My Thoughts

Music on TED

nospam@example.com (R.E. Fort) — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 17:43:25 -0700

I found TED on my tablet some time ago. Its a site that is full of interesting ideas and thoughts from some of the biggest minds toady. But today while surfing i found some extremely cool music content to the site that makes it even more interesting. The link below is to something well that you just have to hear for yourself.

Enjoy
TED

nospam@example.com (R.E. Fort) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 22:18:00 -0700

On sunday we went to see my, well its hard say anything but inspriation in learning how to and continuing to playing the guitar. The great George Benson. What a show! I have wanted to see him for years. On Sunday Febuary 20th I finaly was able to see him and what a show.

The show started with one of my favorite, and a song I play often, Breezin. From there the show sky rocketed off, playing and singing some of his greatest hits. The show was about an hour and a half long and it was a none stop ride.

That afternoon before we left for the show i was talking to my neighbor about the Arizona centennial party where I would soon see George Benson. My neighbor said he never heard of him, like some of you may be thinking as well. He gave me some suggestions on parking at the event, since he went the day before. Well they surprised us and showed up, and even more surprisingly they found us. We walked around the capital and we all ended up sitting together during the show. By the second song they, like everyone else at the show, was on their feet either dancing or bouncing and moving with the music.

If you ever get a chance to see him live do so. If you want to be treated to some artful and very tasty guitar work go to his sitegeorgebenson.com or google him or find him on Youtude. Enjoy

A great quote

nospam@example.com (R.E. Fort) — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 14:45:22 -0700

I recently heard a quote that moved me and answered a question for me that I am not sure anyone has ask of my music. Why keep writing music and never push to sell it? I have no advertising other then my public facebook page and my website. I don’t send out mass emails asking for people to buy or anything. But the quote says it all I think.
"It's better to write for yourself and have no public, than to write for the public and have no self." It came from Cyril Connolly according to wiki he is a English intellectual, literary critic and writer and that was his reply when asked about his work or so I believe.

I currently have five (5) cd's of music written and another one I am working on now. I do it for the enjoyment of writing. Would I love to have the next hit single or to play the Catalina Jazz festival? As long as it doesn’t cause me to forget why i do it and who I am. Sure thing.

Enjoy the Music

Know Coffee Know Peace... No Coffee No Peace

nospam@example.com (R.E. Fort) — Sun, 20 Mar 2011 14:18:00 -0700

As many of you may know and will know now. I am a Coffee addict. I don’t mean I only drink Starbucks oh no I will pretty much drink any coffee. However I do like a good bean and it all begins with the bean. The reason for this blog today is to talk about a coffee experience I have been enjoying for some time now, and they are called Stumptown coffee. A friend turned me onto them who is from Portland. Land of Coffee Houses. There are more coffee houses there then I have seen in most of my travels Seattle having the most. Now Stumptown is a find, you can have them roast your bag of beans 1 to 2 days before they sip t you and that is how I found out about them. My friend ordered me two bags as a gift and I became hocked. Recently on a business trip to Denver then Portland I stopped by one to try some coffee and was blown away at how simple and just comfortable the place was. Not like a Starbucks (ever wonder where the bucks came from for there name) but just simple good coffee. So if you are ever up in Portland stop by and check them out.

Now for a good cup of Joe. The trick is good beans. While I have done the order them online trick and specialty house beans. I find that I can get a great back f beans from believe it or not CostCo for a good if not great price. I like dark roast beans, not burnt but dark. The Sumatra coffee beans I get from Costco work great. They are a dark roast with lots of oils on the beans. When you open the bag, and if you are a true coffee lover you will get this, the opening of the bag is a treat to the nose as well. Myself I never follow the instructions on the bags of beans they all want in my humble opinion for you to spend more money so the amount of bean to water ratio is to high in my mind and taste. So I use 3 heaping table spoons ground to a fine espresso level. I get a very dark rich color, with great aroma and a strong but not to over the top flavor.

Well that is it for today enjoy the music on my website and have a great weekend.

R.E.

News Flash. MrRE is online plus Redesigned website

nospam@example.com (R.E. Fort) — Sat, 12 Mar 2011 18:37:50 -0700

Hello fans, friends and family. The new CD MrRE is up on the website and ready to go. I even update the site to show off some new formatting tricks.

You may ask what’s up with the name MrRE well back some years ago I kid working for me came up with the name as a play on Mystery so why not MrRE for a song and CD title.

The collection is a blast to play and covers a range of styles. The title track MrRE is one of my favorites of the collection along with From Dusk Till Dawn and Brings me Back to you. Ok the fact is, I love playing them all. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do. Drop me a line on chat, Facebook or contact me from my website and let me know what you think. I should have these uploaded to Facebook and Revered Nation soon.

R.E. Fort

The Charles Schulz Philosophy

nospam@example.com (R.E. Fort) — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 20:12:09 -0700

The Charles Schulz Philosophy��0 1 0" />1" />2 1 2" />3 21600 pixelWidth" />3 21600 pixelHeight" />0 0 1" />6 1 2" />7 21600 pixelWidth" />8 21600 0" />7 21600 pixelHeight" />10 21600 0" />

The following is the philosophy of Charles Schulz, the creator of the 'Peanuts' comic strip.

You don't have to actually answer the questions. Just ponder on them.
Just read the e-mail straight through, and you'll get the point.

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America pageant.
4, Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.
6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series Winners.

How did you do?�The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday.
These are no second-rate achievers.
They are the best in their fields.
But the applause dies..
Awards tarnish..
Achievements are forgotten.
Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.
Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:�
1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special!!
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.

Easier?�
The lesson:
The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials..
the most money...or the most awards.
They simply are the ones who care the most�Pass this on to those people who have either made a difference in your life, or whom you keep close in your heart.
'Don't worry about the world coming to an end today. It's already tomorrow in Australia !'�

IF YOU CAN'T DANCE--------HOP!

''Be Yourself. Everyone Else Is Taken!"

News Flash 02-11-2011

nospam@example.com (R.E. Fort) — Sat, 12 Feb 2011 02:17:43 -0700

*Well this weekend I will be updating the website again. The goal is to
create a new page layout that will be easier to navigate and have some cool
content. I am also almost done with the new CD MrRE I should have that one
online for you soon. So stay in touch..*
**
*Enjoy
*
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Without Music,,,,, Life Has No soul
R.E. Fort
www.linkedin.com/in/refort
<http://www.linkedin.com/in/refort>www.astramusic.net
www.facebook.com/R.E.Fort
www.facebook.com/refortjr

Well this weekend I will be updating the website again. The goal is to create a new page layout that will be easier to navigate and have some cool content. I am also almost done with the new CD MrRE I should have that one online for you soon. So stay in touch..

�

Enjoy
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Without Music,,,,, Life Has No soul

R.E. Fort
www.linkedin.com/in/refort

www.astramusic.net
www.facebook.com/R.E.Fort

www.facebook.com/refortjr

I Believe....

nospam@example.com (R.E. Fort) — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 12:56:39 -0700

I received this from a friend and after reading it a few times I found it very interesting. Have a seat. Relax . . .and read this slowly.

I Believe...
A Birth Certificate shows that we were born,
A Death Certificate shows that we died,
Pictures show that we lived!

I Believe...
That just because two people argue,
It doesn't mean they don't love each other.
And just because they don't argue,
It doesn't mean they do love each other.

I Believe...
That we don't have to change friends if
We understand that friends change.

I Believe....
That no matter how good friends are,
They're going to hurt each other every once in a while
And they must learn to forgive each other for that.

I Believe...
That true friendship continues to grow,
Even over the longest distance.
Same goes for true love.

I Believe...
That you can do something in an instant
That will give you heartache for life.

I Believe....
That it's taking me a long time
To become the person I want to be.

I Believe...
That you should always leave loved ones with
Loving words. It may be the last time you see them.

I Believe....
That you can keep going long after you think you can't.

I Believe....
That we are responsible for what we do,
No matter how we feel.

I Believe...
That either you control your attitude or it controls you.

I Believe...
That heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to
be done, regardless of the consequences.

I Believe....
That my best friend (or my true love) and I can do anything ...or
nothing, and have the best time.

I Believe....
That sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down will
be the ones to help you get back up.

I Believe...
That sometimes when I'm angry
I have the right to be angry,�
But that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.

I Believe....
That maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had
and what you've learned from them, and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.

I Believe...
That it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others.
Sometimes, you have to learn to forgive yourself.

I Believe...
That no matter how bad your heart is broken,
the world doesn't stop for your grief..

I Believe....
That our background and circumstances
May have influenced who we are,
But we are responsible for who we become.

I Believe...
That you shouldn't be so eager to find out a secret.
It could change your life Forever.

I Believe.....
Two people can look at the exact same
Thing and see something totally different.

I Believe....
That your life can be changed in a matter of
Hours by people who don't even know you.

I Believe....
That even when you think you have no more to give,
When a friend cries out to you -
You will find the strength to help.

I Believe...
That credentials on the wall
Do not make you a decent human being.

I Believe...
That the people you care about most in life
Are taken from you too soon.

I Believe...
The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything;
They just make the most of everything.

Merry Christmas

nospam@example.com (R.E. Fort) — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 18:56:11 -0700

Happy Holidays. I hope that you have a Wonderful Christmas and a Fantastic New Year. Spend it with friends, family and other loved ones and always let them know how much they mean to you.
Life is a roller-coaster... Grad the rail and enjoy the ride. Laugh, Scream and act like a child sometimes. I think that's allowed.
Happy Holidays to all

Facebook

Without Music.... Life has No Soul

A Great quote

nospam@example.com (R.E. Fort) — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 14:05:49 -0700

A friend of mine posted this quote from Zig Ziglar. "Among the things you
can give and still keep are your word, a smile, and a grateful heart." Words
to live by i think.

--
_______________________________________
Without Music,,,,, Life Has No soul
R.E. Fort

and on Facebook at

A friend of mine posted this quote from Zig Ziglar. "Among the things you can give and still keep are your word, a smile, and a grateful heart." Words to live by i think.

--
_______________________________________

Without Music,,,,, Life Has No soul
R.E. Fort
www.astramusic.net
www.myspace.com/refort
www.myspace.com/astramusicnet

and on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/R.E.Fort

Happy Labor Day update

nospam@example.com (R.E. Fort) — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 11:38:50 -0700

Well it has been way to long since�I wrote anything to my blog. I have been very busy lately with work, new music and some exciting changes to the web page. I added a Video Page that I plan on linking to the main page later today. The video page will take the place of the Photos page. There are currently two videos available: By Request and Sunday Morning Groove. I also posted the first video (By Request) to YouTube, on Face Book and on my Reverb Nation page. Reverb Nation is pretty amazing site with lots of tools for indie artist.
�
By Request is and has always been one of my favorite songs so that is why I decided to make it the first video. The video is really a slide show of places that I have been too. I am a CRAZY Shutter bug love taking pictures and have a few camera's. The photos on this video are mostly from a beach trip to Avila Beach. Now if you are looking for a great place to just relax and chill this is the place. Avila is north of Pismo Beach and just wonderful place to relax.
�
The music store is also now open with links from the main page or from here. It is setup so you can purchase and download a MP3 in a secure store environment. Songs are $1.50 each. I also setup one of the CD's so you can download FREE 30 second snips of the songs as ring tones so enjoy and have some fun with that. If I see a lot of traffic or get a lot of comments about the downloads I will put other CD's up there for download.
�
Well I hope everyone has a safe and fun Labor Day
Enjoy

Without Music Life Has No Soul

Happy Labor Day update

�

Well it has been way to long since i wrote anything to my

News update

nospam@example.com (R.E. Fort) — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 23:08:15 -0700

Hello Friends Well the Fort family here in Phoenix hopes everyone had a safe and fun 4th of July. Alongwidth cooking out and some swimming. I got a little creative and uploaded a few new full length songs and then decided it was again time for the website to get a face lift. Check out the site and either post your comments on Facebook or use the new Contact me tab and send me your thoughts.

Enjoy

Without Music,,,,, Life Has No soul
R.E. Fort
www.astramusic.net
www.facebook.com/R.E.Fort
www.myspace.com/refort
www.myspace.com/astramusicnet

-- Sent from my Palm Pre�

Hello Friends
�
Well the Fort family here in Phoenix hopes everyone had a safe and fun 4th of July. Alongwidth cooking out and some swimming. I got a little creative and uploaded a few new full length songs and then decided it was again time for the website to get a face lift. Check out the site and either post your comments on Facebook or use the new Contact me tab and send me your thoughts.
Enjoy

Happy Fathers Day

nospam@example.com (R.E. Fort) — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 17:04:22 -0700

Today I spent a lot of time thinking of my dad. My dad passed away a number of years back but I still think of him as I always will. Dad was much older than my mom when they got married. I mean a lot older, 19 years older to be exact. I wonder while�I am sitting here, me at about the same age my dad was when I was born his oldest. How would I match up the job he did? Starting a family so late in life and having not one child but three WOW. I often joke you would find me in running�down the street screaming �SHOT ME� if my wife came home now at this age and said guess what honey?��Can you imagine being in your late 40�s and just starting to your family. WOW I have to take my hat off to you Dad I wonder how you did it every day.

So today we eat and laughed and I opened presents an cards and spent time with my kids. They are all pretty much grown up now and they are a wonderful bunch. They make me smile all the time from my oldest at 28 and his wife, to my youngest at 19 (sorry no names they hate when�I talk about them) They do make my day.

So today�on�Fathers day I say thank you dad for being the man that you were. For being strong and caring and for showing me how to be a better father.

Happy Fathers Day

Creating Training Videos

nospam@example.com (R.E. Fort) — Sun, 30 May 2010 13:03:58 -0700

Well it�s been sometime since I updated my blog so today I thought I would write about what I am doing at work. I am a software trainer and recently my company has me creating training videos. At first I thought this would be pretty easy, I mean come on we have all gone on you tube and searched for a how to video to learn something. Then I tried it. WOW what a difference it is. In my case the videos are on litigation support or also called e-discovery software. The videos are short when I can make them that way 3 minute clips on how to do a certain task and targeted to Lawyers, Attorneys and Para Legal�s, not your must forgiving audience.

In my head the first step is to understand the software you are using to record with. In my case its Camtasia Studio, very cool software allows for multiple takes, voice over or narration, Zooms, fades, transitions, quizzes on topics and a host of other very cool options. The next and in retrospect the most important is to understand what you are training on. ��

The tricky part is keep the video from being too jerky no one wants to watch what looks like a rollercoaster screen running by them while trying to follow the mouse. So be smooth and fluid with your movements. Next is getting the voice just right. You would think if you know the product and know your material well, it would be a cakewalk but it�s not the simple. I found that for me it is much easier to record the screen leaving nice 3 to 10 second pauses while I move the mouse from one task to the next. In places that will take more time to explain options or features I will simply let the mouse sit while I say the options out loud slowly. This way when I come back and do my narration or voice over tracks they are clean and easy.

The next part is the voice over work and this can take some time. Hardware for the voice recording is VERY Important along with the type of room you are recording in. In my first recordings I used my studio gear and was doing most of the work at home in my studio. While that provided GREAT audio it was time consuming and taking away from writing music. I found a great USB microphone after doing a lot of research. Inexpensive with a great recording quality it�s called SnowBall and it looks like one too. It�s a condenser pressure gradient microphone that I must say even sounds great when I tried it on my acoustic guitar.

With the correct tools for the project it�s time to work on to old saying �it�s not what you say but how you say it�. It�s important to have some fun with it and provide what I am calling animation to your voice. Nothing is worst then listening to a monotone person try to tell you something while there voice puts you to sleep. So keeping it light and almost conversational is the key I have found.

Well that�s all for today as always

Without Music� Life has no Soul

Phoenix AZ Weather Report

nospam@example.com (R.E. Fort) — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 21:14:54 -0700

With all the news lately about the rain, subzero weather and snow that the Midwest and East Coast areas are experiencing, we shouldn't forget that Phoenix also has it's share of devastating weather in the last couple weeks.
�
Below is a photo showing damage to a home from a recent storm that passed through the Phoenix area. It really makes you cherish what you have, and reminds us not to take life for granted.