Current mood….SOLIDARITY
shortfictions.bandcamp.com/track/the…
[Lyrics taken in part from the song “Solidarity Forever” originally written by Ralph Chaplin (1915); the phrase “Ash Heaps and Millionaires” is a quote from Perfect Future’s song by the same name (2015)]
Some Friday nights are meant for memories
Speaking of still being good
i’m falling, in a supersonic daydream i stumble through the zero hour, hold on i’ll be right there, hold on i’ll be right there - Dave Doughman (Swearing at Motorists - I feel transparent)
Tuesday’s Pretzel Night (EP) - 1996 on the now infamous Spare Me Records
Jsymphonically ( how i learned to stop and love the song)
Follow up on the last.
Sony has fallen at every DRM hurdle and famously locked down their network and minidisc players with proprietary software (SonicStage) and formats (atrac). Thankfully, a open source project called jsymphonic is available to get music on and off of this old walkman. I love that there are people out there still working on making old abandoned, but perfectly serviceable hardware accessible. I must admit some of the documentation could use some help. Specifically I had to generate a key file for my walkman. This is surprisingly easy.
- install the MP3 FileManager Application from SONY on any compatible PC ( i was able to run it on a windows 10 VM).
- once installed navigate to the install location “C:\Program Files\Sony\MP3 File Manager” (or \Program Files (x86)\ if ruining in 64 bit and run the CopyTool.exe as an admin. This will place a new folder on your player titled MP3FM. The DviD.dat file may need to be moved from there to the root for Jsymphonic to recognize it.
I have been listening to this thing for a few days and there is a lovely feeling of nostalgia as well and something purposeful about plugging in and turning off other distractions. I went through a half day of work just letting tunes play into my head without pings, boops, and accidental ads distract me every few mins.
Get out there use old tech and enjoy yourself!
I found this forum post helpful.
Little bit of nostalgia. Pulled out the ole Sony NW-HD3 and listening to Submission Hold a band with a message that is more important now than ever. Submission Hold-What holds back the Elephant #submissionhold #sony #networkwalkman
wrestling gilgamesh
it’s all out there
between us at the grocery
holding us apart on the streets
these inherited opinions
other’s thoughts become
violence in our teeth
we have always
been pitifully petty
purpled with the
anger
of not having
our ambitions set in
lights and glitter
and green
although the lessons
have lasted lingering
thousands of years
we cannot seem
to learn
why do the great gods sit in council?
probably to laugh
at our feeble attempts
to make them real
americano hot, no room for cream
In light of recent events it feels appropriate to put this out there….little moment of reflection i had last week. I think being kind to yourself and others is the best we can do. If you find yourself not doing that….stop it. All of us are going in one direction, and very few of us get to choose the exit we take.
how long until she
breathes on us
on you or i
and when she does
will it be cold apprehension
and white eyed fear
or
recognition and relief
a warm sweater on a chill day
will we go quietly
welcoming the darkness
a chance to slip off the yoke
or
will we scream and scrape
scrabbling at the dirt
under the river bank
wishing and wanting for
just one more gasp of
air
“live everyday like…”
you give a shit i guess
perhaps wander into yourself
and wonder a bit
do some things to make
yourself and others happier
easier
enjoy the coffee while it’s hot
Highly Suggested Reading: Red Dwarf by Grant Naylor 📚
I have always loved Red Dwarf and cannot rave enough about the companion books or audio versions narrated by Chris Barrie. Just a reminder to get out there, be silly, and enjoy yourself.
Numbers and death are hard…if you don’t care
A voice of reason yet again. Sadly, one not engaged in our public institutions and barely involved in our online discussion. Discussing RFK’s testimony before the senate.
The life-expectancy for Americans is lower than all other western industrial countries, yet the U.S. spends more than twice as much on health care per capita. There are several reasons for these figures. First, one of the factors lowering average lifespans of a population is high infant mortality, i.e., the death of a child before his or her first birthday. Compared to the rest of the world, the U.S. infant mortality rate is fifty-fifth, and is at least twice as high as all other first-world nations. Add to that that the U.S. maternal death rate is close to five times that of all other major industrial countries and is continuing to rise.
Think about these number for just a moment…
When roughly a third of the U.S. population does not have a regular health care provider and almost half the population cannot afford even routine health care without going into debt, one might think these factors just possibly might contribute to a lower life expectancy for Americans, but for some reason, so far as I could tell, the only factor that was touched on was the high cost of medical care for those who can afford it, when the reason for lagging life expectancy lies in those who cannot afford or obtain adequate medical care.
Power and systems do not care…
So why don’t Senators and Representatives know these numbers… or is it that they don’t care?
- L.E. Modesitt, jr (in a blog post Political Innumeracy? )
Sunday brunch playlist has been pretty great so far. Next up Deep Forest. A reminder that there is a benefit to seeking out and owning music so that you can be pleasantly surprised when you put it on shuffle. #plexamp
I’ve always had a soft spot for the Get Up Kids. If you were of a certain age 4 minute mile was an essential album. Matt Pryor’s distinct voice is a big part of their charm. Imagine my surprise to know he is releasing his 7th solo album. I have some catching up to do.
Guided by Voices announce a new album
the world -
(of course i kid and good on them for keeping at it and putting it out there)
Working on another book cover. This time for Michael D. Grover. As usual you can check it out over on Magical Jeep
Finished up the front seats. Nice way to spend part of the day. Ami really did a great job finding the correct vinyls and altering the top panels on both seats to fit the wider headrests.
Well, we had to go searching for matching vinyls and alter the original seat cover but, overall….job well done I’d say.
Got out for a walk today. I am very lucky to live in an incredibly beautiful landscape. It’s hard to remember when things aren’t what you want them to be how lucky you really are. Stay Posi kids!
Been super busy as of late and seems i have totally slept on Deep Sea Diver
They are making me quite happy right now.