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

Executive Inn Owensboro

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 7 Nov 2009 09:41:16 CST

The Executive Inn is scheduled to be imploded Sunday Morning. It was a big part of the IBMA in the early 90's, it was the place to stay with multifloor all nights jams and the home of the first IMBA award show. First place I ever saw live bluegrass being played in an elevator. Seems kinda sad for some reason. Later Daze, Mike The beatings will continue until morale improves

Men That Stare at Goats

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 7 Nov 2009 06:18:22 CST

We saw it last night. 1 star Here in South Carolina we don't hear a lot of swearing, so that got some laugh's, of course the "F" word got the biggest. "Tough titie" also got a big one. I don't think the producers watched this thing before they put it out, otherwise it would not have made it. It should go to Blockbuster real fast.

Documentary suggestion

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 7 Nov 2009 04:50:38 CST

Watched a fascinating documentary last night about the ever-evolving internet and the immensely interesting ways in which groups are using it. I had no idea some of the areas which the doc explores even existed. For instance, through certain sites, people are forgoing banks altogether and getting approved for low interest loans from thousands of people all at once (micro-financing in a fiercely free market situation). The reason I bring it up here is because this Banjo Hangout forum is exactly one element of what the documentary is about: aggregated information which benefits an individual and only *costs* a thin promise to contribute in kind. Amazingly, research has shown that this basically anonymous-user promise is kept the VAST majority of the time -- and at more than a 1/1 ratio! The Banjo Hangout forum, of course, exemplifies this idea very well. Like no time before in history, we can now all benefit immensely from the help of others even when those others may only have, say, tiny bytes of information or they can offer only a very small amount of emotional, informational, financial (etc.) help. My understanding of the doc, anyway, is that this aggregate benefit of a million -- even a billion -- non-experts, each with only a tiny bit of information, is leaps and bounds more beneficial than a thousand (often disagreeing) experts who charge handsomely for their (arguably questionable) expertise. Even when the 'too-much' info dilemma becomes a problem, the tool "tells" you it's a problem and steers you in the right direction. The point of the doc is that the consensus-building fostered by the internet is PROVING to be vastly superior to that of institutions, governments, etc. This has, of course, major implications for the future -- especially as a new generation emerges; one which doesn't have to assimilate to the internet and its built-in consensus building apparatus. For instance, there is a football club in England that is owned and operated by the fans -- but not like Green Bay does with its American football team (though I think that system rocks, actually). This one is done more like a fantasy sports set-up. The fans all make their picks for who will play what position, start, etc. The winning votes of thousands of people then actually decide what the team does. That little experiment worked out quite well for the team in question; Ebbsfleet won at Wimbley this spring -- with internet-based owners/fans/coaches running the team. Highly recommend the documentary. [url]http://www.usnowfilm.com[/url] Oh, and of course, the film is freely distributed over the internet. [:D] ____________________________ billyshake: The #1 Banjo Player on the Sub-Continent! (of course, that's assuming I'm the ONLY banjo player on the sub-continent)

Good Saturday Morning

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 7 Nov 2009 00:10:50 CST

Good morning from the raain in Sweden [img]http://www.eontarionow.com/images/Rain.jpg[/img] . Jan-Olov

A little local drama

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 6 Nov 2009 20:33:09 CST

Inmate taken to hospital, by deputy, for medical treatment. Inmate decides it might be a good idea to grab one of the surgical tools and stab the deputy. Deputy decides it might be a good idea to shoot the inmate before the stabbing gets to where the instrument actually reaches him. Hospital staff decide that the man with the bullet in him should be taken to surgery. Everybody lived through it. Free Advice. Kids, IF your choices result in jail time, and IF you need medical attention during your incarceration, remember two unpleasant little facts: It is NOT a television show, and you are NOT the action hero you used to pretend to be. ........................................ [img]http://c1.nemimage.com/Neweggmall/ProductImageS320/2008423100-1.jpg[/img] The following is not a fact, but merely an opinion: Even under ideal conditions, it is seldom a good idea to borrow a knife and start a gunfight.

The Great Escape...

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 6 Nov 2009 17:43:16 CST

Remember the movie? It had all the great stars of the era. Remember the theme song? Well all week I have humming and whistling the song. (c'mon lads.....sing along with Mitch...http://video.google.com/videosearch?q=mitch+millers+the+longest+day&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=JIb1SoOrCpHi8QaOvpHzCQ&sa=X&oi=video_result_group&ct=title&resnum=1&ved=0CBAQqwQwAA# I have been up in the attic cleaning up the "bat room" ( we had over 300 bats in there a few months ago). After cleaning up all the "guano" (I'm guessing about 30 gallons of the stuff) I ripped out all the old duct work because it was tainted with guano....and it was that @#$%^ flex duct crap that restricted the airflow to about 10% of what it should have been (the stuff was very badly installed). I put in all new trunks and feeds and found another "hidden room" in the meantime. My hands and knees are red raw from crawling on them all week. I built a ramp for the new trunk and had to crawl along on a mechanics dolly because the ceiling is so low (this is where I made the connection to the movie...where Charles Bronson was on the dolly on the track). The hidden room can be seen at the back on the right where I cut an access hole to it. I then had to cut another access hole to the other room right beside it. [img]http://www.banjohangout.ws/banjohangout.org/storage/photos/large/5822-14130186112009.jpg[/img] I'm tired nnn sore,.... but it was worth it. My queen is a very happy camper knowing the bats are gone and it is all spic n span... Oh,... and what did I find in the hidden room,... just a bunch of very very old glass bottles.... Robes Life is one grand, sweet song, so start the music. Ronald Reagan Life is a Joke.....drop dead is the punch line. A great Linguist Some days you're the bug; some days you're the windshield. Life...

Charleston SC Thanksgiving

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 6 Nov 2009 17:26:43 CST

Does anybody know if there is any bluegrass picking in Charleston SC on Thanksgiving weekend? I'm not interested in the Myrtle Beach Festival. We'll be in Charleston Friday and Saturday night, might want to attend a club or jam or whatever. __________________________ "It is better, of course, to know useless things than to know nothing." -Seneca

How do you thank them?

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 6 Nov 2009 15:17:31 CST

My friend has a son who's served in Helmand. The lad's 20 years old. He's home for a few days as part of 4 weeks "decompression", having been on the front line. He's lost mates, shot or blown up, & he doesn't look too good to me. I met him tonight, & the fireworks display was getting to him. I offered what thanks I could. He was appreciative, but it could not be enough to be appropriate. So what do you guys suggest? "...mmm, it sounds so sweet..."

Update

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 6 Nov 2009 14:48:32 CST

Anybody having a problem downloading updates from Microsoft. I'm set on automatic updates but there's an update icon in my tray all the time. When I click on the icon to install the updates I get a window that says"Some updates could not be installed". Can someone please help. I can't get an answer from Microsoft. beeliner. Revis Martin. When a man's ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him. Proverbs 16:7 [KJV]

Allen Shelton

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 6 Nov 2009 14:26:53 CST

Diagnosed with leukemia. Currently undergoing chemo treatments. Cards and prayers can be sent to:Mr. Allen shelton, %Centennial Medical Center, Room 3306, 2410 Patterson Street, Nashville, TN37023

The Perfect Man

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 6 Nov 2009 14:07:23 CST

Old, but worth revisiting... A man walks out to the street and catches a taxi just going by. He gets into the taxi, and the cabbie says, “Perfect timing. You're just like Frank." Passenger: "Who?" Cabbie: "Frank Feldman. He's a guy who did everything right all the time. Like my coming along when you needed a cab, things happened like that to Frank Feldman every single time." Passenger: "There are always a few clouds over everybody." Cabbie: 'Not Frank Feldman. He was a terrific athlete. He could have won the Grand-Slam at tennis. He could golf with the pros. He sang like an opera baritone and danced like a Broadway star, and you should have heard him play the piano. He was an amazing guy." Passenger: "Sounds like he was something really special." Cabbie: "There's more. He had a memory like a computer. He remembered everybody's birthday. He knew all about wine, which foods to order and which fork to eat them with. He could fix anything. Not like me. I change a fuse, and the whole street blacks out. But Frank Feldman, he could do everything right" Passenger: "Wow, some guy then." Cabbie: "He always knew the quickest way to go in traffic and avoid Traffic jams Not like me, I always seem to get stuck in them. But Frank, he never made a mistake, and he really knew how to treat a woman and make her feel good. He would never answer her back even if she was in the wrong; and his clothing was always immaculate, shoes highly polished too. He was the perfect man! He never made a mistake. No one could ever measure up to Frank Feldman." Passenger: "An amazing fellow. How did you meet him?" Cabbie: "Well, I never actually met Frank. He died. I married his widow!" ............................................................................................................................................. I found this on the forum for those that steel and thought I'd share it with you. Jude "Man can not live by bread alone, he must have peanut butter" - Kruger Bear "Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass... It's about learning to dance in the rain." - Kruger Bear

Iroko Wood

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 6 Nov 2009 13:09:53 CST

Anybody hereabouts ever worked with Iroko wood? Lee Callicutt

Multiple shootings in Downtown Orlando

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 6 Nov 2009 10:19:41 CST

This is getting ridiculous. Now the news is coming across of a mass shooting in Downtown Orlando. My wife works in Downtown Orlando. I haven't heard from her, but she's not in the office complex where the shooting was. I don't think they found the shooter. Apparently he is a light skinned Hispanic male with a light blue polo shirt and jeans. They are looking for Jason Rodriguez, a former employee of one of the businesses in the complex. 17 wounded, 2 dead so far. I-4 is shut down in both directions. Crazy for downtown Orlando. http://www.orlandosentinel.com/os-shooting-reported-downtown-orlando-20091106,0,7958763.story I live in the mountains..... The mountainous region of Central Florida. Sugarloaf Mountain; 312 feet above sea level. http://www.banjohangout.org/myhangout/photos.asp?id=20244&albumid=3256 Randy

It's Time For A Rest

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 6 Nov 2009 09:41:21 CST

I am deeply saddened and distressed at the bitterness of humanity lately. Anger and bluster; shouting and accusations from all sides seems to be our mantra. People who want a change are blasted. People who wish to be left alone are blasted. Right and Left. Conservative, Liberal and Moderate. None are free of finger pointing. There seems to be no voice of restraint and even Gods word gets twisted to fit the way the wind is blowing. I have decided to back away from the BHO forum and other like-sites for a while until I can sort out my feelings. This includes the letters to the editors pages in all three newspapers I subscribe to. This is not a pleasant decision. I will still post an occasional blog, but I cannot bear the hollow chatter of the self-absorbed. Do not misunderstand me. Most folks on this site are the salt of the earth and I would do anything requested from most anyone here. I just need a break. I will see you around Christmas. God Bless Peace George Locke "Keep it small." - Pete Seeger

My Rock and Roll Side

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 6 Nov 2009 09:24:01 CST

Just for something different, here is a video I did last year. I programmed the drums, used keyboard for bass and synth sweeps, and played electric rythym and lead guitar. The words first went with a country shuffle type of thing I didn't like. When I was fooling with this chord pattern I pulled out the earlier lyrics and found they fit. [:D] http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=GaryBandFriends#p/a/u/1/yfE3VsBFRKQ Gary Blanchard "an outlier among outliers" http://www.gbandf.com

Happy Birthday Mom!

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 6 Nov 2009 09:00:12 CST

Just wanted to say it has been a pleasure to be able to pick with you the past year, and I hope we have many more years of banjo picking to come! I LOVE YOU! [:D][:D] 4+1=Hootnanny! O=='={::}

How many miles do you drive in a year ?

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 6 Nov 2009 08:28:07 CST

Just wondering…..We drive about 12 to 14 thousand. Would that be about average? _______________________________________________________ People will forget what you say and do, but they will never forget how you treated them.

Trap Shooters?

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 6 Nov 2009 07:17:52 CST

Just wondering, any trap shooters out there?? I have pretty much gave up shooting sports for now (too expensive) but sure enjoyed it while I was shooting. BANJOS ARE FUN Ron Terrell

prayer request for PStroud1

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 6 Nov 2009 07:03:29 CST

Linda Lou called and asked me to post a prayer request. Paul is in the hospital with some fairly serious problems. His heart is weak, so the outlook is "guarded." He's bleeding from his sinuses (among other places). Paul is a wonderful person. Positive thoughts and prayers are solicited. I could be some 50 year old dude sitting around in stained shorts resting my pizza on my beer belly, except I'm too old. Jerry

THE BOTTLE OF WINE.

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 5 Nov 2009 23:41:00 CST

For all of us who are married, were married, wish you were married or wish you weren't married, this is something to smile about next time you see a bottle of wine. Sally was driving home from one of here business trips in Northern Arizona when she saw an elderly Navajo woman walking on the side of the road. As the trip was a long and quiet one, she stopped the car and asked the Navajo woman if she would like a ride. With a silent nod of thanks, the woman got into the car. Resuming the journey, Sally tried in vain to make a bit of small talk with the Navajo woman. The old woman just sat silently, looking intently at everything she saw, studying every little detail, until she noticed a brown bag on the seat next to Sally. 'What in bag?' asked the old woman. Sally looked down at the brown bag and said, 'It's a bottle of wine. I got it for my husband'. The Navajo woman was silent for another moment or two. Then speaking with the quiet wisdom of an elder, she said 'Good trade...' Wayne New Zealand My short-term memory is not as sharp as it used to be. Also, my short-term memory's not as sharp as it used to be.

Good Friday Morning

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 5 Nov 2009 23:07:43 CST

Still another rainy morning. [img]http://silveruttern.se/uploads/images/P9050003.JPG[/img] . Jan-Olov

800 wasted swine flu shots

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 5 Nov 2009 20:18:04 CST

According to one of the officers involved, "a couple of guys who didn't want to walk to the liquor store" jumped into a running truck. They didn't know the truck had 800 doses of swine flu vaccine in it. And the Commisioner of Health says that, because the medicine was out of the custody of the Health Department for any time at all, there is no way that the Department is allowed to "trust" that the vaccine is still OK to use. No punishment I can even imagine, is going to prevent anybody from getting the flu. And no punishment I can imagine, is going to prevent other people from giving birth and insufficient parental guidance to a couple of guys who didn't want to walk to the liquor store" any time in the future.

What smells make you happy?

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 5 Nov 2009 19:17:19 CST

Okay. Guilty of watching the Science Ch. again. They were doing experiments with odors and how people reacted to the different smells. I thought about that. Interesting. What smells make you happy???? Nancy We Create Our Tomorrows by what we dream today.

m4a to mp3? Solution Found!

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 5 Nov 2009 17:47:38 CST

Got an ipod a while ago. Put thousands of songs on before I decided to change the format of save to mp3 rather than the default m4a. Is it possible to change the m4a to mp3? I tried audacity, but it only opens the m4a as if it was playing it at 1000 times normal speed. Thanks!

Justice?

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 5 Nov 2009 15:44:51 CST

Is this the way our courts work now? http://reason.com/blog/2009/11/03/welcome-to-marikafka-county-ar Thank you, "Count" Hugh "I bent over him, and tried to find any sign of life, but in vain." -- Jonathan Harker, Dracula

Knee Banjo Tattoo

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 5 Nov 2009 14:53:31 CST

Does anyone have a tattoo of a banjo......(wait for it).......on their knee? I was thinking about getting one, and would be interested in seeing photos of banjo tattoos, in order to decide on the style of my proposed tat. georgiagoodie "Frets? We don't need no stinking frets!!"

microcars

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 5 Nov 2009 14:12:25 CST

Until now I had never seen or heard tell of a microcar. Have you? Click on the picture to watch the video. [url]http://spectrum.ieee.org/slideshow/green-tech/advanced-cars/the-microcar-tradition[/url] -matt

7 killed in shooting at Fort Hood!

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 5 Nov 2009 12:54:34 CST

Holy Crap! This is Breaking News so I don't know what's going on. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/05/AR2009110503467.html?hpid=topnews I live in the mountains..... The mountainous region of Central Florida. Sugarloaf Mountain; 312 feet above sea level. http://www.banjohangout.org/myhangout/photos.asp?id=20244&albumid=3256 Randy

Friends

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 5 Nov 2009 12:50:13 CST

I am getting requests to become new friends. I really do not know anything about this and would love to know what is involved to particapate in this area of the Hangout. Please advise. Dave PICK AND THEY WILL COME

Piano moving...

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 5 Nov 2009 11:26:17 CST

Well...we're in the process of moving (only about 3mi) into a new home. We have an antique (ca. 1895) full-sized upright piano. I just called the company that moved this same piano for us 12 yrs ago and found that they will no longer move pianos like this. They sell (and, I assume they move them) Steinway and Yamaha concert grands...but evidently these big ol' uprights are too much for them at any price. Sigh...[:(] At least the lady was upfront about it. She told me to consider selling it rather than moving it...but not to them, they don't want 'em anymore, even as a trade-in. She even suggested we simply leave it in the old house when we move out! [:(!] The market for pianos must have crashed. 20 yrs ago this piano was considered a prime bit of victorian furniture (musical furniture, to boot). It wasn't horribly expensive then...but now it isn't worth moving? What's up with that? I may have to move it myself...gonna need 4 stout young men to do that! ===Marc "If banjos needed tone rings, S.S. Stewart would have made them that way."

Can you feel it?

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 5 Nov 2009 08:06:44 CST

Basketball season is HERE!!!!!!!! Scott “You Can Hang a Sign on a Pig Saying It's a Horse...But It’s Still Just a Pig.”

This Really Happened - The Home Run

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 5 Nov 2009 07:45:32 CST

This is good. Really good. It's a video about a girls softball team, a true story. Please treat yourself and take a moment to watch. If we could just live our lives this way...... http://www.responsibilityproject.com/films/player/the-home-run/ I live in the mountains..... The mountainous region of Central Florida. Sugarloaf Mountain; 312 feet above sea level. http://www.banjohangout.org/myhangout/photos.asp?id=20244&albumid=3256 Randy

It's snowing, so here's a soup recipe.

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 5 Nov 2009 05:09:58 CST

Got about an inch down here not far north of Portland. Still snowing lightly. So here's a nice, easy, super-garlicky soup that goes down well in winter time Five-Onion soup 1-2 large spanish onions, peeled and sliced 1-2 large red onions, peeled and sliced 3 leeks, cleaned, top section removed (you want to cut this off where the yellow becomes solid green), sliced 10 large shallots, peeled and cut in half 1-2 nice heavy heads of garlic, broken into cloves and peeled, cut in half 4 large boiling potatoes (not russets - they're too mealy) A chunk of hambone (you can use about 1/4 pound of bacon if you don't have hambone) Chicken stock Cream or half and half Put all the solid ingredients in a nice heavy dutch oven or soup kettle and cover with checken stock. Bring to head and simmer until the potatoes are really soft. Puree everything in batches in a food processor. Add cream until you reach a nice consistency (it should be hearty, but not too thick. Season with salt and pepper. This soup, like many, is better the next day. Be careful bringing it back to heat; it can scorch. eagleisland "I was halfway to Old Kentucky when the drugs began to kick in." - Hunter S. Monroe

Good Thursday Morning

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 5 Nov 2009 03:54:40 CST

Jan? Good morning. Doug Enjoy the music!

Corn Licker

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 4 Nov 2009 22:05:29 CST

Yeah, I know it's not spelled that way, but this 190 proof sure does help by banjo playing tonight. whew... Take care, but take it!-Harold Hausenfluck

timely warning

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 4 Nov 2009 19:07:38 CST

I got this from a Hangout member. Might be a good thing to pass it onto you. THINGS YOUR BURGLAR WON'T TELL YOU: 1. Of course I look familiar. I was here just last week cleaning your carpets, painting your shutters, or delivering your new refrigerator. 2. Hey, thanks for letting me use the bathroom when I was working in your yard last week. While I was in there, I unlatched the back window to make my return a little easier. 3. Love those flowers. That tells me you have taste ... and taste means there are nice things inside. Those yard toys your kids leave out always make me wonder what type of gaming system they have. 4. Yes, I really do look for newspapers piled up on the driveway. And I might leave a pizza flyer in your front door to see how long it takes you to remove it. 5. If it snows while you're out of town, get a neighbor to create car and foot tracks into the house. Virgin drifts in the driveway are a dead giveaway. 6. If decorative glass is part of your front entrance, don't let your alarm company install the control pad where I can see if it's set. That makes it too easy. 7. A good security company alarms the window over the sink. And the windows on the second floor, which often access the master bedroom-and your jewelry. It's not a bad idea to put motion detectors up there too. 8. It's raining, you're fumbling with your umbrella, and you forget to lock your door-understandable. But understand this: I don't take a day off because of bad weather. 9. I always knock first. If you answer, I'll ask for directions somewhere or offer to clean your gutters. (Don't take me up on it.) 10. Do you really think I won't look in your sock drawer? I always check dresser drawers, the bedside table, and the medicine cabinet. 11. Here's a helpful hint: I almost never go into kids' rooms. 12. You're right: I won't have enough time to break into that safe where you keep your valuables. But if it's not bolted down, I'll take it with me. 13. A loud TV or radio can be a better deterrent than the best alarm system. If you're reluctant to leave your TV on while you're out of town, you can buy a $35 device that works on a timer and simulates the flickering glow of a real television. (Find it at faketv.com.) 8 MORE THINGS A BURGLAR WON'T TELL YOU: 1. Sometimes, I carry a clipboard. Sometimes, I dress like a lawn guy and carry a rake. I do my best to never, ever look like a crook. 2. The two things I hate most: loud dogs and nosy neighbors. 3. I'll break a window to get in, even if it makes a little noise. If your neighbor hears one loud sound, he'll stop what he's doing and wait to hear it again. If he doesn't hear it again, he'll just go back to what he was doing. It's human nature. 4. I'm not complaining, but why would you pay all that money for a fancy alarm system and leave your house without setting it? 5. I love looking in your windows. I'm looking for signs that you're home, and for flat screen TVs or gaming systems I'd like. I'll drive or walk through your neighborhood at night, before you close the blinds, just to pick my targets. 6. Avoid announcing your vacation on your Facebook page. It's easier than you think to look up your address. 7. To you, leaving that window open just a crack during the day is a way to let in a little fresh air. To me, it's an invitation. 8. If you don't answer when I knock, I try the door. Occasionally, I hit the jackpot and walk right in. Sources: Convicted burglars in North Carolina , Oregon , California , and Kentucky ; security consultant Chris McGoey, who runs crimedoctor.com; and Richard T. Wright, a criminology professor at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, who interviewed 105 burglars for his book Burglars on the Job. Nancy We Create Our Tomorrows by what we dream today.

Put yourself on the line

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 4 Nov 2009 18:58:12 CST

Put Yourself On The Line For Someone Else - It Could Have Snowball Effect! His name was Fleming, and he was a poor Scottish farmer. One day, while trying to make a living for his family, he heard a cry for help coming from a nearby bog. He dropped his tools and ran to the bog. There, mired to his waist in black muck, was a terrified boy, screaming and struggling to free himself. Farmer Fleming saved the lad from what could have been a slow and terrifying death. The next day, a fancy carriage pulled up to the Scotsman's sparse surroundings. An elegantly dressed nobleman stepped out and introduced himself as the father of the boy Farmer Fleming had saved. "I want to repay you," said the nobleman. "You saved my son's life." "No, I can't accept payment for what I did," the Scottish farmer replied, waving off the offer. At that moment, the farmer's own son came to the door of the family hovel. "Is that your son?" the nobleman asked. "Yes," the farmer replied proudly. "I'll make you a deal. Let me provide him with the level of education my son will enjoy. If the lad is anything like his father, he'll no doubt grow to be a man we both will be proud of." And that he did. Farmer Fleming's son attended the very best schools and in time, he graduated from St. Mary's Hospital Medical School in London, and went on to become known throughout the world as the noted, Sir Alexander Fleming, the discoverer of Penicillin. Years afterward, the same nobleman's son who was saved from the bog was stricken with pneumonia. What saved his life this time? Penicillin. The name of the nobleman? Lord Randolph Churchill. His son's name? Sir Winston Churchill. Someone once said: What goes around comes around. Work like you don't need the money. Love like you've never been hurt. Dance like nobody's watching. Wayne New Zealand My short-term memory is not as sharp as it used to be. Also, my short-term memory's not as sharp as it used to be.

Love Valley Four....J D Benfield

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 4 Nov 2009 17:36:58 CST

....Had a great conversation with J D Benfield yesterday....he was the manager, directer, and anouncer on WFMX-FM Statesville, NC for many years......this station carried the only bluegrass around hear you could listen to during the week......they always had a bluegrass tune of the hour, a hymn of the hour, ( usually bluegrass) and bluegrass in the mix at other times......he also had great pickers who worked there, Odell Wood, R C Harris, and Hoyt Herbert......it was the only station that still had Paul Harvey and Lum and Abner, too.....J D had a little singing group called the " Love Valley Four".....his wife. Sue<( who anounced there, too, ), sent me a photo, [img]http://www.banjohangout.ws/banjohangout.org/storage/photos/large/15082-1235184112009.jpg[/img] those of us who got their bluegrass fix and enjoyed listening to the NASCAR race on Sundays, thank-you to J D Benfield.peace ......ad fontes..........

Snottiness and locked threads

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 4 Nov 2009 17:14:18 CST

Is there some weird virus going around that is making people more prickly and downright rude on the threads these days? The full moon? Halloween? The dark days of post day-light savings time? Lots of locked threads and snottiness. Or maybe it's just my brain that's locked and snotty. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ I love my excellent sense of humor. Unfortunately it gets me into trouble, and un-funny people think I'm an idiot.

H1N1 Swine Flu Vaccinations

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 4 Nov 2009 16:42:08 CST

So how are your lineups? Here in Canada, they're lined up around the block...we Canuks love to get into lines. We have hockey teams getting shots before Nurses; we have 3.5 million doses turned into 250,000 doses. We have no shortages according to our Govt. I couldnt get mine at work, despite the fact that I'm an RN who is in/out of the Emerg dept as well as on the floor...because the hospital got next to none. I ended up going to a clinic in my local small town where there was only an hour wait. Our plan is basically a mess. Hows yours? Dave Jack

Dam

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 4 Nov 2009 14:01:45 CST

http://www.snopes.com/humor/letters/dammed.asp The Dam This is an actual letter sent to a man named Ryan DeVries regarding a pond on his property. It was sent by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Quality, State of Pennsylvania . This guy's response is hilarious, but read State's letter before you get to the response letter. SUBJECT: DEQ File No.97-59-0023; T11N; R10W, Sec. 20; Lycoming County Dear Mr. DeVries: It has come to the attention of the Department of Environmental Quality that there has been recent unauthorized activity on the above referenced parcel of property.. You have been certified as the legal landowner and/or contractor who did the following unauthorized activity: Construction and maintenance of two wood debris dams across the outlet stream of Spring Pond. A permit must be issued prior to the start of this type of activity. A review of the Department's files shows that no permits have been issued. Therefore, the Department has determined that this activity is in violation of Part 301, Inland Lakes and Streams, of the Natural Resource and Environmental Protection Act, Act 451 of the Public Acts of 1994, being sections 324.30101 to 324.30113 of the Pennsylvania Compiled Laws, annotated. The Department has been informed that one or both of the dams partially failed during a recent rain event, causing debris and flooding at downstream locations. We find that dams of this nature are inherently hazardous and cannot be permitted. The Department therefore orders you to cease and desist all activities at this location, and to restore the stream to a free-flow condition by removing all wood and brush forming the dams from the stream channel. All restoration work shall be completed no later than January 31, 2010. Please notify this office when the restoration has been completed so that a follow-up site inspection may be scheduled by our staff. Failure to comply with this request or any further unauthorized activity on the site may result in this case being referred for elevated enforcement action. We anticipate and would appreciate your full cooperation in this matter. Please feel free to contact me at this office if you have any questions. Sincerely, David L. Price District Representative and Water Management Division. Here is the actual response sent back by Mr. DeVries: Re: DEQ File No. 97-59-0023; T11N; R10W, Sec. 20; Lycoming County Dear Mr. Price, Your certified letter dated 08/17/09 has been handed to me to respond to. I am the legal landowner but not the Contractor at 2088 Dagget Lane , Trout Run, Pennsylvania . A couple of beavers are in the (State unauthorized) process of constructing and maintaining two wood "debris" dams across the outlet stream of my Spring Pond. While I did not pay for, authorize, nor supervise their dam project, I think they would be highly offended that you call their skillful use of natures building materials "debris." I would like to challenge your department to attempt to emulate their dam project any time and/or any place you choose. I believe I can safely state there is no way you could ever match their dam skills, their dam resourcefulness, their dam ingenuity, their dam persistence, their dam determination and/or their dam work ethic.. These are the beavers/contractors you are seeking. As to your request, I do not think the beavers are aware that they must first fill out a dam permit prior to the start of this type of dam activity. My first dam question to you is: (1) Are you trying to discriminate against my Spring Pond Beavers, or (2) do you require all beavers throughout this State to conform to said dam request? If you are not discriminating against these particular beavers, through the Freedom of Information Act, I request completed copies of all those other applicable beaver dam permits that have been issued. (Perhaps we will see if there really is a dam violation of Part 301, Inland Lakes and Streams, of the Natural Resource and Environmental Protection Act, Act 451 of the Public Acts of 1994, being sections 324.30101 to 324.30113 of the Pennsylvania Compiled Laws, annotated.) I have several concerns. My first concern is, aren't the beavers entitled to legal representation? The Spring Pond Beavers are financially destitute and are unable to pay for said representation -- so the State will have to provide them with a dam lawyer. The Department's dam concern that either one or both of the dams failed during a recent rain event, causing flooding, is proof that this is a natural occurrence, which the Department is required to protect. In other words, we should leave the Spring Pond Beavers alone rather than harassing them and calling them dam names. If you want the stream "restored" to a dam free-flow condition please contact the beavers -- but if you are going to arrest them, they obviously did not pay any attention to your dam letter, they being unable to read English. In my humble opinion, the Spring Pond Beavers have a right to build their unauthorized dams as long as the sky is blue, the grass is green and water flows downstream. They have more dam rights than I do to live and enjoy Spring Pond. If the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection lives up to its name, it should protect the natural resources (Beavers) and the environment (Beavers' Dams). So, as far as the beavers and I are concerned, this dam case can be referred for more elevated enforcement action right now. Why wait until 1/31/2010? The Spring Pond Beavers may be under the dam ice then and there will be no way for you or your dam staff to contact/harass them. In conclusion, I would like to bring to your attention to a real environmental quality, health, problem in the area.. It is the bears! Bears are actually defecating in our woods. I definitely believe you should be persecuting the defecating bears and leave the beavers alone. If you are going to investigate the beaver dam, watch your step! The bears are not careful where they dump! Being unable to comply with your dam request, and being unable to contact you on your dam answering machine, I am sending this response to your dam office. THANK YOU, RYAN DEVRIES & THE DAM BEAVERS Nancy We Create Our Tomorrows by what we dream today.

anvil shooting

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 4 Nov 2009 13:59:02 CST

not quite like you may expect[:D][:D] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_c0B00Ax3w noli illegitimi carborundum everybody needs at least one gun for every year old that they are, having a few extras don't hurt

More than 3 cats?...license required

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 4 Nov 2009 13:47:07 CST

Having more than 3 cats now requires a license DUDLEY — Voters last night added language to a town bylaw that will make it illegal to own more than three cats without a kennel license, though Selectman Steven Sullivan said housing three felines was already a violation. The article came after a neighborhood feud over cats owned by Mary Ellen Richards of Kennedy Drive. Some of Mrs. Richards’ 15 cats are allowed outside, and one neighbor said the cats have ruined his yard. The discussion at town meeting last night had Mrs. Richards warning residents that the $100 per day fines being imposed on her could also be imposed on them if they fail to get kennel licenses for their pets. She has put her home up for sale and plans to move to a “more cat-friendly community,” but vowed to fight the fines. — Kim Ring http://www.telegram.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091103/NEWS/911030327 Nancy We Create Our Tomorrows by what we dream today.

My inherited property.....

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 4 Nov 2009 13:37:50 CST

This is a note from the real estate fellow: Date: Tuesday, November 3, 2009, 4:19 PM I am sending you the papers today by regular mail to list the lots. I am tired of waiting on other people who never get the job done. The attachments are pictures I took that will be included in the MLS listing. I am going to be so frank that it hurts. This is my opinion. First, these lots are worth very little to anyone. They will be purchased by rednecks or “shiners” who want to raise a little hell near the water. The land is rough; the neighbors are rough; this is, “bring your own banjo” territory. Second, unless we pay a decent commission, it will be impossible to get an agent motivated to pack a lunch and drive that far. I would not send any woman and very few men back there who can not use a gun and a compass. I would price all the lots together for a total of $3,000.00. I would pay a commission of $1000 split 50/50 with a selling agent. If another agent sells the lots, the other agent gets $500.00. That is the highest commission rate I have ever suggested and it may not be enough. We may have to raise the commission rate to the other agents if it does not sell quickly. The good news is that the people of that area have their own communication system. When the word get out that something is for sale, I may get a few calls. Many of them can not read so they may not know this is a bad market!!! Also, I have exaggerated a bit but not a whole lot. I am a local native. I hunt and fish and I speak the language. I am not afraid to do a little door-to-door. They will probably steal the sign if I don’t go and talk to them. Let me know if you are comfortable with my ideas. I work for you and you are the boss. Nelson Nancy We Create Our Tomorrows by what we dream today.

Paul Williams and the Victory Trio

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 4 Nov 2009 12:54:55 CST

I am getting excited to hear Paul Williams and the Victory Trio tomorrow night. They are coming to Whitesburg KY, Thursday Nov, 5th, to the Appalshop Theater. This will be my third time to see Paul and his group live. They are one of my all time favorite gospel groups. Acts 16:31

The List of Late

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 4 Nov 2009 10:23:19 CST

Hey all: I haven’t been on The Hangout very much in the last few months owing to some personal circumstances, but since I’ve been back, I’ve noticed an increased frequency of pettiness, rants, and childish behavior in general …… Now, what I’m going to say may make a number of you mad, but apparently that doesn’t seem to stop anybody else…….so here goes…… If you make a post or comment about someone, their equipment, their playing, their knowledge, etc, make it assuming that the person you are talking about is standing right in front of you in a room. If you can’t say it face to face to someone, you need to think long and hard about posting it out there on a public forum. This will go a long way in establishing credibility and will keep the general level of sanity and civility on an even keel. Don’t post about a topic you don’t have some experience with, or know little about….unless of course you are asking for information….. The whole…. “Prewar flathead banjos, (or Dannick Huber, Blaylock McPeake blah blah blah tone rings) are all hype….I’ve never played one, but I’ve done a lot of research on the Internet and I got to meet JD Crowe once”… That argument is real thin…… Ask yourself…”Am I adding to this topic, or taking away from this topic…..” No Personal attacks……This isn’t Jerry Springer….. Try to use facts……If you don’t know the facts, don’t make them up….. No politics or religion…….I tire very quickly of thinly (or not so thinly) disguised posts with a political or religious agenda….. In short, try to live by the “cyber golden rule”……..email unto others as you would have them email unto you…….. I truly hope that I didn’t offend anybody or make them mad….That was not my intent….BUT….if I caused you to think (and proofread and spell-check, BTW) about a post for just a minute before sending it, then I think we all might be better for it… I have made a lot of friends on the Hangout and I would like to think we are all a big family…..and sometimes families have squabbles…….but I still love ya!! Thanks for the time

Upper Valley Bluegrass Festival - Lebanon, NH

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 4 Nov 2009 07:38:56 CST

I've posted a blog entry previewing the Upper Valley Bluegrass Festival to be held at the Lebanon Opera House in Lebanon, NH on November 13 and 14. The featured band will be The Infamous Stringdusters and King Wilkie on Friday and Del McCoury and the Steeldrivers on Saturday. Along with Saturday's workshops, it should be a fine weekend event. - Ted Ted Lehmann www.tedlehmann.blogspot.com

Has your toilet paper hole gotten bigger ??

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 4 Nov 2009 05:30:07 CST

If you turn the roll to the side and look at the hole, is that hole bigger than it use to be? The one on Angel Soft is. I was just wondering why the people that make toilet paper decided to do this. _______________________________________________________ People will forget what you say and do, but they will never forget how you treated them.

Good Wednesday Morning

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 4 Nov 2009 00:19:20 CST

Good morning everybody. [img]http://potoczek.pl/media/Autumn$20tree.jpg[/img] . Jan-Olov

election

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 3 Nov 2009 21:31:57 CST

victory tonight yo the chickens are coming home to roost william libby