That's it, I quit
cruster
Posted 2005-10-25 6:24 PM (#131799)
Subject: That's it, I quit


Joined:
May 2004
Posts: 2850

Location: Midland, MI
Our local cable company has recently added the BET Jazz channel. I like jazz. I just turned it on, and after sitting through some jazz that I don't like, they put up the Charlie Byrd Trio doing 'Jitterbug Waltz.' Charlie is playing a nylon string classical that looks like it has some sort of amp in it (looks like controls on the upper treble bout side and a cord out the end pin).

I am thinking I'll just sell everything and quit playing now.

All I can say is, :eek:
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Jeff W.
Posted 2005-10-25 6:27 PM (#131800 - in reply to #131799)
Subject: Re: That's it, I quit


Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 11039

Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub
You're right. Give it up.


I'll take the Hamer.
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Old Applause Owner
Posted 2005-10-25 6:50 PM (#131801 - in reply to #131799)
Subject: Re: That's it, I quit


Joined:
July 2003
Posts: 1922

Location: Canton (Detroit), MI
Watch Al DiMeola next and REALLY get depressed.....

Roger
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Mark in Boise
Posted 2005-10-25 6:54 PM (#131802 - in reply to #131799)
Subject: Re: That's it, I quit


Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 12761

Location: Boise, Idaho
I get depressed just watching the kids at Guitar Center. I haven't heard of any people get depressed listening to me, unless it's for other reasons.
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Slipkid
Posted 2005-10-25 6:57 PM (#131803 - in reply to #131799)
Subject: Re: That's it, I quit



Joined:
September 2003
Posts: 9301

Location: south east Michigan
Waaaaa
Come on guys. Count your blessings. There are countless numbers who wish they could just play a proper G chord. I know I do.
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Old Applause Owner
Posted 2005-10-25 7:09 PM (#131804 - in reply to #131799)
Subject: Re: That's it, I quit


Joined:
July 2003
Posts: 1922

Location: Canton (Detroit), MI
That's true....I don't play a "proper" G chord....I have a "cheat" G that my buddy in The Peace Machine showed me that I've never bothered to unlearn.....

1 |-|-|O| G
2 |-|-|-| B
3 |-|-|-| G
4 |-|-|-| D
5 |-|-|x| deaden 5th string
6 |-|-|O| G

It IS a legit G chord, though....

Roger
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Slipkid
Posted 2005-10-25 7:14 PM (#131805 - in reply to #131799)
Subject: Re: That's it, I quit



Joined:
September 2003
Posts: 9301

Location: south east Michigan
Roger...I'm tryin' to help you out here buddy. Let's not let the truly talent blessed hog all the chords for themselves. There is plenty for everyone.
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cruster
Posted 2005-10-25 7:17 PM (#131806 - in reply to #131799)
Subject: Re: That's it, I quit


Joined:
May 2004
Posts: 2850

Location: Midland, MI
Unfortunately, Jeff, the Hamer has departed for a warmer climate. That and the Steinberger went to keep the peace when the ASAT Junior arrived. To be fair, and honest, though, I could've just offloaded one of my old Peavey's or something just to get the number below 'TheLimit(tm).' I have a plan, though...ASAT Junior first (done), then perhaps a call to my close friend and confidant (uh, that'd be Alpep) for a Korina Junior with a tortoiseshell pickguard. See, I'm one under right now. ;)

I'm just holding off until after re-finishing the finished basement (don't ask...wimmin :rolleyes: ) to start looking in earnest for 'TheJunior.' As someone far more wise than I likes to say, 'It's all ice cream.'

Brad- I'm still hoping to learn how to play the single G string, let alone a whole G chord. :p
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Capo Guy
Posted 2005-10-25 7:27 PM (#131807 - in reply to #131799)
Subject: Re: That's it, I quit



Joined:
December 2004
Posts: 4394

Location: East Tennessee
Hi,

Slipkid is right. I don't consider myself a great guitar player. Most of the time I accompany myself when I sing. Don't play the scales that good, don't play all those great fills I hear on the recordings,etc, and I know I don't practice enough.

I also know that there are a lot of people who wish they could play half as good as I do.

I'm glad that I can play as well as I can and find I enjoy playing.

Mark I know how you feel. When I go to the local GC I want to take those kids out in the parking lot and run over their hands with my pickup truck. :D Really I am impressed with some of their ability and it reminds me the benefits of practice.
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Mark in Boise
Posted 2005-10-25 7:36 PM (#131808 - in reply to #131799)
Subject: Re: That's it, I quit


Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 12761

Location: Boise, Idaho
I just tell them I'd like to buy whatever they're playing, but I can't fit it in my Porsche. That keeps them quiet long enough to call me an asshole.
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Weaser P
Posted 2005-10-25 7:49 PM (#131809 - in reply to #131799)
Subject: Re: That's it, I quit


Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 5332

Location: Bluffton, SC
That's the spirit, Mark. But a little unasked for advice for some of you others out there...keep in mind that it doesn't carry the same punch if you say "Subaru"...
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Weaser P
Posted 2005-10-25 7:50 PM (#131810 - in reply to #131799)
Subject: Re: That's it, I quit


Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 5332

Location: Bluffton, SC
Actually it changes "asshole" to "dweeb" in a hurry.
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Buckaroo
Posted 2005-10-25 8:07 PM (#131811 - in reply to #131799)
Subject: Re: That's it, I quit


Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 400

Location: North Texas
Don't let it get you down. Just because a world class professional guitarist can do amazing things on his instrument, that does not mean you are no good, only less skilled. Remember, these are professionals, so don't try this at home. Don't give up the ship! Keep on pickin' and grinin', there are players who would love to have your playing ability, whatever it is. Cheers, Buck
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cruster
Posted 2005-10-25 8:22 PM (#131812 - in reply to #131799)
Subject: Re: That's it, I quit


Joined:
May 2004
Posts: 2850

Location: Midland, MI
Buckaroo...Buck...pickin' and a grinnin'...all of a sudden I'm six years old again, laying on my grandparents floor watching Hee Haw on a huge console TV. I still want one of those red, white and blue guitars. The sparkly tele would be the cat's pajamas, but I'd take the acoustic, too. ;)

/me wakes up

Oh yeah, just thinking of Buck Owens' and Roy Clark's playing reinforces my earlier state position. ;)

(and I drive a Ford Ranger...is that better or worse than a Subaru?)
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Stephen P
Posted 2005-10-25 8:34 PM (#131813 - in reply to #131799)
Subject: Re: That's it, I quit


Joined:
June 2005
Posts: 274

Location: Maryland, USA
I get depressed just watching the kids at Guitar Center.
I know how you feel, and I'M a kid. They can play their Metallica solos, but ask them to do an equally impressive solo in the key of aflat, and they'll look at you wild-eyed.

They have the speed, but not the musical know-how.
That's what bugs me about guitarists today.
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MWoody
Posted 2005-10-25 11:21 PM (#131814 - in reply to #131799)
Subject: Re: That's it, I quit



Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 13996

Location: Upper Left USA
I have the cure!

I am now committed on Tuesdays to help the Youth's "Not quite ready for prime time" players. We will spend a couple of hours working with the cool equipment and on stage to practice up for real performance... someday.

I am working with a Drummer on maintaining the beat and successfully adding fills. She's doing good and will get there! I also had the plesaure of working with another guy after writing out the finger placements for G, C. D and Em.

Maybe I should have kept a copy for Moody!

Anyway, I am feeling pretty superior after spending time with the newbies! Truth is, when I am old and decrepped in a couple of years this time spent will be have been priceless. Maybe I can get autographed CDs or better seating at their shows!
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BruDeV
Posted 2005-10-25 11:45 PM (#131815 - in reply to #131799)
Subject: Re: That's it, I quit


Joined:
January 2003
Posts: 1498

Location: San Bernardino, California
The 4th chord:

x,0,2,4,2,0
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Bailey
Posted 2005-10-26 2:12 AM (#131816 - in reply to #131799)
Subject: Re: That's it, I quit


Joined:
May 2002
Posts: 3005

Location: Las Cruces, NM
cruster

I was given two Ford Rangers to drive when I worked construction. The first a pristine '87 that I drove the 70 miles from my house to the El Paso colonia where we were installing a gov't financed water system. The second was a '95 that I used to build a border crossing at Santa Teresa, NM, 60 miles from home. Both of them came with a credit card from the company for gas, but both got over 30 miles to the gallon so I could have bought my own without too much suffering.

To sum it up, I loved those Rangers even though they weren't mine really.

ALSO, I have been in demand for almost 40 years as a mandolin player and I am a total hack. Just get out there and try and don't worry about the top players, there is only 10 or 20 of them, there is thousands of bars that need someone who is willing and can pretend to be good.

Bailey
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alpep
Posted 2005-10-26 7:17 AM (#131817 - in reply to #131799)
Subject: Re: That's it, I quit


Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 10583

Location: NJ
I think I have quit at least once a week for the past 40 years
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Jeff W.
Posted 2005-10-26 7:34 AM (#131818 - in reply to #131799)
Subject: Re: That's it, I quit


Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 11039

Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub
If you're going to truely quit...you have to do it day by day...
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JeffreyD
Posted 2005-10-26 9:52 AM (#131819 - in reply to #131799)
Subject: Re: That's it, I quit


Joined:
September 2004
Posts: 777

Location: East Wenatchee, WA
I know what you mean. I used to fancy myself to be an excellent bass player (before I picked up a six string). Had local Christian groups and such wanting me to do the bass for them at gigs. Feeling pretty cocky.

Then I went to a Second Chapter of Acts concert (this is in the 80's). I was so impressed with the bass player, I sold my bass and didn't pick one up again for something like five years. My pride took an awful beating that night.

Now...it's for my own enjoyment and I watch these other talented people and go "I will never be that good", but I have what I need...no more...no less. I am going to start doing some home recording soon, but my CD's are just for the family (my adult daughters are also talented musicians/vocalists) so I won't ever worry about how good it is because they HAVE to love me.
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Buckaroo
Posted 2005-10-26 10:16 AM (#131820 - in reply to #131799)
Subject: Re: That's it, I quit


Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 400

Location: North Texas
Bailey is right, nobody ,except a player, knows if you are good or not. Nobody cares either, folks just want to be entertained. You don't need to play like Chet, Les, Roy, or Glen to be of service to your community. I'm not very good, but that's a well guarded secret, and people seem to enjoy the performances. A really good guitarist once told me, " I'm not exactly sure what you are doing, but I like it.". That comment meant a lot to me. One thing is sure, the more we play the better we become.
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moody, p.i.
Posted 2005-10-26 11:43 AM (#131821 - in reply to #131799)
Subject: Re: That's it, I quit


Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 15680

Location: SoCal
I've never considered myself a good guitar player. I can't do what I want to do and by and large, my own playing drives me nuts. But at church, playing in the band, I tell people that I'm only here until somebody better comes along. I'm told that I'll be there for a while longer.

It's not how many notes you know or can play. It's what you can do with the three chords you know. It's about heart, and it's about enjoying the music.

I know people on this board who are monster players and even tho' I'm not, I've played with them and all have had a great time. It's where your heart is.

In golf, everybody wants to shoot par, but if you shoot a stroke and a half over par, you can play with anybody. It's about the game and enjoying it. Not how far you can hit it.
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Old Applause Owner
Posted 2005-10-26 11:56 AM (#131822 - in reply to #131799)
Subject: Re: That's it, I quit


Joined:
July 2003
Posts: 1922

Location: Canton (Detroit), MI
I don't feel I'm even a "good" player, but my wife doesn't mind listening to me, and I've played with a club in Indiana (dulcimer club), and they are happy to have my accompaniment.

Nice thing about playing with mountain dulcimers....they prefer the key of D, so most of what you need is to play D, G and A....and sometimes Em and Bm....

I STILL have a Ford Ranger.....1994, and it's in the garage as I write.....

Roger
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Jeff W.
Posted 2005-10-26 12:09 PM (#131823 - in reply to #131799)
Subject: Re: That's it, I quit


Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 11039

Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub
Yeah? Well I suck.

I try to quit everyday, but I keep falling off the wagon.

....why just this weekend, there I am, sitting around trying my very best to not play and whaddya know...The Poison Bottom Boys show up at my door with cases of instruments, next I know, I'm playing one song after another...

I'm going to quit again later today after I have one last practice.
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ignimbyte
Posted 2005-10-26 12:24 PM (#131824 - in reply to #131799)
Subject: Re: That's it, I quit


Joined:
July 2004
Posts: 812

Location: Hicksville, NY
I never considered myself to be a good player either. To add insult to injury, I was very inconsistent with my playing when I was younger. Years later, I regret to say that I'm paying the price, considering that my fingers aren't as quick as they used to. These days, even playing simple non-barre chords, leads to numerous skips and slips, and the occassional awful sounding strums.

Despite that, I learned to compensate my shortcomings. These days, I just accompany myself when I sing whether it be strumming, fingerpicking or vice versa. Once I start playing a song, I make it an effort to complete it in its entirety as opposed to playing a little bit of this and that, and I found out that I can entertain others (besides myself) better that way. I agree with moody, and to directly quote him, "it's not how many notes you know or can play. It's what you can do with the three chords you know. It's about heart, and it's about enjoying the music."

I couldn't say it any better than that ... just my .02 cents. :)
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jim777
Posted 2005-10-26 12:27 PM (#131825 - in reply to #131799)
Subject: Re: That's it, I quit


Joined:
September 2005
Posts: 107

Location: South Jersey
Originally posted by Stephen P:
I get depressed just watching the kids at Guitar Center.
I know how you feel, and I'M a kid. They can play their Metallica solos, but ask them to do an equally impressive solo in the key of aflat, and they'll look at you wild-eyed.

They have the speed, but not the musical know-how.
That's what bugs me about guitarists today.
You'd be surprised. I see very few whizkids with any soul at all (and it breaks my heart), but the technical proficiency is often there. The big deal is what you with the guitar when you pick it up; do you practice or do you play? If you play, then 15 years can go by and you won't get better. You need to get new skills all the time, I think. Grab a copy of John Petrucci's 'Wild Stringdom' book and CD (for 15 bucks) and practice with it an hour a day for three months. You'll be a much better guitarist in just that little space of time.

jim
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Frets
Posted 2005-10-26 12:52 PM (#131826 - in reply to #131799)
Subject: Re: That's it, I quit


Joined:
July 2005
Posts: 69

Location: Massachusetts
Listened to a kid at GC the other day playing "The wind Cries Mary" and "Spanish Castle mAgic" and sort of noodling in a Hendrixian way... 12 yrs old! I asked him for his autograph. Figured I'd have to pay for it in a few years... might have saved a buck or two.

I'm with you Gospel Guy. Wish I had done more but fairly impressed with how far I got.

;-)
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Buckaroo
Posted 2005-10-26 1:00 PM (#131827 - in reply to #131799)
Subject: Re: That's it, I quit


Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 400

Location: North Texas
There are tons of players who can do bits and pieces of songs with great proficiency, but that does not count. You've got to be able to start and finish a number, no matter what your level might be.
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Designzilla
Posted 2005-10-26 2:28 PM (#131828 - in reply to #131799)
Subject: Re: That's it, I quit


Joined:
December 2004
Posts: 2150

Location: Orlando, FL
Better guitarist is a relative idea. Is Joe Satriani "better" than BB King? Some people would say "Hell yes" others would say "are you out of your f@*kin mind?" Who plays more notes? Who has more soul?

I'll let people like Hal Jordan worry about who has the best chops. I figure that like many other things in life there are always people who are better than me and people who are worse than me. So why worry, I just try to be unique!

When I see somebody really good it inspires me to be better.
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Waskel
Posted 2005-10-26 2:44 PM (#131829 - in reply to #131799)
Subject: Re: That's it, I quit



Joined:
February 2005
Posts: 11840

Location: closely held secret
I don't believe that I suck, but neither do I believe that I'm as good as I could be. The one question I hate is "So, how long you been playing?". I really don't want to say, "Oh, about 35, 36 years.", because I should be a lot better than I am by now. Unfortunately I haven't excercised the disipline I should have to improve my playing. I should do something about that. Really. Right after my nap...
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jim777
Posted 2005-10-26 3:06 PM (#131830 - in reply to #131799)
Subject: Re: That's it, I quit


Joined:
September 2005
Posts: 107

Location: South Jersey
Originally posted by Designzilla:
Better guitarist is a relative idea.
Only when you are comparing other guitarists ;) You can compare your own playing now, and where it was a year ago, and ask with some objectivity, "Am I better?" I try to do that, though it ain't easy with 4 kids!
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Slipkid
Posted 2005-10-26 3:18 PM (#131831 - in reply to #131799)
Subject: Re: That's it, I quit



Joined:
September 2003
Posts: 9301

Location: south east Michigan
Like Waskel, I've owned a guitar for about 35 years and would like to be further along than I am.
Which reminds me of a joke.....
It's late and Al is looking for a place to eat. He spots a greasey spoon up ahead that says, "Open 24 Hours!!!". Well, Al walks up to the glass door only to find that it's locked. He bangs on the door when he see's a cook behind the counter. The cook comes to the door and Al points to the "24 Hour" sign. The cook shouts through the glass, "Yeah...24 hours....but not in a row!".
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Mark in Boise
Posted 2005-10-26 6:57 PM (#131832 - in reply to #131799)
Subject: Re: That's it, I quit


Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 12761

Location: Boise, Idaho
I'm just like you guys. Played about 35 years, but not in a row. Actually have only played about 5 years in a row and have had more time off than time on. Almost 10 months in a row now for the first time in about 25 years. That makes almost no sense. OK, I don't practice enough.
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Buckaroo
Posted 2005-10-26 7:31 PM (#131833 - in reply to #131799)
Subject: Re: That's it, I quit


Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 400

Location: North Texas
If we spent as much time on the strings as we do the keyboard we might all be experts. I did not start playing until I was a "grownup" so I've never expected to be very good, however, I can play better now than I ever expected to. More importantly, I'm still enthusiastic about the process, and look forward to more improvement.
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stonebobbo
Posted 2005-10-26 7:38 PM (#131834 - in reply to #131799)
Subject: Re: That's it, I quit



Joined:
August 2002
Posts: 8307

Location: Tennessee
If we spent as much time on the strings as we do the keyboard we might all be experts.
Well, I still can't type for sh*t either.
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pipemaker
Posted 2005-10-26 9:52 PM (#131835 - in reply to #131799)
Subject: Re: That's it, I quit


Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 33

Location: vienna, west virginia
i wanted to be the best guitarist in the world when i was 13.... then when i turned 15 i figured i probably ought to just be the best guitarist i can be and have fun playing... and i promised myself that when it stops being fun or when i become satisfied with the way i play, it will be time to do something other than play music... (i'll be 49 this year and i still have a blast on stage and a lifetime to go to get half the way to where i should be)
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pipemaker
Posted 2005-10-26 9:55 PM (#131836 - in reply to #131799)
Subject: Re: That's it, I quit


Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 33

Location: vienna, west virginia
and waskel? next time someone asks "how long ya been playin'", ask them " ummmm what time is it now?"
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Waskel
Posted 2005-10-27 6:30 AM (#131837 - in reply to #131799)
Subject: Re: That's it, I quit



Joined:
February 2005
Posts: 11840

Location: closely held secret
4:30 am.


Good advice, Pipe, I feel better already. :D
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Jeff W.
Posted 2005-10-27 6:34 AM (#131838 - in reply to #131799)
Subject: Re: That's it, I quit


Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 11039

Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub
yeah, that bladder starts going when you get to your age, Wask.
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Waskel
Posted 2005-10-27 6:49 AM (#131839 - in reply to #131799)
Subject: Re: That's it, I quit



Joined:
February 2005
Posts: 11840

Location: closely held secret
Naw, Jeff, my bladder's fine. Just takes me longer than it used to to wake up enough to drive the 45 miles to work.

Speaking of which, time to get in the hot tub...
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Jeff W.
Posted 2005-10-27 7:20 AM (#131840 - in reply to #131799)
Subject: Re: That's it, I quit


Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 11039

Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub
I have to change the water in mine in the next few days. I don't use it much in the summer, but come fall...nothing better than sitting under the stars warming the huevoes while being tenderized to the consistancy of Kobe beef.
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Waskel
Posted 2005-10-27 8:48 AM (#131841 - in reply to #131799)
Subject: Re: That's it, I quit



Joined:
February 2005
Posts: 11840

Location: closely held secret
I use mine year round, mostly in the morning before "the drive". Yeah, and it was beautiful this morning, clear sky full of stars and a crescent moon, about 34 degrees air temp, 104 in the water, and a mug of fresh strong coffee. Really gets the circulation going and wakes me up. A great way to start your day.
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mtnbikerfred
Posted 2005-10-27 4:45 PM (#131842 - in reply to #131799)
Subject: Re: That's it, I quit


Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 1421

Location: Orange County, California
I can't believe you guys let this sit this long without a coment about "Wabbit Stew" :rolleyes:

:mad: You're all fired!! :mad:
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MWoody
Posted 2005-10-27 4:55 PM (#131843 - in reply to #131799)
Subject: Re: That's it, I quit



Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 13996

Location: Upper Left USA
:confused:
But the sign said "duck season"!
:confused:
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Waskel
Posted 2005-10-27 5:03 PM (#131844 - in reply to #131799)
Subject: Re: That's it, I quit



Joined:
February 2005
Posts: 11840

Location: closely held secret
Yeah, I was kinda waitin for that...
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BrianT
Posted 2005-10-27 5:18 PM (#131845 - in reply to #131799)
Subject: Re: That's it, I quit


Joined:
January 2004
Posts: 338

Location: SE Michigan
A couple of thoughts; first of all I am glad to see someone besides myself appreciates a Ford Ranger, I thought I was the only one.

2nd, like many of you I should be a much better guitar player than I am considering the 30 or so years that I have been playing. But I also have been a full-time Engineer and done many other things during that 30 years (raise a family, travel, education,) and I humbly submit that I probably make a better living than the majority of professional musicians.

Many times I have seen musicians that are so good I could just weep, often they have been playing for a fraction of the time that I have played. But usually they are born with a special talent. That's right folks, I maintain that when it comes to those special gifted people we all envy, the fact is they were born with it (and most of us were geneticly short changed).

So now I look it at like this; do people quit playing golf because they cant play like Tiger Woods? There are thousands of softball leagues full of middle aged hacks having a great time, are they pros? Hell NO. So music should be viewed the same way. I can still have a lot of fun even with my limited abilities.
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Mark in Boise
Posted 2005-10-27 6:24 PM (#131846 - in reply to #131799)
Subject: Re: That's it, I quit


Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 12761

Location: Boise, Idaho
I wouldn't trade my life for anything either, Brian, even though I sarcastically complain about it all the time. But I disagree with you on the gift or talent theory. Most good musicians I have seen and a lot of not so good are only where they are because of hard work and giving up a lot of other things. Even a few "child prodigy" musicians I have known spent hours each day practicing. I used to think perfect pitch was a gift, but the people I have known with the gift also spent hours growing up on a piano. There are some people who are tone deaf or have other physical impediments to being good musicians, but most can be good if they really spend the time at it.
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BrianT
Posted 2005-10-27 6:45 PM (#131847 - in reply to #131799)
Subject: Re: That's it, I quit


Joined:
January 2004
Posts: 338

Location: SE Michigan
Mark in Boise, I have to disagree, but let me clarify my point: Being a great musician absolutly will take dedication and lots of practice, no dispute there. However, those very gifted musicians are also born with some special DNA that gives them true talent. This is escecially true of singing, you can practice your ass off and you are still limitied to the voice you were born with.

There have been many times where I have come accross guitar players and vocalists that are just freakin fantastic, and when I talk to them I often find they have only been playing for five or ten years, often less. And I have also encountered others who could practice every day for twenty years and still be terrible. And of-course there are many shades of grey between these extremes.

So in my opinion, to really be a mainstream successful pro musician, you need a natural talent coupled with practice and dedication, and in this age of music videos, being great looking seems to help even more than the talent.
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Designzilla
Posted 2005-10-27 7:00 PM (#131848 - in reply to #131799)
Subject: Re: That's it, I quit


Joined:
December 2004
Posts: 2150

Location: Orlando, FL
Some people have a natural gift, talent or aptitude for music for art or whatever. It doesn't mean a person with limited natural talent can't be as good as the person "born with the gift", it just means that person will have to work their ass off to acheive what would be easier for the natural.

In my field I have met many people way more gifted and talented than me, I do pretty good because I'm willing to outwork most of 'em. :)
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Slipkid
Posted 2005-10-27 7:03 PM (#131849 - in reply to #131799)
Subject: Re: That's it, I quit



Joined:
September 2003
Posts: 9301

Location: south east Michigan
It's not all one way or another but I do beleive that some people are just wired different in the womb and are accuratly described as "gifted".
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Designzilla
Posted 2005-10-27 7:07 PM (#131850 - in reply to #131799)
Subject: Re: That's it, I quit


Joined:
December 2004
Posts: 2150

Location: Orlando, FL
Some are born gifted, some have to work to become gifted...
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Slipkid
Posted 2005-10-27 7:09 PM (#131851 - in reply to #131799)
Subject: Re: That's it, I quit



Joined:
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Posts: 9301

Location: south east Michigan
Well said!
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moody, p.i.
Posted 2005-10-27 7:22 PM (#131852 - in reply to #131799)
Subject: Re: That's it, I quit


Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 15680

Location: SoCal
I've seen people who can pick up a guitar, having never played before, and within a week, be playing rings around me. There is some amazing talent out there.

But in hearing some people talk about how they learned, specifically, I remember reading and hearing from Roy Clark and Jerry Reed. Clark said that he used to practice 'til his fingers were bleeding, then soak them in ice water and go back to practicing. Reed said that he'd practice until he fell over asleep, then wake up, have some coffee and start all over again.

Maybe most of those who appear to be the most talented are mostly supremely talented in desire.....
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cruster
Posted 2005-10-27 8:08 PM (#131853 - in reply to #131799)
Subject: Re: That's it, I quit


Joined:
May 2004
Posts: 2850

Location: Midland, MI
Originally posted by Slipkid:
It's not all one way or another but I do beleive that some people are just wired different in the womb and are accuratly described as "gifted".
You may be on to something. A lot of people say I have a gift for p1ssing off those around me.

Maybe in this case I should be hiding my light under a basket, eh?

;)
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Jeff W.
Posted 2005-10-27 8:58 PM (#131854 - in reply to #131799)
Subject: Re: That's it, I quit


Joined:
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Posts: 11039

Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub
There seems to be a fair amount of evidence that children frequently exposed to music form more neural pathways in the brain. Much like a very detailed road map where you can find a great manys ways from point A to point B...as opposed to a less detailed road map that might just show the interstate highways.

Children exposed to music through playing and frequent listening develop an apptitude for music (much like children exposed to multiple languages)in essence they develop a musical brain.

Since as children our brains are in a period of rapid development neural paths are easily formed when stimulated. As we age the process slows dramatically though it doesn't stop. The difficultly in learning music (like a new language)later in life is because we have not developed those neural paths and because our brains are not in a "growth" state it is slower to develop those new pathways. It's analagous to using your non-dominant hand for things you've always relied on your dominant hand to do.

Music therapy in patients with brain damage demonstrates some remarkable results in helping patients recover function by creating new pathways that "detour" around the damaged areas.

That's my excuse...
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Buckaroo
Posted 2005-10-27 9:13 PM (#131855 - in reply to #131799)
Subject: Re: That's it, I quit


Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 400

Location: North Texas
I must admit to some skepticism towards these multi instrument natural talents. There is sometimes more to the story. Like maybe they've only been playing for a week, but come to find out, they played piano, or clarinet, or whatever when they were seven....
I believe that most of the great instrumentalists have been exposed to music at a very young age. From what I've read, there are developmental, and physiological changes in the brains of people who have studied music before the age of 11 or 12 years. Fluency in language follows the same guidelines. In a sense, the brain shuts down at about twelve years of age. Any normal child can easily learn, and be perfectly fluent in multiple languages, if immersed in them before the mental shutdown of pre-puberty. Musical abilty might be similarly enhanced. Once a brain has been "wired" for music, it is not much of a stretch to learn multiple instruments. Natural talent is a nessessary ingredient, of course, but, environment has to be given some consideration. Also, persons with an obsessive, compulsive personality profile tend to, in some cases, be very talented. The Roy Clark type, who will play endlessly, with bloody fingers, is likely to become exceptional in any endeavor. For some of us dull, normal types the road to proficiency is more difficult, if not impossible. As far as guitar playing goes, for most of us, being pretty good is a realistic goal, and it might be pushing the upper limits of our abilities. So, don't quit, for heavens sake, keep playing. You will improve, to some degree, without a doubt, even though it may not be blatantly obvious. Like the old George Strait song says: "I'm in too deep to pull out now". Cheers, Buckaroo
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Buckaroo
Posted 2005-10-27 9:22 PM (#131856 - in reply to #131799)
Subject: Re: That's it, I quit


Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 400

Location: North Texas
Wow Jeff, we have almost the same post. The real question is; who has presented the most psycho-babble? I guess it's a push.
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Jeff W.
Posted 2005-10-27 9:58 PM (#131857 - in reply to #131799)
Subject: Re: That's it, I quit


Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 11039

Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub
great minds an' all...
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Mark in Boise
Posted 2005-10-27 10:13 PM (#131858 - in reply to #131799)
Subject: Re: That's it, I quit


Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 12761

Location: Boise, Idaho
You just hit an old raw nerve, Brian. I agree with you on the voice, because a lot if it is based on physical attributes. I have been lucky enough to have been called gifted or talented on a couple of fronts. After working my ass off, I was told I was lucky to have been born with brains. I was even told many times that I should share my guitar talents with more people. On that score I knew I had no talent. I gained what little talent I had by driving my college roomates nuts by practicing the same thing over and over.
One of my partners is married to a piano virtuoso. Even though he is incredible, he practices 8 hours a day. Some gift.
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Buckaroo
Posted 2005-10-28 12:54 AM (#131859 - in reply to #131799)
Subject: Re: That's it, I quit


Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 400

Location: North Texas
That dogged determination is a major facet of the gift. Virtuosos are not regular folk, they are truely extraordinary. Reading that thread a few days ago about the Martin guitar dude, who was a creep, made me think that he may be so gifted. I'd never heard him, or heard of him, but my impression is that he may be one of those 8 hour a day practicers, at the expense of his social skills. That tradeoff is one I have no desire to make. Perfectionism is fine for some people, but not for happy nincompoops, like some of us, perhaps. When I started playing guitar people would more their chairs away, but now they move them closer in. That has to be a sign of improvement, or a hearing disorder.
That reminds me. What ever happened to Dr.Demento? His young sidekick, Wierd Al, is still around.
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Bailey
Posted 2005-10-28 2:05 AM (#131860 - in reply to #131799)
Subject: Re: That's it, I quit


Joined:
May 2002
Posts: 3005

Location: Las Cruces, NM
Buckaroo
Mark in Boise

I had the good fortune and maybe the bad fortune to have grown up with a younger brother who was close enough in age so that we were as close as twins. He had the "natural talent" to play anything he pickd up, he played accordian when we were teens in Ohio so we could play polkas and waltzes for the dances attended by the Polish and Ukrainian refugee farmers in our rural neighborhood. He could do Chet Atkins on the guitar quite well, and became a championship fiddler, playing in Cleveland on a TV country show with the likes of Dottie West and other well known country stars in the 60's and early 70's.

Was it easy for him? No, he practiced,practiced, practiced. Was it easy on those around him? No, you had to be as dedicated as he was to play with him. Did he get rich with his talent and association with other very successful musicians (I have a studio tape of him and Jesse McReynolds backed by some top Bluegrass musicians made in Nashville)? No, it was all instrumentals and they sell like cold soggy hotcakes.

He died a few years ago from cancer, and I talked to him a few days before he passed away. There was fear in his voice about the impending end, and he had lost all interest in music but was thinking about the future that he faced. I think he had some regret for not enjoying the talent he had by making some family members part of it.

The message, enjoy pickin' but don't sell your soul without knowing the consequences.

Pick but don't become a fanatic, the Lord will be waiting for that final cry "The Devil Made Me Do It"!!!!
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jb
Posted 2005-10-28 3:04 AM (#131861 - in reply to #131799)
Subject: Re: That's it, I quit


Joined:
December 2004
Posts: 370

Location: Isle of Man, UK
I think that you're all right!

Maybe it could be said that virtuosity is a blessing and a curse. After all, if you can play virtually anything that's put in front of you (blessing part), then people expect you to be able to play everything they put in front of you...

One other thing that caught my eye was:

Originally posted by Buckaroo:
at the expense of his social skills.
which made me think: Maybe it's not that these dudes have lower social skills because they practice 8 hours a day, but that they practice 8 hours a day because they have lower social skills... You can't have everything, and in these extreme cases of talent, maybe the offset is being lost in the music. (promise I'm not picking on you, Buck, just wanted to use the quote).

Just a few random thoughts from a friday-morning, no-coffee, oh-heck-I've-got-a-gig-tonight, try-and-keep-mind-on-day-job mind...

JB
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Mark in Boise
Posted 2005-10-28 10:02 AM (#131862 - in reply to #131799)
Subject: Re: That's it, I quit


Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 12761

Location: Boise, Idaho
OK, you all have me convinced. I agree with all of us. Except cruster. I don't think he has a gift for pissing people off. I wish I didn't have such a gift for wasting time.
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cruster
Posted 2005-10-28 10:24 AM (#131863 - in reply to #131799)
Subject: Re: That's it, I quit


Joined:
May 2004
Posts: 2850

Location: Midland, MI
You'd probably revise that post if you worked with me. ;)
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Buckaroo
Posted 2005-10-28 11:30 AM (#131864 - in reply to #131799)
Subject: Re: That's it, I quit


Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 400

Location: North Texas
JB, Don't worry about picking on me, being married, I'm used to it. Good story Bailey.
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Mark in Boise
Posted 2005-10-28 1:31 PM (#131865 - in reply to #131799)
Subject: Re: That's it, I quit


Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 12761

Location: Boise, Idaho
Well, cruster, I've spent my life arguing with other lawyers. You may fail miserably in a pissing off contest with me and the people I work with.
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Mark in Boise
Posted 2005-10-28 1:38 PM (#131866 - in reply to #131799)
Subject: Re: That's it, I quit


Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 12761

Location: Boise, Idaho
Coincidently, I was just talking to a coworker who bought her son an Ovation. She said I should share my talent with others like her that weren't born with a gift of music. Fortunately for her, I had already vented here, so I didn't punch her out. She thinks her son inherited his musical gift from the other side of the family because she was really impressed with him when he first brought home the flutaphone. I've heard him play and he's pretty good, but not "gifted". And no amount of hard work will give him a singing talent.
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MWoody
Posted 2005-10-28 1:51 PM (#131867 - in reply to #131799)
Subject: Re: That's it, I quit



Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 13996

Location: Upper Left USA
Bailey,
Sounds like you may be "ready". If that's the case I would enjoy sitting with you and spending some picking time on secondary concerns!

While the instrument exists for the Player, who does the Player exist for?

If I can ever get to Less Crucial, NM I will bring a 12 string... or two!


M in B,

The shingle should read:
"Attorney at Law"
"Guitar Lessons/Talent available, bring your own container."
($750 Retainer, $200/hour for both)
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Mark in Boise
Posted 2005-10-28 6:13 PM (#131868 - in reply to #131799)
Subject: Re: That's it, I quit


Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 12761

Location: Boise, Idaho
I'm still up for hosting a Northwest OFC meeting in McCall, Idaho, but I think I better make it conditional on no talking about lawyers, (jokes or otherwise).
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seesquare
Posted 2005-10-28 7:42 PM (#131869 - in reply to #131799)
Subject: Re: That's it, I quit


Joined:
November 2002
Posts: 3664

Location: Pacific Northwest Inland Empire
As in, "some of my best friends are".......? BTW, the Fall-run steelhead......aren't.
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Capo Guy
Posted 2005-10-28 7:45 PM (#131870 - in reply to #131799)
Subject: Re: That's it, I quit



Joined:
December 2004
Posts: 4394

Location: East Tennessee
They have the speed, but not the musical know-how.
Some of us have neither, but boy do we have fun! :D
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cruster
Posted 2005-10-28 8:03 PM (#131871 - in reply to #131799)
Subject: Re: That's it, I quit


Joined:
May 2004
Posts: 2850

Location: Midland, MI
Originally posted by Mark in Boise:
I'm still up for hosting a Northwest OFC meeting in McCall, Idaho, but I think I better make it conditional on no talking about lawyers, (jokes or otherwise).
Can't make a NWOFCG, but I don't have a problem with lawyers. In fact, I recently engaged in a nice exchange with one of your fellow LLBs out of San Francisco. I laid out the justification for a class action law suit, complete with cites and fulfillment of Fed. R. Civ. P. 23(a)(1-4). We were going to move forward, but I no longer own the product in question. :rolleyes:

Nobody likes lawyers...until they need one. ;)
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Jeff W.
Posted 2005-10-28 8:23 PM (#131872 - in reply to #131799)
Subject: Re: That's it, I quit


Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 11039

Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub
Originally posted by seesquare:
BTW, the Fall-run steelhead......aren't.
Friend of mine, camping and fly fishing on the Clearwater for a month, said the fishing was slow too. I was going to go out, but I couldn't arrange the time before the "Alumium hatch".....

feeling a little better about missing it...
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Mark in Boise
Posted 2005-10-28 9:08 PM (#131873 - in reply to #131799)
Subject: Re: That's it, I quit


Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 12761

Location: Boise, Idaho
I don't fish anymore, but you can all come up and complain about how bad the fishing is and I'll make up stories about how good it used to be. I was kidding about the no lawyer joke requirement. As I indicated, my skin is thick. But the next time somebody asks when I will get a real guitar, I might kill him.
The lake is walking distance, if you want to fish. Golf course is walking distance the other way if you want to do that. I just want to see a few more Ovations and get a few lessons. If you could talk my wife into getting anything on my wish list, I won't charge you rent.
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Jeff W.
Posted 2005-10-28 10:08 PM (#131874 - in reply to #131799)
Subject: Re: That's it, I quit


Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 11039

Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub
I'd be up in Lewiston or Ketchum area for fishing. A bit of a juant to Boise, but I'll let you know when I get out that way.
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Bailey
Posted 2005-10-29 2:39 AM (#131875 - in reply to #131799)
Subject: Re: That's it, I quit


Joined:
May 2002
Posts: 3005

Location: Las Cruces, NM
Just a note to Mark In Boise

I did a long drawn out USC 1983 suit in Federal court over a totally unfair treatment of my wife's business by New Mexico's old boy network.

I almost won, but missed the 10 day deadline for filing an appeal because my wife talked to some idiot lawyer in Albuquerque who offered to help after a ruling that was against us, the sonofabitch failed to tell my wife that the 10 day filing requirement is set in stone, I filed some fairly convincing briefs, but couldn't roll away that stone and resurrect our case. I purposely have forgotten that Albuquerque lawer's name so I don't drive up there some day and make that sonofabitch slowly chow down on the 40 pounds of paperwork we filed before we got dismissed, before I hung him from the nearest lampost with a sign on his body that says "Here Hangs he Hope of Justice for the Mother of four who started a business in New Mexico, expecting to be fairly considered for Federal Funds", or in short "Eat Rope MFer"!!!

Bailey
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Buckaroo
Posted 2005-10-29 10:10 AM (#131876 - in reply to #131799)
Subject: Re: That's it, I quit


Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 400

Location: North Texas
I feel your pain Bailey, been there. I believe the expression is "good old boy network". Justice is getting pretty scarce these days. Like they say, the golden rule means that those with the gold make the rules. That's, unfortunately, one of the great truths.
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TexasDoc
Posted 2005-10-29 10:40 PM (#131877 - in reply to #131799)
Subject: Re: That's it, I quit


Joined:
December 2004
Posts: 1116

Location: Keller, TX
Oh, come on, take it easy on the lawyers. 99% of them give the rest a bad name. :D ;)
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Mark in Boise
Posted 2005-10-30 11:09 AM (#131878 - in reply to #131799)
Subject: Re: That's it, I quit


Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 12761

Location: Boise, Idaho
OK, if you come to my house, I'll go back to the no lawyer talk rule. I could handle the jokes, but the last thing I want to do is spend a bunch of time listening to complaints about lawyers, when we could be spending time playing Ovations. Not that I don't feel for you Bailey, but I defend people who have been sued and I have become biased.
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moody, p.i.
Posted 2005-10-30 2:18 PM (#131879 - in reply to #131799)
Subject: Re: That's it, I quit


Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 15680

Location: SoCal
Mark, you'll get lawyer jokes from me, but I work with a lot of lawyers, many of whom have become personal friends. We tell the jokes back and forth, but we're in "the business" as it were.

Jokes aimed at your profession can be funny from people in the profession and a pain from people outside of it.

I hate being called a "private dick". My dentist used to do that until I told him privately and firmly not to. Mostly it was the firmly.....
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Weaser P
Posted 2005-10-30 3:41 PM (#131880 - in reply to #131799)
Subject: Re: That's it, I quit


Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 5332

Location: Bluffton, SC
As an accountant, I always get the "HEY! Did you know there's three types of accountants?

Those who can count and those who can't!"

Yeah...very original and hysterical at the same time. Who'da thunk?
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Jeff W.
Posted 2005-10-30 5:16 PM (#131881 - in reply to #131799)
Subject: Re: That's it, I quit


Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 11039

Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub
A Bean Counter, Lawyer, Private Dick and Micheal Jackson are in a life boat...eh...maybe this isn't the best time...
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Weaser P
Posted 2005-10-30 8:50 PM (#131882 - in reply to #131799)
Subject: Re: That's it, I quit


Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 5332

Location: Bluffton, SC
Accountant, Lawyer, PD, & Wacko Jacko...yep, that's a Form 7826, Section B, Paragraph III if I ever heard one...damn, better sharpen the pencil and tell the wife I'll be late tonight...
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Weaser P
Posted 2005-10-30 8:52 PM (#131883 - in reply to #131799)
Subject: Re: That's it, I quit


Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 5332

Location: Bluffton, SC
...but thank GOD Mikey left the kids home...
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Jeff W.
Posted 2005-10-30 11:15 PM (#131884 - in reply to #131799)
Subject: Re: That's it, I quit


Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 11039

Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub
Weez.
You are well maladjusted.
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Bailey
Posted 2005-11-03 2:44 AM (#131885 - in reply to #131799)
Subject: Re: That's it, I quit


Joined:
May 2002
Posts: 3005

Location: Las Cruces, NM
Mark in Boise

I couldn't agree with you more about how a good lawyer becomes an advocate for his/hers client, it is how the system works and has worked fo hundreds of years. It is a system I admire and respect, but is not understood very well by most people. I like to compare it to war, where each participant is obligated to fight for their client to the death and beyond, and carry the fight to the highest court that can be reached. Like any difficult thing, it takes some superior effort to win.
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