- published: 13 Dec 2013
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Syncom (for "synchronous communication satellite") started as a 1961 NASA program for active geosynchronous communication satellites, all of which were developed and manufactured by Hughes Space and Communications. Syncom 2, launched in 1963, was the world's first geosynchronous communications satellite.
In the 1980s, the series was continued as Syncom IV with some much larger satellites, also manufactured by Hughes. They were leased to the United States military under the Leasat program.
The three early Syncom satellites were experimental spacecraft built by Hughes Aircraft Company's facility in Culver City, California. All three satellites were cylindrical in shape, with a diameter of about 71 centimeters (28 in) and a height of about 39 centimeters (15 in). Pre-launch fueled masses were 68 kilograms (150 lb), and orbital masses were 39 kilograms (86 lb) with a 25-kilogram (55 lb) payload. They were capable of emitted signals on two transponders at just 2 W. Thus, Syncom satellites were only capable of carrying a single two-way telephone conversation, or 16 Teletype connections. As of June 25, 2009, all three satellites are still in orbit.
Speedy J (born Jochem George Paap in 1969, Rotterdam ), is a Dutch electronic music producer based in the city of Rotterdam. His breakthrough came with the release in 1992 of the minimal techno track Pullover. Subsequently his material became more mellow as he moved away from the hardcore sounds that were then becoming popular in Belgium and the Netherlands.
His debut album Ginger (1993) was released on Richie Hawtin's Plus 8 record label in the US, while in the UK it was part of Warp Records' Artificial Intelligence series of electronic listening music. A further, more introspective release, G-Spot followed in 1995; a live album, !ive, was also released. Afterwards his work, which included Public Energy No.1 (1997) and A Shocking Hobby (2000) became more experimental, importantly influencing the development of what is known as "IDM", or intelligent dance music.
"Upon first impressions, Public Energy No.1 highlights a big departure from previous Speedy J offerings... in a complete role reversal, it enters upon an iconoclastic electro territory more familiar to admirers of such other purveyors as Autechre, the Aphex Twin, Mike Paradinas and Martin Damm in his Steel persona," wrote Andrez Bergen in 1998 for Australian magazine Inpress.
Tie one on and on
Lines are drawn
Oh the road is long but I been gone
Even longer
Poison's only
Getting stronger
And it's lonely in the time of the monsters
Oh the night is coming down
The road just winds around
One night in town that's all we need
Take a bow, get on your knees
We tore down the world
Called it a war
A blood-sport for short
Call it what you will
But just lay still as the sound of the first assault cradles you to sleep
Sleep of the dammed, god damn it man
We play for keeps
Now is the time snake em till they die
Snarling then collision ever so proficient
Catering and tripping through the fires of attrition
Choke on, your last words
Broke down, in the dirt
Nobody move
Still everyone gets hurt
Well well well it seems I've struck a nerve
The dark horse rides again into oblivion
I'd rather meet the end dripping in sin
Smile on my face, bottle in hand
Staggering into the Promised Land
Come join me now....
We've fallen fast asleep at the wheel
Hell is hot on our heels
Damn
I'm not an animal
But you gone and forced my hand, to seek revenge
The best I can do, dull the pain for you
A poor man's saving grace, a bottle and a pill to chase
The sunset like John Wayne