today we stopped by fry's to check out their flat panel monitors in case there was a good deal. twiddle thumbs bought a mac mini used so she needs to outfit it with a monitor. we took a look at what mac software they have and i picked up a little something on sale: jamlab by maudio. it lets you connect a guitar to your computer via usb. it has also a small effects rack and drum loops for jamming. i know there's a mightier version that includes being able to connect a xlr mic but right now i don't need that. later on i could upgrade the software and get a bigger effects rack but i'm pretty sure i could easily add effects via garageband. for the time being, i plan to connect my bass. (it's tuned up now which is really cool. when i did it by ear i had it down-tuned about 3-4 half-steps. damn, is that metal or what?! my ear is so bad!)

as the girls improve their music skills, we can hook up the guitar and lay down songs in garageband. maybe get a midi to usb connector for the drums too. at fry's i also bought a x japan dvd to support the sale of japanese music in america and for nostalgia. i wasn't into x when i lived in japan. that kind of music wasn't my thing. but i had a friend who was so i had the first 2 albums and a dub of i think their first video.