2020

2020

2019 brings the end of the year and the end of a decade. Since 2010 it has felt like this decade was nothing but struggle after struggle, hardship after hardship, testing the bonds of love, faith, family, and friendship. There have been many bright moments in the past ten years for me. Hard lessons were learned along the way, and with those lessons came many opportunities to grow as a person. 

2010, my dad is diagnosed with cancer, as is his brother. He's given 6 months to live by most estimates but my brother gets him on the list at MD Anderson in Houston through various political networking he's built over the years. That year he was honored with the Saint George Award for his works with the Cub Scouts as a leader and the Boy Scouts. He was proud that my brother and I both made it to the highest rank of Eagle Scout. That Christmas we celebrated our family, no extravagant gifts, pure love and thankfulness for every moment we had with each other. 

Dad with his Saint George Award

Myself at the Canyon

For my time in college, I spend time learning to cook, to dance (ballroom and Latin), learn the guitar, and start streaming videogames. I travel to Nashville, TN with a friend and we sightsee and check out the music scene, I meet Gavin DeGraw in a bar after he sang Same Old Blues - Freddie King, and strike up a short conversation not knowing what a big deal he is. I learn more about Elvis on the trip and visit some historical places for the blues. 

In 2012, my grandmother, a master cook of Mediterranean food in our family passes away. 

I get my Boss RC-30 loop pedal for my birthday and start recording solo tracks that I'll eventually have the courage to go out and be a solo act musician.

In 2013 I really started heavily collecting comics, mostly DC's New 52 and all sorts of Superman, Action Comics, Supergirl, and more. The family business celebrates 50 years in operation.

A few years later, I graduate college with a degree in Commercial Music in Guitar and Vocals. The Music Director/Organist at my church retires. He taught my brother and I to play piano when we were young. I land that job playing guitar and building a church choir out of nothing. People volunteer and we grow over time as we learn 200+ songs throughout the decade. 

Car wreck in Oct 2014. The 2010 Toyota Yaris is totaled.

In 2014 in my small hometown, my Blues/Rock/Jazz Trio consisting of guitar, bass, drums and myself on vocals wins the "best music group" award. A small achievement in many eyes, but still quite a good one. My dad and I split the price on an Alvarez Nylon String Classical Guitar we buy at the local guitar shop in town for $136 as I venture out to learn Classical Guitar at Texas Tech. I bruise my ribs, suffer hairline fractures to my skull and right hand in a car collision on the way to work. I'm lucky to be alive after this and my life changes a lot. I spend time at home with my parents as my dad nurses me back to health when I can barely move without my back feeling like it's falling to pieces.

Alvarez Classical Guitar in 2014

2015 opening of a local music venue

In 2015 my dad and I adopt a Beagle, Presley after my brother shares a story about his life on the ranch. Months before the dog our family had, a Cocker Spaniel named Sassy, who lived with us for 21 years, human years, passed away on Christmas, my lifelong friend and companion. We were able to open our hearts and our home to Presley. Presley was a dog on the farm that would block the sheep from getting in the pen because he didn't know any better. He tried to play with coyotes and the ranch dogs saved his life. Life on the farm was not for this Beagle, we knew there wasn't another choice but for us to adopt him. We've all loved him dearly ever since.

The Raffle Guitar. 1980's Yamaha

Throughout 2015 I spend the year gigging as a solo musician, something I thought I could never do. I use a loop pedal as I play guitar and sing over my tracks. I meet Jazz Guitarist John Pizzarelli for a masterclass and watch him play at the theatre. 

Near the end of the year, I go to a local music venue where I join a raffle. I spent $20 to buy a few tickets ten minutes before the drawing, said a prayer that if music was what I was supposed to be doing, send me a sign, and won a Yamaha from the 80's. Everyone there is upset because they all know I own a ton of guitars but this one means so much more to me. This becomes my workhorse acoustic guitar in the church. I spend the holidays writing a song that I think is about a girl when my mom gives me some horrible news.

2016 is also the year of guitars, I purchase many guitars and a lap steel. I buy Mr. Gold the Gold Strat, my Gold PRS Custom 24, the Jazzmaster, Lucille, and many more. I get my Canon Rebel T5 and the photography journey  I've always been on finally gets a proper beginning. 

My brother and I on a train ride during 2016 Campaign season.

Meeting Jazz Guitarist John Pizzarelli

It's not long before 2016 is a year of great sorrow. My father passes away after a long battle with cancer. This year, I face a lot of difficult feelings, growing up, grief, acceptance. My brother and I know from this day on, we'll never be the same. With great grief, comes an understanding, kindness, and acceptance. I realize the song I was writing at the time was about him and me. I spend the fall working on political campaigns in Bryan/College Station one last time with my brother and use the money to purchase my 2015 Volkswagen Jetta SE.

Shooting photos outside a coffeeshop in 2018.

2018 I invest and build a gaming PC. I travel to Washington D.C. and tour the city, visiting all the museums in the National Mall and spend many days exploring. 

For New Years 2019 we travel as a family to Santa Fe, NM during one of the harshest winters I've ever had, during one of the worst colds I've ever caught, we have a good time, but I'll never forget how miserable I was. I still enjoyed every moment I could.

Throughout 2019 I learn a lot about how petty and cruel people can be, whether they are family, friends, or even members of the church. I learn some of the people that hate me the most were close by. I learn people that harbor hate and become violent when they are upset over something small, they finally let it out and it changes our family forever. There are things they said that can't be taken back. I handle the situation well and remain peaceful throughout. I turn 30 years old during this fractured family time and things are uneasy. There are lots of things to worry about and change takes time. Our family changes, perhaps for the better as we stay small and tight-knit, my friend circles also let people go as I form closer relationships with the people I care about.

I've learned to love the people around me as much as I can while I can. I value every moment and I make sure I'm spending every day doing something I love. That I never stop learning, growing, and challenging myself. I spread love because I have no time for hate. I know I'll face many difficulties along the way, but if I can make it through my twenties, I'm not afraid of what my thirties will be like.

Thanks for reading. I'm wishing us all a blessed 2020 and another decade of great memories, friendships, and love.

Aaron

Star Wars Chronological Marathon 2019

Star Wars Chronological Marathon 2019

It’s probably been about 14 years since I last saw Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. Since then I’ve felt understandably uneasy about watching any more Star Wars films. As I was between the ages of 10-16 when most of the Star Wars prequel movies came out, I judged them pretty harshly as a young guy craving mostly action and lightsaber duels.

Some of my complaints were based around not really caring about young kids adventures and more about what Luke Skywalker was up to. When I got to see an older Anakin it was in a love story in Episode II that I slept through most of. There was too much talking and politics that I didn’t really care for at the time. I didn’t really have many complaints about Episode III since to me it was awesome and pretty epic and lead into the treasured original trilogy.

After I had watched the prequels I got more into Star Trek than ever and started to enjoy it more than Star Wars.

By the time I got around to the sequel trilogy, I approached it without the disappointment that I had for the prequels. I was lukewarm on Star Wars and I haven’t really watched anything or re-watched anything in years, despite my love of the franchise didn’t really care what the sequels were going to be like or if they were any good. I watched The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi entertained but still indifferent.

It wasn’t until November 2019 when I decided I would re-watch the entire series of movies from one through nine and including Rogue One and Solo. I watched 1, 2, 3, Rogue One, Solo, 7, 8, and after this morning, episode 9. I had never seen Rogue One until this marathon! Maybe it was time for the absence of Star Wars in my life that changed my mind, but I realize my heat for the prequels was slightly misplaced and I began to enjoy every moment of the series and linking together details and events from the series. (Han shot first)

As an adult, I appreciate the lore and worldbuilding, the politics, down to every conversation and detail that could be linked to future and past events. I was watching attentively, not on my phone or any other distraction. I even appreciated the love story and saw moments of Episode II I’d never seen (due to the snooze fest it was for a youngster).

When I got into the original trilogy I remembered exactly why I love Star Wars so much and it made the whole journey worth it, but it wasn’t over. I actually never wanted to purchase in on the original trilogy unless I was able to have the original theatrical cuts which showed Han shooting first. This is a silly reason to not want to own one of your favorite series, but it established hon as a rogue smuggler and not a clean-cut good guy, it’s what we call a “character development.”

When I got into the sequel trilogy I found characters I identified with and I saw my old beloved characters interact with them which made the transfer of the franchise into their hands all the more beloved. From the Jedi Rey, to the reluctant Storm Trooper Finn, to the dashing Pilot Poe Dameron (my favorite), and the new Droid BB-8 that doesn’t replace R2, but is a fun companion to have.

I guess this massive disconnect from the series probably helped me appreciate the sequel trilogy more than everyone else that felt extremely disconnected and hated every character and blamed it on how “Disney ruined Star Wars.” I guess the different thing about watching Star Wars now from when I was younger is that we have the Internet to connect us all, to find other fans and communicate with them. Suddenly liking Star Wars is the cool thing to do and it’s fun to feel like you fit in when you’re just being yourself.

Oddly enough I’m excited to see a follow up to Solo more than anything, and see where the franchise goes after this trilogy ends. I’ve recently played the Star Wars games Fallen Order and Battlefront II and I can't get enough.

I’m back in and finally appreciating every moment Star Wars has to give like I used to. sure some movies are better than others throughout the entire saga but I’ll always have my favorites but I’ll still appreciate each step in the journey. Because they all have meaning in the grand scheme of things. for Mia took the perspective of both the child and an adult to enjoy the series, and while Star Wars is made for people of all ages it really brings out the kid in you. I guess there’s something for everyone and Star Wars sure knows how to bank on our nostalgia.

I guess my recommendation is to do a chronological watching of the entire series and see how you feel about how everything connects.

Now that it’s done I’m on to watching the Star Wars Clone Wars series. Thanks for reading.

Aaron

Gatekeeping Reasonable Discussion

Gatekeeping Reasonable Discussion Gatekeeping the issues of mental health, gun control, rape/abuse, cancel culture, in a way such as you can't talk about X because of Y really is antithetical to finding an actual solution to the problems we face today in our culture.


For example, with mental health, "you can't talk about depression or any mental illness if you don't have it"? Well, it begs to question how do we be the best allies to people suffering from mental health problems if we're not allowed to discuss or advocate on one another's behalf? How do you best guide people who need legitimate help, the kind of help that is beyond what a friend can provide? Doctors, Psychologists, Politicians all advocate and help people with these issues and they aren't required to suffer from it. If we lock people out of this issue, when we need help, we'll find everyone remaining silent because that's what they were told to do. Also, you never know who suffers from these types of problems so it's wrong to just blatantly accuse others of being unfit to discuss when you don't know their story.

In gun control, you can't talk about reasonable legislation until X days after a shooting, which occurs daily in our country, so there's never a "good time" to discuss it. You're not allowed to have proper discussion on the issue because one side one budge or compromise in any fashion. Partisan politics and funding from the gun lobby prevents any sort of legitimate CDC government research on gun violence therefore silencing the issue. The issue can't be discussed because of both extremes of "taking my right to own a weapon away" vs. wanting to own a military armory of weapons to "defend your home". We all talk about love and support or "thoughts and prayers" but does it really lead to any resolution of the problems of gun violence? The simple answer is no.

In cancel culture, you can't discuss why we have to ruin people's careers or why we can't try handling these issues privately or in court before going on a public shaming spree. Either you're siding with the abuser/rapist or you're with the victim, the gatekeeping of this issue doesn't allow us to have the difficult conversations about cancel culture and to discuss false claims, times where it may be unwarranted, or even abusive in itself. Nobody wants to take the side of the evildoer, there are legitimate concerns in this issue and all of these that require us to have the difficult conversations.
If you're seeing a recurring trend in all these contentious discussions, then congratulations, you've realized that one of the blockers of having any progress in discussing anything is because of... gatekeeping! We sometimes intentionally and unintentionally prevent conversation on issues because we are constantly saying what can and can't be said, what can and can't be done, and who is allowed to participate, guess what? in the real world, everyone has an opinion and they're all allowed in, even the wildest ones.
So what does all this mean then? Well, none of these are simple topics to discuss, none have any sort of simple right or wrong answer, but ALL require civilized discussion and debate. If we gatekeep these issues, we're only pushing away the possibility of a solution or at least some minor progress in a positive direction. You have to understand the proper context, be able to discuss and understand others within that context, and not be offended when you hear a conflicting opinion to yours. We have to be able to have the discussions needed to solve these problems and you're not going to like everything you hear, but anything can be a solution, even if you don't agree with the best way to get there.

The world has lost the ability to have two people sit calmly in a room and discuss things they don't agree on with candor. The fears of being "cancelled" over your beliefs or being seen as "poltically correct" overwhelm the ability to have the difficult conversations we need to have in society. If you want true progress, if you truly want to help others, it's not going to be easy. You can do this, or you can remain on your high horse, rant about how positive you are, and keep preventing people from discussing things while you remain holier than thou. If you choose the latter, don't be surprised if nothing ever changes and the world remains as hollow as your claims about being all about positivity are.
So what can you do? Be the person to reach out, talk to your friends, help the people around you and LISTEN. Understand what other people need and want, you can't be everyone's champion but every movement starts with a small group. No one is flawless, but you can't simply pick and choose your allies, they choose to help you, so don't cut them off. They will make mistakes but they can be properly educated on how best to be of aid, and if they're willing to learn, they'll be there for you. Be kind to others and speak only when you have something to contribute to the discussion, taking cheap shots at someone's character or going into "whataboutism" doesn't lead us anywhere but backwards. You can disagree with others and still be friends, you don't have to agree on every issue, you can learn to accept others. Our flaws are what make us human, sharing what we love, helping others, exposing our flaws and facing them head on are what leads us to truly accomplishing anything. I wish you all the best of luck and I hope this leads to a better discussion and not triggered rants back and forth. You can be better, you just have to want to be. Here with the tough talk, Aaron

Yamaha THR 10 Amp

Yamaha THR 10 Amp

7/26/19

I'm very excited to announce the Yamaha THR 10 Amp has arrived today.

Small, battery operated with an AC adapter. USB to PC to use with software. Lots of presets for guitar, acoustic guitar, and bass. Definitely something good for the stream and for practice. Also the gig bag it came with was a smart buy.

Unboxing Project Evo/Patreon Plans/Amp Donations

Unboxing Project Evo/Patreon Plans/Amp Donations

Below is a link from our 2 day early Patreon Exclusive
Unboxing Project Evo/Patreon Plans/Amp Donations
I unbox my Project Evo Journal, for the Alchemist Brain Type. I talk about Patreon Plans for the future, different/affordable tiers, exclusive content, timed exclusives, music streams relating to my fundraising for a THR 10 Amp, and new videogames on the horizon.

This video is not an ad or promotion.

-Check out the Planning Journal at https://projectevo.org/

-Take the Brain Type Assessment Quiz free! https://projectevo.org/bta/

-Check out the THR 10 amp at https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/THR10--yamaha-thr10-10-watt-2x3-inch-modeling-combo

-Donation Link for Amp https://streamlabs.com/aaronshack64

AaronShack64 Roadmap of my Streaming, Content Creation, and Public Relations
discussion with Uriyya.

Uriyya's Twitch Link

Fleazer - Review Copy

Fleazer - Review Copy

6/8/19
Check out the Live Stream of the game at the link below.
Fleazer Twitch Stream on YouTube

My thoughts on the game:

Fleazer is a charming game where you play as a flea, from a top down perspective. Similar to games like Frogger you navigate the environment looking to increase time by finding clocks, sucking blood when finding a target (which increases your score), finding an egg which allows little baby fleas to traverse the level automatically and increase your score, and avoiding enemies like ants and spiders and such. Sometimes when you land on a target you travel to a bonus stage, where hip jazz and funk tunes play as you navigate a maze, avoid more enemies and try to find the target to gather more points and exit the bonus stage. You have 3 lives before your high score is saved and you must start again.
I was able to survive a long time in this seemingly endless game, venturing into multiple bonus areas with different backgrounds and being defeated by tons of bugs. I kept playing trying to increase my score and get used to the mechanics.
The game has nice font in the shape of various bugs. A few typos appear in the section explaining how to play the game and the choice of 3 camera angles mapped to the 1, 2, and 3 keys. 1 being zoomed in really far, 2 being a little zoomed out, and 3 for me was zoomed out far enough to see enemies around me and navigate the maze worked best.
There are a few issues with the game, one being movement. When you move left or right, the game jump cuts the perspective, placing Fleazer always facing forward, this jarring camera jump makes navigation difficult and your sense of direction a struggle to maintain. Often times there are bugs with the camera angles, times where your flea is reset back to the start, or where you can walk over walls in the maze.
However, despite some flaws I really enjoyed this game and it brought back fond memories.


Many thanks to the developer Namo for sending me a key to stream this game. I really enjoyed playing it and I think the game has a bright future.

Welcome To My Twitch Blog

Hello, welcome to my Twitch blog.
I'm AaronShack64 and I am an entertainer/musician on the streaming website Twitch.
You can find my content and contact information from a variety of sources.
https://www.twitch.tv/aaronshack64
https://www.youtube.com/user/aaronshack64
https://www.twitter.com/aaronshack64TV

Here you will find a little bit of everything. From in depth reviews on games, software, products, etc. to thoughts and discussions on streaming, a journal for the thoughts of a streamer and entertainer. A place for me to more closely share more detailed thoughts at length and be able to showcase who I am and what I provide.

I've been streaming since October 2014 on my Xbox One, I eventually progressed to streaming from my laptop in 2016 when I like to think I took streaming from a hobby to more of a business model. In March of 2018 I built a gaming PC live on stream with the help of a very dear friend and since then I've streamed a variety of games, music, comedy, live voice acting and other forms of entertainment.
I consider myself a variety streamer with what I would call a blessing to be able to always have the latest tech and the latest games and to be able to share these things with others, whether for entertainment or for them to ask for a sales pitch of whatever game or product I'm using. I always try to approach things with a positive attitude even if something is not towards my liking or not for me. I feel that more unbiased approach keeps me objective and makes a so called review sound less like a rant and more like appreciation and constructive criticism. My experience and willingness to always help others leads me to my next point.

I created a community for streamers on September 25th 2017 called Streamer_Nexus. I wanted to unite people I had met throughout my time streaming and keep in close contact with them. I knew that keeping a small group of dedicated streamers that would visit each others streams because they genuinely cared for each other. Along with hosting, retweeting, and reacting on twitter. I figured out the best way to grow was not to do it alone but to do it alongside others and each at our own pace. No matter what level the streamer is at or what their future goals are, they would be welcome in the Nexus and allowed to network within it. I also host the Streamer_Nexus Podcast where we meet to interview a streamer in the community, we ask questions and the chat; full of Nexus streamers and others are allowed to submit questions and be a part of the conversation. This allows people within the Nexus and outside the Nexus to know more about this streamer and to allow basis for connection.
It's a place to get feedback on emotes, show off your stream setup, brainstorm ideas, share you greatest moments, your jokes, your faults, and have people willing to support and collaborate with you throughout all of that. Keep the group small and tight knit has helped us remain supportive and close, grow in a manageable way and accomplish goals gradually as we can handle them appropriately. We keep the community clean, no racism, sexism, homophobic slurs etc. We treat others well even if we don't get that back. In streaming your reputation means so much so it is good to establish the rules of a community and everyone involved early on.

I will be posting here as often as I can. I have twitch, twitter, youtube, discord, and more. Please feel free to get in touch with me from any of the links above and become a part of this journey. I'm excited about this next chapter in my adventures in streaming and I hope you are too.
Thank you for reading, listening, watching, and supporting me and all of the community in these endeavors. Take care and I'll see you around.

AaronShack64