Home Studio Time!

I came home for a couple days this week. It is hard to move everything from the studio, so I just brought the Micro Korg the laptop and the launchpad... Will report back with an update and a new song by the end of the night.

Home Studio Breakdown

I may be a little "obsessive-compulsive"...

It seems like I'm doing this everyday...but I just get such a rush out of rearranging my studio on an almost daily basis.  Comfort is born from the feng shui of an ever changing musical environment.  Pleasure...

The Analysis of a Home Studio

There are three keys factors that make a home studio pleasurable to record or jam with.

Accessibility, Color Coding, and Accuracy.

First off: Accesibility;  A good home studio is easy to manipulate.
If you need to change a cable to make a new patch, it should go down seamlessly.  
If maneuvering behind a mixer is causing stumbling or the involuntary unplugging of other cords,
you may want to consider the spatial orientation of your gear...which can be difficult, given the, sometimes, limited space that musicians are subject to.

Color Coding:  With great gear comes great responsibility.

When shelling out hundreds and hundreds of dollars for the latest musical gadget, a pact is made with oneself to take great care of the aforementioned goods.  These instruments are like children...they are best monitored when they are being monitored...a great way to do this, is to color code your cables.
   Por examplo - Purple is Piano

Look at the images to see where the microkorg and the drum machine are plugged into the mixer.

Accuracy:

With any modern technology, the most important key to success is selection.  

If you are using a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), it is important to be reminded of the keyboard shortcuts and their consequent results.  

Such as "Ableton Live's 'Draw Mode' enables you to draw envelopes in the automation lanes of an instrument".

Another point of interest for accuracy is the USB-MIDI cables being properly placed.  Nowadays, musicians see USB-MIDI cables primarily.  Novation's Launchpad is a power house of a MIDI control surface, so I think it wise to give the Launchpad it's own dedicated USB slot.  (as opposed to a USB 4-way splitter)

Finally, making sure that your mixer has all the right wires going in and out makes a large difference too.

In the studio setup seen at the top of the page, the audio output is through 

a guitar amp and a VIZIO soundbar.   See below.

 

The audio coming IN through the mixer (e.g. the piano, the microkorg and the drum machine) is being output through the "Control Room Out" to the Guitar amp
and the soundbar.

It takes practice...

I rearrange my studio space at least 4 or 5 times a week, just to try different setups and see the ones that work best.  This is a rather good setup currently, as it allows me to play through the mixer and also run the raw audio data into Ableton Live.  I can play line level performances and record them simultaneously, with very low latency.

Not to mention, it's nice to come home to a beautifully crafted studio space and utilize it with ease.  

Music is a wonderful thing, it is a gift to us mere mortals and I want to cherish and adore it.

Ta for now!

Christopher Strawley

Sweet Revenge & Revealed as Love

A couple new songs for Friday and the weekend.

Thanks for stopping by!

In the market for a new cat?

A short commercial for a local pet supply, made by Christopher Strawley of Solo/Gram.

A few examples of lantern slides

= WHAT ARE THESE? hello???... ...anybody?

Definitely Awesome Artwork-------------------------------                                                    

Definitely a lot of emotion in the   original images.

 It's my inheritance, mildly...

When my grandfather, a projectionist, passed away about a decade ago, he left the earth with a number of his scattered treasures.  I feel as though I've found the X, it's marking the spot. 

My grandmother gave me these slides to try and sell them on eBay (which is now basically defunct).  They are still really interesting.

GOBOs or Lantern Slides

I have a ton of these things, and in all shapes in sizes.  Probably about ~400 total.

They are each a masterpiece of artwork.  Hand painted (I think) artwork on a glass slide that is then projected with light onto a certain type of surface.

Missing Pieces

Unfortunately, I am missing the actual LANTERN to the LANTERN SLIDE set up. 

Although I have, but almost a million of these bad boys, I can only see them in their truest splendor with a flashlight in a closet with all the lights off.

Even still though, with the help of my friend Jason Russell, I was able to capture some VERY cool shots of light reflecting throughout the paint on some of these slides.

There are a few different varities:

• Small 1"x1" glass slides with strange pictures of all kinds of events and written words.
• Larger 2"x2" glass slides with a metal frame that slides into another piece that I have (not shown)

• Wood-laden, hand painted, vintage lantern slides.  They require a special projection system to be enjoyed at their maximum capacity

It's just a little bit interesting...

Soo...life has but, pressed onward forward.

Got a Cherry Pop at the end of my mid-work week.  Very tired and energetic all at the same time..

Luckily, I have the company of some good people, Jason Arrr (Russell) and a young man named Phil, 

to keep me occupied.

After working "WrestleMania" as a stage-hand in Northern Jersey, I'm a bit sore...

Not entirely so, however, as I have worked extensively in the field of manual labor (e.g. "Amazon, FedEx Ground")

Hard work gets what hard work earns

 Indeed, I am grateful, almost eternally, to the forces that have brought this opportunity before me.  

In the tradition of nepotism, I have received an opportunity beyond words or imagination. 

I am indeed, very grateful...

The gig entailed the coiling of many a spaghetti-like cord and taking down the structures (or "trusses") that held the lighting structures.

Look Here for a more extensive view of what the show entailed

 

 Wednesday Night is "DollHouse Revue" night at Voyeur in Philadelphia.

I am most excited for going to see a great show tonight at the Voyeur club in Philadelphia.

Last week's show featured some pretty great acts, including "Satine Harlow" and "Cherry Poppins" performing to a song called "I love it" in a sister act.  It was really a treat to see these girls dressed up in matching ZEBRA striped outfits and dancing along like true sisters.  The song was a rip and Satine and Cherry Pop's dancing movement followed suit.   It was an absolute blast to watch.  The grandness of their performance was matched only by that of their amazing waist buckles.  Both featured a palette of yellow sequins or metal pieces, which is, yet another indicator of these girl's unity in their performance. 

In the world of color symbols, yellow represents unity and friendships, also new beginnings.

You can find out more about Satine and Cherry here at their FaceBook page.

Well, that's all for now folks, I'll report back in just when the internet presents itself to me...

 

Peace,
Christopher Strawley

The Lovers and the Others

Do you think it matters what the lovers say,
or what the other people say?

Do you think it matters what the lovers say
or what the other people say?
Do you think it matters what the haters say
They've got so much shit to say
Do you think they'll see you through the day.
All they wanna do is make you late...

That's very funny of you...
That's very funny of you...


Words and Melody by: Christopher Strawley
Produced by: Christopher Strawley

Thanks meow!

The Words of my Diaries... (April 1st-Now)

What a fool, I don't even know what day it is...

April Fool's?  I missed it right?  Nothing happened?

Publicized Journals, you say?  That sound like quite a brilliant PLOY!!!

A Smashing Plot... A mind bending thief of the mind, this journal..

 

 

His Power may be stopped even yet.

 

\

\

\

I am not but a saint, but a sinner!  (lol)

What is that word?  A mere mortal "confession"?

I'm not entirely sure...

 

I wish that I could perform this LIVE for you...but I have run out of batteries...

 

 

 

4/2/13

 

You didn't fool me though...Even though my handwriting may look like scratch, I continue to add these words, these thoughts or understandings.  For things need to become better across the board.  All aspects...

It's the point...there is only one that keeps me from that old power...the power that took me down into a hole.  deep down into a hole

I met a young individual named "Angelic" at Voyer last Wednesday.  What a name, and a matching personality to boot.  I wish I could have snagged a picture of that fabulous haircut....MMM, is delicious...

4/2/13 cont.

I'm walking around the room, slightly dazed as I look at the new TASCAM SUBMIXER from the 80s that I just picked up. 

Gotta go to the thrift store now.  Be back later.

McDonalds Retro Vintage Window Song

Ain't no Fools on this April Day...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What a day yesterday was...

 

 

It felt like a great gift from the universe

everyone was pleased in the end...

 

I got to meet up with an old friend named Jon Martin yesterday. 

His name is Jon Martin.  Jon currently resides in Conshocken, PA

Jon and I had originally met @ Suburban Station on 17th and JFK Blvd in Philadelphia, PA

 

 

 

Here's a song we all did together on an impromptu pickup jam session after snacking down on a McDonalds "Double Cheeseburger w/ Big MAC sauce".

 

 

It's called "Retro Vintage Window"



 



Words and melody by: Christopher Strawley (SD/LO)
Production values added by: Jon Martin
Background vocals: Tina Sera.

 Look for more music from StepDown<>LiftOff in the next few days, as well as an insight to some of Jon Martin's original music!

 

Where Have I Gone? Where is Bunky?

Greetings All!

"Where have you been for the last week", you ask?
In transistion.  I moved to a new apartment in New Jersey that overlooks the Tacony Palmyra Bridge. 
I am truly grateful to have this ------->
as my view everytime I sit down to play the piano
and record.

 
So what have I been up to over the last week and a half?
Hmm, that's a great question...If you watched the video titled "The Breaks" from a few weeks ago, you'd know that I've been going through some financial crisises.  Thanks to my friends and the business that I've started up selling video games, the "Save PIkachu" movement has succeeded.  I thank everyone who supported me during this time of crisis.  You are truly my Princesses and Princes.  Thank you!

Music -

In the new apartment I moved into, the internet access is scarce.  My MacBook Pro is currently not connected to the internet, so I have been posting from public internet servers where available. 

I have been spending a lot of time in the city, connecting with other musicians and performers to feel out where I might be able to put my hands in.  I have always loved music, and now that I'm in a more metropolitan area (Philadelphia, Camden, etc), the opportunities that have been presenting themselves to me are out of this world.

I am happy to report that I have been writing music non-stop.  With a large river as my inspiration, the "Sologram" album is shaping up to be a personal masterpiece, I am very proud of my work!  :)


New tracks will be posted when they become available!  :)

Videos -

Thanks to an old friend of mine, named Cameron, I have a very nice, handy Q2 HD Video Recorder.  I have been using it to capture all kinds of videos over the last few weeks.

Life in General -

To everyone who has supported and loved me: I want you to know that I love and support you back.  I am going to visit my mother's side of the family tonight and spend some quality time with them. 

I want to report in to the blogging world to let anyone who is listening that I am very busy letting the universe speak to me and recording it's intention. 

Toodle-o for now,
Christopher Strawley

The Perpetual Breaks

Non-stop craziness.
I feel like a marionette being pulled in a million directions by my weathered strings

I am in a Verizon store right now posting this as my new roommate activates her old cell phone since her new "incredible droid" phone got the blue screen of death.

I want nothing more than to appease everyone and its breaking me into pieces, like shattered glass.

The universe is the only thing keeping me sane

- March 15, 2013 - The Love of "Others' and Mothers"

Okay, so this is a rolling blogspot update.  I took a few pictures and wanted to put them up on the page.


My "Bunky" kitty cat has been such a good girl in my current habitation.
She is indeed a cat of many mysteries and spiritual truths.
Perhaps she does not know it, but she has a 6th sense of some kind.
Bunky has become, but a guardian angel.  But only so to speak.

Writing a Song to my Friends

There are so many people in my life that I'm grateful to.  Namely, my long friend, Dan C.  

Also, I have an internet/social media buddy named Shannon.  She frequents this page and is quite an awesome personality.  She shimmers, if only through the binary code of a cell phone's inbound text message!

I'm working on a song to make sure that the people who matter to me don't go unnoticed or under appreciated.    I'm working on an old Video Game Music Concept I had a few months ago, and am turning it into a full track with vocals, processed through Ableton. 

It is currently 2:46 am, and I am still on the prowl.  Fighting with fair weapons, and enjoying life.  

Just as I was before.  :)

Stay Tuned!

After, many a cigarette, I will return to you, "oh, computer man" to deposit my works.  

The online database is so conducive to a coming of age with technology.  Being born in 1989, my technical skills (while proficient) are not compliant with many of the more happenings in electronic dealings.  I have the ability to learn, and I'm always eager to learn, too!

Ok, stop by later to hear the finished product about my friends.  

PS

Love you all!  Your words inspire me and inspire me to work to higher grounds!

The Breaks

GarageBand on the iPad

Who would have known? An easy to use DAW on the iPad!

A friend of mine named Dan Casner recently bought a new iPad with his well-deserved annual work bonus.

A gracious friend as he is, he purchased the GarageBand app just so I would be able to play within.
After a few bumbling around and a few drinks, this is my first accomplishment on the iPad.

Check it out here:


 A small and un-arranged track, dedicated to a friend of the same name.

Greetings, Loyal Friends and Strangers Alike!

The time has come indeed.

I finally brought home my new 2008 Toyota Yaris S Sedan.  It is a nice, spacious car.  If there was anyone who was able to put getting a new car together for himself, it's me, and I'm proud of that.

It seems as though, the tides are turning.  With independence comes responsibility.  I have a responsibly to myself to do what's best for me.  It may sound closed-minded and selfish, but it's important to me.
I learned that boundaries are important, and I think it's time that I may have to put some up for myself.
I will no longer be settling for less than what I deserve, and I am happy to proclaim that.

There are many people that I love, and many people that I will never forget.  Namely, my Mother and Father.  Also, my brother, Thomas Strawley.  My family comes first.  When it comes to making big decisions, they are the first people that I will turn to.

I will admit, however, that I kept the purchase of my new car from my father.  For, I worry that he may be concerned with my ability to stay on top of it....However, I feel, in my heart, that I have matured to the point, where I know my limits AND I know my boundaries.  I love my family dearly.

The music has been spilling out of my soul these last few weeks and I think I know why.
My mind and my heart have come to an apex.  I have matured and I have grown far from the destitution  of addiction and its accompanying folly.  I have lost many a friend and now, stronger, I am going to face the world head on, as I was intended.

I have not turned my back on those who love me.  Oh, no.  Rather, I have made it a point to become serious about who I am as a person and what I am willing to tolerate.  It has come time that my reaping is in line with what I have sown.  Time and life is precious, and I choose not to turn away from that which is important to my soul.

I am returning home to the house I grew up in today...to speak with my Mother and figure out my plan from here.  Nothing is set in stone nor thoroughly determined.  As a survivor of tragedy, I must make the most of each instant.  I will take charge of my life.  I will become what I was destined to become.
These are the things that I believe of myself:

• I am a strong individual, with high values
• I will not turn my back on myself, to return to the pits from whence I came
• My boundaries must remain intimate and unadulterated
• I will continue my success and be a happy individual

I don't know if there really is anyone who is reading my page.  However, I feel comfortable sharing this information with you, because I know that you are people who I trust.  

I thank you for your continued perseverance in watching this dream of mine come to fruition.

Hang tight, dear Comrades.  This battle is not yet over, and we have not yet seen the outcome of this life of ours.  

You are all loved by me, and me by you.  For that, I am ever grateful.  

As I pack the last of my things and prepare my cat emotionally for the temporary transference of residence, I ask for your continued love and support.  Whatever higher power may be out there, continually looking out for me.  I ask for your aid.  

-Christopher Strawley

Video Game Music Time!

Ok, so I want to put my rough drafts up here from my Video Game Music Practices over the last week.

It's a little sketchy, but I love these tunes, and don't want to forget about them!

SO herrrrrre ya go!

Okay, so hello mister internet log...

I haven't really been journaling in my book as it is now on the paper/document holder on my desk, for easy transcribing to update the blog. 
I'm having a quick cigarette in between practicing this, crazily hard, "Castlevania: Bloodlines" piano rearrangement.  Another difficult task was to get the Line/level mixer working correctly so that it can record in tandem with the Q2 HD Zoom video recorder. 

I use a XENYXUSB1204 mixer currently, and I had to push buttons a LOT before I could get it recording my piano in audacity.  But, by George, it worked!  When I finally got everything all put together correctly on the mixer, I took a note of what buttons were pushed down, which weren't, etc.  I posted that note to the bottom of the mixer, so in case I get confused in the future, I'll always have some kind of record of what it looked like this time, when I got it to work.

Furthermore, I want to say that "Castlevania: Bloodlines" employs difficult gameplay and DIFFICULT freaking music.  The patterns are so excellent.  I've been pouring over them throughout gameplay and am absolutely ecstatic about my rearrangements.  Mixing all the MIDI instruments of the Sega Genesis down to just one piano and two hands, is quite a task.

What else in the world is going on?  Ah yes, I'm working on the "Desperate Sweet Nothings" box set plus DVD.  That a lot of the preparation that I'm doing with the "Castlevania" music.  It really is quite nice, getting my hands covered in paint, and having fun with "Towers of Bunnies".  I went to CVS and bought some plastic bunnies for a shoot I want to do for the song "oz".  It seems pretty...mayvbe kind of promising.  The original idea was to sketch a bunny, scan it on to my computer and animate it further in photoshop.  Well, "Tower of Bunnies" to the rescue.

It's about 12:40 AM, and I am quite excited about my car purchase.  I can't wait to drive it again.
When I went on my test drive, and signed all the paperwork, I left the "Sologram" CD in the car, so that I would go back for it.  I most definitely will.  It's going to be so sweet.  Hopping into my car for the first time, and automatically hearing some of my most greatest, and latest tracks, bumpin out the sound system.  So cool.  I really think this is going to be really great. INDEPENDENCE BABY.

Ok, my cell phone is chirping, so it's time to roll.  Peace out Internet LOG>?>>?end

"Saltare ut Musicam Dungeon Remix"

As promised, I am following up with a rough draft of the remix of Splitzero's "Saltare ut Musicam"

This track was a lot of fun to remix.  This is just a short example of the direction I'd like to go with the remix, but I think it's a pretty solid foundation.  Enjoy!




And of course, here is the original song again by Splitzero:




Thanks again to all my readers!

Split/Zero Remix and more from Ben L.

Another great one by Ben L. of Splitzero

I'm hard at work, remixing SplitZero's "Saltare ut Musicum".

I came outside for a brief cigarette break and listened to another one of Splitzero's great tracks:

"Chicane - What The Hell Am I Doing Here Pt. 1 and 2 (Split Zero Lazy Noon' Remix)"

Have a listen here:

Winter MP3 Song Demo

Winter MP3

While I was digging around some of my old "GarageBand" files, I came across this little uncompleted track.  I took some of the melodies and recorded them with new instruments in Ableton and this is what I have to show for it so far:

First Recording using Zoom Q2HD

...and it's a Final Fantasy Song

Basically, I took some of the resources I had and tried to mesh them all together to capture a line level keyboard sample of the town music from "Final Fantasy II".

I first became interested in this song when I recently purchased the Final Fantasy II SNES cartridge.

The label is a little ripped on the top (it looks more like an n64 game now), but the game is still great.

And so is the music.  I wasn't able to get past the first mountain before a million other great games came my way and distracted me from this classic game.  But the music stuck with me.  So, here's a short clip. The sound is terrible, but I want to put this here so that I can remember where I started when I look back in some amount of time.  Thanks again ya'll!  

Castlevania: Bloodlines

I Love my Local "Play-N-Trade"

I stopped over at my usual retro video game supply this afternoon and picked up some GREAT classic games!

Castlevania: Bloodlines (Sega Genesis)

This game is totally new to me.

I've seen it.  I've read about.  I've drooled over it.

The only thing I've yet to do is play it.

As I'm writing this post, it's on in the background, rolling through the credit and intro video.

 

"The ancestors of the Belmont Family are doomed to confront the power of evil incarnate...Dracula."

"In 1917, a countess sought to revive the long dead spirit of the vampire, Dracula.  Her name was Elizabeth Bartley."

"To revive him she needed to travel all over europe,, enlisting help fromm the powers of darkness."

"Two young vampires hunters set out to fulfill their destiny... to push back the evil hordes and drive the vampire back into the underworld."

After a few hours of play-through with this game and only 3 total password acquisitions, I have determined this, regarding "Bloodlines".  In the on-going tradition of "Castlevania" games, "Bloodlines" is both tough and fair. 
The controls are awesome in this game.  Choose from two characters who both move around like rock stars.  Walking up staircases feels like a romp on the "StairMaster" at the gym.  The whip and the spear work well too.  Borrowing from "Super Castlevania IV"'s multi-directional attack, although it is a little dumbed down, as you have to be jumping in order to aim your shot. 

Castlevania and Super Game Boy

The original "Castlevania" game for the NES is another unforgettable classic.  It's where the fascination started for many a "Castlevania" fan.  Extreme difficulty and level design like no other game before it.  

I am extrememly pleased to have picked it up again.  It will not be until after I finish "Bloodlines", however, that I will boot this baby up and give it a go.

The "Super Game Boy" is another relic of the retro age. 

Seeing as I have a few "Pokemon" games to play, I'm excited to hook this up to the 60" flat screen and see Pokemon as never before.

Quite an exciting pickup for this weekend.  I am going to have my hands quite full.

I will report back and give status updates on these games as they come.  Can't wait to review these games further!

"Black Moth Super Rainbow - Cobra Juicy" Fan Art

I love "Black Moth Super Rainbow"

I went to Wal-Mart and bought a nice little craft set for $15 today.

These are the results of my first night's work.  :)

It was a lot of fun getting all of the colors together.

For the kiss mark on the face, I actually painted my lips and kissed it really quickly.  Filled in some white lines where needed, but the kiss did the job for the most part! :)

March Remix Contest!

Hello Friends and Strangers Alike!

March Remix Competition

Love making music?  Love remixing other people's work?  Love free video games?  This is the post for you then!

In March of 2013, StepDown/LiftOff will be hosting a contest for the best remix submitted before March 21st, 2013.  The three songs available for remix are "BK", "oz" and "O1, Party Fun Fun!"

The way that this is going to work, is that I will accept all remixes from potential winners.

I will post the works on the "Contest Follow Up" Page, and will ask viewers for votes on the best submission.  The winner will receive any free item from the "sdlogamesngear" eBay seller page up to $25 with free shipping.  

I'm excited to hear your contributions and can't wait to hear the winning remix!

The SD/LO Guarantee - Warranties, Repairs, and More!

Have questions about your SD/LO purchase?

Look no further!

Playstation 2 Consoles -

    The SD/LO Guarantee!

Here is a breakdown of SD/LO's Playstation 2 warranty option:

If anything goes wrong with it (disc read error, etc.), just let me know and I'll do my best to fix it for you.  I can't cover postage for a warranty fix, but I'll cover shipping back out.  I will do one (or two) repairs for you.  

Playstation 2's are pretty old, but they are pretty resilient, so I believe I can *generally* fix anything that might go wrong with it during the first 6-months to a year of your owning the console.  Rather unlikely, but I'm here to help in a worst case scenario situation.
 

If you return a Playstation 2 to me for a warranty fix, the warranty sticker (if still intact when the system is bought and returned for repair) must still remain intact.  When returned, there will be a new sticker in its place, however, it will not be an official Sony repair.  It's an SD/LO repair and it's faster than Sony.  Plus you get to chat with me for status updates and such.  :)

Playstation 2 warranties run: $6 for 6 months and $10 for a year

Connecting with Online Musicians

Split / Zero

I came across a very talented electronic musician named Ben L. through the use of an online auction site, which will not be named.
After a short correspondence with Ben, he revealed to me that, he too, is an electronic musician.

"What exciting news!", I proclaimed!  "An electronic musician in a faraway state who posts music online!"

My desire with this webpage has always been to find ways to incorporate others into the music making process.

Here is an excellent track by Ben of SplitZero:

My intention with this track, other than just to share the song in its original form, is to work with the MIDI notes and melodies that I can pick out and create a remix of the song.  Ben has graciously agreed to be an accessory to this kind of work and has expressed interest in taking a look at some of my music as well.  I am very excited to see how this will turn out.

You can check out more of Ben's Music here on his SoundCloud page.

Thanks again for reading!  This post will be updated as further work and correspondence is completed.

A New Device to Play BMSR! "Technics Turntable System"

Technics DC Servo Automatic Turntable System

Check out this short video review of a new turntable system I just bought!

How to make the "Technics - Automatic Turntable Sytem" maximize audio output

It took me a few days to figure out just what the hell I was doing with the record player.  

When I originally plugged it in via the provided RCA cables, I had to pump up the volume on my mixer and on my speakers.  It was kind of a bummer, man.  Not to mention that when it was turned the whole way up, it was still pretty soft.  :(

But!  I came up with a solution!  Hooray!  

I found an RCA to 2 1/4" adapter wire in my desk drawer and thought "Hmm!"

Luckily the RCA output on the "Technics" was interchangeable.  

I was able to plug in my RCA to 1/4" directly into two channels on the mixer.  

An added bonus of doing it this way is that I now have control over the 3-band EQ and can compress and add gain to the VINYL signal.  Really awesome.  Super happy.

Building a New Collection!

A Gift is a Precious Thing to Waste

I recently received a set of strategy guides for some really great games for next to nothing the other day.

Each guide I received (about 6 in total) are all published by BradyGames, with various authors.

Some of the guides I decided would be better suited to be sold straight away, just because of the cost that go with the buying the accompanying games.

Super Ghosts n' Ghouls - Super Nintendo

Last week, I purchased a small lot of retro games off of one of my local suppliers.

In that lot, there was one of my favorite Super Nintendo games.  "Super Ghosts n' Ghouls"

According to "The Angry Video Game Nerd", the original game, "Ghosts and Goblins" for NES is "Castlevania" and "Mega Man" all rolled up into one, and it is, for the most part, an "unforgiving adventure into the lowest rings of Hell!"  He's great!  I love his works and am also a fan of his buddy's Mike Matei's work as well.

In the BradyGames Strategy Guide Lot I acquired the other day, there was a strategy guide for three Game Boy Advances games, "Street Fighter Alpha 3", "Super Ghouls n' Ghosts", and "Megaman: Zero" respectively.  I used the guide immediately to help me through the last three levels.

***Up until I acquired this guide, I had been keeping my Super Nintendo on for fear of losing my place in this insanely difficult game.  (That's a no good for old systems!)

Even though the guide is technically for the Game Boy Advance version of the game, it was highly compatible with the original, Super Nintendo version of the game that I had.

Okay!  It's mission time!  

This is what I currently have pertaining to the guide:

• Super Ghouls n' Ghosts
• The 3 game Strategy Guide
• A working Super Nintendo

I have a Game Boy Advance arriving in the mail very soon (ordered from eBay).  

My mission, no, my duty, for the next few weeks is to complete the bundle!

Where there are missing games and platforms on which to play those games, the missing pieces will soon be filled in.  It might be a week or so before I can get it all worked out, but it's the goal, baby!  

Any interested people can contact me at christopher@stepdownliftoff.com for purchase information.  That is, of course, after the collection is complete!  Haha!  

Well, thanks for reading my thought for the night!  I love "Super Ghouls n' Ghosts" and "Mega Man" games.  "Street Fighter" is always a classic too!  After I complete the collection and enjoy the games, I would be delighted to pass them on to another retro video game fan for a fair price!  

-Christopher

Return to Log - Domain Name/eBay/Spiritual Affirmations

Hello Mr. Journal...

I haven't seen or talked to you in a while, but I'm sure this will be a great experience for both of us.

So, it turns out that I have been SUPER busy these last few weeks.  Working primarily on eBay, to promote and sell from my eBay User ID, "sdlogamesngear".  Also, I have been working hard to keep the creative juices flowing with Ableton and on my Yamaha keyboard.  (Mainly, figuring out how to play all of the parts of my Ableton tunes on the piano).  I also put together some roughly "completed tracks".  

In other news, I now have a domain name for StepDown/LiftOff.  The title of my website and my eBay company, "sdlogamesngear" is an allusion to the humbling process of being a recovering addict and having to start over again, and "lifting off" into a new realm of success.  

The sales have been good and so has my communication skills for the most part.  I had a lot of people say a lot of very nice things about my service, and I try to be equally kind to others that provide customer service to me.  

I had one customer, who's name I will not mention for privacy purposes, who bought a Playstation game from me.  She was somewhat rude and said that the game I sent her didn't match the description I had written.  I tried to be very nice to her and work something out, but she ignored my messages and left me harsh and negative feedback.  I found it to be rather malicious.  It hurt my feelings because I really truly do work very hard to satisfy all of my customers.

The silver lining of the situation is a lesson for the future.  I will, of course, be very clear in my descriptions (althought the game in question was "flawless" in my opinion).  The situation with the customer also inspired lyrics for a song that I've been working on recently.  So, thank you to that unnamed customer.  Even though your words initally hurt my feelings, I have learned a valuable lesson.  I appreciate your business and am sorry that you were unable to communicate effectively with me.

Soooo. What's next?  

The money coming in from the eBay project has been helping a lot to get my debts paid down and in building up my sales inventory.  I haven't really used any of the profit to buy myself anything (other than the games that returning customers have requested, which I will play and then sell).  

The goal though, is to purhcase a new (to me) car or new studio equipment.

I also want to talk about my experience in Easton, PA over this last weekend.  I met a man named "Angel" who works at "The Game Gallery" in Easton, PA.  His store is very much aking to the dream I have for my future business goals.  He was a very kind and helped mentor me in a lot of ways.  He was also so kind to listen to a short audio CD that I had recorded earlier that day, calling it "pretty legit"

I look at things like people's names and who they are as a "universal affirmation" or the "world telling me which direction to go".  I am very grateful for opportunities like that in my life.

Also, I want to note something really cool that happened.  I bought a Sega Dreamcast from the Game Gallery, and the very next day, my favorite, SUPER-RARE game "Shenmue II" suddenly came into stock at the Play-N-Trade a few blocks from my house.  I was also able to pick up some rare BRADYGames Strategy Guides while I was there.  I am reselling them on eBay too!

EDIT - 3/1/2013:  I actually obtained another copy of Shenmue II for the Dreamcast.  I will be listing one of the two copies on eBay so others will get to play this great game!

Another note about my eBay dealings:  I am starting to do a donation with 'eBay Giving Works" to the Nirvana Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center in Central California.  It is a nonprofit organization.  If it weren't for organizations like this, I could be dead instead of writing these words right now.  I have close friends who have died from these matters.  I was lucky enough to not die, so it's important that I pay my respects and dues to centers such as these.  It's not a lot of money, but every dollar counts and I'm happy to do it.

I'm continuing my play-through of "Castlevania Chronicles".  It is a very difficult, but entirely fun game.  

Bye for now!  

A Quick Grading Tool For Teachers

This Post is Mainly for my Mom

Hi Mom

I saw this video while perusing the internet the today and thought that it may be something you could use in your classroom!  It seems pretty cool.  While it would require you to have a smart phone and a data plan, it may be worth it.  I may also be able to help you obtain a smart phone that would be able to utilize this app as well as help you find discounted data plan rate!  Hope you like it!

Please remember to comment and let me know what you think!

-Christopher

Markdowns on eBay Products!

Hooray eBay Sales!

The "Ultimate Sonic Collection" has been marked down to $19.99.
This bundle has is pretty darn comprehensive.  Sonic The Hedgehog 1-3 and a Game Genie Book and Cart.
The book has codes for Sonic the Hedgehog, but here are codes for Sonic 2 and Sonic 3!

Another Big Markdown is "MegaMan X5".  Down to $17.99 with free shipping! Yay.

"Army of Two" for Playstation 3 has also been marked down to $10.95 with free shipping.

There is also a big lot of Holographic Pokemon Cards up too!  The bidding started at $9.99

There are 21 cards in the lot (some not pictured in thumbnail)

Check out my eBay seller page for great deals on game

-Christopher Strawley

Castlevania: !Chronicles/Symphony of the Night! Timeless Playstation Gems!

Castlevania: Chronicles - Sony Playstation / SHARP Computer

An essential remastering to the 1986 Konami Classic: Castlevania.

\







I am pleased to announce that I recently got my hands on a collection of great vampire style games for the Sony Playstation 1.  *PSone*

The entire collection included:

• The Legacy of Kain: Blood Omen
• Dracula: Sanctuary
• Dracula: The Last Resurrection (yeah, right)
• Excalibur
• Castlevania: Symphony of the Night (Black Label, complete)
• Castlevania: Chronicles (Disc Only)

Triple WOW and a few unknowns

Castlevania: Chronicles (PSone) -

I'm always up for trying new things, but right off the bat, I see three games in the bundle that I know I'm gonna go hog wild over.  Of course, those games are the "Castlevania" games and "Blood Omen".

Up until plugging the disc into my nicely refurbished Playstation 2 system, I really had no idea what the contents of this elusive Castlevania disc entailed.  Obviously, it was some incarnation of a "Castlevania" game, but without research or first hand experience, I really had no idea. 

But WOWZAS.  As it turns out, "Castlevania: Chronicles" is a remastering of the original "Castlevania" game released in 1986...Now I'm not sure if the 1986 release of "Castlevania" was the Nintendo NES release or the apple computer release ( I think it was on Apple II).  But it is definitely a BRILLIANT reincarnation of the original "Castlevania" game.

Features and History of the "Castlevania: Chronicles" re-release.

This game originally debuted for the "SHARP X-1600 something or other" home computer as a graphical redux of the original game.  Based off of the readings I've been doing regarding this game, it was later ported to the Sony Playstation *PSone*.  With this port came the inclusion of FMV videos and entirely NEW stages to explore.

Namely, the NES original second stage that took place on the staircases is replaced with a spelunking romp through the catacombs of the castle.  It is an isolating exploration.
There are new types of enemies and obstacles to encounter, including long, gooey, ectoplasm type ghouls that block the way through the corridors of the caves, requiring up to ten whip hits or multiple attacks from a special weapon (knife, axe, etc.) to break through and continue journeying.  

The goal of this "Castlevania" game is the same as always.  Get the hell through that castle and bust up on some "Dracula" Ass.  

That poor Belmont clan, their strength against the undead was a blessing for all of mankind but a curse on their family lineage.
I am grateful for that bittersweet blessing however, as for without it, I would not be afforded such tantalizing adventures through..."the castle...but not as I remember it."

Something else really cool to note about this game is the "SAVE FEATURE".
Remember how in the original "Castlevania" you'd have to start ALL over again once you ran out of lives/continues?
Well, that will not be the case in "Castlevania: Chronicles", "uh-huh gurl".
Just save.  Turn the game off.  Go play a round of Bubsy...turn "Castlevania" back on.  BAM.  Right where you left off.

Castlevania: Symphony of the Night

Damn!  What a bad boy!

The jewel case says it all.

"A huge game...If you think you've seen it all, you haven't."  - GAMEFAN MAGAZINE Apr. '97
"An expertly flowing; nightmarish romp through yet another reincarnation of Dracula's Castle." -                            SD/LO Mar. '13

 I currently have 3 copies of this game.  One Black Label PSone case/disc, a Greatest Hits Disc, and an XBOX LIVE: Arcade download.  The picture you're seeing below is from the XBLA Port.  

"A huge, nightmarishly flowing game".
Truer statements have naught been uttered.  

This game gives the player a different perspective through that castle.  Where previous games led the player directly to face Dracula in the end, "Castlevania: Symphony of the Night" allows players the freedom and flexibility to explore the castle at their own paces; to gain experience and upgraded armor only as the player was capable of.
Set in 1796, 5 years after Richter Belmont defeated Dracula, "Symphony of the Night" takes a lot of exploration to complete, although there is no mystery about the length of the game as the map completion %percentage% is listed in the Start Menu.  If you're facing Dracula and you have only completed 45% of the map's exploration...you might want to take a second look at your inventory and some of the areas that may have left a question mark over your head when passing through previously.  It's all about time...and how much time you spend with this game.  (Clock Tower) (Gold Ring & Silver Ring)

An "in-tune" symphony orchestra.  The control is beyond smooth.  The "Alucard" character handles like a hot knife through butter.  Butter that grew wings and has been flying for years.

Konami's "Castlevania" is notorious for having very precise, challenging controls.  "Castlevania: Symphony of the Night" however, makes the player feel as if he is floating on air while controlling Alucard.

The attacks are varied as well.  The player is no longer contained to just a whip attack.  There is a whole ARSENAL of weapons to choose from.  Swords, Rods, Staffs, even your bare fists!  Being able to set up both hands to carry items is also helpful,

 a la "Right Hand - Short Sword", Left Hand - Leather Shield"

Another example of the fluidity of the game's control.  Attacking and parrying come very naturally, and are a pleasure to watch.  The animations are highly detailed and don't miss a frame.

This game also institutes a very important concept of familiars.  These familiars consist of a trained collection of creatures, available for aid on call via summoning.
  The list of familiars include a faerie, a bat, an imp/demon, and a ghost.  They all have their unique advantages over one another.  However, with fast implementation of the menu system, you can play to all of their advantages with the click of a few buttons.
     "Health-bar running low?"  No problem.  Equip your faerie familiar and let her give you a potion.  She can even bring you back to life with her "regeneration" spell.
     "Need a wise ghoul, familiar with the castle to show you secrets and hidden switches?"  Again, the Demon familiar is a vocal familiar.  He will use his pitchfork to interact with small, otherwise unreachable switches and buttons.
     The ghost is a little lame.  I haven't found much use for him really, other than to just bite his "skull jaw" down on some skeletons.  But...skeletons munching on skeletons?  That just sounds like some, "afterlife porno shit".
     The bat is like calling on a weaker version of Alucard's own bat transformation relic.  It's like double trouble on the offensive team.  Alucard and his pet bat.  (a bat he is friendly with Alucard assumes his bat form.

There are clearly other familiars available in this game.  To date, (Mar. 1, 2013), I have only unlocked the four aforementioned familiars.  It's also important to note that these familiars appear throughout Alucard's progress in the ever-shifting "Dracula's Castle".  They also gain experience as Alucard does, as long as they are equipped.  

XBOX LIVE: "Arcade Port"

I am pleased to report that the port to the XBOX LIVE, downloadable Arcade content is definitely a big improvement.  It fixes small shortcomings with the original game, and make it more accessible.  Namely in the "Game Over" section of the screen.  

     The original Playstation version gave you a long 60-90 second waiting period before returning to the main menu of the game.  The XBOX LIVE: "Arcade Port" gives you the option to stop all game processes and return to the main menu.  A good option when you took too much damage right off the bat (say for instance, you hadn't played the game in a while, and lost your rhythm).  The XBOX LIVE port is somewhat forgiving in that aspect.  Although, once you start it, you won't want to put it back down, or revert back to the start menu.  

     The graphical uphaul of the XBLA (XBOX LIVE: Arcade) version of this game is sizable.

Technical Issues with this game are too hard to even mention.  I am mostly overwhelmed by the game's avant garde presentation to even notice something as petty as, "framerate slow down".  It may exist, but, when I see that in older games, that just means, "shit is going down and you better get ready."  This however, has a tremendous decrease in probability on the XBLA port.

Miscellaneous Vampire-Based Games

This "wonder-bundle" of games came shipped to me from Belmont, CA...How ironic, I must note.

In addition to the "Castlevania" games previously mentioned, the bundle also included 

• "Exclibur: 2555AD"
• "Dracula: The Last Sanctuary"
• "Dracula: The Resurrection"
• "Blood Omen: The Legacy of Kain"

With the exception of "Blood Omen", these are all games that I have otherwise not really heard of.  

I hope to play them before I sell them off in my seller store on eBay.  But sometimes, I just need to let items go to make room for the gem games, (listed previously in the post).  

I would be delighted to report back with a status on any progress I make with these games, whether I sell them or not, and if they are worth the money to buy.  

Thanks!

I'm always very happy and grateful to anyone who has taken the time to read my posts.  Please feel free to comment and add your thoughts on some of your favorite vampire games!  I love discussions, so please feel free!  

Most of these games are also for sale on my eBay seller page, User ID: sdlogamesngear

I am always up for a good deal if you are passionate about your video games the way that I am.

Thanks again for reading!

-Christopher S.

Recurring Themes in Music

Themes and Familiarity

I think that it is really important to implement "killer' riffs in any track that I produce.

For the listener, recycling strong musical phrases/melodies helps establish a sense of familiarity in the artist's works. 

"oz" & "01 Party Fun Fun"

"oz" and Party Fun  Fun are tracks that I have been building up in Ableton.  I use the Launchpad to catch as many quality clips as I can and then arrange them all accordingly from top to bottom by "scene" so that the track can be run right through with the "scene launch" buttons.  At about (39 sec), you can hear the melody kick in during "Party Fun Fun".  In "oz", the melody kicks in at (15 sec).

In the track "oz" I use a catchy riff that is played by the guitar.  The pitch trajectory falls and then climbs back up to the "tonic" or "root" note of the scale to resolve at the end of the phrase.

It is a catchy hook, and I found that it also works well in another, more dance oriented track, named
"Party Fun Fun".

The same phrase is played in both tracks, but each track is of a contrasting style.  Implementing the same phrases in both tunes strikes a semblance of familiarity in the listener.

Take a listen to the guitar riff in "oz" and try to hear the matching phrase in "Party Fun Fun".

Party Fun Fun - A New Track!

Hey, thanks for taking a look at my new video/music.  I'm working on issues with static and YouTube. Any comments on normalizing the static when uploading to YouTube would be much appreciated.

Journaling and the Poetic Seperation

Applying Style to Journaling

Main Concepts:

1. Identifying key subjects of log entries.
2. The use of bracketing and legends

Personal Experiences :  

A typical log entry would look something like this:

        " In this dream I just had, I was "searching" for lasagna with synthesizer triangle waves on eBay.  In the background, I hear the music from the Mystic Ruins in Sonic Adventure.  My dream was cut short when Matt informed me that the ad for the SNES on Craigslist may have been a hit.  Hopefully, the SNES bit will work out swimmingly.

        I need to wash my hands and feed Bunky.  She is chirping while pussyfooting around me.  I do think that the SNES ad was too legit to quit.  I cant' wait to get this SNES.  I think we need to get it before anyone else does.  

        So, I have a few ideas and new skill accomplishments that I want to jot down.  Namely, enhancing Bunky's dining experience.  Also, coming up with a small hardware controller for DDR.  And finally, what I have learned with the Launchpad.

Let's start with food: First off, I want to recognize the levol of cleanliness that the house has achieved.  All the rooms are highly organized and now, vety efficient for spending time in.  Which is very awesome....An iem that may need attention is the refrigerator.  There is alot oof food in there to begin with, but it is rather "thrown all over" at current.  It could use a through cleaning and a touch of organization.  

Also, the other main point I wanted to make regarding food is coercing Bunky into eating her normal cat food.  I will cursh up some "Temptations Dairy Treats" and mix the powder with her regular food.  Secondly, I want to talk about hardware designs.  I have some rather ambitious plans for building things in the near future.  The idea blossomed from a round of DDR that I was playuing on the controller.  I think it would be fantastic to build something for finger dancing.  i.e. using your fingers as your legs on a 4 small pads representing up, down, left, and right.

This kind of task would be done mainly buy using the parts f a Playstation 1 controller.  I have already taken one of my controllers apart in preparation for this project.  I also need a SOLDERING IRON, RUBBER PADS, and a PLASTIC box to enclose everything.  This kind of thinking *desire to build digital hardware* has also inspired me to consider building a MIDI controller.  In order to create something of that magnitude would definitely require an Arduino (USB interface for circuit boards).  I don't have that......... "

That log was from 2/4/2013.  

There isn't a terrible amount of very important thoughts in there, however, the goal of this kind of writing is to just let the words flow from your head out onto the page.  

This kind of practice will make it easier to not be a mental judge of myself while I am performing or creating music, but instead just letting the current of my mind lead me in the direction I need to go...it's like connecting left and right brain.  Taking control of both of them simultaneously.  My left brain wants me to be creative and my right brain wants to overthink everything that I'm doing to the point where I'm no longer even doing it. . . As a matter of fact, I can feel that happening just now, as I'm writing this entry.

So this is the excerpt from tonight's log:

2/18/2013 "pm" early morning

" Okay, so you are handling things well at this point.  The whole "getting bent out of shape" speed is really slowing down as of late.

So here's how I'm writing...there is a current that keeps moving no matter what the message in my head tells me...  Focusing/Harnassing the power of that current allows for smooth decision making as well as resolution making.  I start to lose the direction my mind is taking me.  After a short period of time....But, all the same, it's just a rift. I'm happy that I have once again come back to you, light holy one (journal).  I feel the power of these pages unleashing on me.  The sould becomes awritten on the bindings of these pages.

[Bunky stares @ me w/ curiosity's intent.

Maybe that should be curious

but then I'd end up dead. ]

[I love my experience w/ music making lately.  It is so important not to let my expectations versus reality interfere with my overall plans. ]

[ Lots of gifts await the princess.

A mother's rogue beside her sits.

She think of all these fantasies.

Their endless tales became her riches. ]

[ Poetry is so important, but again, 

it's the current that brings it all together, 

there are no stops on its train ]

[ I want to say this, yet again.

Ugly Betty is an inspriring show.

This is my 2nd time runing through the series.

And despite my prior knowlege of the show, it becomes,

even yet, a teacher of many lessons. ]

[The Deals!  The Deals!

 love the deals!

Smell them from a mile away

then swoop right in and make my day. ]

|

-> I think not of the dire 

                          consequences.

I think I'm just falling in love.

Cause everyting up here is

          making me bleed.

I just don't know what

       else I am. |  

                      |

                    <-

[Warm kitty on the warm keyboard/laptop.

Turns of airplane mode

and finger scrolling on the mousepad.

If I had my way,

that cat would be on 5 foot rollerskates. ] "

Concept: [Brackets and poetry/lyrics]

I like these little stanzas!  It makes it fun to put together little poems or lyrics.

As I write these items down, I can hear the flow of the words in my head.

Separating them w/ the brackets just makes it easier to identify the important parts of the log.

Review:  Identifying subjects in journaling for better focus and bracketing important paragraphs to separate lines by subject.