andrew dodson

I’m not ignoring the blog…. just not much to blog about right now.

Anyone want to throw out some topics?

I may’ve found a great tool for my time management.  One of my issues in juggling my schedule has been finding a great universal daily planner.  I’ve tried carrying a planner in my back pocket, but you have to carry a pen as well.  I tried keeping my schedule on my phone, but I wasn’t satisfied with the “reminder” features.  I really like iCal (Mac’s calendar software), but I have to have MY (keyword: my) computer with me to view my calendar.

So, after some thinking, I decided a web-based calendar would be best.  I’d be able to access it from any computer (work, home, other places), and check dates, add events, etc.  I came across a few decent sites on the web, but remembered seeing something about a calendar on Yahoo! at one time.

Turns out, it’s fairly robust.  I can set reminders to be sent to my email or cell phone (really cool), however long before an event I’d like (2 hours, 5 days, 10 minutes before).  I can add dates and tasks from any computer with internet access.  All for free.

If you’re looking for something similar, I strongly recommend Yahoo! Calendar.

Since I haven’t blogged in the last few days, I figured I’d update everyone on a few things:

XM + Napster

I’m slowly falling in love with XM radio.  I’m going to start checking the programming and adding special events to iCal.  For example, today, one station was broadcasting a Rolling Stones concert (the Stones don’t really interest me, but it’s an example of special programming).  This past Friday, the Real Jazz channel did a special on Wynton Marsalis.

I’ve discovered the Hear Music channel, which is supposedly the official station of Starbucks.  How cool is that?

XM has also partnered with Napster.  Napster has a subscription service that lets you download all the music you want for $10 per month (this option only lets you listen to music on your computer - if you want to burn CDs, you have to buy the tracks).  For $15 per month, you can download all the music you want AND transfer the files to a compatible Napster-To-Go MP3 player.  I’ve currently signed up for the $10 per month service, but will probably eventually upgrade to the N-T-G service and buy this compatible MP3 player.

iTunes + iPod

With this recent development brings about an issue.  I currently own an iPod, and have a significant MP3 library built up with iTunes.  I can still listen to my MP3 library through Windows Media Player if I stick with the Napster option (not available for Mac).  However, I will only be able to listen to my iTunes Music Store downloads through iTunes, or my iPod.

Basically, I need to stop spending so much money on music.  XM radio is very affordable, and the Napster subcription services allow you to download unlimited amounts of music each month at a very reasonable rate.  I would likely download a very large amount of music each month for the price of one CD.  iTunes and the iPod may see less action, but they’ll be used from time-to-time.

Current Reading

I’m currently reading Seven Habits of Highly Effective People and Desiring God.  Both are tremendous works, and I’m doing my best to read them slowly.  They’re the type of books you need to take your time reading to soak everything in.  Great books.

Surround Sound (almost)

I’m currently wiring my computers, TV, DVD player & XM home dock to be run through a set of surround sound speakers that I recently purchased.  I’m doing this with the help of a Behringer mixer.  I’m sure I’m not the first person to think of this idea, but it’s a little out of the norm as far as home audio systems go.  The thought is, everything can be heard through the same set of speakers.  Sure, this can be done through a stereo receiver, but you don’t have the ability to control the individual volume of each component that way.  Now, each item has its own channel on the mixer that lets me control the volume (along with the on-board volume controls of computer and remote controls of the other components).

To this point, I have six sets of speakers in-and-around my apartment.  This option will enable me to stop using three of these sets of speakers.

I’m currently giving XM radio a try. If not for the way-cool Delphi MyFi (the portable XM player), I’d probably stick to CDs, MP3s, the iPod and iTunes.

Thanks to Wireless Blue and Dwayne, I’m testing out a MyFi as I type this. Currently, “Coming Down Again” by the Rolling Stones is playing on The Loft. I basically have every possible genre of music at my fingertips, as well as news, sports, talk shows & weather. The great part about the MyFi is that it comes with every possible accessory you’ll ever need (car kit, antenna, docks, ear buds, power supplies, everything). I’ve installed a car kit in my CRV, and the home kit. When I’m ready to hit the road, I take the MyFi out of the home dock, pop it into the car dock and keep listening. It’s portable, as well - with a battery lasting up to five hours. Essentially, I could realistically never be without XM radio.

I’m particularly interested in the Major League Baseball coverage. If I decide to keep it, I’ll be able to listen to every Cincinnati Reds broadcast this season. With the departure of Fox Sports Ohio on our local cable system, it’s been hard for me to keep up with them, aside from the internet.

In regards to other sports channels, coverage for the ACC and Big Ten are available (sadly, not the SEC and Kentucky), NASCAR radio, ESPN, and a few more.

My thinking is that it may curb my spending on CDs and album downloads at the iTunes Music Store. At the same time, I’m not sure I’ll like not having control over listening to exactly what I want, whenever I want. I’ll be stuck with whatever’s playing on XM at the time - but hopefully, that’ll suffice.

We’ll see!

>Here’s a link to see the MyFi 

Okay.  I have to voice an issue.  I really, really, really do not like the mixes of the Passion CDs.  None of them.  Mostly because, they all sound the same - bad.  It’s a shame too.  Lots of great, great worship songs, and I don’t really enjoy listening to them.

What’s my beef, you ask?  They sound like matrix recordings (which usually isn’t a bad thing).  For you folks out there that are in the dark with my recording lingo, here goes:  A matrix recording is a feed from the soundboard mixed with a set of ambient/crowd mics.  These recordings sound really good in smaller clubs (go download a show from Charlie Hunter’s website and listen for yourself).  However, the Passion CDs are recorded in large venues.  It sounds like they’re very heavy on the ambient mics and not so much on the soundboard feed.
I know I’m probably wrong in thinking they’re matrix recordings, but that’s what it sounds like to me.

This same issue can be said for Coldplay’s live CD, Pearl Jam’s live CDs and more.

I’ve been spoiled by live recordings from the Dave Matthews Band.  Not just because they’re my favorite band, but they’re live recordings are the best quality live recordings I’ve heard.  Everything is crystal clear, well balanced and sounds great. Much of what I was trying to achieve while mixing the Josh Martin Band live CD.  I would put that mix against any Passion mix any day of the week.
I am going to email Louie Giglio and offer to mix the next Passion CD.  Seriously.

After a few days of using them, I can say I’m fairly happy with the electronic drums.  I’m still digging through the drum module and figuring out all the settings.

I discovered tonight that I wasn’t given a TP65S snare pad (tri-zone - meaning, I can get three sounds out of that pad).  Instead, I was given a TP65, which just gives me one sound out of the pad (same pad as the toms).  So, I plan on calling Mom’s to see what they can do.  Most likely, they’ll have to special order a snare pad, and I’ll have to make a trip to Louisville when it comes in.

Other than this minor issue, I’ve found good kick, snare, tom & ride cymbal sounds.  My crash cymbal sounds are slightly lacking, but I’m still learning to tweak the sounds.  I’m somewhat disappointed in the hi-hat response, but once again, I’m sure it’s user error more than anything.

The learning curve won’t be quite as big of an issue as I originally thought, but I do think I’ll need to learn a different playing style for the eDrums compared to acoustic drums.  The dual and tri-zone pads require precision strikes in specific areas of the pads to make the different sounds speak.  I welcome this change because it will make me a more controlled player.

It’s been a pretty good weekend.  I was able to hang out with some friends on Friday night for dinner and a movie.  They treated me to dinner at Waffle House for my birthday.

Saturday was my 26th birthday.  As is usually the case (except for last year), there was snow on the ground, although it was only a small amount.  I took a trip to Mom’s Music in Louisville to purchase my new electronic drums.  Once I was back home, I spent the rest of the day setting them up and getting used to them.

Worship at The Point this morning was great.  I decided to use the new drums.  I enjoyed playing them, although I received mixed reviews from others (mostly good though).  I think once I get to know the drum module a little better, and learn to tweak the sounds, everyone will enjoy them.  I love the flexibility and control they give me.

This evening, a few of us headed to Justin’s for some board games.  He introduced us to For Sale and Puerto Rico (he’s the king of finding obscure games that are a lot of fun).  After a trip to the grocery store, I’m back home getting ready for the week ahead.

Enoy your week!

Due to my stubborn and impatient nature (thanks mom & dad), I can’t wait to get my new electronic drums.  I made a call to Mom’s Music in Louisville today and discovered they have them in stock.  Not wanting to wait 3-5 days to get them by ordering them on the internet, I plan on driving to Louisville tomorrow to pick them up.  Hey… I don’t have anything else on schedule for the day.  Why not?

I highly doubt I’ll be able to use them for Sunday’s service, but we’ll see.  Once I get them home tomorrow, I know I’ll spend the rest of the day playing them.  *crosses fingers hoping there won’t be too much snow to drive to Louisville*

I’m in the process of downloading several podcasts through iTunes as I type this.  Including:  The Vine (Southeast Christian Church’s emerging church service), John Piper, & Derek Webb.  There’s tons more - ESPN Radio, BBC news, talk shows, comedy, all sorts of stuff.

A podcast is a fancy word for this:  an MP3 that you can download, transfer to an MP3 player or keep on your computer, and listen to at your convenience.  iTunes is a fascilitator of hundreds of podcasts that are available on the internet.

If you want to keep up with news, sports, sermons, talk shows, etc., and have a fast internet connection, download iTunes and get some podcasts.  They’re purty kewl.

Last night, I spent two hours (while watching UK get beat by Chris Lofton and Tennessee) putting book tabs in my new Scofield NIV Bible.  A few people poked fun at me tonight at church (Lori, Dennis).  I don’t care what they think.  I can find

Nahum 2:5

5 He remembers his officers;
they stumble as they go,
they hasten to the wall;
the siege tower is set up.

quicker than them.