Another Japanese Tutorial for Beginners

Japanese is a fairly difficult language to learn (especially the writing), but I’ve realized that it all comes down to how you learn it and who is teaching you. Most of the important words and phrases are often difficult because textbooks and tutorial guides usually don’t bother to display them phonetically in a logical way for anyone to understand. So many of these beginner books simply display the romanized word, but with no explanation for pronunciation.

Therefore, I am including a few useful words below, along with a “dummies” guide for exactly how you would pronounce the word if speaking them out loud

• Word: Genki? Meaning: Greeting/Hello Pronounced: Gen-Key
• Word: Oishii Meaning: Delicious (Taste) Pronounced: Oi-She-e
• Word: Doko Meaning: Where Pronounced: Do-Ko
• Word: Arigatou Meaning: Thank You Pronounced: Ali-Ga-Toe *(“R” actually sounds like an “L” when spoken)
• Word: Onaka ga Suita Meaning: I’m Hungry Pronounced: O-Naka-ga-sue-e-ta
• Word: Kao Meaning: Face Pronounced: Ka-oh
• Word: Ikkitai Meaning: I want to go…(somewhere) Pronounced: E-Key-Tie
• Word: Nani Meaning: What? Pronounced: Na-Nee

How to Record and Produce Your Own Music

Making your own music is not as hard as you think it is. Especially if you’re the type of person who enjoys creating songs in your head or hear pop songs on the radio and know that you could write a better tune in your sleep.

Several years ago, the recording industry was a lot more exclusive and secretive when it came to recording techniques and modern software (mainly because of cost). But just like with the video and internet revolution, things have changed globally and the playing field has been leveled again. These days, you can download a simple music production program with the click of a button, then compose/record your own music, and transfer the tunes to a CD or online mp3 file for your friends to enjoy. This can literally be done in record time. No more taking several months to push out a full-length record, and how about making a record within weeks or even days? The overall quality and originality of the music is up to you, but here are a few tips to get you started for an affordable price:

There are 3 high-quality and trusted programs that I either use or have used in the past. All of these come highly recommended and have slight differences, mainly when it comes to interface style, filter types, and recording options. I would highly recommend visiting each site and viewing any tutorial videos available to see which ones fit better for your knowledge level. Recording music is easily learn able and trust me you can do it! Believe it or not, you do not need to know how to read or write music, or even play a musical instrument. You can actually choose several “loops” or “samples” that are already available to you, and formulate a song by simply using your mouse. And I know you are very comfortable with using the mouse, right?

Ok, so if you are serious about making your own music or simply want to get started one day, check out the following programs and download the FREE trial versions available in some cases.

1. Steinberg Sequel for beginners $99 MSRP (free Trial Version Available)

2. Digidisign Protools $200-400 Professional

3. FL Studio $99-360 MSRP Depending on bundle (free Trial Version Available)

Note: I don’t record on MAC right now, but I hear that Garage Band is great as a starter program too.

 

Checklist for DIY Recording:

1. Get good microphones& a variety for what you are trying to record. This meaning that even though you can get away with using one mic for everything, it is probably not a great idea. There are different mics that work better for different recording purposes, for example vocals vs. horns vs. drums, etc.
2. Make sure you have backup Cords, connections, and various interface connectors. Get as many backup connectors as possible for your mics, USB connectors, power outlets, etc. because with recording it is just like anything else, whatever can happen, will happen without a doubt.
3. Don’t start using a full copy of any music production software unless you have a computer or notebook that can handle the space/memory required for it. You will be surprised how much memory and space is spent with the several filters, sound effects, tracks, and additional plug-ins that all work together just to make a song come together. Check the manuals for required specs, but I recommend being safe and using a computer that has at the very least 2GB of RAM and is not junked up with tons of other programs that you plan to run at the same time.
4. Always back up your music in as MANY PLACES AS POSSIBLE. I personally like to use at least 2 outside, removable drives that are intended to store and backup my songs just in case something goes hay wire on my main PC.
5. Get inspired to make some unique music and don’t just start throwin a bunch of existing samples together. This may be fine when figuring out the programs, but I find that it is much better to really focus on the goal or the style you are looking to achieve before investing time into the rigorous editing process.
6. Learn the interface qurks before you start recording, editing, and especially MIXING. There are always at least a few short comings with music programs that can make you start from scratch and will have you wishing that you took the time to really learn the product.
7. Learn how to mix sound levels for the final cut of your songs. This is learnable, but it changes from program to program, song to song, and artist to artist…so needless to say, it is quite a skill to achieve really good mixing and production that really stands out above the rest.
8. Don’t over think a song…if in doubt, just do the oppostite of what you think is expected in a song. Using the pop formula for a song format that has “worked” before, is not necessarily going to work for your songs.

How to Stay Organized When You’re A Scatterbrain

I’m one of those individuals who don’t care about the several minute details involved in going about our formality packed, tradition-filled lives. The down side to this attitude towards life is that I often remain scatterbrained in my attempts at getting things done. I’m thankful that I’m headstrong enough to actually complete goals at the end of the day, but I’ve realized that there are useful lessons that can be learned when attempting to stay ‘organized’ as a scatterbrain. I’ve shared some of these revaluations below and hope you can relate or find these shared ideas useful. Warning: They come from the mind of a scatterbrain, read objectively.

How to Stay Organized & Get Things Done
(When you are a Scatterbrain)

1. Put up Boundaries with People. Don’t give every co-worker, stranger, or new friend the idea that it is always appropriate to stop what you’re doing in order discuss extremely shallow and pointless topics. There is a need for light discussion, venting, and joking around, but I found that for a scatterbrain like myself, it is easy to get wrapped up with others drama or meaningless speech, because scatterbrains seem open to anything at anytime. Unfortunately, when I allow people to think I’m slightly interested in their fluff conversations, I get wrapped into a pointless, hour-long conversation and as a result, I get less done.
2. Don’t Over Commit Yourself with Too Many Things. Although stacking up your agenda with a million things is socially accepted and expected behavior, don’t buy into this idea as a necessary option for your own life. As a scatterbrain, stop and ask yourself; are those people actually accomplishing things the RIGHT way, or simply spreading themselves thin? I mean, if you are rushing to do three things at once that end in mediocre results vs. one project that is done correctly, which one benefits you and others? Everyone acts like being so busy and having a hectic schedule in life means so much or makes us important. Don’t believe the hype. This is a ridiculous assumption. As if humans were not living before the surge of cell phones, computers, television sets, and other distractions like my stupid blog. But anyways, for a scatterbrain, it is especially dangerous to over book ones self with projects, commitments, or anything at all for that matter. Us scatterbrains like to take on too many things and do have huge goals, usually involving excitement or some form of getting the heart beating. Needless to say, we don’t the will or time to sit still, but we should! We must resist the temptation to do TOO much all at once, because the truth is that regardless of what society tells us, we are only busy because we make ourselves busy. The whole “I am busy” nonsense is a big facade in my opinion. And if you would look back at item#1 here in my posting, I’ll point out that we often spend HOURS talking about complete dribble instead of doing real work and handling responsibilities. So don’t give me the excuse that you are so busy in life, because you know damn well you could get more work done if you stopped wasting time. Wow, my scatterbrain wired mind just came out of no where and I’ve officially gone off on a different topic. You see what I mean?
3. Remember To Eat Real Food: Seems like an easy one, but it is not only about what you eat, but what you don’t eat. When I say “real food”, I mean to eat something that is not complete garbage all the time, because scatterbrains, like myself, often eat whatever happens to be around, simply to feed the machinery attached to our minds and be able to get on with the day. As silly and unfocused as scatterbrains like me come across, we actually have huge goals, distinct aspirations, and have a lot we want to do, besides worrying about silly things like what kind of food we eat. In short, we are usually satisfied with simply feeding our stomachs when it asks for substance. But this can only go on for so long until one feels like the garbage they are eating! Cooking is only a good idea if you remember to turn the gas off when you are finished. And vegetables and fruits give an energy boost, my mom said so.
4. Stay Focused on ONE Goal at a Time: It’s hard to stay focused when you are not focused by nature, but you have to continually talk to yourself or talk to others about the things you want to do and the things you are working on. Getting feedback from reliable sources can be very beneficial as it keeps you grounded and realistic with your efforts or abilities at that stage in life. Also, read about other people who are as scatterbrained as you and see what kinds of things they suggest or how they live their lives. Not with the intention of simply mimicing others, but the main point is to stay focused at all costs and simply do not get sidetracked on other smaller goals, until you complete one. Slow down and do one thing at a time.
5. Write Down the Things that Have Worked. This is another easy one. Simply write down or catalog the few things in your scatterbrained life that have really worked out well for you. This can be as simple as “finishing my web site” or “finishing my Spanish class”. Whatever it is, it will help you recollect what steps you took, or did not take, to get the goal completed. I actually look back on some of the things I have learned, or the projects I took on, and I realized that some of the things I really did well with are things I am passionate about. A No-brainer right? But it is what dirves most of our success and benefit to our society. Now not everything in life can be full of things we want to do, but I get motivated when I look back at the things I have accomplished. I also use those events to help build my next plans that can help me reach more goals.
6. Learn From Your Mistakes. This one is played out from every motivational speech made back in junior high, but I believe that not only do scatterbrains like me not admit their mistakes enough, but we don’t learn from mistakes enough either. If you really want to start getting things done, you must learn from mistakes, no matter how big or small they were. In essence, erase those tapes that you have been re-running for all your life! Especially if they are flat-out NOT WORKING. Always admit when you are wrong and get used to being honest with yourself (and others). I think one of the most valuable lessons I have learned in life is to take advice, criticism, and even harsh judgment, because believe it or not, it all helps eventually. You may not agree with the advice, and it may not even be accurate, but if you want to improve, you will remember these things as they can shape your character, fortitude, and also help you analyze life in a whole new way. If you claim to be free and open minded, start acting like it, scatterbrain!
7. Gain knowledge from Others: Surround yourself with people who are sharp, but not just “smart people”, but motivated people who have a soul and know what matters in life. I also advise you to ignore the belief that the only people you can learn from are those “smarter” than you. First of all, who on earth decided on the fact that anyone is smarter than you are? And at what capacity or on what topic are they competing with you on anyways? Being smarter than someone means absolutely nothing to me, unless we are in a spelling bee or a battle of the wits. It is a load of nonsense. I’ve learned things from individuals who have almost nothing and people who have to have everything. Either way, you need to start thinking on a bigger scale than simply looking for book smart or acclaimed individuals to get life lessons from. Look for those who are doing something unique, ground-breaking, original, and with a heart. These are the people that will really help you in life.

A Quick Japanese Tutorial

Here is a quick and useful list of Japanese words for beginners. I started learning the Japanese language and writing systems just over 4 years ago and am still learning. I’ve always been intrigued by the mysterious samurai, shogun, and ninja history, as well as with the language, art, culture, and technology spawned from this Island. If you have any words that you would like me to translate, send them over and I will be glad to help.

Japanese Words of the Week:

• Genki Desu Ka? – How are you?
• Nani? – What?
• Konnichiwa - Good Afternoon
• Ohayou – Good Morning
• Oyasuminasai - Good Night/Evening
• Kuruma - Car
• Tabemono - Food
• Eiga – English (The Language)
• Nihon - Japan 日本
• Ikura Desu Ka? - How much is..? (asking for cost)
• Nanji? – What time is it?

Cool Slang from the United Kingdom (A Quick Tutorial)

Welcome to my quick and raw UK slang vocab lesson. I always think to myself that I should have been born in the United Kingdom and I’m not sure exactly why. Maybe it is because I really dig the lingo and humor that comes from this island. I have added some of the slang I learned so far (below) and I’m waiting for any of my UK cronies that read this to correct me if any descriptions I give are wrong. Very cool words that I wish I could use in every day conversation here in the USA. But every time I try to fit these words into a conversation, people look at me like I’m a jackball. Oh well.

• UK Word: “Bloke” Meaning: Man
• UK Word:“Quid” Meaning: Currency (slang for pound) Like saying “bucks” in place of “dollars”
• UK Word “Geezer” Meaning: Masculine Individual or Tough Guy
• UK Word: “Innit” Meaning: Isn’t It?
• UK Word: “Mincer” Meaning: Slacker
• UK Word: “Bullocks” Meaning: LOOK IT UP (It’s a funny one)