Fri, 09 May 2008 08:00:46 -0400 http://www.revolution9000.com/ Revolution9000 en-us http://www.revolution9000.com/images/rev9kbanner.png http://www.revolution9000.com/ signup@revolution9000.com http://www.revolution9000.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=55 Wow, I can't believe that it has been almost a year since an update! It has been an especially productive year in terms of recording music, so make sure that you check out the Aureal Pleasures sections. Lumberjack Mafia is getting back to the grind too. I've worked on redoing the studio, and have a new job that is taking up a lot of time. Now that the kids are settling down too, I hope to keep things updated on here. So go and check out the flash games, the Literature section, and the latest music. And keep coming back to see what will be coming in the next few months! Fri, 09 May 2008 08:00:46 -0400 http://www.revolution9000.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=54 The Playstation 3 web portal /Living Room web portal is up! This is a web portal that is created personally for my Playstation 3 usage, but can be used for any living room or "10 foot experience" web browsing. It includes flash games, news, video, pictures, music, and other links. Take a look at http://www.revolution9000.com/livingroom and let me know if there are any bugs that you find, or any content that should be added! Tue, 17 Jul 2007 22:57:37 -0400 http://www.revolution9000.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=53 So I'm going through my music collection and re-encoding everything again this time in MPEG 4 Audio (AAC). I'm using VBR 128 (it is actually ABR with MPEG 4 though), which is on average about half of the sizeor less of my VBR MP3s and really does sound better. I get my full tagging support and everything with these files. So, what has prompted me to do this? I have been burned way too many times over the years with promises of better codecs or other types of files, and spent way too much time converting files to these files that dead end. However, with online music stores now offering DRM free AAC files (namely, iTunes), I believe that this really is the next step in the evolution. Of course, in addition to the smaller file sizes, you also get support for more than your 2 channels. This is something that MP3 tried with MP3 Pro, but due to it being proprietary (which MP3 is as well, actually), it didn't really take off at all. So away I go to test out the lasers on my half a decade old DVD drives. It is about time that I upgrade them anyway I suppose... Sun, 01 Jul 2007 21:41:01 -0400 http://www.revolution9000.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=51 This is a good story about what the effects of DRM. As you all know by now, I am fully against piracy of the arts in any form, but DRM is absolutely not the way to go. It simply makes criminals of the consumers. Or at least, that is how it was. Now, they are going against the artists. But wait, isn't it the artist that they are protecting? You know, I have always seen Trent Reznor as something of a modern day Prince. Prince rebeled against the record labels in the nineties, though most people didn't "get" the actions, most famously changing his recording name to a symbol. But then he went and re-recorded his music after his contract was filled (and not selling ANY albums towards the end, purposefully destroying his own career so that the labels did not profit off of him), because of course, he owned the songs, but not the former recordings. And it looks like Trent Reznor is going to do something extraordinary when his contract is up after 1 more recording as well. But maybe the whispers that are now becoming a roar are now being heard. EMI is now offering DRM free songs. Even upgrades from previously purchased trash infested DRM files. That's 1 out of 4 people, lets keep it up. Keep your voices heard. Don't pirate, but rather let them know with letters, by political means, and with your dollars. Wed, 04 Apr 2007 22:41:18 -0400 http://www.revolution9000.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=50 There is some cool stuff on its way at Revolution9000 Music in the next few weeks! Some of the songs have been completed out of order, so there may be some stuff getting posted a littler quicker than it has been lately. Also, I wanted to post a link to a webpage showing the history of mp3. A cool little read for those of you either interested in those types of things, or those of you having trouble getting to sleep. Until next time... Wed, 14 Mar 2007 23:34:08 -0400 http://www.revolution9000.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=49 I have added audio and video feed links to the mobile portal. This should add the feeds to your mobile devices that support RSS feeds. If there are any problems, please let me know. I think that the mobile portal is starting to really shape up and become pretty useful. It is getting some pretty good usage, so it seems that someone out there agrees. As always, let me know if there are any suggestions for improvements on the portal. I think that with the latest additions, I have an idea what I am going to do with the next portal. I want to have a living room type of portal. The idea started as a PS3 portal, but I don't want to make it specific to the PS3 (especially since I don't have one... yet!) So, I am going to make something that will focus on any type of device connected to a television, with a focus on audio and video entertainment, as well as some "12 foot" gaming, or some simple gaming, such as bejeweled, that can be played on the TV and in the living room. Any ideas for something like that, let me know! I'll get started on it shortly. I have some more music to work on and finish up before starting on it, but it shouldn't be too much longer. I don't imagine that it will take too long either, as I already have a good idea of the content that will be included. Tue, 13 Feb 2007 22:49:29 -0500 http://www.revolution9000.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=48 Alright folks, check out Revolution9000 Music for the new song that has been posted. It is the title track of the new "album." It has something in it that is a bit different! Wed, 07 Feb 2007 19:54:10 -0500 http://www.revolution9000.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=47 Look over in the Aureal Pleasures menu and you will see the NEW Revolution9000 link! That is right, Revolution9000 is back! With Lumberjack Mafia starting to switch over to do the live thing, Revolution9000 is back as the recording project. It is especially relevant to me now, because after dealing with the migraine headaches that have kept me away from music and the computers and, well, life, for the last 7 months, I now have this wonderful music in my head that has replaced the chaos. And I'm getting it all out now! It is all, of course, a completely different trip than everything before. In fact, you coud almost call what is being recorded right now a sort of concept album. I am going to be recording the major themes of what I went through, and in fact I still am going through. It won't be angry though. At least, not the majority of it. I want to use the music for what it should be, a celebration of life. I will keep this page updated for a while with what is going on with Revolution9000 and Lumberjack Mafia, just so as to clear up any confusion while the 2 of them really get going, and it really makes sense what the differences are. But this main page here will be the same as always; that being a soapbox of mine, and a portal to things that I find interesting. It will also continue to have the flash arcade, literature, mobile portal, and hopefully, sometime in the near future, a PS3 or living room-type portal. The direct link to the new Revolution9000 page is http://www.revolution9000.com/music. So go and see what is awaiting you there now! Sun, 28 Jan 2007 00:48:01 -0500 http://www.revolution9000.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=46 More changes have been made to the portal. There are some flash and java games there, and some of the links have been fixed up, including some outdated links removed, and some new links added. It seems to be coming along very nicely, and it seems to be used at a good clip now. As always, let me know if there are any suggestions to continue to improve it! Oh, and happy 2007 to everyone! Mine has 06 ended well for me, though the majority of the year was a fairly bad year for me. So, here is to improvements all 'round! Oh, the portal is still at http://www.revolution9000.com/portal, as always! Mon, 01 Jan 2007 02:21:32 -0500 http://www.revolution9000.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=45 Computer Gaming World hs done a rare and very impressive thing and posted their first 100 issues online for free! This is a great action on their part, since the older issues are really not worth actual money, as no one is going either spend money or waste space on these magazines. Now granted, there are plenty of people who have the magazines, but they have had them since they were originally on the newsstands. What these magazines are good for is the general benefit to our culture to read about the humble beginnings of gaming. Read the first few issues, and you will see that it was a small time, garage company kind of a beginning. More of a curiosity trather than a profit generator. The biggest question that I have though, is, how did they get permission to publish the advertisements? These are normally the biggest blockers from being able to publish these old issues. But regardles, be sure to check out the issues, and see the covers of all of their issues after # 100. And go to Computer Gaming World's website and let them know that you appreciate the freebie, and subscribe to the magazine! And let other magazines know that you would like to see the same from them as well. Sun, 15 Oct 2006 12:27:18 -0400 http://www.revolution9000.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=44 There are going to be some changes coming once again to Revolution9000.com, so stay tuned. There are changes that have been implemented today for the portal, so head on over to http://www.revolution9000.com/portal and check out the additional content for the mobile portal, as well as a slightly cleaner layout. Wed, 04 Oct 2006 23:56:57 -0400 http://www.revolution9000.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=43 Just thought that I would post about an article that I read about today. The new Zune (c'mon, let's stop inventing words, there are plenty of them for cool names for devices of all types) adds DRM to all files, including non-DRM files, when sharing the music via it's integrated Wifi. The problem, however, is that this breaks the license for Creative Commons music, of which Lumberjack Mafia is a participant The Creative Commons, all licenses related, state that DRM may not be added to the commons media. The Zune, of course, does exactly that. Thankfully, the Zune has no chance at all of surviving in the world of the iPod, so there is absolutely no chance of this thing gaining any traction. However, it is time to draw a line in the sand. Of course, it has been so for quite some time, and this is just another small step towards the ultimate goal of the media and software mafia, which is per minute or per play charges. This will not stop until we all stand against these people. What is funny, of course, is that these people would be nowhere if the current copyright laws (and sympathetic, or pathetic, interpretations of current laws) were always present. For instance, the classical music played during cartoons such as Tom n' Jerry. Disney is the worst offender. The goal of copyright has been reached for Mickey Mouse, that being that Walt Disney was able to reap the rewards for his work. However, the other half, which is returning the asset to the public for the greater of humanity, is no longer adhered to. The only thing that matters now is the fat cat. Of course, I am not endorsing piracy or any illegal activity. I just believe it to be absurd that it is far more inconvenient to buy a song online, through iTunes, for instance, than it is to pirate it, through bittorrent. If I pirate a song then I do not have to deal with the DRM that goes along with being legal. Who is being punished? Surely not the legal customer, but the pirate. Right? So read up on the history of and purpose of copyright law. Make your own decision, and if you agree, join the CopyFight! Oh, and while you are here, be sure to visit the Lumberjack Mafia website to download all of the music that you want. Listen to it, copy it, share it. Sat, 16 Sep 2006 00:17:57 -0400 http://www.revolution9000.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=42 I finally have the mobile portal up and running. Check it out at http://www.revolution9000.com/portal/index.html. Let me know if there are any problems with any devices that are used with it, as well as any links- especially java games!- that anyone wants added. The Revolution 9000 Mobile Portal Tue, 22 Aug 2006 23:57:06 -0400 http://www.revolution9000.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=41 Finally, after MANY months, well over a year, I have a new guitar. I absolutely love this thing. It's an Ibanez RGA121. I'll have to replace the stock Ibanez pickups eventualy, because they are pretty noisy and way too hot for my tastes, but the neck and finish on it are exactlly what I wanted- small and without any flash. Sat, 29 Jul 2006 10:35:16 -0400 http://www.revolution9000.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=40 So you will see in the Aureal Pleasures menu to your left there is a new item, Old Revolution9000. This is the pre-Lumberjack Mafia music that I recorded, both alone as well as with other musicians around Austin. Take a listen and download anything that you like. I'll leave the message on the Old Revolution9000 page to explain the history of the project, so go and check it out and, as always, keep checking back in here for the latest! Thu, 13 Jul 2006 20:20:23 -0400 http://www.revolution9000.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=39 I have overhauled the Web Links with all of the websites that I consider to be essentials. Lots of music, gaming, tech and more in there. Sat, 27 May 2006 22:06:25 -0400 http://www.revolution9000.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=38 I'm going through the music that I have been involved with in the past, and wow, the things that it makes go through my head! Listening to my first band in Oklahoma when I was in High School, Blue tempest, I hear myself learning how to feel the instrument and work within a band. My second band, Fear of Reason, has some good non-tradition structures and heavy parts, and was really a bunch of guys that just kind of gelled really well. The next band, Madame Sloth, was sonically good, if a bit schizophrenic, a group of people with completely different ideas, contributions, and personalities. Then came 4am/Goofy on Crack. This band was a 3-piece, with myself and the bass player, Drew, trading off lead vocals. We were really hitting on all cylindars for a while there. We didn't even have real song endings, we just knew each other musically, so we could just jam and feel where we were all taking the songs. After that, I went into my recording period, Revolution9000. Most of this stuff was really just for my own sake, trying to keep myself sane. There are some moments of good music there, especially considering the sheer number of tunes that I produced, with musicians around the Austin (And even from Boston!) area. It was much more experimental stuff though. So now, Lumberjack Mafia. We're on many websites, and have gotten critiques from many people, including podcasters, studio musicians and engineers, and fans of music. I think that everything has really come together from the learning, structures, catchiness, improv, and experimentation in the past and really allowed some good stuff to come out. Since this music is meant for others to hear, it is obviously more easily approchable, but still has flavoring to it. Of course, being paired up again with one of my favorite bandmates from the college days has helped too! I've learned so much from listening to him and his melodies. Things like coming in on off beats for good syncopation, phrasing, staccato phrasing, etc. So, it's weird listening to the old stuff now. Not that it is necissarily bad (I'll leave that up to9 the listener once it is posted!), but it is, to me, jsut obviously form another time, another place, and, almost, another person. Our past makes up who and what we are today. It's just a bit weird having snapshots of who, where and what we were to revisit. A lot of people don't even have snapshots, so even in my worst musical moment, I consider every note and every song to be precious to me. Fri, 26 May 2006 21:51:57 -0400 http://www.revolution9000.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=37 OK we are all switched over now. So make sure that you have updated your bookmarks to http://www.revolution9000.com, instead of that forwarding address we previously used. Also, I've added a whole lot of new flash games to the site, so check them out. I'm think about maybe even making that section PSP friendly, since I, well, have a PSP. Have fun! I'll have more to add up here soon, with some action that is still ongoing here. Those of you that are really up on things may even notice the change, and the non-working stuff that hangs off of the afore mentioned place. Naaaah! Mon, 08 May 2006 00:06:13 -0400 http://www.revolution9000.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=36 There will be some pretty major changes coming your way on this website. We'll be changing servers, so there may be a day or so of messages saying that we are gone, but we're not going anywhere (except, for the server change, that is). Some more great news coming up soon on the music front too. Seen you back here soon! Sat, 29 Apr 2006 18:17:18 -0400 http://www.revolution9000.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=35 Revolution's End has been posted, so go and check it out in Aureal Pleasures. It's an instrumental, with me just mostly noodling around on some old school metal-ish noise. It's quite fitting that it gets posted today, on the so-called day of protests. Man, if people are doing something illegal (in this instance, coming into the country illegally), there is no sympathy to be given. IT'S ILLEGAL!!! In fact, for the great people that have come to this country legally, they should be the people the most upset. Becoming a citizen isn't the easiest thing to do, and it should be offensive for the people that have done so to have to deal with and hear about these people breaking the law. So, now, off of my soapbox... check out the new tune, and keep in touch, there will be more coming soon. There are 3 more that are close to completion, and another that is in early stages! Mon, 10 Apr 2006 18:25:18 -0400 http://www.revolution9000.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=34 Please remember to take a moment of silence for Kurt. Wed, 05 Apr 2006 21:14:35 -0400 http://www.revolution9000.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=33 Hello everyone. I just wanted to give you all a check in before I check out. No, nothing too serious. I am just going to be boycotting the Interwebs for the next 48 hours, because I don't now, and have never, thought that the idiotic April's Fools joke stories are funny. Goodbye interwebs, I'll be back on the 3rd when you have once again lost your horrible sense of humor. Fri, 31 Mar 2006 19:10:05 -0500 http://www.revolution9000.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=32 I've had several people over the last couple of months email and ask what exactly we want with this website and this music. It's an interesting question, or rather, answer. I personally don't like playing live, I could never go on "tour." I'd rather quit a band than do that. I prefer being at home than anywhere else. I also don't like people. Our singer, however, is a people kind of person (we talked about this just yesterday!) and he wants to play live. OK with me, as long as long as it's just all for fun. Our drummer doesn't want anything to do with recording apparently, but I'm not exactly sure what all is going on there at this point anyway. Back to the subject at hand though. The thing that I think is common is just that we want our music heard as often and by as many people as possible. The music is free to share, give away, listen to, burn, re-rip, whatever. This is a hobby. Noone wants more than that. There was once a time when we all thought about it, but you know what? I have had other hobbies and gotten jobs related to them, and that makes me lose interest. I couldn't possibly stand to losed interest in music, it is what keeps me sane. What lets me calm myself down when thinigs may not be going my way any particular day. Now, what makes that even better to me, is that maybe, someone, somewhere, has listened to a song that I/we have been involved with, and it has had the same affect to them. Just the thought of that, that somewhere there has been someone that has felt something from our music, well, there is no amount of money that can buy the feeling that gives us. We have had some inquires as to whether or not we're going to put out CDs or anything. We do have the opportunity to charge for our music download through various websites that we distribute the music through, but unless it could really be an amount that would help us make more music (ie, enough to get new equipment or something like that), we're not really interested much at this point. However, the thought of a CD, maybe through CD Baby or something like that, could be interesting, if, for nothing else, just to have another avenue that people could just get the music in their hands. It'd still be no commercial derivatives Creative Cmmons though. As always, we'd like to hear from anyone out there that has listened to this stuff and has liked it or been moved by it in any way. Thanks for listening, and stay hard! Sat, 25 Mar 2006 18:44:33 -0500 http://www.revolution9000.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=31 This is just a trip. A total trip. Leonard Snerdley (if that is indeed his real name) reviews items on Amazon. Here are but a few of his incredible ramblings: Boy, this Classic Football Game 2 takes me back. Back to the old days, that is. Days spent lounging around the living room on Thanksgiving, waiting for gravy and Mom's locally famous turkey balls. Let me tell you, you'd never eat turkey in its normal form again after you've had it in a spherical shape. II feel a little silly, a man of my age writing a review for this movie. Especially since I've seen so many movies, and should really know better than to like this. "Mac and Me" has been lost in the sands of time, relegated to the back shelves of video stores where it is destined to be misunderstood as an E.T. knockoff. I never was a big fan of the original, black-and-white 'Psycho', mailnly because I've never been able to get into black-and-white movies. I'm surprised this isn't a more common problem, but I have a complete inability to suspend my disbelief at all - I mean, the world is in color! I feel like I'm watching television on Mars. I did like all three 'Psycho' sequels, and feel they improved on the poor plotting and sketchiness of the first. To truly appreciate Mr. Snerdley though, you must read his reviews as a whole. I strongly suggest that you do so at Amazon.com And to you, Mr. Snerdley, thank you for brightening up my day. Sun, 19 Mar 2006 13:30:28 -0500 http://www.revolution9000.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=30 Hey everyone, I know that a few of you out there that know me want to make sure that I'm OK, and things are good after the first surgery. Only 2 more to go! I can't stay on too long, I'm really tired. I'll be catching most of you in email or chat over the next few days, so look out for me to bug you all soon! Wed, 15 Mar 2006 20:54:04 -0500