Digital Media & Me!

This is it my friends!

My last unofficial post in to the world of the 'blogosphere' (I'm sure I'll continue to blog here and there after this date)!!

- Wikipedia.org
(Random, but I like the way this device looks!)

Over this Spring/Summer semester with this Independent Study class (while attending Delta College), I've really come to learn the intriguing realm of blogging. Where, Why, What, When and How to blog!
It's been pretty darn sweet, to be honest!!

Through this 'blog'ging' experience, I've had the topic of: "Music Editing & Exploration: In, Out and Around Film"!

I really hope that I've been entertaining to everyone out there that has had the glorious and most wonderful chance to bestow themselves upon my blog!
I also really hope that I've fulfilled the requirements for this Independent Study class and that I did a nice job of sticking to the general topic of the 'main topic' that I started with. I hope that I was able to fulfill myself in keeping true to my original topic and branching off of that.
That I was able to use my topic to branch out and broaden the horizon of that 'broad' topic that I choose (with interesting topics and intriguing information).
In turn, through my posts, show everyone that had the chance to read my words - what music, editing, photography and film meant to me - & what I think those things mean to the world. What I think those things mean to the future - & the future of 'Digital Media'!!

Media as in music, film, film editing, photography, etc. - & since it's the 21st century - everything is going digital: 'Digital Media' (this is more of my own opinion)!

I've truly had fun with this class, and I really think it has not only helped me to learn some things about myself as a writer & a blogger, but this class has also taught me many things about myself in general. Who I am, Who I was, and more importantly, Who I am going to be!
The future is important to me, just like (I'm sure) it is for most people!!
Through the blogs that I have written, I've learned where I am at with my future, and specifically, where I need to go - to achieve my goals and dreams!!

Before I go, I would like to leave you all with a great quote that I believe in, entirely: "All the great things are simple." - Winston Churchhill

Good times and great oldies as I always say. :)
Keep it real, keep it classy and keep it goin'!

Take er' easy and have a good one!
Later & Peace out!!

The movie: "August Rush"

As I say to anyone that has not seen this wonderful movie:

"If you even have the slightest passion for music, I think you'll love this movie!"

Now granted, this movie does get a little slow at parts and does seem a little dry (especially with the humor). Alas, this flik delivers a message that is one of the most powerful that I have ever seen coming from any other movie.

A message of hope, love, and most importantly, the power of music.

I do also believe, just as the little boy believes (whom of which is one of the main characters), Evan Taylor (or 'August Rush') , that music unites us, brings everyone together, and allows us to free ourselves of worry and doubt. In turn, filling our souls with love, joy, peace and happiness.

It's a powerful message with some powerful music along with it (in the movie), and this is why I simply fell in love with this film.



August Rush, directed by Kirsten Sheridan and written by Paul Castro, Nick Castle, James V. Hart, and produced by Richard Barton Lewis. - Wikipedia.org

Released in November of 2007, I ventured to the theaters the next month to see a movie that I was not expecting, to be so good. I'm not going to lie to you, I actually cried at the end. Now, I am quite the masculine man and believes in poker, beer and cigars on a Friday night. Alas, the message and the emotion gathered up in to a ball and released right at the end of the movie - was too much to handle. So I broke down in wonder and love for this movie that I had bestowed myself upon.

Therefore, I am promoting and inviting everyone who is out there to go out and rent, heck, even buy this movie. Again, if you have even the slightest passion for music, you will find love in this movie and I hope that you understand and capture the true meaning and essence of this film.

One thing that I found especially amazing, was a quote by the incredible actor, Robin Williams. In this movie, he played a man named, Maxwell Wallace with the alias, "Wizard". In the movie, he says, "You know what music is? God's little reminder that there's something else besides us in this universe; harmonic connection between all living beings, every where, even the stars." - imdb.com

This quote my friends, is awesome - because simply, it's very true. Harmonious connection between all living things on this Earth. Even between the stars in the sky to the people down below. Every one, every where!!

Beautiful, just beautiful.

(If you would like to get general information or specific information about this movie, go to the links provided. Also, if you would like to visit the official, "August Rush" website, click the link provided!)

:)
Till' next time!
Peace!

It's bugged. "The new iPhone3G"

Twice as slow. "Half the price."

A little false advertising, I think.

Recently, the newest edition of the highly anticipated iPhone series has been released - with many bugs attached!

This has irked, frustrated and aggravated many buyers.
An article from The Huffington Post (on-line) from New York states one man's frustration from these bugs, "It's such grief and aggravation". This was said by, "an insurance broker in Whitman, Mass., after spending two hours on the phone with Apple and AT&T Inc., trying to get his new iPhone to work."

Looks like this new iPhone is not worth all the hype!
Friday, July 11th, 2008. The iPhone was released to everyone in the world - problem was, on this day - the release of the phone - most customers could not get their phones to work. The issue was with the servers and the actual, "activation" of the phones - so that people could do normal things, like: browse the Internet, check 'YouTube' and other programs that involve AT&T usage.

Peter Svensson from The Huffington Post stated that, "A spokesman for AT&T, the exclusive carrier for the iPhone in the U.S., said there was a global problem with Apple's iTunes servers that prevented the phones from being fully activated in-store, as had been planned."

Since the release date, many of the bugs have been worked out. The kinks have been undone and most of the holes have been filled. There still are other issues. For example, the SMS Typing on the new iPhone3G is 'laggy' (for texting)!

Word! This was an interesting and slightly disappointing fact that I came to find out about! Never the less, I will most likely buy the next iPhone to come out (assuming the next will not have any bugs or major issues (especially on the day it is released!))!!



Alas, if you are interested in the current version of the iPhone, you can buy two types. The first is the 8GB (giga-byte) black in color, for only $199. The second is the 16GB black or white in color, for $299.
If you would like to check out the store, feel free!
If you would like to check this device out through AT&T and also find out the nearest place near you where you can purchase one, feel free!
(here's the article that I got the info. & quotes from!)

Best Buy is always a great place for Apple merch as well (in your town or on-line)!

Awesome! :)

Till' next time, peace!!

Brett Trafford Photography

Hey now, lookie' here!
Right as I'm on the topic of photography - I find a forty-one year young photographer!

This is cool because this is the first time that I've blogged about someone else or even made a reference towards someone else's blog - plus, this man is in to the same stuff that I am in to right now (aka: photography!)!

His name is Brett Trafford, and I find his work to be very creative, intriguing and just really good!

I like photography, he likes photography - we seem to have the same personality traits (patience, seeing the beauty in simple or small things (elements in life that others wouldn't usually notice), both have an interest in the media/photography - we also both enjoy taking photos of similar things (nature, animals, simple stuff!)!

For example:
- Brett Trafford Photography

A flippin' sweet looking bird - well done on the lighting and amazing focus on the detail of the face!! Love it!

Something that caught my eye in a recent post (by Brett) made me really think - & the interesting thing is, it reminded me of myself (my personality) and the kinds of things I enjoy capturing on camera!!
First, here's the photo:
- Brett Trafford Photography

The title of this photo is, "This Way". The amazing this really is, the message he had, before presenting the picture. He says, "Today’s photo, just an old sign post, most people would rush past looking for the path, but if you stop and look around for a moment there’s beauty everywhere."

Wow. Okay, wow! This is not only a great photo, but the message, the message is so deep and makes so much sense. I really think this is America today. I could go on longer and deeper about this, but. So many people in today's society are just rushing, all the time to get from point A to point B - non-stop, all day! They never take the time to just stop, take a moment and, "look around for a moment - there's beauty everywhere". Exactly!
I believe in this whole-heartedly - there IS beauty everywhere you look, in everything - with a bit of optimism and positive vibes, I think everyone can acheive this outlook. It's truely a blessing to just stop, and not only smell the roses, but to notice the beauty in everything.

After all, this is God's green earth, he created everything we see (basically)! The not-so-natural things that he didn't create, well technically he did - because he created every human being on this Earth (technically speaking) and these humans have created these, 'not-so-natural' things. Like buildings or plastic or garbage cans - God didn't make those - but he made the humans that made them - sooo it's like a desendant of God's creation, a second party if you will!!

;) I hope you guys enjoy that theory/perspective - mind you, this is only what I think - I'd like to believe it sounds somewhat coherent, but ya know, it's all good - makes sense to me!

Anyway, back to the photo, it is truely beautiful. It represents beauty in simple things within our life! Also, his perspective (the quote I used) reminds me of myself and my personality - *chuckles* that quote is like something that I would say - I guess because I beleive in that statment and perspective 110%!!

Well, through looking around his blog, I've learned a lot about who he is, about photography and actually, a bit about who I am! I can vouch to say, that this was definitely an enjoyable experience!! :D

If you are interested in finding out more about Brett Trafford Photography - click on this link!!!

Till' next time,
Peace!

Photography & Me!

It's good to know that there's more to life than TV, a nice 'lazy-boy' and some sour cream with potato chips..!

PHOTOGRAPHY!!
Yes! Life has photography and photography has life (with many images of, well, endless possibilities)!

This type of media is one that I have slowly, but surely grown fond of over the past twenty-one years. This type of medium continues to grow, in:

• Popularity (& no, I'm not in to this because it's the "COOL" thing to do!!)
• Style
• Equipment
• Etc.

It's an ever-changing, ever-growing, always evolving type of media. And this type my friends, intrigues me.

I've always enjoyed taking photos of things, anything really. When I was younger though, it was more family photos more than anything. Although, I would always enjoy taking the picture and sometimes capturing people at weird, but unique and crafty angles.

Then, stealing from my Mom, I would grab her film-camera and just take photos of things up, inside and out, plus around the house. Then all the way to about three years ago, I got my first digital camera!
-usa.canon.com
This camera is still the one that I use today!

It is a Canon - PowerShot A540!
-This link will allow you to check out the 'specs' of the camera and a general overview with other specific specifications!

This is a very easy to use, versatile, quality camera that delivers - more BANG for your buck as I would say (and I do say!)! 6.0 mega pixels of ULTIMATE power!

Capturing moments, capturing life!
Love it!

Nature, landscapes, just natural things -- These are my favorite things to capture and photograph!

I believe those three things are the most beautiful to photograph in this world!!

Traveling around the world or just in my own town - being outside and capturing things out in the bright, beautiful sun - is So much fun!
Thus, my love for photography is growing and growing!!

Now, I believe it's time to save up for a better camera, better lens, just better equipment - once I have acquired these things, the skies the limit!!!

That's all for now!

Later & Peace!

KNOLS

I ran into an interesting little piece about knols. I think we will be hearing a lot about this in the coming weeks and months.

A newer form of researching, the knol will help people who are looking for specific information find an authoritative article about a specific topic. We can attribute the knol to none other than


who launched the knol very recently.

By the way, Knol, short for "knowledge," is essentially a cross between Wikipedia and About.com.

Knol's distinctions from Wikipedia are that authors are identified by their real names (and verified), and that they can share in ad revenue if they choose to. The service initially features a lot of medical articles, which is interesting considering that Medipedia also launched today. This medical wiki is backed by Harvard's and Stanford's medical schools.

Here's how it works as explained on the website of

"An enormous amount of information resides in people's heads," wrote the company in its official blog. "Knol will encourage these people to contribute their knowledge online and make it accessible to everyone."

Each entry will have an identified author (or group of authors). The site also introduces a collaborative feature that will allow readers to make suggested edits, which the original author may then choose to accept, reject or modify.

People also can submit comments, rate or write a review of a knol. Authors also can choose to run ads through Google's AdSense program, sharing the proceeds with the company.

Sounds like a cool new addition to the Internet.

Check out a sample:


Knowledge is power!

Go Google.

Bye for now.

WALL-E

Last week I went to see the new Pixar movie, Wall-E, and I must say, it is one of the best animated films I have ever seen. It is so full of heart it hurts.

Easily one of Pixar's best (It's up in the air between this and Finding Nemo for me), WALL-E stars a lovable little trash compacting robot called by his model type: WALL-E. This little robot has been tasked with cleaning up the trashed remains of an Earth forgotten. By himself. Somehow, all the other little WALL-Es are not functional, but I don't ask why because this one that still works is just so darn cute! Through his thousands of years, functioning on solar power and the drive to follow his programming, the little guy developed a personality. He gained a sort of child-like wonder about the world around him, stocking up on just about anything he finds interesting, from Rubix Cubes to jewelry cases.

Just this part of the movie alone is wonderous. It has that little touch of something unique, something special. You know from the start that this is not going to be some run-of-the-mill Disney flick. It's almost impossible to describe, and it has to be seen to be understood. Just the fact that there is no dialogue in the first 30 minutes of the film has to mean something.

The film also makes a statement. But it doesn't do it pretentiously, and is never preachy. Some republicans will say this movie is evil liberal fascist propaganda, but those people are also dumb and have no imagination.

This story takes you somewhere else. It takes you to a future Earth without humans, just trash. And one lonely robot to clean it all up. It takes you into outer space, to a spaceship filled with the rest of the human race, then back to Earth again. Seriously, see WALL-E. It is an amazing movie. Not for a very long time has a film brought out that sort of childlike wonder that transports you into a different world. You'll be smiling the entire time.

Internships Will Enhance Learning

On the importance of interning . . .

Right now, the job that puts money in my pocket is working for the Great Lakes Loons for the summer as a program seller. Last spring and into the summer, though, I started with the Loons as a Production Intern. Since this was the first season for the Loons in Midland, everything was quite new and exciting. As a Production Intern, I was able to work closely with the Video Production Manager and the Assistant GM of Marketing and Promotions. There were about eight interns who were working with the Production Department.

As a Production Intern, we assisted in the day-to-day operations of the production team for the Loons. We did video shooting, editing, graphic design media archiving and sometimes assisted in off-site productions. On game day, we actually did the shooting of the game either on one of the cameras, or we helped with editing. The equipment was absolutely state-of-the-art; the video board which came from a company called Daktronics was unbelievable. It is one of the largest video boards in minor league baseball.

It was a great experience working with the crew that I did. We learned a lot about working in a fast-paced environment; we learned how to use all of the equipment and learned production software in non-linear editing and graphic design. I was proud to be associated with the first group to work at Dow Diamond. The whole arena of Minor League Baseball in Midland has created a lot of excitement and revenue in the community and the counties around here too.To be able to go to my "job" and have it be at a premier baseball stadium filming minor league baseball was a great experience.

This is definitely an experience that I would recommend to anyone who thinks they'd enjoy the pace and enjoy watching the baseball games!

I'm thinking this won't be my last internship. These internships really show you what's up out there as far as the equipment being used and let you see it in action.

For now,

Peace to all & go Loons!

Adele on the Horizon of Incredible Sound

The other day, my brother introduced me to a new artist on the horizon. Her name is Adele Adkins. The CD is Adele 19. It is outrageously unbelievable. Her voice is like no other. The first cut on the CD is entitled "Daydreamer" - the lyrics are incredible. She goes up and down the ladder of sound and weaves you around until you are dizzy with delight. I highly recommend this CD to you if you think you might like an English jazz singer.


Adele Laurie Blue Adkins was born in 1988 in London. This year she received the Brit Award's Critic's Choice and is being hailed not as the new Amy Winehouse, but just as good if not better. Now, I like Amy Winehouse, but Adele isn't the trainwreck Amy Winehouse is.

I like her outlook on life in general. She is on the larger side (wears a 14-16), but says she will consider losing weight if it affects her health or her sex life.

Take a listen if you are interested in new amazing talent.

Gotta go - gotta get -

Peace out

Thanks to my brotha -

D

What's Happening in 2008

A person can't get away from the day to day headlines, commercials, conversations etc. about what's going to happen in the election this year. That being said, I though, why not blog about it too? I received an e-mail asking me to join in on the Obama campaign recently. This website is quite informational. The issues are capsulized in his "Blueprint for Change"--Change We Can Believe In.

Over the early part of the summer, I took a government class and an economics class through Delta. I couldn't have taken those classes in a better year. The relevancy of taking government and economics in an election year is obvious. But, even more so, the instructors were really good and demanding which, although really challenging at times, pushed me to learn a lot more with a lot more depth of understanding. My government teacher was very careful not to become preachy about either of the candidates, but I was pretty sure I knew which side she would vote on in the election. I am fairly certain we share a liking and belief in Barack.

One of the things we talked about in discussions is the lack of participation in voting on the part of young people. Maybe they get discouraged with the way the world is today, or maybe young people are disillusioned and cynical about government and the leaders today, but still, we do need to believe that our votes and our opinions count. I personally will be trying to make sure to have my friends register to vote - in fact if you haven't yet, click on the Vote 2008 and follow the information so you can get set up to vote! VOTE 2008

I may have to check out McCain's website one of these days too.

Peace and positive change for the future!

Moving On in Life

What's down the line---

So, after my graduation from the local community college in December, I will need to move on to a four-year institution so I can get a four-year degree. When I move on from Delta, I will have an Associates Degree in Electronic Media Broadcasting, but I still want to get the four-year degree.

I have been doing some investigating of various possibilities and pretty much have narrowed it down to

Central Michigan University
Ferris State University
Full Sail University (Winter Park, Florida)

My parents and I visited Full Sail a few years ago, and I was totally excited about the programs they have. In fact, they offer a degree in Film! However, the cost to going there and staying down there is totally high - the tuition alone is over $60,000 for the program I am interested in. This sure makes the cost of going to Delta a bargain! Anyway, you should check this school out if you are interested in something that is state of the art. They say that Steven Spielberg recruits from there. Their website is amazing as well. Of course, since it is a high-tech university, the website should be amazing. There are scholarships available too, so I may still take a look at that - and being down there right outside of Orlando wouldn't be a bad way to be! Decisions, decisions!

Then, there's CMU--right around the corner from where I am. The main issue with CMU is that they do not accept the courses I have taken at Delta directly into the program. The "articulation" between the schools has yet to be totally established. CMU has a Cinema and Broadcasting program which does look interesting--I'm just not sure if I want to repeat a bunch of classes just because they don't feel Delta's classes cover what theirs do. Decisions, decisions!

When looking at Ferris' program, I really got pumped about what they offer. They have a program called Television and Digital Media Production plus they have a smooth articulation agreement with Delta which all of my classes from Delta fit into perfectly. They also offer a three + one program if someone wants to save a lot of money and go with an extra year at Delta, you can do the Macrao agreement, go three years, transfer to Ferris in the fourth year, and get a four-year degree without paying the "arm and the leg." This is looking pretty good. I see they also have a couple of internship requirements and practicums which is great.

Ferris promotes this Television and Digital Media Production program saying that graduates can get employment in television and digital media production, broadcasting, cable, with major corporations in their audio/video areas, manufacturing facilities, hospitals, professional sports venues, independent production companies, post-production firms, education, and government. This sounds like the best deal to me so far. But, decisions, decisions!

Later - peace!

Traverse City Film Festival

Music and Film Lovers Unite!

July 29 - August 3 there will be an event in our great state of Michigan up in the north country specifically in the city of Traverse City. The 4th Annual Traverse City Film Festival is coming upon us.

60+ movies for film lovers of all genres will be made available. You need only check out the following website to get all of the details of the five days of fun in TC.

http://www.traversecityfilmfest.org/

This film festival is the brainchild of Michael Moore (who most people have some opinion about). This information came to me in an e-mail, and I am sharing it because this is really a great thing to happen to Michigan. And, if you happen to like Madonna, she is one of the drawing cards of the whole festival.


Tickets sales, FOR FRIENDS OF THE FILM FESTIVAL ONLY, begin at noon on Monday, July 14. Friends can purchase up to four tickets perscreening per membership. Tickets can be purchased by three means:

1. Online at http://www.traversecityfilmfest.org. Friends should follow the links and enter their Member Number and Password. This information was mailed via snail mail to Friends on Monday, and it will also be emailed later this week.

2. In person at the film festival box office in the Art Center at 300 East Front Street.

3. By phone at 231-929-1627.


In addition to Madonna, talk show host Phil Donahue will be there presenting his feature documentary "Body of War," - if you take advantage of the link and read what this is about, you may want to go just to see and hear about this!

Check it out - you still have time to get ready and go.

Later & peace to all

Fruity Loops Studio 8?! Yes Please!

Whoa. These people just don't know when to stop!!
& this is a good thing, believe you me!

As Bo Burnham would say, "Fo' sho'!"

Holy wow, check this out!

-flstudio.com

Looks quite sexy to me!!

Cannot wait to dabble and take a test drive on this monster of a program!

Woot!!

For additional information about anything Fruity, go here!

For additional (and amazingly radical and sweet) information, all about the up and coming, new - Fruity Loops Studio 8 (!!!), go here!!!

Awesome! :)

Till' next time, see ya later!!!

Peace to you.

"Cubase Essential 4"

This looks quite facinating.

Compared to the generic-looking Cubase Studio 4, this product/software/program looks quite ingenious and sounds to me like it offers more in general for the user. More bang for your buck, if you will!

-steinberg.net

*This "Personal Music Production System" is quite unique. According to Steinberg.net, Cubase Essential 4 is, "Bringing to your desktop powerful tools for composing, recording, editing and mixing, Cubase Essential 4 is your entry-level ticket to the world of Cubase. Cubase Essential 4 shines with the same user interface and award-winning Audio Engine as Steinberg’s flagship Cubase 4. And that means when it comes to audio quality and intuitive handling, Cubase Essential rivals its bigger brothers. Any way you choose to use it - as a sequencer for your home recording studio or a multi-track recorder for the band rehearsal room - with Cubase Essential 4 you get the real deal at an unbeatable budget price."

Some quick/cool features that are in this piece of software include:

• Audio + MIDI Recording and Mixing
• VST3 Plug-In Set (including HALion One and Guitar Amp Simulator)
• Professional Technology (32-bit Audio Engine, 24-bit/96-kHz Recording)
• Powerful Editors for MIDI and Audio Processing
• Media Bay database for sound management
• AudioWarp realtime time stretching/pitch shifting
• Cross-Platform: Windows and Mac OS X Universal Binary (compatible with PPC- and Intel-based Macintosh computers)

-Steinberg.net

Also, an interesting subject to note, new features!!
*As it says on the page describing this program: "Cubase Essential 4 (formerly Cubase SE product line) sets a new standard for personal music production software offering powerful editing tools, a new set of plug-in effects, the HALion One Sample Player instrument, a great-sounding guitar amp and more than 60 other new features and improvements. With a new Arranger Track, linear and pattern-style arranging is now seamlessly integrated. New AudioWarp realtime time stretching and pitch shifting makes working with loops and tempo-based audio easier than ever."

Sounds amazingly cool, and if I have the chance, I will definitely try this sucker out, for sure!!

For additional information about this program/software, go here!

That's all for now! :)

Peace to you.

Cubase Studio 4 vs. Fruity Loops Studio 7

-OR-
Which one is better?

Which is the choice that would better fit my music-editing needs and style of music production?

They both sound appetizing, but I think I might know which one is the better choice!

First, let's start with Fruity Loops Studio 7:

Let's go back to one of my previous posts back in the day about FL 7. I said, "This program allows him and other users to alter beats, instruments, synths and other various noises and sounds. The feature that I love the most about this program has to be the fact that you can import VST (which stands for Virtual Studio Technology). VST (according to Wikipedia.org) is an interface for integrating software audio synthesizer and effect plugins with audio editors and hard-disk recording systems. VST and similar technologies use Digital Signal Processing to simulate traditional recording studio hardware with software. Thousands of plugins exist and VST is supported by a large number of audio applications. The technology can be licensed from its creator, Steinberg."

*So it is interesting to note that Fruity Loops and Cubase Studio are both made by the people from Steinberg*

I also mentioned about Fruity, "The thing I love about this feature is the synths that you can purchase (or download) and freely import in to the program to use at your free will. You can use the features, buttons and knobs within FL to alter and mess with the sounds of the synths to your liking! Another feature I'm sure all avid "Fruity" users would agree on (loving to use), is EQ'ing! This is used usually when you have completed a song and now you want to master the sound. Mastering means to make it sound... All pretty, basically! The EQ feature allows you to tweak the bass, middle and treble, as well as the various highs and lows of the songs (whether it be the pitches of the sounds, or the notes played out in the song)."

For the latest news, information and features concerning Fruity Loops Studio 7 (and the up and coming version: Fruity Loops Studio 8), go here!

*Sneak peak at the (FL 8) box:

-flstudio.com

*For an overview and price range of the FL products, go here!

Ya know, I'm just going to say it: FL is the way to go! I've done research and more research, and even more research on this program/piece of software - & Fruity is the way to go! When it comes to music-editing and music production - forget Cubase Studio!!
-Cubase Studio 4 is cool, it's hip and quite snazzy, I do admit. But I've made up my mind!

I simply cannot wait for Fruity Loops Studio 8 to debut and come out, I will definitely be dabbling in that software craziness!!

Word!

For other/additional information on Cubase Studio 4, Cubase Studio and other products and features by Steinberg, go here!

Sounds good!

Take it easy,
& Peace!

Steinberg: Cubase Studio 4

Music time!

I love music for sure, as you all may know! & with my PC, I own a music-editing program called, "Steinberg - Cubase Studio 4".

This program is quite the powerhouse, quite the program for any style of music (produced electronically, obviously), usually electronic - to produce in your own bedroom! I've owned it for a while, but have yet to fully understand all the concepts inside this software.

Here's a little sneak peak at the main audio-mixing/music editing interface:

-steinberg.net(Cubase Studio 4)

Now I don't fully understand the whole program (with all the features, effects, VST's, recording and editing) yet, but I have been doing a lot of dabbling. Within this dabbling, I've been able to realize and discover many interesting things/features about the program. Which has allowed me to become more involved in music production/music-making! Also, learning and gaining knowledge about this program has allowed me to explore music in ways I would've never imagined.

I did not know till I started playing around on this program, that you can warp, cut, reverse - mix, pitch up, pitch down, pitch all around! Cubase Studio 4 for example has a few features that stand out:

• First of all, Cubase Studio 4 is, "Boasting a range of new capabilities in its price range such as SoundFrame™, full notation features and brand new VST3 instruments and effects, Cubase Studio 4 offers unprecedented functionality in its price class." --steinberg.net

To give you an idea of the many aspects/features Cubase Studio offers, here is a quick list from steinberg.net:

• Audio + MIDI Recording/Editing/Mixing
• New VST3 virtual instruments and effects
• SoundFrame™ - unique new Sound Management System
• Fantastic-sounding 32-bit Audio Engine
• Full scoring features
• Streamlined feature set tailored for project studios, musicians and composers
• Outstanding value for money, extraordinary price/performance ratio
• Cross platform: Windows and Mac OS X Universal Binary (compatible with PPC- and Intel-based Macintosh computers)

- Also, if you're wondering/interested, "Cubase Studio 4.1 additionally offers significant features such as Sidechaining for VST3 Plug-ins, free routing, a Global Transpose Track, Music XML support and much more." --steinberg.net

I'm really glad that I gave myself the opportunity to introduce the wonders of music making! And, this is only the beginning - a lot more music production adventures are on their way!!

I was able to brush up on the Steinberg - Cubase 4 & Cubase Studio 4! Also, even more intriguing was the real sweet music editing software by Steinberg, "Cubase Essential 4"!

Word. I will get more in to detail about the, "Cubase Essential 4" by Steinberg in a later post!

For additional information for anything "Steinberg", go here!

For anything "Cubase Studio 4", go here!

& if you are interested in gathering knowledge about the "Cubase Essential 4", go here!

Note: If you would like to search for any product sold by Steinberg, just click the "select product" tab on the left-hand side of the screen!!

Till' next time, take er' easy and have a good one! :)

Peace!

Adobe Premiere Pro CS3 vs. Final Cut Studio

Now, let's get in to these two pieces of work a little deeper...

I've always been intrigued by the Final Cut software (mostly because I'm a Mac user and video editing has always intrigued me).

Also, through the greatness of learning the basics of Final Cut (and also advanced editing features) with classes at Delta College, I found this program to be extremely interesting, user friendly and perfect for the style/purpose of my video projects.

The experiences I had, creating and producing video projects in my Media classes at Delta - I traveled in avenues and paths I had never imagined in my life - yet I was so glad that I came across them and traveled through them. With Final Cut, I was able to use cuts, fades, effects and sound cues that were easy to use and fit perfectly for my video projects. Using this program allowed me successfully complete ideas, styles and concepts that began in my mind and were beautifully painted on to the canvas of Final Cut, to finish on my final product of the video piece that I had created. My style of editing is sort of abstract and artsy, and Final Cut easily gave me the opportunity to express this style freely. Now, depending on if I was creating a commercial, demonstration video or music video - the purpose of my piece varied. Alas, Final Cut allowed me to use it's various features to accommodate (to my style) to what kind of piece or project I was trying to complete.

I had could go on all day about Final Cut Studio. But, the point of this post, is to not only explore (more in depth) Final Cut Studio, but also to explore and learn (more) about the 'other' video-editing software named, Adobe Premiere Pro CS3 (the latest version).

Let's start with Adobe Premiere! First of all, let's go over some stats about this program:

--What can this program do?--

• Import video, audio and graphics in a wide variety of formats.
• Edit, manipulate and arrange these elements in a visual time-line.
• Add effects, filters, titles, etc.
• Export your edited video in a variety of formats, including video tape recordings, DV, DVD, and common Internet video formats.

Good. Sounds pretty snazzy to me!

-mediacollege.com

For additional information and features about Adobe Premiere Pro CS3, go to: This place!

Final Cut Studio:

First, the history:

• "Final Cut Studio was introduced at the National Association of Broadcasters in April 2005. It is the successor to Production Suite, and added new versions of all the Production Suite applications, as well as a 'new' program, Soundtrack Pro, which is really a new version of Soundtrack, formerly included with Final Cut Pro. In January 2006, Final Cut Studio became the only way to purchase any of the individual major applications. In March 2006, Apple released the Universal Binary version as Final Cut Studio 1.1. -- Wikipedia.org

Second, the components:

Final Cut Studio contains six main applications and several smaller applications used in editing video. The major applications it includes are:

• Final Cut Pro 6 - "real-time editing for DV, SD, HD and film"
• Motion 3 - "real-time motion graphics design"
• Soundtrack Pro 2 - "advanced audio editing and sound design"
• DVD Studio Pro 4 - encoding, authoring and burning.
• Color - a new color grading application adapted from Silicon Color's FinalTouch.
• Compressor 3 - a video encoding tool for outputting projects in different formats.

Additional applications included are:

• LiveType 2 - a text animation program.
• Cinema Tools 3 - tools specific to film processing.
• Qmaster 2 - a distributed processing tool.

--Wikipedia.org

Thirdly and last, but not least, general features of Final Cut Studio:

• Editing (obviously!)
• Compositing and Keyframing
• Working 3-Dimensional
• More technical aspects such as: Secondaries, Dialogue, ADR and Spotting
• Encoding for the Web (allowing your pieces/videos to be viewed via the Internet)
• Importing and Exporting
• Color Correction
• Filters
• Etc.

As you can see, I went in to further detail about the Final Cut Studio package.
This is not just because, well, I love the program so much (I definitely enjoy using this software and it is very easy to learn and is user-friendly) - but also because Final Cut Studio just offers more for the user. Better and more efficient features. Plus, the Final Cut package allows you to access a large array of different programs inside of the entire piece of software to expand your project(s), and build, improve and better your video projects in general.

In the end, the images/frames, effects, sound, graphics and overall outcome will be a better product. Better (in my opinion) in the end, than if you were to edit with Adobe Premiere Pro CS3. One of the main reasons I prefer to and will continue to use Final Cut Studio is (not just because of the amazing reviews I've heard from users) this: The Final Cut Studio package just offers a larger variety of features for all aspects of video editing, and allows the user to expand his or her project to the fullest extent of that users needs. More programs to work on individual things such as the image, effects, sound (score), graphics, etc. Just more in general!

I gave you some good facts, some great links but mostly just my opinion (which is mostly based on my experiences).

For additional information and features about Final Cut Studio, go to: This place!

Hope that the links I provided really helped you out in learning about the various different things that I addressed in this post!!

Till' next time, have a good one! :)

Peace!

Dan T.

Adobe Premiere Pro CS3

Okay, so I'm not the biggest fan of Microsoft, nor do I like the viruses that tend to tag along with those PCs. Alas, I do own my own desktop PC, which does happen to be a Microsoft!

So, I'm not completely impartial to the whole Microsoft thing! hehe.

As you may know, I am definitely in to the video editing and film field. I love creating and inventing new pieces of video production. On my PC, I haven't gotten it yet, but!...

I want to purchase, "Adobe Premiere Pro CS3".


-Adobe.com

Now, I have Final Cut Pro for my Mac. I've fallen in love with that. I think it is time though, to venture on. Try new things, experiment!!

So, I will try this Premiere Pro CS3, give it a swing (and if I strike out, well, I definitely have something swell to fall back on). -- I heard it's quite similar in style/format to Final Cut Studio.

Anyways, through doing some research, I found out the following,
"Adobe Premiere is a video editing software package suitable for both amateur enthusiasts and professionals. It can be purchased and used alone, or alongside other applications such as Adobe Photoshop, After Effects, etc."
-MediaCollege.com

Also, from Wikipedia.org:
"Adobe Premiere Pro, is a real-time, timeline based video editing software application. It is part of the Adobe Creative Suite, a suite of graphic design, video editing, and web development applications made by Adobe Systems, though it can also be purchased separately. Even when purchased separately, it comes bundled with Adobe Encore and Adobe OnLocation. Premiere Pro supports many video editing cards and plug-ins for accelerated processing, additional file format support, and video/audio effects."

Right now, You can purchase this piece of software from $799!


-mediacollege.com

Feel free to browse the sites/links that I have provided for you.

I have taken a closer look at this application or software and it is quite interesting.

Seems to me like there are a few more effects and interesting features on this app. that differ from Final Cut Studio. I'd like to get in to film editing and video production as a career possibility, so this program looks like it might be the winner (for my own personal and Professional use)!

Hmm, I'll look more in depth on this application/software program and really see if this Adobe Premiere Pro is better than the almighty Final Cut Studio!!

Till' next time, Peace!

As I always say...

MUSIC IS LIFE!!!

Music guides you, glides you across. Music brings you to. Music allows you to breath. Air of reassurance. Hope, Trust, and most importantly, love.

Music = love.
Love = beauty.
Beauty = life.
Life = music.

Period. :)

Word. Till' next time, I love musica!!!

Much love, and peace!

Dan T.

Disney! - 'Professional Internship' - "Communications" (continued!)

Okay! I swear this post is more relevant to the topic at hand!

Other than the 'CareerStart' program (for high school grads), and the College Program (for College students), Disney also offers the Professional Internship, program!

This, concerning my future, is something that I might get in to.

I would most likely move down there in Orlando, or Lake Buena Vista and live with room mates, and do work and live on my own basically.

Except the difference between this and my last experience with Disney, is the fact that this work will be more focused on a (possible) future career with Disney or just more experience in the field that I am interested in pursuing as a future job or career. Communications!

Now, I still have yet to do more research about this field from Disney, but it sounds very close to what I'm in to (like film, music, audio production, camera operating, etc.). I'm thinking that I'll have the chance to dabble and work with some more high-tech equiptment that Disney has to offer. Possibly be behind the audio, mixing board at the Cirque Di Sole (spelling?!) shows. Possibly be a film editor for Disney commercials. Possibly be a camera operator for one of the many Disney shows or sitcoms (like Hannah Montana!)! That would be sweet!

So! Many possibilities!!
So! We'll see what happens, again, as I've said, I'm excited for the future!

Good times, I will definitely be looking in to this as a possibility!

Till' next time, see ya! :)

Peace.

Disney! - 'Magical Moments' (continued!)

First!

Magical moments are extremely special, and yes, 'magical' moments when you are a Disney employee. This can be anything from giving a guest a stuffed animal for free or maybe even a ice cream cone (with ice cream in it)! Even possibly if a guest spills ice cream on their shirt, an employee or "cast member" will be more than happy to give you a free shirt!

As a custodian or "show keeper" at the MGM Studios (now called Hollywood Studios), my magical moments were slightly different (and I think, the best moments you can give). One of them was with pans and brooms. We would take park maps and crumble them up in to balls. Then we would set the pans (like 5 or 6 of them) open facing the kids, at different distances (the farthest being the most points). The kids used the brooms as hockey sticks sort of, and hit the balls in to the pans to gather points! Another game was with 'pickers' (one side is a trigger and the other is a claw) and a basket of (fake) fruit! The game would be where we line up all the fruit in like 2 or 3 lines and have the kids (with the pickers) run, like a relay race, back and forth, putting the fruit in the basket, one by one. First person to finish wins! Another simple one was with smaller children, where we just give them the 'picker' and dumped the basket of fruit on the ground and then, the child picks up all the fruit and puts it in to the basket (sometimes, different fruits were worth more or less points for a grand total of magical moment bliss!). So yes! All of these amazingly sweet and fun games were the Magical Moments that I participated in! Cool right, I know! Magical moments rock my socks, and this aspect of my College Program experience was definitely a highlight of the experience. I can't wait to go back to a Disney park and experience a magical moment, especially from the custodial/show-keeping staff!!

I know this has nothing to do with "music editing" or "film". But it was and is an exciting thing to reminisce and talk about. Good times, for sure!

I'm not going to lie, I told a little white lie! Hehe *chuckles*. Now, I do promise you that I will continue in detail (in my next post) about what exactly is in this 'communications' field in the Walt Disney World corporation (all the options, elements, examples, etc.), as far as a Professional Internship goes!!

Take er' easy and have a good one! :)

Peace.

The Magical, Wonderful World of: Disney?! Yes!

So I bet you're asking yourself, Disney? Isn't this a little off topic? What does Disney World have to do with film, broadcasting, or general electronic media?!

Well, do I have an answer for you!

*chuckles like Goofy* Well, I can tell you, I am not the most educated or knowledgeable person when it comes to Disney information (like everything that surrounds and involves all the magical elements of Disney). But! I did get the wonderful opportunity, to work there last Fall!

Yes, that's right! Through Delta College, I signed up for a four-month internship with Walt Disney World last Fall of '07. I applied, had a phone interview, and got accepted! I was chosen to be a, "show keeper", which is the same as to say, a custodian!

At first, I was slightly apprehensive about their decision (because I wasn't exactly sure how promising and 'fun' this certain job would entail). Boy was I surprised and amazed by the amount of fun and great people skills I would experience and gain!!

I worked at the formally known, "Disney's MGM Studios" (now known as "Disney's Hollywood Studios". I walked around the park, picked up spills, trash, did trash runs, cleaned bathrooms and basically, made people happy. Genuinely good times! Talked to people from around the world, and one of my favorite things to do: *Magical Moments!

*Will go in to further detail later, about what exactly these "Magical Moments" are all about!

Anyway, the point of this post is to explain the fact that not only is this a great opportunity for college students (and high school graduates), but also for people looking to get involved with the Disney corporation professionally. This is why, Disney has also created, Professional Internships.

Since I have already experienced and completed the "College Program", I am seriously thinking of moving back down to Florida and experiencing a "Professional Internship".

Professional Internships go more in depth with individuals participating. They focus in on actual careers and professional jobs that relate and interest people that want to go in to certain areas.

This is why I am considering doing this internship, because they have a professional internship option of, *"Communications"!!

*I will continue in detail (in my next post) about what exactly is in this 'communications' field in the Walt Disney World corporation (all the options, elements, examples, etc.)!!

This is a bright opportunity for my future, and I just might take this option!

So, we'll see!
(can't wait to talk more about it!)!

Till' next time, see ya!!! :)

Peace.

The Future - Dreams (goals)!

Ah yes, the future!!

Such an optimistic topic to dwell (or should I say look forward too) on! Especially for aspiring community college students (*wink*wink*), what a subject to think and meditate about.

So many options, so many choices, so many opportunities to explore, experience, and endure?!

For some, the future looks bright - full of great options and opportunities for a future in a career that you are actually interested in.

For others, the future is not a reality yet. Full of cloudy doubt and blank confusion. There are, in fact opportunities, alas, none look bright or optimistic.

You may ask yourself, a career? Work at job that I can love, mostly all the time, and be interested to explore and continue to pursue that line of work, all the time?

This may be a difficult one to ponder, well - not so much for me (*smiles brightly*)!!

Now, this is where my dreams come in!

As I had mentioned in my last post, I want to become a music video producer and or director! Which, hopefully would include, editing the video (as part of the producer's tasks!)!

Another dream of mine, I think this is a larger one, is to become a, "music editor"!
Where I actually put the music or soundtrack in to a film or major motion picture.
It would be my job, I would be the man, picking the music (mine or someone else's), and deciding at certain points in the film, to add them to the mix or piece. Creating my own music live, or just for the movie itself is even another dream!

So not only am I in to film and film-making, but also audio engineering and (a field or a Degree Program that I would love to major and get a degree in) Recording Arts!! A University in Florida named, "Full Sail" specializes in these fields of interest. Everything from Computer Animation and Game Development, to Film and Graphic Design, to Digital Arts & Design to the Entertainment Business (to other fields and degrees that interest me more, like), Recording Arts (which in Recording Arts, is the career path of a 'Music Editor'!) and the Music Business! As you can see, many choices to choose from! Many options in the field of media and digital media (Electronic Media).

As I explained in my last post, I am still attending Delta right now, and am getting my degree in Electronic Media Broadcasting (and actually planning on transferring to either CMU or Ferris). Once I arrive at a University (if I choose to do so), I will then strive to earn a bachelor's in either Broadcasting or Electronic Media Broadcasting. Through this curriculum and the courses inside it (at Delta College), I have and was able to gain even more knowledge and experience in the electronic/television film field/industry. I love hands on work, and these experiences gave me that! These courses at Delta have broadened my horizon about TV and film-making and have helped me focus in on what I really want to do as a future career.

I am definitely still looking in to whether I will actually attend this Full Sail University in Florida (it is VERY pricey, therefore, not only do they want your commitment and motivation to work for your degree, you have to HAVE that commitment and motivation in order to EARN your degree (whether it be an Associates, Bachelor's or Master's!)).

There is also a possibility of returning back to Orlando, Florida to continue an internship with Disney! This would most likely be after I receive my degree from Delta!! I will get in to more detail about my experiences with Disney in the next post.

So, many options, many paths to (possibly) take, many opportunities to pursue!

I am optimistic.
The future excites me (considering I also have a beautiful and lovely girlfriend)! :D
I am following my dreams, and hopefully, reaching and achieving my goals!!

Word! :)

Take care and have a good one.

Buh-bye for now!

Peace.

Final Cut Studio

Aloha!

Now, on to video editing!!

Film is a great entity. One of my favorite types of media (television, movies, YouTube, Blu-Ray Disc, making/producing my own films/videos - subjects surrounding film). I simply, love it!!!

In a book entitled, "Understanding the Film - An Introduction to Film Appreciation", I found an interesting description of 'film'. The author(s) state that film is more than just moving pictures on the screen of your local cinema. It is, communication.

As discussed in my last post, I talked a little about film and video editing. In that topic, I did happen to mention the movie/video editing program (found 'proudly' on a Mac/Apple computer), entitled, "Final Cut Studio" (additional general info. here)!!

This program is what I will be discussing throughout this blog post!
Let me tell you, I am definitely glad I discovered this wonderfully crafty and user friendly video editing software (I am also glad that I get to talk about it with you guys, through this blog!)!



(the latest version of Final Cut)

Let me start from the beginning...

When I was about eleven years old, my mother bought the family our first "hand-held - Sony - CamCorder". At first, I was a little apprehensive about what exactly this electronic device did. Keep in mind though, that I had always been fascinated with electronic things (this includes, Electronic Music!)

I picked that device up, and went at it! Just played with all its features and buttons and did not stop recording just random things. This process of recording random things (with my friends included), for the purpose of humor, continued to about the 11th grade. My friends and I, in our spare time (which now seems like a lot of time, lol) would just record ourselves doing random things or recording other 'random'ness' outside our houses... A lot of fun random humor!!

It was that same year at Dow High School in Midland that I picked up the class, Video Communications. This sounded interesting and it really was. I got to experience and even direct live television on Midland's local channel network, "MCTV Station". Plus make my own independent pieces of film work such as:

1. A music video (which by the way, it is one of my "dream's" to become a producer/director of music videos)!
2. News feature
3. How-to Demonstration video
4. A commercial
5. Even a re-creation of an episode of some sitcom or show (my team made a re-creation of a skit from, "Saved By the Bell" - guess who I was... That's right, Screech!)!

Anyway, enough about that side note! After this class, I experienced many Electronic Media Broadcasting classes through Delta College. I am still attending Delta right now, and am getting my degree in Electronic Media Broadcasting (and actually planning on transferring to either CMU or Ferris). Through this curriculum and the courses inside it, I have and was able to gain even more knowledge and experience in the electronic/television film field/industry. I love hands on work, and these experiences gave me that! These courses at Delta have broadened my horizon about TV and film-making and helped me focus in on what I really want to do as a future career.

Alas, this is how I got interested in the field of film. Thus, gracefully leading me to the 'powerhouse' video-production software.

I will follow up with more information about this wonderful piece of software in a later post. To generally speak about the aspects/elements/features of this program. Simple and other effects found are things, such as:

• General cutting, fading of volume and the fade effect of video
• Overlaying
• Adding more than four different clips of video on top of each other
• Special effects that deliver many options for the user. Like - fades, titling, mapping, color distortion or altering
• Adding mp3 and other music file types in to the mix - to compile a music video that is simply, perfection
• Etc.

These, including much much more - are what make this program, choice!!

I highly recommend that you purchase (I do not condone downloading) this program or software. If you are serious about film-making or just enjoy making home movies - you will be able to produce top-of-the-line pieces of work that will look, basically professional. Keep in mind though, that practice makes perfect and gaining experience with the program will allow the user to produce his/her best work!

For sure! Keep in mind, producers and film-makers of the, "Lord of the Rings" movies edited their movies/films with Final Cut Studio!! These people aren't the only ones who have used this software, in Hollywood (professionally) to edit and produce films!!!

Cool stuff!

Till' next time, Peace!!

Dan

Fruity Loops Studio 7

Hello - dear fellow viewer,

I am here with an interesting subject concerning music editing. Further in this topic comes music production and putting music in to movies or films.

This subject is surrounding the continuously growing music production program entitled: "Fruity Loops Studio 7".

I have used and witnessed this program being in use by one of my closest friends. Ever since the age of 17 and since Fruity Loops Studio 4, my friend Sean has dabbled inside this wonderfully interesting and complex music-making program!
Though, I shouldn't say "dabbled", I should really say, "produced"!

He has produced and composed many songs, containing various sub-genres of Electronic Music, with different kinds of sounds, textures and elements in the mix.

His songs have gotten his artist name signed to large labels and have made their way to world-renowned albums (all from using the program, FL Studio 5, 6 and 7)!

Altogether, I'd say he has produced between 75 to 100 different songs. Sub-genres (of Electronic Music) such as:

• Ambient/Down-tempo
• Hardcore/UK Hardcore to Happy Hardcore
• Hip-hop/Rap
• House
• Progressive Electro Tech-House

This program allows him and other users to alter beats, instruments, synths and other various noises and sounds. The feature that I love the most about this program has to be the fact that you can import VST (which stands for Virtual Studio Technology). VST (according to Wikipedia.org) is an interface for integrating software audio synthesizer and effect plugins with audio editors and hard-disk recording systems. VST and similar technologies use Digital Signal Processing to simulate traditional recording studio hardware with software. Thousands of plugins exist and VST is supported by a large number of audio applications. The technology can be licensed from its creator, Steinberg.

The thing I love about this feature is the synths that you can purchase (or download) and freely import in to the program to use at your free will. You can use the features, buttons and knobs within FL to alter and mess with the sounds of the synths to your liking! Another feature I'm sure all avid "Fruity" users would agree on (loving to use), is EQ'ing! This is used usually when you have completed a song and now you want to master the sound. Mastering means to make it sound... All pretty, basically! The EQ feature allows you to tweak the bass, middle and treble, as well as the various highs and lows of the songs (whether it be the pitches of the sounds, or the notes played out in the song).

(btw, a little disclaimer, don't bash me or come down on my lack of knowledge! This is because I am really not an avid Fruity user! I really do lack knowledge about most of the aspects and elements of the program!)

Yes, I have heard many users call this program now, "Fruity" 6 or the latest version, 7!
So yes, that was a little tid-bit about my great friend and producer Sean!

I thought with my overall topic of music editing & film. This definitely falls in to the music editing film. Although, it's very cool with Fruity, you can actually (after mastering the track or song), convert the final file type in to a mp3 file. Just export that bugger in to a mp3 format and there ya go! Now that you have an mp3 of your song, this is a perfect opportunity to apply your own music to a film or movie that you may be making or producing!

I am an avid Mac user (bring on the love, you haters!! lol.), and I enjoy editing my own short films and fun lil' movies. With my Mac, I use the program entitled, "Final Cut Pro". This is a very strategic (and full of awesome features and effects), but actually very easy program to get used to. With the possible music I can make with Fruity, I can easily "import" these mp3 file songs in to Final Cut Pro and use them for whatever reason I would like (if it be for background noise or for a music video)!!

Interesting stuff! As Borat would say, "I like!!!"

Here's a lil' pic to give you a bit of an idea of what FL Studio 7 looks like (mostly the box, haha!! You get an idea, word!)!



Anyway, I think that is all for now!

Take er' easy and keep it real(z)!!

Until next time, Peace!!!