I went off on a massive tangent (justifiably of course) with that last post. I was meaning to say that my season at TI is done with, my last camp finished yesterday and I won't have any more. The season only has two weeks left for them and they don't need any additional staff.
So this leaves me at home practizing away at my banjo :) I've been jamming with a couple people and it looks like it will be a regular occurrence. Last Sunday we played and exchanged songs. I walked away with a bunch of mp3s of songs to work on this week: Red Haired Boy, Salt Creek, Sail Away Ladies, John Brown's Dream
Last Sunday's recordings:
John Brown's Dream
Red Haired Boy
As you can tell from the recordings, I'm with some pretty awesome musicians (Tanya and Worth). I'm going to have to get my chops back up to snuff if I'm going to play with them. It's awesome to have other musicians around that will elevate my own musicianship, give me a goal to work on, and a focus on the banjo. I will have to dust off my old Sansa mp3 player to make more recordings, or i could actually use my birthday-present-mic with my iPod...
Now I'm going to let the songs sink into my brain and muscles and head to Mui Wo for cilantro (aka Chinese Parsley.... took us a while to figure that one out....) and bell peppers (or as the KiwiBrits call them, "capsicums") maybe some tomatoes too. Oh yea, and ingredients to finish my Irish Cream to go with my "Lake Champlain Sunrise" coffee
Showing posts with label guitar. Show all posts
Showing posts with label guitar. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Friday, April 16, 2010
Macau Fever... (Part 2)
Now for the stunning conclusion:
6:51pm: A massive blast is heard and the blur of a vehicle slams to an instant halt in the blink of an eye. Dama throws some money towards the captain and the other three jump out and race to enter the airlock and clear security. Dama collects his earth-money change and views the countdown board from the distance. He thinks to himself, "Why is there no time showing?" Has his super sonic journey slowed time? Stopped time? No, that's crazy; it's just that the "Cut-Off" buzzer has already sounded. This name is derived from what happens if any body parts exist between the outside world and the airlock when time is up.
6:53pm: A large group of Slowpokes were entering the airlock chamber. Known for their speed and dexterity this tribe of people often travels aboard the fast vessel bound for the urban jungle. However, the entry guards tend to be very cautious when tendering fare and this can cause vast hold ups. Luckily for the quartet, they were able to hop on the coat tails of this group, literally, as the Slowpoke tribe is known for their vast coat tails. Here is a security photo of the quartet entering the airlock:
6:54pm: The quartet was safely aboard their vessel and entering hyper sleep. Just before nodding off Dama spotted his Janbo next to Samje and released a nervous sigh of relief. He had completely forgotten about it in the chaos when leaving the transport.
7:35pm: The supersonic vessel battles tidal waves and eludes pirate boats as it enters the CCA (Central Containment Area) Dama awakens from his sleep, grabs his janbo, and leaves the terminal. He emerges from the megalith and enters a busy concrete metropolis. Nibra takes off on a quest to acquire something to cover his legs, as this is the generally recognized custom of Macau. Dama, Samje, and Tane head to a special area where Dama's pocket computer can receive specially crafted radio signals. These radio waves tell Dama the earth-location of their destination in the density of Macau.
8:10pm: The trio acquire their tickets from the Hyperjet Hydro-Plane Ferry ticketing robot, then try to contact Nibra through special radio waves emanating from Dama's pocket computer. Nibra is outside the compound unsuccessful in his quest to acquire his leg coverings. He enters the complex, utilizes the motorized stairs, purchases his ticket, and meets with the group. Samje and Tane finished their ethanol bubble water, which just so happens to have a slightly higher percentage of ethanol than 7-up, and entered security clearance.
--------That's all I've got for today, tune in tomorrow for a conclusion, maybe, it all depends on how this sickness is treating me.......
6:51pm: A massive blast is heard and the blur of a vehicle slams to an instant halt in the blink of an eye. Dama throws some money towards the captain and the other three jump out and race to enter the airlock and clear security. Dama collects his earth-money change and views the countdown board from the distance. He thinks to himself, "Why is there no time showing?" Has his super sonic journey slowed time? Stopped time? No, that's crazy; it's just that the "Cut-Off" buzzer has already sounded. This name is derived from what happens if any body parts exist between the outside world and the airlock when time is up.
6:53pm: A large group of Slowpokes were entering the airlock chamber. Known for their speed and dexterity this tribe of people often travels aboard the fast vessel bound for the urban jungle. However, the entry guards tend to be very cautious when tendering fare and this can cause vast hold ups. Luckily for the quartet, they were able to hop on the coat tails of this group, literally, as the Slowpoke tribe is known for their vast coat tails. Here is a security photo of the quartet entering the airlock:6:54pm: The quartet was safely aboard their vessel and entering hyper sleep. Just before nodding off Dama spotted his Janbo next to Samje and released a nervous sigh of relief. He had completely forgotten about it in the chaos when leaving the transport.
7:35pm: The supersonic vessel battles tidal waves and eludes pirate boats as it enters the CCA (Central Containment Area) Dama awakens from his sleep, grabs his janbo, and leaves the terminal. He emerges from the megalith and enters a busy concrete metropolis. Nibra takes off on a quest to acquire something to cover his legs, as this is the generally recognized custom of Macau. Dama, Samje, and Tane head to a special area where Dama's pocket computer can receive specially crafted radio signals. These radio waves tell Dama the earth-location of their destination in the density of Macau.
8:10pm: The trio acquire their tickets from the Hyperjet Hydro-Plane Ferry ticketing robot, then try to contact Nibra through special radio waves emanating from Dama's pocket computer. Nibra is outside the compound unsuccessful in his quest to acquire his leg coverings. He enters the complex, utilizes the motorized stairs, purchases his ticket, and meets with the group. Samje and Tane finished their ethanol bubble water, which just so happens to have a slightly higher percentage of ethanol than 7-up, and entered security clearance.
--------That's all I've got for today, tune in tomorrow for a conclusion, maybe, it all depends on how this sickness is treating me.......
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Macau Fever... (Part 1)
Pretty crazy last few days, I'll try to reconstruct the events that transpired recently (names were changed to protect the innocent) **Some events dramatized**
Monday:
Approx 5pm: Dama meets up with Tane, Samje, and Nibra to acquire food at a nearby establishment; the name of which comes from the large American bird otherwise known as the Kutrey. Tane proceeds to inquire to Dama about possibly going to the most densely populated country in the world. Of which Dama takes careful consideration over his blended yogurt/mango drink and earth-potato grease sticks.
6:10pm: Dama realizes that it would be fun to go back to Macau, a place he spent either fleeting moments under cover of darkness or later, in a rain soaked fog. Dama relays his decision to the group and they take into account their time allotment. Dama knows a fast ferry leaves at 6:50pm and explains that it will produce a more desirable outcome in relation to earth-time if they are present on this vessel when it departs.
6:20pm: It comes to light that the outcome may be unobtainable due to the great distance between the eager group and their special pieces of paper. These papers prove that they are who they are and are actually from where they were born. The feasibility of the 6:50 option heavily depends upon returning to this very location within 30 earth-minutes. Thus, the group is compelled to hire a nearby small blue carriage, knowing from past experiences that these carriages can sometimes approach the sound barrier, much to the distress of their occupants.
6:30pm: The quartet reach their village and scramble to reach their individual residences and acquire their necessary components for international travel as well as their highly glossed wooden noisemakers. Their rocket chariot needs 10 minutes to warm up its afterburners before it can return, thus, the group knows it needs to be prepared for reentry by 6:40. If this occurs,they will be present at the entry gate before the fast boat leaves. Dama takes off to his flat to grab his identity book. Nibra runs to the village washer-woman in hopes of donning a clean pair of trousers, rather than is multi-day old board shorts. Samje and Tane run to acquire their documents and the noisemakers.
6:35pm: Dama sprints to his mansion on the bluff overlooking Pui O, passes three levels of security, and enters his vast abode. He throws off his crocs, imitation Billabong shorts, and "Urban Man" shirt (Dama likes to dress down on occasion). He then dresses in a Ralph Lauren polo shirt and D&G Trousers. Dama still wants to maintain his casual fashion sense, but still give the impression that he's a man of fine taste.
6:38pm: Dama races back to the launchpad, down the hill and across the bridge. He grabs his Nexus 1 cellphone, newly imported from The Union of 50. This one is refered to as "Nexus 3" though, he always buys everything in threes; Nexus 1 and 2 remain carefully locked away. The wonderful device shows a holograph of Samje getting suited up for his supersonic journey back to the place the quartet started their epic journey less than two hours previous...
6:45: Delays with the supersonic fabric coating cause the carriage to depart late and hopes of the four dwindle to nothing as they race "Fi-dee, Fi-dee" towards their destination.
Will the unrelenting quartet arrive at their destination unscathed and on time? Will Dama almost forget his noise making Janbo in the trunk of the supersonic carriage? Does Nibra have pants on?
----These questions answered and more next time in the stunning conclusion of "Macau Fever"----
Monday:
Approx 5pm: Dama meets up with Tane, Samje, and Nibra to acquire food at a nearby establishment; the name of which comes from the large American bird otherwise known as the Kutrey. Tane proceeds to inquire to Dama about possibly going to the most densely populated country in the world. Of which Dama takes careful consideration over his blended yogurt/mango drink and earth-potato grease sticks.
6:10pm: Dama realizes that it would be fun to go back to Macau, a place he spent either fleeting moments under cover of darkness or later, in a rain soaked fog. Dama relays his decision to the group and they take into account their time allotment. Dama knows a fast ferry leaves at 6:50pm and explains that it will produce a more desirable outcome in relation to earth-time if they are present on this vessel when it departs.
6:20pm: It comes to light that the outcome may be unobtainable due to the great distance between the eager group and their special pieces of paper. These papers prove that they are who they are and are actually from where they were born. The feasibility of the 6:50 option heavily depends upon returning to this very location within 30 earth-minutes. Thus, the group is compelled to hire a nearby small blue carriage, knowing from past experiences that these carriages can sometimes approach the sound barrier, much to the distress of their occupants.
6:30pm: The quartet reach their village and scramble to reach their individual residences and acquire their necessary components for international travel as well as their highly glossed wooden noisemakers. Their rocket chariot needs 10 minutes to warm up its afterburners before it can return, thus, the group knows it needs to be prepared for reentry by 6:40. If this occurs,they will be present at the entry gate before the fast boat leaves. Dama takes off to his flat to grab his identity book. Nibra runs to the village washer-woman in hopes of donning a clean pair of trousers, rather than is multi-day old board shorts. Samje and Tane run to acquire their documents and the noisemakers.
6:35pm: Dama sprints to his mansion on the bluff overlooking Pui O, passes three levels of security, and enters his vast abode. He throws off his crocs, imitation Billabong shorts, and "Urban Man" shirt (Dama likes to dress down on occasion). He then dresses in a Ralph Lauren polo shirt and D&G Trousers. Dama still wants to maintain his casual fashion sense, but still give the impression that he's a man of fine taste.
6:38pm: Dama races back to the launchpad, down the hill and across the bridge. He grabs his Nexus 1 cellphone, newly imported from The Union of 50. This one is refered to as "Nexus 3" though, he always buys everything in threes; Nexus 1 and 2 remain carefully locked away. The wonderful device shows a holograph of Samje getting suited up for his supersonic journey back to the place the quartet started their epic journey less than two hours previous...
6:45: Delays with the supersonic fabric coating cause the carriage to depart late and hopes of the four dwindle to nothing as they race "Fi-dee, Fi-dee" towards their destination.
Will the unrelenting quartet arrive at their destination unscathed and on time? Will Dama almost forget his noise making Janbo in the trunk of the supersonic carriage? Does Nibra have pants on?
----These questions answered and more next time in the stunning conclusion of "Macau Fever"----
Friday, November 13, 2009
One month left?!?!
That's right, many people are flying out of Hong Kong and back to the states around the week of December 14-17, moving on... another batch comes and goes and I stay... so it goes in the outdoor industry leading such a transient lifestyle, ahhhh but that's the draw of it too.
Anyway two weeks of hell just ended, haha, my tribe finished 5th out of 12 today, with a strong 2nd in the tribal chant that took place at West Island School on Hong Kong Island this morning. We would have taken 2nd overall if my kids handn't broken "Daanald" their egg to care for throughout the week. Daan is how you say egg in Cantonese, hehe, only my Chinese kids got that one...
We also have the weekend off AND next Wednesday and Thursday off, so nice! I'm in desperate need of this time off since I definitely need rest to fight off this cold that is hitting me. I feel ok energy wise, but just getting a cough and sinus aches.
After our debrief at the school I went in to Tom Lee Music in Wan Chai and picked up a spare set of guitar strings just in case I have any breakages, you can't just drive 20 minutes to Plattsburgh and take your choice of 15 different kinds at Bob's Music. It's a 5-25 minute wait for the bus, a 25 minute ferry ride, a 25 minute walk/subway/walk to the nearest music store with maybe 3 kinds of acoustic strings and these times are if you hit the transports exactly and don't have to wait.
After picking up strings I made my way back to Tung Chung via the MTR (subway) to meet Katy after she got out of work. After talking for a while she headed home and I went and grabbed some Indian food with my dinner allowance from T.I. and then caught the 7:05 bus back to Pui O and arrived here about 25 minutes later.
Now I don't think i'm going to move from this spot on the futon for a couple days....I might be able to actually do it, I have my laptop and music for entertainment, leftover food scraps scattered around me for sustenance, an old tea bag and some half filled leftover bottles of water for hydration, an air conditioner that I could turn on with my reachin' stick, and hey this futon is sketchy enough that I'm sure a few "accidents" would go unnoticed at least for a few days....
Anyway two weeks of hell just ended, haha, my tribe finished 5th out of 12 today, with a strong 2nd in the tribal chant that took place at West Island School on Hong Kong Island this morning. We would have taken 2nd overall if my kids handn't broken "Daanald" their egg to care for throughout the week. Daan is how you say egg in Cantonese, hehe, only my Chinese kids got that one...
We also have the weekend off AND next Wednesday and Thursday off, so nice! I'm in desperate need of this time off since I definitely need rest to fight off this cold that is hitting me. I feel ok energy wise, but just getting a cough and sinus aches.
After our debrief at the school I went in to Tom Lee Music in Wan Chai and picked up a spare set of guitar strings just in case I have any breakages, you can't just drive 20 minutes to Plattsburgh and take your choice of 15 different kinds at Bob's Music. It's a 5-25 minute wait for the bus, a 25 minute ferry ride, a 25 minute walk/subway/walk to the nearest music store with maybe 3 kinds of acoustic strings and these times are if you hit the transports exactly and don't have to wait.
After picking up strings I made my way back to Tung Chung via the MTR (subway) to meet Katy after she got out of work. After talking for a while she headed home and I went and grabbed some Indian food with my dinner allowance from T.I. and then caught the 7:05 bus back to Pui O and arrived here about 25 minutes later.
Now I don't think i'm going to move from this spot on the futon for a couple days....I might be able to actually do it, I have my laptop and music for entertainment, leftover food scraps scattered around me for sustenance, an old tea bag and some half filled leftover bottles of water for hydration, an air conditioner that I could turn on with my reachin' stick, and hey this futon is sketchy enough that I'm sure a few "accidents" would go unnoticed at least for a few days....
Sunday, November 8, 2009
New addition to the family....
Yesterday, I met Katy in the city with plans of going to get my haircut, look at acoustic guitars, and maybe go Christmas shopping.
Ended up we (I) spent a lot of time looking at and playing guitars, before finally deciding on one. It ended up being about $170 US for a solid top guitar and soft case. They don't bargain or give discounts at the place I bought from, I couldn't even get picks or cheap strings or a discount on the gig bag from them... Anyway I think it's an excellent guitar for the price I paid, nice wood, and fretboard, deep bass sound with decent mid and high range. This is all coming from a guy who hasn't really played a decent instrument for more than 5 minutes in about 8 months, so who knows anymore.
Before purchasing the guitar Katy and I went to Pizza Express and had some really good food, yes Good good, (not Hong Kong good, for those of you keeping track) I had a pizza and Katy had marinated portabello mushroom with greens and almonds on it.
We also decided to go see "This is it" Michael Jackson's movie and it actually wasn't bad, it definately changed my view of him.
A 5 day 3 night camp starts tomorrow at 7:15, I'm still recovering from last week, vocally, mentally, and physically, but I should be ready to go tomorrow. I'm staying over Tuesday and Wednesday this week with the kids.
I'm doing the gauntlet of activities again this week with kayaking, gorging, adventure race, Cheung Chau expedition, raft building, among many others in our action packed days.
Dinner in Mui Wo with a bunch of the gang in about an hour.
I just recorded 3 videos for people to see my new acquisition, "Understand Your Man" is a new one that I learned from Johnny Cash and then the ol' standby "Wreck of Old 97" and then finally a record of the "Redwing" tribute piece I arranged after Millard passed away.
Ended up we (I) spent a lot of time looking at and playing guitars, before finally deciding on one. It ended up being about $170 US for a solid top guitar and soft case. They don't bargain or give discounts at the place I bought from, I couldn't even get picks or cheap strings or a discount on the gig bag from them... Anyway I think it's an excellent guitar for the price I paid, nice wood, and fretboard, deep bass sound with decent mid and high range. This is all coming from a guy who hasn't really played a decent instrument for more than 5 minutes in about 8 months, so who knows anymore.
Before purchasing the guitar Katy and I went to Pizza Express and had some really good food, yes Good good, (not Hong Kong good, for those of you keeping track) I had a pizza and Katy had marinated portabello mushroom with greens and almonds on it.
We also decided to go see "This is it" Michael Jackson's movie and it actually wasn't bad, it definately changed my view of him.
A 5 day 3 night camp starts tomorrow at 7:15, I'm still recovering from last week, vocally, mentally, and physically, but I should be ready to go tomorrow. I'm staying over Tuesday and Wednesday this week with the kids.
I'm doing the gauntlet of activities again this week with kayaking, gorging, adventure race, Cheung Chau expedition, raft building, among many others in our action packed days.
Dinner in Mui Wo with a bunch of the gang in about an hour.
I just recorded 3 videos for people to see my new acquisition, "Understand Your Man" is a new one that I learned from Johnny Cash and then the ol' standby "Wreck of Old 97" and then finally a record of the "Redwing" tribute piece I arranged after Millard passed away.
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