I use itunes for one simple fact, it’s Digital Rights Management (DRM) is crackable. I’m not a big iPod or Apple supporter as you will see by reading my other posts, but since I like music and technology I use online music services. I’ve came to the point where I rarely buy a physical CD- If I do get the CD, I rip it, put the music on my mp3 player and toss the CD aside. With iTunes you can get most albums for $9.99…so if an album has 17 songs on it, you’re only payin 59 cents a song. A pretty good deal…
So here is where DRM and fair use come into play. Since I don’t use an ipod (I have a Rio Karma), I have several computers, etc., so I strip the songs I download of their DRM, that way I can do what I want with them (apple will only let you load your songs onto their ipod and 5 computers). If you’re looking to do the same thing I would advise you click on this link: hymn download. Now download JHymn (requires Java, go here if you don’t have that) After that all you have to do is find your downloaded music and convert it. You can change the settings by going to preferences. It’s pretty nice, a big improvement from the command prompt version they started with. So, now when you buy music, you’ll actually be able to do something with it. If you have questions, just ask!
A few days ago I listed my favorite movies…there’s one that I would like to add, but since it is neither series, nor movie it gets it’s own post. I am of course talking about “Band of Brothers”. Jen bought the boxed set for me a year or so ago and I am now watching it for the third time…all 10 hours of it. I also read the book it’s based off of this past summer…and had the chance to visit Normandy. I can’t even begin to describe the series in words…so I won’t even try. Instead I would just advise that you watch it! Buy it, rent it, borrow it, do whatever it takes…it is incredible.
and as for the other “BB”…I was just reminded of how I despise Best Buy…I don’t know why I even go in there…read a few of these and you’ll probably agree: bestbuysux.org
UPDATE: New webpage layout in…10 days (or less)
tonight Kipp Alexander, a good friend of mine, spoke for the last time at “Ignition” (youth ministry i’m involved with). He’s moving on with his life…a small change geographically, but a change of heart ultimately. His words tonight were good, they always are. I sometimes think that when he speaks, he’s unintentionally talking more to the adults in the room than he is the students…tonight was one of those nights. I think all of us came home just thinking about his words. with all that said…
it’s time for me to move on as well. i’ve sat too long idling, it’s time to get out and get my life in order, to do something new, something old, just something. my devotional life flat out sucks. i mean, i know that everyone struggles…but that isn’t even the word for me…my devotion life doesn’t exsist…somehow God still loves me. moving on…
besides that i’m still trying to find my place ultimately in ministry. i’ve been flirting with about half a dozen different ones, but haven’t sunk my teeth into any of them. that has to change. God will open the doors, I have confidence. He is always there when I call out to Him. He comes so far to meet me where I am, yet I find it so hard to just take that first and only step.
it’s time to start.
Well, first off…two new major players from Apple today - The iPod shuffle and the Mac Mini. Now off hand I think both products look pretty impressive…but with further research there are some holes. We’ll start with the Mac Mini…it’s small, very small…about the size of 5 CD cases stacked, weighs next to nothing…has a nice DVD player CD burner standard. It makes my Shuttle look ridiculous…which is saying something. The problems- first no display, no keyboard, no mouse…not a big deal, but it counts for something. second, 2 usb ports…just two. so after you hook up your keyboard and mouse where exactly are you to plug in your new ipod shuffle? hmm…or printer? scanner? graphics tablet? I mean, it’s not like you can disconnect your keyboard or mouse for a minute without losing the functionality of the system. so…either you get a usb hub or an apple keyboard with the 2 built in usb ports (it’s 50 bucks!) so much for being slim. thirdly, the standard package priced at $499, comes with a whopping 256mb and no wireless. If you add 1gb of ram, the wireless card, upgrade to 80gb hard drive, and get the keyboard you’re already at $1200 and that doesn’t include a display!!! Not to mention that we’re talking about the base model, the upgraded processor brings the price up another $100. So basically it’s not that great of a deal…a month ago you could get a Dell for $650 including 19″ LCD (3.2ghz, 512mb, 80gb, 128mb video, etc). For those looking to switch it might be a nice option though…and a smart move for apple as a whole.
Ok, that took way too long…so as for the other topics i’ll be brief:
iPod shuffle: looks nice, very sleek…but no display…and we’ll see how the battery does in the long run.
music: since i have a ton of spare time i’m looking to learn either piano, drums, or both. looked at pianos today…probably a purchase soon.
webpage: i just hit 100 post on this page…and with this, the 102nd post, i think it’s time for a change. while the election was on this format served me well…but my interest in photography, graphics and music just isn’t reflected…at all. so…probably a change coming in the next 1-2 weeks.
that’s it.