bloke wrote:I seems to me that with the degradation of decorum at commencement ceremonies (starting in the early 1970's, and deteriorating from there) that the whole thing of wearing caps, gowns, and regalia, and having someone of note deliver any sort of thoughtful address is all a mockery of itself. <cut>
yeah...I know...I'm an old fart, and I just don't get it.
bloke "and I might dare to add that a run-of-the-mill high school diploma in 1961 required quite a bit more application of self that it does today"
I just had this discussion with my parents (close in age to you) and they share your view. My 'counter-view' (not an explanation, or even an excuse for such behavior) is that it is MY graduation, I worked damned hard for the final product, and I'm there to celebrate it, not mourn it.
Also, in my case, the school supplied the confetti.
Mr. biggs, There's the wedding, followed by the reception. There's the funeral, followed by the repass. There's the inauguration, followed by the ball.
...There's a time and a place...
I have this conversation with the seniors at my school every year: "This is NOT your graduation. It is OURS. You have worked and met OUR standards and we are bestowing upon you OUR diploma. So, no you can't walk across the stage with your dog. No, you can't blow bubbles on the stage." Our administration takes a similar position. Besides, Grandma in the audience doesn't want to see all that crap. We conquered most of the home video makers and photographers by making a pro-quality DVD for about $10 and pay a pro photog. to take photos the folks can buy off a website.
bloke wrote: Mr. biggs, There's the wedding, followed by the reception. There's the funeral, followed by the repass. There's the inauguration, followed by the ball.
...There's a time and a place...
I have this conversation with the seniors at my school every year: "This is NOT your graduation. It is OURS. You have worked and met OUR standards and we are bestowing upon you OUR diploma. So, no you can't walk across the stage with your dog. No, you can't blow bubbles on the stage." Our administration takes a similar position. Besides, Grandma in the audience doesn't want to see all that crap. We conquered most of the home video makers and photographers by making a pro-quality DVD for about $10 and pay a pro photog. to take photos the folks can buy off a website.
All reasonable points. Given that I didn't wear a shirt to my high school graduation, I'll allow that the issues are probably on my end.
A few days ago, I FINALLY re-soldered the 'floated'/ lowered mouthpipe on my M-W CC. I had un-soldered it about a week ago. Then I scoured & cleaned the crap outta that thing with a wire brush and brush snake with some Comet, Dawn and lots of hot water! Got the position just the way I want it (about 1.75" lower and 'floated' around the bell), then started to solder. After a few days of testing, I can confirm that the ergonomics are better and that the tuba plays easier - a touch more responsive and definitely not as 'stiff' as before. The 'F' in the staff and 'Bb' above, in particular, always had very tight 'slots' and were easy to "french horn" (miss/crack) if I was not careful. Now, those two notes are noticeably easier/better as well as the overall horn. Slots are more even. The flat G/Gb at bottom of the staff are still flat, but a little easier to lip in tune. I'm not saying there is a HUGE difference, but there is a marked difference - no 'placebo' effect. The tuba definitely plays better/easier than before. I can play certain etudes and exercises a bit cleaner and smoother than I ever could before on that horn.
I see why tuba players like to get the mouthpipe lifted/floated around the bell, rather than soldered all around it - it usually improves response.
I don't really like the (paraphrased) quote, "Those who believe in nothing will believe anything." It's too closely tied in with the tired old Christian-vs.-atheist bickering, and thus it really cannot be effective applied to other situations.
I've been looking for a much more general quote (along the same lines) for a very long time. I stumbled across it today. This Clemens quote couldn't be more perfect...or more general:
Samuel Clemens wrote:It's easier to fool people than to convince them that they have been fooled.
Hey Joe! I noticed that your old tag is not showing up at the bottom. Has it been replaced by the new quote? If so, is this a shift from commercialism to etherialism for the blokester?
I am fortunate to have a great job that feeds my family well, but music feeds my soul.
MartyNeilan wrote:Jalapeño spaghetti. One of those things you can make when your wife is out of town for the weekend.
good for you, Marty....I LIKE spicy spaghet'
About an hour after I finished, she called me and told me about the absolutely incredible dinner she had at the Marietta Diner with her church group. Today they visit the Coke museum, among other places. Last night was play video games and watch Zombie movies, today is work on the small tuba day. Marty - typing this while sittin on the can (lots of Jalapeños in the spaghetti )
I can play certain etudes and exercises a bit cleaner and smoother than I ever could before on that horn.
)