soft synth is a general term... so i suppose Reaktor, Max/MSP, or SuperCollider would fit into that category where you can definitely wander around for lifetimes creating your own soft synths.... i'd choose Max/MSP(because i'm still lost in it), or else SuperCollider (since it's free).

ah yes, don't we all do this? as i'm getting older, though, i make sure to take breaks, i have to force myself sometimes to be sober and create otherwise, i've noticed i run the danger of ONLY being creative while high(and that includes my sense of humor). just like anything, you need to practice ...

The plus side is that once you have learnt to mix on budget decks you will find that mixing on pro decks is a piece of piss by comparison....

Definitely true, it's embarassing to admit, but i learned on belt-drive turntables. by ear, i learned to get the BPM as close as possible with the pitch ...

Oaktown represent!

there are also some of those wherehouses in west oakland, residents of which you could talk to about renting out for a party: The Crucible, Otherworld, etc.

300+ acres is bad-ass! would be down to play my live-pa anywhere!

(did someone say CalArts? i went there)

In any case ...