Funny Things My Professors Say

“5 o’clock in the morning is not meant for humans.”  -Dr. Carroll

Michael Jackson: Thoughts

So as you probably have heard (unless you live under a rock somewhere) that Michael Jackson has died.  The “King of Pop” is no more.  His untimely death came as a shock to everyone, unlike the late Farrah Fawcett, who had been battling cancer for years.  While I admit this was a tragedy to the music industry, I think it has become blown completely out of proportion.

As I  sat at work yesterday, I watched CNN (its always playing on a TV near our office).  The reporters of CNN were exclusively covering the breaking news of Michael’s death.  As time went on, however, the story did not change.  For hours the same set of basic facts and condolences looped and looped.  No other news story was covered or even mentioned for hours.  No talk of the economy, war, healthcare reform, or any other major pressing issue.  As I turned on the local news when I got home, I was confronted with the same ‘newscast’.  As I watched, innocent people were being killed in Iranian riots.  North Korea threatens us with nuclear attack.  Where are these stories?  Where is the actual news that really matters?  While Jackson’s  is certainly saddening, does it deserve to drown out every other problem facing the American people?  I think not.

Michael Jackson’s musical legacy will live on forever in the music and culture that he helped create.  His influence on the musical world will always be felt.  But there are more important matters on hand.  Agree?  Disagree?  Let me know about it in the comments.

Idea: Wireless Cameras

Here is an idea that I think would do really well in today’s electronics market: wireless cameras.  Imagine if your digital camera were equipped with a wireless or Bluetooth transmitter that could send all of your photos and videos directly to your laptop or otherwise wireless capable devices.  It would eliminate the need for the clumsy cables necessary for data transmission from your current camera.

This could work.

Plus, this technology opens up entire new possibilities that digital cameras have never been able to do before.  Imagine being in a room with your spiffy new wireless-equipped camera.  Imagine further another person with the same technology.  Now, you can both share pictures wirelessly with one another and anyone else in the room with the same capabilities.  File transfer would have to be voluntary, that way you don’t have people connecting to and randomly taking pictures from your camera.
This idea also has applications in professional photography.  Think of a sporting event or press conference, filled with hundreds of photographers.  They can all take photos while streaming their images to a central location, where they can be received, edited and distributed even faster than ever before.

This technology cannot be that hard to implement.  Cell , phones have the same functionality, and are in some cases even smaller than most digital cameras.  The addition or transmitters would not drastically increase the size of even the slimmest pocket digital camera.  It would be completely unnoticeable in larger DSLR cameras.

With the seemingly limitless possibilities that come with wireless transmitting cameras, I think this technology is long overdue.  Not only would it bee convenient, but incredibly productive as well.  I hope to see something like this is the future of mainstream digital cameras.

Album Review: Octaherdon

Yesterday was the release of The Mars Volta’s 5th studio album, Octahedron.  I have been a long time fan of The Mars Volta since the release of their first album, Deloused in the Comatorium.  Their style of music is  one that defines genres and labels.  It is creative, progressive, and thought provoking.  A Mars Volta  album is a trip through both time and space.  The songs can range from heavy progressive rock to smooth, sexy Latin rhythms to electronic sounds that defy description .  Their style is unmatched by any other band currently on the scene today.  The newest installment to their musical career is another testament to their unique style and take on music.

Octahedron Album Cover

I first learned of Octahedron in an unexpected place: public radio.  Mars Volta are usually incredibly diverse in both song structure and sound, and do not lend themselves easily to radio airtime.  Most of their songs last well beyond five minutes, oftentimes with long instrumental interludes.  This is exactly the kind of music that is not often played on the radio.  In fact, I have only ever heard one other song from The Mars Volta broadcast on normal radio, which was The Widow, from their second album, Francis the Mute.  Despite this, however, I found myself surprised and enthralled on my drive home from work, listening to The Mars Volta on the radio.  The track playing was Since We’ve Been Wrong, the first track and first American single from Octahedron.   This song had all the trademark sounds that I have grown to love from The Mars Volta: eerie rhythm guitars, effect laden leads, and Cedric Bixler-Zavala’s charismatic, far ranging vocals.  This song was a bit more mainstream than many of their earlier works.  This is a trend that follows throughout the entire album.  Many of the songs seem more structured and easy to follow.   The album is not as laden with the time signature changes, multiple languages, and strange instrumentals that can be found on the previous four albums.  It seems a little more subdued that previous albums.  The band has gone on record saying that this album is in their minds an acoustic album.  From lead singer Zavala:

“We know how people can be so linear in their way of thinking, so when they hear the new album, they’re going to say, ‘This is not an acoustic album! There’s electricity throughout it!’ But it’s our version. That’s what our band does — celebrate mutations. It’s our version of what we consider an acoustic album.”

This subtle change in musical style does not correlate to a drop in the quality of the music itself.  While a little more laid back, this album stays true to The Mars Volta’s progressive view of music.  It explores fascinating ideas and places with both its lyrics and music.  Throughout the entirely of the album, the listener is treated to an experience that only The Mars Volta can bring.  This album is truly amazing, and has been on repeat ever since I put it in my computer (I am even listening to it as I type this).  I am truly pleased with the overall effect of the album and look forward to hearing what I hope are many more albums to come from this truly unique band.  If you are a Mars Volta fan, this album is a must have.  If you have never listened to The Mars Volta before, I highly suggest this album.  It is a well welcomed break from mainstream songs that lack the creativity, originality, and inspiration that are key to great music.  You will not be disappointed.

At a Glance: Octahedron

Today was the official release of The Mars Volta’s new album, Octahedron. I have been a long time fan of The Mars Volta, and am enthralled by their work. This album did not disappoint. I’ll give you my full review tomorrow, but if you are into The Mars Volta (or great music in general) I definitely suggest purchase this album. It is well worth the listen.

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I’m starting this blog to chronicle my projects, thoughts, and musings.  A project of this sort is long overdue, and I am glad to finally be able to undertake it.  Hopefully I will also be able to recieve some feedback (be it positive or negative) to know what the rest of the world thinks of what I’m up to.  So comment it up, and let me know what you think!

You can also drop me a line at http://www.facebook.com/ChrisHale.