new 12-string guitar is a pleasure to play and it's good to be spending more time playing guitar than I use Paltalk. That's a good switch IMHO.

My tailbone is still bothering me enough that sitting isn't the most enjoyable thing to do. So, recording music has slowed down quite a bit. Luckily, I bought the right gear that allows me a lot of flexibility. And always the option of coming back to projects at a later date with total recall.

Spring seems like its already here. I look forward to more outdoorsy, walking, exercise and bicycling now that warmer weather is here.

HHNET

2010 - A Tad Behind - Almost Done

2010-01-13T19:36:00.058-05:00

Hello and Happy New Year 2010. Wow, where did three years go? Three years? What is the significance? Well, I began ordering recording studio gear and instruments three years ago. The original idea of putting a project studio inside of a small 27-foot motor home was much more than I bargained for, but I made it work. I am looking at cameras so I can take new photos which reflect a totally different studio scene compared to ANY of the previous pictures. First off, the 4416 is where the 01X mixer used to be. The 01X is where the MacBook used to be. The 30-inch LCD got replaced by a 37-inch LED, near-field monitors are finally in the picture for mixdowns. I still have my Takamine 12-string guitar but the Ibanzez AEL2012 is the bomb! And the VoiceLive2 vocal processor has been really stealing the show lately, along with the MOTIF_XS being used as my soundcard. The versatility of having OPTIONS cannot be stressed enough. It's great to be able to jack directly into the 4416 recording console without having anything to do with a computer. Using the 01X is very much like that as well for it serves as a serious standalone hardware mixer and DSP without a computer. Yet, 01X and LogicPro9 on the MacBook is an easy to use awesome recording environment that is fully automated, and of course, having the mixer automation and hardware DSP of the 01X while using LogicPro9 cannot be stressed enough. It's nice not having to EVER use a mouse much. Using the 4416 tends to get the trackball into action on its myriad of data screesn. The 4416 is basically Yamaha's O2R mixer with a 16-track hard disc recorder strapped onto its back.

SEARCHING MY BLOGS
I've received emails and other queries as to how does one go back in time to read about or see photos of what I am doing with the studio. It's very simple. On my blog page not my blog on Facebook or elsewhere, but the Blogger blog with the black background and HHNET logo at top that says, "BLOG" sporting colorful icons down the right hand pane. Okay, at the top is a search box by the orange "B". You can simply type words like: studio or recording or 4416 or 01x or MOTIF etc. Those searches will render significant results.

Speaking of which just in the past week or so I've received nearly a dozen inqueries about photos. Well the only photos I have are OLD. I need to purchase a new camera so I can take new photos. I promise this is coming. So I have reposted some of the original studio photos below and captioned them appropriately. Hopefully, for now, this will satisfy your curiosity.

This was before removing the RV chairs. Also, this was the first official recording test using the Yamaha 01x jacked into Mackie's Tracktion3 DAW. Talk about fun! I literally had to climb into the cockpit like John Glenn's, "Friendship 7" space capsule!

Chairs and center table removed. Table installed. 30-inch moved. MacBook not here yet. Table not drilled for 01x mixer or any cabling. Notice VoiceLive_1 at end and QY-20 up front. Near-field reference monitors not here yet. But studio is functional due to the overwhelming power of the Yamaha MOTIF_XS sampling workstation.

Table drilled, 01x mounted on mixer stand uprising through table. MacBook is here. LogicPro8 functional. Near-field monitors not here yet. VoiceLive2 not here yet. Ibanez 12-string not here yet. Currently, AW4416 console now where 01x is. 01x is on 2nd mixer stand where the MacBook is shown here. MacBook is on table corner in the right of this photo. New trackball not shown which is used with 4416 console. Since this picture have gone through 2 wireless mice already. Finding the right one for the job. 30-inch LCD has been replaced by LG 37-inch LED. Lots of changes!

I fudged a bit on this panoramic, but you get the idea. Now with the AW4416 on the left and the 01x on the right, with the RODE NT1A jacked through the TC-Helicon VoiceLive2 pre-fader this studio has loads of options, DSP and routing up the whazoo! Note the "backlit" Yamaha 16-track QY-100 "backlit" sequencer. Also take notice of the Q-Mic scissor-boom supporting the RODE NT1A. Additionally, the RODE is routed via a Monster gold XLR-Y cable so it can be use on both mixing consoles and both MIC-PRES, pre-fader, without the need for a patchbay or cable maintenance.

[click photo see read text] Interestingly enough, this organization chart which was created 4 years ago [1 year before purchasing equipment] reflects 95%+ of my current setup. The LCD monitor got replaced. The VoiceLive1 is now used for foleyFX and was replaced by VoiceLive2 as my primary vocal processor. The 2009 MacBook has replaced the Core 2 Duo PC. LogicPro9 replaced other DAWs. However, Cubase_AI4 remains. JBL EONs have not been purchased. I will purchase sound reinforcement in 2011. VisualSONIX™ which began in 1992 will not be my record label. I decided my record label will be NASAV_studios™, and my artist name appropriately, HappyHarryNET™.

SYNTHESIZER WORKSTATIONS

The MOTIF_XS is the backbone of my studio. This synthesizer sampling workstation serves many purposes and has outstanding connectibility including USB, mLAN firewire, Ethernet, TRS, and S/PDIF. On its own, the MOTIF can completely manage multi-track recording via both its onboard 1GB sampler or direct to USB memory WAV recording. The XP sports tons of gorgeous instrument samples and over 6,000 arpeggios for constructing and playing live musical styles which can be recorded into patterns and songs. Although the XS is a very complicated device, it is VERY intuitive and fun to use - and very easy on the ears.

IThe i3 is a wonderful arranger keyboard workstation. I bought mine in 1995 and it was ahead of its time and cost $2500 dollars which is now the commanding price of the MOTIF_XS6. The i3 is also a MIDI master controller and MIDI arranger/computer. I use the i3 to feed the XS rhythms on the fly, very similar to that of the Yamaha QY-100 but with easier access to MIDI control with dedicated buttons up on the deck.

The Yamaha QY-100 is a powerful 16-track, portable sequencer. This unit is handy for composing musical ideas away from your studio, or when relaxing in bed or remotely say at a coffee shop. Also, the QY spits out real nice XG-MIDI compatible sequences which feed the MOTIF_XS and are lots of fun to make instrument assignments and create a good mix. Also [and this is a big deal] my QY-100 is backlit. This is NOT a factory feature and really assists with viewing the screen during use.

MIXING CONSOLES

The Yamaha 01x is a 24-channel, standalone, fully automated, digital, hardware mixer with world class quality hardware DSP onboard. This mixer can be used remotely and it's mixes can be taken back to the computer for immediate integration. Motorized faders and total recall via Studio Manager serves as a superior control surface when using DAWs such as Logic which is hardwired to every 01x function, including [SCRUB]. Having MIDI, USB, S/PDIF and firewire allows the 01X alot of flexibility, connection and routing options with literally no brick walls.

The Yamaha AW4416 is now nine year old technology. However, this unit brings Yamaha's O2R mixer with a 16-track hard disk recorder attached. Taking the 01x a step further, the 4416 has [AUTOMIX] which allows for incredible, unparalleled mixing options. Along with it's 56-bit internal precision, the 4416 spits out gorgeous 32-bit DSP. Unlike the 01x, the 4416 sports I/O expansion. I upgraded 1-slot with a Waves Y56K DSP card. It's 48-bit precision provides an astounding 8 chains of FX with 5 FX in each chain. Sporting two Motorola processors spin a whopping 2 Billion DSP operations per second! Keep in mind this hardware DSP has now been replaced by software on high end computer DAWs in modern recording studios. But, it's the identical technology record companies have been using for decades!

DIGITAL SIGNAL PROCESSING (DSP) EFFECTS

Click to see/read larger image. The Waves Y56K is nothing less than a dream come true for anyone wanting to have nothing less than actual-studio-quality DSP at home inside your recording console. This is the real deal, it's complicated, it takes time to learn, and it's worth every second of effort. The Y56K could easily replace common mastering tools. But, it also shines by providing DSP tools to bring out those vocals in your mix, remove sibilance and add punch to audio that otherwise would just be considered high-quality instead of sounding, "stellar".

VOCAL PROCESSORS & PRE-AMPS

TC-Helicon VoiceLive 2 now reigns in the vocal processor arena. This astounding harmony unit covers a lot of bases. First you have adaptive EQ which is a fancy way of saying you can press one button and the machine will then provide you with a mixing engineer who will manage your mic input by the nano-second. You can sing solo along with your guitar or keyboard OR you can unleash up to EIGHT harmonies including both genders. USB connectivity allows the VL2 to connect to DAW for your vocal command central. You can alter vocal processing and harmonies before and after the fact. This is a feature was previously accomplished only by overdubbing. Now it can be done in real time OR you can lay down a MIDI track and sit at your mixing console trying hundreds of vocal harmony arrangements on your tracks. Of course, it goes without saying, having used VL2 in your recordings, allows you to take your "signature sound" with you to your gigs. Whether it be Christmas at grandma's, the local pub or full stage performances, VoiceLive2 is up and running in seconds and provides, stellar consistency. VL2's technology is so good, that your singing will majorly improve. $1000 MSRP and worth every penny.

ART Tube MP StudioV3 is a fantastic value for $75 dollars. This tube mic-preamp is enough to spice up any mic-pre's that you have that need a jolt. Additionally, it has a variety of adjustable options which change the "color" of your sound which is very useful. If you don't have $800 dollars for a UA Solo 610, get a V3. For the record, I a going to purchase a UA Solo 610. Best single-channel-strip mic-preamp in the world.

MY 12-STRING GUITAR

[click photo see full image] The Ibanez AEL2012 is a great 12-string. Sporting Fishman Sonicore pickups and Ibanez AEQ-SST Shape Shifter preamp with onboard tuner this guitar can electrically play acoustically neutral or hot, raw, electric! This guitar has Ivorex_II nuts which are much stronger and more durable than bone. Ivorex_II allows brilliant highs and more pronounced lows with less mid-range. I know this sounds like an ad, but after playing this guitar for 10 minutes, I can attest to this statement being true. This guitar has great intonation and holds it's tune well with new strings. Keep in mind that I am a very aggressive and fast rhythm guitar player. So my instruments gets a workout! I also appreciate the 1/4-inch and XLR outputs for versatility and options.

CURRENT MICROPHONES

Without spending $2,500 dollars the RODE NT1A is the quietest microphone available with 5dbA self noise and a whopping 137db SPL for under $350 dollars.

After scouring for quality and durability, I found the Q-Mic Pro
scissor-boom with heavy duty springs manages the job. Period.

In my recording space the Q-Mic 9-inch concave pop-filter does the job. You can see the Q-Mic rig setup in the photo below.

IAudio-Technica's ATM75 phantom powered condensor head-mic provides high quality and response while offering the convience of moving your head and body around during recording sessions. Although the ATM75 is no match for the RODE NT1A, except for "in your face vocal recording" you would be hard pressed to identify which mic recorded what in a mix.

A VERY functional recording studio using 6 ft x 5 ft of space!

NEW PHOTOS COMING SOON

HHNET

Happy New Year - Dancing Girl is back!

2010-01-07T04:48:00.012-05:00

The site got busy and I had other focus so I yanked my dancing girL. At one point in time it was a moral decision to maintain a G-rated website. But, although minors do visit my website the fact remains, the majority of traffic to my site are in fact adults. Dancing girl began way back when in Florida. I knew a friend who was a dancer and I basically hired her so I could shoot 2 minutes of video that I could splice up and create a WMV animation that would play in 20 seconds when connected to the Internet using a 56k modem. True story. This flash dancing girl, I do not know who the author is. I spent appropriate time trying to find the author of this fine animation. If and when they come forward I will be glad to give them proper credit or remove the animation if that be their choice. Nevertheless, it is 2010 and dancing girL is back! • Happy New Year 2010 to each and every one of you!

Overall I am pleased with my web updates. Afterall, I have been dredging up ten year old sites and bringing them up to speed with the new theme. But, admittedly I am behind already. Hopefully all sites will be updated by Valentines Day.

Which reminds me, I want to revert back to adding holiday icons for the seasonal holidays. This adds a nice touch to the site and lets users know the site, is in fact, being updated. Right now, my thrust is writing and recording music. But, I continue to edit my sites as needed.

Most recently I added additional content to HHNET with Dan's PowerPoints. Dan Shalit is a good friend of mine who I met on Paltalk Messenger. He lives in Israel and sends me PowerPoint slideshows. I had also been saving some from emails and decided these animations should get a new type of exposure. So take a look. You can play them on PC or Mac and using NeoOffice on Mac works fine with one glitch, the music stops when you advance to frame 2. Still, I was glad to offer MacOS support. See for yourself.

Click to see Dan's page http://happyharry.net/danshalit

Until next time, may the wind be at your back.

HHNET

Recording Music

2009-12-05T04:45:00.004-05:00

Enjoying Logic Studio 9. It's a wonderful package with so many musically useful tools. For myself, I am old-school. I tend to design, compose and record music in a linear fashion. Using the Yamaha MOTIF_XS and DAW software like Logic and Cubase, has given me incentives to stretch my musical legs and try some new things.

Still, when working vocal tracks I find it more useful to use a dedicated mixer/recorder, such as the AW4416 to record, mix and embellish, utilizing the Y56K sonic power. It's easy to transfer the tracks over to the Mac and import into Logic. On the flipside, Logic is certainly capable of these identical operations, however for me, it FEELS better to do it on the 4416 console. Plus automix is out-of-this-world totally awesome!

In any case, I'm not sure how often I am going to update my blog from now to summer 2010. My current goal is to record an entire album of songs. And I anticipate this consuming twenty (20) months of my time OR more! So I will not be providing weekly updates, nor will I be handing out demo-snippets of my new songs. You'll have to wait until the album is complete.

The holidays are coming in twenty days, so I will take this time to wish you and your family a very merry Christmas and happy new year.

HHNET

Septoplasty Rehab

2009-11-18T16:10:00.004-05:00

Now five days post surgery, generally speaking I can say the Septoplasty procedure went well. However, now that I am two days from having the plastic wedge removed from my nose, I will be glad when this is over.

I am not having any complications, but I am uncomfortable during much of the day and night. Vicodine helps a little, but its painful period. This is accompanied with complete blockage with nose-breathing. This also creates an overall breathing-anxiety which would be terrifying if I didn't have medication to manage this."

Also, having this plastic wedge in my nose & sinus causes my entire skull and face to ACHE all day and all night which I am totally sick of.

I've done pretty well with regards to irrigating twice daily, taking my medication and following the post-op directions they gave to me. But, other than playing some piano on my MOTIF_XS, playing games a little on my 360, I've been in bed a lot RESTING. I like that XboxLIVE now has Facebook, twitter, last.fm and also Zune brings streaming 1080p video to XboxLIVE. so even though i'm sorta down for maintenancne right now, i am excited about new features for XBL that I can enjoy when I am back on my feet.

Recording is at a halt now and I don't feel well enough to spend the hours needed to finish website construction. I've been told, "Harry, you're well enough to be on Facebook - lol" My official response to that inconsiderate and disrespectful comment is, "fuck you". Consider yourself and your tweaky little family, removed. My life is too short and I don't have time for your stupid jokes not having anything to do with me. Furthermore, you have not even so much as said hello to me since your release from prison. Yet, who was writing you 15 page letters during your incarceration. Enjoy your Shorview, you don't need me.

It is my expectation that in another two weeks, I can begin getting back to recording and streamline the production process better. The MOTIF is serving as a wonderful, "idea machine" and I am also enjoying very much, working with musical "hardware" rather than software. It has been months now since I have used Logic or Cubase. I am enjoying the MOTIF's sequencer and sampling prowness along with the mixing and recording capabilities of the AW4416.

In any case, I'm reading a little, playing Peggle here and there and watching a few of my favorite homocide investigation shows, while I am getting nothing done. But mostly, I am resting and slipping in and out of naps all day and night.

First thing in the morning I usually breeze through some email and spend an hour at PCTech on Paltalk. By that time, I'm back to bed for rest. Now that Facebook, and twitter are on Xbox, I look forward to some of my future postings to be relaxing times as, more and more, I move away from the computers to dedicated equipment.

HHNET

Website Updates

2009-11-04T05:49:00.006-05:00

Still burning the midnite oil updating websites to the new theme. Eight sites to go, and two new sites to come including NASAV_RV and NASAV_Studios.

The PC Help site is active while under construction. A bunch of new stuff to come to this area.

The HappyHarryNET Toolbar is now available on several of my site pages. Many people have asked where the link is to get the toolbar. Sorry for the late update. Navigating and finding things should be much easier now with the new website format and color coded themes. I also think they LQQK great!

FLUSH YOUR BROWSER CACHE
If you don't, you probably won't see the new changes to my pages. For your convenience, the HappyHarryNET Toolbar has a built-in browser cache in the "Privacy tab" which makes it easy to clear your cache to see site updates. When web browsing, this is a good habit to get into anyways so you don't miss out on website changes since the last time you were there. And, if you never clear out your browser cache, then when you visit a site, you'll be looking at the cached copy of the site from whatever date it was when you visited the site last.

Get the HappyHarryNET Toolbar PC | MacOS | Linux • my toolbar is cross-platform and works with all browsers except Chrome.

Music recording is chugging along nicely. Albeit, at a slow pace, but still I am pleased in all respects. No, I am not handing out "audio sneak peeks" of what I am recording. I promised myself, no demos until the release of my album upon completion. However, I will be recording new YouTube music videos with at least ONE coming before Christmas 2009.

For those of you here in the USA, I hope you're settling into Fall and looking forward to the coming holidays with your family and friends. For the rest of you who are not here in the USA, I gather you are already experiencing Winter and soon some of you will be winding into Spring very soon.

For those of you who read my blog, pardon my tardiness. I will try to blog more often. I've been pushing the clock to the max lately leaving barely enough time to sleep.

HHNET

Metro-Hysteria Stress

2009-10-17T04:14:00.002-04:00

Finally back home after another trip into metro-hysteria. Our automobile required warranty repairs that were to consume the better part of Thursday.

Well things went sour pretty fast. The Ford dealer did not suggest a rental car, knowing they could not make the repairs in one day. The following day, the dealer called early in the morning, attempting to embezzle additional money from us when our purchased warranty clearly covered the work that was needed. Do yourself a favor and hire an attorney on retainer before you purchase health insurance!

Yes, our car got repaired. However, had we not paid the additional $480 hundred dollars [which began at nearly $600 dollars and I bartered them down to $480] the car would be 1)improperly repaired which affects the next time the vehicle is brought in for service regarding those same parts, meaning the warranty will not cover parts or labor, and 2)they would not release our vehicle back to us!

This reminds me of our criminal justice system where the district attorney offers a plea bargain which 90% of all accused accept, whether they are innocent or guilty, because if they don't the fines and time in jail/prison are so great, even an innocent person will take the plea. And they do. Go research THAT yourself.

Kathy and I are very glad to be back home. Besides the metro-hysteria, we're also recovering from second-hand cigarette smoke that we suffered amidst this obnoxious and insideous so-called adventure into the city. I'm still coughing and we're pretty wiped out.

Once I get my VA matters squared away, we'll be looking into getting 1000 miles further out after the holidays.

HHNET

Music Collaborating

2009-10-14T08:42:00.006-04:00

One of the music forums that I frequent is having a collaboration. About a week ago I was sent secret instructions to construct a [bridge] in A minor, 120 BPM, modern rock. My instrument tracks are to be drums, bass and guitar.

Meanwhile, I am in limbo for my workstation is packed and ready for a swap with Yamaha, so I began constructing my arrangement using the QY-100 which is perfect for "in a pinch" situations like these when you don't have your regular gear to work with.

I have created the drum and bass tracks and have recorded them into the 4416 recording console and have applied EQ and L1 Limiter to liven up the mix. I will record acoustic-electric 12-string guitar as track 4 and remix. When done, I will burn a WAV file to CD-R and also upload the file to my FTP for the forum admin to download and import into their mix.

I can honestly say that spending my time involved with music is very rewarding.

HHNET

Nailed Again - Very Busy

2009-10-08T16:27:00.003-04:00

Funny thing... I was just talking about this in PCTech last night, early this morning. I mean, about getting nailed and losing time.

Since purchasing the new recording console, I've been very distracted using it. It is really nice having serious audio processing power HARDWARE. Admittedly, I have not used 01x and Logic on the Mac since the AW4416 and Y56K arrived.

In any case, today I have been up 3 times already. Barely enough to take medication and I'm bailing out again. Had plans of course, but scrap that.

Lots of websites to finish and new ones to make. And, a whole album of songs to record. But, it ain't happening today. I shall succumb to the pain of getting nailed and [as usual] I shall see you on the flip side when this is all over.

HHNET

Kelseyville Pear Festival 2009

2009-09-27T21:06:00.014-04:00

Saturday, September 26th, Kathy and myself met my good friends of 30 years, at the Kelseyville Pear Festival. A small town of less than 5,000 friendly, fun, people.

The weather was sunny and hot. The people and the live music was wonderful. And the ice cold pear-margaritas were absolutely delicious! We experienced the last few hours of the festival and then we mosied about four miles down the road to an excellent fine italian/french restaurant with live music. The seafood was out of this world and we truly enjoyed ourselves up until the the "check" arrived. LOL

Charlie and Carole are fun friends to have. Kathy and I majorly enjoyed their visiting us and our home. We are looking forward to socializing at their home after my next appointment at the SF VA hospital which is reasonably near their home.

HHNET

NASAV_studios - New Additions

2009-09-23T07:57:00.004-04:00

Welcome home AW4416 - I've been waiting for you!

Well! It comes with no surprise to me, that I finally purchased a Yamaha AW4416. Along side my 01X this is a major plus, especially using its "automix" function. The basic design of the AW is a 24-input mixer, feeding a 16-track hard disk recorder, followed by a 16-channel monitoring mixer, all feeding a stereo bus. But, there's more. Besides it's on board studio-class DSP and FX processors, the 4416 has 2 I/O slots which can be fitted with 4-XLR, 8-TRS, 8-channel ADAT and Waves_Y56K.

The Waves Y56K shown above is one of the aforementioned I/O upgrades that I purchased for my 4416. This is serious FX processing power both for world-class effects and studio mastering.

SERIOUS DSP HORSEPOWER!
The Y56K utilizes two 120 MHz 56300 DSPs providing up to 2 billion DSP operations per second! The card supports 20 L1 processes and up to 8 chains of effects. Y56K also supplies 8-channels of ADAT lightpipe I/O which can be utilized for transfering WAV files directly to any ADAT-equipped computer. The Waves Y56K world-famous effects include:

+ Renaissance Compressor and EQ

+ TrueVerb reverb

+ L1 Ultramaximizer

+ SuperTap delay and DeEsser

These processors are all available in addition to the AW4416's on board DSP which utilize 48-bit internal precision on a 24-bit I/O. What does this mean? It means the quality is astounding! This is the identical DSP hardware that has been used in recording studios worldwide. Waves has become so popular, it has integrated into ProTools TDM and also sold as standalone plugins for PC and Mac DAW's. But, wait there's more! The Y56K also has a 9-pin serial port. There are 3 additional plugin effects which can be downloaded and transferred into the Y56K using a USB-to-9-pin serial transfer cable. The Y56K also supports snapshot automation, meaning the DSP and FX settings are all "total recall" just like my 01X automated mixer. Meaning, after hours of making adjustments and getting things right, if I get a headache and lose a week, I can return to the studio and presto! everything instantly returns to exactly where I left off! This is wonderful!

Hot dang! This is VERY exciting!

HHNET

NASAV_studios - Great New Stuff

2009-09-05T05:07:00.007-04:00

Hello! I always prefer to include a photo or graphics. It makes for a much more interesting blog, it looks better and I would like to believe the people who take the time to check out my blogs enjoy them more because of the photos.

Anyhow, I was using bing.com and searching for an 01X shot and low and behold, here is MY own photo that I posted to a blog quite some time ago. It's a great shot and I decided to kick off this blog with it. Five years ago I dreamed and drew on paper, the idea of having a recording studio in a motor home. And I also wanted to record with Yamaha 01X, Logic and on a Mac. It is absolutely delightful that those plans came to fruition. Using Logic 9 on Mac with the 01X is pure bliss. There is lots of learning, so I will be purchasing some additional video help to keep the recording pace moving.

As with any plans in life, there can be delays. In my case, the delay has been with some key items. It's Sepetember and I am just now ordering my vocal processor, an Ibanez AEL2012 acoustic electric 12-string guitar and case, a ART V3 tube mic pre-amp and a pair of KRK near-fields to survive on until I can decide what I really want to mix and master through.

Now that Logic Studio 9 is up and running on my Mac, music and recording has already become a ton of fun. As I complete my initial studio purchases I continue to iron out various niggles and kinks that arise in any project studio, especially in the beginning days. But, overall I am very pleased with the pro gear that I have bought and how these devices are performing for me.

Currently, I am having a blast with this free AU plug called DrumCore_3. It's an amazing tool to assemble high-quality drum tracks that don't sound like your typical loops. For one they sample everything at 48KHz, 24-bit so everything has lots of punch and dynamics. Then they stylize the drumkits to match legendary drummers! This is not only very fun to use, but the shear quality of this system is wonderful.

Using MOTIF_XS and its arppegios and built-in samples can render some very dynamic drum tracks, and I do use them. But for my songwriting purposes, I am already finding DrumCore_3 to surpass using my XS at all for drum tracks. Actually, I am grateful for returning to Reaper's forum to check up on the Mac version, when I stumbled upon a user writing about DrumCore3 and he posted an .mp3 he recorded. I was impressed and immediately headed to Submersible's website.

In closing, I am very jazzed to be buying a new 12-string guitar. I miss playing guitar very much and look forward to getting up to speed quickly so that I can begin recording my guitar tracks and getting some live video to my listeners.

HHNET

NEW! HappyHarryNET Toolbar

2009-08-24T21:16:00.009-04:00

Having my own toolbar has interested me for years, and now I have one! The HappyHarryNET toolbar is useful, fun and feature-rich! Having PC problems? Look no further. You are 2-mouse clicks away from PC help videos, pick-of-the-litter software programs and even fun-filled online games!

I am very particular about toolbars because most of them are bloatware and riddled with adware, or worse yet, you must remove them using HijackThis. My toolbar installs in seconds, does not irritate your operating system, and contains no spyware. You can also look forward to my toolbar updates that I am constantly designing to make your toolbar experience pleasurable!

My toolbar offers easy access to PCTech’s entire website, including newsletters from 2007, 2008 and 2009. These newsletters alone provide a bevy of PC knowledge and links to great stuff including software programs, food recipes and jokes! With your participation, PCTech newsletters can be alive again. Of course, my toolbar provides access to all HappyHarryNET websites as well. And malware cleanup tools are just one click away, so there's no need to run around the net or Google for solutions.

Below is a graphic banner I will place on my website to access installing my toolbar. HappyHarryNET is still under construction undergoing upgrades including a new theme and improved CSS for faster page loading.

happyharry.net/toolbar

As you can see above, it is very easy to tell other users about my toolbar. You simply say, “Happy, Harry, dot, net, slash, toolbar”. Can't remember?

happyharry.net - "visit a website with REAL content"

Remember, my toolbar is a community toolbar. This means, it is YOUR toolbar. If there's something you would like to see in your toolbar, let me know. I am very accessible. Visit my website and click on CONTACT ME.

You can also reach me using:

+ Yahoo! email
+ Yahoo! Messenger
+ Paltalk Messenger
+ Windows Live Messenger
+ AOL Instant Messenger
+ Facebook
+ Twitter
+ YouTube
+ ning.com
+ HappyHarryNET Forums

Wishing you a wonderful remaining summer!

HHNET

Website Overhauls

2009-08-18T04:08:00.003-04:00

Finally got my home page re-themed and posted. The idea was to create additional space within the confines of my rounded-rectangle.

Also, I finally settled with a background color that I feel enhances both the black slate and the new custom yellow border.

Additionally, when I began using Fireworks I didn’t know how to center the website when there were Flash objects involved, so I kept things safe and adhered to flush left for the sites. It’s nice to be centered and have some scaling ability for both Mozilla and IE browsers. The CSS is optimized and pages should load faster. But right now, my main site URL is the only optimized page.

http://happyharry.net

HHNET

Recording Status

2009-08-10T18:55:00.004-04:00

The table that I chose to use in the studio is made of a soft plastic material. It looks great and is very easy to clean. But, the first problem that arose was the microphone boom mount soon became loose, to the point I had to remove the mount altogether. So, whereas I am not a carpenter, I need to get a power saw and cut some small custom pieces of wood which I can bolt underneath and atop the table surface. This will provide a stable foundation to screw an additional mount that came with the microphone boom.

Meanwhile, it will be mid-August before I order the new vocal processor and 12-string guitar. For you shoppers these two items are: Voice Live 2 and Ibanez 2012. I have grown tired of hearing my own story. This is the part of my studio and recording plans which frustrate me the most, because everything has come to a screeching halt. Sure, I enjoy playing and practicing piano and continue learning how to use the MOTIF_XS, 01X mixer and LogicPro8 which will soon be replaced with LogicStudio_9. But, I am working on song number 1 and we're at the stage of recording vocals. Lots of vocals.

If you’re asking what is a vocal processor, or why do I need one?
The answer is simple. I am a one man show, and although many times when recording I will record my own vocal harmonies manually [that means that I will sing them myself] I have other musical ideas where having a quality harmonizer provides a bevy of ideas for vocal performances. This vocal processor has a MSRP of $1000 dollars so it comes as no surprise to have jaw-dropping vocal sounds, access to 6 effects blocks, USB connectivity for updates and programmability, harmony control via guitar, MIDI or MP3, up to 8 vocal harmonies or 4 doubled harmonies, separate doubling and harmony blocks, reverb, tap delay, uMod, T-Pain effect, megaphone, distortion, tone and pitch controls, plus the guitar effects block are totally separate from the microphone and harmonies. One of the features I really like is the onboard, computerized audio engineer. Adaptive EQ, gate, compression, de-esser, and digital microphone gain can all be applied to a microphone input with the touch of a button. Although I have learned how to apply EQ and compression using the onboard DSP in my 01X mixing console, it is a luxury to have such automated audio engineering to accompany my musical performances.

What does this mean at the end of the day? I can focus on my music and my singing, without the tedium of getting the microphone, “just right”. To add frosting to the cake, anytime I take my rig and play publicly, I take both my signature studio sounds and audio engineer with me. When I arrive at a new gig location, simply tap one button and the computer analyzes every aspect of the input channel and applies all of the necessary EQ, compression, de-essing, etc., without the usual need to manually set that up, or recall a previous setting that [still] is not correct for the current acoustics. This is a very nice vocal processor and I am very excited about it.

Does Working Hard Ring A Bell?

2009-08-10T18:19:00.001-04:00

Recently, I heard a young person remark that they were tired of life, money and the opposite sex. They also stated the infamous phrase, “the best things in life don't come easy.” The truth being, many good things in life DO come easy once you understand some of the laws of nature. Still, being human beings, we can become stuck, feeling trapped, and wondering when are we going to get a break? When will our happiness be delivered?

I can personally attest to and give testimony that life challenges rarely cease until we have worked very hard to win the day. My life is riddled with a myriad of chronic pains, screaming headaches and baffling miseries, yet there is great satisfaction from working hard to overcome both my clinical hardships as well as to achieve victory accomplishing my goals. I find myself amidst these challenges in my dream to record an album of music. It takes hard work, very hard work, and steadfast focus to remain on track, to achieve the plan.

So when does this one-armed-bandit called Life pay back? When do you get that break? Where is the rainbow of happiness?

Perhaps, when something greater than yourself stirs your inner curiosity [and that alone] will motivate you so much, that getting sleep will then be your new challenge. In your passion about whatever it is that fascinates you, there is great happiness.

Music On Hold And Very Busy

2009-08-01T02:12:00.001-04:00

Taking my dream of constructing a home recording studio and having those plans come to fruition have been nothing less than stellar. And on July 8, 2009 I began recording album song # 1. Whereas I wrote this song nearly 30 years ago, I chose to record this song in a linear fashion. So, it wasn’t long before it came time to record many vocal tracks which were planned to be appropriately processed through a high quality vocal processor. Unfortunately, there were delays in late June, including the purchase of the new vocal processor which led to my halting recording altogether. The plan was to begin recording this first song after I had purchased a new 12-string acoustic electric guitar and the vocal processor, but the timing didn’t flow as nicely as I had hoped. In any case, the framework for the song is recorded and I am now at the point where until these vocal tracks get recorded I am not prepared to continue. When I began recording, I promised myself that I would not get scattered and that I would maintain my focus on just the one song I am currently recording. Of course, I still play the MOTIF_XS for enjoyment and work on small projects using its built-in sequencer and mixing power.

As for busy. Well jee. I am actively updating and constructing replacement websites for all of my current sites. Many of these sites and pages are ten years old and are needing complete surgery to get ripped from their roots and placed into the new design shell and theme. Along the way, I had to learn a couple new web tricks and implementing them at first was not as easy as I had first imagined. But, designing on paper first always has its niggles by the time you get to actually coding it. And, although Web 2.0 helps, there are still browser-specific anomalies to contend with. All in all, this project is coming along nicely, but it keeps me very busy to the point where I have needed to all but eliminate my Xbox360 gaming time.

While breaking from web work, I have been spending time visiting my old stomping grounds at PCTech on Paltalk Messenger. I was recently invited back to be admin which I accepted. It was my feeling that “the kids” [that’s what I call the group] would enjoy having my personality and expertise, back in the room. I chose to burn a solid 32 hours rejoining the room and enjoy both old and new friends. However, my focus is not to manage assisting PC problems. I would much rather concentrate on improving room morale with attitude adjustments and room entertainment. Already, there are enough admins to help fix PC problems. So, I felt my participating in a vocational capacity would be more beneficial to everyone than my simply dispensing help in a robotic fashion. Look forward to seeing you there.

HHNET

MOTIF_XS OS 1.5.1 Tests Complete

2009-07-11T15:45:00.002-04:00

Some MOTIF_XS users have expressed a reluctance to install the latest version 1.5.1 OS firmware. after exhaustive testing [which included many system resets] my issues appear to have vanished. I am sorry that i have not reported back sooner to make this announcement. I am a disabled brain-injury survivor and my health eats up more of my time that I get to spend online or with my MOTIF_XS.

If you have not installed OS 1.5.1 because of something that I previously stated about it, accept my apology. what may be true for me may not be true for you. There isn’t any problem with OS 1.5.1 firmware.

If you have not already done so, take the time to upgrade to OS 1.5.1 and enjoy its new features. Be sure to always read the README text which clearly publishes all OS changes. Also, prior to installing/upgrading/downgrading firmware, always backup your data to USB DEVICE and after you perform a firmware update always perform a factory reset.

NOTE: When you experience a problem with your XS [beyond resolving it here] by all means exercise your factory warranty and take your synth to a Yamaha service center.

HHN

Many Challenges, Many Themes

2009-06-28T04:15:00.008-04:00

Let's begin with themes. The Apple logo symbolizes simplicity and health. Remember the slogan, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away?" Perhaps you don't, that was a long time ago. But, nevertheless it is true. Five years ago I planned to record music using a Mac-based system. Once that I became acquainted with Yamaha_01x, then I immediately had dreams of LogicStudio because 01x is hardwired to work with Logic, and it does. I've had other recording rigs in my life, but nothing as substantial as what I am playing with now. And, I am glad that I have quality hearing. Because many days [and nights] I am producing high-quality crap. Engineering your songwriting skills whether it be using a large diaphragm condenser (LDC) microphone or dialing in the correct type of digital signal processing (DSP)and adjusting its parameters to correct or improve upon your original signal [is, in itself] a major undertaking. Some days it appears that I get lucky and I am right in the groove. Other times, it is obvious that I am a newbie recording engineer and have much to learn. All in all, I am very pleased with the Apple MacBook in my recording rig.

Since taking extra time in deciding upon which near-field reference monitors that I would purchase, added an additional month delay to installing these and performing the initial audio tests to determine how much acoustic treatment and soundproofing will be necessary. Luckily, the general area here is fairly dampened. The ceiling will need some damping and I will need to dampen some of the lower wood panels to deflect the subwoofer from rattling 25 year old wood. Additionally, I need to purchase some wood-working tools to create parts needed to mount a heavy-duty scissor-boom mic stand to the studio table. The original mount failed the test of time. Other than that, I am excited to play the new 12-string once it arrives. I hope it does not require too much setup. So, July is looking like an improved month for music with the month of August being an official production-mode period of time.

Thus far the Yamaha MOTIF_XS is carrying its weight as my main multi-timbral keyboard synthesizer. Also, there are some voices in my Korg_i3 that I plan to use when recording specific songs, and the i3 has some really nice MIDI rhythms that I will probably use right out of the box. The MOTIF_XS has an awesome vocoder built-in and I am trying it both in live setups as well as recording. Once the new vocal processor is here, I can mix the vocoder into that device as well. This is amazing sounding audio gear and a lot of fun to play with.

The real challenge in harnessing this level of audio gear, is having songs to record. [which I do] So it is my hope that by August, I can get started recording a 70's pop song that I wrote, called, "I Still Miss You". We shall see.

HHN

Losing Time

2009-06-17T12:44:00.003-04:00

Aha! I've lost a week. These blasted headaches are burying me. The new mic boom mount was cheesy so I need to buy a small 3.5-inch circular saw so I can cut some wood and make some custom blocks for the table to create a dead-solid mount for the boom stand. These delays are really stressing me out. Songwriting alone is challenging enough let alone not being able to record the songs. In hindsite, if I were to do this all over again, and I may just might be doing that, I will go with a dedicated hard drive recording system. In just trying all of these combinations I have somewhat grown out of computer DAW recording. Maybe its great for people who never have health issues and have more time to iron out the niggles. For me, my only chance now is with the Mac. Reaper is showing good promise. Cubase4 works and Logic is another learning lesson. I don't wanna learn, I wanna record. I may still buy a MackieHD24 and connect my 01X lightpipe to that. Luckily the 01X also can be a standalone, automated mixer. That's why I bought it.

I'm bluesy. But I've come this far. So I trust the rest will come with more time. Providing I don't run out of time, I'll be okay.

NASAV_studios Semi-Operational

2009-06-10T19:07:00.006-04:00

CLICK ON PHOTOS TO SEE LARGER

Finally! Mac OSX and Yamaha 01X up and running. Using the 01X with OSX and Logic is so superior to anything on the PC. Also, every knob, button and setting, including [SCRUB] works flawlessly out of the box.

NEAR FIELD MONITORS, STANDS, CABLES NOT INSTALLED YET

As you can see, this is a tricky setup in a 27-foot motor home! The 30-inch LCD also serves our TOSlink optical 5.1 surround home theater, XBox360 gaming, XBoxLIVE Netflix streaming both to the 30-inch and the 19-inch flat panel LCD in bedroom. The 30-inch also has connectivity to the 2 PC's behind the view you're seeing. But, most of the time the MacBook gets all the attention!

Until the near field monitors arrive I am not going to re-route any cabling. Things are a bit haphazzard now out of excitement to get busy playing music. I've got the mixer, Mac and LogicPro8 online working well. And, using Paltalk Express in Flock browser with the MacBook's built-in mic and cam works really well.

A large portion of recording work [for me] is vocals. Being a songwriter, songs have lyrics and they need to be sung. Then there are oooh's, ahhh's and harmonies. And they also need to be sung. So, until the new vocal processor is here I will not initiate recording the first song of my album.

Meanwhile, I am really having fun with the MOTIF_XS and I am using it quickly compared to months ago. Now constructing, "instant songs" is starting to become the norm. This truly opens the door for both comedy parody songs and inspirational ideas.

Soon as the new monitors, vocal processor and 12_string electric guitar arrives, then I can finish routing cables. Then I will begin recording, "song 1" for the CD.

Meanwhile, I've got a ton of web work that I wish to do. I am revamping all of my websites. Making them match a consistent theme. Recoding them to load much faster and display properly on a wide variety of monitor resolutions and different brands of web browsers. So, I am excited to get all of that done and out of the way. But, it will take up to and possibly through Fall to accomplish this, which I will explain below.

I've got more content coming to my sites. And, in the grand scheme of things, in between health, I will be lucky to actually accomplish this before 2010, but I am going to say that I will.

One thing that excites me is to finally be playing music and sharing it! I look forward to LIVE music sessions via Stickam.com and Paltalk. And, of course I will archive the videos to my YouTube accounts. Just search for:

happyharrynet

;;cheers;;

On Hold

2009-05-27T13:54:00.002-04:00

The new mac should be here any day along with its accessories to fit it to the studio area. I found a nice laptop stand that will work nicely in my space.

Today I ordered the Acme stuff. They make incredible quality products. I got their QM-50 mic arm and QM-25 9-inch curved pop filter. Really nice setup to use with the RODE NT1A LDC mic!

QM-50 mic arm

QM-25 9-inch curved pop filter

The table hole drilling and mixer stand install is not going to be very difficult so I am holding off until the mac is here. Soon as I have the mac to fire up that gives me a DAW for the 01X mixer. Until then, I'm just fiddling about with my Xbox360 catching up on some lost game time.

I'm still kicking between the Yamaha HS_series or KRK_series reference monitors. Will decide when i order the VoiceLive_2 vocal processor.

The Hunter air filtration system in the RV is wonderful. Everyone should have these filteration systems in their homes. Period! No more dirt!

The ice maker has been really a pleasure. It makes ice quickly and without a lot of fuss or noise. No more buying expensive ice and the conveniences is a major luxury.

The Memorial Day crowd is long gone and things are quiet here as usual. So far, this season, city visitors seem to be mellow compared to last year. Perhaps the economic pressure plays a part.

Will update here when I got something new.

;;cheers;;

QY100 - Let There Be Light

2009-05-19T08:24:00.003-04:00

Hello. I’m a very happy camper finally finding a Yamaha QY100 that is backlit. Sure, if you’re an electronics wizard I don’t see this as being too difficult to do. But since that is not my forte, [in itself]finding one of these gems was an amazing adventure. Shown below is a typical QY100 that is NOT backlit.

Shown below [in a darkened area] is the same QY100 shown above, but my machine has a built-in backlight. I am very jazzed about finding this genuine, fun and creative musical instrument!

For now I won’t bore you with the specs of this 24-track sequencer, but what turns me on are the 4,285 phrases in this machine.

There are a myriad of ways to construct music besides turning on a recorder and playing guitar and singing. Today’s music construction tools include using computers with very sophisticated recording software including virtual instrument. Additionally there are dedicated machines such as the QY100 which can also be used portably to create songs and patterns when that moment of inspiration smacks you in the face while having coffee at Starbucks. There’s more. Extremely complicated and high quality digital audio workstation keyboards like the MOTIF_XS easily create loops and patterns. You can record linear songs, import samples from CD and include in your sequencer tracks, and then there are 6,000 arpeggios at your disposal.

phrase.0014.051809.mp3

Take a listen to the short phrase clip. See what you think. It may not sound like much but this music was a bunch of junk_MIDI data when it first was ported to the MOTIF. First I had to sort out an XG_MIDI issue between the QY and the MOTIF. Then choosing the right instruments for each part, although fun, was time consuming even though the MOTIF makes this process very easy with category search. Then on to making EQ adjustments, adjusting verb and chorus helped too; a little bit of panning helped the arrangement settle down in the mix.

I was proud of this first try. Take 3 phrases, slap them together and then paint-by-number using the MOTIF’s colorful palette of instrument samples. Also let me say, the MOTIF_XS’s 16-track MIXER is really cool. I find myself spending more time using the mixer as I do using my 01X mixer with Cubase. It really nice to compose music on the board, and on the fly, make mixing adjustments right as you are constructing your music. Usually, this is a post-production process where you would mix down everything later. On the MOTIF many times I don’t have to remix my music because I got a great recording within the 1st 5 takes or less, mixed and adjusted it there and now its ready to be a part of the arrangement. To frost the cake, all of this can still be easily shuttled into Cubase or Logic where high quality studio plugins for mastering can be applied to further enhance the dynamic range of the mix. The music clip above is a first take recording that was remixed several times, but only recorded one time, and with no further DSP enhancements added to the original instruments. Not bad ;;smile;;

;;cheers;;

Sorry I'm Late

2009-05-16T08:35:00.001-04:00

Time flies when you’re having fun… or when you’re slammed with headaches like I am. Nevertheless, I do try to remember to blog here about what’s going on with me.

Most recently I am songwriting, staying in practice on the MOTIF and continuing to finish up the details constructing NASAV_studios.

Yeah, I know. You’ve been hearing about this for over a year now. Well, take it from me. I planned this for years before I began and although I am four month behind my initial estimated time of completion, I AM COMPLETING. The studio will be wonderful when it’s done and worth all of the man hours PLUS the down-time due to my health, which both played a part in completing the studio project.

That photo above is a Yamaha QY100 which is a portable, 24-track sequencer. Mine happens to be one-of-a-kind being “backlit” when powered by 110V AC. I use this device for sketching out song ideas and testing song construction. This is a fast and easy tool which saves me a lot of time. If the idea doesn’t work here, it is seldom that I will continue the project on my MOTIF_XS workstation. The QY100 operates for only 3 hours on batteries but I use it most of the time jacked into the wall power so the backlit screen is powered. Data saves are managed using 128Megabyte SM flash memory card. Musical data is shuttled directly to the MOTIF_XS via MIDI where then musical instruments are chosen and reassigned to tracks as well as any additional song construction is managed.

In other news, we installed an icemaker in our motor home which is really nice. No more buying ice! Also, our ice now is made using the bottled water we prefer and the ice does not dis-flavor anything we drink when using ice cubes we make. Looking forward to using this machine a lot come summer. Shall keep an ice chest full all year long.

;;cheers;;

NASAV_studios Construction • ETA JUL 4

2009-04-25T05:30:00.001-04:00

For those of you whom have been following any of my progress with regards to constructing the project studio in the motor home, you’re probably tired of hearing that it [still] is not complete.

This venture became much more complicated than I had first imagined. And not because of unknown aspects of creating such a thing, but rather the dynamics of setting up an real, professional, workable production environment where I can write, record, mix and master music specifically with CD replication in mind. In other words, to produce a record album.

Before I scramble over some of the details surrounding the remainder of the work to be done, I would love to announce that today I installed a high-quality air filtration system by Hunter. My initial idea was to combat dust and dirt from getting into the new PCs, Macs and recording gear. Now that the filtration system has been running for about 9 hours, I can assuredly say that the air quality in the motor home is now 1000% better than before. This RV always tended to be a bit stuffy because we have most windows closed. If we want fresh air, the large bedroom window provides plenty as does the main entrance screened door. However, with every window and dome closed, with no air conditioning running, the air is “nearly” as fresh as sitting outside in the forest. I noticed this improvement within 2 hours of turning the filtration systems on.

Okay, back to the studio construction process where things are becoming somewhat easier now that much of the hard work is out of the way. Here are some of the remaining aspects of this project:

• Routing cables, setting up microphones, stands and filters. Creating various pieces of wood that are used for mounting blocks, anti-skid surfaces and table stabilizers. Also, I found a much better quality spring-boom that needs ordering.

• Setting up and configuring the mixing console, routing cables.The mixing console is still on hold due to customization rising up through the table. And, until the mixer is hot, meaning connected to the computer and processing audio and MIDI data, there is no recording.

• Speaker monitors and subwoofers are still to come. I am still wanting Yamaha HS80Ms, but space may dictate HS50Ms. Why haven’t I decided yet? Well… “according to the scale drawings”,
I should purchase the 50Ms. But, I rearranged a bit and I would really prefer the 80Ms for their mid-range capability.

• After several months of deliberate contemplation, I have chosen to purchase a white, polycarbonate 13-inch MacBook. This notebook will rest on a notebook stand on the studio table where I will output its video to the 30-inch LCD which stands directly in front of the Yamaha MOTIF_XS workstation. For remote jobs, the MacBook will accompany the Yamaha_01X mixer inside its airline luggage-ware. And at this stage of the process I don’t know whether I will end up living in Logic_Studio_8 or Cubase_5.

• As excited as I am to get my new vocal processor, it’s actually good timing that the manufacturer, TC-Helicon, won’t be releasing the VoiceLive_2 until MAY 2009. This was a feather in my cap. Because when I begin recording, I have every intention to begin with MOTIF_XS, microphone and VoiceLive2. So until the VL2 unit becomes available, I am not recording anyhow.

• Last but not least, I do plan to be recording live 12-string guitar parts in my recordings so after much shopping I have chosen to try the Ibanez AEL2012. I’ve blogged a little about this guitar before, but can’t remember if I said I had purchased it.

Due to health complications I am having, everything I blog about doing constantly gets interrupted, which adds to the time of completion. I am currently almost 5 months beyond my original date of completion. NOTE: simply purchasing equipment and setting them up on stands and tables is one thing. But, doing this in less than a 8x8 feet of space, while maintaining daily, necessary walking space, along with daily necessary seating and living, regardless of whether music is getting recorded or not, is very challenging. But, when this project studio is complete, it will be most rewarding to spend time at because I bought quality gear capable of exceeding my audio quality expectations.

At this time, I am not sure how much multimedia I will be showing the public when the studio is done. Perhaps a small website, maybe just a picture slide-show or short video. I don’t know ( I D K ). A lot now is timing and bolting down, screwing in and tying up.

Meanwhile [as I have said this before] the MOTIF_XS workstation allows me to practice and sketch musical ideas and arrangements in a very musically-friendly environment. The MOTIF is simply pleasure to one’s ears. Even when playing for fun and practicing, the MOTIF has the musical prowess to draw emotional tears. For me, this tells me I am working with the right gear.

Next report I hope to be touting about the Yamaha_01X mixing console is up and running – which means RECORDING.

;;cheers;;

NASAV_studios Under Construction

2009-04-12T00:35:00.006-04:00

NASAV_studios is on schedule. Today I got the 30 inch LCD moved to the studio area. I have not ordered the reference monitors and subwoofer yet. So, for now I rigged up some cheesy Gateway PC amplified speakers and subwoofer with extra cheese. They are crap but crap is much better than zero! The Pentium 4 will get wired up tomorrow and I will run the Ethernet, TV_cable, and component video and audio cables from this side of the truck to the studio side. Then drill all the "marked" holes in the table and get the mixer stand installed. Can't wait to get the 01X mixer up and running because when the 01X is happening, then the studio is happening...
...as in RECORDING MUSIC!

So, it's Saturday night, 9:30pm and I am as happy as a clam with the studio progress!

Meanwhile I will spend some time enjoying my Xbox360 and call it a good day.

P.S. Taking glucosamine is greatly helping my bones and joints and I am overall feeling improved!

;;cheers;;

Music News

2009-04-08T07:03:00.003-04:00

Okay. I promised that I would bring you up to date with what's going on.

For starters, I am having great difficulty in a muscular_skeletal kind of way. Due to my getting hit by a car in 1993 left me with a luxated atlas, along with accelerated arthritis and disc problems with vertebrae C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C8, L5. Now I am also suffering with Coccydynia, better known as tailbone pain.

The reason I brought this up is these skeletal pains blend in along with the constant barrage of headaches and other maladies of MTBI. So, the fact that I have been able to teach myself how to accomplish getting things done, in spite of morbid levels of chronic pain, is nothing less than a miracle if you're asking me. Which brings me to my next point.

I'm getting very close to ordering a Mac to use with the 01X mixer and launch NASAV_studios. I just ordered extension cables for the component video in order to move the 30 inch LCD over to the studio table. Then I can drill all the table holes, including two 1.5_holes for mixer stands that will come up through the table top. One on the left for the 01X mixer and the stand on the right will be for the vocal processor. In time the vocal processor may go to the floor [where it's home really is] and I am considering putting a TASCAM_2488_NEO HDD recorder in the right stand. So, really, once the LCD gets moved, then the Mac gets ordered. Once that is jacked, the reference monitors and sub woofer (Yamaha HS50M and HS10W) will be ordered. Then I make the stands and by the time the monitors arrive, I can unpackage them and properly mount the stands and acoustic foam, then run some audio tests to tweak the monitor settings for this space.

It's more of a time and space juggling act. This is a 27 foot class C motorhome. So I don't have a lot of space to store MORE things than I already have in storage on board. Back when I was ordering the MOTIF_XS workstation, I was juggling my Korg_i3 and Takamine_12-string in the shower space. My point is I don't have the room simply to order everything and take my time putting things together. In any case, I am about 4 months beyond my initial plans on paper, but like a tortoise, I still will make it happen.

Music! Ahh yes. The reason I am doing all of this! I am working on some new material now which I have decided to use on a separate album of music. These songs are instrumentals consisting of 2 guitars, harmonica, and various percussion instruments such as shaker, tamborine, and triangle. The style of music is folk/pop/jazz and the songs are from the 30s, 40s and 50s with a few of my own thrown in for good measure. I am also toying with various samples of crackling fire [including recording my own] to be mixed in like campfire sound. But I am quickly learning, this background sound must be a very specific kind of fire sound in order not to distract from the music and I believe it will require mixer automation as well. Meaning, throughout the mix of each song, the fire track will need adjustments during the final mixdown and those adjustment are also recorded in real time. If the fire idea doesn't work as I am wanting, I will opt not to use the idea at all. But this music is so lovely, my first thought was that the music is perfect music to sit by a campfire and listen to. Lovers music, if you will.

In lieu of chronic pains I detailed earlier, I began consuming glucosamine which has greatly helped the joints of my bones. When I wake up, I don't feel like I am 90 years old anymore. So, I can say with confidence, if you suffer joint pain, even all over your entire body like I was, get yourself some super_duper glucosamine and eat 3 of those a day and inside of a week, you WILL notice a difference.

Back to fun. I will be glad to get the basics of the project studio over with. I still have the NASAV_studios logo to draft up in Illustrator_9 and email to the shop, but that's like a few hours kind of job. But, having the dedicated work space to sit, compose and record music brings tears of joy to my eyes. Also, the Yamaha MOTIF_XS is a powerhouse workstation and was a good choice. I continue to learn new things each and every time I use it. The downer of using USB sticks to save data is they are not fast. Class_2 memory is common in USB and SD card memory. It doesn't take THAT long to save, it's just that all other operations are nearly instantaneous, so it makes you wish that saving data was as fast as the other operations of the workstation. But, if and when I want to accelerate data saving I can always connect the MOTIF to the LAN via 10/100 Ethernet and save data to one of the 650GB SATA HDDs that are on the network — convenient feature. And, mLAN firewire is always available as well via the 01X mixer.

My search for other musical instruments continues. However, I have decided which 12_string I am going to order. It's a Ibanez AEL2012ETKS. This is a gorgeous black and gold guitar with what they call a Flamed Sycamore top. The rest of the body being Maple, along with a Mahogany neck, gold hardware, abalone rosette inlay around the soundhole and Fishman Sonicore pickups, EQ and tuner. I have not had my hands physically on this guitar to know how it plays. However, being a very accomplished 12_string guitar player, I have watched over 9 videos of this guitar being played by others. The videos gave me enough information to make an informed decision to purchase this guitar. I will order it from American Musical Supply (AMS) online. They provide an additional 1 year warranty over the factory 1 year warranty (2 years total anything goes) plus AMS gives you 45 days from date of purchase to return for exchange or refund, no questions asked. So ultimately, there is no loss involved. The AEL2012 is a "jumbo" style body and I am hoping it will fit my existing hardshell case, but I will play it smart and telephone them to ask. If I need a special size case for this instrument I will need to order one. My case is for a standard dreadnaught 12_string and I get the feeling [now that I am talking about it] that the "jumbo" will require a larger case. Exciting times!

Those of you who are still with me, I am searching for a FOUR_string plectrum banjo. Most of them come with resonators, which usually is a wood cover that mounts onto the banjo brackets and covers the back of the banjo. Ever since teaching myself to play banjo, I never liked resonators for they make the sound "ring longer" or "sustain" where I prefer the short, plunkity_plunk ragtime sound. Many times years ago, I used to stuff a cotton t-shirt or 2 pairs of Fruit-Of-The-Loom underwear into the underside of the banjo in between the torsion-bar and the banjo-skin surface. This would act as a good dampener so the sound would not RING OUT. Banjo's are loud instruments already. Seldom do they require amplification unless you are performing where serious amplication is needed to even be heard. So my homemade attenuation worked well over the years. Anyhow, there is a banjo shop in San Francisco I want to visit, for an entire day. I would like to try out at least a dozen or more banjo's. I think 20 instruments is the magic number. But, honestly, it's been years since I have played a banjo for any length of time. So, the second I recognize "this is the one!" then I will know how many banjos it will take. I will purposely start with say a $500 banjo which I don't plan to spend that much to buy one. Then work backwards price-wise until I find the instrument that plays nice. I expect to find my instrument for about $350 dollars. Then I can record some TUBA tracks on the MOTIF, add small drum kit and bingo! I got my ragtime banjo band. It's really a lot of fun to play banjo. Even people who think they hate ragtime music will find themselves tapping their toe while listening to me play. It wouldn't surprise me if Latin Americans knew the words to Bill Bailey and Oh Susanna! LOL

I've rattled enough. I could continue with all of my web projects news, but I think this is enough for one sitting. I will blog about the web stuff next time. For those of you who waited for me to blog, I duly appreciate you. And for those of you who RSS my blog, I would like to personally give you a big, Thank You" because it means a lot to me. I am reading a lot of RSS using the Flock browser and love how easy it is to just click on that orange RSS icon to have things automatically update to your browser!

;;cheers;;

Lots Of News

2009-04-07T17:44:00.002-04:00

Hello fellow followers!

Well for once I can post without the usual, "Nailed Again". Glucosamine works!

Today through tonite VERY busy. I will blog probably midnite:30 PDT to update you about everything that is going on.

;;cheers;;

Hello World

2009-03-28T18:41:00.003-04:00

Getting back onto my feet reminds me of coding your first program to display "Hello_World" on the screen.

The weather has warmed up [in the day] to 76F degrees which greatly helps my spine and body (that adores heat and humidity). As for the rest of my idiodic health [as usual] it just runs its course and consumes whatever amount of time it wants to.

So I'm back riding my ToDo_List and expect to complete a slew of projects. Mind you, where I come from, being productive or getting things done is NOT the epitome of life. Living here in the mountains by a lake in our motorhome and doing absolutely nothing can be shear joy to say the least.

Nevertheless, I DO have a lot of irons in the fire and would like to get the majority of my busy_work accomplished before Summer.

On a final note, over the past year I've been banging my head learning XHTML, DHTML, CSS and javascript. It's really cool that I've mastered my challenges. I plan to revamp my older websites and install them into the new shell design which required some tricky business in the coding department. So, after a lot of Google searching, forum reading and studying some research materials in my library here at home, I have figured out how to accomplish what I am wanting to do.

Yay Harry!

;;cheers;;

Nailed Again - Continuing

2009-03-27T15:23:00.002-04:00

Jeeze, this has grown interesting. My todo list is twice as long as it was, and it appears that my spine is winning. It's nice that I can blog from bed using my NintendoDS... tis more than I can say for iPhone users who don't know what blogs are.

Anyhow, I am admidst a sea of spinal agony so not much is getting done. I've completed my purchase lists for the remainder studio gear. The new vocal process won't release until April, so no hurry for that.

Have drafted up replacement websites for both the /pchelp and /slot1 which is changing to /games to accommodate other gaming consoles as well as NintendoDS. Will be nice to finally dump the Fireworks prototypes and their mega-sliced HTML-ism.

For now, guess I will just rest up and get ready to burn rubber the next time I am on my feet.

;;cheers;;

Nailed Again

2009-03-23T17:57:00.000-04:00

Somebody please tell me something that I don't already know!

I'm up to my ears in morbidity. See ya when I get back.

;;cheers;;

Ask Harry

2009-03-22T05:17:00.001-04:00

Logic Cubase Sonar DAW digital mixers 01X MOTIF XS recording DAW controllers EuCon mLAN MIDI Firewire ADAT TOSLink S/PDIF "ask me anything"

;;cheers;;

A Mixture Of Things

2009-03-22T04:56:00.001-04:00

Hello and sorry to keep you waiting!

Been extremely busy since my last post. I entitled this blog, "A Mixture Of Things" because the past few days has been just that.

Some travel to the big city to visit and help my uncle who's health is failing and needed assistance with quite a few things. Also, he will be needing to move to another location and will need somebody to do some footwork for him to help find a dwelling to meet his needs.

While we were there, his leg infection became an emergency and we admitted him to the hospital where he is much improved now, but it appears his heart just isn't doing its job and that is causing many of his newer problems.

Meanwhile, I am still ordering toys and equipment for NASAV_studios, along with some cables and wiring. I know I have discussed this many times now, but between wrong parts and change in design, it was necessary to change the type of cables to get the job done. Also, the 30 inch LCD will be moving to the other side of the RV. I previously announced this and due to my own health challenges, the LCD has not been moved yet.

Additionally, I am ordering a new 12_string acoustic electric guitar. I found a nice Ibanez which should prove useful for recordings and live performances.

Still find time to play games on both the Xbox360 and the NintendoDS. The new games rock! All of the new games coming are fantastic, engrossing and fun to play!

In web news, I finally got over my DHTML, CSS and javascript hurdle. I am so jazzed that I got my head wrapped around this so I can now begin to apply this technology to my new designs and websites. Talk about happy times.

Although I do have a /pchelp website up and running, that website is going to get ANOTHER facelift with MANY changes, including no content omissions.

Believe it or not, the PC Help Videos website is going to get a facelift and a bevy of new videos added to the site, along with older videos getting updated. HappyHarryNET PC_Help_Videos will continue to participate as a major contender in the PC Help arena!

For those of you who are into socnets (social networks) such as MySpace, facebook, and Twitter and want to stay in the loop with what's going on in the world of HHNET, it would be my suggestion to join facebook, Twitter or subscribe (RSS) to my blog and use the Flock web browser which makes it really easy to manage all of your socnet activities. And, Flock is a really good browser!

Thanks again for listening. There's much more to come!

;;cheers;;

Nailed Again - Familiar Territory

2009-03-16T16:40:00.002-04:00

Today I wokeup with a vicious headache. This was around 9:45 am. I slept well as usual and upon my first awakening I noticed improvement in my L5 and tailbone, meaning less pain.

Trying to get onto my feet was another thing. This was one of those blinding screaming headaches with the morbidity of death. I medicated and immediately began a skull massage using my infrared massage unit. I must have passed out for I don't remember anything after that.

Then I woke up again. Headache was down to a dull roar. Phone ringing. Some idiot telling me my car warranty is about to expire so when I asked them about it, of course, they did not have access to those records. Now I'm awake and realize that in the middle of this headache I'm dealing with the first telemarketing call to hit my new phone number.

Now to begin my day. Looking over my notes from yesterday I am reacquainted with my excitement about Q-Mic product line which I will be ordering. But, for now, I am going to take this day slowly and not dive into any projects.

;;cheers;;

Nailed Again - But Still Hammering

2009-03-14T15:26:00.003-04:00

Well, nothing new to me. It's challenging sorting out which excercises don't irritate my spine, especially L5 and my tailbone. Toss in a few headaches and poof, there goes a week reaL easy!

Anyhow, during a recent trip into the city I took measurements of the iMac24 so I can simulate it here in the studio area. The 30 inch LCD will also be mounted above the Mac so I needed to know clearances between the two monitors.

I've decided to try out a pair of monitors that will be useful with the PC/Mac and then I can proceed with ordering the new TC-Helicon VoiceLive_2 and get started with that. Reference monitors are MORE important for MIXING than actually playing the instruments per se, so by the time I have maybe 2 to 3 songs recorded I can order the Yamaha monitors and subwoofer.

Well, its good to be back on feet. I was wiped out with Dramamine last nite, jeeez, I could easily overdose on that crap. I'm not traveling well these days, whether I drive or not. Getting equilibrium issues again real bad, so back to the neurobrain people to see what's going on. Perhaps it's scan-time again, hopefully no negative changes there.

Meanwhile, I got a couple web projects to finish up and then it will be time to totally rip up HappyHarryNET and give it a facelift while widening the web space area to accommodate some of the new pages and upcoming content.

For now I am going to keep all YouTube content (including music) on my Hornstrum account so to get there it's pretty easy youtube.com/hornstrum I will put a logo-link on my site today, a few people have asked me about that.

And for those of you who have asked me here for it, I WILL be creating an "Ask Harry" section on my website so you can ask questions or make comments. Then I will publish your questions and my responses on a dedicated "Ask Harry Blog" so look for that soon.

;;cheers;;

Peggle - Finally Here!

2009-03-12T06:59:00.003-04:00

Wow! Peggle is a fun game. I first went goofy over this game when PopCap made it for RealArcade. Ever since then I dreamed of it for both NintendoDS and Xbox360.

I've already been playing the Peggle Dual Shot on DS, tonite I just bought the 360 version of the game which is better in a few different ways, including more colors!

One interesting note of trivia. When I was exiting the game back to the dashboard, there was one sound effect linked to pressing the "A" button which was the "infamous Windows asterisk sound" used for dialogue boxes and when you click on the volume control slider in the system tray ;;heh;;

Anyhow... Peggle is on my 2 favorite gaming consoles and that's all that matters!

;;cheers;;

Working Out Is Working

2009-03-12T03:22:00.002-04:00

Tomorrow marks three weeks since I began my workout routine. It's going very well. Currently, my program runs 90 minutes. 30 minutes cardio, 30 minutes strength training, with the remaining time spent swimming, sauna and hydrotherapy.

Still, I miss the "range of motion" that only the Total_Gym can provide and plan to purchase another one very soon. The Total_Gym [as seen on TV with Chuck Norris and Christy Brinkley] is a wonderful piece of exercise equipment which will give you immediate results. In the past, I have even taken my Total_Gym with me on commercial aircraft when I am visiting away from home, simply because I prefer to use it rather than typical gym equipment.

Friday marks the beginning of 40 minutes cardio and doubling my reps with weights. My swimming time will increase as my back and spine become stronger, and I look forward to swimming this spring and summer here at the resort where we live.

;;cheers;;

TC-Helicon Voice Live 2 and 1

2009-03-07T19:55:00.003-05:00

The VoiceLive_2 is an impressive "stomp-box" vocal processor. Being a user of the 1stGen VoiceLive unit, I was immediately engrossed with the QUALITY of the new VL2 unit. It now possesses all of the vocal processing effects of their rack units as well as now providing 8 harmonies live.

Meanwhile, I shall continue to use the VoiceLive_1 shown above. It's a quiet, quality unit that can also serve as a quality mic preamp for pres that are short on gain or the ones that get noisy when you crank them up.

;;cheers;;

Nailed Again

2009-03-07T15:43:00.001-05:00

Well jee, another insideous headache. I thought I might get the 30inch LCD moved today. Perhaps later, i'm checkin' out.

;;cheers;;

25 Things About HappyHarryNET

2009-03-06T20:44:00.003-05:00

01. People who get to know me will learn that I am passionate about everything that I do.

02. I disagree with most "green technologies" that are offered to the public as environmental heroes.

03. Slogans amuse me. My favorite is, "If should's and but's were candies and nuts, it would be Christmas everyday".

04. Music is my first love. That is, writing, singing and playing guitar, piano & banjo with the xylophone being one of my favorite orchestral percussive instruments.

05. The Flock browser is a ingenius method to stay, "in the loop" with all of your social nets.

06. The finest historian of our century is Eustace Mullins who was embued by Ezra Pound.

07. I find most things funny, and if it's not funny, then I think of something funny
ABOUT it.

08. Although I wanted my own biological children, I have none. And I have many wonderful step-dots.

09. I enjoy learning new things by video tutorials, to the point I created many of my own that are on my PC Help Videos website.

10. Distractive therapies are tools that I use to detour chronic pain from controlling my time.

11. Had I never been hit by a car, I never would have taught myself to be as good as I am.

12. Girls ;;sigh;; Ahhh yes! Thank heaven for little girls ;;smiLe;;

13. Since its inception, I have truly loved computer software.

14. One of my favorite outdoor activities is spending time with, "the ducks".

15. My favorite indoor activity is living full time in our motorhome where I do everything indoors.

16. It's a shame that cellphone "texting" has replaced, "the first date".

17. I am NOT a phone-bug. However, feel free to call me anytime after 9 PM PST or weekends ;;grin;;

18. Don't expect me to come visit you. Metro-hysteria is NOT something I embrace.

19. Humid climates such as FLorida are heaven to my body and its thermostat.

20. Q: Why did the turtle cross the road? A: To get to the Shell station.

21. I am absolutely strict with regards to respecting other people's property.

22. In the year 2001, my doctors quoted me 15 years of life to end 8 years from now.

23. My favorite pizza is anchovie, pepperoni and cheese, thin crust.

24. I love cold nonfat or 1 percent milk in a frozen glass. The temperature is 38 degrees Farenheit.

25. Have a cow! Take a frozen 16 ounce glass, fill half with milk, top off with rootbeer.

;;cheers;;

I've Become A Flock-er

2009-03-06T14:33:00.001-05:00

Finally got around to spending time to try using the Flock browser. First of all, let me begin by saying installing and "getting up to speed" using this browser, IS A SNAP! Additionally, this is a full featured browser than runs at a rabbit's pace and manages every conceivable online activity you can muster up and throw at it.

The Flock browser integrates all social networking features into your browser. I REALLY like this! At a glance, I can see the status of all my webmail accounts, Twitter, Facebook, 2_MySpace accounts, myBlog and RSS feeds. IF you are a member of any of the following, you NEED to be using the Flock browser!

PEOPLE
+ digg
+ Facebook
+ Flickr
+ MySpace
+ Twitter
+ YouTube

MEDIA SHARING
+ Photobucket
+ Picasa
+ TinyPic

BLOGGING
+ Blogger
+ Blogsome
+ LiveJournal
+ Typepad
+ Wordpress.com
+ Xanga
+ Self-Hosted Blog

ONLINE FAVORITES
+ Delicious
+ Magnolia

WEBMAIL
+ AOL Mail
+ GmaiL
+ Yahoo! MaiL

For information and tutorial, visit http://www.flock.com

P.S. Kudos to Microblitz ^5

;;cheers;;

Blogged with the Flock Browser

Shifting Studio Around

2009-03-05T15:46:00.003-05:00

Well jee, time flies when you're having headaches and fun ;;heh;;

In order to accommodate all the fun stuff that I am wanting to do in the forward cab of our motorhome, it was imperative to redesign space considerations.

Had I continued on the original design course, I would have lost use of the 30" inch LCD for home theater and Xbox360. That's not an option.

The solution was to stick with iMac24 for studio center piece and move the 30 inch LCD from this side's overhead and mount it overhead, "on the other side". Run extended component video cables and Ethernet over to studio table. This eliminates having to move the home theater subwoofer, rewiring the optical 7.1 surround. Also, this enables Xbox360 to the 30 inch LCD, the home theater for movies and streaming Netflix and AppleTV. Yay! No spacial conflicts! Keep in mind, we're talking 8 feet of very square space, here in the forward cabin of NASAV.

I'm looking forward to Yamaha 01x, Cubase and Logic on Mac OSX very SQQN !!

Once this nonsense is complete, I will publish pics and video. Still designing NASAV_studios website on yellow legal pad, so will be awhile before THAT site is hot.

;;cheers;;

Got My "Jasper" Xbox360

2009-02-23T17:57:00.008-05:00

Got my Xbox360 replacement yesterday! Wow, what a difference. I suspected my 1stGen unit had some problems, but now I know it had problems.

The new "jasper" chipset is the latest 2008 build of the 360 including smaller CPU chip, lower power supply and overall less HEAT. Also, whereas I live in a motorhome in a particularly quiet area, it is OBVIOUS to me, the new units are much quieter during operation and there is no doubt about it, most of the LOAD times are faster.

The longest load time noticeable because it is a major NXE dashboard function, is that it takes about 20 seconds [while it does nothing] to populate your recent games list. I THINK MICROSOFT SHOULD FIX THIS. When you pop out of a game and want to jump into another one, especially the XBLA games that you purchase, no user should have to wait 20 seconds for a file listing TO APPEAR.

I am pleased in all respects! Last night I had my first 5_hour romp with Civilization Revolution. Real fun game.

The Arcade pack also comes with 6 FULL VERSION games [2 of which I already owned]. SEGA Superstars Tennis [Sonic], Boom Boom Rocket, Feeding Frenzy, Luxor 2, PAC_MAN Championship Edition, and UNO.

[sidenote] NintendoDS has a new game called Big Bang Mini which is a stylus game very similar to Boom Boom Rocket on the 360. It's very colorful and a lot of fun! It's one of those games you start swishing the stylus and 3 hours later, you're still playing it!

The Arcade compilation disc has a nice, simple interface. However, I was dissapointed that Microsoft did not include NXE in their startup video, which would impress new 360 buyers. Actually, I didn't realize how much better NXE was until I saw the video that showed the previous, "blades interface".

In anycase, for me, it was totally worth buying the $199 Arcade360 to replace my 1stGen unit, popped on my 20gig hard drive and in minutes had my machine, Netflix and Media Center configured and up and running.

Thank you to Ars Tehnica for the photo.

;;cheers;;

Busy Times

2009-02-22T14:39:00.002-05:00

What a nice way to recoop from the usual pain-riddin lifestyle.

We got a couple days break from rain so I got up on RV roof and repaired some worn spots to disable a tiny, minor leak. FTW ^5

Enjoying the health spa and gym 4 miles away. Yeah! Didn't even know it existed. Everyday I workout and use sauna and hot tub. My body responds to hot moisture so well!! The exercise is good too. Also, a bonus. To get into the health club you must climb 2 healthy [steep] rows of stairs. Once inside the building there are stairs up to the cardio area and elsewhere as well. So even if you don't use the facilities, just walking around you get exercise on their stairs!

My Xbox360 began freezing up. No RROD (Red Ring of Death) yet, but no matter. The freezing is caused by the ATI graphics processor coming loose, I plan to rip open the console and repair it myself. Meanwhile, this coming week I plan to purchase a new Xbox360_Arcade which is the newer chipsets not prone to be problematic.

Still putzin with the /pchelp website. Should be done in another week or so. Keep trying the link on my main site. It will be obvious when it's hot.

Just beginning to dismantle the home theater system and wiring. Moving everything 180_degrees in the RV. The surround subwoofer and speaker connections are getting transferred to the other side of the truck so the 30inch LCD will be taken down from the overhead mount and attached to its table stand where it will grace the studio table and be used with Cubase4 DAW for recording. Additionally, I have a nice PC/Xbox switch to flip back and forth between games and the PC. The PC over there will boot to Cubase4 and fire up Yamaha mLAN. Dedicated recording. Where I am sitting now will be the MacBooth, where TWO iMac24 will be making home any day now.

I won't order the monitors until the stands are made and the surround job is done. Its just too congested in here when things are, "not in place".

Very much looking forward to March. It's music time!

;;cheers;;

Nailed Again

2009-02-18T06:47:00.002-05:00

Pain has outran my ability to distract myself from it. I see based on last blog and my overall health and looking at date on computer that I am losing days left and right. Today I tried a simple accounting of past few days and was not able to reconstruct today let alone past two to seven days.

Started some new AJAX code for website. Will get back to that when I am happening. So much to do, so little time with it flying by getting UN-USED.

;;grumbles;;

Nailed Again - Rip Roaring Headache & Spine

2009-02-15T13:22:00.002-05:00

Jeez my head is gonna explode and my spine is on fire! Well, so much for getting anything done today. I'll putz around if I can stay on my feet.

Let's keep this one short. I'll be back.

;;cheers;;

Rewire Time

2009-02-14T23:15:00.003-05:00

Right when I was about to order speaker monitors and subwoofers, it came to my attention that the arrangement of gear in my studio area, including gear on the other side of the RV needed to get swapped with the studio-space side. For very good reasons, it is a good thing that I caught my own oversight! Now, all present entertainment functions will be possible at any time, along with the recording studio. Had I went ahead as planned, home theater surround, cableTV and Xbox360 on 30_inch_LCD would have gone down the drain.

So, next week is a RIP-UP when i remove all cable runs for cableTV, surround system, ethernet and power. New power runs as well with both line conditioning and UPS's on both sides of the truck, then run new cable runs from the forward cab and back to the electrical panel.

This is good timing. The 2 new iMac24s won't be here for a month anyhow, and the Vista laptop that is currently in use will be installed "under" the studio table and be a dedicated power-on to Cubase and mLAN for 01x and MOTIF_XS.

All in all, I am pleased. Even though I am two months behind my original projected schedule. In the end it don't matter anyhow. If the studio setup is not functionally correct, I won't be publishing any redbook CDAs. Where I come from, they call that confidence.

;;cheers;;

MOTIF_XS - A Real Workhorse

2009-02-08T12:42:00.010-05:00

While NASAV_studios continues to be under construction, I do have the workstation set up now in dedicated space which has allowed for much more TIME to spend learning the DEPTH of this outstanding, 8_element synthesizer workstation. What's left to do? Actually, alot! In this basic 6x4 feet of space, every detail is crucial to the end result of the project studio. I'm considering a dedicated hard disk recorder which will require another uprising stand through the table, so I am pausing plans.

As you can see, mixing is very much the same as a traditional mixing board, and of course the 8_faders and 8_rotary encoders are tied to all controls including the mixer, making adjustments a breeze. Still, I prefer working with 01X and DAW. However, there are some real advantages to dedicated hardware such as HDD recorders having the ability to mix audio, right onboard during a session without the need to transfer data over to a DAW. In other words, no computer needed.

For those of you who like to see things up close, this is a better shot to get a better perspective of the fader, encoder and transport controls. This synth is extremely intuitive to use, considering what a complicated machine it truly is. I keep learning more stuff every time I turn it on. Sometimes things get a little, "hairy" because of it's complexity. However, the upside to that is, when you want to create some special little detail that is not, "built-in" the XS will accommodate your idea with ease!

NASAV_studios photos and videos will be on the new website.

;;cheers;;

Age of Mythologies DS

2009-02-04T00:47:00.004-05:00

Have been enjoying this turn based strategy game. It's a great way to wind down at the end of a day, fighting beasts and conquering kings. The graphics are really good and very easy on the eyes. You can play the game using the stylus or without; I prefer to not use the stylus because I am seasoned with D-pad games.

This game is much more balanced the former game, "Age of Kings" (AOK) and makes for a much more playable game. I am enjoying character development much more than AOK. Another really fun feature are the "God powers" you can unleash upon your enemies. I look forward to replaying this one.

CLICK HERE TO SEE GAME VIDEO

;;cheers;;

Learning Insertion Effects

2009-02-03T04:46:00.003-05:00

MOTIF_XS has a full complement of effects, both insert (Insertion) and send (System), and includes a special set of VCM (Virtual Circuitry Modeling) effects that authentically model the elements in analog circuitry, realistically recreating the uniquely warm characteristics of vintage processing gear. XS also includes a sophisticated Vocoder effect that produces classic robotic synthesizer sounds, molded by your speaking or singing voice through a connected microphone.

What I am finding fascinating about the XS is it has over 300 effects presets! For example, you want to jack a mic and make it sound like a telephone call, you simply call up that insertion effect while recording into the sampler, add some compression, and you're done! Very slick!

;;cheers;;

01x - Signature Series Gig Bag

2009-01-28T22:28:00.005-05:00

Finally found another one! Model YB01X Signature Series Gig Bag. I say another one because months ago I had located one for $130 dollars plus shipping. Then I got side tracked and didn't buy it. When I returned to the site, they no longer carried it. Then when I scoured the Internet for 2 months I found nothing. So, I just ran into this deal a week ago and ordered one for $80 dollars.

This bag is nice. Plush and firm inside for the mixer and even for my 9 pound 17inch laptop! Although I'll be looking forward to the new MacBook Pro to fill that spot. Very well constructed and a pleasure to load up, zip up and go! ATA flight cases are selling for $180 dollars so I feel real good about this purchase.

;;cheers;;

Killer 01x Case Deal

2009-01-26T01:14:00.005-05:00

Finally! After scouring the Internet for months I found a great deal for a dedicated travel case for my Yamaha 01x. This case offers room for mixer, laptop and cables. Suitable for carrying or tow with wheels. I will blog about the case later.

I am very glad to finally acquire a secure case for the mixer. I've been wrestling with the original factory carton and styrofoam in my storage space. Although the 01x is now resting in its new dedicated studio space, next time it gets stowed away will be much easier having the travel case.

CLICK ON THE PICTURE TO SEE THE 01X UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL!

;;cheers;;

MOTIF_XS - True Workstation Production

2009-01-22T05:08:00.004-05:00

Since purchasing my Yamaha MOTIF_XS workstation, I've mostly enjoyed it's internal digital sounds. I've spent some time learning pattern mode and its onboard mixing capabilities and although I utilize its sampling functions, I wasn't using the XS as a total solution.

Having this synth jacked into the O1X automated digital mixer makes life a joy and I got distracted for over a year learning that combination. Now, I have turned my attention to JUST the XS. Although it appears to seem a little clumbsy here and there, the XS is very capable in every department of the recording process, whether it be creating loops and patterns that will make up song parts, or recording vocals straight into the XS via the TC-Helicon vocal processor. Making good use of the onboard 16-track mixer makes sample/resample a breeze. It took me awhile to understand that, in order to use the XS totally as a standalone recording unit, first you must lay down a click-track or record at least one instrument BEFORE you begin sample recording and doing multitrack recording using its onboard 16-track sequencer/recorder/mixer.

It's fair to say, using the XS with 01X is, "more fun" because the 01X automates so many aspects of the recording process and it is very interactive. Whereas using the XS without a computer or the 01X is a different way to do business. All settings are total recall, but the faders are not motorized, a small price to pay for true standalone capability.

I like the idea of sitting down at the piano [per se] and completely working right there. No computer, no mixer, no monitors. Just put on my head-mic, headphones and get to work. I am toying around trying different variations of templates that I can begin a recording session with, thus saving time and getting the recording process going. Whereas my new studio monitors are not here yet, I thought this would be a great time to test the XS in standalone mode to see how it really does. So far, I am very impressed; to the point that I may construct and produce some material solely using the XS.

Who knows, perhaps I will adopt to a new style of constructing audio, music and songs. After all these years of research and finally spending thousands of dollars, most of what I've been wanting to accomplish can be done using one piece of equipment. Very impressive.

Demo's? Yes, snippets are coming soon. I'm also in the middle of constructing a new website for my music. I would also like this to coincide with my new YouTube area, so managing all of this takes time since I am wearing all of the hats.

It's great looking to the left of the RV and seeing dedicated recording space and having at least my minimal gear up and running. Along with that, this here PC will soon be getting a KVM switch to toggle between PC and Xbox360 mode, to save some strain of using the overhead 30_inch flat panel just to play games.

Life is good.

;;cheers;;

NintendoDS - Acekard2_i slot1 mini-review

2009-01-16T02:19:00.005-05:00

The Acekard2_i does require 2 taps on the NDS touch screen and boots in 2-3 seconds tops, versus the M3DS_Real's 8_second "no hands" boot up. Acekard2i relies on Moonshell for media, and GBA support is sloppy at best. Audio files play at half the loudness of M3DS_ReaL and they hiss! Yukk! The Acekard2i's microSDHC cardslot is NOT spring loaded; proves I DID get spoiled with my M3DS "spring loaded" SDHC cardslot. I will eventually construct a ABC123_Help for GBA support. Most users will be challenged to get GBA games working on the Acekard2i. The Internet doesn't exactly have step by step instructions how to make that work. If you DON'T play GBA, or listen to music, or look at pictures, or read books or watch movies, then the Acekard2i rates a nice big 10 for its fast speed and clean, slick interface. But, having to rely on Moonshell to play media and no out of the box GBA support sands down my rating of this slot1 adapter to 7.5 at best.

Of course, if you plan to buy the new Nintendo DSi, then perhaps the Acekard2i or TTDSi is the slot1 for you! Keep in mind, GBA support on the DSi is not confirmed. Perhaps the GBA function of the Acekard2i being used on a NintendoDSi, works strait out of the box. Until I have a unit to test that, I cannot confirm this.

If you dont have a slot1 yet for your NintendoDS, purchase the M3DS "perfect bundle" which is the best way to get the necessary slot2 expansion for GBA support. The included RumblePak will never get used. M3DS_ReaL manages GBA support out of the box and it's a total no-brainer. Many slot1 reviews STILL say homebrew compatibility on the M3DS is quirky. I have everything working so I don't know why anybody would report this in a review of the M3DS_ReaL. This leads me to believe many of the reviewers HAVE YET TO ACCOMPLISH much of the homebrew for NDS. Otherwise, they would have positive remarks to make about the M3DS_ReaL adapter. I have purchased different brand slot1's and it is obvious which one is king and which ones don't cut the mustard. Sure they all play Nintendo DS roms. If that is all you want, then close your eyes and pick whatever name strikes your fancy. Don't say I didn't warn you before you spent your money!

For more information about NintendoDS slot1 adapters, visit my website and click on SLOT1 logo. Click on CONTACT ME anytime you wish inquire about anything. When you visit our chatbox, feel free to TYPE your question(s). The users who hang out are fun people and know a lot about most gaming consoles and games!

;;cheers;;

Heart Okay - Preliminary Report

2009-01-16T02:02:00.003-05:00

After stress test today my cardiologist clearly indicated to me no aterial blockage. However he still wishes to investigate my FAST heart. The doctors don't know why I've been suffering the recent heart issues.

At this point, I feel as though I already have been given a clean bill of health. Knowing that I need to kill 20 points off my BMI is all the motivation I personally need to get started with improving my cardiac health. I'm sure I will end up getting scripted Plavix and a statin for cholesterol. We've already secured a nice spa/gym here locally where I can take advantage of hydrotherapy and needed exercise equipment during the winter. Come spring, we can pitch a tent and set up a TotalGym outside.

As for the so-called problems over the past few weeks. It is my own professional MTBI_patient opinion, that residual symptoms from the brain injury sustained in 1993 are still spitting out various neurological crap, including severe panic attacks. I will be seeking to hire a new physician who sympathizes with my needs and just write me the scripts for Lorazepam and bottled oxygen. This way I can manage these attacks on my own while totally eliminating the usual $3000 dollars for ambo and hospital.

;;cheers;;

Arrogance Blundered

2009-01-12T17:24:00.001-05:00

Hello and welcome to another mental adventure through the mind of Harry.

After careful considerations during the design phases of my project studio [that is what they call home recording studios] I had included all space and every conceivable lifestyle activity that would be physically near or involved in the, "studio space".

Now that the table and first chair is actually physically inside the motor home, it has come to my attention that moving the O1X to my left hovering just above the MOTIF_XS workstation would be best suited for my habits. I tend to use the O1X left handed much more than right [and I am right handed] but the reason for this is because I can have my right hand on workstation, piano, keyboard and mouse controls while having a free O1X hand.

It doesn't appear as yet, that I will be able to utilize the HS80M monitors and will forced into the HS50M series simply because of space. From a monitoring standpoint this could serve as a plus because the smaller 5_inch monitor woofers [along with sub_woofer] replicate the mix typical of most car CD audio systems; which certainly will be ONE of my target audiences.

The HS80M has richer lows they could certainly be utilized from an audio standpoint, but in this case, physical space is going to win. I have table room for the 8's, it's just that by the time they get foamed up with Auralex_MoPads and put on stands, they collide with the O1X. Especially with the O1X elevated on a stand versus sitting atop the table surface, which doesn't work for me anyhow. So, the money saved on the 8's will pay for the cables. I spose that's a plus. I'd still like to uncover a way to use the 8's.

Also, looking at different power line conditioners. I don't want any of this gear just 110'd off the 20amp line. However, I must say that I have NEVER suffered any line conditioning issues in any capacity in the RV since the day we bought it. I have friends who cannot boast that kind of electrical power confidence, especially with audio and amplifiers in the picture.

Right now I am days away from getting a stress test to determine whether or not I get an angiogram. But the cardiologist has already shown confidence that either a stint or angioplasty will be necessary based on my symptoms and behavior. I am not a cardiologist and I too can certainly vouch for his qualified opinion.

On another note, my life partner Kathy, is doing a magnificent job tolerating me and my attitudinal changes since my heart began hassling me. I look forward to this nonsense to be in the past so I can get on to whatever time I am granted to use on this planet.

;;grin;;

Studio Delays

2009-01-10T15:40:00.001-05:00

Well, installed studio table and chair yesterday. Although I had computed all space, to scale, on the computer ahead of time, there were issues with the 5_spoke chair base as well as the depth of the table conflicting with the table on the other side of the Rv.

In any case I drug out both the MOTIF_XS and 01X to try out some spacial ideas and to get them out of storage and temporarily jacked them into a cheapo stereo so I could at least tinker on the ivorys last nite, which was fun.

I have changed my plan and will pop_up through the table with the 01X stand to the LEFT of the MOTIF which will place it above and over the DPS/faders/v_pots on the MOTIF. leaving more space in front for a keyboard and mouse. Also, I don't truly see the HS80M reference monitors really working in this situation and will use the HS50M's which are more than adequate to monitor mixes for the target audience, which are CD_car stereo systems and the average home PC/MAC 2.1 speaker setups.

So, some dissapointment, but shall resolve somehow, someway. In coming days will drill the table holes for cable routing and the two stands uprising through the table, 1 for mic boom stand and 1 for the support stand for the 01X mixer. Then we'll give it another go.

I'm very physically sore today and I had a lot of breathing and energy issues while working. I only have 5 days to wait for my stress test. I saw cardiologist yesterday and he was sensing that I prolly will need stinting but we shall see.

So today I am cooling my jets. Later will swap computers at the booth. Moving the Vista laptop to the other side and setting up 19" and my PC on this side with an A/B box between PC/360 whereas the 30" is overhead to my right. Surround can still be used as normal while playing on the 19" and thanks to the Sphere_X system, I can easily adjust the surround to exactly where I am sitting.

Got a little stuck for first level in Gears of War 2. shall get past that during next sessions play.

More to come.

;;cheers;;

A Flash In The Future

2009-01-08T06:28:00.004-05:00

Now that 2009 is underway, I am kicking around some new ideas to Flash my websites. With nearly a dozen different designs that I have drafted up during the past two years alone, I now find myself questioning whether or not to implement them. I am using better methods and more efficient vector graphic applications which makes me wanton to create a higher level of professional web design.

Whereas my main course for this new year is recording music, it only seems appropriate that the NASAV_studios get special treatment. Afterall, people are going to desire listening to my musical creations and I really don't wish to continue posting snippets to my old Click and Listen website available at my main site HappyHarryNET.

Meanwhile, I am involved with a cardiologist and the remainder of studio construction and setup has now been delayed until I get what I consider to be, "clearance" from my doctor who has basically grounded me until further notice.

From the back burner, now in the foreground lies my new Nintendo DS website and chatbox which is already serving the NDS noobs. My MODs are doing a great job and our small community is continually growing. This venture should prove exciting a year from now.

Hope you had nice holidays as I did and I look forward to soon treating you all to some really nice musical arrangements.

;;cheers;;

Taking Life Slow

2008-12-30T15:43:00.009-05:00

I suppose this could be useful. Especially when I can't remember what I want to say, or lack of a better excuse, having nothing to bring to the table. All of which certainly does not describe me!
Am bluesy today. NASAV_studios has come to a grinding halt due to health issues stuttering in front of me like a fawn staring at my headlights.

Been kicking around some ideas for my new flash site which will exclusively focus on my music and NASAV_studios. But of course, so I don't give the impression of being silly, unrealistic or totally full of crap, there is no point in my having a music website when I am not not recording music! Just venting a little frustration. Please don't allow my rants to motivate your blocking my blog via NetNanny.

On a positive note, mentally, I am delighted with the idea of getting started with LogicStudio on Mac via 01X. Once you learn how to operate a automated digital mixer, there is no going back. Now, here is an example where I "could" use Zemanta to "reblog" old posts about Yamaha_01X. But, again, since I am bringing new excitement to my blog, I would prefer writing new excitement as well. Content has always been my primary focus since beginning HappyHarryNET in 1997. This is why I specifically chose to use the slogan on my website, "visit a website with REAL content".

Just yesterday I wrote some new lyrics. I will put music to them soon and add to the pile of content that needs to get published on the new website. Release date? I ain't going there until I get past this cardiology daydream that I am dealing with. Keep tabs here and you'll be the first to know. Also, I plan to have FANCLUB signup on my site for those of you who choose to follow my musical endeavors.

;;cheers;;

Life Catches Up With You

2008-12-30T13:44:00.002-05:00

In 1993 I was ejected from being gainfully employed due to brain trauma caused by head_on car that couldn't wait for me to pass by.

Of course, whether or not you are familiar with my many successes coping with MTBI and residual neurological dysfunctions, does not matter. For I am now writing about NEW plaguing matters.

In 1995,everything that my physicians told me would happen 5 years later is now happening. My skull and spine being at the top of the list spitting out enough chronic pain for a handful of people. Toss in the usual morbid 40 to 90 hour migraine or whatever the hell you call it and life becomes amusing to say the least.

Now that I have crossed the 55 barrier, it's cardiac time. Apparently, my bloodstream has clogged pipes and is giving my heart a run for its money. I have appointments for heart monitor and stress tests come JAN 8 and 15th. Meanwhile, I am eating xanax and nitro_glycerin like candy to get through days. Mind you, all in the comfort of my easy chair because exercise is too stressful now.

Understand, you're talking to the guy who has used a Total_Gym for almost 15_years and am used to daily physical exercise and activity. All being reduced to total inactivity and the inability to overcome newfound acute anxiety attacks which WERE under control for 13 years until this heart crap came into play.

For those of you who have been reading my blogs and are familiar with the progress of my recording studio construction; well, it's on hold now isn't it. Perhaps, I can record my own funeral music to maintain a sense of humor.

;;cheers;;

Happy Holidays 2008

2008-12-27T15:43:00.003-05:00

The holiday season for 2008 much simpler this year. Even so, the one travel trip we did wore me out. The colder winter weather is pressuring me as suspected with a couple new renditions which I have already seem my physicians about.

Personal projects are pretty much on schedule. Now to finish up home RV projects prior to dismantling furniture and installing studio table and jacking all the gear.

I'm already reviewing my web pad and scratching up ideas as to revamping all sites in 2009 and which technologies and methods I plan to use to accomplish that. Fireworks, XaraXtreme and Flash are all in running, with the web-goal of adding more interactivity to my websites. With the studio on its way, wanting to revamp websites may be an unrealistic idea. But, this would not be the first time that I had too many irons in the fire that ALL got accomplished.

Just swapped my Nintendo DS (NDS) slot1 microSDHC over from a Class_2 to a Class_6. The speed improvement is very noticeable. So my verdict is, yes Class_6 do cost more, but they are worth having on board. Period.

On the Xbox360 front, birthday and holidays brought in Fallout_3, GearsOfWar2, Left4Dead, and Civilization:Revolution. So now, I have more games than I do lifetime.

Don't have any intention to revise [much] 2009 new years resolutions. May append a priority on project management, including our intention to gain citizenship outside of USA for the sole purpose of increasing the ability to care for our health better and to improve financial stability.

Happy Birthday Ned [if you're reading] who turns 58 tomorrow. Would be nice to visit each other, however distance and health issues for both of us pretty much guarantees that won't happen.

Kicking the idea around to quit Twitter, or to change HOW I go about Twittering. Perhaps I will change to a web-based widget applet of some kind. Am burnt out with the usual web method and gaining followers has not been an enjoyable experience as I had expected.

Electronic Arts really blew it big time with using the Xbox Vision Cam in their game Command & Conquer 3. In the multiplayer menu, you cannot choose to have the server only find you opponents WITH CAMS, so the entire idea of having a cam is moot. Also, the Xbox Vision Cam is strict USB 2.0 and this is why many users have had cam troubles using their Xbox 360 Vision Cams with their PC chat programs. Providing your USB controllers are strict v2.0, you can use the Vision Cam with any PC software that supports a camera. Period. (that's Microsoft's promise not mine)

In close, I hope all of your dreams, wishes and aspirations come true in 2009. And of course, if you can make any of them happen NOW, please stop reading my blog and GO GET THEM DONE!

;;cheers;;

Nailed Again - Mandatory Accomplishments

2008-12-20T17:57:00.001-05:00

Well jeez. If I allow it, that's sorta depressing. My LAST blog on the 12th, I was nailed and here I am today, on my birthday even, enjoying another glorious morbid migraine. But, winter is here, its generally colder all the time, so I am experiencing the "accumulative effect" of cold which hassles my skull, neck, spine and stirs up the pain department in such a fun way.

There is a good side to this coin. I haven't blogged from Dec 12 to Dec 20 because, along with a lot of pain, I've been busy constructing the new Nintendo DS website with chatbox at http://happyharry.net/slot1 OR you can visit my website and click on the Nintendo DS logo which I will be drawing a dedicated graphic for the slot1 site in the coming days.

The studio table is here and outside leaning against the RV. This is all about timing, including my health and the weather. It's been raining and snowing off and on and I need a dedicated half day to rip out the furniture in here, get the table installed and then properly tarp the furniture outside for the winter until I can move them to storage in the spring to keep so if/when I sell this rig, I can reinstall the default chairs.

I've been looking through a studio catalog at some other table designs. One looks like it might work better, but stragely enough, there are no dimensions listed with the product. Now why would any company have a gorgeous, color photographs of their products of custom furniture WITHOUT DIMENSIONS?! That's like throwing an Easter egg party and having no eggs!

Finalized my cabling inventory so I could make a list of the new cables I need to order for the initial studio setup. Just a tad over $300 dollars plus tax. I suspected as much. Also, I am going to purchase the reference monitors individually, rather than as a package deal, because solo they each come with nice stands and Auralex MoPads. Oh!? Which monitors? I decided to go with the Yamaha HS80M, and HS10W sub.

I'm just anxious to get my gear jacked so I can sit down and do music. I am music starved. Also, I miss creating parady materials for the gang at PCTech. I'm sure many of them feel left out because I initially made a handful of songs for some people, but never got to finishing the song list due to having to tear down my gear to construct the studio space. But, 2009 should prove to be fun. Both making their parody songs and experiencing their reactions. P.S. One of my 2009 New Year's resolutions will be, "to be LESS politically correct than in 2008" so look out world, here I come!

This dang headache is wearing off about as fast as defrosting meat in a freezer. Jeez, I get sick of this crap. I've had a couple NEW chats with God recently about what the heck is going on. So far He appears to remain neutral on these matters which is annoying me. When someone comes to me for help and answers, they get, "Johnny on the spot service!" What gives? I keep asking myself, "What am I missing here? What am I supposed to be learning from this experience?" I shall remain vigilant in my being still and listening so I won't miss the downlink when it happens.

Back to music, I have decided to rerecord John Fogerty's song, "Don't You Wish It Was True" and plan to gain legal rights to do so through ASCAP and BMI. It's such a happy song and I can already here my version in my head.

Additionally, whereas I am dangling on a string here musically with all of my gear, "stowed away in the RV" to make space for constructing the studio area... I enjoy listening to these snippets 3 takes; 2 spanish guitar and 1 harmonica and here is two Harry's and one 12_string trying out my new RODE_NT1_A Large Condensor Diaphragm microphone

Hope You like them!

Okay, I gotta see what I can get done, this website needs to be done tonite so I can shoot all the apps up to my FTP for the homebrew and dvd_to_dpg_guide.

;;cheers;;

Nailed Again

2008-12-12T16:27:00.000-05:00

I don't feel well. I'm not sick as in cold or flu. My neurological system is fried. Feeling a ton of pressure on the base of my skull. No question my atlas is dislocated and causing spinal entertainment superior to cable television. Toss in loss of equilibrium and dizziness anytime i move my head and what a wonderful day.

Today I had planned to knock out another web page but I don't think that is going to happen until later or perhaps tonight in 12 hours.

I tire of this group of maladies and the cold weather surely doesn't help.

In any case, grin and bear it, eh?

;;cheers;;

Headache Production

2008-12-10T14:49:00.004-05:00

Never thought way back when in 1993 after sustaining brain injury and spinal injuries that I would be constructing web pages with morbid headaches. Life is amazing to say the least. In any case I will pound out another page today after a hot shower.

The site is coming along nicely. I want to do all my new work using XaraXtremePro, but since I have wet feet, I bailed back into Fireworks to knock out this NDS project. If you care to take a peek it is located at http://happyharry.net/slot1

After the NintendoDS site is done I will begin removing the two chair and table from the RV to install the table and start drilling holes for the needed uprisers and cable routings. NASAV_studios is now planned for late FEB_09 because I won't be connecting my new Mac and LogicPro7 to the Yamaha_01X until then.

;;cheers;;

Evaluating Life

2008-12-02T01:57:00.002-05:00

It would appear that amongst all my irons in the fire, that I must give effort as to what truly is priority. As usual I have lost a lot of time since the summer, and my ToDoList looks like a warzone.

I remind myself that I always endure higher levels of physical pain during the winter, but some of what I am experiencing is part age and part, "brain injury at 55."

Everybody has something. It is inescapable. And, I have my ups and downs just as any human being does.

Nevertheless, my heart yearns for music, and I hope all of you get a chance to hear some of it so it can touch you like it does me.

;;cheers;;

Phew! Another Month

2008-11-30T17:11:00.003-05:00

Well jee, where DOES the time go?

In my case, I lose quite a volume of time to brain injury related matters. Nevertheless, we all have the same 24 hours a day to utilize and time is continually ticking away and there's not a dang thing you can do about it. Usually the best course of action is to utilize the time and DO something with it, anytime you can.

Although winter is here in the California mountains, we are going to set up an outdoor tent specifically to house a new Total_Gym. That's right, the one you see Chuck_Norris selling on TV. My 1st one lasted about 12 years before I chucked it into a dumpster. It had gone through 3 wheel change sets, lots of cleaning and lubricating while traveling all over the USA for nearly 10_years; including 2 rides on a commercial jet when it got banged up pretty good but was still my trusty Total_Gym and worked well. In any case, we are looking forward to this physical fitness arena add-on to the RV and my body is crying out for the exercise which pretty much came to a halt when I moved into the RV, 3 years ago come this May 2009.

On the projects home front, the most recent items that I ordered having to do with the recording studio, did NOT arrive at my physical location. So now I am tracking down items and getting the sellers to reship to me via FedEx with a signature.

Additionally, the NDS/slot1 site has been slow coming to say the least. I've been getting nailed so much with spinal issues and other health matters I am a month behind on this project. Still, I think I can wrestle the site to its minimal completion by December 20th. If I can't, I will change the release date, but this would be my last choice, since there are many users who have been waiting for the site with the DEC_20 date promise.

I am looking at purchasing a new 12_string guitar and a 4_string banjo. So, at this stage I am window shopping and researching product lines and technologies.

The Xbox360 has become all the more enjoyable with the NXE (new xbox experience) which is the new dashboard interface Microsoft released on NOV19. I opted for a Netflix account at $8 a month for 1 DVD out and unlimited streaming on XboxLIVE. Already, inside of 12 days, it has paid for itself TWICE compared to local CHEAP DVD rentals at $1 dollar each. I'm impressed the 360 continues to play a major role in our home's multimedia enjoyment. Kathy got Madden_09 for $30_bucks so I finally have a 360_version of Madden. Up until now I had Madden_04 and_07 for Xbox1 which none of the Madden's are playable on the 360. Also, the 20th anniversary edition of Madden_09 is a gorgeous game even if you don't like football.

Although I have not accomplished much in the month of November, I am trying to make this reading enjoyable nevertheless. My NintendoDS has some cool new games which I have yet to try out. Being a strategy nut, I did plunge into Age_Of_Mythologies right away and enjoyed that. I will blog about DS games in another blog after having the time to both play the games and write about them.

Meanwhile, we're just creeping up on the tail of Fall here. The air is crisp, the fog rolls in and the quiet of Winter has begun to creep into this area. The holiday people are gone, the groundskeepers themselves are somewhat hibernated, and like bears, I'm ready to enjoy 4 to 5 months of quiet time. With the exception of videogames, watching movies and playing music.

If you are wanting to participate more in my activities you can join my Twitter at http://twitter.com/HappyHarryNET

Until next time...

;;cheers;;

NOV 25 - Relax and Happy Birthday Michael_S

2008-11-26T02:32:00.003-05:00

Just thought I would post something relaxing to listen to. This is a snippet of 3 separate recordings; 2 guitar and my 1st try with harmonica.

Who Can I Turn To

I love pretty music ;;smile;;

;;cheers;;

Nailed Again - Into The City

2008-11-22T23:55:00.002-05:00

Enjoyed a trip into the city. Kathy got her hair done, we visited with family and went shopping for a new cell phone and to buy new videogames.

I have not been traveling well the past dozen trip and am going to need to haul my butt back into the doctors. Rear skull dizzy spells, loss of equillibrium along with serious travel sickness makes for nothing less than a horrid time. I will have lost a solid 4 days after the dust from this trip settles. Along with the colder weather that is pounding me with daily migraines, it is very challenging to get projects done.

Kathy's birthday was October 11th so I gave her the new World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King. I took awhile choosing amongst many great Xbox360 titles and chose Fallout_3.

Meanwhile, focusing on getting the NDS website up on or before December 20th.

The inexpensive 3/4 spanish guitar that I ordered is not quite up to my expectations, but it is fun to play and will hold me over until I spend serious cash for a guitar.

Some people have asked me so I will reannounce here. Yes I am making a website for our NASAV motorhome and there will be both photos and videos.

Since, I AM, a man of my word, I shall see to it that things get done come hell or high water.

;;cheers;;

Nintendo DS Website and Chatango Chatbox

2008-11-19T22:13:00.003-05:00

Thinks are moving along nicely. Just finished flushing out the comps for secondary web pages for the NintendoDS website. As usual, XaraXtremePro is really lending a hand!

People have been hanging out in the chatbox and the community is growing slowly. I anticipate more users to hang out once they learn about my site.

I am excited to offer "more content" to the public and provide a level of service that exceeds the majority of the other game sites with regards to online help.

;;cheers;;

NDS Website

2008-11-16T23:39:00.004-05:00

Hello everyone.

Well yes, of course, it is possible the NDS/slot1 website will be ready early! However, it goes without saying, that the worst-case-scenario means, the site will be open as scheduled, on Dec_20th.

For now I am keeping things simple and making the site easy to navigate. Again, the focus is on new users who might not even own a NintendoDS. Further, anyone who is looking for specific help about NDS topics will find them easy to locate on my site. So, again the focus is help and the focus is easy.

I decided to post a mini-FAQ because people have been asking questions. An FAQ you ask? Yes, that is Frequently Asked Questions.

Q: Will there be a search engine?
A: No. Perhaps down the road when I have more time to dedicate to such a project.

Q: Is your website for game roms?
A: No. My website nor its FTP store any game roms.

Q: Will your chatbox help with questions about roms?
A: Yes.

Q: Are you going to charge any fees?
A: No. HappyHarryNET hasn't charged fees for anything in 11 successful years.

Q: What about donations and ChipIns?
A: I am considering adding my PayPaL donation button for $1 $2 $3 $4 $5 $10 $20

Q: I heard a rumor about contests?
A: Yes. From time to time I will be having random contests with Amazon.com prizes.

Q: Is it true just about anybody can be a MOD in your chatbox?
A: Come to HappyHarryNET/slot1 and find out for yourself.

Okay. It's time to get back to work. Perhaps I will finish the web site early. Wow, now that would be awesome!

;;cheers;;

NDS_slot1 ++news++

2008-11-09T15:39:00.002-05:00

The NintendoDS slot1 website is in construction. But, I chose to test a chatango box on the site and to my surprise users began coming into the chatbox which has been a fun distraction from my working on the website.

In any case, things are moving along nicely and we have a slew of MODs so it's kinda like American Idol right now. We shall see if the list thins out over the holidays as the box becomes busier after the site opens.

To those of you who read my blog AND are trying out my NDS chatbox (which you can see right here below on the right side) I would like to thank you for your participation.

Meanwhile, I am getting back to work to finish these web pages.

PCTech never fear, I shall return; I promise. NASAV_studios is busy too. Painting is done and custom table is on order and shall be installed in a couple weeks. Then all my gear gets wired and I shall begin working out the live video kinks.

Stay tuned!

;;cheers;;

NDS St. Helen

2008-11-04T00:07:00.002-05:00

Long day. My girlfriend needed an angiogram so we set out to a local hospital a couple/few hours away.

The procedure went well. She had 90% blockage on main heart artery. It was a rough post-op day with her blood not coagulating then massive pain followed with her having severe reaction to morphine [loss of 24 points of blood pressure] followed by hours of nauseum. Hours later, things settled down and she slept for 3 hours to wake up looking refreshed and happy as if she just got back from a Jamaican vacation!

We look foward to getting back home to NASAV where its quiet and peaceful.

On another note, the NintendoDS (NDS) on hospital wifi has been a work horse and again I am pleased with its mobile capabilities, including my blogging now on NDS.

;;cheers;;

Yucko Day

2008-10-24T15:58:00.002-04:00

Had fun playing Fable_II last nite. Woke up to severe leg cramps. Feel like shit, have a headache, am in a bad mood. I'm gonna lay down until the very last minute before I must get up, shave smoothe, dye my beard, shower and go meet old mentor friend tonite.

Having issues with people in my life who don't know what RESPECT is. Feel like moving to Moldova, Russia. Then I won't ever hear from them.

;;heh;;

Fable II Rocks - Xbox 360

2008-10-24T14:28:00.002-04:00

Fable II rocks! This is a true pick_up and_play game! Click the title of this blog above to be whisked to Lionhead's website where you can learn about this wonderful game.

Just one of the things I love about this game is your pet dog. You interact with your dog and your dog helps you find treasure and alerts you to things in the game, besides the myriad of tricks your log learns as you collect books along your adventure trail.

I also like that you can play coop 2 player. Now I was a little dissapointed what this actually turned out to be in real life playing the game, but it sure beats not being able to play together at all. Overall, the coop add-in is a plus and gets high scores from me because Fable_I was great fun but you wanted to play with a 2nd person and couldn't.

With no doubt in my mind, Fable II will please most anyone who chooses to grab a controller and try this game. 5 hours later, you will be raving about playing the game. Fable II is not the best RPG game available for the Xbox 360, so I don't suggest diving into Fable II with that thought in mind. But, if you want to experience a wonderful adventure, gorgeous graphics, luscious music all while it being easy to control and to learn, then Fable II is for you.

Let me know if you get Fable II because we can adventure together online using XboxLIVE. Remember, a GOLD account on XboxLIVE only costs $4.17 per month when you purchase a one year subscription at $49.99 so sign up now!

Also, purchase a Messenger Kit which costs $29.99 and snaps onto your wireless controller so you can easily chat with all of your MSN friends while playing on your Xbox_360.

;;enjoy;;

October Fiddling

2008-10-20T11:51:00.002-04:00

It's a cool, clear, calm, quiet Monday. The ducks "flew to me" from the lake today, to offer their morning greetings. Very socialable creatures.

Today I noticed on the RV that a structural patch job from 2 years ago had become, "undone" during our escursion into town for RV repair. So today, I shall wait until later when it warms up a bit and get the ladder out and repatch it. It's nice that the weather grants me "no rush" to get this done. Had it been raining, I would have been on that ladder hours ago.

This last disembark, I yanked the Xbox's knowing that upon return I was going to rewire everything over on the home-theater side of the RV. Although the previous wire job was neat and orderly, this round we'll route everything into collating tubes and band them together along the wall beneath the booth table. Additionally, I will u-clamp the 100AC cord for the LCD. Apparantly no kind of tape will keep the bundled cord up. In any case, I am looking forward to some 360 tonight.

Late afternoon, early evening I plan to set up the MOTIF_XS and play some music. I've been out of music a couple weeks or so now and I'm feeling withdrawal symptoms big time.

That's all for now.

;;cheers;;

Up Days Down Days

2008-10-18T14:56:00.003-04:00

Gosh time flies by. Been very busy these past weeks including disembarking from our resort location here to take the RV into the city for repair.

All done and now back home, I spent two days [literally] resting after working activities. I enjoy the outdoors and working on the RV but my spine just doesn't like it. I can surely plan for a couple days of crippled activity post physical whatever.

In any case, things are better and I am preparing the RV for the table installation for NASAV_Studios. And, I can't wait to get my new Mac come 2009. These PCs are driving me crazy with their typical crappy behavior. I probably will get a MacBook or MacBookPro, but truly a MacBook with 4GB RAM will be enough power and plenty of compatibility with my Yamaha hardware using LogicStudio_8.

I just upgraded the firmware in my NDS (NintendoDS) to the new v4.0 Sakura iTouch and it really rocks! The new file manager makes it fast and breezy to shuffle through 80 games whereas before that was a 19-tap-page-down operation. Also am enjoying some of the new games such as Jewel Quest Expedition. It's great to see some of the PC games making their way over to NDS.

Am working on a new NDS website to assist new users and provide a chatbox for hobbyists to hang out and talk NDS. One of my NDS buddies from another site has offered his chatbox for my website and I like the idea. He's been around for quite sometime, so his chatbox brings instant people to the new site. I had already prepared and setup my chatbox for the site, but this is an offer that I cannot turn down for any reason. The new URL for the site will be http://happyharry.net/slot1 and there will be a graphic button on my main site linking to it. Hope to see you there. I am looking to NOV for grand opening.

Been looking through catalogs and checking reviews and have decided upon a Ibanez_12string acoustic electric guitar. Looking forward to ordering soon and using with the new studio setup.

Interior RV customization is still in progress with more painting to come including flat white in the kitchen area and blacking out a small area in bedroom to rid of the obnoxious brown flowers on the wall.

That's it for now. More to come later.

;;cheers;;

Nailed Again - But Moving Ahead

2008-09-30T07:54:00.002-04:00

Today I awoke to another round of morbid skull pressure, spinal pain and a headache that was blinding my thinking. With assistance from my partner including a quality, pounding infrared massage and a handful of meds, she yanked me onto my feet. Since then, today has not been pleasurable in the sense of what most of you relate pleasure to meaning.

Anyhow, now 20 hours later, I'm just in a very pointed mood that some might consider grumpy but I call it focused. I don't have time to be proper and polite and to see to it that everybody has a nice day. As a matter of fact, I am growing more irritated at the volume of people that I come in contact with, whom have no physical ailments to boggle their day and yet they complain the most about the least meaningful little piles of possum-poop.

XboxLIVE finally came back up and I guess I had my wires crossed about why their servers were down in the first place. It was my understanding that Microsoft was unveiling the new dashboard UI for XboxLIVE on the 360. But, after poking around on the net, I come to find out that the dashboard upgrade may be coming in November. So, again, as usual, Microsoft is playing head games with their customers [using their marketing skills] to build drama and misinformation about their new product lineup. Somehow I don't see that as a method to gain market share and sales. But, who am I to judge that. XboxLIVE has over 12 million subscribers, which means, if XboxLIVE was a State of the Union, it be the 8th largest state and would carry 20 electoral votes! Impressive to say the least!

Let me take a moment to describe what I am enjoying when I am not feeling so crappy physically.

Playing GRID on NDS is mucho fun. Great driving game and on DS this is a real milestone because the majority, meaning all the rest, of the driving games on DS, are not to swell to put it nicely. GRID is pick up and play and the driving control is excellent. Graphics are nice and detailed and the game play and achievement system is done nicely and keeps the game moving forward.

Now for the Xbox360. Geometry Wars 2: Evolved (GW2). Now this is serious high definition, gaming frenzy at its best. GW2 is even a fun game on NDS (I had to buy both) and the NDS version has a strategy game built in which I happen to like. The 360 version is addictive, addictive, addictive. In the beginning days of play I was frustrated because there is so much going on, I never thought I would increase my scores. But, I kept at it, and finally, I've got my scores in the millions and am currently working towards my first 3 million score. Lots of fun. Lately, I have been choosing my favorite music album to listen to on the Xbox360 then start the game and play while listening to my favorite music. Mind you, this is not a new feature. It is just that I am getting up to speed with features that have roots going as far back as the first Xbox.

In other news, I have begun YouTube-ing, mostly just wacko funny baloney for the time being. But am having fun and other are enjoying my ridiculousness. Additionally, I am gaining practice with my $800 vocal processor from TC-Helicon so it's a win-win. FTW ^5

Continuing on, I just released the first Black and White edition of the Q4 - PCTech NEWS which are now published quarterly. If interested you can either click on the PCTech link to the right and on that site click on newsletters or you can visit my site, also at the right, and click on PCTech. Either way, you won't break your mouse getting there. The new format is not as exciting as the former color version, but it's fast loading, much more portable and it is functional. So I am hoping this new formula is to everyone's liking. If not we can try something else and if participation continues to remain at an all time low, then I will simply shit-can publishing it. Oops, I meant, I will simply cease that project. LOL

NASAV_Studios painting is nearly done and I am looking forward to actually ripping out the current furniture and wall mounted items to install the new stuff. It's gonna be fantastic to actually have my own project studio up and running, 24/7. Plus this project will increase cabin space by 40% because the isle way will be totally clear allowing for easy access to the booth across from me as well as the isle way will not be plugged up with my mixer and stand nor the keyboard workstation. Which up until now, these items have had to constantly be shuffled back and forth in order for me to do other life projects besides music.

Speaking of which, come October the truck goes into the shop to have a new plumbing line and union replaced. Along with that, we're upgrading the toilet to the new higher style type which will be a pleasure with much less squatting. 18 inches versus 11 inches. Big difference. Also, the new model has a better flushing mechanism. But, I must admit, our current 25-year old commode works just fine and to this day is not broken in any way.

So heading into year 3 in NASAV. How the time does fly. Oh NASAV, remember? That is what we call our RV.

North American Surrealistic Adventure Vehicle - Home sweet Home.

;;cheers;;

Getting Things Done

2008-09-09T17:32:00.000-04:00

Finally after over a solid two weeks of headaches, I get a break and a little fresh air.

Back to finishing up the PCTech GetTogether 2008 video photo slide show. Perhaps by the weekend I shall post to the net.

Meanwhile, am finishing up the Nintendo DS add-on site. I am drafting a DVG TO DPG tutorial which is the best in its class available on the net.

Music is on hold. I am swapping out all of my cables with new replacements including the tri-sets for the HS80M satellites and sub woofer.

In preparation for fall and winter, shall be driving the RV into town to have an entire PVC water line replaced and a new 18 inch height toilet installed. Additionally, I've collated the materials in order to paint the forward cab ceiling flat black to enhance the home theater and game playing area for “lights out” enjoyment.

I am also constructing my design of the logo type for NASAV_Studios. For those who care, this is accomplished using Adobe Illustrator 9. The A.I. File will be emailed to the lettering company who will manufacturer the logo letters using a nice flat_white vinyl material. I will take a sheet of foam core and spray it flat_black, then the vinyl lettering will be applied to the foam core. The foam core will be velcro'd to the black velvet divider between the RV driving cab and studio area. So, needless to say, I am excited to begin shooting live video while recording, with the NASAV_Studios logo proudly displayed in the background, white on black. This will look really nice ;;smile;;

In the gaming arena, I am still playing Civilization Revolution on the Nintendo DS (NDS) and Rainbow Six Vegas on Xbox360.

Until next time, have fun and take care.

;;cheers;;