Digital Diary

Casio SF-4300

I picked up this Casio SF-4300 Digital Diary that was wedged between open stacks of index cards and file folders at the local second-hand store.

After replacing the batteries (3 x CR2032), the unit powered on reading "DATA ERROR, CONSULT THE OWNER'S MANUAL". A quick scan told me to reset the unit using the recessed button on the back, similar to a Playstation controller or calculator.

It's a nifty little PDA. With 32kB of memory, it can save a directory of telephone numbers, memos, a daily schedule, calendar appointments, track home and world times, ping reminders, and do arithmetic. It's important to be mindful of the length of pieces of text, as it can quickly lead to an "OVERFLOW", which requires another reset.

There is also a "SECRET" memory location where one can store information that requires a user password. Perfect for keeping your digital diary away from prying eyes. The only (glaring) omission from its feature set is an address book.

The design suits its 1997 production date very well, and the colours remind me of the Casio F-91W from 1989.

It sits in my desk drawer, and I've been entering in short memos every now and then. Hopefully, it will be a fun look back in a year or two.

Cassette Tape Typography

I came across these cassettes at a second-hand store.

This one has no sleeve, but the typography and colour have a nice appearance.

The lettering on this sleeve coming out of the trumpet caught my eye.

The charm of physical media is certainly appealing. It is rare to notice design elements like these in a thumbnail.

Warnings from 1980

A few more lines from Frank Herbert/Max Barnard's Without Me You're Nothing (1980).

Metal, plants and animals - Making Music with Guitar

More of The Listening Book:

"If you spend a lot of time with electronic instruments, balance that experience with acoustic ones, with the vibrations of metal and plants and animals, and with your own voice of flesh and breath."
W.A Mathieu

While I differ from Mathieu on his dislike for electronic instruments, I do love the sound of metal and wood.
Here is my process for generating musical ideas with a guitar:

1. Experiment with melodic lines or chords
2. Record ideas
3. Listen back, string them together
4. Record 1-2 minutes of repeating progression
5. Play over progression
6. Iterate

A looper can be used instead of a recorder. However, I prefer a recording that ends.
Loopers keep the idea in one place. Space at the end of a recording can help me 'hear' what comes next.

(image from Frank Herbert /MaxBernard Without Me You're Nothing)

Too simple?

- Layer more lines or chords until something sticks
Self-correction can be stifling. Add first, subtract later.

- Play your own lines over other people's songs
Collaboration is key.

Too complex?

- Hum, speak, sing while playing
Shift focus away from the guitar.

Remember:

Progress -- not perfection.

Sounds to Get Lost In

Seven of twenty sounds to get lost in
according to W.A Mathieu from The Listening Book (1991).

"Obviously, wind chimes, they can lead you to unexpected pleasure.
Two music boxes, or three, at once.
Rain.
River; waterfall.
Crickets; FROGS.
Wind around corners.
Your own breathing..."

Seven of my own:

Rhythm of footsteps vs heartbeats
60 Hz hum
A moving subway car
Books shuffled on a table
Flipping toggle switches
A kettle boiling water
Skateboards hitting asphalt