Pimp Your Stuff Thursday

[filkertom]

Whole lotta diverse this week:

• Tomorrow, and all weekend, is ConClave in Romulus, MI, just north of Detroit Metro Airport. Lovely little con, lots of friends. My concert is at 3:00 p.m. Saturday. You should be there at 1:30, though, because Juanita Coulson has been in excellent form lately. Also performing this weekend: msminir, billroper, markbernstein, bedlamhouse and ladyat, peteralway, Howard Scrimgeour... and we haven't even discussed the many artists and writers and generally cool people in attendance as well. It's our annual block party -- come on down!
• I'm getting really sick of this people-I-love-losing-their-homes riff. If anyone has some advice or assistance for folkmew, we'd all appreciate it.
• In a similar vein, legendary comic artist Steve Rude is in danger of losing his home. So he's selling original art.
• Speaking of comics, Imagine if Avatar: The Last Airbender was a roleplaying campaign played by a group of teenaged misfits. Now imagine if someone made a comic about it. I'm not sure how often dicebender is gonna update, but it's a fun beginning.
• Misfits. We are all misfits at one point or another in our lives. And it truly sucks that some people feel it necessary to hound misfits unto death. Literally. Dan Savage has been spearheading the It Gets Better Project, a series of videos to remind gay youths (and pretty much all teenagers, really) to hang in there, to not give in to defeat or despair or intimidation or harassment, because things really do get better. (and extra hugs to invader_tak_1.)
• On a much lighter note, Facebook has begun rolling out a feature to download your information, including photos, videos and such.
• Earlier this year, I was fortunate enough to see the Stratford Festival's production of Shakespeare's The Tempest, starring Christopher Plummer as Prospero. Well, minerva_fan aims us to the trailer for Julie Taymor's version, starring Helen Mirren as Prospera.
• Shifting gears completely, several musical software freebies: DSK's free orchestra VSTi, Overture (and, really, you should check out all their stuff, it's generally very high quality and all free); platinumears' FL4TT3RY compressor and other plug-ins; and Sonimus' SonEQ v1.0. The page is in Spanish, but you can easily download the plug-in at the link that says, "Descargar SonEQ v1.0 | Mirror", and get the info from the page in English here.

Ready... set... Pimp Your Stuff!

Comments

[ladyskada.livejournal.com]

The Fixit Program is a NH program that has been running for years. They help seniors and the disabled to remain in their homes by utilizing volunteers to do small home repairs, yard work, etc.
But now the program is in danger of closing after over ten years. Their last big sponsor has pulled almost all of the way out due to the economy.
Please. Take the less than 5 minutes needed. Vote for this program. Then boost the signal and pass it on.



http://www.refresheverything.com/fixitprogramnh

[rowangolightly.livejournal.com]

Done and reposting to help boost the signal.

[ladyskada.livejournal.com]

Thank you so much! I know it's shameless to beg, but I'd hate to see this program have to close.

[rowangolightly.livejournal.com]

I didn't know there was such a program; it's a fabulous idea and should be saved. You're not begging; you're networking.

[delazan.livejournal.com]

I think Savage's "It Gets Better" campaign is amazing, and I'd like to contribute because I tried to commit suicide. The problem is that I'm heterosexual. I just sent him a (lengthy) e-mail asking if he wouldn't mind a contribution from me. I'm glad you post about it, too, to spread the word.
-L.

[filkertom.livejournal.com]

Hey, I'm straight, too. I'm against bullying. And making people I like feel miserable, feel lesser because they're not the same as others. Every single one of us is unlike everyone else.

[alverant.livejournal.com]

I'm glad you failed.

I knew several people who succeeded. One was upset about being bullied about being too skinny (and being a large person I just don't get that). Another was from my Boy Scout troop who was on drugs and shot himself.

I don't think he'd mind. We're all looking for acceptance and few things show acceptance than offering to help someone else when you're not gaining from it.

[cluegirl.livejournal.com]

StrowlerCon! (http://www.strowlers.com/events/strowlercon)
Boston area! This weekend!

I'm the performer coordinator, so I'm the one who has to explain it to the performers if we don't get enough paying tickets through the door to properly compensate them for their time and trouble.

That said, a lot of people have been busting serious arse to make this a fantastic show, and now all we need is feet through the door to make everyone come out shiny.

In other words, I need all the Shillin' I can get!

[rowangolightly.livejournal.com]

I was at StrowlerFest and had a BLAST. Wish I could make it but the distance prevents. I hope you have a huge turnout!

[ladyskada.livejournal.com]

Nice! Not too far from NH. Should be able to make it. I'll spread the word.

[filkertom.livejournal.com]

[hugs] How ya doin', Clue? Ladies and gents, this here is one of the nicest people, and most creative Harry Potter fans, it's ever been my pleasure to be associated with, however obliquely. ;)

[cluegirl.livejournal.com]

Hiya! I'm stressed and giddy, as you'd expect, being this close to Go Live on the con. But there's not nearly as much genuine, outside-source stress as I'd expected the last two days to contain, so I must be doing SOMEthing right. Nobody's on fire yet!

New song of the week

[solarbird]

Over on my LJ, westrider commented that "Hide from Me," this week's newly uploaded song, "really felt 'Metal' to me." He said there is "serious edge on that piece," which I stripped down to almost nothing more than a mandolin played with axes and razors and percussion that sounds like a body being bludgeoned. Enjoy: Play "Hide from Me" at the CFoE band site, or at Bandcamp.

Separately, cluegirl is calling right above me. Go StrowlerCon!

[ashnistrike.livejournal.com]

I've seen mention of We've Got Your Back, which is It Gets Better for those who'd rather write something than make a video, but can't find it now. If anyone knows where the original post is, I'd appreciate the link.

Timelines (http://www.amazon.com/Timelines-Stories-Inspired-Wells-Machine/dp/0973483733), an anthology of stories inspired by H.G. Well's "The Time Machine," is out. I have a story in it! I just got my copy yesterday and haven't had a chance to do more than scan, but the stories all look delightfully steampunky.

[shockwave77598.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the link to DSKmusic. I'll try a couple of their VSTs tonight.

[filkertom.livejournal.com]

I can vouch in particular for their Brass, Guitars, and OranZe. And Overture sounds superb -- can't wait to play with that in detail.

Luke Ski Update - October 6th, 2010

[lukeski.livejournal.com]

So, this happened:

Thank you to everyone out there who sent all the congratulatory messages to myself and Sara. :) It was a great day, and we are very happy. To show you a slice of the decorations from the reception, here's the "My Favorite Part" Wedding Centerpiece Art Quiz! Can you name all the films / TV shows depicted? http://lukeski.livejournal.com/642732.html

- LUKE & CARRIE'S BAD RAPPORT
Since my last email update, 2 new episodes have been posted:

Episode #024 – No Farting On My Podcast
So, you know how for every episode I write a thing here where I joke about how bad the episode is? Well, this time, it’s that, minus the usual show preparation. You know, the outline planning, the News of the Stupid joke writing, all the stuff that makes our show tolerable? All of that went bye-bye this week, because I am too busy preparing for my wedding which is in 4 days. Speaking of which, the comedy music tracks we play on this week’s show which are by Digital Underground, Brak, Adam Sandler, and Worm Quartet are 4 songs that I’d like to play at the wedding ceremony or reception, but would be deemed inappropriate by anyone with an ounce of intelligence. Our good friend Ken “Madman” Sherlock joined us for this Skyped episode, with occasional cameos by Carrie’s flatulent husband Josh, and my soon-to-be-wife, the very lovely smelling Sara. The good news, at 1 hour and 23 minutes, it’s one of our shortest episodes ever. Thank God for small miracles.

Episode #025 – GROOMSDAY
If I weren’t so aversed to having long episode titles, I would have named this episode “Luke Talks About His Wedding For Two And A Half Frakking Hours”. This one came in at 2:29, our longest regular episode ever (and only 3 minutes shy of beating the special CdSW/LOST episode). So, you know how weddings are all long and boring? Well, now you can recreate that yourself in the privacy of wherever the Hell you are by listening to this podcast in which Luke drones on and on about every minute detail of his wedding, reception, honeymoon, and Archon. Carrie also exists, and occasionally says things, and we do another very phoned-in News of the Stupid (We promise to get back on our A-game by our next episode, when we’ll be celebrating the 1st Anniversary of Bad Rapport). This episode also has cameo appearances by 13 different dementia personalities, and music and such by Rob Balder & Tom Smith, Chris Mezzolesta of Power Salad, Luke Ski, Monty Python’s Spamalot, and more. I hope that all makes it something you can stand listening to. Oh, and Sara Trice is my wife now, she was the bride in that whole wedding dealy. Dig that, huh?

You can listen, download, and/or subscribe at http://badrapport.com

- THE DR. DEMENTO SHOW!

Listen to the show online at: http://drdemento.com/online.html Last week's episode was an all "STAR TREK" Episode, where he played 2 hours of the most classic Star Trek comedy ever recorded, including 4 tracks by yours truly! Available right now! And coming this Saturday will be DR. DEMENTO'S 40TH ANNIVERSARY EPISODE! An epic 2 1/2 hour walk through the history of the show, full of classic tracks and anniversary greetings from his current crop of artists! Just go to his website this Saturday morning, October 9th. And be sure to tell your friends online about it!

- THE FUNNY MUSIC PODCAST
http://feeds.feedburner.com/funnymusic

Devo Spice and Luke Ski interview the artists who posted songs on the FuMP the past week. Our latest episodes are:
Episode 14 with Insane Ian and Steve Goodie
Episode 15 with Jesse Smith and TV's Kyle
Episode 16 with Seamonkey and Chris Mezzolesta of Power Salad

CON ON THE COB 2011
http://www.cononthecob.com/music.html
Clarion Hotel & Conference Center - Hudson, OH (Akron area)
October 14-17, 2010

I’ll be performing there as a part of the Comedy Music Extravagasm, run by ShoEboX of Worm Quartet, featuring Music Guest Of Honor Norm Sherman of Drabblecast. Also performing that weekend: Max DeGroot, Power Salad, Rob Balder, Positive Attitude, Worm Quartet, Soggy Potato Chips, Carrie Dahlby, 19 Action News, Nuclear Bubble Wrap, Devo Spice, Derwood Bowen III, & Cirque du So What?

[pandoradeloeste.livejournal.com]

I'm a little annoyed at the It Gets Better project. It's a good start, but holy moly is it privileged and condescending, and (I realize this is not Dan Savage's fault) I really want all the publicity this is getting to get redirected towards something that stops bullying. It reminds me of all those PSAs directed towards women supposedly meant to stop sexual assault (learn self-defense, go out in groups, don't wear short skirts, etc) that shift the onus for not getting attacked back onto women, when we really ought to be focusing on teaching people not to rape.

[batyatoon]

Unless and until you can guarantee 100% success in stopping bullying -- or rape, for that matter -- there needs to also be support for their victims. It's not as though there's only a finite amount of attention for bullying (or indeed rape) and any publicity for helping the victims has to be subtracted from publicity for stopping the perpetrators.

And as advice for survival goes, "don't go out alone or wear short skirts" is hardly analogous to "don't lose all hope". The former says you're doing something wrong, and that's why you may be / are being victimized. The latter says you are being victimized, and that's awful and it hurts, but it won't keep happening your whole life. I don't see the parallel.

[pandoradeloeste.livejournal.com]

You're right, bad analogy and logic. If I might try again:

I see the It Gets Better project getting a lot of attention, and this is a good start. I would like to see our efforts go further and an equal amount of attention being given towards efforts to actually stop the bullying in the first place. Aside from some reports on NPR, I haven't seen much that addresses bullying (or at least not with the same visibility).

In the absence of a program that discourages bullying, something like It Gets Better puts the onus of surviving periods of bullying back onto the victims, which makes me very uncomfortable. Saying to someone who is hurting now that it might get better in the future when they move away* is really not so helpful.

Some people have said that if they'd had a campaign similar to this one around when they were younger and being bullied, it would have helped them. I don't want to discount their experiences, but I know that when I was bullied I have had people tell me that it wouldn't last forever (with the subtext of "suck it up, walk it off, tough it out", etc) and it actually made me feel crappier. It meant my parents and teachers didn't want to bother making the bullying that was affecting my life now go away.

* This was the tenor of the two videos I've seen (Dan Savage and NPH)

tl;dr version: good start, it's got its problems, let's add a "stop bullying people, you asshole" component.

(Actually, that would be pretty cool - get some badass people like Gina Torres and Edward James Olmos and Kiefer Sutherland to record videos telling people to stop being assholes and making other people's lives difficult just because they're different.)

[alverant.livejournal.com]

"Saying to someone who is hurting now that it might get better in the future when they move away is really not so helpful"

I have to disagree. What got me through being bullied was the knowledge that it would get better. That one day it would end and I would move on to better things and they will live a life a mediocrity at best. And I was right. Some of the people who teased me in jr.high are now losers with no ambition beyond rooting for their sports team. Others have been arrested and spent time in prison for violent offenses. One went into the military and apologized for what he did at the 10 year reunion.

So yes, knowing that one day it will end does give some strength to move on. It's as they say, "Living well is the best revenge."

[alverant.livejournal.com]

I will continue to pimp out DucKon (http://www.duckon.org) for the SEO.

I'm also going to plug my company's magazine Connected World Magazine (http://www.connectedworldmag.com/) for anyone interested in internet enabled technologies and trends in such devices. If you subscribe to the magazine, put Jason into one of the fields so they'll know it's from me.

Finally I want to give a shout out to the Renaissance Festival Podcast (http://renaissancefestivalmusic.com/).

Hey Tom, why isn't there a podcast for filking?

Short Story Contest win!

[wyld-dandelyon.livejournal.com]

Oh, I wish I could go to Conclave. Or Strowlercon. (Or both).

My news is that my story, Harp of Feathers, won the first Torn World short story contest - the contest theme was musical instruments. You can read it here: http://bit.ly/cVz2sq

[antinomic.livejournal.com]

I wonder what it would be like not to be a misfit?

And at 58, I doubt I'm ever going to fit. Thankfully, I have misfit friends. So I do fit, within that group. Now I'm getting confused.

[bogdanoj.livejournal.com]

Спасибо большое за информацию, было полезно почитать. Стал искать такую информацию после прочтения такой же информации на сайте легальные смеси (http://www.all-legal-mix.ru/).
Советую ознакомиться, может понравится и вам.