friday

Used to have it Rewired into Cubase SX3 but just upgraded to 5.1 and haven't got round to doing it yet...btw, PM if you want to find out more about 5.1 mate... ;) Apologies for the hijack! I agree with Slowhand...it's essential to get a good grounding in playing the acoustic guitar as it'll pay dividends in the long term...HOWEVER...you've got to keep it interesting else you won't want to play at all so having a bash on an electric, making the most God-awful noises known to man, is to be positively encouraged! :D I'm entirely self-taught (been playing since I was 15) and that has it's good and bad points...I have a very distinctive, angular style, very unlike the "norm" which is great from a song writing point of view as it makes a lot of my stuff a bit different but I've picked up a lot of bad habits and technically I'm not great...for example I do a 5 note run and my fingers fall off! :D If you're going down the self taught route I'd suggest buying some good DVD guitar tutorials :)

Amplitude is my current DAW guitar effects unit of choice (with iZotopeTrash coming in second...if it's good enough for Butch Vig it's good enough for me ;)). One of the main fuzz effects that will be featuring on the next album I made from scratch using Amplitude 2...it's sounds naaaaasty... :wack: :D

Good on ya. Ignore the naysayers. Pics when it's done please! :D ;)

Sorry man, got to disagree with you on that one :) Will take a look at Avast though ;)

http://www.eset.co.uk/promotions/antivirus?gclid=CP680Mbz2J0CFU0B4wodpVVzrQ :)

I used to. I found it good but very bloated. I switched to Eset Nod32 and haven't looked back. Literally THE best anti-virus software on the market. It's so stream-lined I can even run it on my DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) while running Cubase+a myriad of audio plug-ins without causing glitches, crashes etc even when recording, which is pretty much unheard of with anything else. It's also incredibly customisable, something which is a priority for me. I definately recommend it.

LMAO! :slap: :D ;) :rofl:

lol! Don't tempt me...I could use a new computer!:rofl: Cheers for the replies guys. As far as the numeric keypad is concerned if push really did come to shove I guess I could buy her an external USB keypad for when she needs it? Not ideal but I imagine it could widen the selection a bit... I've just been recommended another Acer unit, one from their 2008 range: http://www.buygreendot.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=1400 http://www.trustedreviews.com/laptops/review/2008/07/17/Acer-Aspire-8920G-18-4in-Blu-ray-Notebook/p1 ...and I have to say it looks pretty impressive. Full HD, 16:9 ratio, Blu Ray player...and a numeric keypad (! :wack:) and all for about £400! The new model, the 8930G is apparently out now but is coming in at about £720-800 :( Mind you, although there's no way we could afford that, I "could" put it to my other half that if she could somehow kick in some cash we might just be able to do it between her, me and the folks...it's not ideal as it would spoil the suprise but if the newer model is worth it (or if there's another model that might be better?) then maybe it should be an option? Hmmmm....

Really don't know what's best to go for. I know she's been wanting one for ages but hasn't said much as she knows we're saving, however, I've had a word with my folks and we're going to go halves on one for her birthday/Christmas pressie :) She doesn't really want it for games, more just to use the internet, watch movies (ideally blu ray movies if that's not going to throw our budget!), listen to music and do the accounts on. I know her only major pre-requisites are, if possible, that it should have a large screen (maybe a wide-screen?) and have a numeric keypad on the right hand side as you'd find on a normal keyboard (which seems daft but she touch-types the accounts and is used to using one! :)). Really could use your help guys as to what model to go for and where best to get it from as I'm clueless when it comes to laptops! We can go up to £500 (possibly a touch more...but just a touch!) on this one. Thanks in advance! :) Leigh.

The other half and I are massive fans and have been for years...the guy is a Goddamn genius. Seeing him live at his last show in the UK in Birmingham on Halloween before he flies out to Oz...it's going to "SO--FV--CKIN--ROCK"! :D :D :D

Spectacular seems apt! The CGI definately seem to have pulled out all the stops with this one.

Saw the one that comes up when you open the film site...it looks pretty damn spectacular...mind you, I laughed out loud at the air-lifted giraffe! :D :D :D

Annnd now I know why the first site looks so professional...it's a viral site for the film! :D Looks like it's going to be an effect extravaganza...let's just hope the story and the acting doesn't take second place!

Ahhh, that old chestnut :D BTW, more than slightly off topic but, Re: Stacy...she's currently in LA shooting er...rather naughty videos, so I'll be able to press her about the proposed shoot more when she returns...so to speak ;)

But why 2012?? Absokutely love the site...it looks like something from the Dharma Initiative. Complete hokum of course but you've got to admire the work they've put into getting just the right air of calm doom-mongery! But, back to my original point...why 2012!?! Is it an arbitrary date picked at random or is there a particular reason why? Please tell me it's not the whole Aztec calendar end date thing again...Anyway, my money's on the "grey goo" ending. Google it or Wiki it, then hide under the nearest blanket :D ;)

Hey Mat, decided to take a break from recording and sat down to have a proper look through your Flickr album that I'd started to go through before when we last spoke. I cannot stress this enough...I LOVE your experimentation with light techniques! Genuinely bowled over by some of the shots chap...so much so it's giving me a LOT of food for thought regarding the artwork for the next album and other forthcoming releases. It's a way off yet but, it's something you'd be interested in, I'd love to talk to you more about the possibility of a collaboration. With my background in art, photography and music I enjoy blurring the accepted boundaries between them...e.g. my original idea for the launch of our first album was to curate an art exhibition of video art shot by up and coming Birmingham artists, loosely based on tracks from the album. Unfortunately, due to time constraints and people dropping out, it had to be shelved...but it's something I'd like to pursue in the future...and the idea of a cross-over music/art exhibition that features live performance, audio and an exhibition of photographs in a well-known art space (such as the ultra hip Custard Factory Gallery in Birmingham) keeps banging round my head after seeing your work. Honestly mate, some of your photos are inspirational and I'd genuinely like to discuss it further with you sometime if it's an idea that might float your boat! :) Apologies to Bigman for going WAY off topic! ;)

But isn't it fairly obvious that this is not what the Roadhawk is for? There are plenty of products out there that will do that particular job already. :)

Been in that garage down by Portway many a time as it's a car sales place as well which, at least until a few years ago anyway (haven't been in for about 2-3 years) specialised in classics and exotics. Was seriously considering buying a 25th anniversary model Corvette from them before I settled on the Z. I also know the stretch of road they went down as it used to be referred to as the "Test Track" by some old mates of mine! I am liking that Roadhawk tech a LOT. Need to read up a bit more about it particularly if it only activates when the vehicle is in motion...in other words, if you take your car into be serviced/repaired at a place you're not sure of, can it record while it's being worked on? You won't see a helluva lot if you've only got the forward facing camera with the bonnet up but, as it appears to record audio, you might be able to pick up whats being said...which could prove enlightening ;)

Thanks for the kind words all. I hate having to admit defeat over anything but health-wise I'm in a very different place now than I was when I first started. I don't mind people knowing that I've got severe Crohns disease as it's very much a part of me and has made me the person I am today (so in a very weird and twisted way I'm not sure I'd have my life any other way!). Unfortunately over the years it's got worse and worse and brought other fun and interesting illnesses along for the ride. 12 major operations down the line I'm now on some pretty hardcore meds to keep it and everything else in check plus heavy duty painkillers like morphine/pethindine pretty much every day just to function. I REALLY wanted to get the wide-arch Z done (and it's even more galling as I did get fairly close! Hell, as I've still got the arches I could always pay to get 'em done if I ever have money again....probably sometime in 2050 when I've finally paid off all my debts and recouped the costs for the album, lol ) but I physically just don't have it in me anymore and, at the end of the day, I've got to be a realist about things...it's more than a bit gutting but at least I'll eventually have the V8 sorted. Christ, I hope this isn't coming over as all "woe is me" and all that crap! If it is, apologies, I don't mean it like that and I can't abide self-pity and wallowing in myself or anyone else! lol. It's sad in a way BUT I'm keeping fixed on the positive and looking forward to sound of that V8 rumble in the not too distant future! :)

Finally did the unthinkable and stripped my Z on Saturday. Senor Dixon came over and between the two of us (and with the occassional spot of help from my old man!) we took off every single part that we thought could prove useful be it mechanical, electrical, exterior bodywork and interior seats and trim...nothing was spared. In a way I had something of an emotional attachment to the car...it was my first Z32 which I imported from Japan about 8 years ago. It was also the car I'd originally planned to put the V8 into however, after initially getting it looking to my eyes pretty good (stillen skirts, modified 99 spec front end, smoothed rear end, de-locked, de-swaged and stone-chip removed), I made the mistake of entering into an agreement with a company over further bodywork which would prove my un-doing. Several years later I eventually got it back un-finished and in a state where it wasn't possible to complete it without a lot of work. Without going into too much detail I realised that I had to come to terms with the fact that my health had, by this stage, deteriorated so much that I would no longer be able to tackle the bodywork myself and complete my dream of having a wide-arch Z with a difference (the wide arch kit that was planned and is indeed 80% finished and now sat in my garage was of a completely different design to any of those available now) and that any energy I had needed to be channeled into both my music and into getting the V8 project finally finished, as I quite fancied actually driving the thing while I was still well enough to enjoy it! Which leads us to where I'm at now...sad in a way but I'm looking at this as a big, positive step towards finally reaching some sort of closure with the car. From now on it's full steam ahead getting the VH45 into the new donor (blue, LWB, manual in excellent stock condition) during the course of this winter/spring. I have to say a MASSIVE thank you to John at this point, as not only has he been one of my best friends over the years, supporting me through crappy hospital times when things weren't looking good at all, but he's kept my passion for the Z alive...helping him with his own V8 transplant and seeing the frankly gob-smacking results kept the flame burning so to speak, and without his aid I know I'd NEVER get the blasted thing done and on the road! :D So, it's the start of the end and it's a good feeling (though my back and bones are telling me otherwise tonight! lol :D ;)). The other upside is, I'll be having quite a few tasty and in some cases unusual parts and bits of bodywork for sale over the coming months once I tally up everything and get my house in order. Things like: 1. One of only two 99 spec bumpers in the world (to my knowledge) that have been modified in this particular way to make the main air dam wider (done by Bodywork specialists QVR in Daventry for a LOT of money), not to mention also being smoothed and de-swaged 2. Manual Conversion kit 3. HKS gauge pod (with space for 2 guages and a turbo-timer) designed for the Z32 glove-box (came over with the car from Japan. It's properly formed not home-made and I've never seen another one like it!) 4. Leather seats....etc etc etc...I'll leave it there till I'm ready to do a proper for sale ad! To finish this ramble, here are the final photos...Rest In Pieces old girl :)

You can catch chicken pox from shingles but not shingles from shingles. There's an awful lot of misinformation and old wives tales out there so it's sometimes difficult to tell whats truth and whats fiction. It's the liquid inside the sores that carries the virus so as long as you're not in contact with that you'll be fine. I've had shingles myself (due to an immune system that needs to be artificiually reduced due to another condition I have) and it's not pleasant so I can understand your concern, particularly as you're also worried about passing anything on to your mom.

In the middle of putting some promo packs together and I'd really like to include a USB key with tracks/photos etc on. Wouldn't take up much in the way of memory so I was thinking something in the region of 256-512Mb would suffice and ideally (and this may be wishful thinking!) in the region of £1-2 each! Am I day-dreaming or do you guys know where I can lay my hands on some? I'd like to order some fairly sharpish...probably 10 to start with and if they work out, a further 20. I'm currently working my way through Google trying to find something that fits the bill but if anyone can point me in the right direction that would be grand :D

If that's still ok Si it would be appreciated, cheers. No worries if not though :) By the way...not too sure of the blue! Went to look at a Limted Edition Honda S2000 in a Grand Prix white (with Red Leather interior) the other day and it looked the business...it's not a colour I'd previously considered but it really swayed me. ;)

For those that aren't sure you can buy it direct from: http://thisburningage.bigcartel.com/ :) However, Matt, before you go any further I need to send you an email! Would you mind sending me your email address to in-formation@thisburningage.com ? :D ;)

Happy Birthday Nick! :)