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2010-04-15

Beethoven String Quartet, Op.130 - The Orford String Quartet LP



Happy Birthday! Cake and ice cream for everyone! I turn 37 years old today, and for the occasion I'd like to share one of my favorite classical records. This is Canada's Orford String Quartet performing Beethoven's String Quartet No.13, Op.130. The LP comes from the Canadian Broadcasting Company, and was recorded in December, 1976.

I recorded this album to my PC ("needle drop") using Audacity at 24-bit/96kHz, then uploaded to Youtube. Here is what my stereo system looks like:

Sony PX-X5 direct drive turntable
Ortofon 2M Blue phono cartridge
Harmon/Kardon 330c stereo receiver
Musical Fidelity V-LPS phono preamp w/ Radio Shack PSU

You have no idea how much of a pain it's been to put this together. The new Youtube redesign is missing many crucial features, like embedding playlists, and finding the page for this custom player was nothing short of a miracle. This is going to make videos so much easier...I hope. Enjoy.

2010-04-12

Arrietty at the Tokyo International Anime Fair


The Tokyo International Anime Fair was held recently, and Studio Ghibli was there to promote their upcoming feature, Karigurashi no Arriety, or The Borrowers.  The most notable inclusion was this production book, which contains artwork and character designs for the film.  As always, it looks spectacular, and I'm wishing I could get my hands on a copy.  Perhaps this book will see a commercial release?

In any case, there will be an "Art of" book to accompany the movie, so we'll be looking forward to that.  I do hope Disney will consider bringing this movie to the States.  The Borrowers is a popular name, and there will be a built-in audience.  And if they want to cultivate a long-term relationship with Ghibli, they will need to look beyond Hayao Miyazaki.  Treating him as "Japan's Walt Disney" is a mistake.  There are many immensely talented artists at the studio, and that needs to be understood.

Anyway, enjoy these photos:

2010-04-05

Vote For Ghibli Blog - Best Local Blog - Deadline Today!


Today is the final day to vote for The Ghibli Blog in the Best Local Blog category in City Pages' 2010 Best of the Twin Cities.  I'm asking every visitor today to click the button and cast their vote.  Will we win any fabulous prizes?  Hmm...probably not.  But the added exposure could open doors for this site and this community.

Thanks to everyone who participated and voted.

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