Category Archives: Audio

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Some Soft Wear

Few things need to be discussed today, point by point sometimes helps.

– Ayer, it was Radiohumper’s B-day! The great sierra, who pushes the blogosphere and myself to do more, care harder, and just say it. If I ever had any doubt about mixing my passion for world affairs into my blogposts, she helped erase that doubt. It’s nothing short of a pleasure to travel in similar blog circles as the one and only RH. Parabens querida.

– The Robot Condoleeza announced today that she wouldn’t run for president in 2008. The announcement was made without emotion and in a monotone voice. A reporter asked a question to which it responded “questioning government does not compute.” To which the press core smiled and laughed, to the collective declaration… “isn’t she charming.”

– A blogger that I periodically/randomly keep up with, Contentious, makes some good points about using AOL instant messenger. Follow the link and read about how the losers at AOL can claim ownership over any ideas you talk about in your chats. She even recommends we stop using AIM. I’d love to, trouble is, my generation of net users grew up with AIM and AOL, and while hopefully most people have stopped using that crap-ass service, I know many use it cause they know it… like an old friend. Too bad when your friend double crosses you. I think AIM should eventually just shrivel up and die since Skype, MSN, and even Yahoo all have better options. (yeah.. AIM does have the more known web-based version)

– This one’s not so much about software, but if any of my dear readers are making the journey from the SanFran area to Amsterdam in the coming weeks, and you’re willing to run drugs carry a consumer electronics product… email me. (bicyclemark at yahoo)

Today’s Sounds: Madge Weinstein on the SloerieSource

Saturday is for Remembering

I’ve got new creative things coming this week for the blog. But as for today —
Rumor has it, and statistics will show, that on Saturdays less people read blogs and surf the net in general! Where did I get that? I dunno… I’ve been around. However– for me, Saturdays involve talking to the family, and lots of leisure time of course, and that’s when memories like this one come back to me:

It must have been 1995… not really sure. I’ve seen the family videos and it’s obvious from my squeaky voice and short stature, that puberty hadn’t hit. Whereas normally it was understood that summers were for being in Portugal and spending time with g’ma, g’pa and the many beloved cousins. In that particular summer, Mom and Dad decided we needed to do something more; they bought round-trip tickets on an overnight train to Madrid, and then tickets to Paris via train, as well. I had never stepped outside Portugal as far as Europe was concerned — so it was a very welcome idea!

And so this family of four set off by land to see the continent. It was a first for my family, but they were prepared for the adventure. I remember careful analysis of maps, meticulously packed bags, and the confirmation and re-confirmation of hotels, for those welcome nights not spent on the train.

But oh that train ride, especially in the night. I remember not being able to, or wanting to sleep. No… I wanted to stare out into the darkness of Extremadura, the vast emptiness that Spain seems to have so much of. Occasionally I would spot a streetlight, or a car, and I would follow it on the horizon for as long it was in sight. I also remember getting nervous when the train would make stops in the middle of the night. Convinced that the whole train was sleeping, except for me, and I was the only witness of the made-for-tv style robbery that was about to take place. Oh sure, they were supposed to be border guards, but I knew the score, I was ready to defend the family train cabin! Hmm… I think I fell alseep after that.

I wonder if it wasn’t around then when this bug bit me. Wanting to learn french, and any language you put in front of me basically. My parents had brought me to the heart of Europe, and I liked it, perhaps knowing that I would return eventually, taller, wiser, and with a receding hairline.

Oh and I’m still A-Peeling for tips to help fund the mac purchase, much thanks to I.V. in Jacksonville, and my buddy Sunlight Disinfectant.

Today’s Sounds: Maynard Ferguson – Caravan

AudioCommuniqu? #18; Broadway Tribute

Although many might not dig musicals, I love’em. Therefore I present a show all about my favorite ones. Plus some more recent tunes related to broadway and a few good family guy clips. Thanks to everyone who dropped me a tip in the past week (or ever). If you enjoy the show at all, as I keep mentioning, drop a tip in the jar cause I’m counting my eurocents to purchase a nice mac.

AudioCommuniqu? #18 (mp3)

20min+, 64kbps, 9Mb

Featuring:

Houseguests

No offence to anyone who visited me in the netherlands over the past 3 or so years, but the past 6 months have been some of my most favorite houseguest adventures ever. Whether it was NoCoins and Tawdryjones coming over from Philly, my dear cousin N coming over from Portugal, or my latest houseguest characochan, who flew away this morning; I have really enjoyed their presence. Different reasons for each, but overall, to be in the city I am so in love with, and to be able to show the people I love my life here.

I think we all go through this, right? Maybe it’s called validation or something. The idea that something is important to you, and you want important people in your life to see it first hand and if possible – share in it.

And as if the year couldn’t get any better, one of my newest and most favorite friends and blogscientist is making the journey from northern sweden, in only a few weeks. Excited isn’t word enough to describe. And it doesn’t stop there, formerly of blogging.la fame, and now a sf.metblogs.com gal, Bronwyn is coming to town and by that time we will have a powerbook duel. (consider it the dueling banjos of the 2000’s)

Speaking of Apple… a few more tips today: Brian and BadHareDay, thanks to everyone who’s been able to toss in a few bucks in the jar… I’m well on my way to hitting my target (money for half of it), so really – thanks to all of you.

Hey go check me out gueststarring on a blog about coffee! Mat? represent!


Today’s Sounds: Bill Frisell – Transcontinentals

Soldierblogger Homecoming

It seems I’ve gone back to being a nocturnal blogger, which is the only way I used to do it. It’s funny what you do differently… think, talk, write, depending on what time of day you do it. What time do you all blog?

So some of you may know about what are sometimes called Warblogs. (a name I don’t dig) I think a more accurate description would be soldier blogs, since they are -in fact- blogs written by soldiers. And if you’re familiar with the Communiqu?, you know that over the past year I’ve become fast friends with a soldier blogger, Chris Missick, stationed in Iraq. As I’m always telling people, despite different worldviews, Chris and I share important things in common: music and a love for blogging.

Well last week, in what came as a huge surprise to me, Chris Missick returned to the US, ending (i think) his tour of duty, and letting him be home with his fam in Calipornia. I was surprised because, though he said it would happen soon, in my mind it was always going to take longer than expected… like one of those things you try not to look forward to because the wait will make you grow restless.

Many of you might not read Chris, I’ve noted that bloggers are more likely to read writing they agree with. So if you agree with me too often, you might not wish to read someone who is patriotic, a Bush supporter, and an active participant in what is called “the war on terror.” But I decided long ago that I don’t read blogs solely for their politics, and since so many millions seem to agree with him, it might be interesting to walk in his shoes thru his blog.

Reading about his return home, I felt both relief and frustration. Relief to hear that my friend is home and safe… not to mention excited about the future. Frustration because I don’t agree with the idea that the American invasion of Iraq has made the world a safer place.

If you think about it, it’s basically a theory; many people believe their world is safer because the US forced Iraq to become a “democracy”. Many people also believe there is a bearded deity who lives in the sky and demands that people worship him. Again.. a theory that many believe. Neither holds much water with me.

My point was, prior to bitching about feeling safe or not, I’m glad to hear Chris is home and I look forward to his veteran blogging. Stories of him driving to the beach and getting the house that he has wanted.

Update on my macfund: I’m very excited… not only am I raising the necessary funds, but I’m feeling all warm and loved! Thanks to Green Catfish, Slykk, and a kind-caring mother.

Today’s Sounds: Accident Hash Podcast #8