". . . an armband that reads neuron activity to let you move objects in digital space. Then it goes further, giving you mental control of physical robots too. Think "the Force" from Star Wars. . . Could this fundamentally change the way we interact with our devices? The scientists and engineers behind it say that if this kind of intention-powered technology takes off, clunky keyboards and tiny smartphone screen buttons will be a thing of the past. Instead of controlling our tech with voice or touch, we'd control it with our thoughts. . ."
I am finally entering the 21st century with regard to my reading habits by accepting the wonderful gift of (without any shameless promotion) an 'e-reader'. I knew that it was inevitable and only a matter of time; a time which has now come. The prospect of reducing the presence of physical 'things' in the house is definitely a concern for the future and now I have taken one giant leap in that direction. It is a somewhat satisfying feeling making such a major change to one's habits dispensing with the archaic and embracing technology and its many benefits. On the other hand, the regular usage of a laptop and cell phone (now combined with the reader) gives me a sneaking suspicion that, with all the electronic options for scheduling, documenting and communicating that are now available to me (in great abundance) I may be moving too quickly in the other direction.
I am never at a loss for amazement at technology, although granted, the capability of the video camera utilized in the making of the video below is far from new, I find the ease, simplicity and user-friendliness in relation to the high quality, both audio and video, which it produces to be simply mind-boggling. When I consider the sound quality of my childhood 'record-player' or transistor radio, or the early video cameras and video cassette players, not to mention the heavy, metal telephone we had from which we communicated with extended family via a 'party line'. . . the size, weight and sheer capability of current a/v products is nothing less than . . . mighty.
My latest solo offering, No Frills, is now available at - No Frills
(To Access all Ray Jozwiak - Gonzo Piano music you can copy-and-paste this URL directly to
your browser: http://http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/RayJozwiak)
. . . the wonder of modern, digital, recording technology enables one (literally. . . ONE, although not in this case) to conceive a composition of the musical persuasion and to create a record ("As in a record of an event, the event of people playing music in a room". . . Ani DiFranco) documenting a performance of said composition for posterity. Well that's what we're doing here. And, like most of like, good things are worth waiting for.
This tune was conceived quite a while ago as a sort-of 12/8, 1950s-style ballad (think Unchained Melody-like), lyrics dealing, somewhat nebulously, with the phenomenon of gossip. Jay took the tune and OHO-ized it, introducing a heavy rhythmic guitar riff to underpin the introduction (and repeated turnaround) and the unusually-timed, uptempo mid-section to incorporate sonic variety into this longer-than-pop-radio-boss-hit-bound-single-running piece.
Drums are soon to follow. We kind of like how its coming along. You? . . . .
Third-Hand Intelligence
work-in-progress recorded at The Bratt Studio (Bill Pratt at the helm) by OHO- Jay Graboski, David Reeve & Ray Jozwiak
My latest solo offering, Just More Music by Ray Jozwiak, featuring original, instrumental piano music is now available at - Just More Music by Ray Jozwiak
(To Access all Ray Jozwiak - Gonzo Piano music you can copy-and-paste this URL directly to
your browser: http://http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/RayJozwiak)
Don't get me wrong, I love technology, the internet, cell phones, mobile devices. . . I only have a problem with remembering all my passwords to access all these wonderful things. . .
OHO's "Ocean City Ditty," the CD single is now available at http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/oho4
(and, if you're in town, at Trax On Wax on Frederick Rd. in Catonsville, MD) OHO is Jay Graboski, David Reeve & Ray Jozwiak. Please Visit http://www.ohomusic.com
My latest solo offering, Just More Music by Ray Jozwiak, featuring original, instrumental piano music is now available at - Just More Music by Ray Jozwiak
(To Access all Ray Jozwiak - Gonzo Piano music you can copy-and-paste this URL directly to
your browser: http://http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/RayJozwiak)
I know. I've misquoted the line from Field of Dreams but purposely so. The members of Oho frequently discuss art, inspiration and commitment in music. And considering the potential to exploit the business aspects pertaining to your music provided by the current technology, it has become even easier to market your music all by yourself. So should you decide that you have a musical statement to make and that your talent is sufficient to do that, why simply make a recording and stop at that? You really have to put that recording in front of every possible set of ears that you can. That is, of course, unless you really don't need to have your statement heard by too many people. . .
(from http://www.madeforsuccess.com/articles/personal-growth/achievement/seven-steps-to-achieving-your-dream-2/)
1. Dream it
Everything begins in the heart and mind. Every great achievement began in the mind of one person. They dared to dream, to believe that it was possible. Take some time to allow yourself to ask “What if?” Think big. Don’t let negative thinking discourage you. You want to be a “dreamer.” Dream of the possibilities for yourself, your family, and for others. If you had a dream that you let grow cold, re-ignite the dream! Fan the flames. Life is to short to let it go. (Also, check out my article “Dare to Dream Again,” Which has been read by close to a million people in the last 4 months alone. You can see it at the website.)
2. Believe it
Yes, your dream needs to be big. It needs to be something that is seemingly beyond your capabilities. But it also must be believable. You must be able to say that if certain things take place, if others help, if you work hard enough, though it is a big dream, it can still be done. Good example: A person with no college education can dream that he will build a 50 million-dollar a year company. That is big, but believable. Bad example: That a 90 year-old woman with arthritis will someday run a marathon in under 3 hours. It is big alright, but also impossible. She should instead focus on building a 50 million-dollar a year business! And she better get a move on!
3. See it
The great achievers have a habit. They “see” things. They picture themselves walking around their CEO office in their new 25 million-dollar corporate headquarters, even while they are sitting on a folding chair in their garage “headquarters.” Great free-throw shooters in the NBA picture the ball going through the basket. PGA golfers picture the ball going straight down the fairway. World-class speakers picture themselves speaking with energy and emotion. All of this grooms the mind to control the body to carry out the dream.
4. Tell it
One reason many dreams never go anywhere is because the dreamer keeps it all to himself. It is a quiet dream that only lives inside of his mind. The one who wants to achieve their dream must tell that dream to many people. One reason: As we continually say it, we begin to believe it more and more. If we are talking about it then it must be possible. Another reason: It holds us accountable. When we have told others, it spurs us on to actually do it so we don’t look foolish.
5. Plan it
Every dream must take the form of a plan. The old saying that you “get what you plan for” is so true. Your dream won’t just happen. You need to sit down, on a regular basis, and plan out your strategy for achieving the dream. Think through all of the details. Break the whole plan down into small, workable parts. Then set a time frame for accomplishing each task on your “dream plan.”
6. Work it
Boy, wouldn’t life be grand if we could quit before this one! Unfortunately the successful are usually the hardest workers. While the rest of the world is sitting on their couch watching re-runs of Gilligan’s Island, achievers are working on their goal – achieving their dream. I have an equation that I work with: Your short-term tasks, multiplied by time, equal your long-term accomplishments. If you work on it each day, eventually you will achieve your dream. War and Peace was written, in longhand, page by page.
7. Enjoy it
When you have reached your goal and you are living your dream, be sure to enjoy it. In fact, enjoy the trip too. Give yourself some rewards along the way. Give yourself a huge reward when you get there. Help others enjoy it. Be gracious and generous. Use your dream to better others. Then go back to number 1. And dream a little bigger this time!
(from http://mentalfloss.com/article/30140/acdc-tesla%E2%80%93edison-feud#ixzz2cKrbbFpN)
". . . Edison’s least favorite of Tesla’s “impractical” ideas was the concept of using alternating current (AC) technology to bring electricity to the people. Edison insisted that his own direct current (DC) system was superior, in that it maintained a lower voltage from power station to consumer, and was, therefore, safer. But AC technology, which allows the flow of energy to periodically change direction, is more practical for transmitting massive quantities of energy, as is required by a large city, or hub of industry, say. At the time, DC technology only allowed for a power grid with a one-mile radius from the power source. The conflict between the two methods and their masters came to be known as the War of Currents, forever immortalized by the band AC/DC.
Tesla insisted that he could increase the efficiency of Edison’s prototypical dynamos, and eventually wore down Edison enough to let him try. Edison, Tesla later claimed, even promised him $50,000 if he succeeded. Tesla worked around the clock for several months and made a great deal of progress. When he demanded his reward, Edison claimed the offer was a joke, saying, “When you become a full-fledged American, you will appreciate an American joke.” Edison offered a $10/week raise, instead. Ever prideful, Tesla quit, and spent the next few months picking up odd jobs across New York City. Nikola Tesla: ditch digger. . . "
You've seen the articles and email about the 'good ole days' like:
". . . I remember the simple days of growing up in the 50's and 60's.
Remember cars without seatbelts?
Remember riding a bike without helmets?
Getting excited to see the milk-man bringing fresh milk to the back porch?
Sitting on the front porch and knowing our neighbors!
Praying in school?
Being spanked by our parents! ( yeah it was ALLOWED! )
Getting "licks" in school. ( the great board of education! and it worked!)
Being a ONE car Family! you know the one dad used to go to work in!
The smell of sheets on the bed from being hung on a clothes line!
When we used empty food cans with string to talk to our friends ( before we even knew what cells phones were!)
Oh the simple days.....
And...with all our progress...
don't you wish...just once...
we could slip back in time and savor the innocence,
the respect, the slower pace...
and share it with the children of today? . . ."
I'm not one to get lost in the past and certainly believe MOST of what I have today is better that what I had in the past, especially technology and my own maturity.
But. . . "Budoir Photo Packages" and "Pole Dancing Lessons" give one pause regarding the progress we've made as a society.
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AMBIENCE & WINE
. . . enables us to immediately send messages about matters of interest and importance, to our loved ones instantaneously through the wonder of the internet (and utilizing the internet) and email . . .
". . JANUARY 1, 2013, THE US GOVERNMENT WILL BE REQUIRING EVERYONE TO HAVE DIRECT DEPOSIT FOR SS CHECKS. WONDER WHY? Subject: HR 4646
Watch for this AFTER November elections; remember this BEFORE you VOTE, in case you think Obama is looking out for your best interest. A 1% tax on all bank transactions is what HR 4646 calls for. Do you receive a paycheck, or a retirement check from Social Security or a pension fund and have it direct deposit? Well guess what ... It looks as if Obama wants to tax it 1% !!! This bill was put forth by Rep. Chaka Fattah (D-PA). YES, that is 1% tax on all bank transactions - HR 4646, every time it goes in and every time money goes out. Ask your congressperson to vote NO. FORWARD THIS TO EVERYONE YOU KNOW! 1% tax on all bank transactions ~ HR 4646 - ANOTHER NEW OBAMA TAX SLIPPED IN WHILE WE WERE ASLEEP. Checked this on snopes, it's true! Check it out yourself ~ HR 4646. President Obama's finance team is recommending a one percent (1%) transaction fee (TAX). Obama's plan is to sneak it in after the November elections to keep it under the radar. This is a 1% tax on all transactions at any financial institution - banks, credit unions, savings and loans, etc. Any deposit you make, or even a transfer within your own bank from one account to another, will have a 1% tax charged. If your paycheck or your Social Security or whatever is direct deposit, it will get a 1% tax charged for the transaction. If your paycheck is $1000, then you will pay Obama $10 just for the privilege of depositing your paycheck in your bank. Even if you hand carry your paycheck or any check in to your bank for a deposit, 1% tax will be charged. You receive a $5,000 stock dividend from your broker, Obama takes $50 just to allow you to deposit that check in the bank. If you take $1,000 cash to deposit at your bank, 1% tax will be charged. Mind you, this is from the man who promised that, if you make under $250,000 per year, you will not see one penny of new tax. Keep your eyes and ears open, you will be amazed at what you learn about this guy's under-the-table moves to increase the number of ways you are taxed. Oh, and by the way, if you receive a refund from the IRS next year and you have it direct deposited or you walk in to deposit that check, you guessed it. You will pay a 1% charge of that money just for putting it in your bank. Remember, any money, cash, check or whatever, no matter where it came from, you will pay a 1% fee if you put it in the bank. Some will say, oh well, it's just 1%. Are you kidding me? It's a 1% tax increase across the board. Remember, once the tax is there, they can also raise it at will. And if anyone protests, they will just say, "Oh,that's not really a tax, it's a user fee"! Think this is no big deal? Go back and look at the transactions you made from last year's banking statements. Then add the total of all those transactions and deduct 1%. Still think it's no big deal? . . "
Then the nefarious email goes on to state that ". . . 1. snopes.com: Debt Free America Act���
Is the U.S. government proposing a 1% tax on debit card usage and/or banking transactions? ...It is true. . . "
. . but if you bother to really visit Snopes.com, you'll find they actually say it is FALSE! Go to http://www.snopes.com/politics/taxes/debtfree.asp
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". . . The PROTECT IP Act (S. 968) would give the Department of Justice (DoJ) authority to identify and take legal action against websites that market counterfeit or pirated goods.
Illegal downloading of movies, TV shows and music is a real problem that harms industries, kills jobs and hurts our economy. We need strong copyright laws to protect the creative property of artists, and it is important that these laws be followed. However, I share your concerns about this bill. We need to make sure that the solution isn't worse than the problem. Any efforts to strengthen the protection of copyrighted materials must be well planned, avoid unintended consequences, and must not stifle free speech or innovation Legislation as wide-ranging as this needs a more open and thorough review from all sides of the debate. I am pleased that Senator Leahy — the author of the bill — has said he is open to changes to address this and other issues. The current language in the bill needs to be improved before I could consider supporting its final passage. . . "
Senator Barbara Mikulski
Dear Mr. Jozwiak,
". . .SOPA is a hard hitting attempt to address the legitimate problem of illegal downloads of copyrighted work like movies, television shows and music. I believe that artists and the companies that create content should be able to protect their information. However, this legislation forces Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to be the policing authorities on the beat to find, hunt, and shut down illegal pirate websites or the service provider is held liable for the copyright infringement. ISPs will have to maintain a list of banned websites. While SOPA would act as a filter for offending websites, as soon as these websites are shut down, similar copies are set up very quickly. ISPs and the Department of Justice will spend their time going after pirate websites that can be renamed and changed in an instant. I do not believe this is the most efficient way to solve the problem of piracy.
As ranking member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, I work closely on various cyber security issues. Both the Sandia National Laboratory and the Department of Homeland Security took the position that SOPA will hurt U.S. efforts to keep our networks secure and safe from serious cyber attacks. As it stands now, SOPA is a one sided firewall that would hinder our ability to go after the real offenders and threats to our networks, while simultaneously limiting innovation and free speech. I hope that all stake holders can sit down and develop a compromise solution that avoids these problems. . . "
C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger Member of Congress
(from IndieMusic News)
". . . Lamar Smith, the chief sponsor of SOPA, said on Friday that he is pulling the bill “until there is wider agreement on a solution.” “I have heard from the critics and I take seriously their concerns regarding proposed legislation to address the problem of online piracy,” Smith (R-Texas) said. “It is clear that we need to revisit the approach on how best to address the problem of foreign thieves that steal and sell American inventions and products.”
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