[NSP] Re: The Power of Positive Thinking
Francis Wood wrote: In these occasionally acrimonious times, I do feel there might be some value in searching critically for the sources of negative influence. As a start, we might do well to examine the language of piping terms. That lexicon is in sore need of some enlightened revision. The following points will, I hope, provide persuasive examples. It seems to me Francis that by calling someone a 'bagpipe' you have covered most of the insults known to man (woman) and saved yourself a great deal of effort I'm all for improvements in energy efficiency ;) -- Anita Evans To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: The Power of Positive Thinking
Thankyou for opening up such a useful discussion Francis. I must admit that the term chanter has always concerned me - what are we if not individuals with our own individual styles...? Boreishly Simon On Tue, Oct 20, 2009 at 10:16 AM, Francis Wood [1]oatenp...@googlemail.com wrote: In these occasionally acrimonious times, I do feel there might be some value in searching critically for the sources of negative influence. As a start, we might do well to examine the language of piping terms. That lexicon is in sore need of some enlightened revision. The following points will, I hope, provide persuasive examples. To begin with the chanter. 'Bore' has pejorative connotations. I would not wish to be described in such terms. 'Narrow bore' provides no enhancement. 'Closed' takes us further down the path of negativity. And 'closed fingering' is distinctly creepy. Let us move to 'drones'. A joyless word suggesting tedium and monotony. In the apian world, the drones produce no honey. Human bores are said to 'drone on'. The word itself draws negativity into our playing experience in a way that 'harmony pipes' (to give an example) would not. As for 'stocks', that is clearly unfortunate. In historical times, people were locked up in 'stocks' as a punishment which also seemed to require the throwing of rotten eggs. The financial usage attracts further dismay. Are there examples of this word being used in any pleasant context? I think not. I am not at all sure that 'blowpipe' is a very proper word. I will leave that for others to discuss and move on rapidly to the question of 'bellows'. That word instantly invokes associations with anger, pain and frustration. Sentiments that are entirely foreign to the experience of learning and playing the pipes. Finally, I can suggest nothing at all in defence of the usage of 'bag' which occupies a prime position in the language of insult. Our choice of vocabulary is crucial in any collaborative experience. In the interests of harmonious piping, some critical thinking about the language we use may be helpful. Any scrutiny of the terms above would surely suggest that we need alternatives entirely devoid of distressing connotations. I invite your comments. Francis Wood To get on or off this list see list information at [2]http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html -- References 1. mailto:oatenp...@googlemail.com 2. http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/%7Ewbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: The Power of Positive Thinking
Changing the course of language is a slow and uncertain path. Before anyone suggests that a working party be set up to make recommendations, let me say immediately that I do not think this would be a good idea. With apologies, Francis To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: The Power of Positive Thinking
Simon James wrote: Thankyou for opening up such a useful discussion Francis. I must admit that the term chanter has always concerned me - what are we if not individuals with our own individual styles...? Boreishly Simon and please please remember never to let your chanters dangle in public - it sets a bad example. What you do in private is up to you, but you may have to suffer the consequences... -- Anita Evans To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: The Power of Positive Thinking
*winces* Francis - I think your on the wrong discssion group if you're suggesting not setting up a working party... On Tue, Oct 20, 2009 at 10:59 AM, Francis Wood [1]oatenp...@googlemail.com wrote: Changing the course of language is a slow and uncertain path. Before anyone suggests that a working party be set up to make recommendations, let me say immediately that I do not think this would be a good idea. With apologies, Francis To get on or off this list see list information at [2]http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html -- References 1. mailto:oatenp...@googlemail.com 2. http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/%7Ewbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: The Power of Positive Thinking
Look what you've started now Francis. How could we forget bindings, wrappings, bridles, straps and belts? With some creative thinking we could attract a very interesting bunch of people into the NSP world. Just don't mention it's piping. Here's the first piece of publicity. Weekend workshop. Have you always wanted to know how to adjust your bridle for the best performance? Never figured out where best to position your chest strap? Then this is the weekend for you. Under the tutilage of an expert of many years join with other like minded people who just like to experiment, have fun and get the best experience from their instruments. Final performances will be solo, pairs and mixed groups and a DVD will be available as a keepsake. Shared or single rooms available. Quiet secluded venue. Apply etc etc.. Howls stifled screams Ian To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: The Power of Positive Thinking
On 20 Oct 2009, at 11:37, christopher.bi...@ec.europa.eu wrote: Anyone know what pijpen means in Dutch? (I do). Oh go on . . .. In this spirit of frankness and openness, we need to know. Whilst we're there, I'm certain that any French speakers will advise against a careless translation of 'pipe-making'. Francis To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: The Power of Positive Thinking
Whilst we're there, I'm certain that any French speakers will advise against a careless translation of 'pipe-making'. Same thing. I hadn't been aware of the French expression, but it's in Petit Robert. c To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: The Power of Positive Thinking
Francis wrote: P. S. Are there dates for this course? I think the idea is probably that you bring your own date. But I'm sure an ad hoc committee can make appropriate arrangements for you. Cheers, Paul Gretton To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[NSP] Re: The Power of Positive Thinking
How nice to have a little humour again. On a positive note, I shall now be operating my gentle summer breeze emulator whilst ensuring my selected harmonic pipes are, indeed, in harmony. A gentle squeeze of the cuddlesac and away we go. Colin Hill - Original Message - From: amble skuse amble.sk...@googlemail.com To: Paul Gretton i...@gretton-willems.com Cc: christopher.bi...@ec.europa.eu; i...@ihug.co.nz; nsp@cs.dartmouth.edu Sent: Tuesday, October 20, 2009 4:02 PM Subject: [NSP] Re: The Power of Positive Thinking at least as pipers you don't have to worry about tonguing, just fingering, what with today's child protection laws i'm careful teaching flute to children with this terminology. 2009/10/20 Paul Gretton [1]i...@gretton-willems.com Surprisingly, even after 30 years of living in Holland and mentioning that I'm a piper, I've only ever once had anybody produce the relevant pun! Cheers, Paul Gretton -Original Message- From: [2]lute-...@cs.dartmouth.edu [mailto:[3]lute-...@cs.dartmouth.edu] On Behalf Of christopher.bi...@ec.europa.eu Sent: 20 October 2009 12:38 To: [4]...@ihug.co.nz; [5]...@cs.dartmouth.edu Subject: [NSP] Re: The Power of Positive Thinking Anyone know what pijpen means in Dutch? (I do). c To get on or off this list see list information at [6]http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html -- References 1. mailto:i...@gretton-willems.com 2. mailto:lute-...@cs.dartmouth.edu 3. mailto:lute-...@cs.dartmouth.edu 4. mailto:i...@ihug.co.nz 5. mailto:nsp@cs.dartmouth.edu 6. http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html Want to find out when you can get an iPhone with Orange? Register at http://www.orange.co.uk/iphone and we'll let you know.
