NASAV_studios Semi-Operational

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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++

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

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;;