text:
Click the button below or email email@example.com to contribute your experiences with this product. Although not necessary, it's interesting to have a first name, city, state and country (no email addresses will be used). Any information submitted becomes the property of Tennis Warehouse.
Please include any relevant information such as skill level and style of play.
Comments:I string it at 60 lbs, and I find it excellent. It is a little expensive for me but good. The tension remains good and it lasts for a week at least.
From: Martin, 8/11
Comments: I decided to try this string out of morbid curiosity, because I am very satisfied with MSV Focus Hex strings. But, because the use of this string on the Tour and all the masochist tendencies of expensive means better I gave it a try. It turned out to be a pretty good string. Very powerful and the grip on the ball is not bad for not being a textured string or a thin one. It starts very stiff, but after a while it loosens a bit and gets more comfortable, like any other poly out there. I still prefer my MSV because of better spin and cost effectiveness, but if you are looking for power as the main priority and can afford it, I recommend this string blindly. In about a month I will be trying Tourna Big Hitter Rough 17 and compare them with by beloved MSVs to see if its worth making a switch.
From: Eric, San Juan, PR. 4/11
Comments: I came back to this string because of it's buy 2 get 1 free promotion. Good control, good spin, low power string. Here's a bit of my advice. Its recommended to have it string at least 10% less of tension, if you do that, you mess it up. The tension loss of this string is a Lot, over 15% in the first couple days of play. This string is stiff, so the way to do it is put the string on at your normal tension (I put 3 lbs more on mine) be patient and let it rest for a week or 2. This way, it already has some of its tension loss before you play, which won't leave you feeling like hitting a wooden board and hurting your arm. (If you do the 10% less tension, it will feel like your favorite racket for the first 1 or 2 days and it'll feel like crap at the rest of its life. It's like 40+ lbs left or something like that). Highly recommend for hybrid as the main and something soft at the cross. If you do a full bed, make sure to get a good or bigger dampener, because of its stiffness it tends to vibrate a lot. Good luck :)
From: Jack, Denver, USA, 03/11
Comments: These strings have changed my whole game to anther level and I can't even describe it. These strings are the best feeling strings I had ever hit with.
From: Shaun, Riverside, CA, USA, 03/11
Comments: I don't know if it's just me, but I feel like this string is very soft. Even though it is polyester, the aluminum inside (hence the name ALU power) probably makes it soft. If you are thinking about stringing your racquet with the ALU power, I would recommend that you string it in both the mains and crosses. You'll get enough feel, plenty of spin, and so-so power. If you hybrid this racquet, you would unnecessarily increase the feel of the racquet and lose power.
From: Anon., 5/07
Comments: I used to string my racquet (Wilson Blade) with Signum Pro Poly-Plasma @ 58lb, but my elbow started to hurt. So I decided to try Luxlon Alu Power @ 55lb. It's the best string I ever used. I'm a base line player, my level is 4.5. I can hit the ball harder, with more precision as well, and my elbow is ok. The string does not run and it doesn't loose any tension at all. This string certainly increases the quality of your game.
From: Juliano, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil. 4/07
Comments: This string works very well in terms of power. I used it as a main with a Gamma Live Wire XP 17 as a cross. Comparing to multi-filament string such as a Tecnifibre X-one Biphase or a Gamma Live Wire XP, I felt popping out when the ball meets stringbed, which is incredible for such stiff string. Though I am not a hard hitter or spin doctor, I think it works for me. Because I am using a flexible racquet (Prince Tour Diablo MP), comfort issue is not a problem. However, I must take time to use a touch shot with this string.
From: Anon. 3/07
Comments: Amazing strings!!! I hit at least 10+ mph harder now! I can smack the ball and not have to pray that it will go in. Be wary though, stringing with all polyester can be rough on your arm. I only strung my racket (o3 white) at 56 and I'm still feeling a little soreness. I'm going tough it out because it hits so nicely! Also, I'd put a vibration dampener on. I hate the "gong" sound this string makes and my handle shakes too, but when you put a dampener on, all you hear is a nice "thunk".
From: Ronak, Tempe, AZ, USA. 2/07
Comments: For my Yonex Ultimum RD TI80, I get an awesome feel with it. Even though I'm a serve and volleyer, all the added power will make my shots come close and hard to return. The spin I can get with my drops throw off many players. These are truly awesome strings.
From: Milan, CA, USA. 2/07
Comments: I have used this string ever since my game became better. It is a great string but drops tension rather rapidly. It has a comfortable feel. I enjoy blasting the balls to hit my winners and these string do the trick. Whether you enjoy blasting away at the ball or playing at a slow pace, these are great strings. The only problem I have ever had with them is when I string them. They tangle a lot and it is hard when one does the crosses. Well, I hope whoever uses these strings enjoy them as much I do.
From: Jonathan, USA, 01/07
Comments: If you don't have a semi-western or western grip on your shots, just don't even bother getting this string. This string is designed for modern, fast, aggressive players who rip the ball with loads of topspin. Everybody says: oh it feels like a board, it's stiff. Well yeah, probably because you don't have the right technique for it. 4.5+ players should love this stuff.
From: Marios, Miami, FL, USA. 12/06
Comments: I play with the Big Banger ALU in a hybrid and I love it. I use a synthetic gut as the cross string and it plays just right. I get a good amount of both power and control with minimal shock to my elbow. I play 5-7 days a week and the string hasn't broken in that time period so they are pretty durable. I would recommend this string to big hitters who don't have elbow problems. If this does hurt your elbow by itself you can always use it in a hybrid as I have.
From: Tyler, USA. 12/06
Comments: Got the strings few days ago since everyone was talking about them. Strung it at 56lbs [10% less then my normal]. First few hours played great! Then it started to lose the tension a bit which I'm not very satisfied with. It still plays a lot better then most strings out there. But it is a little rough on the hand. Great for hard hitters like myself and good on serves. I found it a little difficult at the net. I'd recommend anyone who doesn't have tennis elbow to use this string [though hybrid works better]. I'd say keep the tension as normal. I'm a 4.0 player using a Babolat Pure Drive Roddick Plus.
From: Suman, Bronx, New York, USA. 9/06
Comments: Great String. No wonder the pros use it so much. This string has given me extra spin, feel, and power
on all my shots. I am a high school student training with former college player and this string has certainly helped me in leveling
out the wide skill gap. On the downside the Luxilon Big Banger is rough on your arm but the trade off is worth it and definitely a
string worth buying.
From: Philip, Kingman, AZ, USA 08/06
Comments: I used to string my Wilson nCode N61 95 with Wilson NXT Tour 16 @60lb but it felt too soft and there
was a lot of string movement. I heard a lot about the ALU Power so I gave it a shot. I strung it at 57lb and found it to hold
tension very well. My groundstrokes were crisp with similar power to the NXT Tour with good control but the volley felt dead and
stiff. I think this is a very good string for a hard hitter better than Volkl VRex. I'm thinking about stringing the other racket with
Big Banger ACE to see whether or not I can regain the touch at the net.
From: Labhas, Bangkok, Thailand 08/06
Comments: Awesome string. I am a hard hitter and string breaker and had to try this string after
reading all of the hype about it. It lives up to it and more. The power is incredible but as one person already
said I would disregard Luxilon's advice of stringing it 10% lower unless you cant generate any power by
yourself, but that is unlikely the case if you are buying this string. I had my Liquidmetal radical strung at 59 and
it was perfect. Control is also very good, which is surprising considering how stiff this string is. I could also
generate lots of topspin on the forehand and backhand side as well as under-spin with slices. Durability is the
forte of this string and it is very durable. My string finally broke after 1 month with 2 hours of hitting a day. (I am
reordering this string as soon as I type this). Lost tension was probably about 5 or 6 pounds before it broke. In
my opinion the only negative with this string is the lack of feel when hitting. Despite the accuracy of the strings
the feel of the ball is not there, but to me the benefits far outweigh the negatives and I will continue to use it. I
would recommend this string to anyone.
From: Tim, Bergen County NJ USA 06/06
Comments: I am a college player and I decided I would try this string on my Head Liquidmetal
Prestige. I followed the tips on the back of the package for stringing. After a couple days on the court with these
strings, I decided that these strings are the worst I have ever played with. They have absolutely no power and
feel like your hitting with a board. These strings are not what they are hyped up to be and I am sticking with
Babolat strings.
From: Will, Richmond, Virginia, USA 04/06
Comments: First of all, I would like to thank Luxilon for creating a string that
succeeds all other strings. Luxilon Big Banger ALU Power is amazing. I like to string it at my
normal tension, and it feels great. The strings do not move, ball fuzz does not get stuck, and
it offers power and control at the same time. What other string does that? It also lasts
forever. I have not been able to break this string before it goes dead, which is about a few
months of hard hitting. I will never look back!
From: Jason, San Francisco, CA USA 02/06
Comments: I'm a 4.5-5.0 serve and volley player. I tried this string in my Prince
NXG @ 63lbs. No pain but not
enough increased power to warrant loss of control with virtually every shot. When the strings
loosened up to around 55-60lbs, I
was able to regain control because I was swinging less hard. The strings loosened so fast
(within 3-5 playing hours) that the time
spent in the good tension zone was gone rapidly. I then used the string as a hybrid with 16g
Babolat VS gut in the crosses and
this in the mains. (I still strung the Luxilon tight @ 63lbs because of how fast it loses
tension, and the gut at 65lbs). Pretty good
balance of power and control. The Luxilon mains broke before the gut in about 12 sets. I am
used to breaking VS gut in 2 sets
(outrageously expensive) but they last 10-12 sets when using a lot of string savers (Babolat).
I will now try the 18g TiMO stings in
the mains and 17g VS in the crosses to see how durable that will be (I expect great control).
If they break as fast as all gut, I'll
string saver the next one.
From: Brad, Denver, CO, USA. 12/05
Comments:Simply the best string ever made. I head Patrick McEnroe mention
that a 75% of the pros were using this string and I had to give it a try. It became clear to me
why that many pros use this string after my first hitting session. It gives your racket a crisp,
powerful, yet controllable feel that no other string I've used can provide. Once you hit with it,
there is no going back. Yes it's expensive but it's a pretty durable string so in the long run it
evens out.
From: Graddy 10/3
Florida - USA
Comments: I've been a baseliner with minimal spin and a hard flat server for
years. Ever since placing ALU Power in my racquet, spin has entered my game!!! I've
learned to kick my serves wherever I want and add HEAVY topspin and slices to my strokes.
I'm a hard hitter and best of all, THE STRINGS DON'T MOVE!!! I've usually used Gamma
TNT2 ProPlus in my sticks and now I've made the permanent switch. If you're reading these
comments, you're obviously curious about them. Go ahead and give them a try and I'm sure
you'll like the strings. I plan on using the Power Rough's in my 2nd racquet.
From: Roland 9/29
3.5 baseliner (Thundercloud @ 60lbs)
Columbus, OH
Comments: Very, very stiff string. I would suggest that you put something on the
crosses that is softer and offers more touch than the Luxilon stuff. Try, Wilson enduro pro, Gamma
live wire, Tecnifibre nrg2, Klip excellerator or Wilson NXT max with this string and you will
never find another better combination. You can hit deep and give some nice short angles, in
combination with a few nice touch shots. I'm using a Wilson ncode sixone 95 with luxilon on
mains @58 and wilson nxt @60 on the crosses.
From: Anonymous 9/25
Chicago, Illinois, USA
Comments:I have just started using the Luxilon Big Banger Alu Power rough
and I have to admit that it is crazy. I have never really cared about the type of strings that go in
my racquet (I usually bought what was cheapest at the time). However, after reading an
article about the string I decided to give it a try. It's incredible! I can hit the same pace shots
without as much effort, giving me more balance on the court. Also the top spin generated by
the string saves some of my shots that with other strings would have gone way long
(probably due to the fact that the strings stay still. I am a heavy topspin player and this is
VERY important to my game). I recommend stringing it 5% less than other strings even though
the manufacturer says 10%. Because of its power, 10% will almost definitely leave you
unsatisfied. I went from 60 lbs to 57lbs.
From: Jimmy 9/24
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
Comments: I am a female 3.0 player and just got my Wilson nTour delivered
and had no string so a friend of mine
loaned me a pack of this string. I was so worried that this was going to be a horrible string
since I had never played with it before
but I was willing to take my chances. The next day I got my racquet back and played doubles
the weekend and all I can say is
wow! So much power and reasonable control. I groundstrokes are like bullets and my serve
has more pop. These strings take a
little getting use to and I decided to string my racquet at the regular tension and the string
still played great. I would look down
to see if I needed to straighten strings but I never had to. I use to use Prince Lightning xx but I
am committed to this string from
now on. You have to try it!
From: Nita, Newport News, VA, USA. 8/05
Comments: I finally decided to give this string a try and found out that it plays just
like the best polyester strings
with one major difference - this string will not go dead like most polyester strings. It
maintains the nice playability for a much
longer period. Also, I found out tennis string is much better for you and your arm if you use a
heavier racquet. It is a great string.
From: Ovidio, Brighton, CO, USA. 9/05
Comments: This string is awesome on power and control, but it's missing out
the spin. I'm looking for more
topspin and this string won't give me topspin.
From: Steve, Hoffman Estates, USA. 8/05
Comments: After reading all the positive things others have to say about this
string and playing against other
players who use this string I had to give it a try. All of the feedback is true! This string has
improved my serve and my forehand
topspin and especially my backhand slice. I hit with more confidence. My serve now has
some kick and I have been able to play
with ways to kick wide or into the body. My volleys are crisp and despite what others say
about the "stiffness" I think it all has to
do with tension. Lower the tension about 5% to 10%. You have to find the right feel for
yourself. Experiment! I did have some
elbow soreness. But, it has been less of a factor the more I have been playing with this
string. The soreness has slowly gone away.
I highly, highly agree you must give this a try. But, if you play in tournaments in Texas, stay
with your old ratty string. I need all
the advantages I can get...see you on the courts! 3.5, soon to be 4.0, playing with a Head
Flexpoint Radical Tour with Big Banger
ALU and Timo 17.
From: Jacques, Garland TX, USA. 8/05
Comments: I love this string. Great control with power. My volleys seem to
suffer though. Also my wrist has started to hurt. I want to try something else, but don't want
to lose the power an control this string gives.
From:David, Roseville, CA, USA
Comments: Went to tennis camp with this string, WOW, PAIN, PAIN, PAIN, They
should put a warning label on this string,
hey it bites a lot but it also bites back. As a 4.0 player, I don't see how the pros keep their
arms intact! It was nice to get the great bite and
topspin but 1 week later I am still suffering!
From:Chris City, State, Country: allentown, PA
Comments: Luxilon Big Banger ALU Power is probably the best string ever
made. I used to use a synthetic gut string which broke after about 3 hours of play but the Big
Banger just keeps going strong.
The power and control of the Big Banger is amazing, I'm playing at a high level and need all
the power and control I can get and with the Big Banger is possible. A must buy string for any
serious tennis player.
From: Matt, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 07/05
Comments: Overall, this is by far the best string I have ever used. I've made a
small chart
of its strengths and weaknesses, scale 1-10, 5 being of median value:
-Comfort: 5 (probably thanks to my high tension)
-feel: 4 (felt a little dead)
-touch: 8 (was comparable to high-quality multifilament string)
-power: 10 (nothing compares)
-control: 10 (nothing compares)
-tension stability: 10 (I use heavy topspin, and these strings don't budge!)
-durability: judging by the wear and tear so far, 10
The bottom line is, if you're tired of losing tons of control with multifilament nylon strings
and despise their durability, and don't hold things such as comfort and string feel in
extremely high regard, these stings will make your game consistent and reliable without
losing more than a tiny bit of your power.
I use a Wilson nCode nPro Surge strung @ 63 lbs.
From: Keith, Texas, U.S.A. 07/05
Comments: Big Banger is a great main string that lasts for ages. It has great feel for a polyester string
that many others do not have. I am using a flex point radical and use big banger on the
mains and a softer string for the crosses, it lasts about 2-4 weeks depending on how much I
have been hitting. I would re-string the racquet every few weeks as it does not keep tension
over the 2 week period like many other string won't, it's just how string is. I would recommend
it to players that brake string all the time and wish to get a string that can last up to a month
depending on the players level.
From: Matt, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 06/05
Comments: I like them a lot. They never move. I can't remember the last time
that I had to fix my strings. They also hold tension very well. Probably the most durable
strings I have used. They offer incredible power and control. Luxilon may not be the string for
everyone, but it's the string for 60% of the pros.
From:Narath, Boston, MA, USA 5/05
Comments: I have to say, I was not expecting much out of a Poly. I am a long
time PSG user, and had not found a better string. I bought this to see what all the hype was
about, but, after I tried it, I was in shock. It has everything. You have to try it. It is definitely
worth every penny.
From: Glenn, Riverside, Ca, USA 05/05
Comments: Wow! Great string. I was using prince syn. gut for longtime and
looking for change since they lost feel after 4-6 weeks. After putting it on my Pure Drive Team
Plus at 58lb I was on a different world. It has so much feel, control, power and effortless
spin. As I don't break syth 18 for 3 months I think this will last for ever...I am sold.
From: Andy Cheng, Sunnyvale, CA, USA
You need to try this string! It has power, touch, control and feel. The strings do not move at all
and it lasts forever. I have used this string for a year and a half and I don't think I could use
anything else right now. I am a 5.0 player using a prince nxg graphite oversize.
From: Anon, 04/05
Comments: Simply sensational. I strung at my regular tension and my racquet
(Dunlop 200G HM) never played better. I could really feel the strings bite into the ball like no
other string I have ever used before. A new can of balls looked very beat and frayed after 1
hour of play. These strings just don't move! I use a rubber band for a dampener and there
was virtually no vibration coming from my racquet. I hope they last, especially for the price. I just ordered three more sets! Best string I ever used!
From: Billy P, Boston, MA, USA. 04/05
Comments: This is probably the worst string I've used. Yes, it generates a lot of
spin, but its too powerful for my game. Have it strung at 57 lbs. and need to hold back on my
strokes in order to keep it in court.
From: Nuno, Portugal. 04/05
Comments: I had a problem with a lot of string movement and wear leading to
breakage. This string is the answer. It doesn't
move and provides excellent spin, good feel and comfort. Best news, the ball stays in deep
and on sharp angle crosscourt shots. I use a
Wilson Six-One 95 racquet strung at 57 lbs.
From: Earl, St. Louis, MO, USA. 03/05
Comments: This string is great. It loses almost no tension even after hitting for
hours. This string adds a ton of power to your
game without compromising accuracy. You can swing away at the ball and it still lands in the
court. I would not recommend the 10%
tension drop like they say, lowering the tension 2 or 3 pounds works well. Overall, awesome
From: Eric, Raleigh, NC, USA. 03/05
Comments: Tension is the key for this kind of string. Want an advice? Do not
drop down the tension as they say. I had my
prestige strung at 61/57 with Wilson sensation and went down to 57/53 with ALU power. I
couldn't keep a ball in the court... it had so
much power I was constantly hitting 5 feet long. This string is so elastic and packs so much
power you should string it to your usual tension
to appreciate the differences.
From: Alex, Italy. 02/05
Comments: The best string ever produced, you get enough spin, plenty of
and last for ages without losing tension.
It is a lot of money but it is worth it.
From: Cory, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. 02/05
Comments: I think this string is the best string you can buy. Best control and
best power. I advise you to buy this string if
you are a hard hitter like me!
From: Paul, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. 02/05
Comments: This is a really good string. I made the switch from the BB Original
to this one and its added some power and feel to your shots. This string is really durable like
the Orig. and hasn't had any sign of tension loss after 2 weeks!! Make the switch to this
From: Anthony, Corpus Christi, TX,USA. 02/05
Comments: I am an avid player and I hit very hard with a Western grip and a very
full swing. My serve has been clocked many times at 140 mph and I was used to breaking
strings every 6 to 10 hours of play no matter what I tried. (I broke a $55.00 Natural Gut string
job in less than 1/2 hour of practice serving) It got frustratingly expensive and one of my
rackets was always being re-strung. Finally, after trying at least 10 different strings and many
different tensions I have found a string I cannot break and doesn't fray or move at all. A pro
stringer at the U.S. Open turned me onto this string and I am in heaven. It does not have the
feel of many other string but I got used to it. If you are a string breaker you have to try this
string. I can go a whole summer of 15 hours a week playing without losing much tension or
re-stringing. Thanks Luxilon!
From: John, Chicago, IL, USA. 01/05
Comments: I love it, I love it, I love it! Best string that I have ever used! This string
has (INCREDIBLE) power control spin and durability. I love to see myself hit hard and with
this racquet I did. I must have been hitting 5mph harder on my forehand. (Playing style: big
forehand and bigger serve)
From: Hendrik, Mercer Island, WA, USA. 01/05
Comments: This is the best string I have ever used. You get heaps of control
plus power plus durability. The durability is the best thing about this string; I am a
hard-hitting player that plays 6 times a week. I have had this string for 3 weeks and it shows
no sign of breaking, this string is awesome. It costs a bit of money but it is worth it, you could
go through 2-3 re-strings of something else before this breaks. AWESOME.
From: Cory, Melbourne, Victoria, AUSTRALIA. 12/04
Comments: Comments: This string is awesome! The string feels like I just got it
except I stringed it 2 weeks ago. Although you do feel a loss of tension pretty quick, these
strings are the best. THEY DON'T MOVE AT ALL! I use a ProStaff tour 90 too.
From: Tony, San Jose, Ca, USA. 11/04
Comments: I love this string! I'm a pretty small kid who plays tennis every day. I
look for power in everything I buy and this has it. I used to play with the Babolat conquest,
and that would break every week or so. But with this string, I have gone for two months and
they show no sign of slowing down. I have so much power and control when I hit now. But
this string!
From: Don, Sacramento, California, USA. 10/04


text:
Tips for poly dating on OKCupid
3:00 Topic: Poly dating on OKCupid
- Nifty new Chrome plug-in for polys dating on OKCupid
- Available is still a status; it appears automatically if you list yourself as Married or In a Relationship and looking for partners, romance or sex.
- Poly Brussels site
Q wrote in to ask if it was unrealistic to hope for a polifidelitous triad with two bisexual guys and to seek that on OKCupid.
- It's great to have an idea of what you want, but it shouldn't impair your openness to great folks who might not fit into that exact box.
- Remember that what's most important in love and emotional intimacy is how you respond to the person and whether he meets your emotional needs, stated or unstated.
- Rather than imagining what a future mate will look like, think instead about how you want to feel in a relationship. Do you want to feel like a valued partner, an adored princess, a wise leader, a sex toy, a best friend?
19:00 Feedback
R asks for advice about her poly situation. What do you do when your play partner takes on a new, young partner (your new metamour) who is prone to jealous fits and tantrums whenever you have a play date with him? My advice:
- You can choose to leave.
- You can open up communications with her (the new metamour) in a friendly, non-confrontational manner.
- You can bring it up with him—as the point of the vee, keeping the communication going between you and the new metamour is technically his responsibility.
27:45 Wrap up
Questions? Comments? Feedback? Email firstname.lastname@example.com or call the listener comment line at 802-505-POLY. And hey, why not attach an audio comment to that email? 🙂 Check out PolyWeekly at Blubrry.com. Share this with a friend or write an iTunes review!

subset: commoncrawl


text:
What We Do
Our PD & Events
Find a Presenter
Andrea Haddad
Contact: firstname.lastname@example.com
Andrea Haddad has taught Core French from elementary through secondary for 29 years and performed traditional French music for children and adults, often working through Mariposa In The Schools. She created a program of activities called Rigodon to aid teachers in bringing traditions and culture of French North America into the classroom. Andrea conducts workshops for teachers in several school boards and language conferences regarding culture in the French classroom.


text:
Symposium/concert series with Walter Zimmermann, April 22-26 / Cornell UniversityPosted by s21concerts in Concert Announcement, tags: concert, Cornell, Symposium, Walter Zimmermann
The Department of Music at Cornell University will be holding a symposium and concert series from April 22-26, 2013 (Monday-Fri.) at Cornell University (Ithaca, NY). The event is centered around our guest composer-in-residence Walter Zimmermann and his early interactions with American music. As part of this symposium, the pianist Heather O'Donnell, JACK quartet, and local musicians will be offering concerts featuring his works, as well as works by other composers in dialogue with those of Zimmermann. In addition, a series of talks will occur on Wednesday of that week regarding several aspects of Zimmermann's music and the times in which he lived.
Zimmermann is a notable figure for a variety of reasons, one of which is his early interest in the American "avant-garde" (Cage, Feldman in particular) at a time when post-Darmstadt "high" modernism was still very much the dominant trend in Europe. After studying at Darmstadt and with Mauricio Kagel, he took a trip across the Atlantic and published a series of 23 interviews with American composers such as Feldman, Cage, and Oliveros in 1975 in a collection entitled Desert Plants, and engaged in a number of ethnological research trips to his native Franconia, as well as American Indian reservations. Apart from this, his music is nearly always informed deeply and thoroughly by philosophical texts.
For more information, check out outofororder2013.com !
Comments Off on Symposium/concert series with Walter Zimmermann, April 22-26 / Cornell University


text:
Here's how RW members rated this race in the past (614 votes).
In short: first half marathon - great experience - back for more next yearDate of review: March 19, 2013
In full: A Big thank you for the many marshalls / organisers who braved the elements and without whom there would be no event.Date of review: March 19, 2013
In short: Great support & well organisedIn full: This is the 6th time I've run Fleet now. I love it (but I am baised). Its my home town race. The organisers are great, the marshalls fantastic, and the crowds superb. Was a very cold & wet race this year but the marshall's throughout the course were just awesome. Only downside was a few idiotic drivers who felt the need to disobey the Road Closure signs!!!!!Date of review: March 19, 2013
In short: A great event with competitor cameraderie and enthusiastic crowds. Relatively flat with only minor undulations. Very pleasant surroundings.Date of review: March 18, 2013
In short: Great!Date of review: March 18, 2013
In short: Challenging weather but great marshalls and local support againDate of review: March 18, 2013
In short: Fantastic race, just a shame about the weather!In full: What would've been a lovely, scenic race unfortunately turned into a miserable, cold, wet, muddy one. Fair play to the organisers and marshals though. They were as enthusiastic and supportive as they could be, even in pouring rain. And organisers certainly did their best to try to make the finish area as safe as possible given the mud field it turned into. There was hay put down on the corner into the straightaway and announcements to slow down safely once you'd crossed the finish. No faults or complaints from me, just a real shame about the weather. Just couldn't be helped though.Date of review: March 18, 2013
In full: Being a local this always a draw for me, but I love this race. Like many have said, going thru the town twice is great for runners and more importantly, your supporters, as they see u twice in the 1st 5 miles or so without dashing here and there. Great support, well marshalled, but agree about water in the cups - not good, but luckily didn't need this year due to cooler conditions. Last year was scorching. Payback this year I feel? :-) Defo do again. Maybe organisers could have 'expected finish time' signs along the start so everyone is roughly in right position. Only a minor thing tho as you get people wrongly positioned at most races.Date of review: March 18, 2013
In short: Fantastic race - big thanks to the volunteers who worked tirelessly in appalling weather conditions Date of review: March 18, 2013
In short: Having done this race for a good few years will definately be doing it for the next few years with any luck.Date of review: March 18, 2013
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text: Stand out when you step into these high-fashion Ariat riding boots! These Ariat women's boots feature a full grain leather foot under a fancy stitched, bright blue 10" leather shaft. 1.5" heel. Leather lining. Single stitched welt. Easy-on pull straps. Updated square toe profile. Ariat Boots' exclusive ATS technology supports and cushions as you move, promoting good posture and reducing fatigue. At the core of ATS technology is the Ariat ATS composite shank. This patented shank design reduces skeletal and muscular fatigue and injury. Mid-foot support reduces metatarsal stress. The forked shank design allows natural forefoot flex. The ATS footbed has a low-friction surface to protect from heat build-up and blistering. Shock-absorbing gel forefoot cushion reduces skeletal impact stress on knees, hips, and lower back. Cupped footbed chassis offers torsional stability. Imported.


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Ward, Douglas Turner
Ward, Douglas Turner 1930–
Ward is a black American playwright, actor, producer, and director who cofounded the Negro Ensemble Company. He has been termed "a direct descendant of Langston Hughes" by Doris E. Abramson for such plays as Happy Ending and Day of Absence which deal humorously with serious racial issues. (See also Contemporary Authors, Vols. 81-84.)
JOHN McCARTEN
[It] pleasured me no end to hear the characters in "Happy Ending" and "Day of Absence," a pair of one-act plays …, giving voice to some rich, funny, authentic American Negro speech. The author of these dramas is Douglas Turner Ward, and he is equally adept at turning a telling phrase and inventing sly, satiric plots. When "Happy Ending" starts to unfold, we are introduced to a couple of weeping women, who are bewailing the fact that Mr. and Mrs. Harrison, the white folks they work for, are about to dissolve their marriage. Pretty soon, I think, you'll be shedding a few tears yourself, but only of laughter, for Mr. Ward quickly goes about demonstrating that his mourners' grief is peculiarly motivated….
While Mr. Ward uses very broad farce to spoof the Southern establishment [in "Day of Absence"], nothing less, perhaps, would work out, since at times the Southern realities teeter on the edge of farce themselves.
John McCarten, "Burdensome Baggage," in The New Yorker (© 1965 by The New Yorker Magazine, Inc.), Vol. XLI, No. 45, December 25, 1965, p. 50.∗
Gerald Weales
[Happy Ending] not only uses a verbal sledgehammer on the white family; in the figure of the nephew who learns the value of being a new Uncle Tom, it makes fun of that part of the civil-rights movement which is concerned with the lip-service values of the middle class—dignity, position, image. If the play had been written by a white man, there might be pickets around the theatre, but as it stands it is a harmless inside joke; after all, a joke that is offensive in the mouth of a Klansman might be funny at a Hadassah meeting. Although I do not think Ward meant the play to be anything more than amusing, there is a serious point about American materialism implicit in it….
Day of Absence, which is called "a reverse minstrel show," is based on a supposition which also underlies Happy Ending—that without the Negro to do his presumed menial tasks, white society would collapse. Day of Absence shows us this collapse in a Southern town that wakes up one morning to find all the Negroes gone. It is played by Negroes in white-face, and, like the traditional minstrel show, it deals only in comic stereotypes…. The idea is a clever one, but it is difficult to sustain because Ward quickly becomes repetitious where he needs to be inventive.
It may be that Ward intended more than the surface of his play provides, that he was commenting on some of his fellow Negro playwrights; for the kind of white stereotype that Ward uses as a joke, a writer like James Baldwin uses seriously in Blues for Mister Charlie. (p. 48)
Gerald Weales, "Off-Broadway Trio," in The Reporter (© 1966 by The Reporter Magazine Co.), Vol. 34, No. 4, February 24, 1966, pp. 47-8.∗
Wilfrid Sheed
["Happy Ending" and "Day of Absence"] deal with the same subject: the classic master-servant joke, as interpreted in racist America. Mr. Ward's approach is so apparently happy-go-lucky that it is easy to forget that he has a subject. But he has one indeed and he sticks to it scrupulously. It seems to be his understanding that the master-servant relationship is basically ridiculous, regardless of race, creed or color; in other words, that whether you play the front end of the horse or the back, you are going to make a fool of yourself. The fact of color introduces its own special poisons into the game, but these are not Mr. Ward's first concern—this time around anyway. He just wants us to see how funny it is that this man should be serving that one….
In "Happy Ending" he shows us life at the back end. Two colored ladies are sitting in a kitchen, mourning the impending divorce of their employer. Their nephew comes bouncing in to tell them they should be ashamed of themselves….
Slowly and with sensuous relish the aunts explain to the indignant nephew how his way of life, the very clothes on his back, depend on their employer's well-being….
Gradually, he breaks, and begins also to sob for the master. The hypocrisy is funny enough; but what makes it even funnier is that these are real tears. The phony relation has given birth to a genuine emotion (just as crummy institutions in general can...
(The entire section is 433 words.)
Edith Oliver
Douglas Turner Ward's "The Reckoning" … is an acrid joke that is sometimes strong or funny, and sometimes not. It is about the bigoted governor of a Southern state who is blackmailed by the beautiful Negro whore he has been visiting on the sly, and by her pimp…. The play, which boils down to a contest of wits between the foxy governor and the even foxier pimp … is described as "a surreal Southern Fable," and it has indeed many dreamlike or, more exactly, day-dreamlike aspects….
"The Reckoning" is a smothering avalanche of words and oratory, and since the characters use Deep South accents and seldom pause for breath, I found a lot of it unintelligible. Liking or not liking the play does not seem especially pertinent. It is a hateful show—no doubt deliberately so. Mr. Ward is not out to attract or enchant or lightly amuse us, but his play's passion is alive, and despite all its faults, it does exist, which is more than can be said for most plays….
Edith Oliver, "Off Broadway: 'The Reckoning'," in The New Yorker (© 1969 by The New Yorker Magazine, Inc.), Vol. XLV, No. 30, September 13, 1969, p. 105.
Theophilus Lewis
The closest I can come to describing [The Reckoning] is to call it a black power melodrama. It may be reasonably described as a Jesse James story in black face. According to legend, Jesse James robbed the rich to give to the poor. In Reckoning a Negro pimp blackmails a racist Southern Governor to advance the cause of racial equality….
This type of story presumes that the end justifies the means, a premise that diminishes dramatic impact. In The Reckoning we see one scoundrel striving to outsmart another, reducing the confrontation to the level of a dog fight. We can derive no moral satisfaction from a victory by either of the antagonists. The author substitutes social justice for moral principle, but social issues change while the moral element in drama has remained stable for centuries. The Reckoning is not one of the author's better efforts.
The characters, however, are as believable as your neighbors; and the dialogue has the rhythm of angry poetry. (pp. 244-45)
If you are interested in social drama, or better race relations, your reviewer calls The Reckoning to your attention. With all its limitations, it is engrossing theatre. (p. 245)
Theophilus Lewis, "'The Reckoning'," in America (© America Press, 1969; all rights reserved), Vol. 121, No. 9, September 27, 1969, pp. 244-45.
Catharine R. Hughes
[The curious thing about The Reckoning] is that what is at best a mediocre one-act play should have attracted so much attention in the first place. While leaving it to the sociologists to ponder, it does seem a rather obvious reflection of the sort of paternalism and over-solicitude that continues to afflict white America's attitude toward black art. (p. 14)
That there is nothing in the least original about The Reckoning goes almost without saying. From his 'night-time nigger' Scar, to his elegant demagogue of a Governor, voicing his sonorous platitudes and his scorn, his lengthy set speeches and his vitriol, and the two obsequious servants who decide the time to turn the other cheek is...
(The entire section is 221 words.)
Walter Kerr
Douglas Turner Ward's Brotherhood, … may have been the most embarrassing forty minutes of theater I have ever managed to sit through, not so much because Mr. Ward had got his playmaking wrong as that he had got his hate wrong. Getting the hate wrong is worrisome, and is the reason I wish to pause to speak of the play.
Brotherhood was meant to fantasize a fairly simple black-white situation in which a casually dressed white couple entertained an impeccably dressed black couple in their home for an evening.
It was recognizable as fantasy on the instant because an otherwise perfectly ordinary living room was cluttered, and in fact overwhelmed, by a group of sheeted...
(The entire section is 856 words.)
Edith Oliver
Douglas Turner Ward's "Day of Absence,"… is, among other things, a reminder that satire is still possible in the theatre, in contrast to lampoons, put-ons, spoofs, and various kinds of hokum, which certainly abound….
"Brotherhood" is a new play, and while it is funny, too, it is a comedown—much broader and blunter than "Day of Absence," though no milder, and not nearly so original. There is even a difference in the quality of the laughter it evokes; the decibel count is about the same for both plays, but the special relish and appreciation for the first are lacking for the second…. Mr. Ward is incapable of putting together a bad line, even when he sacrifices his sharp, subtle wit to a bitter...
(The entire section is 152 words.)


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Late Spring Events at Nickel & Nickel
by Trevor Eliason on June 12, 2013
I may have said this last year about this time but I'm going to say it again: I am amazed how alive the valley is during May and June. I know Napa Valley Wine Auction has a lot to do with it—that weekend alone brings in people from all over the world. Nickel & Nickel and Far Niente also have some great events during these months, including the Nickel & Nickel Futures Barrel Tasting is always has a good showing.
We replanted both of our gardens two weeks ago to summer vegetables and we are already reaping the bounty of our labor. We'll showcase our wines and garden through the summer at our private and winery events. This week's excitement is Bacchanalia—an extravagant wine club dinner we hold at Nickel & Nickel in the barrel cellar. We will serve a five-course dinner paired with rare, library wines. It's shaping up to be a great party!
It was a treat to have Lamborghini at Nickel & Nickel during Auction Napa Valley!


text:
When it comes to feline nutrition, taurine is an essential amino acid or building block of protein that all cats require. Taurine is considered essential because cats are not capable of making enough taurine themselves. Cats get taurine from meat-based proteins and most commercially-available cat food is adequately supplemented with taurine. Taurine in cats is critical for normal vision, heart function, digestion and to maintain a healthy immune system.
A cat that is not getting enough taurine will most likely not exhibit clinical signs immediately. VCA Animal Hospitals reports that clinical signs can take anywhere from five months to two years to develop. The two main areas that taurine affects are the eyes and the heart. A lack of taurine will cause the retinal cells in the eye to degenerate, eventually impairing the cat's vision. Meanwhile, the cells in the heart have also been known to be weakened by a lack of taurine, which could lead to a heart disease known as feline dilated cardiomyopathy. Although reversible, this condition will eventually be fatal if the cat does not begin receiving taurine.
Most cats that are eating a high-quality commercial cat food will have their taurine needs taken care of. However, supplements for animals are available for those that require more or may not be eating a complete or balanced diet for whatever reason. Owners who suspect a taurine deficiency in their cat should talk with their veterinarian to learn more about how to supplement taurine as well as the proper types of cat food to use.


text:
On Wednesday, September 19, I had the opportunity to accompany Aung San Suu Kyi to the Washington offices of Radio Free Asia (RFA) and Voice of America (VOA), two news organizations whose broadcasts have penetrated closed and war-torn countries, such as Burma, for decades.
I was delighted to be a part of this visit, because I was recently assigned as a Public Diplomacy Officer to Embassy Rangoon for my first tour in the Foreign Service. I'll soon leave for post, but it was exciting and interesting to be a part of Suu Kyi's first visit to the United States in 40 years.
Suu Kyi's visit is historic -- after 17 years of house arrest and detention, she is now free -- free to visit family and friends, free to travel abroad (and receive her 1991 Nobel Peace Prize and 2008 U.S. Congressional Gold Medal), and free to run for -- and win -- a seat in Burma's parliament. Interviewers at RFA and VOA asked Suu Kyi about prospects for building democratic institutions, establishing a just rule of law, and addressing persistent violence in Burma's border regions.
But the most interesting part of the visits to RFA and VOA may have been Suu Kyi's informal meetings with the Burmese news services. For Suu Kyi, this was a chance to meet, and thank, the people who produced the radio shows she listened to every day while she was under house arrest. They were her main source of reliable world news, and she was visibly grateful when meeting RFA and VOA staff.
For the Burmese news service staff, many of whom have strong ties to or family members in Burma, this was a chance to meet the unequivocal leader of democratic change -- someone who espouses the ideals of responsible, free expression. These values are enshrined in the histories and charters of RFA and VOA.
At RFA, Suu Kyi was escorted into a hot, crowded newsroom where staff hung on her every word, camera phones poised. She spoke at length, taking the time to describe exactly how important their work was to her routine during her time under house arrest, when she listened to approximately six hours of news radio per day. At VOA, she entered the newsroom and was offered a chair and tea. She spoke for almost 45 minutes, answering questions and greeting children, who accompanied their parents to work for this special occasion.
I don't yet know what conditions will be like in Burma; they are changing by the day. As a newly-minted Public Diplomacy Officer, I may have an unrealistic view of the power of public diplomacy programs to reach audiences and spur change. But after seeing Suu Kyi at RFA and VOA, I know alternative voices matter and people are listening.
Patrick in Maryland writes:
I think it's great she was able to visit her friends in America, at the Washington offices of Radio Free Asia (RFA) and Voice of America (VOA). She was probable very happy to meet the people she called into talk too, at the radio station.
And I am happy she won the election,and is part of Burma's parliament. :)


text:
Extended maintenance of Ruby 1.9.3 ended on February 23, 2015. Read more
Represents a YAML stream. This is the root node for any YAML parse tree. This node must have one or more child nodes. The only valid child node for a Psych::Nodes::Stream node is Psych::Nodes::Document.
Create a new Psych::Nodes::Stream node with an
encoding that defaults to Psych::Nodes::Stream::UTF8.
See also Psych::Handler#start_stream
# File psych/lib/psych/nodes/stream.rb, line 31 def initialize encoding = UTF8 super() @encoding = encoding end
Commenting is here to help enhance the documentation. For example, code samples, or clarification of the documentation.
If you have questions about Ruby or the documentation, please post to one of the Ruby mailing lists. You will get better, faster, help that way.
If you wish to post a correction of the docs, please do so, but also file bug report so that it can be corrected for the next release. Thank you.
If you want to help improve the Ruby documentation, please visit Documenting-ruby.org.


text:
Eco-Friendly PLA Corn Plastic Souffle / Portion Cups & Lids
Serve Condiments and Samples in Compostable Green PLA Portion Cups
Green PLA corn plastic portion cups and lids offer complete product visibility with an environmentally-friendly construction. These plastic soufflé cups are derived from plants, making them a compostable option for eco-conscious businesses. Because these cups and lids are best for cold and temperate applications, they make great vessels for condiments like ketchup, salad dressing, and salsa! You can also use them in your ice cream shop or snack bar to provide samples of frozen treats to customers. Read more
Our green PLA plastic portion cups feature a rolled rim for a leak-resistant, snap-fit lid applications. Pair your cups with matching lids, and add small portions of condiments to customers' take-out orders and leftovers. The securely fitting lids will ensure your sauces and toppings don't leak into your customers' bags. When patrons are done using these eco-friendly cups, they can simply throw them away without worrying about filling up landfills.


text:
Updated Tuesday, October 30, 2012 at 2:15 p.m.
Dear UNH Students,
I hope that you and your family weathered the effects of Hurricane Sandy well. Thank you for your cooperation in preparing for this major storm. Whether you were able to go home, find alternative housing or stayed on campus, each of you contributed in a significant way to helping the University of New Haven keep our campus community safe. We are proud of the way you conducted yourselves and supported our emergency efforts.
Dates for Return to Normal Operations—Now that the storm has passed, the University is ready to resume normal operations as quickly as possible. Here are the key dates for reopening and for return to normal operations:
- Residence halls will reopen on Wednesday, October 31, beginning at 11 a.m.
- Classes for English Language Services (ELS) students will begin on Wednesday, October 31.
- Classes for undergraduate students will begin on Thursday, November 1 on the normal schedule.
- Classes for graduate students will begin 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 31 on the normal schedule.
- Information on dining service facility hours will be sent to students via email. Normal meal hours will resume on Thursday, November 1.
- Student activities and athletic events will resume their normal schedules beginning on Thursday, November 1.
- You will receive an email regarding the Campus Shuttle service hours. More information regarding the operation of train station shuttle service between the downtown New Haven train station and campus will be provided once MetroNorth and Amtrak have announced their resumption of service.
Please continue to check the University's Shuttles & Transportation website for updates on transportation to and from the train station.
Student Activities/Athletic Events
- Please check the University's website, www.newhaven.edu, or look for emails announcing the rescheduling of some of the student activities and athletic events that were cancelled due to the storm.
If Your Return is Delayed—If you are not able to return to the residence halls or begin classes on the dates listed above, please contact email@example.com as soon as possible and provide the following information: (1) Name, (2) Major, (3) Class Year, (4) Resident or Commuter, (5) Phone Number, and (6) Details as to why you are unable to return for class on Thursday and your estimated time of return to campus. Your response will let us know that you're okay and allow us to notify your RA and faculty. Faculty will be asked to be understanding and accommodating of students who require extra time in making up academic assignments missed due to the storm.
Currently, the University facilities staff is addressing minor repairs and debris cleanup on campus. Your continued patience and cooperation will be greatly appreciated during this time. If you have a maintenance issue in your residence hall, please contact your RA. Your safety is of the utmost importance to us.
As the University does its best to reopen and return to normalcy, please continue to monitor the UNH website and check your emails for further updates. Again, thank you for your cooperation. We look forward to your return to campus.


text:
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text:
Microsoft Corp. has entered into an intellectual property licensing agreement with Panasonic Corp. to provide it with access to Microsoft's Extended File Allocation Table (exFAT) technology, the latest generation of Microsoft's file system. This will allow Panasonic to place large files onto flash or other storage.
exFAT is a modern file system improving on its predecessor, the FAT system, and greatly expands the size of files that flash memory devices can handle. The exFAT is suited for USB flash drives, introduced by Microsoft for embedded devices in Windows Embedded CE 6.0, Windows Vista Service Pack 1 and Windows 7 as well as the server operating system Windows Server 2008. The exFAT file system not only facilitates large files for use of audiovisual media, it enables seamless data portability and an easy interchange between desktop PCs and consumer electronic devices. Microsoft exFAT enables support for large disk drives – up to 64ZB (zelibytes) [270 bytes], or up to 512TB (recommended).
"Microsoft's exFAT file system technology is designed to enhance multimedia experiences for consumers, which is especially important as televisions and other consumer electronic devices are moving far beyond traditional media content. This agreement with Panasonic is the most recent example of our commitment to licensing cutting-edge intellectual property to drive innovation across the industry," said David Kaefer, general manager of intellectual property licensing at Microsoft.
Built to handle today's rich and integrated media experiences, exFAT technology delivers a significant leap forward in terms of the size of files that can be stored on a broad range of consumer electronic devices, and the speed with which they can be accessed. In addition to the license on Microsoft's exFAT technology, Panasonic has obtained a patent license that covers FAT32 long file name technology in its products.
Tags: Microsoft, Panasonic, exFAT


text:
Vlocity's, Eggs, Revvy's, the Eye-force, or the ever coveted Quantum! If you've got one, your'e welcome here!
Viewloader guns also count! Bring 'em here and show us what you got!
Post up a pic of what you've got and I'll add you to the list. First to respond with a legit pic gets VP and the next five can have council!
Rules are simple:
1. Don't troll
2. use intelligent grammar. No 1337 talk.
3. feel free to drift off topic, but keep it pg-13, guys.
4. post semi-regularly
Here's my Vlocity; more pics to follow
President: Nighthunter (me)
Vp: Superman
1 Kevin
2 Morgan-Crp
3 Andrewthewookie
4 G4paintballer
5 PB=life
1 LVBackpacker
2 MaxFishr
3 Sweet V
4 Hitman 2513
5 seantantellem
6 sk1tzi420
7 DK SiCkNeSs
8 The Bacon Man
9 Bear 112
Club sigs:
So show me what you got, and we'll celebrate our non-dependence on so-called superloaders!
Edited by nighthunter, 06 August 2012 - 01:15 AM.


text:
You limited your search to:
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
Country: Turkey
Collection: World War Two Newsmaps
Newsmap. Monday, February 8, 1943 : week of January 29 to February 5
Date: February 8, 1943
Creator: [United States.] Army Orientation Course
Description: Front: Text describes action on various war fronts. Large world map is keyed to text and illustrates time zones around the world. Inset maps: [Rostov area] ; [Tunisia coast]. Includes 8 photographs. Back: The World at War map indicates points where U.S. forces are stationed.
Contributing Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
Newsmap : The Mediterranean area : a troop information program map
Date: 1946
Creator: [United States.] Army Information Branch
Description: Large map of the Mediterranean area with insets of South Tyrol, Dodecanese Islands, and Venezia Giulia. "Shaded areas indicate disputed territories." Separate, supplemental memorandum gives correction to the boundary line between Greece and Turkey.
Contributing Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department


text:
Sez Me - Bourne Blog II
January 9, 2008. Posted by Michael Bourne.Add new comment | Filed under: 35 years, bad news, blues cds, gary walker, headphones, instinct, Jazz Alive, mail, music director, music format, musicians, new cds, new jazz, new music, preamble, program director, rollins, rumours, singers, vamps, wooden shelf
I don't know how Gary Walker does it.
Contrary to the rumours that jazz is dead, or that the record industry is dead, and that soon there won't be any more CDs, we get hundreds of new jazz and blues CDs in the mail every year, plus almost that many more re-issues. Somehow, as the WBGO music director, Walker must face the Herculean labour of listening through the CDs that come every week.
I'll walk by his office, look in to grunt hello, and Walker will have 4 or 5 or more towers of CDs on his desk. He'll be listening on his headphones. He'll be, quite often, scowling. I'll grunt and head back to the studio.
There, on a wooden shelf, are the CDs that we're playing in the "new" slots on the WBGO music format clock. Usually, more than a hundred new CDs. Which is more or less 100 hours of music. Which is more or less four days of listening. Non-stop sleepless listening. Which is why I actually hear very little of the new music I play before I actually play it.
I trust in Walker's judgment, and, if he's considered these CDs to be WBGO-worthy, I can play these CDs. I can also depend on my own 35 years of playing records on the radio to have an immediate instinct about which records I can play day after day. I know the musicians, or at least most of them. I know the tunes, or I can get a feeling of the whole track listening to the first few seconds. Which is why I always tell musicians, and especially singers who want my advice about recording, to show me what you've got right from the jump. No 40-second vamps before the music kicks in on the first track. I might not listen beyond the first 40 seconds. Which is discouraging for some musicians I've talked with, but that's reality.
"Reality is..." is what Wylie Rollins, the WBGO program director who hired Walker and me, always said as a preamble to bad news. Reality is there's never enough time to listen. Which is annoying to all the musicians who send me CDs and then e-mail or call me a week after and want to know what I think, only to be told that I have not listened yet and might never have time to listen. I'm not kidding that I have dozens of CDs, including some I got more than a year ago, including some by artists I love, including some CDs I actually bought, that I have not yet played.
All of that said, I do listen to music from time to time, more often to music that I very much like already, which is a whole other blog. Herewith, in the meantime, and I don't mean to sound mean, is what I listen for when I listen to a new album or artist, especially singers:
Repertoire ... I want to hear some tunes I haven't heard so often that I can't stand hearing them again. If it's something that's been done countlessly, do it like it's never been done before. If it's something new, do it brightly.
Arrangement .. I want to hear something new in even the oldest tunes. And, again, in tunes old and new, I want to hear melodies and harmonies and rhythms done so brightly that the music grabs me by the ears.
Talent ... Some singers I've heard can't come close to singing in tune. Some singers I've heard think that singing oodles of highly emoted but meaningless notes is exciting. When there's nothing that gets to me more deeply than someone who can sing one true note.
Showbiz ... I come from the theatre. I want to see someone on stage with presence, someone who connects with the audience. I believe that art ought to be entertaining.
I realized when I first blathered these points at greater length that the first letters of the four words -- Repertoire, Arrangements, Talent, Showbiz -- spell RATS. Unless you turn the letters around ...
... MBourne


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Topic: Best/Cheapest Host
Hi all - I've been on Bluehost for a few years and as you probably know, they aren't the best suited for Rails deployment.
I'm looking to transfer my domain to a new host that supports all the latest and greatest Rails goodness.
Does anyone have a recommendation for the best (and cheapest) host?
Thanks in advance...