Alembic Guitars Club

Alembic products => Alembic Basses & Guitars => Topic started by: hendixclarke on May 03, 2009, 01:09:51 AM

Title: Cool Pictures
Post by: hendixclarke on May 03, 2009, 01:09:51 AM
Music sweet music...(Manic depression)  
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/64742.jpg)
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: darkstar01 on May 03, 2009, 01:24:18 AM
i really don't understand your connection between hendrix and stanley clarke. but if it works for you, cool.
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: sjhoffma on May 03, 2009, 02:23:04 AM
Sing me to sleep Phil
 
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/64751.jpg)
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: pas on May 03, 2009, 06:37:26 AM
Looks like Phil could use a little more fiber in his diet...
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: brb9911 on May 03, 2009, 07:05:01 PM
LOL -- it looks like Phil just hit that elusive Brown Note .... ; )
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: chalie_holmes on May 04, 2009, 06:00:52 AM
I think the connection is that they were/are the greatest innovators of their instruments. Jimi and Stanley were doing playing in ways no other musician thought of or at least attempted and did it with such power, grace, speed and ease, and clarity that it astounded the whole musical world! Both Jimi and Stanley inspired all musicians that played either the guitar or bass respectively, that here is another way to jam on your axe! Just like the Grandfather of Slap, Larry Grahmn (sp). Totally at the pinnacle of their instrument!
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: hendixclarke on May 04, 2009, 10:08:05 AM
Hey I found one connection...
 
They are both pointing their fingers in the same directions...
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: oujeebass on May 04, 2009, 11:07:22 AM
long fingers
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: hendixclarke on May 04, 2009, 12:06:01 PM
Would Jimi own an Alembic guitar... if alive?
 
Humm.... all stars in the infinite Universes points to: YES,... ABSOLUTELY YES.  
 
Jimi would be compelled to take it HIGHER!
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: chalie_holmes on May 04, 2009, 12:18:05 PM
YEAH BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
A La Sly Stone!
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: crobbins on May 04, 2009, 06:42:54 PM
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/64800.jpg)
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: darkstar01 on May 04, 2009, 08:11:28 PM
i guess i never really understood why people were so crazy for stanley's playing. not my thing.
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: hendixclarke on May 04, 2009, 10:24:43 PM
Like Sly Stone said:
 
Different strokes for different folks, and so on and so on and shoo-bee-doo-bee-doo-beee...
 
In other words, its cool to know what you like, and don't like... I call this a blessing.
 
Like Charles said, Jimi and Stanley were doing (things) and playing in ways no other musician thought of or at least attempted and did it with such power, grace, speed and ease, and clarity that it astounded the whole musical world!
 
Quality musicians attracts quality minds and musicians. They go to their concerts or workshops.  
 
When somebody attracts Herbie, Wayne, Omar Hakeem, Chick, Lenny, Al, Jeff Beck, Kieth Richards, George Duke and the list goes on...and they all played with Stanley, then are you saying those great musicians are also crazy?
 
You are the only sane person right?    
 
I bet you can't name one famous bass play who don't have the utmost respect for Stanley.  
 
Name one person...
 
Please validate your opinion with someone who's as famous as Stanley, that feels like you do sir...
 
Please answer the question...
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: jalevinemd on May 04, 2009, 11:08:19 PM
Let the games begin!
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: darkstar01 on May 04, 2009, 11:27:05 PM
calm down, dude. i'm not saying you or anyone else is crazy for liking stanley. being 'crazy' for someone and being 'crazy' in general is not the same thing. it's a figure of speech. obviously stanley has a lot of skill. no one is arguing that. it's just a matter of taste, and i'm sure (judging by the names you listed) my favorites players (erik fratzke, henry grimes, barry guy, william parker) wouldnt make your top 100 .  
i do like stanley's upright playing. his electric stuff just never did anything for me. and to be honest, i never liked his tone. at all.  
so chill out and go listen to some happy apple. it won't hurt, i promise.
 
(Message edited by darkstar01 on May 04, 2009)
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: mike1762 on May 04, 2009, 11:50:27 PM
I don't think Austin is implying that Stanley is not an AMAZING talent.  He's just saying that Stanley's playing doesn't suit HIM.  That's OK.  I'm more of a pocket player myself and I will often back-off for the sake of the song.  I think musicians with a Jazz inclination tend to make music that is more about virtuostic displays rather than writing a song that a non-musician will enjoy.  That's OK as well... just understand and acknowledge who your audience is and who they are not.
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: darkstar01 on May 04, 2009, 11:57:51 PM
yeah but i'm not saying i only like 'pocket' players, either.  stanley's lines (particularly on electric) just never seemed very interesting to me.  but i don't really dig the entire genre he was involved in during his formative years. i'm not a return to forever fan, i don't like his solo stuff. but that whole early era of fusion or whatever you want to call it, doesn't do anything for me. i studied with joe chambers (and if you know chick and wayne shorter's work, you know who joe chambers is), and he said return to forever, chick corea, that was smooth jazz. that was the birth of smooth jazz. tony williams' band (lifetime), now that was the only fusion band. and i absolutely agree.
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: hendixclarke on May 05, 2009, 12:36:24 AM
I am always calm... and I am not irritated by my positive feelings about a wonderful bass player. It's calm warm and fuzzy feeling to speak positive about someone (if you mean it...) Negativity drains the imagination, staggers creativity, hardens soul with confinements, and just plane bad for the Psyche.
 
I am very calm, trust me.
 
Also, I don't believe we ever met before, so please don't try to figure my top 100 or even 10. I asked you a specific question, and you failed to name a famous person who feels like you.
 
Also, about the crazy slang, please don't assume I use words the same way you do.  
 
And then you want to say Stanley's electric bass tone was never liked? Which tone are you referencing?  
 
Please tell me which tone, because you can get an incredible amount of tone from Alembic basses, and Stanley is the one to attempt to try them all.
 
Please answer my question on the tone.  
 
I am clear on what you mean on crazy (we are cool)
Thanks for explaining, but then again I am glad I asked.
 
One more important note...
 
If Stanley didn't take the bass to the limits with what he did, you would still be happy. So, why knock something that's strange?
 
 
You bases are weak, and people said the same thing about Miles Davis when he connected a wa-wa to his horn and entered a new direction with Jazz.  
 
Miles and Gil Evans contacted Jimi Hendrix to join in on this new fusion sound called Jazz-Fusion. This form of music, gave musicians the freedom and the space to move. It was the next step in evolution of discovering more color and greater musical architecture, on a larger landscape.    
 
That is the problem with conservatism in music, it blinds the mind and it locks you down like holding a natural fart. GET THE FUNK OUT OF MY FACE... YOU DON'T LIKE MY MUSIC... Lewis Johnson said it best Alembic in hand...
 
Peace-
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: darkstar01 on May 05, 2009, 12:49:48 AM
i'm pretty hesitant to even try to have a conversation with you, but it's late, and i'll give it a go.
everything i stated is my opinion, and no one else's.  i don't need to provide you with someone famous to back up my opinion that i don't like stanley's playing. period.
i never said that anyone, other than myself, disliked his tone.  
i never said his playing was strange. in fact, to me, it's not strange enough. i primarily listen to, and pretty much (with few exceptions) play avant garde / completely improvised music. conservatism is not in my vocabulary.
i know what miles did. he originally wanted jimi in his band, but jimi died. so he (unhappily on some accounts) settled for john mclaughlin.
bottom line, i don't like his playing. that's all i ever said. now if this somehow offends you, that's a bit odd, but i'm sorry.  
as you said at the beginning,  to each their own.
and as far as the fusion argument goes, you can take that up with joe chambers. and i can guarantee you that's not a good idea. he's not the nicest guy on the planet.
 
(Message edited by darkstar01 on May 05, 2009)
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: terryc on May 05, 2009, 01:18:05 AM
Let's not get this thread closed if it gets too personal, there have been too many of these recently.
 
I can agree with both of you, if the tone, songs or technique don't stimulate your brain then it will not happen however many times you listen to it.
Stan's sound was the end as far as I am concerned but I hated Chris Squires tone but his playing is superb.
Horses for courses, there is nothing wrong with exceeding the boundaries and there is nothing wrong with staying inside the boundaries either.
The choice is up to the individual and the world would be a very boring place if we all followed the same path.
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: darkstar01 on May 05, 2009, 01:24:34 AM
for the record, i'm not trying to start some kind of heated argument. i just don't like being misquoted. thanks for your input, terry.
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: hendixclarke on May 05, 2009, 07:18:06 AM
Read to your comments...
 
i really don't understand your connection between hendrix and stanley clarke.
 
i guess i never really understood why people were so crazy for stanley's playing. not my thing.
 
Twice, you said didn't understand something...
 
So, the first lack of understanding, Chalie broke it down, to give you some meaning of the connection between Hendrix and Clarke...
 
(By the way, you never follow up with a comment on Chalie's answers...did it help?
 
Then you didn't understand why people liked Stanley Clarke (you used the word crazy...)  
 
So, when you used people crazy and Stanley Clarke in the same sentence it sound personal.
 
At this point, I am feeling a negative vibe from you, and my musical senses was smelling something odd.
 
I am done. I am no long interested in this discussion. I understand where you are coming from. Some things are best expressed with silents.
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: gregduboc on May 05, 2009, 08:08:05 AM
Hal, please forgive me in this intrusion, but you gotta chill man.
You tend to pick everyone's comments and transform it into something you find offensive. And that makes us a bit confused.
Here in Brazil, we have a saying: What would be of the Blue, if everyone loved the Green?
And with that, I want to point out that everyone has an opinion, and we have to respect them. I believe that what Austin is saying is that Stanley isn't to him who he is to you. That is his point of view. And we all have to understand and respect that.
So please, let's cool it down and stop all these virtual discussions (more of a fight to me) and keep this nice place peacefull...
By no means I want to be disrespectful with anyone, I only want to keep this lovely club a lovely place. And do forgive me if my opinion is wrong, but again, it is my opinion.
 
Greg
 
(Message edited by gregduboc on May 05, 2009)
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: serialnumber12 on May 05, 2009, 08:20:32 AM
speaking of Cool pictures(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/64812.jpg)
 
(Message edited by serialnumber12 on May 07, 2009)
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: serialnumber12 on May 05, 2009, 08:25:49 AM
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/64817.jpg)
 
(Message edited by serialnumber12 on May 06, 2009)
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: serialnumber12 on May 05, 2009, 08:42:32 AM
 
 
(Message edited by serialnumber12 on May 05, 2009)
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: serialnumber12 on May 05, 2009, 08:44:40 AM
The coolest pic of them all serialnumber#999!!!(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/64823.jpg)
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: hendixclarke on May 05, 2009, 08:50:31 AM
All I did was put up a picture, and now I need to chill?
 
I heard somebody say...
 
Something is wrong with that picture... then echos...
 
Something is wrong with Stanley's tone...
 
WHO NEEDS TO CHILL?
 
 
What a joke... My Alembic is back on it's stand man.
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: FC Bass on May 05, 2009, 09:05:38 AM
I guess these are the opposite of "cool" ?  
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/64827.jpg)
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/64828.jpg)
  Note: I was a very angry and disturbed young man back then...
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: serialnumber12 on May 05, 2009, 09:10:46 AM
the first pic you appear to be on fire!.......or was it a Hot bass solo!
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: tubeperson on May 05, 2009, 09:11:04 AM
I love Stanley's playing, but I do not take offense at someone who doesn't care for it. Differernt strokes for different folks. My liking Stanley does not invalidate someone else caring for a different flavor.  It amazes me at some people who are so intolerant of others yet cannot see their own close-minded ways.  So Mr. Hendixclarke, I am on board with you regarding Stenley's playing and contributions.  But keep in miind, there are many that think we are all nuts for spending the vast sums of money on our Alembic bass(es).  Some of this is the directed from the unexposed, others are just  intolerant.  I have a feeling you can raise your level of tolerance and not personalize another dissenting opinion.  This country is way too polarized over different opinions (and not all on on side either).  All of this diversity is what makes America great.  So embrace and learn to at least tolerate it.  I can tell you that Stanley's influence stayed with me for many years, until I entered the old fart years (AARP eligible) as my young son would say) when I could finally afford to have a Series or II (Two 2'a as well).
 
I do love your passion Hendixclarke, but take a deep breath and imagine playing with RTF.  This is a much better way to expend energy that fighting with someone else's opinion.  Now I know some hatred will come to me as a result of this, but it just doesn't matter.  It just doesn't matter, it just doesn't matter......
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: FC Bass on May 05, 2009, 09:24:44 AM
quote:the first pic you appear to be on fire!.......or was it a Hot bass solo!
I guess it was both :-)
 
I forgot note 2: I broke my thumb the day before that gig and had 2 stitches in it, I had a reason to be angry :-(
You can see the bandage around my fretting hand thumb.
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: chalie_holmes on May 05, 2009, 09:55:37 AM
I do know that there is much passion in what we like and are willing to discuss, even to the point that it may come off as being defensive. It is no big deal.Just Keep it in the Low frequencies baby! Long live the 1st Amedment my passionate keepers of the Temple of the low sonic groovalischous soul-stirring musicians realm.
Peace!
Chalie Holmes Williamsport Pa
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: mattheus on May 05, 2009, 10:18:21 AM
@ fc spoiler
quote:
I forgot note 2: I broke my thumb the day before that gig and had 2 stitches in it, I had a reason to be angry :-(  
You can see the bandage around my fretting hand thumb.
 
Not so long ago I also had a little accident with my left hand. For weeks and weeks it was painfull to play the bass. And we gig 1 -4 times every week, so you can imagine how I felt... Finally I decided to pay the doctor a little visit. It didn't take him long to see what was wrong; I broke my pink. This is now almost 6 months ago and I can still feel it.
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: tmoney61092 on May 05, 2009, 11:16:45 AM
Going back to the Stanley subject, I hate slap bass, personally it makes me sick, I have never liked it, but my only exception is les claypool because he didn't play normal slap, he extend it to a much cooler thing. It's an opinion so chill out
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: hydrargyrum on May 05, 2009, 11:36:13 AM
The only real bass players play washtub bass!  I don't know who this Stanley what's-his-name is, but he doesn't play washtub, does he? Then NO GOOD!
 
/Just kidding!
//I like Les Claypool also, Taylor.
///Not that I dislike Stanley.
////I definitely like slash marks!
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: lbpesq on May 05, 2009, 11:37:25 AM
Batten down the hatches!
 
Bill, tgo
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: mike1762 on May 05, 2009, 11:56:27 AM
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/64832.jpg)
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: hendixclarke on May 05, 2009, 11:59:19 AM
I love the percussion sounds it make, the growl, the cutting snaps, the intense Pops, the forever harmonics, the graceful hums, the slamming strums, the flute-like flurries, the bending of the strings, the echo's in the hall, the timing between the drums, the solos from soft, to hard, then to soft to join back with the band.
 
I love all basses, I love all sound, and I would play with anybody who love basses too.
 
My poem to you...
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: olieoliver on May 05, 2009, 12:14:45 PM
That must be the DELUXE model Mike, it's got TWO STRINGS!.  
 
OO
And by the way , Jerry's music is Dead.  
 
(That should stir things up.)
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: terryc on May 05, 2009, 12:52:05 PM
Those early Alembics..why the trapezoid pick ups??
A fashion statement or something to improve the 'magnetic window'
Answers please
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: hendixclarke on May 05, 2009, 01:34:43 PM
 
 
(Message edited by hendixclarke on May 05, 2009)
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: hydrargyrum on May 05, 2009, 01:45:44 PM
Does it mean I'm a colossal dork if I admit that the bass in Mike's picture looks really fun to try?  I wonder if Alembic would ever make one . . . I can see it now, hand hammered brass tub, flame maple and ebony laminated neck, and a Classico transducer . . . Maybe I need to move this to dreaming for now!
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: mike1762 on May 05, 2009, 03:51:11 PM
Yes Olie, that was an extended range tub bass.  It can go places and hit notes a 1 string tub bass can only dream of.  Of course you traditionalist out there are probably saying why would you possibly need more than 1 string?.  
 
Hal you are right, Tom's Shorter scale bass is something else.  For those of you who have not seen it... check it out:
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/64842.jpg)
 
That is amazing!!!  Alembic's (and Tom's) goal was to make an extra-short scale bass (28) to accommodate Tom's short stature, but not have the bass look like a toy.  Success!!!  Given Tom's former profession as a Ham-burglar, Alembic better be sure the check clears before they ship it... he might be a Bass-burglar now!!!  I can't wait to see pics of Tom with this bass.
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: hendixclarke on May 05, 2009, 04:09:37 PM
check clears before they ship it... he might be a Bass-burglar now!!!  
 
That was hilarious!!!
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: oujeebass on May 05, 2009, 04:33:35 PM
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/64846.jpg)
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: mike1762 on May 05, 2009, 07:08:50 PM
There's something not right with that photo... it's that kid on the far left: his bow tie is crooked.  His parents must have been so ashamed.
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: crobbins on May 05, 2009, 07:24:31 PM
 
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: hendixclarke on May 05, 2009, 07:41:52 PM
Look like a 80's motif...  
 
Maybe a Hollywood screening of a new TV show.
 
That's what I read...
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: pauldo on May 05, 2009, 08:34:33 PM
Mr. Flowers. . .  
Your observation skills are astute and keen, obviously you are a man of distinction and taste.
 
To raise a glass with you would be a treat!
 
How's this for cool?
One of our queens caught in the act of laying eggs (note the eggs in adjacent cells - they look like a grain of rice)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/64863.jpg)
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: crgaston on May 05, 2009, 09:27:49 PM
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/64866.jpg)
 
Vader on bass...
 
...'nuff said.
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: svlilioukalani on May 06, 2009, 05:23:15 AM
In my world a man is not judged by race, age, or how long their hair is. But their taste in music. When one talks too much it show what they don't know; their ignorance sticks out all over the place. I had a lot of foolish ideas as a college student. But several years on the road with a blues band changed all that.
 
I saw Stanley a few weeks ago at Jazz Alley in Seattle. He only played his upright. His band was a bunch of hot young guys. He and they were amazing.  After the show Stan invited everybody in the club to come down to his dressing room to say hi. Our love for Stanley extends past his playing. He is a man's man, a teacher, and one mean bass player.  
 
My bet is...  
Stanley bashers have never seen him play live. A bass players who use the word hate in terms of a right hand technique, has not taken the time to learn to use technique.  
 
I see the connection. And love this web sight.
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: hydrargyrum on May 06, 2009, 06:41:41 AM
Technique isn't everything, and some people would rather hear a sloppy punk band than a tight fusion combo.  It is really pointless to argue over matters of taste, or to assert that there is one ultimate musician that everyone else is required to recognize and like.  People, and music, just don't work that way.  I love the work of Tom Waits with a passion difficult to describe, but I know he sounds like gravel in a blender to some people.  It doesn't affect my appreciation for him at all.
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: lbpesq on May 06, 2009, 06:59:39 AM
My favorite color is yellow.  Anyone who has a different favorite color is obviously an idiot.
 
I like sushi.  Anyone who likes hamburgers more than sushi is a moron.
 
Sounds ridiculous, doesn't it?  Well, replace the words yellow and sushi with Stanley Clarke or Jimi Hendrix and we have the above discussion.
 
As many of you have figured out, I'm a complete, total, unrepentant Deadhead.  But guess what?  I know that some of you just don't appreciate the Dead the way I do.  And guess what else?  I don't mind!  It doesn't change the pleasure I get from listening to the boys one iota.  In fact, I'm glad that not everyone loves the Dead.  The shows would have been even more crowded and tickets harder to come by over the years.
 
Now can we please go back to talking about basses, guitars, amps, effects, and Whippet Dinkels?
 
Bill, tgo
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: hydrargyrum on May 06, 2009, 07:03:21 AM
Yellow?  Are you some sort of halfwit?  GO BLUE!
 
 
 
(Message edited by hydrargyrum on May 06, 2009)
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: olieoliver on May 06, 2009, 07:08:56 AM
I second that motion (emotion) Bill!  
 
OO
The hamburger Lover!
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: olieoliver on May 06, 2009, 07:11:06 AM
Oh yea and my favorite color is COCO-BOLO!
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: adriaan on May 06, 2009, 07:19:52 AM
Now can we please go back to talking about basses, guitars, amps, effects, and Whippet Dinkels?
 
Well, I haven't had my say yet ... I for one was phenomenally bored by that RTF reunion concert that someone posted a link to here at the club - in my innocence I sat through the whole thing waiting for a flash of unexpected brilliance, the kind that gives you goosebumps. No such luck.
 
And IIRC it was the whippet's dinkle.
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: jedisan on May 06, 2009, 09:21:33 AM
So Bill, I got a Dead story for you? one I will always remember. So let?s fast rewind to sometime in the mid ?70?s, The Dead are playing a three night gig at Winterland. I have already been Thursday and Friday, but have no ticket for the obviously sold out Saturday night. My best buddy already has his ticket in advance, and we decide to go anyway, and scour the streets looking for a ticket for me. We agree that by curtain time, if I have not found a ticket, we will sell his and go party elsewhere. So after a fruitless hour or so, there I am, standing by the entrance at curtain time, no ticket, just waiting for my best bud to return. Just out of nowhere, a cute young lady approaches me, and says,
 
 ?I have an extra ticket, would you like to buy it??  
 
Well, my jaw dropped, I said,  
 
?Yes, how much??  
 
She sold it to me at face value, a ticket she easily could have doubled the price for, and made a tidy profit.  
 Needless to say, the kindness of this young lady you would be hard pressed to find these days.
Just wanted to lighten up the thread a little, I hope you all don?t mind.
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: hendixclarke on May 06, 2009, 01:10:38 PM
Skills, Techniques, and Knowledge are the (3) components rolled into a beginning, middle and end yielding: WOW HOW DID S/HE DO THAT, AND I WOULD LOVE USE THIS ON MY MUSIC PROJECT TOO...  
 
If you critics of Stanley, had not copied any Skills, of Techniques of Stanley in anyway then I respect your comments.  
 
Everybody I knows, people who owns Alembics almost automatically play Stanley cords... And ya'll know it true too.
 
Same with Jimi cords... heeeheheee eeeh  
 
So stop hating.
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: hendixclarke on May 06, 2009, 01:52:18 PM
Talent is always noticed. I am always scoping out people who do amazing things with basses. I am sure those same people, do the same.  
 
Playing 1 or 2 music notes might make you a rock star, but as far as the risks in repeating the musical notes, the risk of errors are extremely low. For beginning bass players, I believe this is cool to repeat notes. It helps to get the timing right... When they become more confident adding more notes, are great.
 
But where I am with 40 years of playing guitars, Rockstar cords bore me silly. I could just die, if I heard 1 or 2 notes in a extended version of a song. If it was dance music, that would be different. I would have many other distractions and I might be more focused on the words, or the song in general or that cutie I am dancing with...
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: goop on May 06, 2009, 02:30:33 PM
Amazing is again, a matter of perspective.
 
Fame - Bowie
Get Down tonight - K.C.
I Got the Feeling - James Brown
Ideas As Oppiates - Tears For Fears
 
All these songs have pretty simplistic 4 note bass lines and are totally awesome, to me.  The first 3 have killer groove.  
 
Close to the Edge has a difficult convoluted beginning passage and simple, minimal, middle passages. I don't think quality playing must be busy playing.  
 
Paperback Writer is not many notes. I Dig a Pony.
 
Steely Dan tunes are full of simple bass lines that sound complicated.  With guitars, drums and keys, they sound amazing.
 
Kind of Blue is another example of how great does not have to be busy.  
 
I enjoy all musical styles and genres.
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: hydrargyrum on May 06, 2009, 02:38:06 PM
Sheesh Hal,
 
I don't really see anyone dogging on Stanley in this thread.  One person said that his style wasn't the type that he preferred.  So what?  That's his choice.  Personally, I have never listened to a single Stanley or RTF tune, so I guess I have never copied him in any way (probably doesn't hurt that I play guitar and not bass either, does it?).  Does this mean my comment deserves any more respect (or less) than anyone else?  I also take exception to the idea that either Hendrix or Clarke own particular chords.  They weren't the first to play them and won't be the last.  And while Hendrix was unarguably a great player, his innovation ended when he died.  I don't mean to be offensive, but this is seriously getting tired to hear people argue over what is a matter of personal taste.  I'm with Bill here, let's get back to talking about instruments and whippet's dingles.
 
/Last post in this thread.  If you would care to contact me, my email is in my profile.
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: hendixclarke on May 06, 2009, 02:48:08 PM
From an Alembic perspective, I get more bang for my bucks playing my Alembic, than listening or maybe playing along to Bowie, K.C, or James Brown... and (I love Bootsy) but those guys too.
 
goop, I love all those tunes you mentioned dearly, so I do accept your point in full, but as to be a secret desire for learning something that is much more of a challenge (for me), not even Michael's Jackson's Thriller (THE TOP DOG IN SALE) would be my cup of tea for strapping on my Alembic.
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: hendixclarke on May 06, 2009, 03:10:12 PM
The post was called Cool pictures  
 
Then the wind came...
 
I don't understand this
I don't understand that...
 
I don't like Stanley's tone...
 
Ok, I asked a fair question as to what tone he didn't like?
 
Why don't those who want to talk about other things go and create your own thread. It's really that simple.
 
 
It's laughable
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: bsee on May 06, 2009, 03:13:49 PM
Once again, we have a thread in the wrong place.  Dave, do you think you could move this over to Miscellaneous when you get a chance?
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: hendixclarke on May 06, 2009, 03:16:42 PM
Being really good at what you do, or create, is no accident.
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: hendixclarke on May 06, 2009, 03:20:29 PM
Yeah, and tuck this deep in the archive...
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: pauldo on May 06, 2009, 04:15:20 PM
Yes - COOL PICTURES
It is a rather rare instance to view a honey bee queen laying eggs, let alone snap a picture of it - how cool is that on the coolness scale???
 
But I suppose if I press the issue I'll get slammed by the bumble bee lovers out there, or worse yet those of you that embrace hornets as being cool . . .  nanny nanny boo boo :-P
 
(Message edited by pauldo on May 06, 2009)
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: mike1762 on May 06, 2009, 05:01:04 PM
What's a Whippet Dinkel???
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: elwoodblue on May 06, 2009, 05:17:24 PM
A prog rock band from Denmark?
 
here (http://www.google.com/search?q=whippets+++site:alembic.com&hl=en&lr=&safe=off&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&hs=Aar&as_qdr=all&filter=0 target=_blank) it is in context.
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: crgaston on May 06, 2009, 06:05:50 PM
Unfortunately, the ebay link is busted.  Fortunately, it's been transcribed on TB...
 
 Whippet's Dinkle Ad (http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=270752 target=_blank)
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: mike1762 on May 06, 2009, 06:29:42 PM
Now THAT was funny...
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: hendixclarke on May 08, 2009, 09:05:56 AM
My two Alembics Dreams...
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/64931.jpg)
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: tmoney61092 on May 08, 2009, 09:41:40 AM
ok first thing, i don't listen to punk, it sucks, i don't like the sound of slap bass, is that wrong? if it is then shoot me. my opinion of some of the people on this sight changes daily. just because i don't like slap and fusion doesn't mean i'm absolutely in love with punk. i have found few who who are not attacking but offer their opinion as well
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: oujeebass on May 08, 2009, 10:06:39 AM
I think the ultimate issue lies with the fact that when someone gets on here and states their opinion in regards to someone else opinion. It becomes a debate as soon as that happens. If I see someone say something that I don't agree with I tend to not jump in and correct them, unless they asked for rebutals. Its true that most people have better control over that. I will say something when someone is obviously trying piss on someones parade. Music is nothing but a big parade of tastes.
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: hendixclarke on May 08, 2009, 10:42:27 AM
I personally don't mind an open discussion. The problem is, people need to smile, and see everyone as Sisters and Brothers. But that may be asking too much... (I don't know...)
 
I don't even mind people having a strong view on something, but even to have a strong view means, people have a right to question the view.
 
If a person wants disagree, all the better, because we might learn something if they allow themselves to be open to questions.
 
It comes down to the individual, and there levels of tolerance, and what mood they are in... There are people here I am taking mental notes on, and those names, I do not care to follow up with for reasons thereof...
 
I don't mind that my list is growing or shortens. It's all un-important stuff anyway. But I will never intend to hurt anyone feelings. As for mine, go for it, I am not a rat, I will never run and report people... That just send them to hide. I say expose the fools (I know I am one...) but only for Alembic Basses
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: bsee on May 08, 2009, 12:12:21 PM
A debate needn't become personal.  If you can't have a debate without becoming aggressive about your opinion, then that debate should be had someplace other than here.  In fact, maybe better to think of it as a discussion among friends rather than a debate among antagonists.  There's nothing wrong with the belligerent defense of a stance, it just isn't what the Alembic club is here for.  
 
Here, we are expected to communicate in a polite and respectful fashion.  Reply to posts that bother you or disagree with your position as though the other person were your mother, boss, or some other person deserving of respect in your world.  If you can't do that right away, take a break and come back to it when you can.  If you still can't, then best not to post at all.  If you do post, read it back to yourself in the preview and consider if it could be interpreted as rude or aggressive.  We all make mistakes, but courtesy is everyone's right and responsibility.  
 
This isn't the Jerry Springer show, and I believe we would rather not move in that direction.
 
-bob
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: keavin on May 08, 2009, 12:26:53 PM
 
 
(Message edited by keavin on May 10, 2009)
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: hendixclarke on May 08, 2009, 12:30:02 PM
Negative Attributes:
 
 
The Bandwagon
 
... That's when people jump on the majority or most influential views without understanding the facts. These people are strong in packs, but weak if questioned of their biases.  
 
The Attacker
 
...That's when somebody out of nowhere calls someone a derogatory name because they believe their views are the only view worth validating.
 
The Jester
 
...That someone who uses languages that only other associates understands. They make sarcastic, and comical reactions on thread, against members directly opposing their views.  
 
The Hijacker
 
These people juxtaposes or alter the original thread discussion into a tangled web of mis-understandings red herring. This people love to confuse the facts, for what's it's worth...
 
The Instigator
 
These people love to see a good fight. They uses words like: this VS that, and this should get good... or they just say things promoting  verbal fighting.
 
The Follower
 
... This person speaks only after their leader.  on commenting. The problem with followers, you could never count on them standing up for what they believe/beliefs are. They operate out of fear, and or disturbing the apple cart.
 
THIS IS ONLY MY OPINION, base on my experience in my catalog....
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: serialnumber12 on May 08, 2009, 12:39:12 PM
Grab a Beer & sit your ass down!!!
 
(Message edited by serialnumber12 on May 09, 2009)
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: hendixclarke on May 08, 2009, 12:50:37 PM
Oh one more...
 
The protector
 
These people speaks on behalf of people who overtly made wrong and terrible comments to other members. The protector, re-interprets the nasty  original words, into a lighter and understandingly tone.  
 
The problem is with the protector, they don't consider a balance of humanity. They operate with half of the story nor do they care.
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: hendixclarke on May 08, 2009, 12:56:21 PM
Haaaaaaaaaaaaa eeeh
 
GIVE ME THAT BADASS BIG BERTHA!
 
I'll treat it right!
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: hydrargyrum on May 08, 2009, 01:08:22 PM
ok first thing, i don't listen to punk, it sucks, i don't like the sound of slap bass, is that wrong? if it is then shoot me. my opinion of some of the people on this sight changes daily. just because i don't like slap and fusion doesn't mean i'm absolutely in love with punk.
 
So far as I know, I am the only person who has even mentioned punk in this thread, and I wasn't directing my comment to you.  For the record, aside from a very few exceptions, I don't like punk either. Nor do I like fusion.  I was merely stating that as a matter of taste, some people don't like technique driven music.  My post was not intended to imply anything about anyone's specific personal preferences. Period.  Now I have gone and broke my word, and posted in this horrendous thread once again.  I vote that all text in this thread (including this post) be replaced with pictures of kittens, puppies, and sunsets by the moderators.  What d'ya say Dave?
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: gregduboc on May 08, 2009, 01:21:59 PM
Dear Moder Dave, please take Kevin's advice...??
I feel bad every time I check this thread... But kittens, puppies, sunsets always make me smile which for me, makes them cool pictures!  
 
 
 
Greg
 
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: hydrargyrum on May 08, 2009, 01:32:39 PM
Gee Greg, somehow that photo doesn't seem to inspire warm fuzzy feelings for me.    
 
Maybe its appropriate given the context.
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: lbpesq on May 08, 2009, 01:38:21 PM
What, no tortoises?  no fish?  no lizards?  (all of which reside under the same roof as my Alembics), no sun rises?  Obviously no respect is being shown for non-mammalian species or a.m. hours!  
 
I have to say that I find Hal's above posts of this date puzzling insofar as his post of May 4th @ 10:24 p.m. is what started the acrimony.  And a review of all the posts in this thread reveals that the only ones that arguably disparage others because of the opinions they hold are authored by Hal.
 
Bill, tgo
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: elwoodblue on May 08, 2009, 02:07:19 PM

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/64959.jpg)
  Here's a sunrise from the NW.  ...and this is not:  
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/64960.jpg)
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: bsee on May 08, 2009, 02:10:35 PM
Actually, Hal, I find any attempt to apply labels to people based upon a small amount of internet communication to be borderline offensive.  Once you start to do that, you will inevitably stop reading what that person is saying and, instead, interpret their words based upon the label you have applied.  It also suggests that a person can have only one of these personality traits, and that they can never change.  I greatly prefer to interpret peoples comments at face value and not to apply an interpretation that assumes anger or evil intent.
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: hendixclarke on May 08, 2009, 02:55:54 PM
Yeah, so what... Its skills anyone should know.
 
I broken not laws or any hearts with posting Negative Attributes
 
What good do you offer saying this is wrong?  
The problems of the world is never caused by the majority of people, it caused by the few. In other words, most people (like here) are good people. So what, if I provide methods to sharpen the scope on those very few people that fit the mold.  
 
The only people taking these words personal, are the ones that take issues.
 
So if the shoe fits, think about it and make a change, and watch great things come to you... Carma bites, without me naming names, or without me snitching.
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: toddharris on May 08, 2009, 03:39:39 PM
Hmmm.  Just read the whole thread for the first time. In summary - a defense of Stanley (as if he needs defenders)followed by a defense of and free speech and individual taste! I most respect the call for puppies and so will add one here!  A question to the readers - is better for some to live their conflicts in the safety of cyberspace or get out of the house and try to navigate them in world outside...   Viva la difference!  (http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/64964.jpg)
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: pauldo on May 08, 2009, 04:01:06 PM
Obviously no respect is being shown for non-mammalian species or a.m. hours!
 
Bill, please scroll up the thread to the really COOL picture of a queen honey bee laying eggs..... that picture was taken before noon.
;-)
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: David Houck on May 08, 2009, 04:06:14 PM
Hi !!!
 
I see where there have been some requests for moderator participation.
 
I'm guessing that by now everyone has read the posting guidelines fifty times and I don't even have to link to it 'cause you all have it memorized.  And I really don't know what else I can say that I haven't already said in fifty previous posts, and in emails to, and phone calls with, some of you.
 
It's been my experience that pretty much everyone on this board makes a positive contribution to our community.  And this is a community; we are all sitting in the Alembic living room when we gather here.
 
And communities work best when everyone works together for the good of everyone in the group.
 
Heated exchanges accomplish nothing positive; they leave everyone feeling less joyful.  One minute you're enjoying pictures of Phil, Warren and Bobby, and you have that warm fuzzy feeling in your heart, and the next minute you're all pissed off, or feeling self-righteous, or feeling defensive or frustrated or disappointed or ...
 
Heated exchanges don't really accomplish much that's positive.  They don't contribute much to community.
 
When you feel like you need to react to something someone else has posted, then go outside, lie down on the grass (or a deck chair works really well) and behold a cloud; they're pretty amazing things, just floating up there, each one unique, constantly changing (sunsets, sunrises, stars, moons, all work well for this too).
 
This life on Earth is too short precious and utterly joyful to waste it being pissed off, being defensive, being unhappy, being dissatisfied, wanting others to be different, etc..
 
It is completely understandable and expected that we will have differences in opinion about music (and all manner of other things).  And this being a discussion board about music, it's certainly understandable and expected that we may from time to time state our preferences and dislikes.  And that's fine.
 
Past experience suggests that little is gained by belaboring one's point or challenging someone's taste.
 
I like Chopin.  Some find Chopin excessively ornamental and trivial, and that's fine.  People have different tastes and perceptions and ears.  It really doesn't bother me that others may find Chopin excessively ornamental and trivial, in fact I can see where that's not a wholly unreasonable view.  There is no need for me to convince someone else that they are wrong about Chopin, and there is no need for them to convince me that I'm wrong.  We just have different opinions; and that's a good thing.
 
So spend some quality time with a sunset.  And come back here to the Alembic living room and check out those NHOP vids.
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: slawie on May 08, 2009, 04:07:17 PM
Many moons ago I saw Stanley Clarke and Miroslav Vitous in concert together. Just the two of them. They played their basses and pianos rotating between instruments. Bass and piano piano and bass upright and electric duet uprights. These people are gifted. I have never experienced the absolute AWE that I have experienced anything even close ever again.
 
To disparage a persons talent or capability regardless of your individual taste is definately not a good thing to do.
 
Look what happens when you do so.
 
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/64967.jpg)
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: hendixclarke on May 08, 2009, 07:21:59 PM
What's wonderful about music the most is..., no ideology controls it.
 
Not country, jazz, funk, punk, classical, polka, blue grass, blues, soul, hip hop, pop, bee-bop, swing, rock, folk, fusion, sound tracks, musicals, gospel, alternative, techno, new wave, waltz, samba, salsa, big band, march music, propaganda, elevator, Za-dico, old man river, hoe-down square, fanfare, dixieland, riverboat, standards, etc... and this this makes some people very upset.
 
...and I love it all and I believe there's room for more styles, and with an Alembic bass bottom, that would be nice!
 
Have a great weekend, it's nice in the Valley of the Dolls...
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: precarius on May 08, 2009, 07:38:03 PM
I can't believe Dave said pissed off twice in the same post!
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: hendixclarke on May 08, 2009, 08:14:06 PM
Let's everybody raise a glass, and make a toast to David!
 
My glass is raised... To Dave Houck our beloved Alembic Club Moderator!  
 
Love ya Dave!
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: olieoliver on May 08, 2009, 08:23:05 PM
This is what it's about guys,  Love of Music. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1KHRf02ups)
 
In my opinion, NO music sucks. It may not appeal to me but it makes some buddy happy.
 
OO
PS. Be sure and watch the video, it made my day.
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: darkstar01 on May 08, 2009, 11:39:58 PM
i just saw christian mcbride, john medeski, joey baron, james carter, and adam rodgers at the blue note. i wish i had some cool pictures to post. it was awesome. christian's the man.  
in short, i love music, too.
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: jacko on May 09, 2009, 09:08:12 AM
"Obviously no respect is being shown for non-mammalian species"  Here you go Bill...  
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/64997.jpg)
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/64998.jpg)
  Floyd's my red tailed boa. My son, Stephen is over 6 feet tall to give some idea of how big floyd is.  Graeme
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: artswork99 on May 09, 2009, 10:34:44 AM
Music is a Science - Music is exact, specific, and it demands exact acoustics. A conductor's score is a chart, a graph that indicates frequencies, intensities, volume changes, melody and harmony all at once and with exact control of time. The laws of physics are involved with every tone that is performed.
 
Music is Mathematical - The organization of notes in music is rhythmically based on the division of time into differing fractions within a measure unit, which may vary in length from unit to unit. The mental gymnastics required to perform this must be done instantaneously, not worked out on paper, and with complete coordination of the fingers, lips and other appendages of the body needed to produce that note.
 
Music is Foreign Language - Music is foreign in two ways: (1) it uses foreign terms and (2) it is totally new language built on symbols. The terms in music are French, Italian and German for the most part. However, it is not unusual to see terms in Russian, Hungarian, Norwegian, Japanese or Spanish. The semantics of music is the most complete and the most universal of all languages. Not only are you told what note to play and when, but also how fast, how loud, what kind of attack and how long. It will be played the same way in Japan, in the United States or in Europe.
 
Music is History - Music usually reflects the environment and times of its creation, often even the nationalistic or racial feeling of the country from which it comes. Music has been entwined with religion, royalty and the common man from every area of the earth.
 
Music is Social Study - Participation in any ensemble, regardless of size, involves close relationships, both musical and non-musical, with others. A large performance organization is almost a microcosm of the adult world these students are about to enter. Both musical and non-musical responsibilities are assigned to each member with the success of the entire organization dependent upon each person meeting their responsibilities.
 
Music is Physical Education - Music requires fantastic coordination of fingers, hands, arms, lips, cheek and facial muscles, in addition to extraordinary control of the diaphragm, back stomach and chest muscles which respond instantly to the sound heard in the ears and interpreted in the mind.
 
Most of all, Music is Art - It allows a human being to take these individual techniques and use them to create emotion. This is the one quality that science CANNOT duplicate - humanism, feeling, emotion - that which happens to you when you become a part of music.
 
This is why we teach Music - Not because you plan to major in music, not because you plan to sing or play all of your life, not so you can relax, or not so you will have fun (although you will find yourself relating to these fine purposes of music) - BUT - so you will be human, will recognize beauty, will be sensitive, will have something personal, will have more compassion, gentleness, love and understanding, and will create more that is good - in short, MORE LIFE!
 
Published by United Musical Instruments U.S.A., Inc.
 
Music Advantages Handout (http://rmhs.d214.org/activities/band/07-08%20Musical%20Advantages.pdf)
 
(Message edited by artswork99 on May 10, 2009)
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: pauldo on May 10, 2009, 06:30:58 AM
OK - it's not an Alembic, and certainly not a honey bee.....however it is opinionated. My friend just bought a Les Paul and his dog Jessie isn't impressed at all!
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/65023.jpg)
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: georgie_boy on May 10, 2009, 06:48:36 AM
I can understand that.
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: hendixclarke on May 10, 2009, 10:07:40 AM
Some people are like stripped screws in wood.  
 
To say, it's the screw that is bad, means, you missed the whole point of origin...
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: lbpesq on May 10, 2009, 10:35:46 AM
Hal:
 
Maybe because you are relatively new around here, you may not have noticed that people on this site generally refrain from personal attacks, complaints about others on the site (both specifically and generally), and negativity in general.  It is one of the reasons I really enjoy hanging out around here.  You might consider that when you review your writings, prior to posting.
 
Bill, tgo
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: hendixclarke on May 10, 2009, 10:56:25 AM
Old members vs New members...
 
This site thrives on new members... I am pro new membership.
 
When I get too old, I will find a replacement.
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: richbass939 on May 10, 2009, 12:16:18 PM
Hal, I really feel that this site thrives on all its members, new and old.
 
Let me tell a little story.  A few years ago I made a personal insult against a club member.  It was my opinion at the time and I said it.  I truly feel that if I had waited just 10 minutes to post it, my opinion would have changed and I would not have posted.  My insult caused quite a firestorm.  I'm sure that many members read it, thought (rightfully so) that I was being a jerk, picked the wrong forum to level a negative personal comment, and was disrupting a very cool club of very cool people.  Other people spoke up and gave me the spanking that I deserved.  I have since found that the person I insulted is someone that I respect and whose comments on the club I enjoy.  
Even though it was a few years ago, again, I apologize to KB for my inappropriate remark, and to the membership for stinking up the vibe here.
 
So, I would like to follow Bill tgo's last suggestion about letting my opinion (however valid I feel it is) sit for a little bit of time before I click post.
 
I love the diversity of the club, new and old (club membership and actual age), musical genre that we love or hate, technical knowledge (or lack thereof), countries where we live, favorite wood, instrument brands that we love, etc., etc., etc.  To me, along with being such a cool place to hang, this is what makes this club such a rich environment to visit.
Love,
Rich
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: hendixclarke on May 10, 2009, 01:44:03 PM
I am in agreement.  
 
Making amends is the greatest level of serving ones humanity and dignity.  
 
What does this have to do with me?
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: altgrendel on May 10, 2009, 03:32:28 PM
You guy can duke it out.
 
 
I think I'll go over here: http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/64982.html?1241980953 (http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=1405)
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: toddharris on May 10, 2009, 04:08:18 PM
What does this have to do with me?
 
Well, apparently, it's about me. Loving the sound of one's own kestrokes - write on!!!
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: keith_h on May 10, 2009, 04:44:12 PM
What does this have to do with me?  
 
Hal,
I generally avoid most threads you start and will frequently bypass your posts. The reason is to some extent your over exuberance but mostly it is the way you always seem to be trying to provoke folks (i.e. turning it into a me versus them scenario, taking the contrarian view to your own posts). In internet terms trolling. Unlike most boards this board has generally been harmonious with folks leaving strong opinions other than their love of Alembics, beer and bikes outside. On those occasions where things do go further than they should, it is quickly reigned in. Even when things go a little overboard here it is not to the same degree as many boards I participate in.
 
None of this has to do with new versus old members. It always needs to be remembered that this is a very diverse group of people and we are the guests of the Wickersham's. So I put this question to you. Would you act the same way if you were in their living room with other club members?  
 
Regards, Keith
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: hendixclarke on May 10, 2009, 05:28:45 PM
Which other club members?
 
Name them...
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: hendixclarke on May 10, 2009, 05:36:25 PM
Oh, and what would be the discussion?
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: bsee on May 10, 2009, 05:41:34 PM
Okay boys and girls, that's enough of that.  We don't need any board warriors here at the Alembic Club.  If you insist on carrying this to conclusion, please do it via private email.  Those of us who come here for the pleasant experience would appreciate it.
 
-bob
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: jedisan on May 10, 2009, 05:56:27 PM
Man, I just had to make a special folder in Outlook, because this thread was fillin' up my inbox with emails.
Title: Re: Cool Pictures
Post by: David Houck on May 10, 2009, 07:40:27 PM
This is the last paragraph of this post.  I?m putting it up here so you won?t miss it.  I don?t like to close threads before they archive, but I?m sensing that everyone would welcome the respite that closing this particular thread might offer.  So I?m closing the thread.
 
I?ve been getting email from club members recently.  One member said that some recent threads have been like seeing a horrible car crash and being unable to look away.  In other words, he would like to just ignore the controversy, but can?t.  And my guess is that it?s hard to ignore because it?s a community issue.  And when you are a member of a community and a problem arises for that community, then it is understandable that the problem will get your attention.  You become concerned.
 
Each of us has a different perspective on this controversy, and this perspective is informed (given form) to some extent by the particular threads we?ve read and/or participated in.  In other words, each of us has a different context within which we are watching or participating in this controversy.  How each of us observes the unfolding of this controversy is unique, and thus how each of us reacts is unique.  And how each of us reacts, and responds, is within the context of our own unique perspective.
 
At this point it seems to me that continuing to react to what others have posted in these controversial threads only serves to fuel the fire; that each post only elicits an escalation.  Thus, it seems to me that continuing these exchanges is not accomplishing much in the way of solving or ending the controversy.
 
I have been in off-board correspondence with a number of members recently, and I have spent a good amount of time trying to resolve this issue.  It is clear to me from both the posts I?ve been reading and from the correspondence that I have received that there are many members of the Alembic Club that care about our community.
 
From childhood each of develops ways of reacting to, surviving in, making our way in the world around us; and for each of us these survival strategies are unique and have been informed by a lifetime of events.  But they are not required.
 
These conditioned responses to external stimuli, these conditioned ways of reacting to the world around us may have been helpful to us when we were younger, but they are not required.  We tend to think of these ways of dealing with others as who we are, as our self.  The self is a great survival tool, and one of the ways it tries to survive is by convincing you that it?s right, that you have to react.
 
But you don?t have to react.  Well you need to react if a truck is coming at you in your lane; but quite often we are in a position as adults to take a moment and breath.  We are not in any immediate danger.  Immediate reaction is not required; quite often breathing, coming to center, opening the heart, allows us to see the bigger picture, to bring understanding and compassion into our interactions with others.  
 
You do not have to question everything someone else says.  You do not have to react and respond.  You do not have to demand that someone explain their position.
 
Quite often we don?t really know how we arrived at a particular position, and we couldn?t really explain it fully because that statement we posted has a whole lifetime of events behind it.
 
And what I may post right now at this very moment is only a reflection of what I?m thinking about at this very moment.  And my brain isn?t drawing on the entirety of information available to it to form the opinion that it is stating in this very moment.
 
So demanding that someone explain their position so that you can understand what it is that they are trying to say might not really be entirely helpful; especially if such a demand serves to exacerbate an already contentious exchange.
 
So breath.
 
Right now, while you are reading this, while you are reacting to what you are reading, while you are forming opinions about me and what I am saying; just breath.  Have compassion for me.  Because I am only drawing on a limited amount of the information available to me gathered over a lifetime of experiences, the flow of causes and effects that has brought me to this point in time and space, to be here with you in this very moment.  So it?s not going to be perfect.  And that?s ok.  In fact it?s entirely understandable that I?m going to write things that don?t make sense to others.  I do it all the time.
 
Breath.
 
When you just breath, when you focus on the breath, watching the movement of air into your lungs, watching the movement of air out of your lungs, thinking of nothing else at all, just turning your attention to the breath, watching the air move back and forth at the tip of your nose, nice easy relaxed breathes, when you?re just breathing, when you notice the occasional thoughts forming, and just let them drift away as leaves floating down a river, returning your attention to the breath, when you?re just breathing, when you?re just present with what is, right now, in this very moment, not thinking about tomorrow or yesterday, not thinking about this or that, when the seemingly ceaseless chatter in your head dissipates and you?re just breathing, just breathing, then it begins to become clear that we are not separate one from another.  Our love and compassion for one another grows and becomes deeper with the realization that we are all interconnected.  Our love for this planet that sustains us grows stronger with the realization that we are not separate from this earth.  When we are just breathing, when we are fully present, when we fully open our hearts, we are not separate from that which informs us all, that which gives form to everything.
 
We are on this planet, we are sharing this experience, but for a very short period of time.  Each of us has the opportunity to choose how we take our next step, how we place our foot on the path.  Each of us has, right now in this very moment, the opportunity to make a change in our lives, to change the direction we are moving in, to discover our selves and our world in ways we have been too busy to notice.  It is not easy, but it?s just one step.  All we need do for the moment is take a single step.