Nope. Not even close. The airlines don't even remotely have the expertise. Of course they have their own IT department and CTO, what big company doesn't. When you get into the nitty gritty of the infrastructure that's in place in these places, you quickly realize that these places aren't going anywhere, and no, an airline trying to save money isn't going to lay out billions (yes, with a B) to try to buy a company and then operate it not only to their own agenda, but for the thousands of other clients of said company.I mean, you could make the same argument about any of the enterprise clients of companies like these.
I know it seems like I'm being obtuse and maybe even arrogant about this. I understand that. I thought the same thing when I started working in this business about 15 years ago. I couldn't believe that these types of companies existed, and couldn't believe the inefficiency. It seemed inevitable that someone, somewhere would buy the company and operate it for their own agenda. The only thing that happens is that these ITO behemoths sometimes buy each other, or merge. Although, when that happens, it's just the same thing with a different name on the paycheck.
Trust me, once you get inside on of these companies, and understand the infrastructure that's in place to operate these facilities, you quickly realize it's not as simple as it seems on paper.
I was with EDS prior to, and then through the HP takeover. I lasted a couple of years once HP had the wheel, and my experience was pretty much the same as yours. Lots of inefficiency, layer upon layer upon layer of "management" and "leaders", none of whom knew anything about the others. It was a poorly run, rudderless organization and at first, I was amazed that it was even functioning.
But, as you astutely point out, so much of the enterprise business simply can't be moved for legal reasons, or the cost to move the stuff is so immense, it would take many years of active, focused effort (and billions and billions of dollars) to move it. In my Data Center, we had a lot of the major airlines as clients as well as some of the financial and regulatory clients, so I know exactly what you mean.
By the way, for what it's worth, when I left HP, I went to work for another ITO provider. Another major, Fortune 100 corporation that you would definitely know (I just would prefer not to name them here). I can tell you that it's actually the same here, if not worse. No one knows which way is up, I can't believe the ship hasn't sunk, but there is so much money on the line and so many clients hanging on for dear life that we're golden. I do hope that companies like mine and like the HP's and IBM's of the world figure out that the current course of action isn't maintainable. You can't keep running your ITO organizations so poorly and expect to be able to stay competitive. True, today there are only a handful of enterprise grade ITO companies that can truly provide the service for gigantic corporations, and it does take a surprising amount of money to operate a company like this. But, it's only a matter or time before someone with some money decides to put together a REAL ITO company that is actually run well, and when that happens, goodnight HP, IBM, and others. I don't think it'll happen soon, because the market is still so dependent on legacy providers, but it's inevitable, I believe.
Hang on a second. You're telling me that your Building Automation System or SCADA system is written in COBOL? I've been working in Critical Facilities Management for about 14 years, and I haven't come across that yet, and I find it fascinating. Would you be kind enough to share which system(s) you're using? I'd be interested to learn, as some of my facilities are definitely older, and while I am not aware of any of the code bases being written in COBOL, it is something I'd love to find out more about.
Now, with that said, even the bigger, more well-known BAS's are generally still proprietary (Siemens, Honeywell, Liebert, Eaton, etc), so there is usually still a dependence on a dedicated team or vendor to update and maintain the systems, so I don't know that your system being written in COBOL (and thus needing dedicated people to maintain it) actually puts you at any sort of disadvantage when you think about it. Plus, there are some very serious banking and insurance actuary applications that are running on COBOL code form the 70's that's still going strong, so it's not absolutely crazy that it might be in place in your facility because it just "works".
Agreed. I think if there is ANY chance of being able to communicate, it's a moral requirement to ask. And, while the poster states that so far, it is difficult for her to blink so far, perhaps that is something that will develop. Here is an excellent suggestion from a brilliant man who is also "locked in" but absolutely refuses to let it stop him.
Ha! Well if we implement this system, I believe Motorhead will be the supreme champions. I saw them live back in 1989 and I swear I believe my ears are still ringing.
Yeah, um, NO. In this example, ASCAP is not taking royalties on songs that are not with registered members. They are also not denying funds to those who are. The fees that this particular artist is referring to are quite common, and it is one of the ways that various venues chooses to pay for the fees that they owe for allowing songs to be performed publicly at their venue. A different way to do it would be to simply generate an invoice for each artist who performs a song where a royalty is due and give it to that artist on the night of the performance, but that's not practical, so a lot of places will simply calculate a blanket fee and charge it as one of their terms and conditions in their contract. Notice, this is not ASCAP, this is each individual venue. This is not ASCAP's contract, nor is it their terms.
Also, the artist in the article is being very misleading. The claim is that money is collected from some, but given to others. That's not what's happening. The fact is, if you're a less well known artist, it doesn't seem unreasonable to me that you may have to fill out a form to get your check if your song(s) were performed live somewhere. I don't think it's crazy that ASCAP, or BMI, or any of those bodies doesn't want to get into trying to track every single live performance of every single live song at every single venue, and scour their database in real time to find when/where a song in their catalog has been performed. This person writing the article is basically saying "WAAAHHH!! I wish I made as much money as A-list artists and had people to take care of all this annoying paperwork for me."
So, strike two, champ. You still don't understand how it works, and you remain clearly in the wrong.
I have never heard of ASCAP collecting royalties for non-members, with no written agreement in place documenting the commercial availability of their work, nor have I heard of ASCAP denying anyone any shares collected on their behalf.
As a composer and a musician, I totally, 100% agree with you. This really isn't a big deal. It's a non-exclusive agreement. If you don't like the terms, sign with someone else, or start your own thing. No one's being backed into any corners here. Plus, there's also the aspect of considering that even though it is alleged that YouTube is going to pay less than other services, the amount of traffic on YouTube compared to other sites could quite possibly generate significantly more "sales" to an artist, so really it becomes a question of price vs volume (sales volume, not sonic volume).
This is just patently false. I've been an ASCAP member for over 10 years. I have multiple licensing agreements with multiple firms. ASCAP only gets involved where appropriate, and does not in any way control what I choose to charge or not charge someone to use my music. I've allowed my stuff to be used for free many, many times for independent, small budget productions or student films, and ASCAP in no way prevents this.
Incorrect. most manual transmission cars in recent history have an interlock where the clutch must be depressed all the way to engage the ignition circuit. My last vehicle was a 2002 Nissan with a manual transmission, and the vehicle could not be started without the clutch fully depressed to the floor.
Why the hell do we have to have these obscure geastures like "turn on the ignition while holding down the brake" and "turn on the ignition while winding down the window" to do various things instead of having a simple multiposition switch (possibly a key switch)?
Seriously? Obscure?
You've had to hold down the clutch to start manual transmission cars for years. Also, many recent cars with automatic transmissions have required you to step on the brake before turning the key. I don't see the big deal, really.
FYI, you can still switch it to the position to run the accessories and not start he engine. Just don't step on the brake, then press the button once, and you'll get just the radio. Press it again (while again not stepping on the brake) and you'll get the rest of the accessories/instruments, and a third press (again, without the brake pedal depressed) and everything turns off. Simple.
Now, my car is an automatic, so I have not tried the roll/start on a manual transmission with a push button ignition, but it seems to me that with all of the accessories and instrumentation turned on, I don't see why it wouldn't work. And, as far as your point of needing to crank it for a while, if that's the case, there are issues that need repairing, so it's not as if you're being deprived of some designed, intended function of the vehicle.
Well, what about those folks who own their homes? The article says that they're subject to these restrictions as well. So, if you own a 5 bedroom house, and you choose to rent out a room on AirBnb or VRBO, you'll be cited as well.
To me, seems like the solution should be simple. Just handle it the way a lot of paid escorts do. Offer your room "for free" to people visiting, and then if anyone wants to "offer" you some money expressly NOT for lodging (nudge nudge, wink wink), well then they're free to do that. In the same way that you're paying escorts "for their companionship" and specifically NOT for anything else, you could make the same argument about folks staying the weekend in your spare room. They're not paying you for lodging, they're paying you for your services of guiding them around the city, or cooking for them, or allowing them to use your washer machine, or whatever.
And on a related note, this "study" says that 500 lux is the magic threshold, and goes on to suggest that this level of light is difficult to achieve indoors. From personal experience, this is not true.
I spent several years working in Commercial Real Estate Management, and one thing that was always a struggle was that we'd have folks in various office type environments arguing over whether or not it was too bright or not bright enough in the office (this was in addition to everyone fighting over whether or not it was too hot or too cold....another conversation entirely). Anyway, as a solution, I had my team buy light meters, and we used the OSHA thresholds for safety for egress lighting as well as the lighting designer's standards from the blueprints of the facility as a guideline, and I would instruct my team to ensure that the light levels were at LEAST 35 footcandles, and at MOST 90 footcandles (in most cases).
500 lux = 46.45 footcandles. I can tell you that the vast majority of the workspaces in conventional offices (from my experience) is usually in the 50 to 60 footcandle range. The point being, I disagree with the study claiming that it is difficult to achieve indoors, or that you specifically need to do something extraordinary to achieve this light level.
but ask me how I know you don't have a pre-existing condition.
Ugh! I can only imagine. I'm inferring that you (or someone you know) does, and I was (and am) grateful that I didn't have that complicating the matter to drive up the cost even further. While I'm not sure exactly who to believe any more in this whole Health Care Reform debate, and I do not thing the existing legislation is a complete and thorough solution, I'm glad that at least the issue of pre-existing conditions is being addressed. While I'm fortunate enough to not have that be a factor for me yet, I don't think it's fair that those who are should be so boxed in with their choices as a result.
But at least you're getting a group-policy rate that the employer had negotiated, rather than an open-market individual/family rate. It's better than (pre-ACA) open-market plans, I suspect
Not always. I worked for the largest commercial real estate company in the world a few years ago. When I put in my notice, there was going to be a lapse of about 30 days between when my insurance would expire with my present employer, and when my new benefits would kick in with my new employer. When I received the COBRA notification explaining the details of my coverage (if I were to have chosen to take it), I was shocked. My premiums more than tripled....not exaggerating. Coverage for me and my young daughter for a fairly standard health policy (which still had copays, co-insurance, and deductibles, mind you) was going to be well over $600 for 30 days.
Suffice to say, I was able to find a term based health insurance plan, and get us both covered for about $150-$175 for 30 days, with better co-pays and a much lower deductible.
I totally agree on Sonar. There tends to be a lot of "fan-boi-ism" that comes with the Pro-Tools crowd, or even the Logic crowd. Nothing wrong with either application, both are great, but they are not, repeat NOT, in any way, special or superior to many of the other commercial DAWs. I'm running Cakewalk X1 Producer, and I have to tell you, I can't imagine using anything else. Now, admittedly, I've been using Cakewalk's stuff for years, so I'm used to their particular workflow, but I defy anyone to point me to any capability that their DAW of choice has that Sonar doesn't.
If you're reasonably serious (and it sounds like the poster is), I would suggest starting with at least Sonar Studio (which is their mid-grade option). There's nothing wrong with the basic package, it just lacks some features that you're going to want. You can also go with Producer and get everything you could want and more, but at just over $500, it may be more than you're wanting to spend if the software it new to you.
As for a program for musical notation, check out Notion. I use it and I love it, and it is only $99 (much more affordable than Finale. Now keep in mind, like Finale, these packages don't really come with powerful Virtual Synths/Virtual Orchestras, so the "sound" you're going to get it going to depend on what you choose to use as the virtual instrument. If you're talking about orchestral stuff (and given that you're needing notation, I'm going to assume you do), there are many choices, and the good ones aren't cheap. You can go for East-West Quantum Leap, or Vienna Symphonic, or East-Wests's Complete Composer's Edition, and never look back, but it's gonna be expensive.
If, however, you want one that sounds really quite good, and is a little easier on the wallet, give a listen to Miroslav Philharmonik. The strings, winds, brass, and percussion all sound quite good, in my opinion. The choirs leave a little to be desired, and some of the woodwinds could be more crisp, but overall, for $149, I think it's a good deal.
Bro, it isn't that I'm considering this a personal slight. Don't give yourself that much credit. You're just being a bit obtuse here. You're continuing to avoid elaborating on what you feel an "EE type job" would be, which leaves you free to take any position you want regarding any other type of position that is suggested. The reason I'm inferring that you're searching for some "fast track" is because you seem to be making the points that a) novice positions don't pay much, so most folks won't stay the course and thus the engineering field in general will suffer and b) in order for someone to become a GOOD EE, they need to work in various novice level jobs. So it would appear that you're implying that these 2 conditions are creating a condition where no one is ever going to be able to find opportunity in the field.
So you don't know anybody who has worked their way up in various industries from a lower level position. That's fine that that has been your experience. I'm trying to show you that despite your not having observed it in your social circles that it does indeed happen, and it can happen more if folks will apply themselves and get the goddamn chip of their shoulders about where you can/can't make a decent living. These "novice" positions can pay surprisingly well, depending on your specialty and where you are. Of course, desired salaries are relative, but one could easily make in the $50k-$60k range starting out with a degree and some ability to articulate and demonstrate knowledge. You may have to work some alternate shifts now and then, you may have to do a bit of travel, but it is totally achievable. Now, of course it's all relative, I guess, but in my book that's not a bad "novice" salary. Better than a whole bunch of folks.
I have to be honest, I don't see how I've proven any point of yours, and to be totally candid, I genuinely don't understand your point at all. I can't fathom what you're getting at. I don't think you have a point, I just think you like to argue.
Spare me, dude. The CS vs coder argument is completely separate. Naturally there is a lot of math in the course of EE degrees. There had goddamn well better be. I'm not making the comparison directly between a "maintenance tech" and an EE, and if you'd read what I wrote carefully, that should be clear. However, a technician/engineer, who is going to be properly installing, diagnosing, commissioning, and/or even repairing inverters, rectifiers, static switches, load banks, voltage regulators, etc absolutely needs to understand both the mathematics and the theory. These guys are not just monkey part changers. They're highly trained, and yes typically have an EE background. Moreover, that is simply 1 potential opportunity that I'm presenting as an example for my other friend. There are many other roles one could easily apply one's EE degree toward and do quite well (perhaps a commissioning agent).
You, apparently as an EE, should know this. It makes me think that while you may have an EE designation, you are not familiar with my side of the industry. Opportunities abound outside of your particular pasture, guy.
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Hi McGruber.
Nope. Not even close. The airlines don't even remotely have the expertise. Of course they have their own IT department and CTO, what big company doesn't. When you get into the nitty gritty of the infrastructure that's in place in these places, you quickly realize that these places aren't going anywhere, and no, an airline trying to save money isn't going to lay out billions (yes, with a B) to try to buy a company and then operate it not only to their own agenda, but for the thousands of other clients of said company.I mean, you could make the same argument about any of the enterprise clients of companies like these.
I know it seems like I'm being obtuse and maybe even arrogant about this. I understand that. I thought the same thing when I started working in this business about 15 years ago. I couldn't believe that these types of companies existed, and couldn't believe the inefficiency. It seemed inevitable that someone, somewhere would buy the company and operate it for their own agenda. The only thing that happens is that these ITO behemoths sometimes buy each other, or merge. Although, when that happens, it's just the same thing with a different name on the paycheck.
Trust me, once you get inside on of these companies, and understand the infrastructure that's in place to operate these facilities, you quickly realize it's not as simple as it seems on paper.
Yep, I have to say I agree.
I was with EDS prior to, and then through the HP takeover. I lasted a couple of years once HP had the wheel, and my experience was pretty much the same as yours. Lots of inefficiency, layer upon layer upon layer of "management" and "leaders", none of whom knew anything about the others. It was a poorly run, rudderless organization and at first, I was amazed that it was even functioning.
But, as you astutely point out, so much of the enterprise business simply can't be moved for legal reasons, or the cost to move the stuff is so immense, it would take many years of active, focused effort (and billions and billions of dollars) to move it. In my Data Center, we had a lot of the major airlines as clients as well as some of the financial and regulatory clients, so I know exactly what you mean.
By the way, for what it's worth, when I left HP, I went to work for another ITO provider. Another major, Fortune 100 corporation that you would definitely know (I just would prefer not to name them here). I can tell you that it's actually the same here, if not worse. No one knows which way is up, I can't believe the ship hasn't sunk, but there is so much money on the line and so many clients hanging on for dear life that we're golden. I do hope that companies like mine and like the HP's and IBM's of the world figure out that the current course of action isn't maintainable. You can't keep running your ITO organizations so poorly and expect to be able to stay competitive. True, today there are only a handful of enterprise grade ITO companies that can truly provide the service for gigantic corporations, and it does take a surprising amount of money to operate a company like this. But, it's only a matter or time before someone with some money decides to put together a REAL ITO company that is actually run well, and when that happens, goodnight HP, IBM, and others. I don't think it'll happen soon, because the market is still so dependent on legacy providers, but it's inevitable, I believe.
I agree with you. It's amazing how many people are running with the story that it was North Korea. Utter stupidity.
An excellent breakdown of the "breach".
FBI saying that North Korea was not involved
Well by that raionale, would you consider the KKK to be Christian? After all, they espouse that their beliefs are based on biblical theology.
Hang on a second. You're telling me that your Building Automation System or SCADA system is written in COBOL? I've been working in Critical Facilities Management for about 14 years, and I haven't come across that yet, and I find it fascinating. Would you be kind enough to share which system(s) you're using? I'd be interested to learn, as some of my facilities are definitely older, and while I am not aware of any of the code bases being written in COBOL, it is something I'd love to find out more about.
Now, with that said, even the bigger, more well-known BAS's are generally still proprietary (Siemens, Honeywell, Liebert, Eaton, etc), so there is usually still a dependence on a dedicated team or vendor to update and maintain the systems, so I don't know that your system being written in COBOL (and thus needing dedicated people to maintain it) actually puts you at any sort of disadvantage when you think about it. Plus, there are some very serious banking and insurance actuary applications that are running on COBOL code form the 70's that's still going strong, so it's not absolutely crazy that it might be in place in your facility because it just "works".
Also, where are you located? Cost of living in various US cities has a significant effect on base salaries.
Agreed. I think if there is ANY chance of being able to communicate, it's a moral requirement to ask. And, while the poster states that so far, it is difficult for her to blink so far, perhaps that is something that will develop. Here is an excellent suggestion from a brilliant man who is also "locked in" but absolutely refuses to let it stop him.
Jason Becker Eye System
Ha! Well if we implement this system, I believe Motorhead will be the supreme champions. I saw them live back in 1989 and I swear I believe my ears are still ringing.
Yeah, um, NO. In this example, ASCAP is not taking royalties on songs that are not with registered members. They are also not denying funds to those who are. The fees that this particular artist is referring to are quite common, and it is one of the ways that various venues chooses to pay for the fees that they owe for allowing songs to be performed publicly at their venue. A different way to do it would be to simply generate an invoice for each artist who performs a song where a royalty is due and give it to that artist on the night of the performance, but that's not practical, so a lot of places will simply calculate a blanket fee and charge it as one of their terms and conditions in their contract. Notice, this is not ASCAP, this is each individual venue. This is not ASCAP's contract, nor is it their terms.
Also, the artist in the article is being very misleading. The claim is that money is collected from some, but given to others. That's not what's happening. The fact is, if you're a less well known artist, it doesn't seem unreasonable to me that you may have to fill out a form to get your check if your song(s) were performed live somewhere. I don't think it's crazy that ASCAP, or BMI, or any of those bodies doesn't want to get into trying to track every single live performance of every single live song at every single venue, and scour their database in real time to find when/where a song in their catalog has been performed. This person writing the article is basically saying "WAAAHHH!! I wish I made as much money as A-list artists and had people to take care of all this annoying paperwork for me."
So, strike two, champ. You still don't understand how it works, and you remain clearly in the wrong.
Citation please.
I have never heard of ASCAP collecting royalties for non-members, with no written agreement in place documenting the commercial availability of their work, nor have I heard of ASCAP denying anyone any shares collected on their behalf.
As a composer and a musician, I totally, 100% agree with you. This really isn't a big deal. It's a non-exclusive agreement. If you don't like the terms, sign with someone else, or start your own thing. No one's being backed into any corners here. Plus, there's also the aspect of considering that even though it is alleged that YouTube is going to pay less than other services, the amount of traffic on YouTube compared to other sites could quite possibly generate significantly more "sales" to an artist, so really it becomes a question of price vs volume (sales volume, not sonic volume).
This is just patently false. I've been an ASCAP member for over 10 years. I have multiple licensing agreements with multiple firms. ASCAP only gets involved where appropriate, and does not in any way control what I choose to charge or not charge someone to use my music. I've allowed my stuff to be used for free many, many times for independent, small budget productions or student films, and ASCAP in no way prevents this.
*sigh*
Well then, it must be my imagination , huh?
Incorrect. most manual transmission cars in recent history have an interlock where the clutch must be depressed all the way to engage the ignition circuit. My last vehicle was a 2002 Nissan with a manual transmission, and the vehicle could not be started without the clutch fully depressed to the floor.
Why the hell do we have to have these obscure geastures like "turn on the ignition while holding down the brake" and "turn on the ignition while winding down the window" to do various things instead of having a simple multiposition switch (possibly a key switch)?
Seriously? Obscure?
You've had to hold down the clutch to start manual transmission cars for years. Also, many recent cars with automatic transmissions have required you to step on the brake before turning the key. I don't see the big deal, really.
FYI, you can still switch it to the position to run the accessories and not start he engine. Just don't step on the brake, then press the button once, and you'll get just the radio. Press it again (while again not stepping on the brake) and you'll get the rest of the accessories/instruments, and a third press (again, without the brake pedal depressed) and everything turns off. Simple.
Now, my car is an automatic, so I have not tried the roll/start on a manual transmission with a push button ignition, but it seems to me that with all of the accessories and instrumentation turned on, I don't see why it wouldn't work. And, as far as your point of needing to crank it for a while, if that's the case, there are issues that need repairing, so it's not as if you're being deprived of some designed, intended function of the vehicle.
Well, what about those folks who own their homes? The article says that they're subject to these restrictions as well. So, if you own a 5 bedroom house, and you choose to rent out a room on AirBnb or VRBO, you'll be cited as well.
To me, seems like the solution should be simple. Just handle it the way a lot of paid escorts do. Offer your room "for free" to people visiting, and then if anyone wants to "offer" you some money expressly NOT for lodging (nudge nudge, wink wink), well then they're free to do that. In the same way that you're paying escorts "for their companionship" and specifically NOT for anything else, you could make the same argument about folks staying the weekend in your spare room. They're not paying you for lodging, they're paying you for your services of guiding them around the city, or cooking for them, or allowing them to use your washer machine, or whatever.
And on a related note, this "study" says that 500 lux is the magic threshold, and goes on to suggest that this level of light is difficult to achieve indoors. From personal experience, this is not true.
I spent several years working in Commercial Real Estate Management, and one thing that was always a struggle was that we'd have folks in various office type environments arguing over whether or not it was too bright or not bright enough in the office (this was in addition to everyone fighting over whether or not it was too hot or too cold....another conversation entirely). Anyway, as a solution, I had my team buy light meters, and we used the OSHA thresholds for safety for egress lighting as well as the lighting designer's standards from the blueprints of the facility as a guideline, and I would instruct my team to ensure that the light levels were at LEAST 35 footcandles, and at MOST 90 footcandles (in most cases).
500 lux = 46.45 footcandles. I can tell you that the vast majority of the workspaces in conventional offices (from my experience) is usually in the 50 to 60 footcandle range. The point being, I disagree with the study claiming that it is difficult to achieve indoors, or that you specifically need to do something extraordinary to achieve this light level.
Couldn't agree more, and I thought the same thing in this thread. Love that song, miss that dude.
but ask me how I know you don't have a pre-existing condition.
Ugh! I can only imagine. I'm inferring that you (or someone you know) does, and I was (and am) grateful that I didn't have that complicating the matter to drive up the cost even further. While I'm not sure exactly who to believe any more in this whole Health Care Reform debate, and I do not thing the existing legislation is a complete and thorough solution, I'm glad that at least the issue of pre-existing conditions is being addressed. While I'm fortunate enough to not have that be a factor for me yet, I don't think it's fair that those who are should be so boxed in with their choices as a result.
But at least you're getting a group-policy rate that the employer had negotiated, rather than an open-market individual/family rate. It's better than (pre-ACA) open-market plans, I suspect
Not always. I worked for the largest commercial real estate company in the world a few years ago. When I put in my notice, there was going to be a lapse of about 30 days between when my insurance would expire with my present employer, and when my new benefits would kick in with my new employer. When I received the COBRA notification explaining the details of my coverage (if I were to have chosen to take it), I was shocked. My premiums more than tripled....not exaggerating. Coverage for me and my young daughter for a fairly standard health policy (which still had copays, co-insurance, and deductibles, mind you) was going to be well over $600 for 30 days.
Suffice to say, I was able to find a term based health insurance plan, and get us both covered for about $150-$175 for 30 days, with better co-pays and a much lower deductible.
I totally agree on Sonar. There tends to be a lot of "fan-boi-ism" that comes with the Pro-Tools crowd, or even the Logic crowd. Nothing wrong with either application, both are great, but they are not, repeat NOT, in any way, special or superior to many of the other commercial DAWs. I'm running Cakewalk X1 Producer, and I have to tell you, I can't imagine using anything else. Now, admittedly, I've been using Cakewalk's stuff for years, so I'm used to their particular workflow, but I defy anyone to point me to any capability that their DAW of choice has that Sonar doesn't.
If you're reasonably serious (and it sounds like the poster is), I would suggest starting with at least Sonar Studio (which is their mid-grade option). There's nothing wrong with the basic package, it just lacks some features that you're going to want. You can also go with Producer and get everything you could want and more, but at just over $500, it may be more than you're wanting to spend if the software it new to you.
As for a program for musical notation, check out Notion. I use it and I love it, and it is only $99 (much more affordable than Finale. Now keep in mind, like Finale, these packages don't really come with powerful Virtual Synths/Virtual Orchestras, so the "sound" you're going to get it going to depend on what you choose to use as the virtual instrument. If you're talking about orchestral stuff (and given that you're needing notation, I'm going to assume you do), there are many choices, and the good ones aren't cheap. You can go for East-West Quantum Leap, or Vienna Symphonic, or East-Wests's Complete Composer's Edition, and never look back, but it's gonna be expensive.
If, however, you want one that sounds really quite good, and is a little easier on the wallet, give a listen to Miroslav Philharmonik. The strings, winds, brass, and percussion all sound quite good, in my opinion. The choirs leave a little to be desired, and some of the woodwinds could be more crisp, but overall, for $149, I think it's a good deal.
Replied to this in the wrong spot. Was intended as a response to this comment
Bro, it isn't that I'm considering this a personal slight. Don't give yourself that much credit. You're just being a bit obtuse here. You're continuing to avoid elaborating on what you feel an "EE type job" would be, which leaves you free to take any position you want regarding any other type of position that is suggested. The reason I'm inferring that you're searching for some "fast track" is because you seem to be making the points that a) novice positions don't pay much, so most folks won't stay the course and thus the engineering field in general will suffer and b) in order for someone to become a GOOD EE, they need to work in various novice level jobs. So it would appear that you're implying that these 2 conditions are creating a condition where no one is ever going to be able to find opportunity in the field.
So you don't know anybody who has worked their way up in various industries from a lower level position. That's fine that that has been your experience. I'm trying to show you that despite your not having observed it in your social circles that it does indeed happen, and it can happen more if folks will apply themselves and get the goddamn chip of their shoulders about where you can/can't make a decent living. These "novice" positions can pay surprisingly well, depending on your specialty and where you are. Of course, desired salaries are relative, but one could easily make in the $50k-$60k range starting out with a degree and some ability to articulate and demonstrate knowledge. You may have to work some alternate shifts now and then, you may have to do a bit of travel, but it is totally achievable. Now, of course it's all relative, I guess, but in my book that's not a bad "novice" salary. Better than a whole bunch of folks.
I have to be honest, I don't see how I've proven any point of yours, and to be totally candid, I genuinely don't understand your point at all. I can't fathom what you're getting at. I don't think you have a point, I just think you like to argue.
Spare me, dude. The CS vs coder argument is completely separate. Naturally there is a lot of math in the course of EE degrees. There had goddamn well better be. I'm not making the comparison directly between a "maintenance tech" and an EE, and if you'd read what I wrote carefully, that should be clear. However, a technician/engineer, who is going to be properly installing, diagnosing, commissioning, and/or even repairing inverters, rectifiers, static switches, load banks, voltage regulators, etc absolutely needs to understand both the mathematics and the theory. These guys are not just monkey part changers. They're highly trained, and yes typically have an EE background. Moreover, that is simply 1 potential opportunity that I'm presenting as an example for my other friend. There are many other roles one could easily apply one's EE degree toward and do quite well (perhaps a commissioning agent).
You, apparently as an EE, should know this. It makes me think that while you may have an EE designation, you are not familiar with my side of the industry. Opportunities abound outside of your particular pasture, guy.
I absolutely understand the difference.