When I was 21 years old (nearly 14 years ago) I hated computers. I thought they were near the root of all evil. I’m not really sure why I held this opinion, but I did.

In fact, I disliked computers so much that a few friends and myself wrote a song about how they were destroying the world. I don’t hold such hatred for the little box emitting radiation as much as I used to but it’s interesting to see just how much I was against the same tool that provides me so much joy, connections and income in my life today.

I still believe that we need to separate ourselves from our computers and electronics at times. When was the last time you went camping without things like cable, cell phones and internet connection? For many of you it’s been way too long. Sometimes it’s good to disconnect.

While I think these lyrics I wrote well over a decade may be a bit extreme, I still believe they have some serious validity. Here’s the rhyme that touches on internet porn, technological advancements, cult leaders, Macs & PC’s, power and money…

Downloading mainframe dames to refrain tangible game
As symptoms of carpal tunnel has your words per minute down the drain
In the millennium of pentium processors
Professors strive for the knowledge a ten year old possesses
No stresses, just presses of keys on these errors in society
Don’t you see that your Peter can’t Mac until it’s got Tosh
Patrolling punany in cyberspace so now you lost
In monitor screens cuz fiends are quarantined from families
As mega bytes of Apple tramples a book worms dream.

So Bill manipulates Heavens Gates
Through Windows that are microsoftly radiating your facial
Features as neo creatures become technological teachers
Applewhite and others such persuasive preachers
So build the nerve to Compuserve a mental fax to yourself
Who swings the ax into your wealth
As guillotines replace paper cutters
For computer geeks who’s printers start to stutter.

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The sites listed below offer royalty-free music that ranges from totally free to pay per use.  Please make sure to pay special attention to the stipulations of any Creative Commons-licensed music, as certain CC licenses require attribution to the original author or prohibit commercial use of the material.
(also checkout Garageband for Mac)

Sorry for not having each site hyperlinked but I didn’t have the time to do that. Maybe I can go back and copy the html from my joomla site and it will automatically link them together.

http://mobygratis.com :: this portion of moby.com, ‘film music’, is for independent and non-profit filmmakers, film students, and anyone in need of free music for their independent, non-profit film, video, or short.
http://Incompetech.com :: All music on this page is provided royalty-free. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

http://incompetech.com/m/c/royalty-free/

http://jamendo.com :: On Jamendo artists allow anyone to download and share their music. It’s free, legal and unlimited.
http://openmusicarchive.org :: Open Music Archive is a collaborative project, initiated by artists Eileen Simpson & Ben White, to source, digitise and distribute out-of-copyright sound recordings. The archive is open for anyone to use and contribute to.
http://opsound.org :: Opsound is a gift economy in action, an experiment in applying the model of free software to music. Musicians and sound artists are invited to add their work to the Opsound pool using a copyleft license developed by Creative Commons. Listeners are invited to download, share, remix, and reimagine.
http://ccmixter.org :: ccMixter is a community remix site sponsored by Creative Commons
http://freesound.org :: The Freesound Project, collaborative database of creative-commons licensed sound for musicians and sound lovers. Have you freed your sound today?
http://classiccat.net :: free classical music

The following sites offer music that can be used royalty-free after a certain base fee is paid:

http://partnersinrhyme.com :: Royalty free music to download for Film, TV, Video and Websites, plus free sound effects, free music loops, free midi files and free audio software.
http://stockmusic.net :: Pay Once. Use Forever
http://royaltyfreemusic.com :: Royalty free music and stock music for production, multimedia projects, film, television, video, advertising, and on hold music applications.
http://shockwave-sound.com :: Royalty free background music, buyout music loops. Listen online, purchase on secure server, use as much as you like. Delivered by instant download
http://smartsound.com :: The world’s largest and most customizable music library
http://opuzz.com :: Royalty free music background music. Royalty free background music downloads & CDs for any usage. All buyout royalty free background music, pay once
http://digitaljuice.com (but it’s a bit spendy) :: Digital Juice is the world leader in royalty-free professional animations, stock footage, music, layered graphics, clip art, and templates.
http://stock20.com :: Broadcast Quality Royal Free Production Music *$20 Song
ebay.com :: Royalty Free music
http://instantbackgroundmusic.com :: Instantly Download Royalty Free Professional Instrumental Background Music Productions for Camtasia Video Presentations, YouTube video projects
http://musicbakery.com :: Royalty free music downloads and CD s. Download premium quality royalty free music for websites, podcasts, video & film. Features a buyout production music
http://neosounds.com :: Royalty Free Music Tracks and Loops for Video, Radio, TV and film production, Games, Flash, Presentations. Instant Downloads.
http://freeplaymusic.com :: Freeplay Music, Highest Quality Broadcast Production Music Library, Free Mp3 Music Download, See Terms Of Use, Country,Hip Hop,Rap,Techno,Song with Lyrics
http://beatsuite.com :: royalty free music library featuring thousands of production tracks, flash loops and sound effects. Preview, Purchase, Download.
http://uniquetracks.com :: Royalty Free Music provider UnqiueTracks is something different. Download from our music library and give us a listen, we have classical, sound effects
http://soundzabound.com (for schools) :: Soundzabound is the ONLY royalty free music library which meets all the licensing and technology requirements needed for education!
http://premiumbeat.com :: Royalty Free Music, professional tracks and Flash loops for website, background music, film, radio and television. Preview and download instantly.
http://productiontrax.com :: Royalty free music and sound effects library, stock footage, and stock photos. Create buyout soundtracks or download videos and photos, stock music
http://sounddogs.com :: 400000 Sound Effects and Production Music Tracks. Download WAV AIF, and Mp3 Sound Effects, Production Music, Surround Sound Effects, Sound Effects CDs
http://bbm.net :: Royalty free music from bbm.net. Thousands of royalty free music selections from professionals all over the world.
http://flyinghands.com :: Stock music and royalty free music downloads. MP3 tracks: Search, preview and buy online. Audio CDs: More tracks, better music . Instrumental royalty free
http://iamusic.com :: Royalty free music you can download online in mp3 format. Finally, that Hollywood soundtrack sound in a royalty free music library.
http://ibaudio.com :: 100% Royalty Free Music, Stock Music – A high quality music library for producers and multimedia developers. NO license hassles or cue sheets to file
http://studioloopstudio.com :: The first and finest collection of original sound effects and royalty-free music optimized for interactive media. Custom sound design and music also
http://vpdinfo.com/download.htm :: A reference site to help identify public domain songs and public domain music . . . lists of public domain music, royalty free music recordings
http://buyoutmusictracks.com :: Royalty Free Music by Alan Steward, CDs starting at $29.95, Instant Downloads, Affordable Production Library for Video, Broadcast and Multi Media
http://royaltyfree.com :: Royalty free music and buyout music for production, multimedia projects, film, television, video, advertising, music on hold, and background music
http://whitebeetle.com :: Browse our royalty free music by category or by using our Quick Search facility, make your choice and decide which format you require
http://crankcity.com :: free cd library at CrankCity. Buy Royalty Free CD collections today.
http://sound-ideas :: Sound Ideas is the world’s largest publisher of professional sound effects, royalty free production music and production elements.
http://allmusiclibrary.com :: Royalty-Free Music from All Music Library
http://studiocutz.com :: The Studio Cutz Production Music Library is a collection of the highest quality royalty free music (or buyout music) available for use in a multitude of production areas. Royalty free sound effects are available for downloads.
http://instantdownloadmusic.com :: The place to instantly purchase professional background theme music with a ‘Royalty-Free’ license delivered in high quality Mp3 format.
http://loopsound.com :: License Royalty free music Full tracks, Loops and Cuts from our stock music library. Download production music for TV, podcasts and Flash web sites.
http://gettyimages.com/Music :: Original music. Independent artists. Simple licensing.
http://audiosparx.com :: Celebrating 12 Years of Providing Quality Content to the Global Audio Community! Sounds are Free to Preview – Purchase to Download in WAV, MP3, AIFF, AU, or WMA Format
http://cssmusic.com :: Superb quality of royalty free buyout production music and sound effects available now. Over 300 volumes and 10000 tracks may be purchased on CD, CD-ROM
http://soundrangers.com :: The first and finest collection of original sound effects and royalty-free music optimized for interactive media. Custom sound design and music also
http://audiojungle.net :: AudioJungle is a brand new audio community serving up thousands of stock music loops and audio effects by independent authors for use in your projects.
http://musicloops.com :: Royalty Free Music Loops, Full Length Tracks and Edits, Immediate Download, Lifetime License, no ASCAP or BMI.
http://music2hues.com :: Music 2 Hues is a worldwide supplier of royalty-free production music and sound effects. With over 100 audio CD’s, and over 1000 buyout music tracks for download, we’re confident you’ll find a music track to fit your next production.
http://smartassmusic.com :: Royalty Free Music, Digital Audio, Composition, Custom Audio, Music Production and Session Musicians
http://stockmusicstore.com :: Your best source for modern high quality music
http://ntracks.com :: Your best choice for buyout music, production music and commercial background music. All clips are downloadable and royalty free.
http://massivetracks.net/royalty-free-music.htm :: Royalty Free Music, Loops, Voiceover for Immediate Download for TV, Video, Multimedia, CD, Games, Backgroundmusic, Internet, Musiclibrary
http://chrisworthproductions.com :: Royalty free music, stock music, buyout music for soundtracks, productions, video, television, websites, computer games, music on hold, and background music applications. Listen to and download music samples from our online catalogue.
http://expertaudioshop.com :: An audio professionals resource for royalty-free sound effects, production elements, sound effect downloads and sound library products. At Expert Sound Shop our product offerings include sound effects from Sound Ideas, BBC, Digiffects, Serafine and many more publishers.
http://nvmdigital.com :: NVM Digital – Library of royalty-free (copyright-free) music, photo library, books, maps, special interest CD-ROMs, Arts and Crafts from the Lakes and Dales
http://allmusiclibrary.com :: Download any royalty-free music track instantly for just $25 or less
http://search.stephenarnoldmusic.com :: We’re Artists – not Agents. All substance, no fluff. All needles, no haystack. Just real, high-quality tracks written, arranged and engineered by us. That means you’ll find what you’re looking for fast. Very fast. Save time, save sanity and save face by bringing the good music. So get in. Get the good stuff. And get out.
http://sonomic.com :: Download over 250,000 sound effects, samples and royalty free music tracks from the biggest and best libraries, including Sound Ideas, Zero-G, BBC and more.
http://studio1downloads.com :: Royalty Free Music for Downloads. Video Backgrounds, Web Templates, Graphics and Stock Photos all available as downloads. Demos online.
http://royaltyfreemusicmp3.com :: Download High quality Royalty free music, free Background Music, stock music, for video, film, TV, radio, multimedia, internet.
http://davenportmusic.com :: Royalty free music for production and music on hold – 3 CDs for $99. Buyout music CDs and instant mp3 downloads at $19.95 each. K-12 educational packages
http://notepadmusic.com :: Notepad Music – composing custom music, songs, advertising music, jingles, stock music, library music, television themes, television music.

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I’ve always been in love with the radio. When I was a kid I was convinced my dream job was to be a disc jockey of some sort. Of course when I realized most disc jockey’s make about the same amount of cash as a Denny’s waitress, I knew a career change was in order.

At Benson Polytechnic High School in Portland Oregon I was very fortunate to have radio broadcasting as my major. At Benson, each student chose a vocational major and was in that class for a large chunk of the day. Me, I was nestled in the radio station of KBPS and it was fun times.

After high school I helped Portland State University get their KPSU station set up on the AM dial as well. I hosted one of the first hip hop shows that actually played something other than west coast gangster rap in Portland. It was a blast.

For most of my life I’ve always listened to political talk radio as well. Thankfully I got wise and realized listening to that garbage was going to chunk away a few decades of my life if I kept it up.

So now I pretty much just listed to country radio, and Pandora. Pandora is a free internet radio station that is absolutely incredible. You gotta check it out. There are no strings, or any catches. It’s truly free internet radio. Of course you have to see ads pop up now and then, but big deal.

The cool thing about Pandora is that you list one of your favorite artists and they will build an entire radio station around that artist with similar types of music they think you will enjoy. And they are usually pretty spot on about picking things that you will like. You gotta give it a shot.

Here’s a quick look at the layout and a few of the radio stations I have set up. My first picks were The Grateful Dead, Jason Mraz, Del Tha Funkee Homosapien, Govt Mule, Bela Fleck and the Flecktones and more…

Another thing that is cool about Pandora is that when they select a particular artist or band, they also display a biography about that band so you can read about the band members and their history as the song plays along.

I definitely give it two thumbs up. You can check out Pandora at http://www.pandora.com

Cheers,

Jason

PS: O yeah, here’s another cool alternative for free radio online. I’m shocked at how many people didn’t know this existed either.

If you open up your iTunes you’ll notice there are tons of free radio stations as well. Everything from hip hop to jazz to comedy stations are at the touch of your finger tips. And there are plenty of options to choose from. All you have to do is look on the left hand column in the “Library” section and then click “Radio”. From there you will see a plethora of music types. Pick the one you like and over a dozen radio stations will pop up for you to select from. Give it a shot. You’ll be pleasantly surprised if you haven’t seen all that iTunes offers for free.

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Mammas don’t let your babies grow up to be little Mofo’s.

What I mean by that is… depending upon your level of conservatism there are a lot of things that I say or do that probably should not be aired in front of your kids. I’m not the ideal role model for a bunch of 17 year old Mormon boys about to embark on a spiritual mission.

On the other hand, I’d like to introduce you to a guy that you should introduce your kids to if you want them to embark on a solid, mature and responsible path to adulthood. His name is Josh Shipp.

Josh is a motivational speaker for teens and I just totally dig his stuff. I think a bunch of adults could do themselves some good to listen to him as well.

I can’t exactly remember how I came across his stuff. I think it may have been a Facebook message he sent me about this hip hop song he put together with a few buddies. The song is about graduating from school in the year 2010.

I’m super picky about the kind of hip hop music I like. I mean, really picky. It’s hard to earn my respect in the hip hop world as so much of it is over inflated hype, violent, fictional garbage and blatant lies. Josh takes another approach and blew my mind with this video…

Good stuff huh? I told ya.

Anyhow, I posted this blog because I’m sure there are many of you out there with 14 to 18 year old kids that are in need of some type of guidance. And lets face it, kids need as many good role models as they can find out there today. Especially with easy access to just about everything on the internet.

So today I thought I would introduce you to Josh Shipp and his amazing talent to inspire young kids to become great adults. I haven’t met him personally, but am confident he is one solid guy that is on a path to doing astonishing things for himself and others around him.

Here’s another clip of Josh from his website and a couple of links to follow him around the web. Enjoy…

Josh Shipp Blog
Hey Josh for kids
Hey Josh for adults
Josh Shipp on Twitter
Hey Josh on Facebook

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I’m not exactly sure when it started, but my fondness for country music definitely began after I turned 30 years old. If you asked me anything about country western music in my younger years I probably would of barfed in response. I hated it. It was too simple, cheesy and full of silly songs that had nothing to do with my life.

But then something happened. A shift in my being began to enjoy the melodic and poppy tones of top 40 country music. I’m not talking about all the cool and classic strummers like Hank Williams Jr, Willie Nelson or Johnny Cash type of stuff. I’m referring to the tunes you hear on modern day country radio. Something about poppy country music puts my soul at ease. It raises the hair on my arms and allows me to connect to my heart in a very peaceful way.

It’s the greatest feeling ever. I’d say it’s almost like a free high but without the side effects of actually doing drugs. The roaming and floating feeling of the pedal steel guitar sound is what usually jolts my feelings and has me fighting back tears.

Yes, I said tears. Admittedly, I think I shed a tear every day that I listen to country music. Either I’ve gone insanely soft, or I’m accessing new feelings and portions of the heart that I’ve always neglected.

As a younger man I was really into progressive music. I liked things that were innovative, complex and hard to figure out. I enjoyed extreme talent and those that exhibited music on a virtuoso type level. Top 40 bubble gum music was the worst of the worst to me. That music was for simpletons for all I was concerned.

However, as I grew older I learned that not everything has to be so intricate and uniquely artistic that it omits 95% of audience who may otherwise enjoy the art. In fact, part of my RV travels to the south were to learn to enjoy the simple things in life. Instead of harboring the belief that the south was full of racist and simple minded folks (and yes I did believe this most of my life) it was my goal to just hang out and witness the things that I did like.

What ended up happening was that I learned there was immense beauty in simple things. While I may not have shared the same political or lifestyle beliefs as most of the people I encountered, I made a conscious effort to not judge anyone in a negative way even if I could find a roster of things I disliked. My trip was to find the things I did enjoy, and blind myself to the prejudices that I’d previously harbored most of my life.

That experience really helped me to have compassion and patience with others even when I may of wanted to shove a boot up their ass. Okay, I haven’t gone so country that I’m wearing boots yet. I’m still rocking the flip flops and skater shoes. Probably always will too unless I get the dopest spurs ever. Can you put spurs on skateboard shoes? I’d rock those!

Anyhow, trying to live each day with a empathetic heart and accepting others ideas and beliefs is something worth trying. I’m nowhere near perfect and still get a bit peeved by stupid people at times, but somehow country music helps me to negate those irate feelings.

Many people are seriously tripped out when they see me listening to country music. It just doesn’t match the California surfer image at all. Truthfully, it has nothing to do with a image or anything like that. It’s all about the emotions that the music and messages evoke.

Country music makes me smile, laugh and cry (in a great way). I guess, I’m a little bit country and a little bit rock n roll.

Lately I’ve been digging on Darius Rucker aka Hootie from Hootie and The Blowfish. He made the transition from being a rock n roll front man to become a country star. His music is pretty simple, yet very catchy. For instance, this song Alright below expresses his content with just having a roof over his head, and the woman he loves laying in his bed.

That’s sounds Alright by me. I can’t think of anything I’d desire more.

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Some jams!

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Last night I had the chance to see the Beatles Cirque Du Soleil show Love. Let’s just say I “LOVED IT”. It was an all around incredible evening.

I had seen KA before at the MGM Grand and thought it was pretty amazing. But this show was much more fun! If you’re ever in Las Vegas I highly recommend stopping by the Mirage and checking out the show. It’s pretty spendy, but well worth it if you can fit it into your budget.

Here’s a quick teaser of the evening. The video doesn’t do the night justice but it gives you a glimpse of the fun…

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Admittedly, I’ve never been a very big Elvis fan. However, I was keen on visiting Graceland and finding out more about the man that is so loved throughout this world.

My mom and many of my girlfriends were huge admirers of The King. So, I figured I’d check out what it was that made these ladies go gaga over this guy.

After taking the tour of Elvis Presley’s Graceland mansion, I have a deeper appreciation for the man and his contribution to the music world. Below is a quick slide show that I created after doing the Graceland tour.

If you are ever in Memphis Tennessee and would like to see where Elvis and family lived, check out his site at www.Elvis.com .

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Jermaine Griggs is one of my favorite marketing guys on the web.

His products are stellar, and he’s just such a super likable dude. And he’s spreading the joy of music to people. That’s something I really dig.

Music can change lives, ease stress and help spread messages of fun and joy or help cope with pain and sorrow. Combine Jermaine’s character with his awesome music products and you got a sure winner.

Anyhow, check out his latest video where he takes on a James Bond-ish type theme. It’s very entertaining and well done. This is how you have fun, sell great stuff, and sleep well at night. Nice job.

Thanks for sending it to me Jermaine.

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I was just digging through some footage and found this video I filmed on my Olympus underwater camera that I use for surfing. Because I take this camera in the Ocean, the audio isn’t super perfect but it’s not too shabby either.

The video below is Hawaiian Ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro and Cardiff’s legendary local surfer Rob Machado. I feel bad for not remembering the girl’s name who was singing. Her voice helped make the song very soothing. It was many months ago when I filmed this and met them so that’s partly why I don’t remember her name.

The show was at the Grace Chapel Theater in Oceanside CA for a fundraising event for the California Surf Museum.

I was pretty stoked to pick up this 5’11″ Rusty board made with “All Green” materials at the auction. And was equally as happy to get to spend a bit of time with Jake at the museum before the show. The guy is truly a class act.

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