“THE BITTERNESS OF POOR QUALITY REMAINS LONG AFTER THE SWEETNESS OF LOW PRICE IS FORGOTTEN”
Shop Hours
At the wadkin temple
PPSD (Post Production Stress Disorder):
PPSD (Post Production Stress Disorder):
noun /ˈpōst prəˈdəkSH(ə)n stres disˈôrdər/
A highly underdiagnosed condition affecting editors, mixers, and post-production folks who must endure the chaotic aftermath of decisions made on set or in the recording studio by people who clearly thought “planning ahead” was someone else’s job.
Symptoms include:
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Cold sweats when someone says “We’ll fix it in post”
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Auditory hallucinations of mouth clicks and HVAC hum
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Sudden rage when seeing vertical video
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Uncontrollable twitching at inconsistent mic placement
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Panic attacks triggered by the words “render failed”
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Existential dread caused by clients saying, “Can we just make it pop more?”
Common triggers:
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Actors who improvise wildly around continuity
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Drummers who move mics mid-take
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Boom shadows
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Studio engineers who record everything in one mono track called “Final_FINAL_UseThis.wav”
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Directors who say, “Just capture the vibe—we’ll sort it out later”
Treatment:
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Screaming into a soundproof booth
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Heavy sarcasm
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Color-coded timelines
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Naming your export “AbsolutelyNotFixingThisAgain.mov”
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Accepting that your career is basically digital janitorial work with a creative twist
Music Labels – Global market structure
Tier 1: The “Big Three” Global Conglomerates
These three companies collectively control the vast majority of the global music market share. Their subsidiaries and imprints are listed below them.
- Universal (Universal Music Group – UMG)
- Description: The largest record label group globally, with the biggest market share and a vast catalog.
- Wikipedia: Universal Music Group
- Sony (Sony Music Entertainment – SME)
- Description: The second-largest global record company, with a rich history and extensive publishing assets.
- Wikipedia: Sony Music Entertainment
- Warner (Warner Music Group – WMG)
- Description: The third of the “Big Three,” with a significant history and diverse roster.
- Wikipedia: Warner Music Group
Canadian Music Labels and Key Personnel & Signed/Associated Artists
Canadian Music Labels and Key Personnel & Signed/Associated Artists
A list of record labels and their association and music types
Major/Large Labels & Subsidiaries
- A&M Records: An American record label founded by Herb Alpert and Jerry Moss, known for its diverse roster of pop, rock, and R&B artists. Now part of Universal Music Group. Wikipedia
- Arista Records: An American record label founded by Clive Davis, known for its success in pop, R&B, and rock. Now part of Sony Music. Wikipedia
- Atlantic Records: A highly influential American record label, part of Warner Music Group. Known for its pivotal role in jazz, blues, R&B, rock and roll, and soul music. Wikipedia
- Atlantic/Rhino: A combined branding, highlighting the classic catalog of Atlantic often reissued or compiled by Rhino Entertainment (a Warner Music Group subsidiary). Wikipedia / Wikipedia
- Barclay Records: A historic French record label, now part of Universal Music Group, known for its diverse releases, including French pop and chanson. Wikipedia
- BMG (Bertelsmann Music Group): Formerly a major global music company, its recorded music assets were largely absorbed by Sony (forming Sony BMG, later just Sony Music). The name now refers to a music rights management company. Wikipedia
- Capitol Records: An iconic American record label, part of Universal Music Group. Famous for its distinctive Hollywood building and a roster that has included many legendary artists, particularly in pop, rock, and jazz. Wikipedia
- CBS Records: The former name for Columbia Records when it was owned by CBS Inc. Wikipedia
- Columbia Records: A historic and influential American record label, now part of Sony Music. Known for its extensive catalog across popular music genres, from jazz to rock and pop. Wikipedia
- Columbia/Legacy: A sub-label of Columbia Records (Sony Music) dedicated to reissues, compilations, and archival releases from Columbia’s vast back catalog. Wikipedia
- Def Jam Recordings: A legendary American record label, now part of Universal Music Group. Hugely influential in the development of hip-hop and R&B. Wikipedia
- DGC Records: An American record label, a subsidiary of Geffen Records (Universal Music Group), known for alternative rock. Wikipedia
- DreamWorks Records: A former American record label founded by Steven Spielberg, David Geffen, and Jeffrey Katzenberg. Its catalog is now largely part of Universal Music Group. Wikipedia
- Elektra Records: An American record label, now part of Warner Music Group. Historically known for its folk, rock, and alternative artists. Wikipedia
- EMI: Formerly a major player in the “big four,” its recorded music division was largely acquired by Universal and Sony. Known for a diverse roster, from The Beatles to classical. Wikipedia
- EMI Music Canada: The Canadian division of the former EMI Group, which managed Canadian releases and artists for EMI labels. Its assets are now largely distributed by Universal Music Canada and Warner Music Canada. Wikipedia
- Epic/Legacy: A combined branding, with Epic Records (a Sony Music label) having its reissues handled by Legacy Recordings. Wikipedia / Wikipedia
- Geffen Records: An American record label founded by David Geffen, now part of Universal Music Group. Has been home to numerous hugely successful artists across rock, pop, and alternative. Wikipedia
- Hollywood Records: An American record label, part of The Walt Disney Company, known for its pop, rock, and soundtrack releases, often associated with Disney artists. Wikipedia
- Island Def Jam: A former major American record label group, formed from the merger of Island Records and Def Jam Recordings. Now dissolved into individual labels under Universal Music Group. Wikipedia
- Island Records: A British-Jamaican record label, now part of Universal Music Group. Known for its diverse roster, including reggae, rock, and alternative artists. Wikipedia
- Jive Records: A prominent American record label, historically significant for its hip-hop, R&B, and pop artists. Its catalog is now largely part of Sony Music. Wikipedia
- Koch (Records): Formerly a significant independent distributor and record label (Koch Records), it evolved into eOne Music (now MNRK Music Group). Known for a diverse range of genres including hip-hop, metal, and independent artists. Wikipedia
- LaFace Records: An American record label founded by L.A. Reid and Babyface, known for its R&B and pop successes. Now part of Sony Music. Wikipedia
- Legacy Recordings: The reissues and catalog division of Sony Music Entertainment, handling classic recordings from Columbia, Epic, RCA, and other Sony labels. Wikipedia
- London Records: A historic British record label, primarily known for its classical recordings (often a UK imprint for Decca releases) and pop/rock in other territories. Its catalog is now largely part of Universal Music Group. Wikipedia
- Maverick Records: An American entertainment company founded by Madonna, known for its record label, film production, and publishing. Its music catalog is now largely handled by Warner Music Group. Wikipedia
- MCA Records: Historically a major American record label, its assets are now largely part of Universal Music Group. Known for a diverse output across rock, pop, and R&B. Wikipedia
- MCA Nashville: A prominent country music label under Universal Music Group Nashville, home to many celebrated country artists. Wikipedia
- Mercury Records: An American record label, now part of Universal Music Group. Has released a wide range of genres, from jazz and classical to rock and pop. Wikipedia
- Motown Records: An iconic American record label founded by Berry Gordy Jr., now part of Universal Music Group. Defined a generation of soul, R&B, and pop music. Wikipedia
- Polydor Records: A British-German record label, now part of Universal Music Group. Has a long history and diverse roster, particularly strong in pop and rock. Wikipedia
- PolyGram: Formerly a major multinational music company, its assets were acquired by Universal Music Group. Had a significant presence in classical, jazz, and popular music. Wikipedia
- Priority Records: An American record label specializing in hip-hop and R&B, known for its significant roster of West Coast rap artists. Now part of Universal Music Group. Wikipedia
- RCA Records: A storied American record label, now part of Sony Music. Has been home to iconic artists across genres like rock and roll, pop, and country. Wikipedia
- RCA Nashville: The country music division of RCA Records, part of Sony Music Nashville, home to numerous country stars. Wikipedia
- RCA/Legacy: A combined branding, with RCA Records having its reissues handled by Legacy Recordings (Sony Music). Wikipedia / Wikipedia
- RCA Victor: A prominent American record label, part of Sony Music, known for its extensive classical music catalog and its historical significance in popular music. Wikipedia
- Republic Records: A major American record label, part of Universal Music Group, known for its mainstream pop, hip-hop, and R&B artists. Wikipedia
- Reprise Records: Founded by Frank Sinatra, now part of Warner Music Group. Known for its diverse roster of artists, including rock legends and pop stars. Wikipedia
- Rhino Entertainment: An American record label and production company, part of Warner Music Group. Known for its reissues, compilations, and box sets, often focusing on classic rock and pop. Wikipedia
- Parlophone Records: A historic British record label, now part of Warner Music Group. Famous for releasing The Beatles’ early work and having a diverse pop and rock roster. Wikipedia
- Philips Records: Historically a major Dutch record label, especially prominent in classical music, now largely part of Universal Music Group’s classical division (Decca/Deutsche Grammophon). Wikipedia
- PolyGram: Formerly a major multinational music company, its assets were acquired by Universal Music Group. Had a significant presence in classical, jazz, and popular music. Wikipedia
- Saregama (Saregama India Ltd.): A prominent Indian music label, one of the oldest in India, with a vast catalog of Indian classical, film, and regional music. Wikipedia
- Sony (Sony Music Entertainment): One of the “big three” global record companies. Houses numerous labels and artists across virtually all genres, from pop and rock to classical and hip-hop. Wikipedia
- Sony BMG: A former joint venture between Sony Music Entertainment and BMG. It was later dissolved, with Sony acquiring BMG’s share. Wikipedia
- Sony Direct: Often refers to direct-to-consumer sales or specialized catalog divisions within Sony Music. (No specific Wikipedia for a “Sony Direct” label.)
- Sony Music Direct: Similar to Sony Direct, typically a retail or distribution arm of Sony Music. (No specific Wikipedia for a “Sony Music Direct” label.)
- Sony Special Products: A division of Sony Music focused on custom compilations and licensing for various markets. (No specific Wikipedia link, functions as a division.)
- Universal (Universal Music Group): Another of the “big three” global record companies. Encompasses a vast array of labels and artists, dominating the music industry with a diverse catalog. Wikipedia
- Universal Music Canada: The Canadian division of Universal Music Group, distributing its global catalog and promoting Canadian artists. Wikipedia
- Universal Music India: The Indian division of Universal Music Group, releasing international and local music. Wikipedia
- Universal Motown Republic Group: A former umbrella group within Universal Music Group, housing Motown and Republic Records. Now dissolved into individual labels. Wikipedia
- Universal Republic: A former American record label, a merger of Universal Records and Republic Records, now operating solely as Republic Records. Wikipedia
- United Artists Records: A historic American record label, originally part of United Artists film studio, with a diverse catalog now mostly part of EMI/Universal Music Group. Wikipedia
- Vertigo Records: A historic British record label, now part of Universal Music Group, known for its progressive rock and hard rock artists. Wikipedia
- Virgin Records: Founded by Richard Branson, now part of Universal Music Group. Known for its eclectic roster and embracing alternative and punk acts, as well as mainstream pop. Wikipedia
- Virgin Classics: The classical music division of the former Virgin Records, now part of Warner Classics. Wikipedia
- Warner (Warner Music Group): The third of the “big three.” A global music conglomerate with a rich history and a wide range of artists and genres under various imprints. Wikipedia
- Warner Archives/Rhino: The archival division of Warner Music Group, with reissues often handled by Rhino. (No specific Wikipedia for “Warner Archives”, it’s a function).
- Warner Bros. (Records): A prominent American record label, now part of Warner Music Group. Has released a wide range of influential albums across rock, pop, R&B, and more. Wikipedia
- Warner Classics: The classical music division of Warner Music Group, encompassing historical labels like Erato and Teldec, along with new classical recordings. Wikipedia
- Warner Music Canada: The Canadian division of Warner Music Group, distributing its global catalog and promoting Canadian artists. Wikipedia
- WEA (Warner-Elektra-Atlantic): Refers to the distribution arm of Warner Music Group, encompassing releases from Warner Bros., Elektra, and Atlantic. Not a standalone artistic label. Wikipedia
- Zee Music Company: A prominent Indian music company and film production company, known for its Bollywood soundtracks and Indian pop music. Wikipedia
On Grounding
“A ground can be resistive, capacitive, inductive, act like an antenna, or be a signal source; the one thing it never is, is a ground.
Schwartzkopf on Leadership
Schwartzkopf on Leadership
- You must have clear goals. You must be able to articulate them clearly. When the goal is clear and simple, it is easy to focus on success.
- Give yourself a clear agenda. Every morning write down the five most important things for you to accomplish that day. Whatever else you do, get those five things done. Insist that the people who report to you operate the same way
- Let people know where they stand. Everyone knows you do a disservice to a B student when you give them and A. This applies in life as well as in school. The grades you give people who report to you must reflect reality.
- What’s broken, fix now. Don’t put it off. Problems that aren’t dealt with lead to other problems. Besides, tomorrow something else will break and need fixing.
- No repainting the flagpole. Make sure all the work you are doing is essential to the organization.
- Set high standards. Too often we don’t ask enough of people. Schwartzkopf was at one point in charge of helicopter maintenance. When asked how many copters were available to fly on any given day, he was told 75%. He then raised the standard to 85%, which was met quickly. The moral is people generally won’t perform above your expectations, so it’s important to expect a lot.
- Lay the concept out, but let your people execute it. Yes, you must have the right people in place. But then step back and allow them to own their work.
- People come to work to succeed. Nobody comes to work to fail. It seems obvious. So why do so many organizations operate on the principle that if people aren’t watched and supervised, they’ll botch the job?
- Never lie. Ever. Schwartzkopf said there had been a big debate about whether to use disinformation to mislead the Iraqis during the Gulf War. “We knew they were watching CNN. Some people argued we could save American lives by feeding incorrect information to our own media”. Schwartzkopf vetoed the idea because he believed it would undermine the military leadership’s credibility with the American public.
- When in charge, take command. Leaders are often called on to make decisions without adequate information. As a result, they may put off deciding to do anything at all. That is a big mistake. Decisions themselves elicit new information. The best policy is to decide, monitor results, and change course if necessary.
- Do what is right. “The truth of the matter,” said Schwartzkopf, “is that you always know the right thing to do. The hard part is doing it.
Python spectrum analyzer to CSV extract for Agilent N9340B
import pyvisa import time import csv from datetime import datetime import os import argparse import sys # ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ # Command-line argument parsing # This section defines and parses command-line arguments, allowing users to # customize the scan parameters (filename, frequency range, step size) when # running the script. # ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ parser = argparse.ArgumentParser(description="Spectrum Analyzer Sweep and CSV Export") # Define an argument for the prefix of the output CSV filename parser.add_argument('--SCANname', type=str, default="25kz scan ", help='Prefix for the output CSV filename') # Define an argument for the start frequency parser.add_argument('--startFreq', type=float, default=400e6, help='Start frequency in Hz') # Define an argument for the end frequency parser.add_argument('--endFreq', type=float, default=650e6, help='End frequency in Hz') # Define an argument for the step size parser.add_argument('--stepSize', type=float, default=25000, help='Step size in Hz') # Add an argument to choose who is running the program (apk or zap) parser.add_argument('--user', type=str, choices=['apk', 'zap'], default='zap', help='Specify who is running the program: "apk" or "zap". Default is "zap".') # Parse the arguments provided by the user args = parser.parse_args() # Assign parsed arguments to variables for easy access file_prefix = args.SCANname start_freq = args.startFreq end_freq = args.endFreq step = args.stepSize user_running = args.user # Define the waiting time in seconds WAIT_TIME_SECONDS = 300 # 5 minutes # ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ # Main program loop # The entire scanning process will now run continuously with a delay. # ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ while True: # -------------------------------------------------------------------------- # VISA connection setup # This section establishes communication with the spectrum analyzer using the # PyVISA library, opens the specified instrument resource, and performs initial # configuration commands. # -------------------------------------------------------------------------- # Define the VISA address of the spectrum analyzer. This typically identifies # the instrument on the bus (e.g., USB, LAN, GPIB). # Define the VISA address of the spectrum analyzer. This typically identifies # the instrument on the bus (e.g., USB, LAN, GPIB). apk_visa_address = 'USB0::0x0957::0xFFEF::CN03480580::0::INSTR' zap_visa_address = 'USB1::0x0957::0xFFEF::SG05300002::0::INSTR' if user_running == 'apk': visa_address = apk_visa_address else: # default is 'zap' visa_address = zap_visa_address # Create a ResourceManager object, which is the entry point for PyVISA. rm = pyvisa.ResourceManager() try: # Open the connection to the specified instrument resource. inst = rm.open_resource(visa_address) print(f"Connected to instrument at {visa_address}") # Clear the instrument's status byte and error queue. inst.write("*CLS") # Reset the instrument to its default settings. inst.write("*RST") # Query the Operation Complete (OPC) bit to ensure the previous commands have # finished executing before proceeding. This is important for synchronization. inst.query("*OPC?") inst.write(":POWer:GAIN ON") print("Preamplifier turned ON.") inst.write(":POWer:GAIN 1") # '1' is equivalent to 'ON' print("Preamplifier turned ON for high sensitivity.") # Configure the display: Set Y-axis scale to logarithmic (dBm). inst.write(":DISP:WIND:TRAC:Y:SCAL LOG") # Configure the display: Set the reference level for the Y-axis. inst.write(":DISP:WIND:TRAC:Y:RLEV -30") # Enable Marker 1. Markers are used to read values at specific frequencies. inst.write(":CALC:MARK1 ON") # Set Marker 1 mode to position, meaning it can be moved to a specific frequency. inst.write(":CALC:MARK1:MODE POS") # Activate Marker 1, making it ready for use. inst.write(":CALC:MARK1:ACT") # Set the instrument to single sweep mode. # This ensures that after each :INIT:IMM command, the instrument performs one # sweep and then holds the trace data until another sweep is initiated. inst.write(":INITiate:CONTinuous OFF") # Pause execution for 2 seconds to allow the instrument to settle after configuration. time.sleep(2) # -------------------------------------------------------------------------- # File & directory setup # This section prepares the output directory and generates a unique filename # for the CSV export based on the current timestamp and user-defined prefix. # -------------------------------------------------------------------------- # Define the directory where scan results will be saved. # It creates a subdirectory named "N9340 Scans" in the current working directory. scan_dir = os.path.join(os.getcwd(), "N9340 Scans") # Create the directory if it doesn't already exist. `exist_ok=True` prevents # an error if the directory already exists. os.makedirs(scan_dir, exist_ok=True) # Generate a timestamp for the filename to ensure uniqueness. timestamp = datetime.now().strftime("%Y%m%d_%H-%M-%S") # Construct the full path for the output CSV file. filename = os.path.join(scan_dir, f"{file_prefix}--{timestamp}.csv") # -------------------------------------------------------------------------- # Sweep and write to CSV # This is the core logic of the script, performing the frequency sweep in # segments, reading data from the spectrum analyzer, and writing it to the CSV. # -------------------------------------------------------------------------- # Define the width of each frequency segment for sweeping. # Sweeping in segments helps manage memory and performance on some instruments. segment_width = 10_000_000 # 10 MHz # Convert step size to integer, as some instrument commands might expect integers. step_int = int(step) # Convert end frequency to integer, for consistent comparison in loops. scan_limit = int(end_freq) # Open the CSV file in write mode (`'w'`). `newline=''` prevents extra blank rows. with open(filename, mode='w', newline='') as csvfile: # Create a CSV writer object. writer = csv.writer(csvfile) # Initialize the start of the current frequency block. current_block_start = int(start_freq) # Loop through frequency blocks until the end frequency is reached. while current_block_start < scan_limit: # Calculate the end frequency for the current block. current_block_stop = current_block_start + segment_width # Ensure the block stop doesn't exceed the overall scan limit. if current_block_stop > scan_limit: current_block_stop = scan_limit # Print the current sweep range to the console for user feedback. print(f"Sweeping range {current_block_start / 1e6:.3f} to {current_block_stop / 1e6:.3f} MHz") # Set the start frequency for the instrument's sweep. inst.write(f":FREQ:START {current_block_start}") # Set the stop frequency for the instrument's sweep. inst.write(f":FREQ:STOP {current_block_stop}") # Initiate a single immediate sweep. inst.write(":INIT:IMM") # Query Operation Complete to ensure the sweep has finished before reading markers. # This replaces the fixed time.sleep(2) for more robust synchronization. inst.query("*OPC?") # Initialize the current frequency for data point collection within the block. current_freq = current_block_start # Loop through each frequency step within the current block. while current_freq <= current_block_stop: # Set Marker 1 to the current frequency. inst.write(f":CALC:MARK1:X {current_freq}") # Query the Y-axis value (level in dBm) at Marker 1's position. # .strip() removes any leading/trailing whitespace or newline characters. level_raw = inst.query(":CALC:MARK1:Y?").strip() try: # Attempt to convert the raw level string to a float. level = float(level_raw) # Format the level to one decimal place for consistent output. level_formatted = f"{level:.1f}" # Convert frequency from Hz to MHz for readability. freq_mhz = current_freq / 1_000_000 # Print the frequency and level to the console. print(f"{freq_mhz:.3f} MHz : {level_formatted} dBm") # Write the frequency and formatted level to the CSV file. writer.writerow([freq_mhz, level_formatted]) except ValueError: # If the raw level cannot be converted to a float (e.g., if it's an error message), # use the raw string directly. level_formatted = level_raw # Optionally, you might want to log this error or write a placeholder. print(f"Warning: Could not parse level '{level_raw}' at {current_freq / 1e6:.3f} MHz") writer.writerow([current_freq / 1_000_000, level_formatted]) # Increment the current frequency by the step size. current_freq += step_int # Move to the start of the next block. current_block_start = current_block_stop except pyvisa.VisaIOError as e: print(f"VISA Error: Could not connect to or communicate with the instrument: {e}") print("Please ensure the instrument is connected and the VISA address is correct.") # Decide if you want to exit or retry after a connection error # For now, it will proceed to the wait and then try again. except Exception as e: print(f"An unexpected error occurred during the scan: {e}") # Continue to the wait or exit if the error is critical finally: # ---------------------------------------------------------------------- # Cleanup # This section ensures that the instrument is returned to a safe state and # the VISA connection is properly closed after the scan is complete. # ---------------------------------------------------------------------- if 'inst' in locals() and inst.session != 0: # Check if inst object exists and is not closed try: # Attempt to send the instrument to local control. inst.write("SYST:LOC") except pyvisa.VisaIOError: pass # Ignore if command is not supported or connection is already broken finally: inst.close() print("Instrument connection closed.") # Print a confirmation message indicating the scan completion and output file. if 'filename' in locals(): # Only print if filename was successfully created print(f"\nScan complete. Results saved to '{filename}'") # -------------------------------------------------------------------------- # Countdown and Interruptible Wait # -------------------------------------------------------------------------- print("\n" + "="*50) print(f"Next scan in {WAIT_TIME_SECONDS // 60} minutes.") print("Press Ctrl+C at any time during the countdown to interact.") print("="*50) seconds_remaining = WAIT_TIME_SECONDS skip_wait = False while seconds_remaining > 0: minutes = seconds_remaining // 60 seconds = seconds_remaining % 60 # Print countdown, overwriting the same line sys.stdout.write(f"\rTime until next scan: {minutes:02d}:{seconds:02d} ") sys.stdout.flush() # Ensure the output is immediately written to the console try: time.sleep(1) except KeyboardInterrupt: sys.stdout.write("\n") # Move to a new line after Ctrl+C sys.stdout.flush() choice = input("Countdown interrupted. (S)kip wait, (Q)uit program, or (R)esume countdown? ").strip().lower() if choice == 's': skip_wait = True print("Skipping remaining wait time. Starting next scan shortly...") break # Exit the countdown loop elif choice == 'q': print("Exiting program.") sys.exit(0) # Exit the entire script else: print("Resuming countdown...") # Continue the loop from where it left off seconds_remaining -= 1 if not skip_wait: # Clear the last countdown line sys.stdout.write("\r" + " "*50 + "\r") sys.stdout.flush() print("Starting next scan now!") print("\n" + "="*50 + "\n") # Add some spacing for clarity between cycles
Marshall McLuhan warned us — but not in the way we expected
🧠 Marshall McLuhan warned us — but not in the way we expected.
“The medium is the message,” he said.
But what happens when the medium itself isn’t real anymore?
When news, faces, voices, and even ideas are synthetically generated—not reported, not witnessed, not authored?
We’re living in McLuhan’s extended nervous system. But now, AI is the message, and that message often sounds like:
> “Look what I can do.”
It’s dazzling. But it’s also dangerous.
We now consume media where authenticity is irrelevant and virality is everything.
Synthetically generated news isn’t a “what if” anymore—it’s here.
We urgently need new literacy.
Not just media literacy—but synthetic literacy.
We need to ask:
Who made this?
Why does it exist?
Does it matter if it’s true?
McLuhan didn’t live to see AI, but his insights echo louder than ever.
> “We shape our tools, and thereafter our tools shape us.”
Time to start shaping back
The Name Kuzub
My Colleague Pavlo Kondratenko gave me some extra context to my name: According to one website (accuracy aside), there are around 1,600 people in Ukraine today with your last name. Most of them live in Kyiv and Poltava. In Ukrainian, it’s pronounced more like “Koozoob.”
The Meaning Behind “Kozub”: More Than Just a Name
The word Kozub has deep roots in Ukrainian culture, both linguistically and practically. Originally, a kozub referred to a small woven basket—typically made from bast (a type of tree fiber), birch bark, or vine—used mainly for collecting berries. Diminutives and dialectal variants include kozuben, kozubenka, kozubets, and kozubka.
In some regions, a similar basket was known as a stuga, or in its diminutive form, stuzhka. These bast or vine baskets were sometimes coated in clay and used to store grain or flour—highlighting their practical role in traditional rural life.
Etymology and Origins
The word kozub is believed to derive from the Proto-Slavic kozubъ, which may be related to koza (goatskin bag) or koža (skin). While the shift in meaning from “skin bag” to “woven basket” isn’t entirely clear, it reflects the fluidity and adaptation of language through time.
Cultural Footprint
The term kozub has left its mark not only on tools and traditions but also on Ukrainian surnames and place names—such as Kozub, Kozubenko, Kozubnyak, Kozubov, and even the village Mali Kozuby. These names serve as living reminders of everyday objects that once played central roles in agrarian life.
Folk Language and Expressions
The legacy of kozub extends into Ukrainian idioms and proverbs. For instance:
- Kozubaty means “bellied” or “pot-bellied.”
- To become a kozub describes something becoming stiff or hardened by frost—like bark or frozen wet clothes.
- And an old saying, “If it’s not a mushroom, don’t climb into the chimney,” recorded by folklorist M. Nomis, captures the whimsical, metaphor-rich spirit of Ukrainian rural expression.
Whether as a humble berry basket or a family name passed down through generations, kozub is a small word with a big cultural story.
—
Google Translate didn’t quite hit the mark—particularly with translating “kozub” as “chimney,” which is puzzling. It also mistranslates the phrase “if you are not a mushroom” when it should be “If you are not a mushroom, don’t get inside the basket.” There’s some cultural nuance here, and the full proverb is: “Коли ти мені муж, то будь мені дуж; а як не гриб, то не лізь у козуб.” This roughly means, “If you’re my man, be strong; and if you’re not a mushroom, don’t crawl into the basket.” Some interpretations, like the one on Wikipedia, simplify the second part to mean “Mind your own business.” But there’s a deeper layer—one that folklore researchers are only recently starting to unpack. Apparently, in 19th-century folk songs and sayings, euphemisms were common: a horse might symbolize a penis, a bucket a vagina, and yes—a mushroom and a basket carried similar meanings. So in that context, the phrase takes on a more suggestive undertone.
Linked in Recomendations
How to explain ST-2110 to a six year old
Quote
Imagine 30 cannons shooting pictures and another 96000 shooting sounds — all flying through the air. They all launch to the beat of a big drum. They land in a bucket and magically come together to make one second of TV — but only if you know the SDP (Secret Description Phrase.)
Spreadsheets: My Secret Weapon Across Every Job
Spreadsheets: My Secret Weapon Across Every Job
Anthony Kuzub – 20250613
After reflecting on my work over the years, one core skill stands out that has followed me through nearly every project and role: spreadsheets. Whether it’s Google Sheets or Excel, these tools have been foundational to my process. Here’s how they’ve shown up again and again in my work:
Calculators
I’ve built custom calculators for everything from audio delay times to cost estimation. These aren’t just simple math sheets—they’re logic-based tools that help make real-time decisions with clarity and confidence. A well-built calculator can save hours of time and eliminate guesswork.
Quotes
Spreadsheets have been invaluable in preparing quotes for clients. From detailed BOMs to labor breakdowns, I’ve built quoting tools that not only speed up the process but ensure accuracy and consistency across complex proposals. They’ve helped turn scope into reality.
Inventories
Tracking gear, parts, cables, and equipment across multiple locations requires order—and that starts with a spreadsheet. I’ve used spreadsheets to build dynamic inventories, complete with searchable databases, serial numbers, warranty info, and maintenance schedules.
Patch Lists
Audio and video patching can get complicated quickly. Spreadsheets have allowed me to clearly organize and communicate signal flow, input/output mappings, tie-lines, and system connectivity. They serve as living documents that evolve with the system.
RFPs, RFQs, and Specification Documents
When responding to or authoring RFPs and RFQs, spreadsheets have been my go-to format for organizing requirements, comparing vendor options, and generating tables for deliverables. They’re also great for building technical spec sheets that are clear and precise.
Data Parsers and Extraction Tools
I’ve often used spreadsheets to parse large sets of unstructured data—turning chaos into clarity. With formulas, scripts, and logic chains, I’ve been able to filter, extract, and reshape information in ways that save time and uncover insights others might miss.
Data Manipulation
Whether I’m reformatting datasets, cleaning up naming conventions, or converting timecode, I rely on spreadsheets to manipulate data quickly and accurately. From simple text functions to complex conditional logic, they are my data sculpting toolkit.
Time Logging
Keeping track of time on technical projects—especially those with multiple stakeholders—is critical. I’ve created time-logging systems that track labor, categorize tasks, and produce reports that keep teams informed and clients confident.
Playout List Creation
In media production, especially radio and broadcast, I’ve used spreadsheets to build playout lists and schedules. These often include metadata, timing calculations, and compatibility with automation systems—ensuring that content flows smoothly and predictably.
Spreadsheets are often overlooked, but in my world, they are essential. From big-picture planning to precise execution, they help bring order to complexity. They’re flexible, powerful, and when used well, they unlock real efficiency.
What’s your spreadsheet secret superpower?
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#SpreadsheetSkills #GoogleSheets #Excel #TechTools #ProjectManagement #DataDriven #WorkflowAutomation #BroadcastEngineering #AudioTech #CreativeOps #ProductivityTools #RFP #RFQ #SpecWriting #SignalFlow #BehindTheScenes #DigitalTools
Network Music Shock Wave
A racks worth of Velcro
Beskar2d2 – Shoulder Hub
T-shirt – Failure is a Data Point
Understanding and Managing Stress and Anxiety
Understanding and Managing Stress and Anxiety:
Core Themes and Ideas:
Stress is a Natural and Sometimes Necessary Part of Life: stress is not inherently negative. “We need a little pressure in our lives,” and “Stress is part of life.” The Yerkes-Dodson Law (Inverted U Curve) illustrates this, showing that optimal performance occurs with a moderate level of stress. Too little stress leads to “Absence of Stress,” “Fatigue,” “Boredom,” “Inactivity,” and “Sleep,” while excessive stress leads to a decline in “Performance Level.”
- The Amygdala as the Brain’s “Emergency Broadcast System”: A central theme is the role of the amygdala in the stress response. Described as the “brain’s alarm system,” it “rapidly assesses incoming sensory information… for potential threats or dangers.” It triggers the “fight or flight” response, releasing stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, preparing the body to react. This response is “1000X faster than frontal lobe,” highlighting how emotional reactions can override rational processing, sometimes leading to the amygdala “HYJACKED THE PLANE!”
- Distinguishing Normal Anxiety from Anxiety Disorders: “Normal Anxiety,” a temporary feeling that enhances alertness and prepares for challenges, and “Anxiety Disorders,” which are persistent, excessive, and interfere significantly with daily life, requiring professional help. Various types of anxiety disorders are listed, including Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, Specific Phobias, and Agoraphobia. Symptoms of anxiety are categorized as Psychological (dread, worry, restlessness) and Physical (racing heart, sweating, trembling).
Stress Manifests in Multiple Ways (Emotional, Cognitive, Behavioral, Philosophical): Stress is not just a feeling; it impacts various aspects of a person.
- Emotional Symptoms: Include “Feelings of sadness, depression, failure, helplessness or apathy,” “Tendency to be easily frustrated,” “Tendency to blame others, or generalized irritability,” “Feeling of dissociation, indifference or apathy,” and the “Use of negative coping strategies.”
- Cognitive Symptoms: Involve “Thoughts or feeling that something bad will happen” (catastrophizing), “Feeling generally uneasy and worrying,” “Racing thoughts and feeling panicky,” “Forgetfulness and disorganization,” “Inability to focus or concentrate,” “Poor judgment,” “Being pessimistic or only able to see the negative in things,” and “Memory problems.” Stress biases thinking towards threats and impairs cognitive function.
- Behavioral Symptoms: Include “Feeling unable to control decisions,” “Changing or ignoring important normal activities,” “Take too big risks,” “Unable to participate in enjoyable or pleasurable activities,” “Ignoring personal hygiene,” “Not cleaning personal space,” “Eating more or less,” “Sleeping too much or too little,” “Withdrawing from others,” “Procrastinating or neglecting responsibilities,” “Using alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs to relax,” and “Nervous habits (e.g., nail-biting, pacing, fidgeting).” These are often observable actions resulting from internal stress.
- Philosophical Symptoms: Describe how stress affects a person’s attitudes and worldview, such as “Decrease in confidence,” “Loss of interest,” “Bitterness, resentment,” “Dissatisfaction, negative attitude,” “Demoralization,” “Lack of appreciation,” “Detachment,” and “Cynicism.” These symptoms indicate a deeper impact on sense of self-worth and perspective.
The Science of Stress and Survival Responses:
- Fight: At work, this can manifest as “verbal confrontation, arguing points aggressively.”
Flight: In the workplace, this can look like “withdrawing from discussions, avoiding meetings, becoming quiet.”
Freeze: Described as “feeling stuck, paralyzed, or unable to act or think clearly under pressure.” At work, this can be “staying inactive, avoiding taking risks… sticking rigidly to what feels ‘safe’.”
Fawn: Involves “people-pleasing behaviors, difficulty setting boundaries, taking on too much work to gain approval or avoid conflict.” This is seen as a “survival strategy where the person tries to make themselves indispensable or non-threatening.”
Self-Awareness is Foundational to Stress Management: A recurring theme is the importance of understanding oneself in relation to stress. Key components of self-awareness are:
- Triggers: Identifying “specific people, situations, events, thoughts, or even internal states… that tend to initiate or increase your stress response.”
- Early Warning Signs: Recognizing the “first subtle indicators that you are starting to experience stress.”
- Needs: Understanding “what you fundamentally require for your well-being – from basic physical needs… to psychological needs.”
- Boundaries: Knowing your “limits – what you are and are not willing to accept.” “You only discover a boundary when it’s crossed,” but the goal is to become more proactively aware.
Assertiveness as a Key Skill for Managing Needs and Boundaries: Assertiveness is defined as “expressing your needs, thoughts, and feelings directly, honestly, and appropriately, while respecting the rights and feelings of others.” It is presented as the healthy middle ground on “The Assertiveness continuum,” contrasting with Passive (“You step on me”) and Aggressive (“I step on you”) styles. Learning to be assertive about needs and boundaries is crucial for self-advocacy and stress reduction.
The SCARF Model Explains Social Triggers: The SCARF model (Status, Certainty, Autonomy, Relatedness, Fairness) provides a framework for understanding how social interactions and workplace dynamics can trigger stress responses. Threats to perceived status, lack of certainty or control, feeling excluded or disconnected, and perceived unfairness can activate the brain’s threat response, similar to physical danger. Conversely, feeling valued, having predictability, experiencing control, feeling connected, and being treated equitably activate reward circuits.
- SCARF model (David Rock)
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- Fairness
- Respected
- Valued
- Appreciated
- Worthiness
- Being treated with dignity
- Autonomy
- Choice
- Control
- Power
- Feels able to influence one’s environment
- Status
- Competence
- Reputation
- Success/Title
- Achievement
- Significance /Position
- Certainty
- Safety
- Security
- Predictability
- Certainty
- Trust
- Relatedness
- Needed
- Paid attention to
- Recognized/Praised
- Feels heard
- Fairness
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Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and the Idea of “Bags of Needs”: The concept of Maslow’s Hierarchy (Physiological, Safety, Love/belonging, Esteem, Self-actualization) is used to illustrate the layered nature of human needs. The phrase “We are all bags of needs” emphasizes that our behaviors and stress responses are often driven by whether these fundamental needs are met or threatened. Understanding this fosters empathy for ourselves and others.
Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is Vital for Navigating Stress and Relationships: EQ, encompassing Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Empathy (Social Awareness), and Relationship Management, is presented as essential for managing emotions, building relationships, and coping with stress. Self-awareness allows recognition of stress, self-management enables effective response, empathy helps understand others’ experiences, and relationship management facilitates healthy interactions.
Effective Communication Strategies:
- “receive – ruminate – and revisit”: A thoughtful approach to processing information, allowing for reflection before responding. The phrase “I hear what you say – I want to reflect on this – I’d like to take this up at a later date” exemplifies this assertive communication.
- Ending with a question: “END WITH A QUESTION TO KEEP THE DIALOG GOING.” This strategy maintains conversational flow, encourages active engagement, and guides the discussion.
- Reflective Listening: Demonstrates understanding and validation by paraphrasing or summarizing what is heard, such as “It sounds like you’re feeling [emotion] because [situation].”
The Fundamental Attribution Error Impacts Our Judgments: This cognitive bias explains the tendency to “overemphasize personality-based explanations for the behavior of others while underestimating the influence of situational factors.” We tend to attribute our own actions to the situation (“We situation”) but others’ actions to their personality (“They = personal”). Recognizing this bias can improve understanding and reduce interpersonal stress.
- The Importance of Self-Care and Positive Coping Mechanisms: Managing stress requires intentional effort.
- Positive Coping Mechanisms (deep breathing, exercise, reading, socializing) which support overall well-being and Not so positive ones (yelling, substance use, withdrawing) which offer temporary relief but are harmful long-term.
- Self-Care is highlighted as essential, covering physical health, relaxation, learning, relationships, and self-expression. “The first thing I’m going to ask you to identify is try to identify what you need the most when you’re stressed. And then will ask you, is that what you give up when you’re stressed?” This quote underscores the importance of prioritizing self-care, especially when needed most.
- Resilience as the Ability to Bounce Back: Resilience is described as the “capacity to recover quickly from difficulties.” It is built through factors like Physical and Mental Health, Relationships and Social Interaction, Emotional Intelligence, and Purpose. Emotional Intelligence is specifically noted as a component of resilience.
Actionable Stress Management Strategies:
- Awareness of your stress level: Continuously monitoring internal states.
- Take a break: Interrupting the stress cycle.
- Take deep breaths: Specifically mentioning “OXYGINATE THE BLOOD” and techniques like Box Breathing as fast-acting ways to activate the parasympathetic nervous system.
- Think positively: Challenging negative thoughts and reframing situations.
- Relativize: Putting stressors into perspective (“Will this really matter in 6 days? 6 weeks – 6 months????”).
- Ask questions: “Questions reativates the critical thinking brain,” helping move out of the amygdala response.
- “IF YOU NAME IT YOU TAME IT”: Naming emotions to gain control.
- Seek support when needed: Recognizing the importance of external help.
Most Important Ideas or Facts:
- Stress is a necessary part of life, but excessive stress is detrimental (Yerkes-Dodson Law).
- The amygdala’s rapid threat detection can hijack rational thought.
- Anxiety exists on a spectrum from normal to disordered, with distinct symptoms and types.
- Stress manifests in diverse ways across emotional, cognitive, behavioral, and philosophical domains.
- Survival responses include fight, flight, freeze, and fawn, with workplace examples provided.
- Self-awareness of triggers, warning signs, needs, and boundaries is fundamental to managing stress.
- Assertiveness is crucial for expressing needs and boundaries respectfully.
- The SCARF model explains social and workplace triggers related to status, certainty, autonomy, relatedness, and fairness.
- We are all driven by needs (“bags of needs”) as illustrated by Maslow’s Hierarchy.
- Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is vital for understanding and managing emotions in oneself and others.
- Effective communication strategies like reflective listening, ending with questions, and “receive-ruminate-revisit” enhance interaction and reduce stress.
- The fundamental attribution error influences how we judge ourselves versus others.
- Prioritizing self-care and employing positive coping mechanisms are essential for managing stress and building resilience.
- Simple techniques like deep breathing and relativizing can have a significant impact on stress levels.
- Resilience is a multifaceted capacity that can be developed.