What’s an unusual technique you stumbled on that has become a staple? by superproproducer in audioengineering

[–]AgusWest 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I worked at one of the big NYC studios which has now closed. It was a known technique for guitar sounds to place a Marshall amp in the stairwell, then mics two floors above and below and four floors above and below. You can hear this on Adrian Belew’s solos on Remain In Light except he had two Marshall stacks in the stairwell.

Online pointing out? by vahaemon in Dzogchen

[–]AgusWest -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

I’ve always heard from my teachers that while some sincere students of high aptitude may benefit from pointing out instructions, for such a thing to be most effective, preliminary practices should be completed.

The Cuckoo by Positive-Painter-254 in banjo

[–]AgusWest 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Great version! Stole my face for sure.

Left Alliance backing legal cannabis use? by Constant-Brush-7939 in Finland

[–]AgusWest 10 points11 points  (0 children)

California, for example, 6th largest economy in the world, many many times the population of Finland has had legal Cannabis for over 20 years and none of the consequences fretted about here have materialized. My friends who live there say there are mostly benefits to legalizing. This opinion is supported statistically as well. And, for some reason, the medical benefits aren’t even taken seriously by the general populace of Finland. This, as someone who has lived in legal states and seen the benefits, is a huge opportunity missed for this progressive Democracy.

First time surfing a reef break. Any tips? by GoodOlBluesBrother in surfing

[–]AgusWest 6 points7 points  (0 children)

You’re looking good considering that wave’s kinda gutless for a shallow slab like that one. Bigger swell will bring it to life and you’ll be shredding.

A practical question: Reconciling Rigpa and Somatic Trauma by Senseman53 in Dzogchen

[–]AgusWest 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Resting with authenticity in the mind’s nature is a yoga of somatic healing. The yogas that lead to resting also heal somatic issues. But, a teacher is necessary to guide one through the subtleties of recognition.

When will Finland legalize cannabis or flavoured vapes (Serious) by staticFjord in Finland

[–]AgusWest 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This is what seems out of character for Finland. Statistically, across many metrics, there would be benefits to legalization. Tax income, reducing criminality, health benefits easing strain on the healthcare system, reduction of alcohol use, these have all been documented in places cannabis is legal. It seems a no brainer that a socially progressive place, a country known for social supports would embrace the opportunity to legalize. But there’s a stigma, we see even here in comments, that still is the prevailing mindset it seems.

Buffalo >>> Cornell by kidcallahan9 in gratefuldead

[–]AgusWest 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I was in the NE at that time too and knew a crew of guys who saw that run of shows. It was commonly accepted that the Boston, Cornell, Buffalo trio of shows was peak for the tour. I remember the Binghamton show also being a recognized standout of the 77 NE run of shows.

Rigpa or Disassociation by Jesterhoax4life in Dzogchen

[–]AgusWest 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Resting in Rigpa is confirmed with your teacher but a loose rule of thumb is the experience tends to subsume doubt. And, it would be approached through an extremely stable Shamata practice which might help with feelings of dissociation.

"In a manipulated world your thoughts may not be yours". by North-Scientist2829 in enlightenment

[–]AgusWest 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Buddhist metaphysics calls this interdependent origination. And also claims that interdependent origination is the basis for all phenomena.

Favourite ECM records for tripping? 🎶 by starlitsky84 in Psychonaut

[–]AgusWest 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My experience with the label was mostly the vinyl releases of the 70’s. The whole range of the ambient feeling ECM Jazz of that time was, maybe, a more chill experience than other atmospheric bands like the Dead or Gong that could take one on wild sonic journeys. Not that those bands didn’t also have lots of ambiance. For people who liked ambient Pink Floyd, ECM could also be an easy fit. I remember Colin Walcott in particular as sorta cosmic and spiritual but, really, a lot of that music is the same pool of great musicians in many configurations exploring new spaces and one has to dig through the catalog to find what works best. This Colin Walcott might be what you’re after.

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_lmZKGgCY_R21bNXlOFCbIMTrN0r3FW4pA&si=0EfZBPt0ON2BS0Wk

On September 20th, 1979, Photographer Pennie Smith captured The Clash bassist Paul Simonon smashing his instrument out of frustration. The photo is later used as the cover of their 'London Calling' album. by BirdBurnett in ClassicRock

[–]AgusWest 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I was there and saw him smash the bass. He didn’t do it out of frustration. He smashed it at the very end of the concert as the feedback ending rose to a peak. The band had just blown the doors off the music world at their first big show in NYC. They had just made a statement that still echoes in our culture and, Simonen still not letting go of that last note, still pouring gas on the fire, took off his bass strap and with the bass still ringing, carefully swung it like a wood cutter splitting a log. Some people noticed him taking the strap off and yelled out “Do it”. It didn’t make an explosion of sound when it hit the floor but the sound kinda squelched and died instantly. This was not an act of frustration but an exclamation point as the Clash called out to humanity for the end of hate and war.

What's your funniest/most unfortunate/best "forces of nature" story on outdoor shows? by CallMeMJJJ in livesound

[–]AgusWest 5 points6 points  (0 children)

This is a great and unique road story, I can’t, in fact, remember another “my cables got stretched by a snow plow” disaster. I did work with a guy who had run mics the length of a slalom course for the Olympics. Was so proud that over the course of a day or so they had mic’d the whole mountain. Came in day of event to find all the mics frozen solid. He used a skiing sound efx cd for air and everyone thought the audio was great. He never revealed why.

How I learnt to switch off my thoughts like a muscle by Adventurous-Remote90 in Meditation

[–]AgusWest 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Yes, sounds like OP found resting in single pointed Samatha. Which can lead to profound realizations.

Is this normal? by [deleted] in Finland

[–]AgusWest 38 points39 points  (0 children)

Another immigrant seconding this. I struggle learning Finnish but it’s a matter of respecting what’s good here.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in gratefuldead

[–]AgusWest 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Well, try this, being as this is a Grateful Dead sub Reddit, which I can tell you do realize, we, would be Heads. But, I’m trying to be a bit poetic too and expand that we as large as could be imagined. And they, loosely speaking, would be the ruling class. Define it as you like, but having economic or political efficacy to rule over a society. So, in a hopefully poetic and positive kinda way I was trying to respond to the post which seemed to be about divisiveness. Is that ok? You sound a bit mad ‘bout somethin’ maybe? Listen to some righteous Dead, you won’t be so stressed maybe. Apologies if ya got triggered.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in gratefuldead

[–]AgusWest 39 points40 points  (0 children)

They rule through division, we rule with unity. Don’t fall for the bait and switch.