JediWright.com

I haven’t done a list in I don’t know how long, so here’s one for 2009, recognizing my top ten, notable events:

• I got to see a woman/my partner/Tristan give birth to our first child and son Lee, born (1.24.09)
• I completed yet another phase of build-out at the first house I’ve helped build from scratch
• I got to see Lamb play live
• My immediate family got together, including my sister and bro-in-law from Spain (who got to meet Lee); last time was some years ago
• Made my first trip to Ireland
• Flew solo with Lee back to PA for a quick family visit
• Moved back to Los Angeles, California
• Helped navigate my Internet fabric company through treacherous economic waters, coming out ahead, out of debt and on track for renewed profitability
• Lee: rolled over, crawled, stood up, took his first steps, started “talking”, along with a multitude of other firsts
• Discovered some interesting truths about myself through some very heavy introspection

I’ve begun compiling a list of favorite musicians. It’s a work in progress, especially since many of my favorite artists are still packed away in my cassette (tape) storage and have therefore fallen out of touch with them. As I work my way through those boxes and my memory, I’ll be adding them all on here:

A Perfect Circle, Aes Dana, Alice In Chains, Amanda Jayne, Amon Tobin, Ani DiFranco, Aphex Twin, Arcade Fire, At The Drive In, Bad Boy Bill, Beastie Boys, Beck, Ben Wright, Bjork, Bliss Puppies, Booka Shade, Broker/Dealer, Carbon Based Lifeforms, Carl Cox, Chevelle, Cocteau Twins, Daft Punk, Danzig, Dave Matthews Band, David Sylvian, Dead Can Dance, Death Cab For Cutie, Dieselboy, Dirty Rotten Imbeciles, DJ Brad, DJ Brian, DJ LTJ Bukem, DJ T-1000, DJ Treavor, Enya, Faith No More, Fiona Apple, Frankie Bones, Front 242, Fugazi, Future Sound of London, Gregory Johnson, Hallucinogen, Hardfloor, Helmet, Hot Chip, H.U.V.A, Jamiroquai, Janes Addiction, Joey Beltram, Jose Gonzalez, Kings of Leon, Lamb, Live, Loop!Station, Maata Haari, Maserati, Massive Attack, Meat Beat Manifesto, Ministry, Monolake, Morrissey, Mr. C, Nicky Fingers, NIN, Nirvana, Nitzer Ebb, Omar Santana, O9, Pearl Jam, Peter Gabriel, PJ Harvey, Portishead, Primus, Puscifer, Rage Against The Machine, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Rusted Root, Seven Seconds, Sigur Ros, Sinead O’connor, Siouxsie And The Banshees, Sisters of Mercy, Skinny Puppy, Smashing Pumpkins, Soundgarden, Speedy J, Sting, Stone Temple Pilots, Sun Project, Talvin Singh, The Cure, The Mars Volta, The Police, The Postal Service, The Sisters of Mercy, The Smiths, Tool, Tori Amos, Type O Negative

tech1200s_top

Originally uploaded by JediWright

So after long and careful consideration I’ve decided it’s time to sell my turntables, again.

Here’s the quick rundown on ‘em: 2 SL-1200M3D Technics “Quartz Direct Drive” turntables (intact with lids) with Stanton TII-SK cartridges/needles (average price online $35/each) and Technics logo slipmats in original boxes. The lids’ clasps need to be replaced but other than that there in great shape.

I’ve had a few responses but nothing real promising yet. Maybe I’ll get to keep them afterall, but since I’ve barely used them in years (and probably won’t in the years to come with the baby coming any day), I’d prefer to hold on to them.

I’ve posted my ad on Craigslist, check it out here: http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/msg/966974061.html

Time for some list-making with my first, Top 10 list of the new year.

This is a Top 10 of all my favorites, spanning any and every category. From favorite travel destinations, films, books, websites, events, jobs, and anything else that tickles my list-making fancy. Also, it should be noted that it’s been posted in no particular order.

1. Favorite Trip
I flew into Barcelona after my first European trip and job with The Do LaB in Portugal and did some sight-seeing with Patricio and finally got to see Amanda, meet her husband and otherwise catch up with her life of 10-years there in Europe.

2. Favorite Job With The Do LaB
I think my favorite job with these guys this past year was the one for SpeakerCraft. Everyone kicked ass for weeks in the pre-fab, load-in and setup in Denver at the Cedia Convention. That job was the most taxing in terms of details we’ve yet done and it really showed. It was so much work but in the end it turned out amazingly beautiful.

3. Favorite Live Show
Nine Inch Nails’ show in Baltimore, MD at the Virgin Music Festival was definitely my favorite show of the year. I always love Trent Reznor’s music and his live performances with a band are one of the best. Plus, I got to bring Tristan and my old high-school friend Jesse Buck along too; it was both their first time seeing NIN live.

4. Favorite New Web Service
I think definitely without a doubt, that Posterous was the coolest new web utility service. I discovered it late in the year but have been thoroughly enjoying its use ever since.

5. Favorite New Book
My favorite new read of the year had to be “From Program To Product – Turning Your Code Into A Saleable Product” by Rocky Smolin.

6. Favorite Gift
Definitely without a doubt was Tristan’s handmade pregnant belly cast she made for me at Christmas.

7. Favorite News
No it wasn’t Obama winning, it was the unforgettable news that I was going to have my first child and a son at that. He’s growing nice and strong and due in 3 weeks.

8. Favorite New Album
This is a bit tough but would have to say Booka Shade’s “Movements”. Then Santogold’s self-titled album, followed by Death Cab’s “Narrow Stairs”.

9. Favorite New Movie
Hmm, another toughie but I’m gonna’ have to say Iron Man I think. Tropic Thunder, Batman: The Dark Knight, Speedracer, and a few others were all great too, but I think Iron Man was one of the most well done comic book adaptations yet, and a great first-time effort in one from Robery Downey, Jr.

10. Favorite Activity
Blogging has proven the most enjoyable activity that I’ve pursued this year. My creative pursuits have kind of been up and down a lot over the last few years so blogging has helped to stabilize and fulfill the need for a healthy, consistent outlet of expression. Plus, I received my first check in related advertising.