Taylor Jolin

Hacker | Musician | Innovator | Dreamer
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What's going through my mind...
21Dec

So what is Log4j and why do we care?

Well, first, we need to understand what Log4j is. Essentially, Log4j is the logging function that is built-in in Java applications. This current vulnerability is affecting Apache servers; however, I feel that it will spread to a larger domain of targets aside from web servers.

On December 9th, the initial vulnerability was discovered, and software and hardware makers scrambled to issue patches for their products. A few days later, however, Hideki Okamoto of Akamai Technologies and other researchers found additional vulnerabilities within the patches.

So why is this a big deal? Well, Java is a colossal language and has a presence in a large number of consumer products. This vulnerability allows for the remote execution of code. When exploited, Log4J enables the attacker to remotely inject code into services that use the Log4j library with system-level privileges.

So what do we do? Updating Java is not enough. One thing you can do is update to Log4j2 version 2.16. If you cannot update, you can mitigate this vulnerability by setting either the system property log4j2.formatMsgNoLookups or the environmental variable LOG4J_FORMAT_MSG_NO_LOOKUPS to TRUE.

28Nov

Trying out Logic Pro X…

I have become a total Mac enthusiast over the past few years and this is even further down the rabbit hole. I used to use Reaper as my primary DAW but decided to try Logic out finally. I love the editing features of Logic and am now a full convert. This mix in this post is using Logic Pro with the built in EQs and Compressors.

On the master track I have used the Slate Virtual Mix Rack. The guitar tracks are pretty straight forward; my Ibanez 8 string into my old, trusty AxeFX Ultra.

28May

Pulling out old gear…

So I decided this weekend to play around with some of my old guitar gear and see what sort of sounds I can get out of it.

I have an old Rocktron Chameleon that I found used in a pawn shop here in the Seattle area. Ever since I was a kid, I wanted one of these units. I used to see them in the adverts in Guitar World all the time and it killed me.

Of course, I plan on using my Axe-FX for recording but this little monster is amazing and sounds great and will stay in my collection forever.

17Feb

Production Mix/Tone Test – Black Crown Initiate Cover

So I have been spending my free time working on pre-production for my Behold A Pale Horse project. Since I have a large amount of the actual material completed, I figured I should work on crafting what the project is supposed to like.

Finally, after three weeks of messing around; I have found the perfect blend of tones and room and came up with this: a cover of Black Crown Initiate’s, A Great Mistake. I also wanted to try a guitar mic’ing technique that I saw on YouTube. It is supposed to be how In Flames achieved the “Clayman” sound.

Check out the recording here!

This test was recording using:
Ibanez RG2228 8-String (Stock)
Boss SD-1 Overdrive (With Monte Allums GT Mod)
Rocktron Chameleon 2000 Preamp
TC Electronics G-Major (EQ & slight delay on guitars)
Rocktron Velocity 300 Power Amp
Orange Clone Cab (with WGS Veteran 30 speakers)
Sennheiser e845 (Fredman/on cone)
Grenelli/Shure SM57 (Fredman/off-axis)
Crappy Behring 4ch Mixer
Focusrite Saffire Pro 40


12Feb

New Creative Venture

Ever since I was young child, I had a dream to become a successful musician, and cartoon creator. Though when I was younger, a career in either of these fields was nearly impossible for the average person. You had to know the right people, or have a near infinite supply of money.

Thankfully, technology has allowed us to all pursue our dreams on our own. And even more, social media has allowed us to share, market, and network with others in the same interest groups.

So, enough of my rambling about how great technology and the internet is; and please allow me to introduce you to Milktoast Productions!

Milktoast Productions is the irrational, irresponsible adult answer to the dream I have had since childhood.