tag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:/blogs/jonathan-laird?p=3NEWS2020-07-02T12:44:39-05:00Jonathan Lairdfalsetag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/63736572020-07-02T12:44:39-05:002023-12-10T11:04:01-06:00Private shows are back!<p>Hey, my friend! Hope you’re having a great day as we ramp up preparations for a fantastic week!</p>
<p>Due to protocols set in place by the leadership in our respective territories, many aspects of life are still on lockdown, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have a celebration! Anything is possible if you’re creative enough!</p>
<p>To that end, I’d like to announce that not only am I booking new shows for private functions, but you also have the option of booking me for music through your own private stream.</p>
<p>What types of events do I play for? Anniversaries, birthday parties, house parties, conferences, festivals, etc. The sky's the limit!</p>
<p>I will be happy to coordinate with each and everyone of you personally to find out specific things such as: the date and time of your event, song requests, the type of atmosphere you’d like to create, and working within your budget.</p>
<p>For more information, you can find me at anyone of my social media platforms, you can email me at jonathan@jonathanlaird.net, or you can simply leave a comment below.</p>
<p>Thanks so much and have a fantastic week!</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/63346672020-05-29T10:54:57-05:002022-08-16T17:22:56-05:00Minding my own business<p>I haven’t been very active on social media lately. For one thing, my family and I have been trying to get some affairs in order for what life is going to be like after my wife and I have our twins. For another thing, I’m completely disinterested in knowing what’s on people’s minds 24/7 because it seldom leads to anything productive. </p>
<p>My opinion on politics, culture, sociology, and practically everything else, is irrelevant to 99.9% of the population. That’s why I don’t share it here. It doesn’t build anybody up. It typically doesn’t win over hearts and minds. It simply reinforces people’s perspectives that they had to begin with. If someone comes along with a counter argument, the unmovable person rips that perspective down into a straw man. They’re losing friends, but hey, at least they won their argument. It’s all about priorities.</p>
<p>Anyhow, my main point is this: From now on social media is strictly a business platform for me. No more, no less. I will be exclusively on my music platforms, and if you’re interested in anything pertaining to that, I’d love to have you aboard.</p>
<p>Thanks! Stay safe and healthy!</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/55695092018-12-26T11:20:13-06:002023-12-10T11:04:01-06:00Go With the FLOW<p>Well, the Christmas activities have come and gone, and New Year's is right around the bend. It's at this time that a good bit of us make our well intentioned resolutions in an effort to better ourselves. As with all things worthwhile, challenges arise, and obstacles emerge. We want to be debt-free. We want to be in better shape. We want to travel more.</p>
<p>Whatever aspirations we may have may well be met with opposition. If they're worthwhile aspirations, this is almost always the case. Those opposing forces at work (time versus money, activity versus accomplishment, etc.) can either become a person's excuse for not doing something or the reason they're doing it. I suppose the real question is: Where do we find our motivation?</p>
<p>Earlier today, I became acquainted with the concept of flow training. The diagram below might be of interest:</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/14013/6b82b9fb0f898fd98dbb582f1e195f20a0a9af1f/original/k3ijrereqey1oyqenzwt-flow-chart-2v.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>To explore this on a deeper level of analysis, let's use exercise as an example:</p>
<p>If you want to engage in a physical activity, but that activity is too taxing, you will find yourself in the doubting, anxious part of the equation. If the activity isn't challenging enough, you'll get bored. In between the two extremes is the flow, that steady channel of happiness where you are at your productive best. Let's say that the maximum amount of push-ups you can do is 10. If you were actually to do just 5 anytime you have your workout, you could do it without torturing your body, you could ramp up your energy levels, you can stave off soreness, and you can do the activity more frequently. Consequently, there will come point doing 5 push-ups is no longer challenging enough. So, you get the best of both worlds, consistently challenging activity with upward momentum, and the desire to come back day after day in pursuit of the goal in a pleasurable manner.</p>
<p>Maybe you're a musician. Is there a level of practice that's on the upper end of your comfort spectrum where you can get something out of it without the anxiety attached to getting instant gratification in the pursuit of an unrealistic goal? You may be surprised exactly how much you can grow over time, especially if you show up everyday and actually ENJOY doing it.</p>
<p>Whatever your goals, resolutions, and aspirations may be, I hope you find pleasure and inspiration in the process.</p>
<p>Happy New Year! Now go with the FLOW!</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/54961412018-11-01T16:57:05-05:002018-11-01T21:00:44-05:00Yo guys! Stop on out tomorrow! #guntersville #alabama #music...<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bpp00VCn2KK/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" data-instgrm-version="12" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 400px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bpp00VCn2KK/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div>
<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewbox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div>
<div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"> View this post on Instagram</div>
</div>
<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div>
</div>
</div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div>
</div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bpp00VCn2KK/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Jonathan Laird (@jonathanlaird)</a> on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2018-11-01T21:56:34+00:00">Nov 1, 2018 at 2:56pm PDT</time></p>
</div></blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><br><br><p>Yo guys! Stop on out tomorrow! #guntersville #alabama #music #acoustic #guitar #vocal #sing #singer #song #songwriter #original #music #cover #food #cuisine #menu (at Beatrice at The Glover)<br>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bpp00VCn2KK/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=8hg0a3gelhy5">https://www.instagram.com/p/Bpp00VCn2KK/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=8hg0a3gelhy5</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/54882362018-10-26T13:30:32-05:002018-10-26T19:45:27-05:00The Fedora Files #fedora #hat #fashion #classic #live #show...<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BpaAZD-DQTD/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" data-instgrm-version="12" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 400px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BpaAZD-DQTD/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div>
<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewbox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div>
<div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"> View this post on Instagram</div>
</div>
<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div>
</div>
</div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div>
</div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BpaAZD-DQTD/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Jonathan Laird (@jonathanlaird)</a> on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2018-10-26T18:30:00+00:00">Oct 26, 2018 at 11:30am PDT</time></p>
</div></blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><br><br><p>The Fedora Files #fedora #hat #fashion #classic #live #show #concert #calendar #music #video #audio #guitar #guitarcover #cover #coversong #song #lyrics #acousticguitar #electricguitar #vocals #drum #band (at Beatrice at The Glover)<br>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BpaAZD-DQTD/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=99gtt9gj8ej9">https://www.instagram.com/p/BpaAZD-DQTD/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=99gtt9gj8ej9</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/54787642018-10-20T16:54:19-05:002018-10-20T18:00:45-05:00#kennesaw represent! @owloween #hot #air #balloon #festival...<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BpK60uejLRK/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" data-instgrm-version="12" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 400px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BpK60uejLRK/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div>
<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewbox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div>
<div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"> View this post on Instagram</div>
</div>
<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div>
</div>
</div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div>
</div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BpK60uejLRK/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Jonathan Laird (@jonathanlaird)</a> on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2018-10-20T21:52:31+00:00">Oct 20, 2018 at 2:52pm PDT</time></p>
</div></blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><br><br><p>#kennesaw represent! @owloween #hot #air #balloon #festival #live #music #performance #festival #guitar #acousticguitar #vocal #electricguitar #bass #cover #song #originalsong <br>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BpK60uejLRK/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=l20keaova2ye">https://www.instagram.com/p/BpK60uejLRK/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=l20keaova2ye</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/54774462018-10-19T15:25:38-05:002018-10-19T16:30:36-05:00Oops. #retraction #news #date #calendar #live #show #performance...<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BpIMH8vDpBu/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" data-instgrm-version="12" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 400px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BpIMH8vDpBu/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div>
<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewbox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div>
<div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"> View this post on Instagram</div>
</div>
<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div>
</div>
</div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div>
</div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BpIMH8vDpBu/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Jonathan Laird (@jonathanlaird)</a> on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2018-10-19T20:25:05+00:00">Oct 19, 2018 at 1:25pm PDT</time></p>
</div></blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><br><br><p>Oops. #retraction #news #date #calendar #live #show #performance #music #video #lyrics #cullmanalabama #guitar #acousticguitar #electricguitar #vocals #bass #drum (at The Cotton Gin)<br>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BpIMH8vDpBu/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1cofx6yn7vz5y">https://www.instagram.com/p/BpIMH8vDpBu/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1cofx6yn7vz5y</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/54243032018-09-11T13:11:35-05:002018-09-11T13:11:35-05:00Fridays at The Glover<p>Guntersville, Alabama is a very cool town. The folks there are nice. The atmosphere is warm. The lake is beautiful. Two weeks ago, I played a wonderful room called, The Glover. Beatrice (the owner) is the real deal, and she's not fooling around.</p>
<p>I can't tell you all the details, but long story short, this isn't the first incarnation of the restaurant. However, after a time, they have reemerged, and are taking the town by storm.</p>
<p>They're producing in-house classics such as homemade pasta, Creme Brûlée, and Beef Wellington. What's more, they have graciously asked me to come and play Friday's throughout the rest of the year, and I couldn't be more honored.</p>
<p>To find out more about this awesome restaurant, <a contents="click here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/BeatriceGloverRestaurant/?fb_dtsg_ag=AdxpWXDU_1pGcngm7uaZzfpie-QQc2rMGaf1H_sYdxLfSg%3AAdzpjkOuoLFsF7W22LDW5cS13dlJu5KYPEqJfoBreZ8-Ng" target="_blank">click here</a>.</p>
<p>Bon Appetit!</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/54051522018-08-28T15:30:57-05:002021-12-19T10:25:11-06:00Where, Oh Where Am I?<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/14013/a868b32ea35ff276ae88072da0b3b5f1f7287198/original/img-0212.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Here are some questions I am often asked: "When can we see you play again?" "Do you have any local shows coming up?" "Are you still playing around?" The reality is that right now I would love to be playing more than I actually am.</p>
<p>I made a <a contents="Facebook video" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.laird.12/videos/10215261954096140/?hc_ref=ARR70oPuzcA6epWm0dnq45C701dWjYYd1hyseyLjeBZ_OUWiilKnjDeF7cB7YYm6It8&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARAYkh0J0mh7Arn-OufjWJtVFV-YYB5eE8fZnSe987sLH1VUumDfLVGtlR5XhZZfhLLNuGpkYTv5JWFhG_FWwqiQucE2znY5JuTH5ZS3Sh1fP1kGIY5nKFiObHD6rQ7r70p3W8Y&__tn__=FC-R&fb_dtsg_ag=Adx6pFH5jeXtmxtPXwrJpPQuri80f64p4vy6eHc_YV1_Pg%3AAdzDAd9U70164Ck6woJCC4IzN7y0rSLNBWtqCnsUP6f9_w" target="_blank">Facebook video</a> about this very thing about a month ago, and I was pleased to see that I wasn't the only person that shared those sentiments. Truth be told, now is a harder time than ever before to book shows in public venues. I do not believe that there is any ill will or malicious intent behind it. I actually believe that most of it stems from otherwise goodhearted people delving into a certain effort without the rudimentry skills to be able to execute it properly. (Although, I've met ones who seemed to have nothing but contempt for the people they have to interact with. Maybe they shouldn't have that responsibility...)</p>
<p>As long as I've been at this, I have not done everything right. (I'm only human.) However, when I've been wrong, I have always tried to be quick to say, "I'm sorry." In light of this, I have no reason to believe that it's some personal agenda against me for two reasons: 1. Other musicians who have never set foot in those venues are having an equally hard time getting their foot in the door. 2. I've always tried to approach doing a job for another venue as if I owned that venue. That means I come early, I stay late, I bring the tools that I need, and I take seriously the desire to bring the best I possibly can to every single show I play.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/14013/5969bdb54fba2ef120e196282d0370371e7f277c/original/img-0213.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>While I do have some <a contents="shows on my calendar" data-link-label="LIVE" data-link-type="page" href="/live" target="_blank">shows on my calendar</a>, I am starving to play. I'm hungry to be out there pouring my heart and soul out in song and in spirit to anyone who wants to listen. That said, I do have some <a contents="dates" data-link-label="LIVE" data-link-type="page" href="/live" target="_blank">dates</a> coming up in the very near future, and I would love to see you. As a consequence of basically being stonewalled by bookers, I am now privatizing most of my shows. House concerts are awesome, and if you'd like to see the ins and outs of one, <a contents="click here for details" data-link-label="Host a Show" data-link-type="page" href="/host-a-show" target="_blank">click here</a> because it is good stuff! </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/14013/bc2a8c5db092eb7a349c67f918b40684095f7dde/original/img-0214.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Aside from that, I'm working on some behind-the-scenes work for a <a contents="special campaign" data-link-label="Hydrolyze: My New Album" data-link-type="page" href="/hydrolyze-my-new-album" target="_blank">special campaign</a> coming up that I definitely would like you to see. Whatever piques your interest at this time, I certainly hope you'll share this post with anyone and everyone via the share button at the bottom, leave a comment below, please <a contents="signup for the newsletter" data-link-label="CLUB" data-link-type="page" href="/club" target="_blank">signup for the newsletter</a>, and I'll look forward to seeing you at the next show!</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/53619292018-07-25T19:22:36-05:002018-07-25T19:31:27-05:00Forever<a href="https://youtu.be/lkzGmiOYQ0s">Forever</a>: <p>Subscribe to the mailing list and get “Forever” absolutely free! <a href="https://ift.tt/2JUfWim">https://ift.tt/2JUfWim</a> Hey guys! Check out my new #video!</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/53563512018-07-21T03:30:51-05:002018-07-21T03:30:51-05:00Introducing Host a Show!<p>We have a new addition to the webpage. It's called Host a Show! Think you might not have the capabilities to throw your own concert? You might be surprised. Got a space? Know some people who love family, friends and music? Perfect! To find out more, hover over the "Host a Show" Button in the menu, or click here to find out more about <a contents="Booking Info" data-link-label="Booking Info" data-link-type="page" href="/booking-info" target="_blank">Booking Info</a> and <a contents="Host Info" data-link-label="Host Info" data-link-type="page" href="/host-info" target="_blank">Host Info</a>!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Don't wait! Book your show with Jonathan while slots are still available!</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/53284592018-07-02T16:56:13-05:002022-08-28T12:48:28-05:00BOOM Goes the Microphone!<p>I love all things indie. Some of the best works I've heard in music, and in movies are in the Independent market today. The storylines are compelling, and the production is very interesting as well. However, as an audio engineer who has had to do his fair share of cleanup work on independent projects, I want to give away some helpful information that will help creative people get their projects sounding good at the source. Because believe me, if it's bad at the source, no amount of engineering on the other side is going to make a bad recording good. </p>
<p>Why write this? Many people come to me looking for the audio magic to happen in post. What do I find? Actors aren’t miked. You hear the room more than the dialogue. Bad stuff seaps in and masks the good stuff. </p>
<p>If you want a good quality movie, good sound has GOT to be there. Take the time, and get it right at the source by following some guidelines. </p>
<p>Get a good quality capture <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/14013/8f1e2ef51a8f529676b8eea1de9ec4f514f88685/original/watch-tv-301528-1920.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>There are a couple of different ways to do this: </p>
<p>a. Boom Mics </p>
<p>b. Lavalieres </p>
<p>Boom Mics - These are "shotgun" mics on a pole. In this scenario, Someone has to hold the microphone over their head for a long period of time and remain perfectly still. The microphone should be as close as it can possibly be to the subject's mouth without being in the frame. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/14013/dfb08880e4d9d5fac926e8af98a941d7ce52e1dc/original/iu-3.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>A good boom operator needs to keep the microphone as close to the performer as they possibly can, even when they're in motion speaking their dialogue. The tip of the microphone should be pointed towards the mouth of whomever is speaking. In fact, the microphone needs to be positioned before the actor/actress starts talking. </p>
<p>Boom operators must watch rehearsals to get a feel for where they're supposed to be and when. Opt for a high quality, lightweight, boom pole with the cable already built-in. Since finger noise can travel up the pole into the microphone, the technique is to rock it back-and-forth in your hand instead of running it cross your fingers. </p>
<p>Listen with headphones to see how much noise you’re making. Coordinate with your camera operator to adjust and make sure you’re out of the frame. The pole should be parallel to the floor above your head. </p>
<p>Lavalieres - These need to be hidden in a movie setting. If you just put the mic underneath your clothes, this produces an unpleasing sound where clothes are brushing up against the mic capsule and producing a wooly, scratchy, rubbing noise. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/14013/08a5ca502ca9813d3c826eaf0299f0959c4f9106/original/iu-2.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Solution: take two strips of gaffer’s or first aid tape and fold them both into triangles, but not tightly. The goal is to create a sort of cushion. Now sandwich the capsule with the two tape triangles. Now one side can adhere to the performer’s shirt and the other will adhere to the underside of a collar, skin (ouch), or undershirt. </p>
<p>The cable can make noise, too, just as the boom can. By noise running up and down the cable, it puts stress on the cable and transmits into the recording. </p>
<p>Solution: Start as though you’re going to be tying the cable in a knot, but do it just enough to create a small loop. You can then tape the loop and excess cabling to get it out of the way, and further reduce stress noise. </p>
<p>Watch your recording levels </p>
<p>If you’re recording your actors digitally, please please PLEASE watch your recording volume. If the little lights on your rig are glowing red, your audio will get clip distortion. This is nasty stuff. Opt for a moderate level, and use your ears. </p>
<p>Hope this helps! Leave your comments, and techniques below, and keep the conversation alive. Happy moviemaking!</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/53101152018-06-21T20:42:19-05:002018-07-01T17:24:33-05:00Distorting the Truth<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/14013/64e82107e3192d9f4fb701c47f709d73b2a7c790/original/distortion-912869-1920.jpg" class="size_orig justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Digital recording has a lot going for it. </p>
<p>It was, and is, precise, efficient, and convenient. The audio is clean. </p>
<p>Sometimes, though, it's too clean. Something's missing….. </p>
<p>Enter harmonic distortion. If you want to achieve mixes that aren’t only good, but warm and pleasing, stick around…. </p>
<p>Distortion is like any other effect music makers have. That is, it’s alike in the sense that it’s widely misunderstood. </p>
<p>Just think about it. When you think of distortion, where does your mind go? </p>
<p>If it’s not fuzzy guitar sounds, I’d be very surprised. After all, that’s what everyone seems to think it is. </p>
<p>There was a point that I certainly did. </p>
<p>It turns out that the word “distort” actually translates to reshaping. When an image gets distorted, it gets changed. </p>
<p>Audio is no different.</p>
<p>Sometimes it gets changed subtly. Sometimes it gets changed dramatically.</p>
<p>So, why is distortion a big deal? Well, if you’re a fan of character, color, and warmth, then it’s right up your alley. </p>
<p>In this article, we’re going to explore harmonic distortion. We’re going to talk about different types of distortion, what each of them do, and the context for each one. </p>
<p><strong>1. Driving Ms Preamp </strong></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/14013/6d7c8ac52a86a9b0b2d720a4bab04d7a4093e5fb/original/kramer-hls-channel.png" class="size_orig justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Every preamp has its own character. Each has a signature sound that the creators had in mind in the design phase. </p>
<p>So, let’s start there. This is the foundation for shaping. </p>
<p>Preamp distortion will give your tracks a signature tone that can serve as a canvas for shaping the rest of your sound. </p>
<p>Driving your preamps will help you add some very tasty distortion to your mix. Depending on what you use, different ones will add differing flavors to your material, and one will be more pleasing to your mix than all the others. </p>
<p>On a plugin like the Kramer HLS from Waves, you can drive the preamp by taking the knob and cranking it. You can also drive more distortion into the unit by boosting the input fader. </p>
<p>When you do this, adjust your output. You don’t want to fool yourself into thinking it’s better just because it’s louder. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/14013/f2996d15ba08a8dc6b915bb7bb717fa4c86356db/original/screen-shot-2018-06-21-at-6-12-42-pm.png" class="size_orig justify_left border_" /></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/14013/43585c96896865505e1e24ef22ce61f394943d3d/original/screen-shot-2018-06-21-at-6-12-49-pm.png" class="size_orig justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Wanna see this in action? Watch Andrew Scheps play around with preamp distortion while EQing the snare on Ziggy Marley’s “Fly Rasta.</p>
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="az1z9ZA1CXo" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/az1z9ZA1CXo/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/az1z9ZA1CXo?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="360" width="640" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p><strong>2. Console Yourself </strong></p>
<p>Console plugins imitate the imperfections in the hardware they emulate. </p>
<p>While these things are technically imperfect, character and color is often found in the imperfections. Oh, and by the way, we haven’t even gotten to the EQ and compression stage yet… </p>
<p>One hidden feature your DAW may have is a console emulation hidden within your reverb plugins. When you insert this plugin in your mix buss and then bypass the plugin, you may be surprised just how much it influences the sound. </p>
<p>As with the last example, adjust your “Wet” control so you keep your levels consistent. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/14013/5d82390dfdbe8e76de10e23792d09c891f68ca3b/original/screen-shot-2018-06-21-at-4-33-15-pm.png" class="size_orig justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><iframe allow="autoplay" frameborder="no" height="300" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/461696466%3Fsecret_token%3Ds-2WNj2&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true" width="100%"></iframe></p>
<p><iframe allow="autoplay" frameborder="no" height="300" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/461696592%3Fsecret_token%3Ds-f0mh4&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true" width="100%"></iframe></p>
<p>On a physical board, each channel has a different character. How do we imitate this when the character of a plugin is built into it already with consistency? </p>
<p>One of the advantages of mixing in-the-box is that we have nothing, if not options. Consider Logic’s Vintage Console EQ. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/14013/b33bd90a26173e59e0595a4cc1b2160a421002a5/original/screen-shot-2018-06-21-at-4-44-10-pm.png" class="size_orig justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Even without any EQ shaping, we can use the drive control to saturate our signal. The “Output Model Section” will change the circuit giving you a different flavor of distortion with each selection. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/14013/5d3a6f431002e67245c59212597827cb16348db8/original/screen-shot-2018-06-21-at-6-14-02-pm.png" class="size_orig justify_center border_" />It also has a built in volume control for gain staging. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/14013/5f575c5a129f08cdb5ae77c6859785ebc17a17df/original/screen-shot-2018-06-21-at-6-14-27-pm.png" class="size_orig justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>In this example, our drive control is maxed out. Even with that, we actually have to drive the volume up a bit to make it volume transparent. </p>
<p>Listen specifically to what happens to the lows and the excitement in the synths. Headphones work best for this, by the way. </p>
<p><iframe allow="autoplay" frameborder="no" height="300" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/461696466%3Fsecret_token%3Ds-2WNj2&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true" width="100%"></iframe></p>
<p><a contents="Safe and Sound - No Processing" data-link-label="safe-and-sound-neve-distortion.mp3" data-link-type="file" href="/files/340472/safe-and-sound-neve-distortion.mp3" target="_self"><iframe allow="autoplay" frameborder="no" height="300" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/461696568%3Fsecret_token%3Ds-ABgS0&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true" width="100%"></iframe></a></p>
<p>Pretty cool… As you can see, console distortion does quite a bit to glue elements together. </p>
<p><strong>3. Tubes and Tapes </strong></p>
<p>To this day, people who’ve never had to work with tapes and tubes are fascinated by them. Lucky for us, we have plugins that can emulate that sound.</p>
<p>They do a good job, too. </p>
<p>Let’s move on to tubes… </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/14013/ba84730afd2392ec582603b50d2978b23b8b4133/original/screen-shot-2018-06-21-at-5-06-39-pm.png" class="size_orig justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Stock compressor plugins have come a long way. Not only does the version above come with a stock circuit and six others modeled after some classic hardware units, but it actually has a distortion feature. </p>
<p>Strangely enough, the “soft” selection is actually the most aggressive. By driving the “Make Up” gain, more tube distortion is sent through. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/14013/b24209831f28a4b414b3691a23b981ad7d205722/original/screen-shot-2018-06-21-at-6-15-17-pm.png" class="size_orig justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>By finding the right level of grit and using the “Mix” knob, you can blend in the natural sound with the distorted one to your tastes. Also, we want “Auto Gain” off for this. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/14013/ab61320837c30acc826fc12a75dafe38790cf620/original/screen-shot-2018-06-21-at-6-15-09-pm.png" class="size_orig justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Here, we will use the Vintage VCA (modeled after the SSL 4000 G-Channel), and the mix control to add tube warmth. Since we’re not compressing right now, let’s turn the ratio all the way down. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/14013/bf8eb8079cba774851a64554b7d0f3ba4238e799/original/screen-shot-2018-06-21-at-6-15-20-pm.png" class="size_orig justify_center border_" /><iframe allow="autoplay" frameborder="no" height="300" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/461696466%3Fsecret_token%3Ds-2WNj2&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true" width="100%"></iframe></p>
<p><iframe allow="autoplay" frameborder="no" height="300" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/461696490%3Fsecret_token%3Ds-eGkm0&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true" width="100%"></iframe></p>
<p>Want more contrast? That’s cool! </p>
<p>Let’s cycle through some of these circuits and see how they alter the sound. I’ll begin by making our way down the list: </p>
<p>Platinum Digital - (Logic’s Stock Circuit Model) </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/14013/0cc4ecf7880204852a4fb4c1a262e07e38d80edd/original/screen-shot-2018-06-21-at-6-42-36-pm.png" class="size_orig justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><iframe allow="autoplay" frameborder="no" height="300" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/461696466%3Fsecret_token%3Ds-2WNj2&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true" width="100%"></iframe></p>
<p><iframe allow="autoplay" frameborder="no" height="300" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/461696547%3Fsecret_token%3Ds-lztys&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true" width="100%"></iframe></p>
<p>Studio VCA - (modeled after the Focusrite Red 3) </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/14013/bd9eb0eebeda07338ebbcf81734e2f25c6a9b8a1/original/screen-shot-2018-06-21-at-6-42-38-pm.png" class="size_orig justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><iframe allow="autoplay" frameborder="no" height="300" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/461696466%3Fsecret_token%3Ds-2WNj2&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true" width="100%"></iframe></p>
<p><iframe allow="autoplay" frameborder="no" height="300" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/461696529%3Fsecret_token%3Ds-2JLuO&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true" width="100%"></iframe></p>
<p>Studio FET - (modeled after the UREI/UAD 1176 Rev E “Blackface”) </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/14013/c7d0159807f1263549164bd1a30497b54846b991/original/screen-shot-2018-06-21-at-6-42-41-pm.png" class="size_orig justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><iframe allow="autoplay" frameborder="no" height="300" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/461696466%3Fsecret_token%3Ds-2WNj2&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true" width="100%"></iframe></p>
<p><iframe allow="autoplay" frameborder="no" height="300" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/461696535%3Fsecret_token%3Ds-SfT0Q&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true" width="100%"></iframe>Classic VCA - (modeled after the dbx 160) </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/14013/632a76fbc04a9bc839a15f5494d4d2f4fb851fc3/original/screen-shot-2018-06-21-at-6-42-44-pm.png" class="size_orig justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><iframe allow="autoplay" frameborder="no" height="300" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/461696466%3Fsecret_token%3Ds-2WNj2&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true" width="100%"></iframe></p>
<p><iframe allow="autoplay" frameborder="no" height="300" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/461696607%3Fsecret_token%3Ds-MY7kM&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true" width="100%"></iframe></p>
<p>Vintage FET - (modeled after the UREI 1176 Rev H “Silverface”) </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/14013/7ffeea0af77c741e7eaaf9cb50e91c9315067c66/original/screen-shot-2018-06-21-at-6-42-47-pm.png" class="size_orig justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><iframe allow="autoplay" frameborder="no" height="300" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/461696466%3Fsecret_token%3Ds-2WNj2&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true" width="100%"></iframe></p>
<p><iframe allow="autoplay" frameborder="no" height="300" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/461696523%3Fsecret_token%3Ds-f5aaA&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true" width="100%"></iframe></p>
<p>As you can see, each one of these circuits lend a character to your arrangement, and they’re all different. </p>
<p>Tubes can make an arrangement sound fuller, and more pleasing. </p>
<p>When you combine them with tape, ah…. That’s where the magic happens! </p>
<p>Check out Graham Cochrane’s tutorial on tape saturation: </p>
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="Mse6WrNwM5w" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/Mse6WrNwM5w/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Mse6WrNwM5w?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="360" width="640" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>These examples mimic the character of tape. They add a signature EQ curve, a pleasing compression, and often, a hiss. </p>
<p>Depending on what you’re going for, that can be a pretty nice thing. </p>
<p><strong>3. Let’s Get Excited! </strong></p>
<p>Ever seen the movie, “Cars?” There’s a scene where the main character, Lightning McQueen, realizes if he wants to take a turn around the race track at top speed, he has to turn into the wall. </p>
<p>I think of that a lot when it comes to mixing, because some of the best moves don’t seem to make sense on the surface. When people add reverb, for example, they can add too much thinking it will create hugeness. </p>
<p>It doesn’t work that way. Likewise, if something just screams for heavy distortion, it helps if that sound isn’t in competition with other heavily distorted sounds. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/14013/06308e3c4249ffed3963fb9f28f5c0a874e04b0e/original/screen-shot-2018-06-21-at-4-44-34-pm.png" class="size_orig justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Using “Exciter” from Logic’s plugin suite or Phat FX dropdown menu, we can add distortion to select frequencies. Just turn the knob till it sits right where you want it. </p>
<p>This adds brightness. That can be a great thing if something is getting buried in your mix. </p>
<p>Here is an example of exciter being applied to a synth in our arrangement. </p>
<p><iframe allow="autoplay" frameborder="no" height="300" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/461696466%3Fsecret_token%3Ds-2WNj2&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true" width="100%"></iframe></p>
<p><iframe allow="autoplay" frameborder="no" height="300" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/461696574%3Fsecret_token%3Ds-NOM2U&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true" width="100%"></iframe></p>
<p>This process is good on individual channels or an entire mix, if it needs a little perking up. </p>
<p><strong>Final Notes </strong></p>
<p>1. Have fun, but be conservative with it. You’d be surprised how much you can do with subtle moves here and there. </p>
<p>2. There’s no point in distorting if it ruins your mix in the process. </p>
<p>3. Try your hand at cycling through different compression circuits. Each has its own sound. </p>
<p>4. Try a tape delay with the feedback and delay turned off, and drive that clip distortion. Above all, listen to what it does in the context of the mix. </p>
<p>5. No one’s listening in solo mode. Change it up. </p>
<p>6. Do what works for each part, and chances are your mixes will have that extra something you’ve been looking for. </p>
<p>Alright, soldier! Let’s get out there and distort something!</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/53017812018-06-18T03:52:27-05:002021-08-05T08:14:06-05:009 Ways to Bring Your Drum Loops to Life<p>Nothing, and I do mean nothing, quite beats a good drum track. The right player, the right kit, and the right room can make a mix…..magical. But what if you don’t have access to a space where you can track in your apartment, or your recording gear is limited? In this post, we’re going to explore some of the ways you can breathe life into your loops. </p>
<p><strong>1. Groove </strong></p>
<p>Nothing is more essential for establishing a solid foundation in your songs than establishing the groove. If your kick and snare are displaced, and they don’t gel with the song, keep exploring presets until you find something that hits home with you. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/14013/a23564455c78f7069c58fb81adaf9eb6b1919b32/original/blog-1.png" class="size_orig justify_center border_" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>2. Tempo </strong></p>
<p>Now that we have our groove in place, play along with it. Does it feel off or forced? If so, you might consider altering your BPM’s to make sure you can play comfortably and sit in the pocket. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/14013/14ee416eb822aa70b50a1212dcb9371b47693ebf/original/blog-2.png" class="size_orig justify_center border_" /> </p>
<p><strong>3. Variation </strong></p>
<p>Bearing in mind that keeping your songs interesting should be your endgame, it’s fair to say that there should be some delineation between the verse, chorus, and bridge sections. Maybe you’d like to switch from your hi hat to your overheads, or play a section in cut time. Go with your gut until you get that “aha” moment. (Note: Be sure to check aspects of your kit for artifacts. As is demonstrated in our next example, even MIDI drums can suffer from phase issues. This is merely to illustrate a point.) Here’s a before and after sample using Scripter in Logic Pro X to create rhythmic variations in the very same drum sample: </p>
<p><iframe allow="autoplay" frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/459873978&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true" width="100%"></iframe></p>
<p><iframe allow="autoplay" frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/459874281&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true" width="100%"></iframe></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/14013/e958bbeed3c9bb19b0227c0808e92f09763fc03e/original/screen-shot-2018-06-18-at-3-24-23-am.png" class="size_orig justify_center border_" /> </p>
<p><strong>4. Live Samples </strong></p>
<p>If you’re a mix engineer and you’ve worked with multitrack sessions for other clients before, odds are you have at least a couple songs with well played, tuned and tracked kits. Even if you don’t, you have options. Several companies make high end samples of live drums on great kits, if you’re willing to buy them. Of course, if you know any total package drummers, you can always barter to see if they’d be willing to setup their kits and allow you to get clean samples of all the parts. If so, here’s a little trick for you: </p>
<p>When you have your samples sounding right at the source (properly gain staged, of course) locate the beginning and end of your transient at zero crossings (the baseline where no audio is being played) and create a tight cut/fade at each point. Export the file into your sample library under the file name you’d like. Then you can pull it into your session whenever you want. </p>
<p><strong>5. DIY Sample Kit </strong></p>
<p>Many DAW’s have the capability to create and design your own custom drum machine. In this example, Logic’s Drum Machine Designer was used on the “Empty Kit” setting. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/14013/d8d0e20c5e411e460244e6fac9fbf7315a8fbdd0/original/screen-shot-2018-06-18-at-2-42-46-am.png" class="size_orig justify_center border_" /> </p>
<p>From there, you can route the right part of your kit to the corresponding trigger. By clicking on an individual sample box, your panel offers you a wide variety of options and a vast array of tools for designing any singular aspect of your kit. </p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>6. Editing </strong></p>
<p>Occasionally, you may find something unnatural is happening like the tail of your snare is being cut off. No problem! Convert your virtual drums into a MIDI region and open your Piano Roll. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/14013/1710c83bedf3c0fdfaca9f35b20b634a5376cbfc/original/screen-shot-2018-06-18-at-3-10-56-am.png" class="size_orig justify_center border_" /> </p>
<p>Drag the clipped audio to another key assignment, and drag your snare sample into the corresponding box. As long as your sample isn’t being cut off from any triggers that follow it, you’ll be made in the shade! </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/14013/220eba405d23cdd6cd8bcb8aafa185a4b535248c/original/screen-shot-2018-06-18-at-3-11-12-am.png" class="size_orig justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><strong>7. Processing </strong></p>
<p>As we talked about earlier, by clicking on an individual sample box in your drum machine, your panel allows you to do several things to each piece. </p>
<p><strong>EQ</strong> </p>
<p>Each piece has zen simple high and low pass filters for cutting mud, harsh frequencies, and creative processing. </p>
<p><strong>Compression/Distortion </strong></p>
<p>I’m definitely putting these two in the same category. Both affect the dynamic range of your instruments, and both can raise your RMS levels while making your tracks sound fatter and more aggressive. Even many of your DAW’s stock compressors are modeled after coveted vintage gear, and have a make-up gain controller. This drives the amount of distortion going out of the circuit, and a wet/dry mix control enables you to blend the unaffected signal with the highly affected one. This is essentially parallel processing. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/14013/ae70b4df5263400d4ce10087da751103b0bc8b1c/original/screen-shot-2018-06-18-at-2-45-48-am.png" class="size_orig justify_center border_" /> </p>
<p>Here’s an example of a dry sample, a compressed sample, a distorted sample, and a compressed and distorted sample blended into the original: </p>
<p><iframe allow="autoplay" frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/459891267&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true" width="100%"></iframe><iframe allow="autoplay" frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/459891435&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true" width="100%"></iframe><iframe allow="autoplay" frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/459877884&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true" width="100%"></iframe><iframe allow="autoplay" frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/459892209&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true" width="100%"></iframe></p>
<p><strong>Ambience </strong></p>
<p>This is a tricky one. Many novice engineers drench everything in reverb because they think it makes the mix sound more lively. The truth is that if you oversaturate a mix with reverb and delay it will sound incredibly washed out. To combat this, consider only four or five things that could really benefit with the addition of reverb. Maybe on your kit it’s the snare or the overheads. Be conservative with it, and if it doesn’t need it, don’t add it. Here’s an example of our kit before and after adding a bit of reverb to the snare. </p>
<p><iframe allow="autoplay" frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/459878391&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true" width="100%"></iframe><iframe allow="autoplay" frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/459878556&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true" width="100%"></iframe> </p>
<p><strong>8. Panning </strong></p>
<p>Wider is better. There are only three real positions in your mix: left, center, and right. Use the extremes to your advantage. Pan the more spaced elements of your kit to the extreme. It’ll sound bigger, and we like bigger. Here’s our kit in mono followed by an example with the toms and overheads panned hard left and right. </p>
<p><iframe allow="autoplay" frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/459879138&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true" width="100%"></iframe><iframe allow="autoplay" frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/459879237&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true" width="100%"></iframe> </p>
<p><strong>9. Processing the whole kit </strong></p>
<p>Sometimes, a plugin can be used to add flavor and character to your entire mix. iZotope Vinyl does a pretty good job making music sound like it’s being filtered through an old radio. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/14013/f093038b30387ca0b750588d2432ec027742e3ee/original/screen-shot-2018-06-18-at-3-51-44-am.png" class="size_orig justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><iframe allow="autoplay" frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/459879378&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true" width="100%"></iframe><iframe allow="autoplay" frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/459879528&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true" width="100%"></iframe></p>
<p>Thanks for tuning in. Armed with this knowledge, hopefully there’s something that benefits you and your music. Now let’s go save the world one mix at a time!</p>
<p><span style='border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; text-indent: 20px; width: auto; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; text-align: center; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: bold; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: 20px; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); background-image: url(data:image/svg+xml;base64,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); background-size: 14px 14px; background-color: rgb(189, 8, 28); position: absolute; opacity: 1; z-index: 8675309; display: none; cursor: pointer; border: none; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; top: 3680px; left: 146px; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat;'>Save</span><span style='border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; text-indent: 20px; width: auto; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; text-align: center; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: bold; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: 20px; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); background-image: url(data:image/svg+xml;base64,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); background-size: 14px 14px; background-color: rgb(189, 8, 28); position: absolute; opacity: 1; z-index: 8675309; display: none; cursor: pointer; border: none; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; top: 3680px; left: 146px; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat;'>Save</span></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/52462922018-05-21T04:48:43-05:002018-05-21T04:57:26-05:00Behind the Song - "Over and Over"<p><span class="font_regular">Full disclosure: I'm conflicted. Not by this blog initiative as a concept, mind you, but because the basic crux of this series is to take you into the corners of my mind. It's a scary prospect. I like to write songs steeped in introspection, deep thought and fearlessness to explore ideas that people may otherwise avoid. Who knows? Maybe that's the point...</span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">In the days of court jesters, yes, they had a role of being entertainers in the king's court, but they had the king's ear as well. Often, they were the only ones who could deliver bad news to his majesty without fear of reprisal. Today, reprisal is easy to find, and fear is all too commonplace. Today, musicians have taken the reins, and they have some real questions they ask themselves often. For me, it's namely, "How can I add value to people's lives because I'm doing this?" It occurs to me that there's is still a place for telling stories, for exploring things in ways that may be antithetical to the paradigm of the cultural norms. How very punk of me.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">Let's dive right in...</span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/14013/6bf61f0ee9d8fcdcd7972f5b0e60b49d695d2211/original/shirt-faces-copy.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">"Over and Over" is, by far, the most involved production I've ever created. By the end of the session, there were 119 tracks in the orchestration. I hope you can enjoy it and get something out of it. You can listen <a contents="here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/jonathanlaird3" target="_blank">here</a>, and if you'd like to have the song for yourself, I'll include links below. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">I learned a lot from that experience. Some things I'll replicate. Some things I'll do differently next time, but I stand by the work, and am generally pleased at the result. Now for the inspiration:</span></p>
<p>I had a torrent of emotions pouring over me while writing this one: boredom with a homogenous, one-dimensional society when it comes to the universe of ideas, anger with the new righteous who believe they have the morally superior high ground and act in immoral, unethical ways to prove themselves, and no civility in public discourse.</p>
<p>I get exhausted seeing the same links, the same complaints, the same never-ending cycle of information day-to-day. I get frustrated with a culture that places no filter on itself when it comes to the ideas they instantaneously believe, but never test.</p>
<p>I get infuriated by the arrogance of the people who control the flow of information, who take for granted that they are accepted as disseminating the truth. People tend to confuse "truth" and "information." The fact is that these are two separate terms that are not necessarily interchangeable. Many of those who control the flow of information prey on people who will not question the paradigm. Probably because it feels good to go along with what everyone else says. You're much less likely to disturb the status quo by opting for the path of least resistance.</p>
<p>Maybe most of all, I get saddened by a people who've lost all believe in themselves and the world around them. That devaluation can't be anything short of pejorative. One of its effects is a people comfortable with casting blame on everyone else, but even if they have a point, what are they prepared to do to get back up on the horse?</p>
<p>Ultimately, this is a clarion call to help a culture struggling with approval addiction to maybe not rely on the outside world to be responsible for one's self-esteem. After all, if they can give it to you, they can also take it away from you. I hope for a people who have self-respect born of fighting for what matters most, while not allowing others to dictate to them something conflicting with what they know in their hearts are right.</p>
<p>Feel free to share this with anyone you'd like! If you like what you hear, and would like to have the song, you can find it at these fine links with more to come:</p>
<p><a contents="Apple Music" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/over-and-over-single/1386840734?app=music&ign-mpt=uo%3D4" target="_blank">Apple Music</a>, <a contents="Spotify" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/1nKE2nAR0LC4JQBJUYCVE2" target="_blank">Spotify</a>, <a contents="iTunes" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/over-and-over-single/1386840734?uo=4&app=itunes&at=1001lry3&ct=dashboard" target="_blank">iTunes</a>, <a contents="Google Play/YouTube" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://play.google.com/store/music/album/Jonathan_Laird_Over_and_Over?id=Bocfh6z26ursmnces7o25bbmphe" target="_blank">Google Play/YouTube</a>, <a contents="Amazon" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07D5NJHFP/?tag=distrokid06-20" target="_blank">Amazon</a>, <a contents="Deezer" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.deezer.com/album/63991632" target="_blank">Deezer</a>, <a contents="Tidal" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.tidal.com/album/89085847" target="_blank">Tidal</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/52091032018-04-29T18:45:17-05:002018-04-29T23:45:38-05:00Over and Over<a href="https://youtu.be/dSULymadqi4">Over and Over</a>: <p>YouTube has decided to demonetize our presence. Please support this channel by going to: paypal.me/JonLairdLive. Thanks! Hey guys! Check out my new #video!</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/52070652018-04-28T00:43:09-05:002018-04-28T00:43:09-05:00Principles are your pals...<p>Yes, I know the learning aid is actually for the word "principal," but hear me out...</p>
<p>My dad spent a lot of time teaching me several valuable things, not the least of which were cultivating diligence and hard work. Those principles are still with me to this day. </p>
<p>For many people, work is the ultimate four-letter word. However, I do believe there is something to balancing good work with smart work. </p>
<p>What constitutes smart work? </p>
<p>For me, it is about stepping back and getting a lay of the land. It's about evaluating what needs to be done away with, what would be preferable, and what is downright essential. Hopefully, at the end of it all, you see more assets in your life than you do liabilities. </p>
<p>I'm sure I'm like most of you in that I owe my parents a debt I'll likely never be able to repay, but it won't keep me from spending the rest of my life trying. </p>
<p>I learned the value of making educated decisions, and calculated strategies to set my family up for success rather than failure. </p>
<p>So, cheers to my dad, mom and all you wonderful folks who've supported me through thick and thin. </p>
<p>To creating your portrait of a destiny, </p>
<p>Jonathan Laird </p>
<p><a contents="Subscribe to the blog so you never miss a new post!" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://jonathanlaird.net/blogs/jonathan-laird.rss" target="_blank">Subscribe to the blog so you never miss a new post!</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/52008602018-04-24T22:45:17-05:002018-04-24T22:45:18-05:00Are You Following Me??<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_xl">I kinda like it....but I'm weird that way. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large">Get tangled. Stay informed.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large">Join the community <a contents="here on the&nbsp;mailing list!" data-link-label="CLUB" data-link-type="page" href="/club" target="_blank">here on the mailing list!</a> It's guaranteed to keep you in the loop over the newest shows, songs and ramblings going on here.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://twitter.com/jonlairdmusic" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/14013/5c701e310e500eaf9080088f193d3b77973b58a9/original/twitter.png/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsInNtYWxsIl1d.jpg" class="size_s justify_center border_" /></a><br> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="Follow me on Twitter!" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://twitter.com/jonlairdmusic" target="_blank"><span class="font_large">Follow me on Twitter!</span></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/jonathanlairdmusic/" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/14013/84768013ee27276b5f6a38046fd7c85a69c410b1/original/facebook.png/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsInNtYWxsIl1d.jpg" class="size_s justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="Follow me on Facebook!" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/jonathanlairdmusic/" target="_blank"><span class="font_large">Follow me on Facebook!</span></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/user/lairdey" target="_blank"><span class="font_large"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/14013/cab0fbab71b107ba58751306dc92e3017274813f/original/youtube.png/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsInNtYWxsIl1d.jpg" class="size_s justify_center border_" /></span></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="Follow me on YouTube!" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/user/lairdey" target="_blank"><span class="font_large">Follow me on YouTube!</span></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large"><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://instagram.com/jonathanlaird/?utm_source=ig_embed&action=profilevisit" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/14013/1d36c2e4965162a93170d239e56845a504d10118/original/instagram.png/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsInNtYWxsIl1d.jpg" class="size_s justify_center border_" /></a></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="Follow me on Instagram!" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://instagram.com/jonathanlaird/?utm_source=ig_embed&action=profilevisit" target="_blank"><span class="font_large">Follow me on Instagram!</span></a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/51801722018-04-13T11:21:20-05:002018-04-13T11:51:37-05:00Pressed Down, Shaken Together, and Running Over<p>Very excited to have steady work for both my wife, and myself. Time to totally eradicate some bills! Here's to a soon-to-be debt free life!</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/50495992018-01-29T04:31:16-06:002018-01-29T07:00:52-06:00Flicker<a href="https://youtu.be/0p39f49OL8o">Flicker</a>: <p>Cover of Niall Horan’s “Flicker! Enjoy! Hey guys! Check out my new #video!</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/50232882018-01-14T13:11:09-06:002018-01-14T14:01:03-06:00#winter #sound #season #cold #snow http://ift.tt/2EG7D7C<img src="https://78.media.tumblr.com/9735ceda5bde176763212d959098d39a/tumblr_p2k7ylReyX1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>#winter #sound #season #cold #snow <a href="http://ift.tt/2EG7D7C">http://ift.tt/2EG7D7C</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/48500182017-09-14T03:12:40-05:002017-09-14T09:30:35-05:00Pro musicians are entrepreneurs. Period. End of story. If they...<img src="//68.media.tumblr.com/1921f68b794b317fe22552c327f099f4/tumblr_ow9g54Jzdt1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Pro musicians are entrepreneurs. Period. End of story. If they don’t attach value to what they do, they’ll bleed out in the water, and believe me, there are plenty of sharks out there. #business #ownership #value #belief #success #enterprise #entrepreneur #achieve #believe #believeinyourself <a href="http://ift.tt/2wYyU4I">http://ift.tt/2wYyU4I</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/48498052017-09-14T02:26:51-05:002017-09-14T03:01:22-05:00They don’t make them sweeter than this… #cat...<img src="//68.media.tumblr.com/4817dce42185af8c6cc5b3ae8e2f491b/tumblr_ow9e0rxbtU1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>They don’t make them sweeter than this… #cat #feline #pets #sweet <a href="http://ift.tt/2y0pTFa">http://ift.tt/2y0pTFa</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/48464232017-09-11T22:14:37-05:002019-09-25T08:09:03-05:00The one and only Jimi Hendrix! #jimi #hendrix #jimihendrix...<img src="//68.media.tumblr.com/8536bab0f2e6911c25a267be39861c14/tumblr_ow5d0dEb3y1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>The one and only Jimi Hendrix! #jimi #hendrix #jimihendrix #experience #rocknroll #guitar #blues #psychedelic #60s <a href="http://ift.tt/2h0XyYq">http://ift.tt/2h0XyYq</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/48459392017-09-11T16:57:23-05:002017-09-11T17:01:21-05:00Waffle Man!! #wheat #flour #oat #maple #syrup #butter #breakfast...<img src="//68.media.tumblr.com/5d42b91eaac80589e5ac837b1d09dc59/tumblr_ow4ybnzTJN1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Waffle Man!! #wheat #flour #oat #maple #syrup #butter #breakfast #food #cuisine #waffle #quickbread #iron #mix #batter <a href="http://ift.tt/2eQZ2UL">http://ift.tt/2eQZ2UL</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/48447522017-09-10T20:09:14-05:002017-09-10T21:45:40-05:00Yes indeed! Roasted root vegetables, and the best part is that...<img src="//68.media.tumblr.com/bc0400aff275c8294c8106de1b2a7035/tumblr_ow3cjeLoRM1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Yes indeed! Roasted root vegetables, and the best part is that there’s plenty left over to purée for soup tomorrow. #fall #food #cuisine #vegetables #roasted #roasting #carrots #parsnips #sweetpotato #squash #soup <a href="http://ift.tt/2gWlLzs">http://ift.tt/2gWlLzs</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/47998282017-08-02T02:44:46-05:002017-08-02T02:52:00-05:00While We're On the Subject...<p>Greetings! Every now and then, I like to curate content, find out what's going on in the world, and share that with good folks, like yourself. Here are some of the latest juicy bits from the interwebs...</p>
<p><a contents="Sam Shepard dies at 73 after battling ALS" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/sam-shepard-dies-73/story?id=48948235" target="_blank">Sam Shepard dies at 73 after battling ALS</a></p>
<p><a contents="Sam Shepard dies at 73 after battling ALS" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/sam-shepard-dies-73/story?id=48948235" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/14013/ed63271ac98f083f57bc8965096972007ecb0f3b/medium/sam-shepard-ap-mem-170731-mn-4x3t-384.jpg?1501659236" class="size_m justify_left border_" /></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>via ABC</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><a contents="What Sort Of Evil Did Scott And His Pack 'Let Out' On 'Teen Wolf'?" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.mtv.com/news/3018581/halwyn-teen-wolf-season-6-scott-pack/" target="_blank">What Sort Of Evil Did Scott And His Pack 'Let Out' On 'Teen Wolf'?</a></p>
<p><a contents="What Sort Of Evil Did Scott And His Pack 'Let Out' On 'Teen Wolf'?" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.mtv.com/news/3018581/halwyn-teen-wolf-season-6-scott-pack/" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/14013/eb59b2f3966b26d308774f3dabd93cc4dfcf4b39/medium/mgid-ao-image-mtv-com-242945.jpeg?1501659391" class="size_m justify_left border_" /></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>via MTV</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><a contents="England into Women's Euro 2017 semi-finals - reaction" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.bbc.com/sport/live/football/40769992" target="_blank">England into Women's Euro 2017 semi-finals - reaction</a></p>
<p><a contents="England into Women's Euro 2017 semi-finals - reaction" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.bbc.com/sport/live/football/40769992" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/14013/1a4a7507cc9a03b24c8f0689eff751020a89d479/medium/fb1ca64e-1398-49c5-b750-0e3ad95b815b.jpg?1501659559" class="size_m justify_left border_" /></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>via BBC</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><a contents="20,000 evacuated after fire breaks out at music festival in Barcelona" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.cbsnews.com/news/20000-evacuated-after-fire-breaks-out-at-music-festival-in-barcelona-tomorrowland/" target="_blank">20,000 evacuated after fire breaks out at music festival in Barcelona</a></p>
<p><a contents="20,000 evacuated after fire breaks out at music festival in Barcelona" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.cbsnews.com/news/20000-evacuated-after-fire-breaks-out-at-music-festival-in-barcelona-tomorrowland/" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/14013/fcbf55fb6a094aa08fe3f871d2b94c05aa8f112e/medium/2017-07-29t225035z-1020593604-rc1139b4f1c0-rtrmadp-3-spain-festival-fire-1.jpg?1501659692" class="size_m justify_left border_" /></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>via CBS</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/47882712017-07-21T16:53:05-05:002017-07-21T18:17:49-05:00Moby Richard<a href="https://youtu.be/RMpesrGtVz0">Moby Richard</a>: <p>This video is about Moby Richard Hey guys! Check out my new #video!</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/47716152017-07-07T22:28:15-05:002017-07-07T22:28:15-05:00RIP Joan Lee<p>On behalf of a grateful population, thank you to Joan Lee for enabling a great man to entertainment for generations. May your soul find rest, and may your family find comfort through this time.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="oZp_Rz8gQVE" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/oZp_Rz8gQVE/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oZp_Rz8gQVE?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/47717122017-07-07T20:02:51-05:002017-07-08T00:47:36-05:00Ladies and gentlemen, the first full-length album is HERE! Check...<img src="//68.media.tumblr.com/d4bc9c63021cb0c0fe1500991137ed0a/tumblr_osqywrvmoW1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Ladies and gentlemen, the first full-length album is HERE! Check out <a href="http://ift.tt/2uABPM6">http://ift.tt/2uABPM6</a> for details! #music #songs #album #singersongwriter #recording #guitar #vocal <a href="http://ift.tt/2syZjAN">http://ift.tt/2syZjAN</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/47701602017-07-06T18:56:56-05:002017-07-07T00:10:48-05:00Quiz: What are we about to see?? http://ift.tt/2tS6eIV<img src="//68.media.tumblr.com/a86dae8a0f7739febe81cdf48d3f1be9/tumblr_osp16wiJ5Q1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Quiz: What are we about to see?? <a href="http://ift.tt/2tS6eIV">http://ift.tt/2tS6eIV</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/47697322017-07-06T14:29:52-05:002017-07-06T17:47:43-05:00#Coffee always tastes better in this #mug. Don’t know...<img src="//68.media.tumblr.com/da94fa02c67840af456db2b0dcce676b/tumblr_osoots7oax1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>#Coffee always tastes better in this #mug. Don’t know why… <a href="http://ift.tt/2sLcV01">http://ift.tt/2sLcV01</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/47681452017-07-05T15:10:07-05:002017-07-05T15:14:03-05:00Here's a little something...<p>So, this is a nod to an upcoming web project we have in the works. See, if you can guess what it is....</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/14013/d2d93d94b9facd9fb97fb93ec2b07c0e50f01497/original/guitar-instruction.png?1499285387" class="size_orig justify_center border_" /></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/47646192017-07-02T21:10:07-05:002017-07-02T21:10:08-05:00Submissions are in!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/14013/36acabb5ead33766cdafafd5145e8142120cf698/original/screen-shot-2017-07-02-at-9-06-00-pm.png?1499047600" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Well, I have to say, this is surreal. I've been nursing this thing for five years running, and now, I'm ready to part with it and send it out into the world. Submissions have been finalized and it's now in the hands of Atomic Disc. We got an incredible rate for what appears to be real quality work.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Can't wait to share it with ya!</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/47622662017-06-30T01:24:54-05:002017-06-30T01:24:54-05:00You are invited to our CD Release Party!<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_xl">07/14/2017 at 6pm</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large">Come out and celebrate the release of Tangled Up In Me at Old Black Bear! Come visit us at jonathanlaird.net/live for details!</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/14013/a84ff7ff6cb1650e5d3050d36ec93e8ac599a625/original/cover02.png?1497757487" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="www.jonathanlaird.net" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.jonathanlaird.net" target="_blank"><span class="font_large">www.jonathanlaird.net</span></a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/47534012017-06-22T04:41:10-05:002017-06-22T11:46:19-05:00Have you seen what's happening at the website lately?<p>Hey, good peoples!</p>
<p>We have several new goodies here, and more on the way in the coming days! Come check out the new digs, leave us some feedback, sit a spell, and be sure to sign up on the mailing list for many cool things in the future!</p>
<p>Happy clicking!</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/46174322017-03-05T14:44:27-06:002017-03-05T15:22:13-06:00Money For Somethin'"<em>That ain't workin'. That's the way you do it. Get your money for nothin' and your chicks for free..." </em>Dire Straits, 1985 - Brothers In Arms<br><br>It's the little things in life that can bring you the most amusement. One of my favorites to this day is, "So, do you have a <em>real </em>job outside of doing this?" I don't plan to put any of the ridiculous assumptions attached to such a question to rest with this post, but just in case anyone was curious at all, I'd like to share with you, "A Day In the Life of a Professional Musician."<br><br>7:30 - Wake up and do stretches<br>7:45 - Breakfast and daily preparation<br>8:15 - Workout/protein shake<br>8:45 - Instrument maintenance for tracking/performance (set intonation, dial in electronic components, restring, etc.)<br>9:00 - Preproduction (i.e. arranging for final tracking session, deciding which instruments will be used in the orchestration, composing motifs for individual parts, making tonal decisions for each texture, finding out what the appropriate placement of each texture is and where it should or shouldn't be played in the song.)<br>9:45 - Warmup drills (vocal and instrumental)<br>10:15 - Pre-Tracking session - Prearranging recording environment, setting up I/O, routing cables, microphone selection for what will be tracked, proper placement for each instrument.<br>10:35 - Record - (This is as a solo musician doing his project DIY) Deactivate all external processes running on CPU, disable sudden motion sensor, adjust project settings to 64-bit resolution, 96k recording sample rates, gain staging, create a guide track for the song, create drum patterns for the material, select the appropriate fills for the song and alter the kit to fit the aesthetics if necessary, create a couple guitar tracks (sometimes acoustic, sometimes not), track bass parts, stack electric tracks (sometimes 2, sometimes as many as 5), create strings patches, keys, auxilliary percussion, if necessary.<br>11:05 - Lunch/tutorials<br>11:35 - Editing - Splicing track compilations, creating crossfade edits, eliminating dead space in tracks, getting rid of distracting breaths, mouth noises, pops and clicks.<br>12:05 - Mixing - Adjusting all the relative gain in the tracks to a level of -18dB, low level monitoring, creating a static mix where all the parts in the the apex of the song are balance where I'd like them to be<br>1:35 - Panning, EQ, compression, effects, volume riding and automation.<br>3:05 - Mastering<br>4:35 - Booking shows/updating calendar dates<br>5:00 - Prep dinner<br>5:30 - Dinner<br>7:00 - Band rehearsals/Practice for upcoming shows<br>8:30 - Family time<br>10:00 - Cleanup<br>10:45 - Social media campaigning/content curation<br>12:15 - Shower<br>12:45 - Plan for the next day<br>2:15 - Sleep<br><br>Did I mention that this is a regular day? It doesn't account for days when I have to travel for a show, pad the schedule in case of extenuating circumstances, do setup and tear down of 1000's of dollars of equipment for a show that my colleagues and I perform for 4 hours for a relatively small ROI per gig only to be told by others that our business isn't legitimate, it has no value, and we don't deserve the money to justify being able to eat.<br><br>So, there you have it. When someone asks me, "Do you have a real job?" I take it with a grain of salt. A DIY musician is a manager, equipment specialist, producer, tracking, editing, mixing and mastering engineer, a composer, session player, a booking agent, IT specialist, web designer, a marketer, promoter, distributor, on top of being active in their community, being there for the family, and trying to find the time to build outside relationships.<br><br>Do I have a real job? Actually, I have <em>several</em> within a multifaceted<i> </i>business structure. I look forward to the day when society at large will see that for what it is and place value on what we do. If they don't, you may not have many people who want to do it any longer, and that would be a great loss to the culture.Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/46098302017-02-28T08:16:49-06:002020-05-24T13:54:28-05:00Loud and Proud?<p><br><br>There are several articles in the music industry that address what is affectionately known as "The Loudness Wars." </p>
<p>In the early 90's, louder mixes started rearing their heads, and the overall levels of everything in an arrangement began to increase in volume, but not necessarily dynamic range. </p>
<p>What does that mean? Well, imagine listening to <a contents="Dark Side of the Moon" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHGyMu4oXK8&list=PLARyKoS2smo3-HT-HPhHNSW2ckE9C_tyg" target="_blank">Dark Side of the Moon</a>, or <a contents="Vivaldi's Four Seasons" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRxofEmo3HA" target="_blank">Vivaldi's Four Seasons</a>. An invaluable aesthetic which makes these albums what they are and cannot be diminished are the dynamics themselves. Those works wouldn't be what they are without the softness of particular themes, and the climactic explosiveness of their zeniths. </p>
<p>In short, serious musicians work extraordinarily hard to create dynamic range in their works for the purpose of making music that can move a listener beyond simply the notes which are being played. Playing with smoothness can evoke a particular emotional response. Playing with aggression can evoke another, but it is my opinion (and strictly mine) that the nuances that make these distinctions possible are lost in translation when they are not able to flourish and bloom in the way they were intended. </p>
<p>In fact, mastering engineer <a contents="Bob Katz" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8EgamkLkXW8" target="_blank">Bob Katz</a> tells us that the overall volume of recordings has gone up 20 decibels in 20 years. Compare a recording from the 70's to one from today, and you'll see what I mean. </p>
<p>Another thing that will stand out, yet again, is the complete absence of dynamic range. Now, since radio compression is evil and can apply as much as 40 decibels of compression to a work before it hits the airwaves, I would be willing to concede that it plays a role in the overall sonic degradation of a masterwork. However, having played my fair share of MP3's on my iPhone, I can tell you that the builds from verse to chorus to bridge are virtually indistinguishable. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/14013/f7e8074ea3a1562f9f9f41a9e9d4cc3f2022706a/original/img-0667.jpg?1488291090" class="size_orig justify_left border_" /><br><br>Compression is generally applied to audio tracks with uneven volume discrepancies. In a lush mix, the balance of these textures can be lost in translation, so compression is often used to squash bigger waves of audio to the same volume as the smaller waves, then the entire track is boosted with makeup gain. Voila! A consistent track. The problem with applying these things directly to instruments is that the attack of a drum or the clarity of a vocal is found in those peaks. If you squash them, that no longer exists. Which is why I favor volume riding individual tracks and using parallel compression for character. </p>
<p>Couple aggressive compression with what is affectionately known in the trade as "brickwall limiting" where the average volume of the overall mix is limited to an overall RMS level of 8-10 dB of limiting, you can forget about dynamic range. </p>
<p>Is it wrong? Actually, it, like all things, is a matter of personal preference. </p>
<p>Personally, I'm not going to be overly concerned with producing my music for marketability at the expense of producing the music that moves me. Give me dynamics all day, everyday.</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/45333772017-01-01T19:06:26-06:002017-01-01T19:06:26-06:00The Role of SEO in the New Year<a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://searchengineland.com/seo-2017-seizing-opportunity-evangelizing-success-overarching-growth-266459" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/14013/2301d6d3f9de3ad9d445ad8ceb58303058ab01ae/original/seo-success-brightedge.jpeg?1483319143" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a><br><br>If you're into marketing, you are probably familiar with SEO. If you're not, you're missing out on a very powerful tool that will help you gain traction and relevance in the marketplace.<br><br>Jim Yu addresses the role of SEO and what it means for your brand over the course of this year. <a contents="Click here to check that out:" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://searchengineland.com/seo-2017-seizing-opportunity-evangelizing-success-overarching-growth-266459" target="_blank">Click here to check that out:</a>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/45304612016-12-29T23:09:18-06:002016-12-30T23:35:18-06:00Lawn Boy<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/14013/0568323eaa26e2dd6c04ea31fd490a377d7dbbf9/medium/45401-1590123116959-124303-n.jpg?1483074518" class="size_m justify_left border_" /><br><br><strong>“The grass may be greener on the other side, but it’s just as hard to mow.” - Jeffery Scott Johnson, 1998 </strong></p>
<p>This is the story of two friends who were thick as thieves. </p>
<p>In the winter of 1989, my family and I moved down to Huntsville, Alabama. It was quite an eventful year. It was the year a deadly tornado came through South Huntsville and decimated a good part of the city. It even made national news. However, the prevailing reason my family uprooted from Parkersburg, West Virginia was because of my grandfather, who’d recently undergone triple bypass heart surgery. I remember crying my eyes out all the way down, and it is a long drive from Parkersburg to Huntsville. Leaving the only life you’ve known is never easy, and I wasn’t taking the transition lightly. Nonetheless, I found myself making my home in a town that I still live in to this day. </p>
<p>My grandfather was a renowned preacher, and a great one at that. He had no small role to play in helping me develop a comfort level in front of a crowd. In fact, he and my father were able to work with me consistently, and I began speaking in public as early as fifth grade. One of the first friendships I made in those ranks was with a kid named Jeff. </p>
<p>Jeff was an amiable, blonde-haired kid. He always had a smile to give, and was always warm and welcoming. When I didn’t have any peers to speak of in the outside world, I had a handful of them at my church, and he was at the top of the totem pole. </p>
<p>And why not? After all, this guy had an aptitude for making friends, and it didn’t seem to matter who. No one was too weird, too unorthodox or too unpopular. Jeff didn’t weigh his relationships by those metrics, not ever. </p>
<p>My first years in Alabama were very hard for me. Well…..maybe not the very first one. I made friends fairly easily and excelled in my studies when I completed my fifth grade courses, but couldn’t have been prepared for what the next year had in store. I attended Liberty Middle School. I was excoriated so much that I spent more time calling in sick to the clinic than I did in the classroom. I had some consolation in the fact that I had a loving family and friends outside of that environment, but I can’t lie. It was rough. </p>
<p>I hadn’t yet figured out how to be comfortable in my own skin. I felt awkward. I was an outcast, the object of ridicule, and definitely an easy target. Unfortunately, when I transferred to Madison Academy the following year things were not much better. I didn’t say much to most people. I walked down the corridors basically staring at my shoes, and all I wanted to do was fit in. One evening, I found myself thinking in my bedroom, “Why am I trying so hard to win over people that are so bent on hating me? Why should I care what they think?” That was a turning point. I grew into someone who could hang out with the popular kids, maybe because I’d become self-aware. And I also hung out with the unpopular ones because I knew what it was like to be one, and knew I was no better. One constant throughout this entire process was Jeff. He was always welcoming, inviting and never above anyone. In a way, I’d like to believe the epiphanies I had in school were in no small part because of him. </p>
<p>When we turned 15, we entered into the job market and we both bagged groceries at Publix. We’d hang out after hours and shoot the breeze a bit. I particularly remember him getting a kick out of me going to the bathroom while I was on the clock, and falling asleep in the stall for over an hour. Oops… </p>
<p>Speaking of work, I always admired his sense of entrepreneurism. Jeff, with the help of his family, eventually launched a successful landscaping business. Keep in mind, we were still in high school, and this was and is very impressive to me. He was always hard working and diligent. Certainly more than I was at our age. Did I mention the bathroom? </p>
<p>Jeff and I played on MA’s JV Football team. (They’ve gotten good since then.) We often ate at each other’s houses, and got to know our respective families very well. </p>
<p>We also sang in the chorus together. Jeff had a real musical talent beyond what I even think he knew. He always seemed to have an ear for rhythm, and would tap out drum patterns on the steering wheel of his black Ford Probe with little to no effort. </p>
<p>Beyond the work week, and school, we both extended our time, money and energy to the mission field. One particular trip I remember was to an orphanage in Ensenada, Mexico. He had an affinity for working with the children and made bricks faster than just about anyone on site. </p>
<p>One of our favorite connections though, was definitely music. We had a band of brothers. There was Rob Collier, who has since developed some notoriety for himself in the Shoals, and Matt Eaglan, who I’m sad to say is no longer with us either. Many were the nights we found some location off the beaten path to throw a football while listening to Pink Floyd, Zappa, Phish, Bela Fleck and Dave Matthews. In fact, the name of this post points to a Phish album we listened to routinely.</p>
<p>College opened up some bittersweet experiences for us both. We developed different ways of seeing the world, but this was a time when people could disagree with each other and still remain friends. We both had some of our first serious relationships, and we both dealt with our fair share of heartache on the other side, but we were always there to pick each other up when we fell. We always had that connection even in the years of his marriage where I had the honor and the privilege of playing at his reception and ceremony, and he was always gracious and thankful for the gifts he’d been given. </p>
<p>Jeff, like everyone, had his struggles in life, and like everyone, wrestled with not letting those things get the better of him. I do not wish to discuss these things at length, nor will I dishonor his memory by doing so. I did not struggle in the ways of my friend, and as such, I consider myself fully unqualified to speak on these matters. </p>
<p>Now, my cup runs over to overflowing with the tears of sorrow over the best friend I have lost, tears of joy over the superior life he now finds himself experiencing, tears of anguish over the circumstances surrounding his death, and I hope at least, tears that will ultimately lead me and those who knew him best to the hope that one day we will be in his midst again, enjoying the heavenly splendor that should be the ultimate endgame for all of us, and particularly those who were blessed with the joy of knowing him at all.</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/45182742016-12-20T01:39:58-06:002016-12-20T01:39:58-06:00Marketing 2.0Branding and marketing are critical to establishing your presence on the web in any capacity. There are many factors for you to consider: "Where do I position my branding?" "What does a good website look like?" "How do I curate content that sparks engagement?'<br><br>In this article, Jeff Bullas covers the 10 essentials you'll want to have in your arsenal to market your business more effectively.<br><br><a contents="Click Here:" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.jeffbullas.com/2016/12/19/10-digital-marketing-assets-you-need-to-invest-in-today/" target="_blank">Click Here:</a><br><br><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.jeffbullas.com/2016/12/19/10-digital-marketing-assets-you-need-to-invest-in-today/" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/14013/961cd55acef536d95e019245699ba0ef3d85beff/medium/10-digital-assets-you-need-to-start-investing-in-today-1.jpeg?1482219566" class="size_m justify_left border_" /></a>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/45182722016-12-20T01:24:05-06:002022-08-22T08:27:20-05:007 Ways to Update Your LinkedIn Profile Today<p>In the world of social media, things tend to move at breakneck speed. Chances are if you've updated your profile six months ago, it's in need of an update today. </p>
<p>This post is for you LinkedIn users. </p>
<p>Social Media Examiner has put together a comprehensive checklist of everything you want to address on your LinkedIn profile going into the new year. Check out that information here:<br><br><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/7-step-checklist-to-refresh-your-linkedin-profile/" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/14013/318fe80e58bf84354b704ff49d453e7eea61d0af/small/vvr-linkedin-refresh-checklist-p.png?1482218490" class="size_s justify_left border_none" alt="" /></a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/45001372016-12-07T00:53:48-06:002016-12-07T03:04:43-06:00Now booking for the Christmas season! Learn more:...<img src="//68.media.tumblr.com/58dca2177f829cf3ea9e4c5d4ac081df/tumblr_ohsz5o1awB1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Now booking for the Christmas season! Learn more: jonathan@jonathanlaird.net <a href="http://ift.tt/2hgGVGH">http://ift.tt/2hgGVGH</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/45001382016-12-07T00:53:32-06:002016-12-07T03:04:43-06:00Now booking for the Christmas season! Learn more:...<img src="//68.media.tumblr.com/2c4c3b410649f814a9a5cbd79d2a0a77/tumblr_ohsz58i2l91rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Now booking for the Christmas season! Learn more: jonathan@jonathanlaird.net</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/44786812016-11-21T22:54:43-06:002016-11-22T01:16:54-06:00FREE EBOOK: Plus my video on how to successfully CRUSH your next...<img src="//68.media.tumblr.com/4912465b35125cee23df878a4afcb694/tumblr_oh11n7Hl1V1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>FREE EBOOK: Plus my video on how to successfully CRUSH your next party! #free #ebook #video #facebook #instagram #twitter #party #event #conference #guide #function #expo ift.tt/2fz8BGn <a href="http://ift.tt/2gcxcEB">http://ift.tt/2gcxcEB</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/44786822016-11-21T22:54:26-06:002016-11-22T01:16:54-06:00FREE EBOOK: Plus my video on how to successfully CRUSH your next...<img src="//68.media.tumblr.com/baf4f54ce262c0c38be354f993437ffe/tumblr_oh11mqzSw21rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>FREE EBOOK: Plus my video on how to successfully CRUSH your next party! #free #ebook #video #facebook #instagram #twitter #party #event #conference #guide #function #expo ift.tt/2fz8BGn</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/44282432016-10-20T03:53:51-05:002017-01-14T12:40:29-06:00Just finished week 1 day 3 of #C25K with @c25kfree!...<img src="//67.media.tumblr.com/1b679cb06edf0edeed3947e48627a1d8/tumblr_ofc8prdiIe1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Just finished week 1 day 3 of #C25K with @c25kfree! @zenlabsfitness! #everymomentcounts #run #running #health #fitness <a href="http://ift.tt/2e3wqr1">http://ift.tt/2e3wqr1</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/44282442016-10-20T03:53:33-05:002017-01-14T12:40:29-06:00Photo<img src="//68.media.tumblr.com/1b679cb06edf0edeed3947e48627a1d8/tumblr_ofc8p9Omnd1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/44212862016-10-16T00:26:22-05:002017-01-14T12:40:28-06:00Just finished week 1 day 2 of #C25K with @c25kfree!...<img src="//66.media.tumblr.com/c5d6c870e474340e299d3d3e2416d40e/tumblr_of4kfyNvlg1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Just finished week 1 day 2 of #C25K with @c25kfree! @zenlabsfitness! #everymomentcounts #run #running #health #fitness <a href="http://ift.tt/2dXiJNB">http://ift.tt/2dXiJNB</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/44212872016-10-16T00:26:17-05:002017-01-14T12:40:28-06:00Just finished week 1 day 2 of #C25K with @c25kfree!...<img src="//66.media.tumblr.com/c5d6c870e474340e299d3d3e2416d40e/tumblr_of4kftvUxK1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Just finished week 1 day 2 of #C25K with @c25kfree! @zenlabsfitness! #everymomentcounts #run #running #health #fitness</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/43829062016-09-21T03:50:50-05:002016-09-21T08:17:33-05:00Here’s an excerpt from my first attempt at the solo...<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-version="7" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 400px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:28.125% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div>
</div>
<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BKnKU_6D0ix/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A video posted by Jonathan Laird (@jonathanlaird)</a> on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2016-09-21T08:50:49+00:00">Sep 21, 2016 at 1:50am PDT</time></p>
</div></blockquote>
<script async defer src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><br><br><p>Here’s an excerpt from my first attempt at the solo section of a great Pat Metheny song, “Jaco.” It’s a work in progress… #patmetheny #jazz #fusion #guitar #solo #jaco #jacopastorius</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/43780252016-09-18T00:34:02-05:002017-01-14T12:40:28-06:00Just finished week 3 day 2 of #C25K with @c25kfree!...<img src="//66.media.tumblr.com/ac11b422bd201292b1e5758e53bd349b/tumblr_odoq4qYeIL1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Just finished week 3 day 2 of #C25K with @c25kfree! @zenlabsfitness! #everymomentcounts #run #running #health #fitness <a href="http://ift.tt/2cGBzpj">http://ift.tt/2cGBzpj</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/43751802016-09-16T03:10:34-05:002017-01-14T12:40:28-06:00Dark Side of the Moon<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-watch-fridays-harvest-moon-lunar-eclipse-2016-9" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/14013/211cba1e18bbcddf2d52267db81ad00c9006a8b3/original/rtr45gcd.jpg?1474013303" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a><br><br>via. <a contents="Business Insider" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-watch-fridays-harvest-moon-lunar-eclipse-2016-9" target="_blank">Business Insider</a><br><br><br>On Friday, Earth's shadow will pass over this month’s full moon, making it faintly present in the night sky. This is the last eclipse of 2016. </p>
<p>This full moon though, isn't your customary full moon. It's a harvest moon: the full moon that falls the nearest to the pre-winter equinox in the Northern Hemisphere, which can possibly make the moon seem much bigger than it typically appears. </p>
<p>Actually, this is the last harvest moon eclipse until 2024. </p>
<p>It will last around four hours, achieving its apex at around 2:54 p.m. ET. </p>
<p><strong>Harvest moons </strong></p>
<p>Like every full moon, the harvest moon ascends at dusk and sets at dawn. The harvest moon, however, rises just 30 minutes after the fact than it did the day prior. So for a couple of consecutive evenings, the moon appears to ascend with the setting sun, making the moon seem full considerably longer. </p>
<p>This time around, the harvest moon will float into Earth's shadow. This is the lighter external range of Earth's shadow, and it materializes a subtle lunar eclipse. </p>
<p>In spite of the fact that the eclipse will be obvious to the exposed eye (not so much in North and South America), the subtleties are best seen through binoculars or a telescope. </p>
<p><a contents="Slooh" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://live.slooh.com/stadium/live/the-full-harvest-moon-eclipse" target="_blank">Slooh</a>, an online observatory, will collaborate with The Old Farmer's Almanac to offer a four-hour real-time viewing of the eclipse for viewers everywhere throughout the world. </p>
<p>During that time, cosmologists will talk about lunar obscurations and the history and old stories encompassing the harvest moon. They'll also take questions from people in general. </p>
<p>Look at the live stream from <a contents="Slooh" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://live.slooh.com/stadium/live/the-full-harvest-moon-eclipse" target="_blank">Slooh</a> on Friday, September 16, at 12:45 p.m. ET:</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/43732922016-09-15T03:09:12-05:002017-01-14T12:40:28-06:00Just finished week 3 day 1 of #C25K with @c25kfree!...<img src="//66.media.tumblr.com/15d8fcab24dfb3dd79f0fa891cee2ee2/tumblr_odjdbca6Vq1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Just finished week 3 day 1 of #C25K with @c25kfree! @zenlabsfitness! #everymomentcounts #run #running #health #fitness <a href="http://ift.tt/2cgeJo1">http://ift.tt/2cgeJo1</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/43678202016-09-12T04:29:15-05:002017-01-14T12:40:28-06:00Just finished week 2 day 3 of #C25K with @c25kfree!...<img src="//67.media.tumblr.com/7651dbad6be7a9b4b2fb64cf41ed5173/tumblr_oddx0rbgaw1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Just finished week 2 day 3 of #C25K with @c25kfree! @zenlabsfitness! #everymomentcounts #run #running #health #fitness <a href="http://ift.tt/2cxMkvP">http://ift.tt/2cxMkvP</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/43584062016-09-06T04:22:40-05:002017-01-14T12:40:28-06:00Freddie Mercury is an ACTUAL Star<a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://kenzo.dvrlists.com/freddie-mercury.html" style="" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/14013/248605dae759f2e871631bae8a8c57399c0f7b5b/original/freddie-mercury.jpg?1473153662" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br>via. DVRLists</a><br><br>To commemorate this amazing performer's 70th birthday, Brian May spills the beans on the star they dedicated to Freddie. Oh, and since Brian May is an astrophysicist (as well as a highly underrated musician in his own right), he is more than qualified to give us the rundown:<br><br><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="EAeGv7DE5OM" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/EAeGv7DE5OM/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EAeGv7DE5OM?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/43567502016-09-04T16:22:59-05:002021-09-10T15:25:17-05:00If You’re Not Following Samantha Murray….You Are Missing Out<div> </div><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.samanthamurray.co.uk/gallery/" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/14013/31b55e7f52b0a768acb170b313a714702ee8be3c/original/thumb6.jpg?1473023747" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a><br>via. <a contents="Samantha Murray" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.samanthamurray.co.uk/gallery/" target="_blank">Samantha Murray</a><br> <div>
<br><br>At only 26, Samantha Murray has accomplished more than many people will in the entire lifespan. With an entire laundry list of accolades, <a contents="(see here..)" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.samanthamurray.co.uk/achievements/" target="_blank">(see here..)</a> including 1 Olympic Silver Medal, 2 World Championship Medals, 2 British Championship Gold Medals, and 8 World Cup Top 10 Finishes, this athletic phenom found herself to be the Pentathlete contender to be reckoned with.<br> </div><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.samanthamurray.co.uk/gallery/" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/14013/9b729e962e93a500afe9b9403889622a012c2a7b/original/about-carousel-7.jpg?1473023797" class="size_l justify_left border_" /></a>
<div>
<br>via. <a contents="Samantha Murray" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.samanthamurray.co.uk/gallery/" target="_blank">Samantha Murray</a><br><br>Born on the 25th September 1989 in Preston, England and growing up in Clitheroe, Samantha participated in several sports: including gymnastics, dance, swimming, netball and athletics. All this athletic prowess not withstanding, Samantha is a farm girl at heart. She grew up spending much of her youth helping out and riding horses on her Grandparents farm. As she grew, she became active in gymkhana and show jumping. Then through her swimming club she was asked to try out for a Biathlon. Although the nature of the competition was geared towards running and swimming, pistol shooting was also being held there. So, she found out that shooting practice was being held next to the swimming pool where she trained and she attended shooting classes before swim classes. Then, she took up fencing so that she could compete in her very first Modern Pentathlon.</div><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.samanthamurray.co.uk/gallery/" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/14013/e3ea5fba27a07660aa2443b1320bf2e41baf9a25/original/about-carousel-8.jpg?1473023864" class="size_l justify_right border_" /></a>
<div>
<br><br>In all these things, Samantha never neglected her academic pursuits. When she turned 18, she began studying for a degree in French and Politics at the University of Bath and joined the National Performance<br>Centre for Modern Pentathlon. Because the University was located at the Sports Training Village, Samantha was able to pursue her degree and also her training requirements.<br><br>There, she grew in terms of her stellar athleticism and performance. She still trains in Bath and continues to aspire for the one thing that is absolutely inherent in her nature. Pure. Unbridled. Excellence.</div><br>Now, if you’ll excuse me, all this talk has me pretty inspired myself. Time to write my next opus! <p>All the best to you, Samantha! Your heart, soul, passion and desire cannot be replaced, and are something this world sorely needs to see!<br> </p>via. <a contents="Samantha Murray" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.samanthamurray.co.uk/gallery/" target="_blank">Samantha Murray</a><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.samanthamurray.co.uk/gallery/" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/14013/c7a121b301b50308f0734ec213558fd9f8f7f5a1/original/about-carousel-5.jpg?1473023901" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a><br><br>via. <a contents="Samantha Murray" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.samanthamurray.co.uk/gallery/" target="_blank">Samantha Murray</a>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/43550272016-09-02T15:17:08-05:002017-01-14T12:40:28-06:00Those were the days… #book #bookit #pizza #pizzahut...<img src="//66.media.tumblr.com/9777c9be9fbad847c08b1ad997823aa1/tumblr_ocw8ckNUCc1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Those were the days… #book #bookit #pizza #pizzahut <a href="http://ift.tt/2bJqCoV">http://ift.tt/2bJqCoV</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/43550282016-09-02T15:16:55-05:002017-01-14T12:40:28-06:00Those were the days… #book #bookit #pizza #pizzahut<img src="//67.media.tumblr.com/0386622b3ebaac6d7a63eafd0ce518f2/tumblr_ocw8c7R6l11rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Those were the days… #book #bookit #pizza #pizzahut</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/43534962016-09-01T13:57:45-05:002017-01-14T12:40:27-06:00If the movie was set in today’s world…. #pumpkin...<img src="//66.media.tumblr.com/8b1c07912b960b55d1b472df3a1e9060/tumblr_ocua09eSXl1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>If the movie was set in today’s world…. #pumpkin #spice #fall <a href="http://ift.tt/2ciAxjN">http://ift.tt/2ciAxjN</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/43534972016-09-01T13:57:38-05:002017-01-14T12:40:28-06:00If the movie was set in today’s world…. #pumpkin...<img src="//66.media.tumblr.com/797be33d6d21574f5ef08b185d35a84d/tumblr_ocua02EvHa1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>If the movie was set in today’s world…. #pumpkin #spice #fall</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/43521222016-08-31T23:10:56-05:002017-01-14T12:40:27-06:00Just finished week 2 day 2 of #C25K with @c25kfree!...<img src="//66.media.tumblr.com/6fecae335bf39d62337201f8f1081a5f/tumblr_oct4y8yWfk1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Just finished week 2 day 2 of #C25K with @c25kfree! @zenlabsfitness! #everymomentcounts #run #running #health #fitness <a href="http://ift.tt/2bKXhGt">http://ift.tt/2bKXhGt</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/43521232016-08-31T23:10:34-05:002017-01-14T12:40:27-06:00Just finished week 2 day 2 of #C25K with @c25kfree!...<img src="//66.media.tumblr.com/6fecae335bf39d62337201f8f1081a5f/tumblr_oct4xm202s1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Just finished week 2 day 2 of #C25K with @c25kfree! @zenlabsfitness! #everymomentcounts #run #running #health #fitness</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/43503362016-08-31T04:21:51-05:002017-12-13T09:20:29-06:00Got noisy recordings? Here's something to consider…<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/14013/7c06aa35e39d07444ef013f150a0adc23b1e6a20/original/new-note.jpeg?1472634857" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p>Everyone is nostalgic for analog gear in the audio world, and why not? There are many things to appreciate about it. The warmth of the tube saturation, the smooth compression factor of driving a really good console into the red, the character of vintage hardware compressors, these are all things that we've heard on countless classic recordings, and I think somewhere in our psyche we believe if we accumulate enough of these things, we'll be the next Bob Clearmountain. (This is a discussion will table for another time, because I think most engineers should be the best version of themselves they can possibly be.) </p>
<p>There were a lot of things to appreciate about the old-school recording set ups, but there were a lot of headaches that went along with it as well. Overdubbing was tedious and time consuming. The hardware needed to be maintained and the tubes needed to be biased. Channel strips would need to be replaced. Depending on the humidity in the room, what sounded good in the studio one day, may not necessarily sound good in the studio the next day. </p>
<p>The advent of digital has its pros and cons as well, but it has come along way. For the sake of this discussion, we'll frame it as a tutorial for the budding engineer who may not know why some of his favorite plug-ins, modeled after some of his favorite analog gear, wind up being overkill in the final mix. </p>
<p>With companies like iZotope, UAD, and Waves using phase reversal and convolution based technology, they are making digital instances of plug-ins that model the original hardware very very well. There is one thing that you may not have considered though: Many professional engineers who endorse these products have professional knowledge. </p>
<p>As a fledgling engineer, you may not have that luxury. So, here is one particular step to consider along the way: </p>
<p>Watch out for the "analog" functions within your plug-ins - Let's say you like a tape plug-in that you have. It has a very nice character, so you put it across every instance of your session.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/14013/e285d74b3f0bca3a1cdc2ba1fc514ecaa3731ca3/original/screen-shot-2016-08-31-at-4-17-58-am.png?1472635192" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br><br>Follow that up with an analog EQ and then an analog compressor across all your tracks. <br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/14013/7a4bc3d89c04b1c4d74c3aa1ec3288c96b59d62f/original/screen-shot-2016-08-31-at-4-17-36-am.png?1472635200" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/14013/6ac67f07d13b8e18d5e3ff17f091aed59db768ac/original/screen-shot-2016-08-31-at-4-17-00-am.png?1472635207" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Eventually, what will happen is that you will have such an overwhelming hiss coming across the speakers that it will become almost unbearable for you to listen to it. </p>
<p>Why? Those analog switches are put in the processors to mimic the hardware noise the original units used to make. When you compound it across, say 48 tracks, all of that analog noise starts to add up. </p>
<p>The solution? Simple. Go ahead and use those processors as much as you want. Just disengage the analog functions across your sessions. Save those functions for your mix buss processing. That way, you'll be able to have the character of the processor that you like without it killing your mix that you've worked so hard to make. <br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/14013/d86b7ff0e852c6c2609e18e8e59a07cc2a27894f/original/screen-shot-2016-08-31-at-4-16-02-am.png?1472635211" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>There are all kinds of things that we could discuss today in terms of making a cleaner recording including gain staging, volume matching your plug-ins, and proper editing. We'll save that for a later date though.</p>
<p>What are your thoughts, tips or tricks? Do feel free to comment and subscribe to the blog by clicking <a contents="here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://jonathanlaird.net/blogs/jonathan-laird.rss" target="_blank">here</a>:</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/43482732016-08-29T22:46:50-05:002017-01-14T12:40:27-06:00In honor of one of my favorite actors ever, I think of this film...<img src="//67.media.tumblr.com/cfc465486aef9f13095d209a57283326/tumblr_ocpei2COg81rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>In honor of one of my favorite actors ever, I think of this film when I think of him. It may not be one of his best known works, but it is one of his best roles. See it soon! #harrisonford #genewilder #thefriscokid #movies #western <a href="http://ift.tt/2bNuW12">http://ift.tt/2bNuW12</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/43482742016-08-29T22:46:40-05:002017-01-14T12:40:27-06:00In honor of one of my favorite actors ever, I think of this film...<img src="//66.media.tumblr.com/48f56b9d0ebf17ed3af93fc5cb3aabb5/tumblr_ocpehsUYuR1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>In honor of one of my favorite actors ever, I think of this film when I think of him. It may not be one of his best known works, but it is one of his best roles. See it soon! #harrisonford #genewilder #thefriscokid #movies #western</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/43482752016-08-29T22:34:02-05:002017-01-14T12:40:27-06:00Together again. #genewilder #gildaradner #husbandandwife...<img src="//65.media.tumblr.com/6a4eca436b91b259f0c106a756ea4d8c/tumblr_ocpdwq1UNy1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Together again. #genewilder #gildaradner #husbandandwife <a href="http://ift.tt/2bxTaAw">http://ift.tt/2bxTaAw</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/43482762016-08-29T22:33:52-05:002017-01-14T12:40:27-06:00Together again. #genewilder #gildaradner #husbandandwife<img src="//66.media.tumblr.com/6a4eca436b91b259f0c106a756ea4d8c/tumblr_ocpdwgo3mi1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Together again. #genewilder #gildaradner #husbandandwife</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/43479262016-08-29T17:52:31-05:002017-01-14T12:40:27-06:00Just finished week 2 day 1 of #C25K with @c25kfree!...<img src="//65.media.tumblr.com/f321d8f8961f710e86f83bbdb5484aae/tumblr_ocp0vjGdat1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Just finished week 2 day 1 of #C25K with @c25kfree! @zenlabsfitness! #everymomentcounts #run #running #health #fitness <a href="http://ift.tt/2cn1Ri5">http://ift.tt/2cn1Ri5</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/43440852016-08-26T17:55:25-05:002017-01-27T04:09:00-06:00Why You Should Update Your iOS Settings Today<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/14013/09809d5ab2443c5c995374686043b4c18a2c35b0/large/ios.jpg?1472252038" class="size_l justify_left border_none" alt="" />via <a contents="News.com.au" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.news.com.au/technology/online/hacking/apple-forced-to-issue-a-global-update-of-ios-after-the-discovery-of-sophisticated-malware/news-story/b2674db4a506650c5df26610e1458a23" target="_blank">News.com.au</a></p>
<p><br>Apple released iOS 9 on Thursday—iOS 9.3.5— fixes numerous basic vulnerabilities that have been allegedly discovered by governments to target activists and protesters, as indicated by a report from Citizen Lab and Lookout Security. Apple did an overhaul within 10 days from when they received Citizen Lab's underlying report. The overhaul is instantly available for all iOS 9 gadgets. </p>
<p>This update is a security measure that would prohibit an assailant from seizing an iOS gadget and controlling or screening it remotely. Criminals would have entry to the gadget's camera and amplifier, and could catch sound calls even in end-to-end secured applications like WhatsApp. They could ascertain pictures, following developments, and recover records. </p>
<p>An Apple representative said, “We were made aware of this vulnerability and immediately fixed it with iOS 9.3.5. We advise all of our customers to always download the latest version of iOS to protect themselves against potential security exploits.”</p>
<p>Clients ought to maintain distance from—now and for eternity! — tapping into connections in SMS messages from obscure sources. Since SMS messages can be parodied, it might be hazardous even from known sources.</p>
<p>To install the updated iOS, open Settings, then tap General > Software Update. You additionally can upgrade iTunes with your gadget paired with your Mac.</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/43443172016-08-26T15:37:15-05:002017-01-14T12:40:27-06:00Just finished week 1 day 3 of #C25K with @c25kfree!...<img src="//66.media.tumblr.com/ca75ae1bcf4248f122299b7ec445d43c/tumblr_ocjam32HkN1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Just finished week 1 day 3 of #C25K with @c25kfree! @zenlabsfitness! #everymomentcounts #run #running #health #fitness <a href="http://ift.tt/1H7W2HH">http://ift.tt/1H7W2HH</a> <a href="http://ift.tt/2bNfp3w">http://ift.tt/2bNfp3w</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/43411702016-08-25T04:12:38-05:002017-01-14T12:40:26-06:00Top 5 Shows That I MissI want to preface this by saying that I know that every franchise has a lifespan. Still, some great shows were canceled because of ratings. Others were canceled because of writer's strikes. (Some seem to go on way past their prime.)<br><br>For the sake of the topic, I submit to you my top 4 shows that I miss:<br><br><strong>1. Firefly</strong><br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/14013/a6c2a10b544596c166a3e83b171609435c53233c/original/firefly-to-make-landmark-return-to-netflix.jpeg?1472115866" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>via <a contents="MoviePilot" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://moviepilot.com/posts/1308836" target="_blank">MoviePilot</a><br><br>Okay. I'm convinced it's never coming back, but I still get nostalgic over this one.<br><br><strong>2. Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles</strong><br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/14013/cfecf25ae3d46d168e78ed00caf761dc0417bc61/original/poster-sarah.jpg?1472115856" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>via <a contents="Bear McCreary" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.bearmccreary.com/category/blog/terminator-the-sarah-connor-chronicles/" target="_blank">Bear McCreary</a><br><br>Fantastic show. It just so happened that it met its demise at around the time of the aforementioned writer's strike.<br><br><strong>3. Human Target</strong><br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/14013/ffc864111ecb9ca0713bec9c9d2efaec8773d981/original/humantarget.jpg?1472115828" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>via <a contents="TV Guide" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/human-target/297509/" target="_blank">TV Guide</a><br><br>Christopher Chance never really got the notoriety I thought he deserved. Again, that's just me,<br><br><strong>4. In Plain Sight</strong><br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/14013/e85dff0675f6e21fe9fc4efe9c99db2531635f80/original/in-plain-sight.jpg?1472115845" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br>via <a contents="Wikipedia" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In_Plain_Sight" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a><br><br>I know there were extenuating circumstances in the lives of several cast members, but I always thought it was one of USA's better shows.<br><br><strong>5. Agent Carter<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/14013/acf32d865e15e163c7b6b772bb4b578e8b81c3e7/original/agent-cartermarvelabc.jpg?1472115837" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></strong><br>via <a contents="iDigitalTimes" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.idigitaltimes.com/agent-carter-rumors-will-abc-renew-season-3-may-517213" target="_blank">iDigitalTimes</a><br><br>This one had so much potential. I was very disappointed to see it go. Plus, Hayley Atwell is <em>very</em> easy on the eyes.<br><br>Which shows do you miss the most? Comment below. We'd love to hear your thoughts!<br><br>Subscribe <a contents="HERE:" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://jonathanlaird.net/blogs/jonathan-laird.rss" target="_blank">HERE:</a><br><br> Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/43410252016-08-25T01:44:12-05:002017-01-14T12:40:26-06:00Say A Little Prayer for Aretha<a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.mtv.com/artists/aretha-franklin/" style="" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/14013/7323398deae7f6c886a031463d71321706430d68/large/aretha-franklin-google-images.jpg?1472107700" class="size_l justify_left border_none" alt="" /></a>via <a contents="MTV" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.mtv.com/artists/aretha-franklin/" target="_blank">MTV</a><br><br>Born in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1942, Aretha Franklin was destined to be skilled singer and piano player. She wound up in New York, where she eventually landed a deal with Columbia Records. In her career, she's released numerous classic singles. In 1987, she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and in 2008 she won her eighteenth Grammy.<p>In 2003, she released her last studio collection on Arista, and left to establish Aretha Records. After two years, she was honored the Presidential Medal of Freedom and is the second woman ever to be enlisted into the UK Music Hall of Fame. In 2008, she got her eighteenth Grammy Award for "Never Gonna Break My Faith"— a joint effort with Mary J. Blige. </p>Unfortunately, she is having a few problems. She scratched off three shows because of health concerns.
<p>"Due to doctors' orders I will have to cancel a few concerts for the next month or so," she said. "I'm especially disappointed because two of them are among my favorite cities, Washington D.C. and New York. I don't want to miss any. I should continue the rest of my tour by November. I decided it was time to go home and take care of myself consistent with doctors' orders."</p>Aretha, thank you for sharing your amazing gifts with us. Get well soon!
<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7Ifw8JhDBvs" width="420"></iframe><br><br>Subscribe to the blog <a contents="HERE:" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://jonathanlaird.net/blogs/jonathan-laird.rss" target="_blank">HERE:</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/43390032016-08-23T15:57:13-05:002017-01-14T12:40:26-06:00Just finished week 1 day 2 of #C25K with @c25kfree!...<img src="//66.media.tumblr.com/9032789c47424391220fdf4464211673/tumblr_ocdrjdtdpy1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Just finished week 1 day 2 of #C25K with @c25kfree! @zenlabsfitness! #everymomentcounts #run #running #health #fitness <a href="http://ift.tt/1H7W2HH">http://ift.tt/1H7W2HH</a> <a href="http://ift.tt/2bDZVzQ">http://ift.tt/2bDZVzQ</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/43352602016-08-21T12:14:19-05:002017-01-14T12:40:26-06:00Oh Christmas tree! Oh Christmas tree! #grapes #stem #vine...<img src="//67.media.tumblr.com/42dfb149ec6fbfe5687b6aea9976f7f3/tumblr_oc9rvvgG3O1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Oh Christmas tree! Oh Christmas tree! #grapes #stem #vine <a href="http://ift.tt/2bv4SfK">http://ift.tt/2bv4SfK</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/43352612016-08-21T12:14:04-05:002017-01-14T12:40:26-06:00Oh Christmas tree! Oh Christmas tree! #grapes #stem #vine<img src="//65.media.tumblr.com/555faae3dabc8272bf3dbed6b95a39ea/tumblr_oc9rvg7cKl1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Oh Christmas tree! Oh Christmas tree! #grapes #stem #vine</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/43352622016-08-21T09:24:39-05:002017-01-14T12:40:26-06:00This is what happens when I have spare time on my hands. Let...<img src="//67.media.tumblr.com/3b1541165e62448a6ab9fa924fcd78a6/tumblr_oc9k13JTxn1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>This is what happens when I have spare time on my hands. Let this be a lesson to us all…. #drawing #stick #figures <a href="http://ift.tt/2buRVm7">http://ift.tt/2buRVm7</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/43352632016-08-21T09:24:21-05:002017-01-14T12:40:26-06:00This is what happens when I have spare time on my hands. Let...<img src="//67.media.tumblr.com/5caee1f76693ff7155cdd30387706ce6/tumblr_oc9k0lkCUA1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>This is what happens when I have spare time on my hands. Let this be a lesson to us all…. #drawing #stick #figures</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/43320612016-08-18T22:48:30-05:002022-05-26T16:57:46-05:00Four Lessons We Can Learn From Simone Biles<div>Simone Biles is a remarkable example of a young woman who refused to let her beginnings define her ending. Regardless of whether your wheelhouse is sports or something else, there are attitudes and attributes displayed in this incredible lady that can be a benefit to all. With remarkable skill, prowess and a winner's attitude, this Olympic rock star personifies excellence in numerous ways, but these are some of my favorite:<br><br><strong>1. She Has Command of Her Gifts</strong><br><br><br>You don't participate in the Olympics if you don't have the chops. Simone has them for days.<br> </div><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/14013/28af0388fc256abcd5306e3e646f95cf8d614885/original/gettyimages-585969988-660x1024.jpg?1471577446" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><div>
<br><br>via <a contents="Independent Journal" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://ijr.com/2016/08/670154-please-stop-what-you-are-doing-for-a-moment-and-watch-simone-biles-defy-gravity/" target="_blank">Independent Journal</a><br><br><strong>2. She Knows Who She Is</strong><br><br>Faced with the prospects of being offended by a commentator's remarks, she took the high road and didn't let that remark define who she is in any way.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/14013/ba52ea2c00de34cd31bb4b1325b0bd92d7799388/original/57ac97451700002c00d1e29a.jpeg?1471577744" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>via <a contents="Huffington Post" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/simone-biles-clears-up-an-adoption-misconception-in-8-simple-words_us_57ac9704e4b06e52746f723a" style="" target="_blank">Huffington Post</a><br><br><strong>3. She Shares the Glory</strong><br><br>Again, at the Olympics, you're with the best of the best. While she knows who she is, she knows who her competitors are as well. She knows she has to bring her A-game because she expects that from the other contenders in the field.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/14013/4f2151b9c68d1eef0b6e4af98b42786dfc00b4f5/original/biles-raisman-081116-800x375-2.jpg?1471578119" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>via <a contents="Team USA" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.teamusa.org/News/2016/August/11/Simone-Biles-Aly-Raisman-Go-1-2-In-Historic-Olympic-All-Around-For-Team-USA" style="" target="_blank">Team USA</a><br><br><strong>4. She Is Herself</strong><br><br>She absolutely refuses to live anyone else's story but her own. You've got to respect that.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/14013/f350e4d6a70c10b0ddb91e93afbf45fa599af663/original/wdy7a9hej5af4g7p2qev.jpg?1471578309" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>via <a contents="Jezebel" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://jezebel.com/simone-biles-im-not-the-next-usain-bolt-or-michael-ph-1785182242" target="_blank">Jezebel</a><br><br>Attitude is everything. Simone well knows that where you've been doesn't necessarily determine where you're going. Where will you go in the future? With the mindset of a champion, you cannot be denied. Thanks, Simone for showing us what that looks like.<br><br>Subscribe for more stories <a contents="HERE" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://jonathanlaird.net/blogs/jonathan-laird.rss" target="_blank">HERE</a>:</div>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/43320142016-08-18T19:37:11-05:002017-01-14T12:40:25-06:00Full spread tonight #dinner #food #cuisine #pansearedsquash...<img src="//67.media.tumblr.com/16832af1bdb84487956e78415535fded/tumblr_oc4sdzADYd1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Full spread tonight #dinner #food #cuisine #pansearedsquash #wholewheatpasta #chickenkiev <a href="http://ift.tt/2b36d7V">http://ift.tt/2b36d7V</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/43320152016-08-18T19:36:55-05:002017-01-14T12:40:26-06:00Full spread tonight #dinner #food #cuisine #pansearedsquash...<img src="//65.media.tumblr.com/6bb2973a9ce84076e883239968140aae/tumblr_oc4sdjyq8k1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Full spread tonight #dinner #food #cuisine #pansearedsquash #wholewheatpasta #chickenkiev</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/43299132016-08-17T14:18:27-05:002017-01-14T12:40:25-06:00Prosciutto and melon? Yes, please!
#prosciutto #melon...<img src="//66.media.tumblr.com/63e0869b84855e1d6f360fc39af71601/tumblr_oc2iyrwBkS1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Prosciutto and melon? Yes, please!<br>
#prosciutto #melon <a href="http://ift.tt/2bePlhf">http://ift.tt/2bePlhf</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/43299142016-08-17T14:18:21-05:002017-01-14T12:40:25-06:00Prosciutto and melon? Yes, please!
#prosciutto #melon<img src="//67.media.tumblr.com/4beda0337201e565fa2ba607b94f0e58/tumblr_oc2iylzc0I1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Prosciutto and melon? Yes, please!<br>
#prosciutto #melon</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/43249602016-08-14T16:13:56-05:002017-01-14T12:40:25-06:00Yep. That about sums it up. #huntsville #alabama #funthingstodo...<img src="//66.media.tumblr.com/812e1db296a5e9786944b33144bb8844/tumblr_obx4b8Bdt41rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Yep. That about sums it up. #huntsville #alabama #funthingstodo <a href="http://ift.tt/2bi0mNi">http://ift.tt/2bi0mNi</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/43249612016-08-14T16:13:29-05:002017-01-14T12:40:25-06:00Yep. That about sums it up. #huntsville #alabama #funthingstodo<img src="//67.media.tumblr.com/812e1db296a5e9786944b33144bb8844/tumblr_obx4ahxwMe1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Yep. That about sums it up. #huntsville #alabama #funthingstodo</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/43242172016-08-13T19:24:01-05:002017-01-14T12:40:25-06:00Wow. #rainbow #arc #prism #color http://ift.tt/2aTfqCN<img src="//66.media.tumblr.com/05325f5a96a3d7664cc5bf7d633a0d67/tumblr_obvig1VRl51rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Wow. #rainbow #arc #prism #color <a href="http://ift.tt/2aTfqCN">http://ift.tt/2aTfqCN</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/43242182016-08-13T19:23:58-05:002017-01-14T12:40:25-06:00Wow. #rainbow #arc #prism #color (at Edgewater In Madison...<img src="//67.media.tumblr.com/296d506037c8409b07d2eea5d8107c75/tumblr_obvifyN5QE1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Wow. #rainbow #arc #prism #color (at Edgewater In Madison Alabama)</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/43215872016-08-12T02:04:09-05:002017-01-14T12:40:25-06:00Good eats. #noms #whitebeans #spinach #sausage #soup #warm...<img src="//67.media.tumblr.com/e062d6a0a6d1ebb86ad5c2e7c1fa945f/tumblr_obsbmxi17B1rfdf6do1_400.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Good eats. #noms #whitebeans #spinach #sausage #soup #warm #comfortfood <a href="http://ift.tt/2aXyPTt">http://ift.tt/2aXyPTt</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/43215642016-08-12T01:54:49-05:002017-01-14T12:40:25-06:00Good eats<p> #noms #whitebeans #spinach #sausage #soup #warm #comfortfood</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/14013/63fb5334073ac53623ec7bf66107e1800db6bc30/original/img-0534.jpg?1470984861" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/43207282016-08-11T13:12:25-05:002017-01-14T12:40:24-06:00I loooove Costco…. #gas #gasoline #crude #fuel #cheap...<img src="//66.media.tumblr.com/f737c6bc370b848945b5b8b77dedf863/tumblr_obrbwpLBmf1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>I loooove Costco…. #gas #gasoline #crude #fuel #cheap #bargain #budget #buy #economical <a href="http://ift.tt/2biV19L">http://ift.tt/2biV19L</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/43207292016-08-11T13:12:12-05:002017-01-14T12:40:25-06:00I loooove Costco…. #gas #gasoline #crude #fuel #cheap...<img src="//67.media.tumblr.com/dc8710f92df288acdfb43287842002db/tumblr_obrbwct1rr1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>I loooove Costco…. #gas #gasoline #crude #fuel #cheap #bargain #budget #buy #economical (at Costco)</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/43161972016-08-09T02:14:25-05:002017-01-14T12:40:24-06:00So, yeah.... I love this show... #StrangerThings<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/14013/c3124865724c80783d94cb34453a06fccb372b16/original/stranger-things.jpeg?1470726834" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/43143172016-08-08T01:23:04-05:002017-01-14T12:40:24-06:00How Acoustic Guitar Shaped the Art of 5 Major Musicians<p>Do you think that music needs to be electric driven in order to rock? </p>
<p>I personally don’t think so. </p>
<p>Acoustic music is universally appreciated by major artists regardless of stylings. Whether your tastes run toward Ed Sheeran or Jimi Hendrix, the acoustic is multifaceted instrument that can lend itself to just about any song. These are killer articles on some of the acoustic music produced by legendary music makers. If you can learn it on an acoustic, chances are good you'll have no problem playing it on an electric. </p>
<p>If you were about to write this one off, you might want to reconsider. You’ll be glad you did. </p>
<p>Here are 5 articles showing the attitude and in some cases, the philosophy behind this organically wonderful instrument. </p>
<p>To see each article, click the links below the photos:<br><br><strong><span class="font_large">1. SRV</span></strong></p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.guitarplayer.com/artists/1013/stevie-ray-vaughan-plays-solo-acoustic-guitar-in-a-very-early-video-from-1983/54324" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/14013/486708bfc1bb2bc94b25d30356f3338c8ce65e93/original/srv-plays-acoustic-early-80s.jpg?1470636364" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p><br><br>via: <a contents="Guitar Player" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.guitarplayer.com/artists/1013/stevie-ray-vaughan-plays-solo-acoustic-guitar-in-a-very-early-video-from-1983/54324" target="_blank">Guitar Player</a><br><br><br><span class="font_large"><strong>2. PRINCE</strong></span><br><br><span class="font_regular"><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://acousticguitar.com/rest-in-power-prince-watch-the-purple-one-play-his-purple-acoustic-guitar-and-sing-cream-in-2004/" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/14013/caa312cfd8d7cfbc64228fba6c097e2cc297d159/original/prince.png?1470636662" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a><br><br>via: <a contents="Acoustic Guitar" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://acousticguitar.com/rest-in-power-prince-watch-the-purple-one-play-his-purple-acoustic-guitar-and-sing-cream-in-2004/" target="_blank">Acoustic Guitar</a></span><br><br><br><br><span class="font_large"><strong>3. JIMI HENDRIX</strong></span><br><br><span class="font_regular"><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.openculture.com/2015/11/jimi-hendrix-play-the-delta-blues-on-a-12-string-acoustic-guitar.html" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/14013/156e362867fd467ce54c89ba0c2d6920fcda8d9c/original/left-handed-acoustic-guitar-jimi-hendrix.jpg?1470636681" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a><br><br>via: <a contents="Open Culture" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.openculture.com/2015/11/jimi-hendrix-play-the-delta-blues-on-a-12-string-acoustic-guitar.html" target="_blank">Open Culture</a></span><br><br><br><span class="font_large"><strong>4. JIMMY PAGE<br><br><br><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.guitarplayer.com/artist-videos/1436/jimmy-page-jams-alone-for-two-and-half-minutes-on-an-acoustic-guitar/57206" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/14013/9ce7abb3b9a7086ba788dae7f00d82041c8342d8/original/jimmy-page-plays-acoustic2.jpg?1470636692" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></strong></span><br><span class="font_regular">via: <a contents="Guitar Player" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.guitarplayer.com/artist-videos/1436/jimmy-page-jams-alone-for-two-and-half-minutes-on-an-acoustic-guitar/57206" target="_blank">Guitar Player</a></span><br><br><br><span class="font_large"><strong>5. KEITH RICHARDS<br><br><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://acousticguitar.com/must-watch-keith-richards-explains-why-the-acoustic-guitar-is-the-most-important/" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/14013/697c181dfd0e26d9187feee855790091900e3869/original/keith-richards.jpg?1470636704" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></strong></span><br><span class="font_regular">via: <a contents="Acoustic Guitar" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://acousticguitar.com/must-watch-keith-richards-explains-why-the-acoustic-guitar-is-the-most-important/" target="_blank">Acoustic Guitar</a></span></p>
<p><br>Now go practice on that box, and you'll be able to hang with the best of them. Being an acoustic virtuoso will make you the life of the party!<br><br>Subscribe for more posts <a contents="HERE" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://jonathanlaird.net/blogs/jonathan-laird.rss" style="" target="_blank">HERE</a>:</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/43142632016-08-07T21:15:14-05:002017-01-14T12:40:24-06:00“Yesterday, I had to pay for all the stupid things I...<img src="//65.media.tumblr.com/f9ad222cd50091cd083d4bb281dc6d1e/tumblr_obkjleChXJ1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>“Yesterday, I had to pay for all the stupid things I learned to say.” #GetUpandGetMoving dld.bz/eMBMC <a href="http://ift.tt/2bd6kzq">http://ift.tt/2bd6kzq</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/43142642016-08-07T21:15:02-05:002017-01-14T12:40:24-06:00“Yesterday, I had to pay for all the stupid things I...<img src="//66.media.tumblr.com/56fb83939ac276b446f0aafba1719a89/tumblr_obkjl2Gkxv1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>“Yesterday, I had to pay for all the stupid things I learned to say.” #GetUpandGetMoving dld.bz/eMBMC</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/43135082016-08-07T00:06:44-05:002017-01-14T12:40:24-06:00Thanks Jay! You’re the best, and I’m thrilled to be...<img src="//67.media.tumblr.com/a4e3d47ca5e89763308d383e84525972/tumblr_obiwv8uyGN1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Thanks Jay! You’re the best, and I’m thrilled to be working on your sons’ project! #cdbaby #download #digital #single #recording #studio <a href="http://ift.tt/2aDCuoZ">http://ift.tt/2aDCuoZ</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/43135092016-08-07T00:06:37-05:002017-01-14T12:40:24-06:00Thanks Jay! You’re the best, and I’m thrilled to be...<img src="//67.media.tumblr.com/0adff6b7fe175183097116a3eba20883/tumblr_obiwv1jIyY1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Thanks Jay! You’re the best, and I’m thrilled to be working on your sons’ project! #cdbaby #download #digital #single #recording #studio</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/43125562016-08-05T17:35:00-05:002017-01-14T12:40:24-06:00“Likes” all around for Tommy Riley and Jenny...<img src="//66.media.tumblr.com/c1d499a0c9826e464fa1b9d5c79e78bb/tumblr_obgk2c1eRU1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>“Likes” all around for Tommy Riley and Jenny Livingston. Thanks for buying the single, y'all! Hope you enjoy it. I’d like to think it’s a deal for 99 cents! ;) #like #single #buy #purchase #album #recording #cdbaby #getyourstoday <a href="http://ift.tt/2aotFRz">http://ift.tt/2aotFRz</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/43125572016-08-05T17:34:44-05:002017-01-14T12:40:24-06:00“Likes” all around for Tommy Riley and Jenny...<img src="//66.media.tumblr.com/1d56574be499eecb4817648faed89f6f/tumblr_obgk1wJXn81rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>“Likes” all around for Tommy Riley and Jenny Livingston. Thanks for buying the single, y'all! Hope you enjoy it. I’d like to think it’s a deal for 99 cents! ;) #like #single #buy #purchase #album #recording #cdbaby #getyourstoday</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/43109602016-08-04T19:24:21-05:002017-01-14T12:40:24-06:00Great news, everyone! “Bigger Than Myself” is now...<img src="//66.media.tumblr.com/98456d77046efddcdcf30cbcfa5e480c/tumblr_obeugl4kGQ1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Great news, everyone! “Bigger Than Myself” is now available for digital download at ift.tt/2aYY1b5. Get yours today! Toodles! #single #debut #release #cdbaby #pop #adultcontemporary #music #indie #biggerthanmyself #vocal #acoustic #studio #recording #track <a href="http://ift.tt/2aUOFQA">http://ift.tt/2aUOFQA</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/43093402016-08-03T23:25:58-05:002017-01-14T12:40:23-06:00A special shoutout to my dear friends Sarah Lynn Lewis and Tracy...<img src="//67.media.tumblr.com/d16f6fa083be2a2865dea0ccff87eb61/tumblr_obdaza9YmX1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>A special shoutout to my dear friends Sarah Lynn Lewis and Tracy Braswell for being the latest folks to buy the latest promo t-shirt. Y'all are true blue! #yourethebest #vip #bestfansever <a href="http://ift.tt/2aS4nMk">http://ift.tt/2aS4nMk</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/43093412016-08-03T23:25:42-05:002017-01-14T12:40:23-06:00A special shoutout to my dear friends Sarah Lynn Lewis and Tracy...<img src="//66.media.tumblr.com/dec1f8b973805f5d81c55a224bf19417/tumblr_obdayuUEnr1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>A special shoutout to my dear friends Sarah Lynn Lewis and Tracy Braswell for being the latest folks to buy the latest promo t-shirt. Y'all are true blue! #yourethebest #vip #bestfansever</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/43090822016-08-03T17:50:32-05:002021-08-22T02:45:56-05:00#rihanna #deep #lyrics #funny<img src="//67.media.tumblr.com/3a678fd44c7aa39865abe4680cee7570/tumblr_obcvg80Q781rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>#rihanna #deep #lyrics #funny</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/43090832016-08-03T16:57:01-05:002023-12-10T10:58:57-06:00Aha……haha….haha. #music #80s #pop #aha...<img src="//66.media.tumblr.com/ae581d51fd92786960b431a20c51f6f9/tumblr_obcsz1CPwc1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Aha……haha….haha. #music #80s #pop #aha #takeonme #humor #funny</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/43074672016-08-02T20:52:29-05:002017-01-14T12:40:23-06:00Love this. #michaeljnelson #mst3k #rifftrax #funny #comic #humor...<img src="//66.media.tumblr.com/8ed255b5afb8450eb9c65e690f72d661/tumblr_obb97hZptT1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Love this. #michaeljnelson #mst3k #rifftrax #funny #comic #humor <a href="http://ift.tt/2b1gLWG">http://ift.tt/2b1gLWG</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/43074682016-08-02T20:52:16-05:002017-01-14T12:40:23-06:00Love this. #michaeljnelson #mst3k #rifftrax #funny #comic #humor<img src="//67.media.tumblr.com/7fb8913d65a4b150dfc4016954f6e603/tumblr_obb974drP61rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Love this. #michaeljnelson #mst3k #rifftrax #funny #comic #humor</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/43059412016-08-02T01:19:08-05:002022-08-21T11:38:37-05:00Well…. This is it everyone. It’s finally here. I am...<img src="//67.media.tumblr.com/92f8035a2ed71807ca03a7abf79dca6e/tumblr_ob9qvwvlsv1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Well…. This is it everyone. It’s finally here. I am officially publishing my first single ever tomorrow. I would do it tonight, but I have to wait until cdbaby opens in the morning to figure out some login problems. Here’s to one of many milestones in the days and weeks ahead! #cd #MP3 #mp4 #wav #single #music #release #cdbabypro #publishing #recording #studio #cover #artwork <a href="http://ift.tt/2aw7J3l">http://ift.tt/2aw7J3l</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/43059422016-08-02T01:18:54-05:002017-01-14T12:40:23-06:00Well…. This is it everyone. It’s finally here. I am...<img src="//66.media.tumblr.com/fbe23186f8ee58244020fac06f8a4d86/tumblr_ob9qviHjzh1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Well…. This is it everyone. It’s finally here. I am officially publishing my first single ever tomorrow. I would do it tonight, but I have to wait until cdbaby opens in the morning to figure out some login problems. Here’s to one of many milestones in the days and weeks ahead! #cd #MP3 #mp4 #wav #single #music #release #cdbabypro #publishing #recording #studio #cover #artwork</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/43041692016-08-01T03:22:13-05:002017-01-14T12:40:23-06:00I’ve been very fortunate to receive a lot of compliments and...<img src="//65.media.tumblr.com/6d51bd8c9c42035510b4cbdf05af202a/tumblr_ob81x12XpD1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>I’ve been very fortunate to receive a lot of compliments and requests for my “Good Egg” T-Shirt, and I just wanted to check in and see if you had a chance to glance at it yet. More importantly, I wanted to make sure you saw this link to this very cool shirt: Show your excitement, support, and style by getting this awesome shirt from our web store. Not only does it look great, it’s a fantastic conversation piece, and a very comfortable item. So get yours today at: <a href="http://ift.tt/2asLco9">http://ift.tt/2asLco9</a> This shirt is limited edition, so grab yours while it’s fresh on the brain Catch y’all soon! #merchandise #material #product #stuff #clothes #attire #attire #casual #clothing #dress #garments #outfit #wardrobe #wear #shirt #tshirt <a href="http://ift.tt/2aERWCF">http://ift.tt/2aERWCF</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/43041702016-08-01T03:22:08-05:002017-01-14T12:40:23-06:00I’ve been very fortunate to receive a lot of compliments and...<img src="//65.media.tumblr.com/9b388513c5fa5d3320611ccff6f4f56b/tumblr_ob81wwWbfQ1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>I’ve been very fortunate to receive a lot of compliments and requests for my “Good Egg” T-Shirt, and I just wanted to check in and see if you had a chance to glance at it yet. More importantly, I wanted to make sure you saw this link to this very cool shirt: Show your excitement, support, and style by getting this awesome shirt from our web store. Not only does it look great, it’s a fantastic conversation piece, and a very comfortable item. So get yours today at: <a href="http://jonathanlairdstore.dizzyjam.com">http://jonathanlairdstore.dizzyjam.com</a> This shirt is limited edition, so grab yours while it’s fresh on the brain Catch y’all soon! #merchandise #material #product #stuff #clothes #attire #attire #casual #clothing #dress #garments #outfit #wardrobe #wear #shirt #tshirt</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/43017242016-07-29T19:08:10-05:002022-05-19T13:36:02-05:00Whoever wrote this deserves a medal. #truth #accurate #correct...<img src="//66.media.tumblr.com/ea3562e85627f2f150cc88a6e836a23b/tumblr_ob3ppm9TNs1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Whoever wrote this deserves a medal. #truth #accurate #correct #fact #service #benefit #use #value #comic #funny #humor <a href="http://ift.tt/2aiRo70">http://ift.tt/2aiRo70</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/43017252016-07-29T19:07:56-05:002017-01-14T12:40:22-06:00Whoever wrote this deserves a medal. #truth #accurate #correct...<img src="//66.media.tumblr.com/d14f0535a3723f9fad2c325da203f92b/tumblr_ob3pp8HNFP1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Whoever wrote this deserves a medal. #truth #accurate #correct #fact #service #benefit #use #value #comic #funny #humor</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/42963892016-07-26T18:10:31-05:002017-01-14T12:40:22-06:00Conversation piece. Literally, this is a legitimate question...<img src="//65.media.tumblr.com/3ef9ad80615f6aa040b220133518b114/tumblr_oay31j1BWV1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Conversation piece. Literally, this is a legitimate question designed to spark discussion. Who needs musicians? You can usually point to a good or service and tie in a need directly with the consumer. Nike knows that eventually shoes breakdown, and people will need to buy new ones. Where is that essential place for music in the world? Who absolutely has to have it? Comment below and share your insights: #music #media #question #answer #goods #service #consumers #business <a href="http://ift.tt/2aoCDMJ">http://ift.tt/2aoCDMJ</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/42963902016-07-26T18:10:22-05:002022-05-26T16:58:31-05:00Conversation piece. Literally, this is a legitimate question...<img src="//65.media.tumblr.com/1065c542e8874678eeb5b30c56e1c103/tumblr_oay31aBCT61rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Conversation piece. Literally, this is a legitimate question designed to spark discussion. Who needs musicians? You can usually point to a good or service and tie in a need directly with the consumer. Nike knows that eventually shoes breakdown, and people will need to buy new ones. Where is that essential place for music in the world? Who absolutely has to have it? Comment below and share your insights: #music #media #question #answer #goods #service #consumers #business</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/42911152016-07-22T17:02:25-05:002017-01-14T12:40:22-06:00#funny #humor #comical #amusing #clever #laughable #silly #witty...<img src="//66.media.tumblr.com/c7c143d40304d9bbce5db1991dbe3ea1/tumblr_oaql81R2K71rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>#funny #humor #comical #amusing #clever #laughable #silly #witty <a href="http://ift.tt/2a1pYw4">http://ift.tt/2a1pYw4</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/42896932016-07-21T18:22:03-05:002017-01-14T12:40:22-06:00Fresh basil aioli for club sandwiches tonight! It is the best!!...<img src="//67.media.tumblr.com/c21ee5c42fea44281102c2e38674b87d/tumblr_oaou8rbsrE1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Fresh basil aioli for club sandwiches tonight! It is the best!! #club #sandwich #food #cooking #culinary #eating #dinner #aioli #mayonaise #basil #fresh #herbs <a href="http://ift.tt/2af4OQM">http://ift.tt/2af4OQM</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/42896942016-07-21T18:21:44-05:002017-01-14T12:40:22-06:00Fresh basil aioli for club sandwiches tonight! It is the best!!...<img src="//65.media.tumblr.com/fe62143778bc0599004bb7725c495ca5/tumblr_oaou88oIVX1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Fresh basil aioli for club sandwiches tonight! It is the best!! #club #sandwich #food #cooking #culinary #eating #dinner #aioli #mayonaise #basil #fresh #herbs</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/42764122016-07-13T02:32:51-05:002017-01-14T12:40:21-06:00McCloud! #mst3k #podpeople #themads #satelliteoflove...<img src="//67.media.tumblr.com/d5e844183d3c5a95af8fe6f629289d22/tumblr_oa8syrM8qP1rfdf6do1_400.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>McCloud! #mst3k #podpeople #themads #satelliteoflove #joelhodgson #michaeljnelson #tracebeaulieu #frankconniff #kevinmurphy #gizmonicinstitute #cambot #gypsy #tomservo #crowtrobot #mysterysciencetheater3000 <a href="http://ift.tt/29ORboj">http://ift.tt/29ORboj</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/42764132016-07-13T02:32:34-05:002017-01-14T12:40:22-06:00McCloud! #mst3k #podpeople #themads #satelliteoflove...<img src="//67.media.tumblr.com/e501b8fee1f1b20680c0b6ff78aa102b/tumblr_oa8syaS2011rfdf6do1_400.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>McCloud! #mst3k #podpeople #themads #satelliteoflove #joelhodgson #michaeljnelson #tracebeaulieu #frankconniff #kevinmurphy #gizmonicinstitute #cambot #gypsy #tomservo #crowtrobot #mysterysciencetheater3000</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/42762212016-07-12T18:20:10-05:002017-02-05T10:07:09-06:00Kentucky Rain By Elvis Presley<a href="https://soundcloud.com/jonathanlaird/kentucky-rain-by-elvis-presley">Kentucky Rain By Elvis Presley</a>: <p>Cover of my favorite Elvis song. It is what it is…. New Song</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/42707982016-07-08T16:30:18-05:002017-01-14T12:40:21-06:00Ever bought a watermelon only to find that underneath the rind...<img src="//66.media.tumblr.com/0b59a1198ffec5a531e33ae29ef93530/tumblr_oa0meisfB91rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Ever bought a watermelon only to find that underneath the rind be dragons? Look at the ground spot. If the color is deep yellow and pronounced, you’re in possession of good stuff. #melons #watermelon #produce #summer #summertime #food <a href="http://ift.tt/29HIBdw">http://ift.tt/29HIBdw</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/42707992016-07-08T16:29:49-05:002017-01-14T12:40:21-06:00Ever bought a watermelon only to find that underneath the rind...<img src="//67.media.tumblr.com/18718a24ffddb0076f99e6a71f15e06e/tumblr_oa0mdpiGIn1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Ever bought a watermelon only to find that underneath the rind be dragons? Look at the ground spot. If the color is deep yellow and pronounced, you’re in possession of good stuff. #melons #watermelon #produce #summer #summertime #food</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/42702562016-07-08T12:45:51-05:002017-01-14T12:40:21-06:00Real talk. #heroes #capes #toilet #paper #comic #funny...<img src="//66.media.tumblr.com/f34482b28064f1579d0fc763966ca979/tumblr_oa0c0fgg431rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Real talk. #heroes #capes #toilet #paper #comic #funny <a href="http://ift.tt/29wxBxS">http://ift.tt/29wxBxS</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/42702572016-07-08T12:45:41-05:002017-01-14T12:40:21-06:00Real talk. #heroes #capes #toilet #paper #comic #funny<img src="//65.media.tumblr.com/877e7757f72d32196b52c612d970742b/tumblr_oa0c05VhSl1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Real talk. #heroes #capes #toilet #paper #comic #funny</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/42612612016-07-02T20:56:41-05:002017-01-14T12:40:21-06:00This epic cornucopia of soul glo badness is redeemed by the...<img src="//67.media.tumblr.com/12e0565a922af29d7cc347793bd0cfaf/tumblr_o9puqhU5wl1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>This epic cornucopia of soul glo badness is redeemed by the genius work of the riffs. For the love of all that is good and sacred, only watch the rifftrax version. #rifftrax #michaeljnelson #kevinmurphy #billcorbett #frankconniff #bridgetnelson #maryjopehl #tomservo #crowtrobot #sol #satelliteoflove <a href="http://ift.tt/29ffVFB">http://ift.tt/29ffVFB</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/42612622016-07-02T20:56:19-05:002017-01-14T12:40:21-06:00This epic cornucopia of soul glo badness is redeemed by the...<img src="//67.media.tumblr.com/12e0565a922af29d7cc347793bd0cfaf/tumblr_o9pupvSR4Z1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>This epic cornucopia of soul glo badness is redeemed by the genius work of the riffs. For the love of all that is good and sacred, only watch the rifftrax version. #rifftrax #michaeljnelson #kevinmurphy #billcorbett #frankconniff #bridgetnelson #maryjopehl #tomservo #crowtrobot #sol #satelliteoflove</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/42587162016-06-30T17:52:28-05:002017-01-14T12:40:21-06:00Ouch. #uno #cards #games http://ift.tt/2987TiK<img src="//65.media.tumblr.com/838c06251300623487cbcbeed5fae263/tumblr_o9lwvgKDO11rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Ouch. #uno #cards #games <a href="http://ift.tt/2987TiK">http://ift.tt/2987TiK</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/42587172016-06-30T17:52:08-05:002017-01-14T12:40:21-06:00Ouch. #uno #cards #games<img src="//67.media.tumblr.com/4fedf2a081729a630b9fe356051fbd9e/tumblr_o9lwuwx4nS1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Ouch. #uno #cards #games</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/42568672016-06-29T23:47:28-05:002017-01-14T12:40:20-06:00“What we learn from experience depends on the kind of...<img src="//66.media.tumblr.com/4ccf4854062f8549c07c1b4cc5fbb498/tumblr_o9kin4DzYL1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>“What we learn from experience depends on the kind of philosophy we bring to experience.” #CSLewis #quotes <a href="http://ift.tt/2976pXk">http://ift.tt/2976pXk</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/42568682016-06-29T23:47:25-05:002017-01-14T12:40:20-06:00“What we learn from experience depends on the kind of...<img src="//67.media.tumblr.com/884b75dbfe6013effcc9275c78469a10/tumblr_o9kin1C7FT1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>“What we learn from experience depends on the kind of philosophy we bring to experience.” #CSLewis #quotes</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/42568692016-06-29T20:25:07-05:002017-01-14T12:40:20-06:00In the not too distant future…this Tuesday AD. #reunion #mst3k...<img src="//66.media.tumblr.com/03ba26d6fa4dd7ad18643793eb900207/tumblr_o9k99vlNvH1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>In the not too distant future…this Tuesday AD. #reunion #mst3k #rifftrax #cinematictitanic #joelhodgson #michaeljnelson #kevinmurphy #billcorbett #maryjopehl #jonahray #tracebeaulieu #frankconniff #bridgetnelson #gypsy #cambot #tomservo #crowtrobot #sol #satelliteoflove</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/42568702016-06-29T20:25:01-05:002017-01-14T12:40:20-06:00In the not too distant future…this Tuesday AD. #reunion #mst3k...<img src="//65.media.tumblr.com/303c298fccdc9e6d905df6dcddcfa32e/tumblr_o9k99prRhC1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>In the not too distant future…this Tuesday AD. #reunion #mst3k #rifftrax #cinematictitanic #joelhodgson #michaeljnelson #kevinmurphy #billcorbett #maryjopehl #jonahray #tracebeaulieu #frankconniff #bridgetnelson #gypsy #cambot #tomservo #crowtrobot #sol #satelliteoflove <a href="http://ift.tt/29e0hxy">http://ift.tt/29e0hxy</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/42550192016-06-29T03:21:46-05:002017-01-14T12:40:20-06:00Just finished week 3 day 1 of #C25K with @c25kfree!...<img src="//65.media.tumblr.com/15d8fcab24dfb3dd79f0fa891cee2ee2/tumblr_o9ixwaDSqB1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Just finished week 3 day 1 of #C25K with @c25kfree! @zenlabsfitness! #everymomentcounts #run #running #health #fitness <a href="http://ift.tt/28ZBqaV">http://ift.tt/28ZBqaV</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/42550202016-06-29T03:21:22-05:002017-01-14T12:40:20-06:00Just finished week 3 day 1 of #C25K with @c25kfree!...<img src="//65.media.tumblr.com/15d8fcab24dfb3dd79f0fa891cee2ee2/tumblr_o9ixvm1aT41rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Just finished week 3 day 1 of #C25K with @c25kfree! @zenlabsfitness! #everymomentcounts #run #running #health #fitness</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/42505842016-06-26T15:55:43-05:002022-08-13T07:34:26-05:00Photo<img src="//67.media.tumblr.com/b9424bfe0bffb559c52fe3e48ced5ec3/tumblr_o9ecsvrjMr1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/42505852016-06-26T15:55:34-05:002017-01-14T12:40:20-06:00http://ift.tt/29diRSy<img src="//66.media.tumblr.com/182cfaccda191f458fc54cc5cd485cd7/tumblr_o9ecsmeViA1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p><a href="http://ift.tt/29diRSy">http://ift.tt/29diRSy</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/42473612016-06-24T11:42:36-05:002017-01-14T12:40:20-06:00Ralph Stanley was a bluegrass legend and a sweetheart of a man....<img src="//66.media.tumblr.com/28d1b6495b8e9759b6ac85d64bbfc798/tumblr_o9abr0dyzu1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Ralph Stanley was a bluegrass legend and a sweetheart of a man. He will be missed. Time to plug in the O, Brother Where Art Thou soundtrack. #Ralph #Stanley #bluegrass #legend #singer #banjo #artist #obrotherwhereartthou <a href="http://ift.tt/28Tf65o">http://ift.tt/28Tf65o</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/42473622016-06-24T11:42:24-05:002017-01-14T12:40:20-06:00Ralph Stanley was a bluegrass legend and a sweetheart of a man....<img src="//67.media.tumblr.com/83ec2a46f407f40b7cf333997528b7a5/tumblr_o9abqo4M731rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Ralph Stanley was a bluegrass legend and a sweetheart of a man. He will be missed. Time to plug in the O, Brother Where Art Thou soundtrack. #Ralph #Stanley #bluegrass #legend #singer #banjo #artist #obrotherwhereartthou</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/42461542016-06-23T20:32:33-05:002017-01-14T12:40:19-06:00Whoops! #dog #treats #ice #cream #bad #day<img src="//66.media.tumblr.com/eb1d48b5fdb01ba1d586ddf4a875207f/tumblr_o995m9cWc41rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Whoops! #dog #treats #ice #cream #bad #day</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/42461552016-06-23T20:32:09-05:002017-01-14T12:40:20-06:00Whoops! #dog #treats #ice #cream #bad #day http://ift.tt/28RcHqo<img src="//67.media.tumblr.com/3fea1400b7416a2c34469e2d6a1d8b0f/tumblr_o995llzFrl1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Whoops! #dog #treats #ice #cream #bad #day <a href="http://ift.tt/28RcHqo">http://ift.tt/28RcHqo</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/42441962016-06-22T16:25:52-05:002017-01-14T12:40:19-06:00Pretty awesome to be playing in Homewood tonight! #homewood...<img src="//66.media.tumblr.com/96dc7ff1a2c76e6b0d65a03922fe557b/tumblr_o96zj4Pyzx1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Pretty awesome to be playing in Homewood tonight! #homewood #alabama #private #party #music #musician #performance #live #concert <a href="http://ift.tt/28Nb6mi">http://ift.tt/28Nb6mi</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/42441972016-06-22T04:59:24-05:002017-02-05T09:24:06-06:00Thinking Out Loud<a href="https://soundcloud.com/jonathanlaird/thinking-out-loud">Thinking Out Loud</a>: <p>Ed Sheeran’s Thinking Out Loud New Song</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/42441982016-06-22T04:51:00-05:002017-02-05T09:24:06-06:00Angelina<a href="https://soundcloud.com/jonathanlaird/angelina">Angelina</a>: <p>A cover of an instrumental by Tommy Emmanuel New Song</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/42345172016-06-16T15:06:01-05:002017-01-14T12:40:19-06:00I like this cat…. #gf #girlfriend #cookies #short #tall...<img src="//67.media.tumblr.com/81ea08a53e72f59a1113ef00c21405d9/tumblr_o8vru1NSX71rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>I like this cat…. #gf #girlfriend #cookies #short #tall <a href="http://ift.tt/1ZUwCZi">http://ift.tt/1ZUwCZi</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/42345182016-06-16T15:05:56-05:002017-01-14T12:40:19-06:00I like this cat…. #gf #girlfriend #cookies #short #tall<img src="//67.media.tumblr.com/ac36edba96bb30d0a16ee5623171c9c3/tumblr_o8vrtwAObY1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>I like this cat…. #gf #girlfriend #cookies #short #tall</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/42328222016-06-16T00:14:45-05:002017-01-14T12:40:19-06:00#procrastination #exercise #activity #laziness #lazy...<img src="//66.media.tumblr.com/1d14b55460c3fd39fc8a032ab5d84a2c/tumblr_o8umklKFwU1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>#procrastination #exercise #activity #laziness #lazy <a href="http://ift.tt/23cWLof">http://ift.tt/23cWLof</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/42328232016-06-16T00:14:37-05:002017-01-14T12:40:19-06:00#procrastination #exercise #activity #laziness #lazy<img src="//66.media.tumblr.com/ce8fc18e9a092a91d6719cd32ed5699b/tumblr_o8umkd0Hdz1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>#procrastination #exercise #activity #laziness #lazy</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/42322352016-06-15T15:19:00-05:002022-04-17T10:05:26-05:00Words of wisdom. #manliness #beards http://ift.tt/1Pun7dD<img src="//66.media.tumblr.com/fae3179b661d50a360de64d63ce3f0b8/tumblr_o8txrolXKt1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Words of wisdom. #manliness #beards <a href="http://ift.tt/1Pun7dD">http://ift.tt/1Pun7dD</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/42322362016-06-15T15:18:54-05:002017-01-14T12:40:19-06:00Words of wisdom. #manliness #beards<img src="//65.media.tumblr.com/eb663801e4d9fdca86ab7bd9657ec9dd/tumblr_o8txrinxek1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Words of wisdom. #manliness #beards</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/42308832016-06-15T00:28:24-05:002017-01-14T12:40:18-06:00Hi guys! So, I’ve joined Thumbtack as a social medium for...<img src="//66.media.tumblr.com/0920bd6888d47022e58e261038870c0a/tumblr_o8ssjcRYli1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Hi guys! So, I’ve joined Thumbtack as a social medium for my services, but I have a favor to ask. If I’ve ever played for you and you liked what you heard, would you please leave me a positive review? Thanks guys and I’ll see y'all soon! <a href="http://ift.tt/1VYyuBh">http://ift.tt/1VYyuBh</a> <a href="http://ift.tt/1Uyzk2q">http://ift.tt/1Uyzk2q</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/42308842016-06-15T00:28:15-05:002017-01-14T12:40:19-06:00Hi guys! So, I’ve joined Thumbtack as a social medium for...<img src="//66.media.tumblr.com/1065b23e5d68c3ae14a84f100cc6e70b/tumblr_o8ssj3Y8ey1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Hi guys! So, I’ve joined Thumbtack as a social medium for my services, but I have a favor to ask. If I’ve ever played for you and you liked what you heard, would you please leave me a positive review? Thanks guys and I’ll see y'all soon! <a href="http://www.thumbtack.com/profile/services/592ZF6whJbEcvQ">www.thumbtack.com/profile/services/592ZF6whJbEcvQ</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/42305612016-06-14T16:49:54-05:002017-01-14T12:40:18-06:00Nice place to work…. #bridgestreet #huntsville #alabama...<img src="//67.media.tumblr.com/4d449eee1fdfa8945f9ddfe155920a09/tumblr_o8s7b6E0zc1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Nice place to work…. #bridgestreet #huntsville #alabama #beautiful #day #mixing #music <a href="http://ift.tt/1Q2kBRr">http://ift.tt/1Q2kBRr</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/42305622016-06-14T16:49:45-05:002017-01-14T12:40:18-06:00Nice place to work…. #bridgestreet #huntsville #alabama...<img src="//67.media.tumblr.com/05dd2633b26f9b3372cf92e683ebd15e/tumblr_o8s7axalKR1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Nice place to work…. #bridgestreet #huntsville #alabama #beautiful #day #mixing #music</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/42300082016-06-14T11:02:37-05:002017-01-14T12:40:18-06:00http://ift.tt/1XnsMdh<img src="//66.media.tumblr.com/ff4d428db81dc635a79cfb09d763f06b/tumblr_o8rr8dr92a1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p><a href="http://ift.tt/1XnsMdh">http://ift.tt/1XnsMdh</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/42300092016-06-14T11:02:22-05:002017-01-14T12:40:18-06:00Photo<img src="//67.media.tumblr.com/36b3b487f7692e417b571b322cf36ec6/tumblr_o8rr7ysz511rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/42242632016-06-10T12:29:11-05:002017-01-14T12:40:18-06:00G'day! #coffee #java #pickmeup #caffeine http://ift.tt/21cQg39<img src="//66.media.tumblr.com/5edcbef41d5c0b3e3f0ff3387557c694/tumblr_o8kgkn83Ot1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>G'day! #coffee #java #pickmeup #caffeine <a href="http://ift.tt/21cQg39">http://ift.tt/21cQg39</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/42242642016-06-10T12:29:08-05:002017-01-14T12:40:18-06:00G'day! #coffee #java #pickmeup #caffeine<img src="//66.media.tumblr.com/741c6975d35d92a6d4606138bab1351e/tumblr_o8kgkkSLaM1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>G'day! #coffee #java #pickmeup #caffeine</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/42226632016-06-09T16:23:48-05:002017-01-14T12:40:18-06:00Aw, yeah…. #guitar #gibson #sg http://ift.tt/1teAidK<img src="//66.media.tumblr.com/025a03f4d128413d968d28a6d9a8cb71/tumblr_o8iwroSVVk1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Aw, yeah…. #guitar #gibson #sg <a href="http://ift.tt/1teAidK">http://ift.tt/1teAidK</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/42226642016-06-09T16:23:39-05:002017-01-14T12:40:18-06:00Aw, yeah…. #guitar #gibson #sg<img src="//67.media.tumblr.com/4475b1ce90dfd7ebd02c81af4fcaee69/tumblr_o8iwrfNwyq1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Aw, yeah…. #guitar #gibson #sg</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/42220252016-06-09T14:54:52-05:002017-01-14T12:40:17-06:00Seems right. #Jaws #Roy #Schider #steven #spielberg #movie...<img src="//66.media.tumblr.com/a2dd20b727dd34c3beefb891a60f2410/tumblr_o8isngcpZ41rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Seems right. #Jaws #Roy #Schider #steven #spielberg #movie #selfie <a href="http://ift.tt/1XIQ11Y">http://ift.tt/1XIQ11Y</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/42220262016-06-09T14:54:45-05:002021-08-14T02:35:44-05:00Seems right. #Jaws #Roy #Schider #steven #spielberg #movie...<img src="//67.media.tumblr.com/d22549982b5bfb898b996fc144b4cc99/tumblr_o8isn9ANRy1rfdf6do1_400.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Seems right. #Jaws #Roy #Schider #steven #spielberg #movie #selfie</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/42220272016-06-09T12:56:28-05:002017-01-14T12:40:18-06:00Just learned my favorite Steely Dan song, “Don’t...<img src="//66.media.tumblr.com/66687866c9f0b77db7909afc10f338c8/tumblr_o8in64NQyI1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Just learned my favorite Steely Dan song, “Don’t Take Me Alive.” Phenomenal musicianship! #steelydan #classic #fusion #rock #donttakemealive <a href="http://ift.tt/1tdR5h2">http://ift.tt/1tdR5h2</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/42220282016-06-09T12:56:13-05:002017-01-14T12:40:18-06:00Just learned my favorite Steely Dan song, “Don’t...<img src="//66.media.tumblr.com/c937b6fb29bc8ec29df3df8e5b09edee/tumblr_o8in5pxpKs1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Just learned my favorite Steely Dan song, “Don’t Take Me Alive.” Phenomenal musicianship! #steelydan #classic #fusion #rock #donttakemealive</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/42168952016-06-06T20:50:20-05:002017-01-14T12:40:17-06:00Greek week! Homemade gyros. Delicioso! #tzatziki #gyro #greek...<img src="//65.media.tumblr.com/31f75ed34d6d642e348098e020bd9039/tumblr_o8dp3waQt51rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Greek week! Homemade gyros. Delicioso! #tzatziki #gyro #greek #food #dinner #supper #cuisine <a href="http://ift.tt/1TSG2k2">http://ift.tt/1TSG2k2</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/42168962016-06-06T20:50:14-05:002017-01-14T12:40:17-06:00Greek week! Homemade gyros. Delicioso! #tzatziki #gyro #greek...<img src="//66.media.tumblr.com/9c4e4324353e126ac5693cfdd6fa15fc/tumblr_o8dp3qp2aW1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Greek week! Homemade gyros. Delicioso! #tzatziki #gyro #greek #food #dinner #supper #cuisine</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/42103072016-06-02T22:23:51-05:002017-01-14T12:40:17-06:00#dogs #canine #cartoon #laptop #homework #comic #funny #humor...<img src="//67.media.tumblr.com/a82ec4e89c53827b7202e87ca1889b7f/tumblr_o86errKPBd1rfdf6do1_400.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>#dogs #canine #cartoon #laptop #homework #comic #funny #humor <a href="http://ift.tt/22Bw78f">http://ift.tt/22Bw78f</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/42103082016-06-02T22:23:44-05:002022-07-24T15:46:36-05:00#dogs #canine #cartoon #laptop #homework #comic #funny #humor<img src="//66.media.tumblr.com/3b0b421b853b91bcf83ff5605d34607e/tumblr_o86erkR2H81rfdf6do1_400.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>#dogs #canine #cartoon #laptop #homework #comic #funny #humor</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/42056082016-05-31T16:10:14-05:002017-01-14T12:40:17-06:00Nothing humbles me quite as much as listening a player like Chet...<img src="//66.media.tumblr.com/ba9176df151e3f0eb3036079807545fe/tumblr_o8285288JM1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Nothing humbles me quite as much as listening a player like Chet Atkins. Back to the practice room! #CGP #Chet #Atkins #fingerstyle #guitar #gibson #gretsch <a href="http://ift.tt/1r1wewa">http://ift.tt/1r1wewa</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/42038432016-05-30T12:58:04-05:002017-01-14T12:40:17-06:00Thank you to all those who’ve died in service to this...<img src="//67.media.tumblr.com/f4450190f1ef4a53dd9c2599f3f04772/tumblr_o804ksRXAf1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Thank you to all those who’ve died in service to this nation. You’ve paid a price far greater than most of us will ever be able to repay or fully comprehend. We love you. We thank you for your sacrifice, and we will do our best to preserve and cherish that which you’ve so willing given to us. May the families of the fallen be blessed on this day. <a href="http://ift.tt/1NZuRJm">http://ift.tt/1NZuRJm</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/42038442016-05-30T12:57:59-05:002017-01-14T12:40:17-06:00Thank you to all those who’ve died in service to this...<img src="//66.media.tumblr.com/f4800396b3f7fb2c4167e849c3418c2f/tumblr_o804knPBtp1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Thank you to all those who’ve died in service to this nation. You’ve paid a price far greater than most of us will ever be able to repay or fully comprehend. We love you. We thank you for your sacrifice, and we will do our best to preserve and cherish that which you’ve so willing given to us. May the families of the fallen be blessed on this day.</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/42008152016-05-28T02:33:25-05:002017-01-14T12:40:16-06:00Just finished week 2 day 3 of #C25K with @c25kfree!...<img src="//66.media.tumblr.com/7651dbad6be7a9b4b2fb64cf41ed5173/tumblr_o7vmbpaxaa1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Just finished week 2 day 3 of #C25K with @c25kfree! @zenlabsfitness! #everymomentcounts #run #running #health #fitness <a href="http://ift.tt/1NTMvhK">http://ift.tt/1NTMvhK</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/42006832016-05-27T18:15:22-05:002017-01-14T12:40:16-06:00Delicious iced tea latte. Perfect day on the patio. #tea #silk...<img src="//67.media.tumblr.com/ef02f4669bfd372b21198ce33dd03503/tumblr_o7uz9mPANZ1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Delicious iced tea latte. Perfect day on the patio. #tea #silk #almond #milk #latte #iced #drink #beverage <a href="http://ift.tt/1TIWubS">http://ift.tt/1TIWubS</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/42006842016-05-27T18:07:05-05:002021-10-04T14:25:08-05:00Sabra olive tapenade hummus. Pretty fantastic stuff, and right...<img src="//66.media.tumblr.com/928b9eddbfc2ae7da2f14e6bc94e3946/tumblr_o7uyvt16DT1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Sabra olive tapenade hummus. Pretty fantastic stuff, and right now it’s BOGO at Publix. #Olive #tapenade #hummus #sabra #Publix <a href="http://ift.tt/1sTtYJe">http://ift.tt/1sTtYJe</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/41992292016-05-27T01:48:37-05:002017-01-14T12:40:16-06:00Just finished week 2 day 2 of #C25K with @c25kfree!...<img src="//67.media.tumblr.com/6fecae335bf39d62337201f8f1081a5f/tumblr_o7tpl163Ml1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Just finished week 2 day 2 of #C25K with @c25kfree! @zenlabsfitness! #everymomentcounts #run #running #health #fitness <a href="http://ift.tt/20J6lxd">http://ift.tt/20J6lxd</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/41976292016-05-26T04:34:45-05:002017-01-14T12:40:16-06:00Just finished week 2 day 1 of #C25K with @c25kfree!...<img src="//66.media.tumblr.com/f321d8f8961f710e86f83bbdb5484aae/tumblr_o7s2lxrqZX1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Just finished week 2 day 1 of #C25K with @c25kfree! @zenlabsfitness! #everymomentcounts #run #running #health #fitness <a href="http://ift.tt/1Wlp1EJ">http://ift.tt/1Wlp1EJ</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/41966202016-05-25T12:39:40-05:002017-01-14T12:40:16-06:00Gotta love mental floss… #penny #pennies...<img src="//65.media.tumblr.com/d06af4eca2ac27284aeffb6ffa938e60/tumblr_o7que4ZSsB1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Gotta love mental floss… #penny #pennies #empirestatebuilding #terminalvelocity <a href="http://ift.tt/1ONuTyW">http://ift.tt/1ONuTyW</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/41966212016-05-25T12:39:31-05:002017-01-14T12:40:16-06:00Gotta love mental floss… #penny #pennies...<img src="//67.media.tumblr.com/37a0730155741ca90398012ad00ea3b0/tumblr_o7qudvyVGI1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Gotta love mental floss… #penny #pennies #empirestatebuilding #terminalvelocity</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/41942132016-05-24T04:57:07-05:002017-01-14T12:40:16-06:00Just finished week 1 day 3 of #C25K with @c25kfree!...<img src="//66.media.tumblr.com/ca75ae1bcf4248f122299b7ec445d43c/tumblr_o7oeb7mPRD1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Just finished week 1 day 3 of #C25K with @c25kfree! @zenlabsfitness! #everymomentcounts #run #running #health #fitness <a href="http://ift.tt/1WLTEmV">http://ift.tt/1WLTEmV</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/41938872016-05-23T19:41:02-05:002017-01-14T12:40:16-06:00@ Uncovered in downtown Huntsville listening to the incredible...<img src="//67.media.tumblr.com/8a4f3da939e4a2a7fdd85d0fd3d68b07/tumblr_o7nokeYVn91rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>@ Uncovered in downtown Huntsville listening to the incredible Carter Garza and now the awesome Laura Lynn Hardy. You should be here…..not just because I’m next….? #singersongwriter #huntsvillealabama #guitar #vocal #original #music (at Humphrey’s Bar & Grill)</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/41938882016-05-23T19:39:35-05:002017-01-14T12:40:16-06:00@ Uncovered in downtown Huntsville listening to the incredible...<img src="//67.media.tumblr.com/cdfe1e94e2d8b096c10fdb4871b228ab/tumblr_o7nohz9Z1d1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>@ Uncovered in downtown Huntsville listening to the incredible Carter Garza and now the awesome Laura Lynn Hardy. You should be here…..not just because I’m next….? #singersongwriter #huntsvillealabama #guitar #vocal #original #music <a href="http://ift.tt/1OTiaQs">http://ift.tt/1OTiaQs</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/41924502016-05-22T23:06:20-05:002017-01-14T12:40:15-06:00Just finished week 1 day 2 of #C25K with @c25kfree!...<img src="//67.media.tumblr.com/ebd238c49ea42a7990d53dc0bdb6a2d8/tumblr_o7m3ekKH2m1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Just finished week 1 day 2 of #C25K with @c25kfree! @zenlabsfitness! #everymomentcounts #run #running #health #fitness <a href="http://ift.tt/1OI6St2">http://ift.tt/1OI6St2</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/41924512016-05-22T23:06:15-05:002017-01-14T12:40:15-06:00Just finished week 1 day 2 of #C25K with @c25kfree!...<img src="//66.media.tumblr.com/ebd238c49ea42a7990d53dc0bdb6a2d8/tumblr_o7m3efvGWC1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Just finished week 1 day 2 of #C25K with @c25kfree! @zenlabsfitness! #everymomentcounts #run #running #health #fitness</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/41922562016-05-22T17:45:32-05:002017-01-14T12:40:15-06:00I’m not a terribly big fan of hotels putting a hold on...<img src="//67.media.tumblr.com/c7aee8d788a190a104a3003092f1b2f3/tumblr_o7lojwFKI41rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>I’m not a terribly big fan of hotels putting a hold on your card for 3 to 5 business days after you’ve checked out. I understand why they do it. There needs to be a better way. #money #travel #finance #hotel #booking #vacation <a href="http://ift.tt/1TxbXIM">http://ift.tt/1TxbXIM</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/41922572016-05-22T17:45:18-05:002017-01-14T12:40:15-06:00I’m not a terribly big fan of hotels putting a hold on...<img src="//65.media.tumblr.com/e87645f721a644b2f8a350857cbf7653/tumblr_o7lojiF73a1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>I’m not a terribly big fan of hotels putting a hold on your card for 3 to 5 business days after you’ve checked out. I understand why they do it. There needs to be a better way. #money #travel #finance #hotel #booking #vacation</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/41907512016-05-20T19:44:45-05:002017-01-14T12:40:15-06:00Look out, Hoover! #live #music #performance #Hoover #alabama...<img src="//67.media.tumblr.com/eaec44fdb9d254a3ed01bd8571cf10df/tumblr_o7i4qlGoOH1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Look out, Hoover! #live #music #performance #Hoover #alabama <a href="http://ift.tt/1Twiogv">http://ift.tt/1Twiogv</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/41899012016-05-20T13:19:30-05:002017-01-14T12:40:15-06:00Support local businesses! This place is excellent!! #goodeats...<img src="//67.media.tumblr.com/718a396e563ea005e48ac24dc277f5b5/tumblr_o7hmwipC9m1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Support local businesses! This place is excellent!! #goodeats #food #poboy #hushpuppies #frenchfries #customerservice <a href="http://ift.tt/1rZnCan">http://ift.tt/1rZnCan</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/41899022016-05-20T13:19:26-05:002017-01-14T12:40:15-06:00Support local businesses! This place is excellent!! #goodeats...<img src="//65.media.tumblr.com/689818fbf33677fdab3e0f1d644c9335/tumblr_o7hmwe8kTz1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Support local businesses! This place is excellent!! #goodeats #food #poboy #hushpuppies #frenchfries #customerservice (at Royal Rose Diner)</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/41892762016-05-20T02:47:40-05:002017-01-14T12:40:15-06:00Just finished week 1 day 1 of #C25K with @c25kfree!...<img src="//65.media.tumblr.com/5dc53a25e1d1cca2b33ae7abfbb3f4df/tumblr_o7gtngVX1O1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Just finished week 1 day 1 of #C25K with @c25kfree! @zenlabsfitness! #everymomentcounts #run #running #health #fitness</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/41892772016-05-20T02:47:34-05:002017-01-14T12:40:15-06:00Just finished week 1 day 1 of #C25K with @c25kfree!...<img src="//65.media.tumblr.com/5dc53a25e1d1cca2b33ae7abfbb3f4df/tumblr_o7gtnaJcSq1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Just finished week 1 day 1 of #C25K with @c25kfree! @zenlabsfitness! #everymomentcounts #run #running #health #fitness <a href="http://ift.tt/1XE0WIR">http://ift.tt/1XE0WIR</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/41886662016-05-19T15:53:10-05:002017-01-14T12:40:14-06:00We laugh because it’s true… #web #browser #google...<img src="//66.media.tumblr.com/c69bf613d1c04c1a1c6466a738241566/tumblr_o7fzcmTuhf1rfdf6do1_400.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>We laugh because it’s true… #web #browser #google #chrome #mozilla #firefox #internet #explorer #opera #safari <a href="http://ift.tt/25cCjZj">http://ift.tt/25cCjZj</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/41886672016-05-19T15:52:56-05:002017-01-14T12:40:14-06:00We laugh because it’s true… #web #browser #google...<img src="//65.media.tumblr.com/330d6e5efa7ae0e34663c294fcb078a6/tumblr_o7fzc89fu61rfdf6do1_400.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>We laugh because it’s true… #web #browser #google #chrome #mozilla #firefox #internet #explorer #opera #safari</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/41886682016-05-19T15:47:34-05:002017-01-14T12:40:14-06:00We laugh because it’s true… #web #browser #google...<img src="//67.media.tumblr.com/2ceba98fef9c5071fd7e3adcc9a660c0/tumblr_o7fz3a65bh1rfdf6do1_400.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>We laugh because it’s true… #web #browser #google #chrome #mozilla #firefox #internet #explorer #opera #safari <a href="http://ift.tt/27F3pHe">http://ift.tt/27F3pHe</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/41886692016-05-19T15:47:30-05:002017-01-14T12:40:14-06:00We laugh because it’s true… #web #browser #google...<img src="//67.media.tumblr.com/2ceba98fef9c5071fd7e3adcc9a660c0/tumblr_o7fz36n68B1rfdf6do1_400.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>We laugh because it’s true… #web #browser #google #chrome #mozilla #firefox #internet #explorer #opera #safari</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/41875422016-05-18T23:24:06-05:002017-01-14T12:40:14-06:00Let me just say that I am overwhelmed by the number of new...<img src="//67.media.tumblr.com/cf15df24d1b601125daa8d1bb85fe775/tumblr_o7epk6knbh1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Let me just say that I am overwhelmed by the number of new mailing list subscribers. You blow me away! #vip #music #media #social #mailing #list #bestfansever #bestfansintheworld <a href="http://ift.tt/1qvqbiW">http://ift.tt/1qvqbiW</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/41875432016-05-18T23:23:51-05:002017-01-14T12:40:14-06:00Let me just say that I am overwhelmed by the number of new...<img src="//65.media.tumblr.com/cf15df24d1b601125daa8d1bb85fe775/tumblr_o7epjr6rlV1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Let me just say that I am overwhelmed by the number of new mailing list subscribers. You blow me away! #vip #music #media #social #mailing #list #bestfansever #bestfansintheworld</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/41872492016-05-18T20:11:01-05:002017-01-14T12:40:14-06:00After show dinner in Trussville. Thanks Trussville FUMC for...<img src="//66.media.tumblr.com/838ec9504c36f095bd71ed8c99e39aba/tumblr_o7egmdK4bG1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>After show dinner in Trussville. Thanks Trussville FUMC for keeping it real! <a href="http://ift.tt/27BHTTK">http://ift.tt/27BHTTK</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/41872502016-05-18T20:10:42-05:002017-01-14T12:40:14-06:00After show dinner in Trussville. Thanks Trussville FUMC for...<img src="//66.media.tumblr.com/74347bf96e5f20ab7bf0c0b3489e7ccd/tumblr_o7egluH3b81rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>After show dinner in Trussville. Thanks Trussville FUMC for keeping it real! (at First United Methodist Church)</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/41853612016-05-17T16:56:02-05:002017-01-14T12:40:13-06:00Wow! New mailing list subscribers in no time at all! You guys...<img src="//67.media.tumblr.com/f239d02bd57aa444f2c25dd95eb45eeb/tumblr_o7ccxeUaUt1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Wow! New mailing list subscribers in no time at all! You guys are the best in the world!!! #bestfansever #mailing #mailinglist #list #vip #social #media #music #news <a href="http://ift.tt/27wZ88E">http://ift.tt/27wZ88E</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/41853622016-05-17T16:55:48-05:002017-01-14T12:40:13-06:00Wow! New mailing list subscribers in no time at all! You guys...<img src="//67.media.tumblr.com/3999115b636b474f3ebab3ef3bcf7d9b/tumblr_o7ccx0WPju1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Wow! New mailing list subscribers in no time at all! You guys are the best in the world!!! #bestfansever #mailing #mailinglist #list #vip #social #media #music #news</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/41853632016-05-17T15:43:00-05:002017-01-14T12:40:14-06:00So, I’ve come to the conclusion that social media has its pros...<img src="//66.media.tumblr.com/d33b0939ebc11b550377b0bca305ecaa/tumblr_o7c9joCdSQ1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>So, I’ve come to the conclusion that social media has its pros and it’s cons. One obvious pro is that it makes the world a whole lot smaller than it would be otherwise. The personal and professional connections that I have forged over the years through Facebook, twitter, LinkedIn, and the like are truly magnificent.</p>
<p>For many of its advantages, however, there are some distinct disadvantages. If you are a proprietor/entrepreneur, which most musicians in the 21st century are, or at least it should be, the way that these forums suggest you develop traction is to pay for promoted posts and tweets. Essentially, it’s for paying for people to like you.</p>
<p>Don’t get me wrong. I am not going to dismiss this process completely out of hand, but I have made a decision that I think is consistent with the highest good for my brand and the fans of the music as well. I have chosen to migrate the bulk of my music updates to mailing list subscribers.</p>
<p>Social media is full of distractions. If you’ve opted to receive my emails, it will be because you have a genuine interest in being updated. Many people have asked me about upcoming events, project news, booking inquiries, etc. What if you could open your inbox and have all the answers laid out in front of you? It will also help those of us at our base of operations to streamline these things into one central hub.</p>
<p>Have any questions/interest in signing up for the monthly / bimonthly e-mail list? I would love to keep you in the loop about what I am up to as an artist and from time to time I have giveaways, too! Please let me know if you’d like to do that. I will never give your e-mail address to anyone else, and you can opt out of my list at any time.</p>
<p>Visit <a href="http://ift.tt/1W0Wnsw">http://ift.tt/1W0Wnsw</a> to signup today!</p>
<p>Jonathan <a href="http://ift.tt/1Oyk7MU">http://ift.tt/1Oyk7MU</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/41853642016-05-17T15:42:53-05:002017-01-14T12:40:14-06:00So, I’ve come to the conclusion that social media has its pros...<img src="//65.media.tumblr.com/9132a32e5ccd3c05bba0e7567346fcd9/tumblr_o7c9jhJuKa1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>So, I’ve come to the conclusion that social media has its pros and it’s cons. One obvious pro is that it makes the world a whole lot smaller than it would be otherwise. The personal and professional connections that I have forged over the years through Facebook, twitter, LinkedIn, and the like are truly magnificent.</p>
<p>For many of its advantages, however, there are some distinct disadvantages. If you are a proprietor/entrepreneur, which most musicians in the 21st century are, or at least it should be, the way that these forums suggest you develop traction is to pay for promoted posts and tweets. Essentially, it’s for paying for people to like you.</p>
<p>Don’t get me wrong. I am not going to dismiss this process completely out of hand, but I have made a decision that I think is consistent with the highest good for my brand and the fans of the music as well. I have chosen to migrate the bulk of my music updates to mailing list subscribers.</p>
<p>Social media is full of distractions. If you’ve opted to receive my emails, it will be because you have a genuine interest in being updated. Many people have asked me about upcoming events, project news, booking inquiries, etc. What if you could open your inbox and have all the answers laid out in front of you? It will also help those of us at our base of operations to streamline these things into one central hub.</p>
<p>Have any questions/interest in signing up for the monthly / bimonthly e-mail list? I would love to keep you in the loop about what I am up to as an artist and from time to time I have giveaways, too! Please let me know if you’d like to do that. I will never give your e-mail address to anyone else, and you can opt out of my list at any time.</p>
<p>Visit <a href="http://jonathanlaird.net/mailing-list">http://jonathanlaird.net/mailing-list</a> to signup today!</p>
<p>Jonathan</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/41853652016-05-17T15:35:42-05:002016-05-17T19:32:33-05:00So, I’ve come to the conclusion that social media has its pros and it’s cons. One obvious pro is...<p>So, I’ve come to the conclusion that social media has its pros and it’s cons. One obvious pro is that it makes the world a whole lot smaller than it would be otherwise. The personal and professional connections that I have forged over the years through Facebook, twitter, LinkedIn, and the like are truly magnificent. </p>
<p>For many of its advantages, however, there are some distinct disadvantages. If you are a proprietor/entrepreneur, which most musicians in the 21st century are, or at least it should be, the way that these forums suggest you develop traction is to pay for promoted posts and tweets. Essentially, it’s for paying for people to like you.</p>
<p>Don’t get me wrong. I am not going to dismiss this process completely out of hand, but I have made a decision that I think is consistent with the highest good for my brand and the fans of the music as well. I have chosen to migrate the bulk of my music updates to mailing list subscribers. </p>
<p>Social media is full of distractions. If you’ve opted to receive my emails, it will be because you have a genuine interest in being updated. Many people have asked me about upcoming events, project news, booking inquiries, etc. What if you could open your inbox and have all the answers laid out in front of you? It will also help those of us at our base of operations to streamline these things into one central hub.</p>
<p>Have any questions/interest in signing up for the monthly / bimonthly e-mail list? I would love to keep you in the loop about what I am up to as an artist and from time to time I have giveaways, too! Please let me know if you’d like to do that. I will never give your e-mail address to anyone else, and you can opt out of my list at any time.</p>
Visit <a href="http://jonathanlaird.net/mailing-list">http://jonathanlaird.net/mailing-list</a> to signup today!
<p>Jonathan</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/41697692016-05-05T16:11:52-05:002017-01-14T12:40:13-06:00What a perfect day to be playing at #MargaritaGrill #Birmingham...<img src="//65.media.tumblr.com/b861e5bc95395b39b0bf0f8b1c5d67eb/tumblr_o6q2vsd2hS1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>What a perfect day to be playing at #MargaritaGrill #Birmingham #Alabama.Stop on by if you are in the area and happy Cinco de Mayo! <a href="http://ift.tt/1WLQ6Q5">http://ift.tt/1WLQ6Q5</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/41697702016-04-30T04:34:45-05:002017-01-14T12:40:13-06:00Just finished week 6 day 3 of #C25K with @c25kfree!...<img src="//66.media.tumblr.com/0d50f7c10fb8a4c42821005cbf49e2ee/tumblr_o6fx9xxXvc1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Just finished week 6 day 3 of #C25K with @c25kfree! @zenlabsfitness! #everymomentcounts #run #running #health #fitness <a href="http://ift.tt/1SElxXO">http://ift.tt/1SElxXO</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/41504122016-04-23T04:26:54-05:002017-01-14T12:40:13-06:00Just finished week 6 day 2 of #C25K with @c25kfree!...<img src="//36.media.tumblr.com/261c550c8c4c68ba48f3ff95b06bde38/tumblr_o62y8uhDoZ1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Just finished week 6 day 2 of #C25K with @c25kfree! @zenlabsfitness! #everymomentcounts #run #running #health #fitness <a href="http://ift.tt/23PUa7D">http://ift.tt/23PUa7D</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/41411622016-04-18T04:27:18-05:002017-01-14T12:40:13-06:00Just finished week 6 day 1 of #C25K with @c25kfree!...<img src="//40.media.tumblr.com/98086b0fa9afa90c88ea7094855b192a/tumblr_o5toxiHxOP1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Just finished week 6 day 1 of #C25K with @c25kfree! @zenlabsfitness! #everymomentcounts #run #running #health #fitness <a href="http://ift.tt/1NwPd6Y">http://ift.tt/1NwPd6Y</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/41392302016-04-16T04:47:56-05:002017-01-14T12:40:13-06:00Just finished week 5 day 3 of #C25K with @c25kfree!...<img src="//41.media.tumblr.com/6f81d891646b08f25f8232dbba97efab/tumblr_o5q0jwkDxH1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Just finished week 5 day 3 of #C25K with @c25kfree! @zenlabsfitness! #everymomentcounts #run #running #health #fitness <a href="http://ift.tt/1MzeJO4">http://ift.tt/1MzeJO4</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/41358372016-04-14T03:52:56-05:002017-01-14T12:40:13-06:00Just finished week 5 day 2 of #C25K with @c25kfree!...<img src="//40.media.tumblr.com/d30f47e104a10007d1f82adeb030c3f0/tumblr_o5m8o81st11rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Just finished week 5 day 2 of #C25K with @c25kfree! @zenlabsfitness! #everymomentcounts #run #running #health #fitness <a href="http://ift.tt/1H7W2HH">http://ift.tt/1H7W2HH</a> <a href="http://ift.tt/20DJUdp">http://ift.tt/20DJUdp</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/41279412016-04-08T15:47:00-05:002017-01-14T12:40:13-06:00Masters weekend. Seems appropriate. #arnold #palmer #phil...<img src="//40.media.tumblr.com/efca73378b1344caee88f873bb3f8e08/tumblr_o5c1qcrm6z1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Masters weekend. Seems appropriate. #arnold #palmer #phil #mickelson #jordan #spieth #pga #golf #masters #tournament #2016 <a href="http://ift.tt/1Ve6FEQ">http://ift.tt/1Ve6FEQ</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/41247502016-04-07T03:01:58-05:002017-01-14T12:40:12-06:00Just finished week 5 day 1 of #C25K with @c25kfree!...<img src="//41.media.tumblr.com/6cabe488f0448356c175f4e6a41a5418/tumblr_o597naLCs21rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Just finished week 5 day 1 of #C25K with @c25kfree! @zenlabsfitness! #everymomentcounts #run #running #health #fitness <a href="http://ift.tt/1RFMcGK">http://ift.tt/1RFMcGK</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/41245372016-04-07T01:50:51-05:002017-01-14T12:40:12-06:00Find balancing levels tedious?Don’t let the name fool you....<img src="//40.media.tumblr.com/84ec71a5f67fa75a4528620eaa26b109/tumblr_o594crOAlO1rfdf6do1_400.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Find balancing levels tedious?Don’t let the name fool you. Vocal rider is basically a volume automation control. Try it on any instance of your mix. With the sweet spot signal set today the desired level and wide range parameters, this can balance practically every element of your mix. #audio #engineering #recording #studio #production #mixing #logic #pro #waves #tracks <a href="http://ift.tt/1Na5QVQ">http://ift.tt/1Na5QVQ</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/41043712016-03-24T14:37:46-05:002017-01-14T12:40:12-06:00Just finished week 4 day 3 of #C25K with @c25kfree!...<img src="//41.media.tumblr.com/1ec64f0611714591daa253bba70d0158/tumblr_o4k6iyRUqT1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Just finished week 4 day 3 of #C25K with @c25kfree! @zenlabsfitness! #everymomentcounts #run #running #health #fitness <a href="http://ift.tt/1H7W2HH">http://ift.tt/1H7W2HH</a> <a href="http://ift.tt/1UdJZVf">http://ift.tt/1UdJZVf</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/40900512016-03-16T01:37:10-05:002016-03-16T01:37:10-05:00Human R.O.I.<p>In a world where we would be forced to evaluate the competitive market value of most human capital today, I grow concerned about the rate of diminishing returns from certain sectors. Quality people are all around us. There are just so many more people who aren't. </p>
<p>I believe that this is strictly out of choice, mind you. Who can place perceived value on the individual except for the individual? After all, above any minority group that I can think of, the most valuable one is that of the individual, and they can rise from humble beginnings to kingly endings Much like a snowball grows monumental as it falls from the mountain peaks all the way down to the foot, so too people can start out small and make choices, decisions and steps to take themselves to larger destinations. </p>
<p>It's not a popular view that I take. I believe in meritocracy. I believe that people should be rewarded based on their contributions to society. Contribute more, you'll get more. It's a principal as old as time, and it will continue to be truth regardless of what anyone has to say on the matter. </p>
<p>Note: we're not talking about people with disabilities here. If they are in legitimate need, it is our duty to help them out as best we can. </p>
<p>I'm talking about the ones who have no skin in the game, but want to do the play calling. You know who they are. They're the ones who know better than you what you should say, what you should think, who you should be, what your dreams are, what the secrets of the universe are, when you should accomplish everything, where you should go scholastically, philosophically, politically, economically, spiritually, socially, mentally, physically, and emotionally. Who knows? Maybe they have nothing better to do than to live vicariously through you because they couldn't cut it. </p>
<p>Harsh? So what? If I feel compelled to live life in the way that it moves me, it doesn't make much difference to me at all who likes it and who doesn't. If I have a strong moral compass, and choose to live legally, morally and ethically, good on me. I will have self-respect, and that's good enough for me. </p>
<p>Ask yourselves, who are the people who are weighing you down and clipping your wings? Love them, but do it from a distance and give them no quarter. Until they're willing to be meaningful contributors to your particular equation, they are irrelevant.</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/40900532016-03-15T23:11:58-05:002017-01-14T12:40:12-06:00Just finished week 4 day 2 of #C25K with @c25kfree!...<img src="//40.media.tumblr.com/f17a4794cca04f966c9f78c52a27e118/tumblr_o446bys7Gn1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Just finished week 4 day 2 of #C25K with @c25kfree! @zenlabsfitness! #everymomentcounts #run #running #health #fitness <a href="http://ift.tt/1MlHKal">http://ift.tt/1MlHKal</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/40832192016-03-11T02:52:00-06:002021-09-21T02:18:51-05:00Just finished week 4 day 1 of #C25K with @c25kfree!...<img src="//41.media.tumblr.com/cb29d545cdae429b69d990dbf6e636c9/tumblr_o3v9yormlV1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Just finished week 4 day 1 of #C25K with @c25kfree! @zenlabsfitness! #everymomentcounts #run #running #health #fitness <a href="http://ift.tt/1Mb5caa">http://ift.tt/1Mb5caa</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/40778292016-03-08T02:54:34-06:002017-01-14T12:40:12-06:00http://ift.tt/1QDCoMQ<img src="//41.media.tumblr.com/84d8c375d7c96214795f11f6fce40023/tumblr_o3pq2y0Tzc1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p><a href="http://ift.tt/1QDCoMQ">http://ift.tt/1QDCoMQ</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/40741422016-03-04T23:59:38-06:002017-01-14T12:40:12-06:00#C25K #fitness #health #running #runner http://ift.tt/1Qxiinq<img src="//41.media.tumblr.com/bbc2138146e8b2f6ee9af6d257c9575a/tumblr_o3jxze3zgm1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>#C25K #fitness #health #running #runner <a href="http://ift.tt/1Qxiinq">http://ift.tt/1Qxiinq</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/40736892016-03-04T16:10:39-06:002017-01-14T12:40:12-06:00Vaccines up to date. Ecuador, here I come! #Ecuador #kids...<img src="//40.media.tumblr.com/deb6736c679d635734fcd5b2023134f8/tumblr_o3jc9r8GZt1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Vaccines up to date. Ecuador, here I come! #Ecuador #kids #school #orphanage #andes #equator #hoh #haciendaofhope <a href="http://ift.tt/1Qz1skG">http://ift.tt/1Qz1skG</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/40731032016-03-04T11:49:18-06:002017-01-14T12:40:12-06:00I use @izotopeinc’s free Vinyl plug-in on my vox and so...<img src="//40.media.tumblr.com/f340c29932369367d170c4c7575fc2ca/tumblr_o3j066q6Ci1rfdf6do1_400.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>I use @izotopeinc’s free Vinyl plug-in on my vox and so should you! #lofiweapon #vinylreissue bit.ly/202pChd <a href="http://ift.tt/1WZTxRg">http://ift.tt/1WZTxRg</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/40722312016-03-03T18:11:00-06:002017-01-14T12:40:12-06:00Pinoooooooooot noiiiiiiiir….. #unbreakable #Kimmy...<img src="//40.media.tumblr.com/eb6b140de663ef399b1d96b44bdd2adc/tumblr_o3hn6cjRkP1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Pinoooooooooot noiiiiiiiir….. #unbreakable #Kimmy #schmidt #pinot #noir #wine #antioxidant <a href="http://ift.tt/1UCY6Cm">http://ift.tt/1UCY6Cm</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/40704532016-03-02T19:42:45-06:002017-01-14T12:40:12-06:00Argh, matey… #cat #feline #pirate #one #eyed #willie #pet...<img src="//40.media.tumblr.com/f229fb779a48a97ca83a24ff43dc8006/tumblr_o3fwr9gzBH1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Argh, matey… #cat #feline #pirate #one #eyed #willie #pet <a href="http://ift.tt/24CvIEE">http://ift.tt/24CvIEE</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/40671232016-03-01T01:54:32-06:002017-01-14T12:40:11-06:00Just finished week 3 day 1 of
#C25K with...<img src="//41.media.tumblr.com/952bea03159faef968deef0f866f97a5/tumblr_o3comw5LgJ1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Just finished week 3 day 1 of<br>
#C25K with @c25kfree!<br>
@zen|absfitness!<br>
#everymomentcounts #run<br>
#running #health #fitness <a href="http://ift.tt/1T5yDlm">http://ift.tt/1T5yDlm</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/40627552016-02-26T15:45:56-06:002017-01-14T12:40:11-06:00So…she said, “yes.” ?#diamonds #diamond...<img src="//41.media.tumblr.com/502f5906a8f8dfaa40c9de395ac108ce/tumblr_o36cgk9MfV1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>So…she said, “yes.” ?#diamonds #diamond #whitegold #gold #engage #engaged #engagement #wedding #ring #rings <a href="http://ift.tt/1LjknD3">http://ift.tt/1LjknD3</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/40614142016-02-25T22:39:37-06:002017-01-14T12:40:11-06:00New blog post @ http://ift.tt/1S52t8L #attitude #morals #right...<img src="//40.media.tumblr.com/a6a7f8fa1090a32eb4c0f16653de76ad/tumblr_o350y1i26x1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>New blog post @ <a href="http://ift.tt/1S52t8L">http://ift.tt/1S52t8L</a> #attitude #morals #right #wrong #gratitude #grateful #entitled<br>
#ingratitude #society #louisck<br>
#give #giver #giving <a href="http://ift.tt/1WMTacF">http://ift.tt/1WMTacF</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/40610192016-02-25T20:19:48-06:002017-01-14T12:40:11-06:00Gratitude Adjustment<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/14013/63b12c68fece940f9dfb454d361df090c599edc0/large/zombiepreparationwin.jpg?0" class="size_l justify_center border_none" alt="" /><br><br>I<span class="font_regular"> suddenly realized why everything coming out of the entertainment industry has to do with zombies. Who knew that something like this in the culture </span>would be biographical? Everywhere I go, there appears to be a pandemic of the same disease. It is called ingratitude.<br><br>I can't tell you how many times, today alone, that I've given people the right of way in traffic, in stores, smiled, and said "Hello!" to these unresponsive, deadbeat, self-entitled losers who won't acknowledge the good things when they're bestowed upon them. They'll just go on about their business either oblivious to what others have done for them on their behalf, or are so enamored with their own self-importance that they actually believe these niceties were owed to them.<br><br>We live in a society marred and scarred by entitlement. Louis C.K. illustrates this in his own comedic fashion, and while I don't particularly condone his points about the collapse of an economic infrastructure, the finer points of his rant are not wasted <a contents="here:" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8LaT5Iiwo4" target="_blank">here:</a><br><br>One of the more sinister elements at play here is the ambivalence and the callousness that happens in the heart of an otherwise giving, cheerful person can be cultivated because they believe their good deeds are unnoticed and unappreciated. So, what's the point?<br><br>The purity of a giver's motives are in question in these moments. Are we doing what is right to attain praise and accolades from men, or are we doing them because they are the right thing to do?<br><br>My faith and belief systems are of value to me when it comes to these scenarios. Not saying anyone reading this has to profess my beliefs. Do with yours what you will. I'm merely speaking from what I deem valuable and effective in my own life.<br><br>If all there is to live for in this world is the praise and adoration of your fellow man, you will be sadly disappointed at the results. I choose to believe that there is something bigger than the highly overrated people I don't care to emulate. It is for this purpose that I decide the most effective way to combat the things in this life I don't like is to choose not to be that way myself, to do the right thing because it's the right thing to do, and not because the recipient recognizes it and gives me validation. If I depend upon them to bestow said validation, by default I rely on them to take it away as well. They don't deserve that kind of power.<br><br>So, to all you soldiers out there fighting the good fight, stay strong, stay resilient, and please continue to be good. God knows the world could use you.Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/40573852016-02-24T02:28:51-06:002017-01-14T12:40:11-06:00Just finished week 2 day 3 of #C25K with @c25kfree!...<img src="//41.media.tumblr.com/e3dbd2ec56395391d18000d4e501cbed/tumblr_o31m83K5ZZ1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Just finished week 2 day 3 of #C25K with @c25kfree! @zenlabsfitness! #everymomentcounts #run #running #health #fitness <a href="http://ift.tt/1QbDtYs">http://ift.tt/1QbDtYs</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/40569062016-02-23T16:09:41-06:002017-01-14T12:40:11-06:00Great food. Great staff. Great place to cater to food allergies....<img src="//41.media.tumblr.com/a3212137df16a5f980103e250c3da66c/tumblr_o30tk521pS1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Great food. Great staff. Great place to cater to food allergies. <a href="http://ift.tt/24nU4SA">http://ift.tt/24nU4SA</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/40556042016-02-23T07:28:43-06:002017-01-14T12:40:11-06:00http://ift.tt/1TwJvYl<img src="//40.media.tumblr.com/a3212137df16a5f980103e250c3da66c/tumblr_o305fvTrAc1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p><a href="http://ift.tt/1TwJvYl">http://ift.tt/1TwJvYl</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/40533962016-02-22T01:56:20-06:002017-01-14T12:40:11-06:00Just finished week 2 day 2 of #C25K with @c25kfree!...<img src="//40.media.tumblr.com/90cbf9bbbe5f94750ba6b8f4c132c081/tumblr_o2xvdw6lpf1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Just finished week 2 day 2 of #C25K with @c25kfree! @zenlabsfitness! #everymomentcounts #run #running #health #fitness <a href="http://ift.tt/1Qb9XWp">http://ift.tt/1Qb9XWp</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/40532072016-02-21T21:56:01-06:002017-01-14T12:40:10-06:00I am the walrus. #French #fries #frenchfries #dinner #ihop...<img src="//40.media.tumblr.com/3aa223bfc11aac8f63360735bc5e96de/tumblr_o2xk9dapH41rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>I am the walrus. #French #fries #frenchfries #dinner #ihop #beatles #i #am #the #walrus <a href="http://ift.tt/1QU7r2Z">http://ift.tt/1QU7r2Z</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/40532082016-02-21T21:30:40-06:002017-01-14T12:40:11-06:00El coffee #americano #breakfast #blend #coffee
#bean #beans #cup...<img src="//41.media.tumblr.com/c1a4c50612c676761c1e905fe1ecf3ba/tumblr_o2xj34ujlu1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>El coffee #americano #breakfast #blend #coffee<br>
#bean #beans #cup #mug #grinder #roast #ihop <a href="http://ift.tt/1WCsWcM">http://ift.tt/1WCsWcM</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/40519882016-02-20T13:12:54-06:002017-01-14T12:40:10-06:00Yeah peoples! #xs #xsenergy #xsenergydrink #xsenergydrinks...<img src="//40.media.tumblr.com/8ca2b0ee8688bba734fe627dcc72e7a9/tumblr_o2v1diZfiu1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Yeah peoples! #xs #xsenergy #xsenergydrink #xsenergydrinks #cherry #blast #health #wellness #fitness #bvitamins #energy #drink #drinks #beverage <a href="http://ift.tt/1oBairr">http://ift.tt/1oBairr</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/40519892016-02-20T12:52:29-06:002017-01-14T12:40:10-06:00Something tells me society doesn’t need a primer on...<img src="//40.media.tumblr.com/05fbcb661c6f08e90ccd794ffca358e4/tumblr_o2v0fhFqG91rfdf6do1_400.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Something tells me society doesn’t need a primer on this… #contrary #contradiction #contradictions #logic #illogic #logical #illogical #reason #masses <a href="http://ift.tt/1QrJxl7">http://ift.tt/1QrJxl7</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/40519902016-02-20T12:19:09-06:002017-01-14T12:40:10-06:00Did you know that aircraft can run with silent props? It’s...<img src="//40.media.tumblr.com/84649b586189bdfebbe9865ebb692e16/tumblr_o2uyvx9rJG1rfdf6do1_400.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Did you know that aircraft can run with silent props? It’s true. With amplified electromagnetic waves, they can produce an inverted sound of the prop noise this cancelling out the original sound. #didyouknow #believeitornot #plane #planes #aircraft #props #propnoise #sound #waves #phase #inversion #cancellation #electromagnetic #fly #flying #flight #tech #technology <a href="http://ift.tt/1QrF0ix">http://ift.tt/1QrF0ix</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/40476882016-02-18T02:52:15-06:002017-01-14T12:40:10-06:00Working a mix for a special pitch. Fingers crossed! #Wicked...<img src="//41.media.tumblr.com/da7b78785d86cacebd03124b5dc1e423/tumblr_o2qjb3M65j1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Working a mix for a special pitch. Fingers crossed! #Wicked #TheMusical #Kristin #Chenoweth #Cristy #Chandler #Kristy #Cates #Derrick #Williams #Sean #McCourt #Universal #Studios #Decca #Recording #Studio</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/40378892016-02-12T03:36:43-06:002016-02-12T09:55:03-06:00IFTTT- (If This, Then That) Your new best friendTell me something: do you have a ton of social media networks to manage? Does it ever feel a little bit overwhelming trying to keep all of them in check, and in balance? Do you own a business and know that social media is vital to making your business grow, but can't seem to juggle both maintaining it and your enterprise all at once? Introducing IFTTT. This brilliant website allows you to create "recipes" that will perform certain tasks on one platform and then allow those tasks to trickle-down to other platforms.<br><br>Sound complicated? Not so much. In fact, if you haven't done so already, you need to go to their website at <a contents="https://ifttt.com/recipes" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://ifttt.com/recipes" target="_blank">https://ifttt.com/recipes</a> to try it out and see just how user-friendly it is. Do you have Instagram photos that you'd like to share on tumblr, Flickr, Facebook and Twitter all at once? No problem. Just give it a trigger by selecting the appropriate application and some of the options that they give you, then apply a corresponding action in the same way. Got a blog feed you'd like passed down? No worries. Same deal.<br><br>If you're a proprietor or a web junkie, this is going to be a huge time saver for you. Check it out. You'll be very, very glad you did.Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/40368322016-02-11T14:55:34-06:002016-02-11T14:55:34-06:00TestingThis is an RSS test.Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/40368052016-02-11T14:23:48-06:002016-02-11T14:23:48-06:00I'm moving to a perplex<span class="font_regular">Life pays you back in spades for good or ill. So do the most good you possibly can. I've always operated under the impression that if I do the right things for long enough, the re</span>sults will come.<br><br>My brilliant manager, Jason Hough, and I are ironing out some cool things that I hope to be able to share with you in the next week.<br><br>Keep checking back. I think you may like it!Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/40255062016-02-04T16:17:50-06:002016-02-04T16:47:38-06:00A Defining Moment<p><b>val·ue</b></p><p><b>ˈvalyo͞o/</b></p><p><i>noun</i></p><p><b>1</b>.<br>
the regard that something is held to deserve; the importance, worth, or usefulness of something.<br><br><b>2</b>.</p><p>a person’s principles or standards of behavior; one’s judgment of what is important in life.</p><p>It’s interesting to me how we determine the value of something or someone. Where would I be if I’d kept all those collectible metal lunch boxes I had when I was a kid? (I’m dating myself now.) We had no earthly idea what those things would be worth at the time. </p><p>I went to an art gallery in New Orleans. There were pieces on display that looked as though someone cut on a shoebox with an X-Acto knife and glued one end of a string to the box and the other end to a quarter glued to the box. Mind you, I didn’t get it. I’m actually quite proud of the fact that I didn’t get it.</p><p>I find it equally challenging assessing the value of people at times. Just like art, the quality of humans is sometimes striking and vibrant. You couldn’t miss it if you tried. Other times, it’s very hard to tell, but as the previous illustration suggests, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.</p><p>How do you estimate the value of human capital? If the advent of digital media outlets and the omnipresence of social networking are any indication, one party says, “They’re worthless.” Another party says, “They’re priceless.” Full grown “adults,” total strangers, hurl insults I wouldn’t dream of saying to my worst enemy. Who’s right? The answer is: When you’re the one being discussed, the one you end up believing is right be it an outsider or yourself.</p><p>There are variable definitions of the word ‘pride.’ A long time ago, I had a girlfriend who use to quote a proverb, “Pride comes before destruction and a haughty spirit before the fall.” She was alluding to this definition:</p><ul>
<li>
<b><i>noun</i>:</b> unreasonable and inordinate self-esteem (personified as one of the deadly sins)</li>
</ul><p>However, there’s a little more to it than that:</p><ul>
<li>
<b><i>noun</i>:</b> a feeling of self-respect and personal worth</li>
<li>
<b><i>noun</i>:</b> satisfaction with your (or another’s) achievements</li>
</ul><p>There is such a thing as having a sober perspective of one’s intrinsic value. Sobriety is important, because it is a key factor in evaluating who you are through and through, strengths and weaknesses, good and bad. The problem is that many people are only conscious of the bad, and many others overinflate themselves. That’s a mask and overcompensation to hide their insecurities. Me? I’ve run the gamut.</p><p>When I was starting middle school, I was surrounded people who were, ummm……what’s a nice…..well, they were the antichrist. The sixth grade for me was largely comprised of staring at the ground, keeping to myself, being pushed around, and calling into the clinic for most of the year. Teachers and guidance counselors didn’t have a vested interest in my life. In some ways, they were as bad as the students. No one asked why I kept going to the clinic. I even found out that there were adults at my church that were saying pejorative things behind my back. Be that as it may, I didn’t rock the boat. <i>Primum non nocere.</i></p><p>My life seemed worthless, cheap and inconsequential not because it was, but because I actually believed these idiots. I defined myself based on their input. If they belittled me, I didn’t question it. If they were degrading or demeaning, I’d roll with it. I got to knowing that tile design really well.</p><p>About a year and a half later, tired of all this, I was lying in my bed, and had an epiphany: It is astronomically dumb, pointless, and wasteful to go through life asking others permission for you to simply be who you are and who you’re meant to be. That was a noticeable turning point.</p><p>The next day, I started becoming the chameleon who could shift in and out of different cliques and circles. I didn’t have a clique of my own. I remembered what it was to be excluded. I didn’t neglect the outcasts. I remember how they were always there for me.</p><p>As an adult, I can tell you that you may like me, and you may not. <i>I don’t have to care</i>. You may chide me. You may diminish me. It only becomes my reality when I give you power over me by believing what you say. That ain’t gonna happen. You’re not <i>that </i>important.</p><p>You are valuable at the core and that value increases based on your contributions to the world, but when you think that value extends to me having to define myself by what you think of me, that’s where your value ends. Chances are you’re against me because I’m formidable, diligent, solid in my work and in my ethics. I know all of that is a thinly veiled attempt to hide insecurity because deep down on the inside you detractors know that I’m doing what you should be doing. Thank you for your opposition. I wear it as a badge of honor.</p><p>People, if you struggle with this in your life, it’s time you learned to live in the truth of who you really are, and what you have to offer the world around you. The rest of you will never amount to anything, or maybe you will……depending on whether or not you actually believe that.</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/40239932016-02-03T17:58:12-06:002017-01-14T12:40:10-06:00Massage-ish.<img src="//40.media.tumblr.com/9a97bdddd9585e0015032317e0827e8f/tumblr_o1zx90hDnL1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Massage-ish.</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/40214512016-02-02T16:33:00-06:002016-02-02T17:00:13-06:00Caint Tawk Good?<p>Soapbox time!</p><p>Yes, it’s the veritable moment when the linguistic prowess we once regarded as sacrosanct has been diminished to the role of a quaint anachronism, an irrecoverable relic of a bygone era.</p><p>Chances are many of these words aren’t used in everyday vocabulary, and that’s truly a shame. I understand, to some, my elitism may be showing, but work with me here. It’s an illustration to drive home a larger point.</p><p>To some degree, I believe as the intellect of society drains societal advancement drains as well. We have every amenity. We have every tool necessary to promote a sedentary lifestyle in the name of convenience. However, our threshold for what we consider to be convenient or inconvenient has changed drastically in my lifetime alone. In some ways, not for the better.</p><p>Forget the examples above. The relative intelligence of a culture is going down to the basement equivalent of the town sewer system when we can’t use basic, fundamental vocabulary in everyday life.</p><p>“Be right back?” That takes way too long to type out. Let’s make it a cute little hashtag. Nothing is wrong with the occasional hashtag, mind you, but I do have to wonder: How many people are abbreviating these things for the benefit of a shortcut, and how many of them are abbreviating them because they have no clue how to spell? What will generations beyond ours know as proper communicative skills in human interaction? Will they be faced with the prospects of actually knowing how to write out the correct versions of words at the expense of hashtagese?</p><p>Let us consider a few thoughts and words from some of the world’s great minds that have gone on before us:</p><p>“Abuse of words has been the great instrument of sophistry and chicanery, of party, faction, and division of society.” - John Adams<br></p><p>“Each age has deemed the new-born year the fittest time for festal cheer.” - Sir Walter Scott</p><p>“Those who profess to favor freedom, and yet deprecate agitation, are men who want crops without plowing up the ground.” - Frederick Douglass<br></p><p>Now I ask you, who speaks like that today? These are great figures in history. In certain circles, we still regard them as such. Where would they be without their eloquence. Somehow, I can’t picture Adams tweeting King George in this day and age with the average Americans vocabulary skills. “KG, man. Ur Brits r janky. U got 2 rimouv em, now. Nah, bihh. Ur gonna b gon soon, son. #yolo”</p><p>I wouldn’t have regarded him, or any of these others as serious intellectual thinkers, and by extension, would’ve been pretty agnostic on their abilities to influence history.</p><p>We are not an advancing culture. Language comprehension is down. A next generation mobile device isn’t on par with the advancement we went through when transitioning from the horse and buggy to the automobile. (That’s a discussion for later.)</p><p>For the love all that is good and sacred, America, I’m begging you: Don’t forget how to read, how to write, how to speak. If you want to live an excellent, above average life, strive to be an excellent, above average person. It can’t be given to you, and it can’t be taken away. It’s a gift you give to yourself.</p><p>The ball’s in your court. (Drops mic.)</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/40209142016-02-02T13:00:35-06:002017-01-14T12:40:10-06:00I don’t mind telling you that this place smells glorious...<img src="//40.media.tumblr.com/2e400b54e1e3f3b0bc63538e0f2cc69d/tumblr_o1xoszXMtn1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>I don’t mind telling you that this place smells glorious today!</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/40199432016-02-01T21:23:33-06:002017-01-14T12:40:10-06:00Tumeric ginger tea. Interesting stuff, this. It has a nice hit...<img src="//40.media.tumblr.com/cc776cc0a7941b609e567254febfe3f5/tumblr_o1whf9zTRZ1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>Tumeric ginger tea. Interesting stuff, this. It has a nice hit of ginger in the front and a lemon drop candy finish.</p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/39726312015-12-23T20:00:23-06:002016-01-04T15:46:59-06:00Winston Churchill famously said, “Never, never, never give up.” This is simple, practical, and above...<p>Winston Churchill famously said, “Never, never, never give up.” This is simple, practical, and above all good advice. However, simple doesn’t always mean easy, and in the throws of adversity, knowing you’re on the right path, and refusing to quit can spark creative juices like you’ve never known before.</p>
<p><a href="https://hbr.org/2015/12/giving-up-is-the-enemy-of-creativity">https://hbr.org/2015/12/giving-up-is-the-enemy-of-creativity</a></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/39072902015-10-30T11:01:26-05:002015-11-02T11:16:51-06:00On the Road Again for the First Time<p>
Wow! Back to back travel dates for house concerts. First, I’m in Nashville tonight for Jenny Livingston’s show. Then, I’m in Hoover for the honorable Robert Abernathy’s annual Halloween Party. Wanna house concert of your own? Hit me up for details!<br></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/39072912015-10-28T11:01:20-05:002015-11-02T11:16:52-06:00BREAKING NEWS:<p>
News update, y’all! I’m priming for the release of “Tangled Up In Me” by New Year’s! If all goes swimmingly this’ll be a project that I’m very proud to release and I hope you’ll enjoy. For those of you who pre-ordered this project a century ago, I’ve still got you on my roster and you’ve got dibs. Catch you soon!<br></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/39072922015-10-21T11:01:03-05:002015-11-02T11:16:52-06:00Sweet and Sourpuss<p>
A couple of weeks ago, I was going through my email and saw something that I felt was rather peculiar. It was a musical promotions firm hocking their services out to aspiring musicians. I get their underlying point, but I disagreed with the packaging. They led off with telling the musicians that the reality is that their music isn’t special. “Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, let us tell you why our promotional services are more special than your music.” (I’m paraphrasing, of course.) Take Taylor Swift or the Beatles. Someone obviously thinks that their music is special. I would go so far as to say that some band or solo artist practicing and recording in their bedrooms right now have the potential to be the next Beatles or Zeppelin, and their music isn’t special why? Because you say so? Insulting the people that you’re trying to get to buy your products never make much sense to me. You’ve got to hook the fish before you reel it in. It’s a lesson I try to put into practice in my business. For you entrepreneurs out there that are trying to grow your own businesses, take this tip: you catch more flies with honey than you do with vinegar.<br></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/39005842015-10-16T11:01:25-05:002015-10-16T12:32:23-05:00Raising the Bar<p>
We’s at the Furniture Factory this evening! At 9 o’clock, turmoils of the world will be long forgotten. As if that weren’t enough, Hard Dock is having us back at 8:30 tomorrow. They bought out the Soft Dock. So….you know….it’s all good.<br></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/38969192015-10-14T11:01:07-05:002015-10-14T11:16:26-05:00Antisocial Media<p>
Social media is not without its benefits, but lately it has been taking a toll on me. I often call it synthetic connectivity because most of it is conducted without any actual connectivity at all. I actually think it’s injurious to a society and culture in terms of cultivating social skills to forget how to interact with each other person-to-person. Therefore, I encourage you this week to make an effort to actually go to a location and see some friends. Talk to them, do something fun, and (gasp) unplug for a little while. You’ll be glad you did.<br></p>Jonathan Lairdtag:jonathanlaird.net,2005:Post/38929892015-10-11T17:45:16-05:002017-01-14T12:40:10-06:00If you do this, I beg of you, have the good sense, the common...<img src="//41.media.tumblr.com/2f02d758725aaf7dccf7f11245a013cb/tumblr_nw2v7gxi3R1rfdf6do1_500.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /><br><br><p>If you do this, I beg of you, have the good sense, the common courtesy, and the flat out personal responsibility to clean up your messes instead of leaving them there for the rest of us. The end.</p>Jonathan Laird