Introduced to the Chapman Stick
We live in exciting times, musically. Access to the riches (at least those that have been recorded) is larger than life. As I get older, I recognize more references than ever before, and the whole thing approaches a deluge.
This afternoon, while transferring recorded music from one media type to another, I happened across a new musical instrument, to boot. Up on APTN, I happened across a short concert by Pat Braden, on the Chapman Stick. As Pat put it, think of ten guitar sticks stretched out on a plank, and tuned half like a guitar and half like a cello. There are frets, but the instrument seemed to be played by finger tapping, rather than a plectrum. Interesting tonal quality, but a fascinating performance technique. I want to know more.
We’ve been watching TV shows and movies from the web on the PS3 lately. Instead of commercials, we hit odd 54 minutes timeouts after any given 51 minute period. A test for your attention, and a bit stressful during action scenes, because the “break” doesn’t have to fit with any director’s cut ever known to man. Apparently we could pay a premium fee, which would turn off the timer, but nobody wants to commit their hard-earned pennies just yet. We’ll see how the battle between cable companies and broadcast networks finishes, before investing in any new media tolls.
All of my plans on how to spend “a day with a car available” came to naught, after my back decided to demand some TLC. Funny how the abs get to do all the work when the lumbar region goes on strike.
