Banjo Hangout - Off-Topic (Not Banjo Related) Forum Feed

James Gandolfina - RIP

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 16:45:40 CST

What an actor.... 51 years old.

Shrimp: it's what's for dinner

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 16:45:01 CST

the marinade:

olive oil

juice of one lemon

white wine

several cloves garlic, crushed

fresh rosemary

honey

cayenne

...............................................

Marinate the shrimp in the above, then skewer and grill over charcoal. Serve with wild rice and broccolini.

-Liz

Tomorrow night: Fries Quatro Queso Dos Fritos

Have you ever.....

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 15:26:25 CST

....slept well in a Hammock?...was it a comfortable nights sleep,?..how's about a double Hammock??

Deb still has her ball and chain

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 09:57:43 CST

Debbie needs a copy of our marriage license to renew her driver's license next month. We have a copy of it somewhere, but that's been 33 years and 13 or 14 moves ago. So she sent a request to the Recorder of Deeds at the Butler County Courthouse for a registered copy. They called yesterday and left a message for Deb to call them, it seems they have no copy of our license.

I know, I was all excited too, thinking of the obvious benefits to not being married. But before I could get the ring off my finger we figured out that although we got married in Poplar Bluff, we were living in Cape Girardeau and that's where we got our license. They have a copy of the license at the Court House in Jackson. Debbie still has her ball and chain.

33 years. I told her that if she ever left me I was going with her. By the way, my wedding ring won't come off my finger, it's there to stay.

Slim Whitman passed away.

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 08:41:33 CST

I can still see the TV commercials for Slim Whitman records.

R.I.P. Slim

http://www.news4jax.com/entertainment/slim-whitman-dies-at-89/-/475422/20628462/-/qpqlto/-/index.html

Frank Fairfield in Europe

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 04:26:09 CST

Hi everyone,

I already posted a message on the banjoistes francophones page here on BHO but in order to reach more (european) people, here comes another one.

Frank Fairfield is touring France right now and will be playing in other european countries early in the summer. More details on his facebook page.

He'll be in Paris this saturday at La Mécanique Ondulatoire.

That's just in case some of you guys are interested and didn't know about this european tour.

Just got offered a regular gig... What sould I ask to get paid?

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 23:46:47 CST

A friend of mine is taking over management of the "kid friendly" activity center/party space where I played a while back, and she asked me if I'd be interested in playing there twice a week. Now, I like the idea, I like the place, I like helping my friends, and I could use the extra practice...

But if I'm doing it regularly, as opposed to every once in a while, then it kinda becomes something like a job, right? And if me playing music for the kids brings people in and brings in money for the business, then it only seems fair that I'd see a little bit of that sent my way, right? This place charges per kid for activities/events, and a flat rate for parties.

So, anyway, how much should I ask to get paid for playing twice a week, probably a half hour set (I can't imagine kids staying focused for much longer than that), for a bunch of kids and their parents?

Good Wednesday Morning

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 22:25:57 CST

Good morning from sunny Sweden.

Anyone have a bat house in their yard

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 19:38:43 CST

We're about to install a bat house in the back yard to try and attract some bats. The mosquitoes are getting really overbearing and bats love to eat bugs.

I know it can take a while to get occupents (weeks, months, or years).

Was wondering of anyone here has been successful in attracting bats? Any pictures of your visitors to share?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3x6KcFVnDY

do you have an unusual mailbox?

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 19:08:46 CST

There are some weird and wonderful maiboxes around the world.......how does yours compare?......I don't have one, but this is a classic from a Sydney suburb............

musical saw

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 17:40:32 CST

For your varied musical entertainment http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bz4K_1lB2vg&list=PLhl8RfsfiWzqozC3tCpLBDYEzLV9yb4Dh

I may have played a tune or two with Morgan in my begining banjo days when my spouse and I did a set at the annual saw gathering they have in Santa Cruz. Morgan's stand-up saw arrangement is intersting, and good playing too! Banjered

Chambers stove/oven

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 17:39:12 CST

Anyone with experience? How difficult it is to convert to auto igniter from the pilot lights? What to look(out) for when buying one? Thanks.......Jack.

Kitties and Mice--Computer Mice, That Is

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 15:57:10 CST

I've been offline for most of a week because the kitties wrecked the second computer mouse in a row. It's their hair--it clogs up the mouse. I have taken to forbidding them the office because they love to roll over the keyboard and they keep changing settings.

Great Lakes dryin...up..?

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 15:52:06 CST

I thought that global warmin..wud gawnah melt tha polar..ice caps n drown us..

But now tha lakes can not keep up whid eevaporation..n..are gittin.more...n..more shallow..

Sumthin new...

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 14:49:08 CST

Chronic Ice...Hemp soda.... Ginger ale.... Pretty good ..n.not too sweet... Nevah saw this stuff before...

Bigfoot Sighting in Highland County, VA?

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 12:26:35 CST

Is this a Bigfoot sighting at the Highland County Oldtime Fiddler's Convention or just a West Virginia fiddler going ape? There were no reliable witnesses present here.

Ever Wonder Why.....

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 11:22:39 CST

My mind can sometimes, well many times, tend to get occupied with thoughts that I really don't need to know. But, here is one, for example:

Why are small road intersections sometimes named "................ Corner(s)", ie; Smith Corner, or Elm tree Corner, etc, when really it is an intersection (or a junction), not a "corner". What's up with that! I get how a corner or a junction might be named after a person or gas station, or geographic item. How does an intersection = a corner?

Just wonderin the history. My logic hat is not on today. Too tired.

Brad

Guy animates joke told to him by his wife when she was drunked up.

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 10:18:20 CST

Dions tank full of blues guitar

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 09:57:15 CST

ok heres my question.I know its a Martin guitar,but what model is it ?,called Martin no answer yet Joe needs a few hours.I think I can get a answer here faster than that.

Buying songs online versus direct from artist

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 09:56:48 CST

If I were to buy a particular album by downloading (mp3) from Amazon, it would cost me $8.99. To buy the actual CD from the artist, I would be spending $17 ($15 + $2 for shipping).

Out of curiosity, how does the % cut to the artist differ in these two circumstances? If I buy from the artist, does the artist turn around and pay a certain percentage back to the record label? I'm all for supporting the artist, but I'm just curious how the two circumstances differ financially.

Bach Chorale: Wake, Awake, For Night Is Flying for Guitar Quartet

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 22:42:11 CST

http://youtu.be/hiAYyD8OMbQ

Good Tuesday Morning

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 22:37:53 CST

Good morning from sunny Sweden.

.

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 19:04:05 CST

Propper musician..attire......

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 17:58:00 CST

At all times..... ;0)

Y'know what's good?

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 17:57:23 CST

Fancy Grade Superior Nut Company cashew halves and pieces and Reny's Dark Chocolate bar.

Reny's has a great tea selection amongst other stuff of quality.

Known in these parts as "House of Renee".

Music/Food related vacation ideas in early July?

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 17:56:40 CST

Grettings, fellow Hangers-Out.

My wife and I are looking to spend about a week just after July 4 visiting some sort of destination with good food and some music history to explore. We're both musicians, from Michigan just north of Toledo Oh. In past years we've visited Nashville, Memphis, and Davenport Iowa (took in a great traditional-jazz festival there) We were considering New Orleans this year but the budget's a little too tight for that trip this year -- maybe next year.

Any suggestions?

accident.....

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 17:23:09 CST

Daughter in hospital and getting surgery.

Shot herself accidently with a nail gun.

They have to remove the nail.

Going up to see her and wait there.

Later.

Nancy

5 year old girl takes on Westboro Baptist with Pink Lemonade

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 14:07:48 CST

This has nothing to do with "religion or politics". It has
EVERYTHING to do about Pink Lemonade, and Peace".
Kudos to Jayden and her "convictions of her beliefs".

A 5-year-old girl who set up a lemonade stand across the street from the Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka, Kan., on Friday raised more than $10,000 in the name of peace.

Jayden Sink, with more than a little help from her father, Jon, sold "Pink Lemonade for Peace" from her stand outside the Equality House, a rainbow-painted building across the street from the controversial church's headquarters on Friday.

The rest of the story from Yahoo is - - - - - > > > HERE.

History of Telluride

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 13:36:24 CST

Good article about the history of the Telluride Bluegrass Fest.

http://www.outsideonline.com/adventure-travel/north-america/united-states/colorado/telluride/An-Oral-History-of-the-Telluride-Bluegrass-Festival.html?page=1

Refrigeration Compressor, 567 BtuH, 115V any help?

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 12:57:37 CST

Im tring to build a 500 BTU A/C with a Refrigeration Compressor, 567 BtuH, 115V 1/6 the hp

1. How many watts will it take to convert 12 volts to 115 volts useing an inverter.

2. how big should the condoner coil be?

3. How big should the heat exchanger coil be?

4. 1 hp = 716 watt. so 1/6 hp should be 119 watts?

Any help would be greatly appricated.

Amazing Grace on Guitar

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 08:12:18 CST

Played with banjo picks

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opnbZ6uq5i0

#1 Food Truck in America

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 06:01:12 CST

Red Hook Lobster Pound food truck in NYC.

Their product is a fancy lobster roll which is a 1/4 pound of Maine caught lobsters.

There are bound to be a few Port Clyde lobbies in the mix.

Go Maine!

Debbie has pineapples in her flower bed

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 02:30:42 CST

And they are just about ready to eat. These are so sweet.

Good Monday Morning

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 22:37:53 CST

Good morning from from Sweden.

Strength in Numbers REUNION! - killed by Telluride

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 21:31:11 CST

I am SO MAD at Telluride right now. Seriously?! Not want Mark O'Connor to set up surrogate guitar and mandolin players?! SERIOUSLY?! And pulling the rug out from under them before they finished off the details? It's been a while since I've been this mad.

I'd have died to see this on YouTube......and I'm sure there would've been plenty of people there planning on putting it there.

But have fun with this piece from Mark O'Connor's Facebook page...........If you feel like venting, well I'd bet I bet that's probably why Mark wrote this. But maybe the upside here is that a Strength in Numbers reunion isn't as impossible as we think. Make it happen next year, Telluride. Don't let us down again.

Options

Mark O'Connor

To share a bit of craziness with you the last 24 hours. There was a last-minute cancellation of Mumford and Sons at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival this week due to a medical surgery on one of the members, and a call out for a "Strength in Numbers" reunion set this Thursday for a $100,000 fee to replace them. There was this mad dash of activity, apparently all five of us could have made it with some easy plan alterations. Since I don't play guitar and mandolin anymore and haven't for 15 years, I wanted great Nashville guitar player from my Thirty-Year Retrospective Bryan Sutton to play guitar on my tune "Slopes" - video link here with me playing guitar - (that I co-wrote with Bela Fleck). According to someone in the old group of five members, they had something against having a 6th guy join us even for the one song for the reunion set, and wished that I could just cover my "Slopes" piece on violin. I responded that I would be happy to play violin on it and take a solo on it for sure, but still think my composition was so guitar heavy and guitar driven, that it needed that instrument on that piece I wrote - or it should be struck from the set. Bryan would have just played the tar out of it!

Evidently there were misunderstandings in this tiny span of time, and the show was dramatically pulled after I thought it was on for sure, and given to Steve Martin and Edie Brickell. Middle of the night phone calls dealing with the issues of new people to cover my old parts on mandolin like Chris Thile who was my suggestion for my tune I wrote with Sam Bush "Macedonia," (also featured on my Thirty-Year Retrospective) but having dissent in the old group membership on that too... anyway... I couldn't have these great young artists come up on stage and play my old parts for the show because of argument over preserving the five original members only in performing the set. The show was pulled by the promoters when they had word of the hassle ensuing. Who knows, it could be the last chance for a reunion of it. Admittedly reunions are tough to do, but this came within absolute nail biting distance! It would have been epic...!!! But too many cooks in the kitchen telling each other what to do and too little flexibility - all wanting the music to come off the best it can be - but with various ideas about how that could be accomplished... and it was gone right before our eyes in a flash. So.... at least we still get to enjoy the old films of those pieces. Thanks and things are back to normal! Hope you had a nice Father's Day! Mine was certainly unusual! But very glad of my kids who make life so wonderful and rich for me! Love, MOC

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzTvsHiCswE&list=PL0C74898C40D6A7EA

Mark O'Connor & Bela Fleck's "Slopes" performed by 'Strength in Numbers'
www.youtube.com
http://www.youtube.com/user/MarkOConnor * http://www.markoconnor.com Mark O'Connor and Bela Fleck composed "Slopes" together for Strength in Numbers featurin...

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Great Father's Day Present

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 18:55:12 CST

My son, now 31 years old, called and said that I was a great Dad. I told him that I was thrilled to call him son because he has turned out to be such a fine person. He responded that he was thrilled to call me Dad.

It brought tears to my eyes. He couldn't have given me a better Father's Day gift.

Now I can forgive him for stopping at our home on the way to work or from work to get one of his 7 or 8 meals a day. He and his Fiancée live only about a mile away. When I look in the refrigerator and wonder where the turkey or ham to make a sandwich is, I don't have to wonder very long. And he will always be welcome to it!

Ron

Fried green tomatoes

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 18:29:04 CST

I have some five gallon buckets we planted tomatoes in. We have quite a few red and green tomatoes on the vine. Annie likes to help me with the tomatoes.

Debbie has been eyeballing these green tomatoes. She wants to fry some green tomatoes.

This one is nice and red. It may end up on a BLT.

Lunch today, fried green tomatoes cooked on the side burner of the gas grill.

All that grease splattered on the grill. That's OK, it will help protect the paint. Better here than in the house.

Along with the fried green tomatoes, we had cooked cabbage and Country Style ribs. Cooked on the grill. I cooked these ribs a couple of days ago, today we put the cabbage in the pan with a few ice cubes and seasoning. Then after about 20 minutes, when the cabbage was done, I added the previously cooked ribs back in. This was cooked over indirect heat, in the pan covered with foil.

Annie loves warm clothes from the dryer

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 17:11:27 CST

She loves warm things, especially clothes fresh out of the dryer. She has been a little under the weather so she really is enjoying this. She's doing a little better. She is still not her usual self though. She is eating but not with the gusto she usually does. We are still waiting on some of the test results, but everything is checking out OK.

Pure Country or Honeysuckle Rose?

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 14:16:22 CST

Which do you prefer?

I just watched Pure Country again on CMT. I think I've seen it about a half dozen times. I really liked Honeysuckle Rose too, I've seen it a few times, I've been a Willie Nelson fan since the 70's. But I can't not watch Pure Country when I see it on. My favorite part is when Dusty comes out and sits on the stage at the end and sings I Cross My Heart to Harley.

Somehow I really can relate to the part where he goes back home to his grandma's house and gets his old guitar. Then Earl follows and grandma tell Earl to stick close to the roots and you'll find the truth.

Canadian Bluegrass is alive & well!.

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 14:06:03 CST

We just got back from the Sooke River Bluegrass Festival. This was the 11th one. It started in 2000 & went until 2010 . It was canceled for 2 years & started up again this year. This was my 9th one.

There was some AMAZING talent there & they were all from the west coast. Jamming went 'til sun up. You could walk up to any of the performers to ask questions or just say hi!. They have slow pitch jam & workshops too.

There was lots of young people playing all the traditional instruments with their own twist on traditional songs.

There was a band called The Sweet Lowdown that had a rapt following of aspiring young female musicians & an attentive bunch of Bluegrass boys.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4rzX23OAXM

All is good!

How far have you gone in your life?

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 13:00:12 CST

What is the furthest place on earth you have been from where you were born?..........bearing in mind that 12,455 miles is about as far away as you can go without being closer again.....I was born near manchester UK.........have been to Gisborne new zealand.........distance - 11,425 miles..........................you can check yours at: http://www.distancefromto.net/

Charlie and me....

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 12:32:11 CST

Uh, not really. Just the big big brimmed hat..but I think my brim is wider than his. I always did like Charlie. Loved that commercial where he played the fiddle.

Today...I mended the back fence. Then, ambitious. Moved benches, a large handmade cart, and a small bridge (not strong enough to walk on..just decoration). Time well spent. It looks diff and neater anyway.

Quit out there in the sun. Got hot, and I don't do heat. The big hat helped.

Only thing is...I am short, and with that big hat, resemble a mushroom.

So much for my Charlie Daniels look.

Maybe the banjo wants to play with me...?

Nancy

What a Fathers' Day!

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 12:14:18 CST

Found out that daughter #1, the Ph.D. candidate in demographic science, has been offered a full-time teaching gig at Paris Sorbonne #1 in the fall.

Daughter #2, the journalist, has joined the staff of Esquire magazine in Moscow. They plan to make one of her pieces a cover story.

What dad could ask for anything better on Dads Day, eh?

Happy Fathers Day for those passed.

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 12:09:43 CST

To the fellow members whose Dads have passed on.

I miss mine very much and know you miss your's too.

May we all have fine memories today.

Sleep and exercise

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 11:47:11 CST

Today I woke up and felt rested for about 2 hours. I'm on a lot of meds and they make me really tired at different times throughout the day.

So, between 10-noon I slept to catch up on my rest. Wow, that really helped my mood. Then I went on a 40 min walk so I was sweating good at the end of it. I feel really great now.

Rest is so important for the brain. That 2 hr rest cleared up a bunch of confusion and issues I desperately needed cleared up.

Of course everyone knows exercise is so important. Much so for those with a mental disorder too, like me. It releases the endorphins and then the heart is pumping the blood throughout the body to distribute the endorphins. It positively affects the neurotransmitters in the brain and brings balance to them. It decreases stressful cortisol levels. Sweating releases unwanted toxins.

I usually haven't been one to exercise enough. Maybe after today I'll do this more often.

The Streets of Ulster Ireland, A Sign of the Times?

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 10:24:32 CST

It seems that with every passing year our world becomes crazier and crazier. It seems to be especially true during economic downturns. In the nineteen twenties and thirties, people were going over Niagara Falls in barrels, sitting on flag poles and doing death defying high wire acts. We're returning, stronger than ever to that "Devil may Care" attitude .

When this race through the streets of Ulster Ireland began a hundred years ago, motorcycles were barely capable of eighty or ninety miles per hour. Along with people jumping out of airplanes without parachutes, high wire acts across the Grand Canyon, this traditional race has become more than it's original racers could imagine

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7Qs9GdyfyU

Positive thought for today

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 08:41:37 CST

When you consistently maintain a positive frame of mind, you’ll become known as a problem-solver rather than a complainer. People avoid complainers. They seek out problem-solvers. – Joseph Somerville

Nancy

been following Game of Thrones?

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 08:17:23 CST

I read all the books so far in the series last fall - they came on the Kindle my daughter gave my wife.

Recently, we had cable service brought into the new house and got Xfinity OnDemand as part of the package - apparently for free..

They had all of season 2 and season 3 on it - and I bought the dvd for season 1.

Wow! I'm totally hooked now on the series now.

Having read the books - I can easily imagine two more seasons on HBO - and then, since the next book in the series is due in 2015...who knows?

happy STEP father's day!

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 08:10:58 CST

I wrote this song about stepfathering, back when I was being a step-dad to Irene's energetic brood, and some other guy was stepfathering Junior.

Hope you guys like it.

"Warts and All"

http://www.hangoutstorage.com/jukebox.asp?site=Banjo+Hangout&URL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Ebanjohangout%2Eorg%2Fmyhangout%2Fmedia%2Dplayer%2Faudio%5Fplayer%2Easp%3Fisjukebox%3Dno%26musicID%3D3888

Model A Ford

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 07:38:38 CST

I'm thinking about buying a Model A. Are any of you Model A owners and what guidance can you give to me in purchasing a Model A?

I'm undecided on whethewr to look at the coupe or sedan, I'm partial to the coupe but if there are passengers they are stuck in the rumble seat.

I've been looking on eBay and CL just to see what the price range is hovering around. I'm looking for a restored vehicle. It doesn't have to be a recent restoration but I want a decent vehicle that does not need alot of work. The price has ranged from 8-14 thousand for really nice looking vehicles.

If you have pictures attached them and point look what's good and bad about Model A's.

Thanks,

Bobby