Immortality in the age of YouTube

From the days of ancient Egypt humans have been seeking immortality. While we work on medical advancements in this direction true immortality remains illusive. There is another type of immortality and it is the kind that you get when your image and personality is etched into long lasting media. From rocks and paper to hard drives we record our likeness for the world to remember. When everyone is immortal who will be remembered?

Unless the internet changes massively or ceases to exist the activity of individuals will be continue to be uploaded in mass. It has become so easy for anyone to create semi-permanent reflections of their lives that the value of each reflection, while long lasting, is reduced. We are no longer limited to the ruling class as the sole representative of humanities achievements and record keeping. The statues and memoirs of long past rulers will not be the only record past on. But with such access to the future minds of humans the lasting impressions we leave online are increasingly trivial.

Forums such as YouTube help us immortalize our thoughts and visages for the world to see and with more views comes more notoriety and "fame". While some people will be remembered by more people it is only the truly revolutionary, visionary and repugnant that will that live on in the minds of future humans. This kind of immortality can not be gained by simply talking into a camera on YouTube. To be truly immortal one must be immense.

But why do we seek immortality? I think it is a relative of the need to reproduce. The ultimate driving force for humans is the need to reproduce our genes and if done successfully the genes are what become immortal. So it seems that our lust for immortality is born from our deepest primordial desires. Although it is a lofty goal that moves many to great deeds both good and bad it is really an illusion and when we actually die we no longer care about how many views our YouTube channels acquire.

So what's the point? The point, may be, that people are motivated by those who came before them that made lasting impressions which gives them the notion that they too can live on in the records and memories passed down. We are frantic to create lasting copies of ourselves and the more copies we make the harder it is for the world to erase our mark. Our children, art, businesses, and work all lead to nothing if nothing remains after we die, and we all die. The Buddhists believe pain comes from desire but so does greatness and mediocrity.

Podcast Startup Guide

If you're interested in sharing your ideas with the world podcasting is a great way to reach a huge audience without spending a lot of money. Podcasts are like the YouTube of radio and from politics to comedy there is something for everyone and it's free! Just like YouTube many podcasters have made a living reaching out to the world with their unique perspectives. If your interested in creating a high quality podcast here is a quick guide to getting started.

The easiest way:

1. Find a microphone that works with your computer or use your phone's recorder.

2. Download the Audacity or Reaper audio editing program for free. 

3. Record directly into the program or upload the file from your phone and edit to desired production value. 

4. Create a libsyn.com account, create a show and put content online.

5. Connect the RSS feed to iTunes to increase audience potential. 

6. Your done!

This way is cheaper but limited and if your computer shuts off or crashes you'll lose your content. 

A better way:

1. Pick up the Zoom H4N digital audio recorder. (Portable!)

2. Get one or more high quality cardioid microphones. I recommend the Senheiser E385 dynamic microphone. The H4N supports 2 XLR cables but with a splitter you can increase as needed. Or go with the H6N which supports 4 XLR inputs.

3. Get an XLR cable for each microphone needed. (Comes with some microphone bundles)

4. Get an SD card. Audio doesn't take up a lot of memory but the bigger the better. Speed isn't an issue if it is a newer SD card.

5. Plug everything in and record your podcast. The H4N has a lot of settings and acts as a limited mixer. WAV is higher quality than MP3 but takes up more space. You can split the left and right channels to have more options in post production. For more on settings and using the H4N I will post a separate blog. Check it out here: H4N Settings

6. Upload your audio file from your H4N to your computer for editing.

7. Edit using the free programs listed above. You don't have to go too in depth with this but having some kind of intro and outro increases production value. Go as simple or as elaborate as you want and remember to have fun. The more entertaining your podcast is the more people will continue to listen and recommend it to others.

8. Create a libsyn.com account, create a show and set up your show information under the Settings tab. 

9. Next, set up the Libsyn Classic Feed info under the Destinations Tab before you link it to iTunes. iTunes has a few specific requirements but it should be straight forward. Just make sure to have a picture that is the right size. That tripped me up when I got started. 

10. Upload your edited file using the Add New Episode button under the Content tab on Libsyn. If your having issues with storage go to Settings tab and check your Billing options. 

11. Connect the rss feed to iTunes under the Podcast tab in iTunes with the Submit a Podcast button. It takes a while for iTunes to accept the podcast but that will allow the RSS feed to be shared with millions of people around the world.
12. Your done! 

Podcasting is fun and inexpensive way to express yourself by sharing your unique perspective to the world. Thans for reading and if you have any questions about podcasting contact me here:

Twitter: @JoeGrins

Facebook: Joe Gray

Links:
My Podcasting Setup Youtube Supplement

Buying Guide

H4N Settings

My Podcasts:

Fleeting Thoughts Podcast

Fractal Focus Podcast

Podcasting Guide: H4N Settings

These are the current H4N settings I use to have maximum quality and control in post production. I have changed settings here and there over time but this works great for me right now. Feel free to experiment and find what works for you. Any settings not listed below are not changed.

1. Input Settings
- Lo Cut = All Off
- Comp/Limit = All Off
- Monitor = On (This allows you to monitor with a headset before hitting the record button)
- 1/2 Link = Off (This allows you to adjust mic strength for each channel independently)
- Level Auto = Off (I recommend not allowing the H4N to control the mic input strength because it may do it mid episode and audio levels will not be consistent)
- Mono Mix = Off (This setting allows you to separate channels in post for more precise editing)
- MS Matrix = NA
- Phantom = Off (If your mic requires phantom power turn this on)
- Plug-In = Off

2. Record Settings
- Rec Format = WAV44.1kHz/16Bit (This creates a WAV file which is higher quality than MP3 but it takes up more storage. If you want to save space consider the MP3 formats but keep in mind the lower the quality recording the worse it can sound after post production)
- Auto Rec = Off
- Pre Rec = Off
- File Name = Default

3. Mode Select = Stereo

Other notes:

4. Power = I like using the AC Adapter when doing important recordings because I would hate to run out of battery and lose anything. I leave AA's in the H4N for backup but I change them out if they run low. If you leave the system with no power it will reset the Date/Time to default making it hard to manage files.

5. If your using XLR cables make sure to select the correct input on the face of the H4N or it will default to the internal mic. It should highlight the 1 and 2 buttons on the left side of the face. The internal mic works very well but will pick up more sounds from the environment than a Dynamic microphone.


Links:

My H4N Settings YouTube Supplement

My Podcasting Setup YouTube Supplement

Startup Guide

Buying Guide

My Podcasts:

Fleeting Thoughts Podcast

Fractal Focus Podcast

Podcasting Startup Buying Guide

Here is a look at the equipment I use and links to where to get them:

1. Zoom H4N (Newer Version available as well)
https://www.amazon.com/Zoom-H4N-Digital-Multitrack-Recorder/dp/B00UK7G3UO/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1479246282&sr=8-4&keywords=h4n











2. Senheiser E385
https://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-Dynamic-Cardioid-Vocal-Microphone/dp/B00006I5R7













3. XLR Cables
https://www.amazon.com/CBI-MLC20-Microphone-Cable-Foot/dp/B000VJJQUU/ref=sr_1_3?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1479246630&sr=1-3&keywords=xlr

4. SD Card
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000WQKOQM/ref=twister_B009RUZ7TS?_encoding=UTF8&th=1










5. Download a free audio editing program such as:

Don't forget this file:

• LAME MP3 encoder – Allows Audacity to export MP3 files. 
• Lame for Reaper - Allows Reaper to export MP3 files. 

6. A computer.

That's it!
With this equipment you will be able to produce high quality audio for your podcast.

Check out my Startup Guide Here:

Podcast Startup Guide

Contact me here:
Twitter: @JoeGrins

Facebook: Joe Gray

My Podcasts:

Fleeting Thoughts Podcast

Fractal Focus Podcast

The Getting Pulled Over with Shrooms Story

The sirens blared as I pulled into the parking lot of Mingus Park. I tried to remain calm as the four teenagers riding with me scrambled to make themselves ready for the interrogation. As the sun glared across my windshield and I stopped the car we waited for the officer to walk up.

Earlier that day:

"What do liberty caps look like?" I asked John as we stepped out into the cow pasture miles out of city limits. It was a friend of a friend's property and we were looking for magic mushrooms. John proceeded to explain that liberty caps were small, light brown mushrooms that grow in and around cow dung. We walked around a bit and he pointed one out. It was among a patch of 20 or so and as soon as I knew what I was looking for they were everywhere.

Four of us were walked around the field and in just a couple hours each of our small bags were filled to the brim. My friend, John, was the mastermind of this event and told us that the tea he would make would be plenty for everyone so we compiled them all into two large zip lock bags. I was the driver for the excursion and it seemed reasonable that I set them under my seat before we headed back into town.

"Everyone shut up and be cool," I said to my would be fellow felons as the police officer walked up to my door.

"Do you know why I pulled you over?" He asked looking around at the young people filling my car.

"No," I said as I handed him my ID

"You failed to use your blinker when you pulled in here," he explained.

"Oh," I said, mildly shocked at the minor indiscretion I was pulled over for.

"Hey, Trevor. You talk to your parole officer lately," the officer said to one of the boys in the backseat. Someone I didn't know very well, let alone know that they were on parole.

"Yes. Talked to him yesterday," Trevor answered respectfully. 

"OK," the officer said as he turned his attention back to me. "I'm gunna let you off with a warning but you make sure to be careful next time."

"Absolutely," I responded as I took my ID back.

The officer walked back to his car and drove off as we all collectively let out a sigh of relief. This wasn't the first time I had been pulled over for a minor traffic violation but it was the first time I had two pounds of magic mushrooms under my seat. If the officer had found them I would have been royally fucked but instead I didn't even get a ticket.

Later that night, while a group of degenerate teenagers hung out by the tracks in Lakeside, mushroom tea was being prepared. As the night went on I watched as the people around me took little trips to an unknown place without me. I wasn't ready to take the plunge into psychedelics that night but soon I would.

A New Way to Govern: The Presidential Triangle

What would happen if we just elected both of them?
If 40% of Americans support each candidate then electing both would satisfy 80% of Americans, right? Probably not because people are insane but if the American people believe these two are qualified then wouldn't the best outcome be to elect both and force them to work together for the people?

If they can't work together then they aren't working for the American people, they are working for themselves. The people shouldn't care about the specific person anyway, but in the job they will do. It's not as if the president is a dictator and can simply do whatever they want so a dual presidency would add a level of balance both of power and of opinion. Shouldn't these people be paragons of cooperation and negotiation anyway? If they are then their work would be the outcome of balanced problem solving and they could hold each other accountable to what the other side of the aisle wants.


We should get rid of the GOP and DNC and have the American people vote on their top three choices for president. The top two become co-presidents and the third candidate would become the vice-president. It would be a triangle of decision making.

If nothing else this kind of experiment in governance would be entertaining, which seems like what the American people really want. The mainstream media is already a freak show so why not put the two freaks together and film the process?

 I am not sure if this has been tried in other countries or if it would tear the universe apart but I think change is important.

Or just not hire either and move their responsibilities to the people or to the other branches of the government. Shouldn't the general public be part of the checks and balances in a more defined and effective way? Governmental experimentation, with the goal of creating more accountability and effectiveness, should be valued to those who want change. 

Such Adventures?: Zombie Weapons

When I watch The Walking Dead I can't help but think about what I would do in such circumstances. I imagine the prowess I would display in dispatching zombies and megalomaniacs.  I think of strategies and logistics. How many weapons can you carry? Would you stay in one place or be nomadic? Where to migrate too if you were to settle down? If you surround yourself by water would they all just drown and pile up? Is a river the ultimate zombie fence? Why doesn't anyone in The Walking Dead have a spear? 

Never mind zombies; what about psychopaths and tribes of cannibals? There are roughly 6 weapon slots that I would want to fill in order to have a well rounded set of options. Here are a few things I wouldn't mind having in a post apocalyptic world. As I sit alone fantasizing about a world in which I was courageous and heroic I wonder, what is so appealing about such adventures? 

  

1.Small carbine with 3 point sling. 

2.Melee Weapons: Long blade: spear, long sword, katana, machete etc...

    

    

3. Long knife. Fixed blade.

4. Small knife. 

5.Handgun .357/.38 

6. Concealed small handgun 38 special snub.                                     

-Alternative Ranged Weapons: bows, shotguns, crossbows, throwing knives, etc...

-Blunt alternatives: baton, bat, ax, club, etc...

Evolved from the ancient hunter the warrior is portrayed as heroic and noble. Brave and bold the warrior has purpose and a hearty character . If the warrior can hold true to their goal, treasure and glory awaits. The zombie represents a perfectly evil enemy for the warrior to test their metal. But in the world of the dead the true enemy are the living. For they have hate and a lust for power. Also, zombies are slow as fuck. 

Fruits of Other's Labors

For centuries humans have been haunted by the night with its beasts and horrors. So we went inside and fenced our cities. Now we fear ghosts again but they are our neighbors and our own delusions. We make our homes comfortable and safe and fun. After time we chastise those who choose to stay in and enjoy the fruits of other's imaginations and hard work.