June 2005 - Posts

This just ticks me off...
I weep for the future, and the uncertainty that it holds.......

Way to go, IBM. You REALLY SUCK.

Thanks,

Me.
Finally back at work.........
After a week and a half of being out, I am finally back at work. It was VERY hard coming back. I was enjoying the family time imensely. I was also able to get some projects going around the house during my time off. I've been re-landscaping the front yard, uprooting some plants and bushes I didn't like, and I got Katelyn's swingset up. It's been fun and rewarding. I've decided that next I'm gonna repaint the front porch and replace the mailbox.

I guess I should go write some code or something..........
WHAT A FATHER'S DAY!!!

Brody Christopher King arrived yesterday at 5:09p.m.

20 inches long

6lbs, 15 oz.

You can see some pics of our new arrival here.

Pass the collection plate around....
I've started the fund. It's the "Eric needs a new Sax" fund. It's funny how everyone places different values on things. Well, what I mean is, in order to start the "Sax fund", I sold my autographed Peyton Manning jersey. I'll be putting any money I make from paying gigs into the fund as well. It might take me a while to save up the kind of dough I'll need. Right now I've got my heart set on a professional Yamaha horn. (The Yamaha 82Z "Custom Z" to be exact.) Mainly because I've been playing on Yamaha Saxes since the 6th grade. AND if it's good enough for Phil Woods, it's good enough for me.

Something I find interesting is that Yamaha has done something different with the new 82Z. They are offering an unlaquered model. What does that mean? Well, basically, the horn lacks the protective coat that gives it that "brand new sax" shine. Check this out. Here are some pics posted by a guy who has been playing on his unlaquered Z for just over a year now:

Side Pic1
Side Pic 2
Pic 3

So why would someone want to take their horn and make go from this(PIC), to this(PIC)???

Well, because it's cool, of course!! Yeah, I know. That's all a matter of opinion. But in the least, it's kind of neat. There are plenty of folks out there who argue that the unlaquered horn produces a deeper, darker tone. Having never played one, I can't tell ya. But what I do think is cool, is to have the feel and mechanics of a brand new horn with the looks of a 45 year old horn. I can dig it.

-Eric.
Just won this on eBay......
I LOVE eBay. It's the "World's Flea Market". I had been watching this mouthpiece last week, patiently waiting to snatch it at the last second. Well.....last 6 seconds. :)

Beechler Bellite 7 Alto Sax Mouthpiece

I understand that Dave Koz uses a customized Bellite 7. I really dig his sound, so I'm anxious to see what kind of sound I get with it on my Yamaha Alto.
Don't post around much, anymore....
It's been a busy life around here. No complaints on my part. The next King child is a little big, so they've moved the due date up to around the last of the month. But in reality, at this point it's anyone's guess as to when he'll decide to show up. We're still deciding on names for the boy. We like Luke, Brody, and a couple of others.

I've been trying to play my horn whenever I can get a chance to gig somewhere. Next week, one of the groups I play with is playing at Riverbend. I'm excited because that should be for a decent size crowd, and it's a paying gig. Those are always nice. The big headliners this year are Kid Rock and Boyz II Men.

We held a ministry fair at Church this past weekend. I printed up about 60 flyers for the technology ministries, and worked our booth. I think I only handed out about 5 flyers. People seem to be afraid of technology. My brother has pretty much been the "it" guy for the church web site now for a few years, and it's not easy finding anyone to help out that has the skills. I'm sure it might be a little different if we were had some incredibly huge number of members. I'll be heading up the Photography ministry. Not because I have any passion for photography, or anything. It's mostly because I'm capable and willing serve. It's not about pictures, so much as coordinating people to take the pictures as well as communication and administration. Kind of like what I did with the .NET user group. Just making sure that "things get done".
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