tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-93269262024-03-08T00:21:05.555+00:00Microphonically SpeakingThis is the vocal point of the East London based company, Microphonic Limited. Originally founded as a record company, that core activity has temporarily taken a back seat while I service, repair and PAT test professional audio equipment. Here you can discover the daily rants and raves of Colin Bird and what my take is on everything happening in and around my business adventure.Microphonichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10549762266337785394noreply@blogger.comBlogger138125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9326926.post-42694478200781402922010-06-14T08:27:00.004+00:002010-06-14T12:04:35.236+00:00Megger PAT320 recall noticeVery happy when I purchased my Megger PAT320<br />Very happy when it did everything it said on the can<br />Not so happy to receive a product recall notice<br />Not so happy when the recall takes double the estimated time<br />Not so happy when I reschedule work and wait in for it not to arrive<br />Not so happy to have to write a complaint email<br /><br />The saga continues... watch for updates<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Ps7xaaGTNLu2FbMxsAqWC62VXpoI0b6VwXbqz08V_navS8Ugg8y5GbAxwKMxIK_Q5BJKMmRoPI-zJjPJ0NIbEZWPGlOCx0p4lC8sYxQT7d7RVWBk8s5dX_-xJreWIcFVvNcyuA/s1600/Pat320crop.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 199px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Ps7xaaGTNLu2FbMxsAqWC62VXpoI0b6VwXbqz08V_navS8Ugg8y5GbAxwKMxIK_Q5BJKMmRoPI-zJjPJ0NIbEZWPGlOCx0p4lC8sYxQT7d7RVWBk8s5dX_-xJreWIcFVvNcyuA/s320/Pat320crop.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482543614160474626" border="0" /></a>Microphonichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10549762266337785394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9326926.post-65051477456931212892010-06-13T11:48:00.008+00:002010-06-14T12:03:59.612+00:00Rodigan finally wakes up and smells the coffee!So finally David Rodigan goes on record to vocalise what real reggae fans have been aware of for decades. The real vibe and creativity of the music and the qualities that firmly placed reggae indelibly on the world music map began to fade when electronic 'sampling' instruments and computers became the dominant factors in Jamaican music. However, Rodigan like many others have been happy to take the dancehall dollar for so many years. By this I mean the practice of only playing 10 seconds of any particular record/dubplate and screaming obscenities down a microphone like demented frogs on crack. What do they think this dancehall culture/style of playing did to aid real reggae music? Instead of championing the traditional values to enhance the original creativity and spiritual vibe they chose to push the mindless envelope destroying years of good work before. Excellent interview by TheMunchieTV crew check out part 1 below and follow the youtube link at the end for part 2 and much more Munchie media and Swedish patios.<br /><br /><object width="250" height="165"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Q6kq_R4Fu34&hl=en_GB&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Q6kq_R4Fu34&hl=en_GB&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="250" height="165"></embed></object>Microphonichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10549762266337785394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9326926.post-52184126258834369022010-06-13T11:31:00.003+00:002010-06-14T12:02:31.835+00:00Return to blogger - Swansea bike theftHi Folks, been off this thing for some time now but boiling blood has me returning to spleen venting mode again. My daughter locked up her Merida bicycle in Swansea university yesterday and somebody thought it would be a good idea to completely dis-assemble all the parts (yes everything) that was not secured by the lock and cable. So now she is left with a frame and two wheels and tyres. So mums and dads, brothers and sisters of the Swansea petty crime family. If your son, daughter, sibling, partner came home with armfuls of shiny new bike parts yesterday (Saturday 12th June), now you know where they came from! Just hope and pray that I never catch up with you or them...Microphonichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10549762266337785394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9326926.post-47660178664378068322008-02-28T17:20:00.002+00:002008-02-28T17:40:22.487+00:00On the bench today<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSPIty2RB-cM8cLQUyOu6H_-M6P21Nbz5XKI33h9bhkZRm7oX4l81EcRk2pcSmSdjxEOOoPtbPIl7NnlTIas0pHVoivRNQLFKgIqUrha8s9UMxTPvXGNYTt4Rp878abFUsvzCIWA/s1600-h/wedge-blog.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSPIty2RB-cM8cLQUyOu6H_-M6P21Nbz5XKI33h9bhkZRm7oX4l81EcRk2pcSmSdjxEOOoPtbPIl7NnlTIas0pHVoivRNQLFKgIqUrha8s9UMxTPvXGNYTt4Rp878abFUsvzCIWA/s200/wedge-blog.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5172085119866234290" border="0" /></a>One of my tasks today included diagnosing the faults on this 'anonymous' active/powered wedge/floor monitor. The main problem I discovered was that someone who also will remain anonymous for the purpose of this blog has inflicted breakage of the volume and gain controls by either (a) dancing on or (b) trying to adjust the controls by foot while playing (tut tut... to both). For some reason the manufacturer of this product has gone out of their way not to put their mark on it (inside and out) apart from calling it a K-100PM and stating that it is 'designed and manufactured in the UK'. It looks like a Carlsbro-esque product to me, can anyone confirm?<br /><br />I would like to send out a huge commendation and thanks to <a href="http://www.omeg.co.uk/">Omeg</a> who have been extremely helpful far beyond the call of duty to me with this repair.Microphonichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10549762266337785394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9326926.post-73154918426111179422007-05-09T18:16:00.000+00:002007-05-09T18:21:01.253+00:00Microphonic movement<span style="font-family: verdana;">I am very pleased to announce that Microphonic Limited has moved from its former base in Waterfront Studios to a bigger premises in the Royal Docks area of East London. The company telephone number has also changed. For full contact information please visit the contact page of our website - <a href="http://www.microphonic.biz/contact.htm">click here</a>.</span>Colinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04301965828573680860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9326926.post-52448032878950653812007-03-06T17:49:00.000+00:002007-03-06T17:55:16.023+00:00Charlie P - Four Policemen<span style="font-family:verdana;">On the 25th of June 2006, Southend's own Charlie P got the crowd dancing at the Leigh Folk Festival. You can see a small video sample of this performance below or by visiting our relevant </span><a style="font-family: verdana;" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KIkL-5l4gbk">YouTube</a><span style="font-family:verdana;"> page. Charlie P backed by the Goldmaster Allstars can be booked through </span><a style="font-family: verdana;" href="mailto:bookings@microphonic.biz">Microphonic Limited</a><span style="font-family:verdana;">.</span><br /><br /><object height="165" width="200"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/KIkL-5l4gbk"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/KIkL-5l4gbk" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" height="165" width="200"></object>Microphonichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10549762266337785394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9326926.post-30340498177893663122007-03-06T17:42:00.000+00:002007-03-06T17:48:55.677+00:00Goldmaster Allstars - Colt 45<span style="font-family:verdana;">On the 25th of June 2006 the Goldmaster Allstars performed a forty minute set at the Leigh Folk Festival. You can see a small video sample of this performance below or by visiting our relevant </span><a style="font-family: verdana;" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppwJ7anoYe8">YouTube</a><span style="font-family:verdana;"> page. The Goldmaster Allstars can be booked through </span><a style="font-family: verdana;" href="mailto:bookings@microphonic.biz">Microphonic Limited</a><span style="font-family:verdana;">.</span><br /><br /><object height="165" width="200"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ppwJ7anoYe8"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ppwJ7anoYe8" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" height="165" width="200"></object>Microphonichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10549762266337785394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9326926.post-1164998106402541362006-12-01T18:34:00.000+00:002007-01-01T14:57:58.890+00:00Reggae Debate - City Hall Style !<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/2322/675/1600/468344/P1010001.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/2322/675/200/467812/P1010001.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:verdana;">Following on from my previous '</span><a style="font-family: verdana;" href="http://microphonic.blogspot.com/2006/07/reggae-gets-mayors-attention.html">Reggae gets Mayors attention</a><span style="font-family:verdana;">' post which reported a pilot reggae debate that was organised by Jeffrey Lennon of the </span><a style="font-family: verdana;" href="http://www.urban-enterprise.co.uk">Urban Enterprise Network</a><span style="font-family:verdana;">.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">On 25th October 2006 the reggae fraternity (approx 250 in number) descended en-masse at City Hall the London Mayors business abode described by some as resembling a 'testicle' in its architectural design style.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">The evening started with a reception where Jeremy Collingwood's </span><a style="font-family: verdana;" href="http://www.traxonwax.net/soundsystem.html">vintage sound system</a><span style="font-family:verdana;"> played some wonderful music as gatherers looked at photography supplied by <a style="font-family: verdana;" href="http://www.urbanimage.tv">Urban Image</a> photographers. Drinks on tap were Red Stripe, Guinness and ital orange juice while Jamaican inspired canapes were handed out generously.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">About 30 minutes later than expected we were shepherded up to the </span><a style="font-family: verdana;" href="http://www.london.gov.uk/gla/city_hall/city_hall_publicaccess.jsp">assembly chamber</a><span style="font-family:verdana;"> where five tables were arranged to receive the panel 'experts.' Namely Blacker Dread (Coxsone), Caroline Williams (Sista), Clive Dickenson (Greensleeves), David Katz (author), Dotun Adebayo (BBC London), Hugh Francis (Jet Star), Jazzie B (Soul 2 Soul), Jena Davis (Sista), John MacGillvray (Dub Vendor) , Lesley Lyrics (former Saxon DJ) , Lloyd Bradley (Bass Culture author), Martin Skitsel (last.fm), Mikey Dread (Channel One), Mykal Riley (Steel Pulse), Nicky Ezer (Culture Promotions), Stuart Baker (Soul Jazz), Trevor Sax (Saxon founder), there were also another member of Sista and a dubstep producer whose names I did not find out. Conspicuous by their absence were uk rhythm twins Mafia & Fluxy and also veteran reggae selector David Rodigan.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">The debate was kicked off by Jeff Lennon who brought on Lee Jasper the mayors Director of Equalities & Policing who after doing a reasonable stand up routine actually blessed the debate by calling the rather astonished audience to chant 'Rastafari!' after his second mancunian cry of 'Jah.'</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Jeff Lennon then fired subject matter at the experts who each gave their opinions and argued their corners. This went on for quite a while until the last 20 minutes or so where the audience were given the opportunity to fire questions at the expert panel. A lot of subject matter was debated and a lot of hot air expelled by the experts. Of all that was said it was members of the audience that raised two points worthy of mention in my opinion;</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Considering we were debating the rich heritage left by reggae music and the sound system culture why is it that todays policies set by government and local authorities are doing much to oppress that culture by not providing or actually excluding sound systems from suitable venues? Also another member of the public asked the panel experts when they were going to debate or demonstrate the one important message of the music and culture being that of 'unity?' This was also mentioned by Mykal Riley (ex Steel Pulse) who looked round the panel of experts saying that whilst he recognised and could name 75% of them. He questioned why he/they had not been in touch with each other for around 10 years?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">So the big debate mirrored the previous pilot meeting in that it is obvious that the reggae and sound system fraternity needs a unifying organisation to bring it together under one protective umbrella that will support and nurture it for future prosperity. How will that now happen?<br /><br />For pics from the event click link below;<br /></span>Colinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04301965828573680860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9326926.post-1164994088869757862006-12-01T17:23:00.000+00:002006-12-01T17:30:44.850+00:00Musicians Survey - the biggest ever ! (uk & eire)<span style="font-family:verdana;">The Musicians Benevolent Fund have launched the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Musicians…Have your say</span> survey, which they say "is the biggest ever survey of professional musicians and music students across the UK and Eire." They plan to use what musicians tell them to help determine what they will spend their money on in the future.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Amazon vouchers to the value of one hundred and fifty pounds are up for grabs, the Survey closes on 7th January 2007. Voucher winners will be notified by 19th January 2007.</span>Colinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04301965828573680860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9326926.post-1160328579984276422006-10-08T17:22:00.000+00:002006-10-08T17:35:39.556+00:00Goldmaster Allstars at the Colchester Institute<span style="font-family:verdana;">On the 27th of September 2006 the Colchester Institute's Centre for Music and Performing Arts was rocked to the foundations by the Goldmaster Allstars. You can see a small video sample of this evening below or by visiting our relevant </span><a style="font-family: verdana;" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eaYr5PTqEU4">YouTube</a><span style="font-family:verdana;"> page. The Goldmaster Allstars can be booked through </span><a style="font-family: verdana;" href="mailto:bookings@microphonic.biz">Microphonic Limited</a><span style="font-family:verdana;">.</span><br /><br /><object width="200" height="165"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/eaYr5PTqEU4"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/eaYr5PTqEU4" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="200" height="165"></embed></object>Colinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04301965828573680860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9326926.post-1159315300061554102006-09-26T23:53:00.000+00:002006-10-08T17:19:52.810+00:00G.T. Moore on MySpace / YouTube<span style="font-family:verdana;">Veteran of all things musical G.T. Moore can now be found on the ever increasing web-sites of </span><a style="font-family: verdana;" href="http://www.myspace.com/ganjaflower">MySpace </a><span style="font-family:verdana;">and </span><a style="font-family: verdana;" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rIj6ZYrjpAw">YouTube</a><span style="font-family:verdana;"> at last! The video below was part of his performance at the Leigh Folk Festival in June 2006. Watch this space for more to come...</span><br /><br /><object width="200" height="165"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/rIj6ZYrjpAw"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/rIj6ZYrjpAw" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="200" height="165"></embed></object>Colinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04301965828573680860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9326926.post-1156431498393565492006-08-24T14:58:00.000+00:002006-08-24T16:09:25.360+00:00Freedom at The National Maritime Museum<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2322/675/1600/NMM230806.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2322/675/200/NMM230806.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Last night I ventured 'south of the river' and surfaced in </span><st1:city><st1:place><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Greenwich</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> which is home of the </span><st1:place><st1:placename><span style="font-family:Verdana;">National</span></st1:placename><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> </span><st1:placename><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Maritime</span></st1:placename><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> </span><st1:placetype><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Museum</span></st1:placetype></st1:place><span style="font-family:Verdana;">. I was there mainly because I had heard that Jah Shaka would be playing a part in an evening which was to commemorate the 'International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition' - The evening started with a debate titled "Freedom." We were greeted by the Director of Research & Collections Margarette Lincoln who raised eyebrows and a smile with her eloquent pronunciation of 'Jah Shaka' as part of proceedings. The debate was chaired by Bonnie Greer and she was joined by presenters Godfried Donkor, Keith Piper, Sonia Boyce and Faisal Abdu'Allah. Each gave a presentation all of which were clear concise and thought provoking, the only criticism being the failure of audio visual systems or timing of such. The debate ended with a question and answer session which raised a lot of intelligent comments.<br /><br />We then ventured out of the lecture theatre and could immediately hear something vaguely resembling music coming from somewhere; it was difficult from this position to work out what it was due to the reverberation of the venue. We were then led up to a raised terrace, courtyard for want of a better description. It was huge in size and surrounded on three sides by glass cabinets full of maritime treasures and artifacts. At one end was a snack/bar in the middle was Jah Shaka setup on the edge of a square that was roughly the size of a professional boxing ring. He had 4 stacks of speakers setup in the four corners two facing away and two facing towards him. This square was roped off by a blue band leaving just Shaka, one of his crew who was happily dancing and another of his crew manning a video camera on a tripod.<br /><br />Above this terrace was a huge curved glass ceiling. When Shaka who was playing at levels quite restrained at this point lifted the arm from a record the reverb decay time was something along the lines of 5 to 6 seconds. Unfortunately this location within NMM was probably the worst place of all to set up a sound system. When the music was playing the reflections just mudded up the music and was not enjoyable to my ears at all. Shaka was drawing a wicked selection of vintage roots tunes each with their own appropriate lyric content for the night. Industry characters I spied on the night were Jonah Dan, Terry Gad, Jah Surr Zema and Leroy Mafia.<br /><br />I did take my camera along but while I was trying to find a vantage point to get some good shots I was approached by one of the Shaka crew and told not to take pictures. The single out of focus picture that I did manage to take is the one above. This is kind of ironic at an event called 'Freedom' and is even more ironic when you consider that the picture of <a href="http://www.microphonic.freeuk.com/brockwell/pages/DJ_Malachi.htm">Malachi</a> on the flyer for his next gig at the Telegraph is actually one of my pictures from the free festival event at Brockwell Park 2005. I am happy to share that picture and would have supplied it to them at a better resolution than the web image it was taken from if only someone had asked!</span><p></p><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span>Colinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04301965828573680860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9326926.post-1156171936391005462006-08-21T14:37:00.000+00:002006-08-21T14:52:16.680+00:00Cargo re-unites dub clubbers<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2322/675/1600/dubclub0806.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2322/675/200/dubclub0806.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: verdana;">I popped along the Dub Club Reunion Party at Cargo last night organised by </span><a style="font-family: verdana;" href="http://www.culturepromotions.com/">Culture Promotions</a><span style="font-family: verdana;">. It was sponsored by rum distillers 'Wray and Nephew' as part of the </span><a style="font-family: verdana;" href="http://www.rum.co.uk/overproofcompetition.htm">Overproof</a><span style="font-family: verdana;"> 'rum and reggae' series of events. Sounds were provided by Entebbe sound system and they were joined by Mafia and Fluxy, Iration Steppas, Manasseh and JNR International. The climax was an amazing one for one session where every tune had to be caught short due to the midnight curfew but at the same time left everyone in attendance hungry for a repeat performance with no constraints! To view some pics from last nights event please click on the link below.</span>Colinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04301965828573680860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9326926.post-1156004226692676512006-08-19T16:08:00.000+00:002006-08-20T02:33:04.680+00:00VOIP phenomena<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2322/675/1600/skype_ele.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2322/675/200/skype_ele.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:verdana;">Been watching the voip (voice over internet protocol) scene for some time now and it has to be said - it is a very effective low cost way to communicate especially for friends and family but no reason why business shouldn't take advantage of the technology either. I have been using 'skype' for a while now and give it the thumbs up enough to recommend it on here. I am currently using the <a href="http://www.tesco.com/telecoms/internet_phone.html">Tesco internet phone</a> handset which I picked up on ebay for less than a tenner (£10). NB. If you do have the tesco handset and wish to use the buttons on the phone for skype then download the US Robotics software <a href="http://www.usr-emea.com/support/s-prod-template.asp?loc=unkg&prod=9600a">here</a>. I'm sure Tesco's own software and service is just as good as skype but at this point in time I don't need to use the call-out to landline service I am just looking for free calls between contacts. So feel free to contact microphonic at no cost through skype* (* if we are online NB. see status icon in the right hand section of this blog). Download skype, add us to your contact list and chat away!</span>Colinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04301965828573680860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9326926.post-1155199800067110362006-08-10T08:49:00.000+00:002006-08-10T18:48:16.546+00:00Fantasy funtime - join the microphonicship<span style="font-family:verdana;">Join in with some premiership football fun in the 'microphonicship' - the league of champions.<br /><br />Go to </span><a href="http://fantasy.premierleague.com"><span style="font-family:verdana;">http://fantasy.premierleague.com</span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;">. Register and create your team. Once you have created a team click on the 'Leagues' button on the right hand side and enter the code below. Its free and will be a lot of fun!<br /><br />478056-76893</span>Colinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04301965828573680860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9326926.post-1153757434380859262006-07-24T16:08:00.000+00:002006-07-25T13:26:23.563+00:00Microsoft calls the Zune<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/2006/07/player_zune_.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/2006/07/player_zune_.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Microsoft has confirmed that they are developing a brand/music and entertainment project under the banner 'Zune.' I notice that nearly every domain name under Zune has been registered already. However in the UK there is no company registered as Zune Limited and the domain name .ltd.uk is also still available... for how long I wonder? So... If you now go off and register this company and name and make some sheckles in the process I hope you will remember where you heard it first and reward me handsomely!</span>Colinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04301965828573680860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9326926.post-1153416891990016562006-07-20T17:22:00.000+00:002006-07-20T17:47:09.626+00:00Reggae gets Mayors attention<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.microphonic.freeuk.com/uen/panel_and_dj.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.microphonic.freeuk.com/uen/panel_and_dj.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:verdana;">Went to a discussion about Reggae at the Gramaphone Bar in London E1 last night. The event was organised by the Urban Enterprise Network and was entitled 'The History of Reggae and Sound System culture in the UK.' (</span><a style="font-family: verdana;" href="http://www.kaleidoscope4music.co.uk/">click here</a><span style="font-family:verdana;"> for more info). The panel of experts comprised of David Rodigan, Jazzy B and Stuart Baker founder of Soul Jazz Records. There has been much discussion about this event over at the </span><a style="font-family: verdana;" href="http://www.bloodandfire.co.uk/db/viewtopic.php?t=16687">B&F message board</a><span style="font-family:verdana;"> but what I thought was the overwhelming point of the night was that all that encompasses "reggae" in the UK needs to unite. Maybe under a banner organisation so that collectively it can be nurtured, grown and archived for the enjoyment of current and future generations. Some pics from the night can be viewed by clicking the title post or link below.</span>Colinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04301965828573680860noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9326926.post-1153245293959918692006-07-18T17:42:00.000+00:002006-07-19T11:03:55.600+00:00Doing the Lambeth skank !<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.microphonic.freeuk.com/brockwell06/images/sun_is_shining.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.microphonic.freeuk.com/brockwell06/images/sun_is_shining.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:verdana;">Travelled across the river for the second of my annual pilgrimages to Brockwell Park to bask in the sun and let my ears be subjected to the wonderful Reggae beats going on at the Lambeth Country show. It was a glorious day, very well attended and there was something to interest everyone. Main acts on stage were Willie 'Armagideon Time' Williams and the legendary Twinkle Brothers (albeit just the Norman half,) other acts included Prince Malachi, DJ'ing by Nick Manasseh and PA's by Ras Negus, Jahn Konoo and local food vendor King Atarney.</span>Colinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04301965828573680860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9326926.post-1151937154254408592006-07-03T14:31:00.000+00:002006-07-03T14:32:35.176+00:00Google Checkout - hot on the heels of Paypal<span style="font-family: verdana;">Google have launched a new online payment system called "Checkout". They are offering very competitive rates initially as an incentive to sway people away from using Paypal. However, in the short term it is only available to sellers or merchants who reside and have their bank account in the United States.</span>Colinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04301965828573680860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9326926.post-1151172094852788702006-06-24T17:56:00.000+00:002006-07-21T15:08:27.713+00:00Photographic Exhibition - Punk Aid 24/25th june<span style="font-family:verdana;">Photographic Exhibition 12noon till 8pm</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Photos by David Apps, Mark Oliff, Sigma and Phil Watts</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">£3 on the door, £2 concessions includes complimentary plastic cup of wine (its a posh do)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">All profits to raise funds for Dame Vera Lynne trust for children with cerebral palsy</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Location:</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">British Academy of New Music</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Unit B, Sugar House Yard</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Sugar House Lane</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Bromley by Bow</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">London</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">E15 2QS</span>Colinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04301965828573680860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9326926.post-1150650343758908182006-06-18T17:01:00.000+00:002006-07-21T15:07:20.486+00:00Myspace gauntlet thrown...<span style="font-family: verdana;">Microphonic have created a myspace page and have thrown the gauntlet down to see if we can find any Roots and Culture vocal artists with Conscious lyrics to ride our new "Herb from Africa" rhythm. A sample of the track is up on the myspace page along with the planned second release on the Microphonic label "Row Fisherman."</span>Colinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04301965828573680860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9326926.post-1148576810606776002006-05-25T17:02:00.000+00:002006-05-25T17:08:20.910+00:00Movements - Back a Yard style<span class="orangetext15" style="font-family:verdana;">About backyardmovements; Today </span><span style="font-family:verdana;">Disciples consists of Russ D. producer, musician, engineer on the uk reggae and dub scene since 1986. Originally Disciples were brothers Russ and Lol who produced music for legendary uk sound system man Jah Shaka, it was Shaka who gave them their name, they recorded 4 albums for Shaka from `87 - `91. Later Russ formed his own labels Boom Shacka Lacka and Backyard Movements, the former for uk dub styles, the latter for roots vocal styles. In `91 they also built a sound system which they ran for 5 years before packing away the boxes for good. Lol pulled out of the music biz and Russ continued forward in the studio and productions as well as continued dj`ing around the world with long time friend and micman Jonah Dan. For more check the link...</span>Colinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04301965828573680860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9326926.post-1147803329298447022006-05-16T18:14:00.000+00:002006-05-16T18:15:40.926+00:00New photo software from Google - Picasa<p style="font-family: verdana;"> Picasa is software that helps you instantly find, edit and share all the pictures on your PC. Every time you open Picasa, it automatically locates all your pictures (even ones you forgot you had) and sorts them into visual albums organised by date with folder names you will recognise. You can drag and drop to arrange your albums and make labels to create new groups. Picasa makes sure your pictures are always organised.</p> <p style="font-family: verdana;"> Picasa also makes advanced editing simple by putting one-click fixes and powerful effects at your fingertips. And Picasa makes it a snap to share your pictures – you can email, print photos home, make gift CDs, and even post pictures on your own blog.</p><span style="font-family: verdana;">To get your hands on (download) Picasa scroll down the right hand navigation menu on this web page and click on the Google photo link button. </span>Colinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04301965828573680860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9326926.post-1147799735933799282006-05-16T17:06:00.000+00:002006-05-16T20:55:34.060+00:00Spurs new shirt sponsor - untold information<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.action.org.uk/giving/sponsorship/images/eventers/CB6RR.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.action.org.uk/giving/sponsorship/images/eventers/CB6RR.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:verdana;">Wanna know more about the Spurs sponsorship deal? then </span><a style="font-family: verdana;" href="http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/articles/newsponsor150506.html">click here</a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">BUT!!! while you are here I have another shirt sponsor story which may interest you. My mate 'Smiffy' a lifelong Spurs fan is about to embark on yet another two wheeled adventure (wonder which part of his anatomy will take a beating this time?) and in doing so is trying to raise money for a very worthy cause. If you wish to part with a small amount of your folding stuff to motivate his pedal pushing ability then please </span><a href="http://www.action.org.uk/%7ECB6RR"><span style="font-family:verdana;">click here.</span> </a>Colinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04301965828573680860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9326926.post-1146750964232364042006-05-04T13:52:00.000+00:002006-05-04T13:57:22.290+00:00Jah Works Promotions on Reggae-Events.com<span style="font-family:verdana;">Found this international reggae events portal site where you can post information about your reggae events for the whole world to see (and its free). Nice to see that the forthcoming dance at the Stratford Rex by Jah Works Promotions is there on display. Click on the link below to see more.</span>Colinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04301965828573680860noreply@blogger.com1