YTSEJAM Digest 1403
Today's Topics:
1) Our collective downhill slide
by "Paul W. Cashman" <vanyel@crl.com>
2) Mail Item Format Warning
by "RESPONSE at IBMMAIL 04/03/96 - 08:15:56" <response@ibmmail.com>
3) Enough already, for God's sake!
by "Christopher R. Merlo" <cmerlo@cs.uvm.edu>
4) Saved By the BEEEEEEP!!!!
by Ben Laussade <laussade@enet.net>
5) Re: YTSEJAM digest 1400
by Michael Bahr <durnik@indirect.com>
6) McDT.
by McScotch <anthem@virginia.edu>
7) Addendum... taxes!
by Michael Bahr <durnik@indirect.com>
8) Stepping out of Rookie status...
by Charles D Harrison <cdh191@casbah.acns.nwu.edu>
9) Chroma Key...
by Charles D Harrison <cdh191@casbah.acns.nwu.edu>
10) Due Parolas
by Steve Borzilleri <magellan@u.washington.edu>
11) some bands
by fitipmol@ibmmail.com
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Date: Tue, 2 Apr 1996 23:02:27 -0800 (PST)
From: "Paul W. Cashman" <vanyel@crl.com>
To: ytsejam@ax.com
Subject: Our collective downhill slide
Message-ID: <199604030702.AA00175@crl2.crl.com>
Sheesh.... I think the kids -- of all ages -- have taken over.
Would the last adult to leave the 'Jam please turn out the light?
-- ... Paul W. Cashman vanyel@crl.com www.crl.com/~vanyel ......... . Though we live in trying times, we're the ones who have to try . . Though we know that time has wings, we're the ones who have to fly . ................ "Everyday Glory" N. Peart ......................------------------------------
Date: Wed, 03 Apr 1996 02:14:38 EST From: "RESPONSE at IBMMAIL 04/03/96 - 08:15:56" <response@ibmmail.com> To: ytsejam@ax.com Subject: Mail Item Format Warning Message-ID: <199604030714.XAA27794@mindcrime.ax.com>
The mail item that you sent at 07:14:31 GMT on 03 Apr 1996 has been delivered.
However, it has been necessary to convert this item into a format that is acceptable to the recipient, FITIPMOL at IBMMAIL. Information beyond column 79 in the mail item will have been wrapped.
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Date: Wed, 3 Apr 1996 02:41:19 -0500 (EST) From: "Christopher R. Merlo" <cmerlo@cs.uvm.edu> To: Ytse Jam <ytsejam@ax.com> Subject: Enough already, for God's sake! Message-ID: <Pine.3.89.9604030242.A2298-0100000@griffin.emba.uvm.edu>
> From: Gilbert Jack Thetgyi <thetgyi@bgnet.bgsu.edu> > Subject: Re: the real asshole on the Jam (No DTC)
Blahblahblah
> I _do_ use my real name, I just abbreviate my first name and use my > middle name. The last name is also authentic. At least I have the nerve > to show my last name, you imbecile. If my name sounds like a stupid tongue > twister, deal with it.
He's an asshole, she's an asshole, wouldn't you like to be an asshole too...
Just cut it out. Take it to private e-mail.
----
> From: FNGX01A@prodigy.com (MR JOHN CAHILLJR) > Subject: To all > > As I sit here and write this I just finished going through my 6th > jam of the day, it's too much guys.
un
> 2) Steve, When I speak it's like E.F. Hutton; People listen. Not to > sound cocky but I normally don't open my mouth unless I have > something useful to say, unlike all these people who repeat other > jammers messages and then write two word opinions, yeah that takes a > lot of thought ( sarcastic ).
sub
> 3) Digital man/ wedge ( Same person ) Were not you the one who > suggested that we use " The conch "? Take your own advice and keep > the useless stuff off the jam.
scribe
> Conversation summer 1983; Gene, my guitar is in the shop. Would you > mind bringing your Strat over to Brendans house tonight. Centurion is > practicing and I need another guitar. " Sure John, no problem man " > This really happened, I kid you not
ytsejam-request@ax.com, asdf, unsubscribe ytsejam john cahill (copy & paste)
------------------------------------------------------------------------ \|/ ____ \|/ The Digital Man \|/ ____ \|/ "@'/ ,. \`@" cmerlo@cs.uvm.edu "@'/ ,. \`@" /_| \__/ |_\ d-man@dreamt.org /_| \__/ |_\ \__U_/ http://www.emba.uvm.edu/~cmerlo \__U_/
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Date: Wed, 3 Apr 1996 00:45:12 -0700 From: Ben Laussade <laussade@enet.net> To: ytsejam@ax.com Subject: Saved By the BEEEEEEP!!!! Message-ID: <199604030745.AAA01743@maple.enet.net>
>This is an open letter to all 'Jammers: please cease and desist with >discussion on the works of Elizabeth Berkeley. She's not a prog artist, >she's not a CD or t-shirt vendor, and she doesn't send "get rich" or >subscription messages. Thank you.
Yeah, but what a set of....um......chess pieces.
>Ben, my man, > >The problem with posts that fragment other posts is that they usually draw >not at all on the context.
It wasn't a flame or anything. Actually, I didn't even care. I just wanted to mention that I can sing the entire national anthem in falsetto. Sorry to make you reply. ;-)
> We have to make sure that all five pieces of DT sound their >best, and are well-represented in the mix.
Yeah, but the only thing that sounds really BAD ( in some people's opinion) are the drums.
>Someone who loves music and practices 'Mary Had a >Little Lamb' for 2 hours a day is not a musician, no matter how well >they can read notes on a page or know about Beethoven. >
Wait.....since when is Mary Had a Little Lamb not a song or music?
thisisasmiley
>Sorry to still bug w/ this annoying thread, but I have to clarify myself... >she came on as a guest on 'Step by Step' as a normal everyday girl... I'm >well aware that she's a lap-dancer in Showgirls... we *do* get movies here >in Panama, believe it or not...
yeah....and in Saved By The Bell, she was always the straight one. Look at her now. Just goes to show you that (ballsandchunkballsandchunk) things are not always as they seem.
>For very long passages, the >barrage of kick-drum notes is really distracting and insensitive for a song >like PMU. This is my only beef with Mike's drumming, he focuses his playing >too much on the bass drums; otherwise I think hes phenominal.
Wow. I never thought of PMU as sensitive. Anywho, I went to this really cool drum clinic today. The guy's name was Zorro. And, he was doing that thing where Mike does doubles between the hands and the feet and goes around the kit with ONE FOOT. Up to speed, too! Man.....I hate seeing stuff like that, cause it makes me feel like I suck. :-)
>I _do_ use my real name, I just abbreviate my first name and use my >middle name. The last name is also authentic. At least I have the nerve >to show my last name, you imbecile. If my name sounds like a stupid tongue >twister, deal with it.
WARREN IS NOT MAD!!!!! WARREN JUST HAS A SMILEY DISORDER. HE DOESN'T USE THEM. :-) I FOUND THIS OUT WHEN I WAS PLACED ON THE ASSHOLE LIST.
>At least I don't go around smelling other people's a-holes...I think you >may be confusing Lavoris with clitoris.
Ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww.
Well.....I'll stay out of the end-of-the-jam contest. Of course, as soon as I say that this will end up as the last post. Oh well. :-)
Ben Laussade
Favorite Song of the Week: Island in the Stream
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Date: Wed, 3 Apr 1996 00:54:34 -0700 (MST) From: Michael Bahr <durnik@indirect.com> To: ytsejam@ax.com Cc: durnik@indirect.com Subject: Re: YTSEJAM digest 1400 Message-ID: <199604030754.AAA04213@bud.indirect.com>
> From: "L. Jason Hartman" <lhartm1@gl.umbc.edu> > To: ytsejam@ax.com > Subject: Why are Mike Bahr's CD's so expensive?
> How come your CD's cost us $25? If you look in the back of any music > or especially recording-type magazine, you can find companies that will > transfer your DAT tape to CD's, silk screen (?) the CD's and print up the > full color covers and liner notes for you for anywhere from $1,000-$5,000 > for 1,000 CD's. That sure is alot better than the $25,000 that us Jammers > are supposed to pay for 1,000 CD's. Of course, I realize that some goes > Mike, is there some reason that you don't want to use one of these companies? > Am I missing something here?
This is a valid question and I realize I have not talked about this in some time, so I'll try and cover all the points as I explain how my CDs get made. First and foremost, I'll start by saying I'm aware of those companies. I've contacted them all. Pacific Coast Soundworks, E.A.R. Audio, Optimaxx, as many of them as I could find. Not a single one was willing to allow me to produce my CDs. It was unfortunate. They all take great care to oversee the production of CDs they do, and they are VERY careful about copyright infringement. They have to be, because some have been sued in the past for allowing bootleg CD-ROMs to be pressed, and none of them want that to happen again.
I was lucky to find a somewhat local (meaning within 30 miles of my home) recording studio that works directly under Optimaxx, that was willing to cut a deal with me that would leave them without liability and put the onus on me, but at a greater cost and some drawbacks. But at least the product could be made. My current plans are to find and finance the large-scale CD stamping presses that those plants use to get one for myself, so I can do it on my own and label the Cds correctly, without worrying about copyright problems. As it stood, Cereus Recording (listed on the jackets of every Bahr CD) referred me to a branch company called Prism (bet you all thought that was _my_ creation eh?) which allows me to rent time at the plant to make my CD press runs.
First and foremost, I need to spend time to create the master DAT and then pay to have it mastered to studio standards, such that a proper glass master can be cut. Then I gotta pay for the glass master.
It's easy, tedious, and time-consuming, so it's the sort of task that drives me crazy, but fortunately it's only a part of the process. I sit in a small room with what looks like a Xerox copier gone Star-Trek, and read books, play Gameboy, chat with friends on the phone, and other miscellaneous time-killing things while the machine spends hour after hour stamping CDs off the glass master. It takes 2 weeks or so to complete a 500-CD press run. Alas, I'm paying for studio time during this entire interval. As soon as I find a way to sidestep that, the price of my CDs will plummet.
This is when the crazy part comes in. I pack up all the CDs and pay for a printing plant called the Riddle Press in Oregon to print all the case liners, tray liners, silkscreen the CD, and assemble the discs, and UPS it all back to me. This is another big part of the expense, and this is the most unpredictable part because Riddle is notoriously lazy and they only work if I call them every day and kick them in the ass to get the hell working on my liners. :) They can deliver anywhere from a week to 3 weeks late, and once they actually were early (Acoustic Dreams). At that point, me and my buddies who owe me money take over.
While they make a run to OfficeMax or Sam's Club to buy bulk mailing packets, office supplies, etc and to the post office to buy a shitload of stamps, I painstakingly number each CD. It's like that other task: it's easy, tedious, and time-consuming, because my writing is total shit and I have to do it slowly so it comes out legible. Finally, the packing begins. From that point on, I only have to work about 2 days a week: an afternoon and evening of packing, and an afternoon and evening of processing orders at some other time during the week. It's all slow work, but it gets done. Every day, however, I deliver packets to the post offices, paying the postage on larger packets manually. Every week, I go to a different post office that takes international mail, and send those.
Here's about how the price breaks down on each CD.
(in dollars) Cost of the blank media: 1 Cost of the jewelcase, trayliner: 0.5 Cost of the silkscreening job 0.5 Cost of the liner printing and such: 1 Glass master costs, broken down over the cost of 500 discs: 1 <- it's more like $425 though Studio mastering cost 1 Studio/stamper rental costs, broken dn 10 Office equipment and packing, per CD 1 Shipping costs (production type) 1 Postage average 2 Pays for old equipment and finances the purchase of new equipment to complete the projects: 2 I generally keep this much: 4
OK, now a lot of you are doing some math and having a double take at this point, so I'll clarify a few things. Yes, they charge me a flat fee of about $480 to studio master it. I get to drop that fee when I buy a pro-grade second DAT unit, which might not be for awhile. You might say, "$5,000 for studio and equipment rental time?" YES. All at once, I have to drop in the neighbourhood of 5 grand to begin work on each CD. It's a hell of a risk, and so far I've been happy not to have a failed project. Each project has an urgency all its own because if a single one fails, it will be my last one. I won't be able to finance future CDs. And approximately $850-900 out of each CD project goes toward upgrading equipment for the next projects. Many of you commented positively (thanks very much!!) on the improvement of the covers, well, the flatbed scanner and color printer helped there. The DAT machine was purchased with the proceeds from Cygnus.
Also, you may notice that I keep $1,900-$2,200 from each CD run. This is about the equivalent of working a part time job for minimum wage, based on the timing of the projects involved. I also work with my band part time (though we'd like to play full time) to cover the other half of my personal expenses. That $2,500 was initially a buffer for the next CD production, but once I had that in place, I could use it for whatever. I don't think it's too unreasonable to ask, eh? :)
Anyway, I hope this answers your questions as clearly as I can, and gives you all sort of a window into the life of a CD bootlegger. :)
MTFBWY! Mike Bahr, durnik@indirect.com/mikebahr@dreamt.org
Shameless plug: Plenty of WDATU, Antiquities, Scenes, Critical Mass available for ordering. The first two are shipping. E-mail me if you'd like to get in on these CD creations.
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Date: Wed, 3 Apr 1996 03:06:30 -0500 From: McScotch <anthem@virginia.edu> To: McJam <ytsejam@ax.com> Subject: McDT. Message-ID: <v01540b06ad87cc7020fb@bootp-234-126.bootp.virginia.edu>
Jam 1400:
> From: Jeff Chew <jc309@columbia.edu> > Subject: McDonalds
> Dear jammers, > > Hey there! This question is directed towards the Japanese > ytsejammers....is there such a thing as the Dream Theater Happy Meal in > McDonalds in Japan? Someone told me that and I wasn't too sure if it's > true. Let me know!
I'm not Japanese, but yes, this is true!! As a part of a campaign to promote DT's popularity overseas, the band has indeed produced a number of promotional jingles for McDonalds. Collect them all!
The McDLDT. The Ytsejamburglar. A Fortune In Fries. Eronaldmania. The Spilling Hand. (tragic ode to drive-thru coffee drinkers) Scalded. (see above) McTropolis-- Part I: The Table-Wiper and the Sweeper The Silent Assistant Manager. Afterlunch. Space-Dye Hairnet. Wait For Cheese. To Grill Forever. Saturated. A Change of Fixin's. Under A Glass McMuffin. Caught In An Artery. Dipping Nuggets Off A Dream. Special Sauce Seeker. The Ones Who Help To Sesame Seed The Bun. (sorry) Light Fuse And Have A Nice Day.
"Two all-beef Portnoys, Special Sherinian, lettuce, LaBries, tomatoes, Petruccis, onions, on a sesame-seed Myung."
Robble fuckin' robble.
McScott. Deserves A Break Today
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Date: Wed, 3 Apr 1996 01:04:40 -0700 (MST) From: Michael Bahr <durnik@indirect.com> To: ytsejam@ax.com Subject: Addendum... taxes! Message-ID: <199604030804.BAA05066@bud.indirect.com>
For those wondering, I do pay taxes on my income each year, but it's never itemized. My band does not issue each member W-2 forms, nor do my CD projects get noticed by the government, so I add up all my bank statement deposit totals, and pay taxes based on that... if they add up to enough (which doesn't always happen) to be in a tax bracket.
I didn't even bother to file in 1991, 92, and 93, but I figure they don't care about one deadbeat college student anyway. :)
Of course that' also why I like getting cash as payment toward CDs... I don't ever have any record of having received it! :)
Take care all... MTFBWY! Mike Bahr, durnik@indirect.com/mikebahr@dreamt.org
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Date: Wed, 3 Apr 1996 02:16:44 -0500 (CDT) From: Charles D Harrison <cdh191@casbah.acns.nwu.edu> To: Dream Theater Listserve <ytsejam@ax.com> Subject: Stepping out of Rookie status... Message-ID: <Pine.3.89.9604030252.A16129-0100000@casbah.acns.nwu.edu>
For anyone that gives a care...
I finally got my hands on I&W!!!!! I know I am slow, but that's why they call me the Ytse-Rook. I think that so far it sounds REALLY retro. It sounds like Metallica meets Kenny G. (Why Kenny G.? I just heard a song on the album that sounds like Kenny G. was a special guest. No flames please, it was cool) Now it is on a song that had a Public Enemy sample and that was kinda weird. I love PE! This album is growing on me quicker than I thought. Whoa, that was a cool part! So was that! And that! Cool! Alright I have to go soak this up. See ya later.
Charlie (The Ytse-Rook)
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Date: Wed, 3 Apr 1996 02:19:26 -0500 (CDT) From: Charles D Harrison <cdh191@casbah.acns.nwu.edu> To: Dream Theater Listserve <ytsejam@ax.com> Subject: Chroma Key... Message-ID: <Pine.3.89.9604030215.A13016-0100000@casbah.acns.nwu.edu>
Ooops...
I forgot to ask - how can I go about getting Chroma Key's stuff? I really miss Kevin. He rocked!
Charlie (The Ytse-Rook)
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Date: Wed, 3 Apr 1996 01:13:02 -0800 (PST) From: Steve Borzilleri <magellan@u.washington.edu> To: Dream Thespians <ytsejam@ax.com> Subject: Due Parolas Message-ID: <Pine.A32.3.92a.960403005437.71641C-100000@homer23.u.washington.edu>
> From: Gilbert Jack Thetgyi <thetgyi@bgnet.bgsu.edu> > Subject: Re: the real asshole on the Jam (No DTC) > > Hello civilized 'Jammers...you guys and gals aren't a-holes.
Hello there!
(wait, oh no, dear God, that was a two-word reply!!)
---- > From: FNGX01A@prodigy.com (MR JOHN CAHILLJR) > Subject: To all > > As I sit here and write this I just finished going through my 6th jam > of the day, it's too much guys.
I agree.
(dammit, another two-word reply!!)
> 2) Steve, When I speak it's like E.F. Hutton; People listen. Not to > sound cocky but I normally don't open my mouth unless I have something > useful to say, unlike all these people who repeat other jammers messages > and then write two word opinions, yeah that takes a lot of thought ( > sarcastic ).
For the 328th time, you're right. Aside from being a catalyst to the maintenance of breathing, laughter has no purpose in the sustinence of life. Keep being useful, Gandalf.
> 3) Digital man/ wedge ( Same person ) Were not you the one who suggested > that we use " The conch "? Take your own advice and keep the useless > stuff off the jam.
Ooooooooh, someone blasts Digital Man! Everyone step back while I tie their wrists together and watch them dance around with plastic forks! (Hey Elliott, you wanna cover the guitar solo for the finale?)
> 4) Jack, despite what people say, I think your the man. Thanks again.
You're welcome.
(wait, I'm not Jack! and DAMMIT, that was another two-word reply!!)
> 5) As Geddy Lee once sang " Let the Fray begin " Or in this case let the > flames begin
Hey, you start potentially dangerous threads, you gotta expect a few frays every now and then.
> Conversation summer 1983; Gene, my guitar is in the shop. Would you mind > bringing your Strat over to Brendans house tonight. Centurion is > practicing and I need another guitar. " Sure John, no problem man " > This really happened, I kid you not
Conversation winter 1995: "Shit it's cold." "Yeah it is! They're an hour and a half late! When are they going to open the doors?!" "Shit it's cold." "Yeah, I heard you. Geez, the boys won't even take the stage until midnight at this rate." "Shit it's cold." "Yeah, I know that, I'm freezing too!! WE'RE ALL FREEZING!! NOW WHEN THE FUCK ARE THEY GONNA LET US IN?!" This really happened, no billy goats about it.
> Elen sila lumenn omentilmo, Gandalf
Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings,
Bafu Vai
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Date: Wed, 03 Apr 1996 06:27:52 EST From: fitipmol@ibmmail.com To: ytsejam@ax.com Subject: some bands Message-ID: <199604031128.DAA02898@mindcrime.ax.com>
--- Saapunut 03.MAPE 90-4694432 03-04-96 14.29 -> IBMMAIL.INTERNET IBM IMX
Hi all,
There's not so much DTC in post, but a few words of numerous bands I've heard lately. I've done some CD purchases recently and I feel you'd like to share this.
Superior:Behind
An absolute killer of an album. They may have one of the best pianists I've ever heard in a rock band. Their lyrics are very thought-provoking (very rare commodity nowadays, I'm afraid) and all the drive to make them BIG. The disc demonstates some of the best prog metal anyone's ever going to hear. I strongly recommend this CD to everyone. Contact Jason Skewes or Bernd Basmer for more info.
Savatage:Ghost In the Ruins-Tribute to Criss Oliva
As a loooong-time Sava fan I just had to have this disk and lemme tell ya, after listening to Zach Stevens' vocals for a few years, this is bound to wake very strong emotions in everyone who's ever liked Jon Oliva and the old Sava style. Dead Winter Dead is nothing compared to this. The disc contains live songs from 1988 to 1990 and if not all that progressive, it will remain one of the best live album ever. This is the live record Savatage never did. This may be found in the name of "Final Bell" also. If you ever liked the 'tage, get it. At least it was damn near to make me cry.
Helloween:The Time of the Oath
Helloween has, like Savatage, gone through some personnel changes and death of an original member in the past few years. The biggest problem in both of the bands has been the fact that a great vocalist has left the band and been replaved w/ a far inferior singer. TTotO is ok disc, brilliant at times, but the best melody parts make you mourn for the departure of Michael Kiske. Andi Deris just doesn't have the technique to sing the hardest parts. "Mission Motherland" would qualify among the best of Helloween ever if it wasn't sung by Deris. There's also exceptionally many songs on this CD that don't sound like Helloween at all. Songs like "Anything My Mama Don't Like" may be a sign of Helloween's final demise. Too bad. I've loved them since 1986 and despite a few weaker albums I've stuck with them. The next one better be a real killer or they just might lose a fan.
Dream Theater:Birch Hill 12/29/1995
I was lucky enough to be a part of Brian Cox's bootleg tree last Xmas. We really should organize more of these kinds of things. Btw, the Ytse Music Library tries to be one of this kind of movement, any takers? Anyways, the tapes, albeit being very bass heavy, sound pretty ok to me. This was the first time I heard ACoS live and I really like it. Moreover this was the first boot of Awake and later material I've heard. One of my fave parts was when the crowd sung along a tune JLB asked why the hell he bothered to come in the first place. If someone needs a copy of this, email me and we'll work out a trade. This is absolutely worth getting.
Mape
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End of YTSEJAM Digest 1403 **************************
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