On The Twelfth Day Of Judgment

[Colm Chomicky]

Over the years, it has become clear that Bill has a great passion for this instrument and those who play. I have read about his decades of devotion in organizing steel shows, certainly no small feat.

I do from time to time enjoy reading his conundrumous reflections. Sometimes I cannot help but chuckle upon reading his posts combined with the collective responses. So, I thank Bill and those who respond for bringing me a smile, a laugh, and something to think about.

I have never had the pleasure to meet Bill Hankey in person -- but I envision him as a modern day Don Quixote. Forever charging windmills that we may erect and waving his bar with a conviction that many would fail to sustain. Personally, I sometimes view his prose as akin to a puzzle. A challenge not unlike a crosswords puzzle or game of Sudoku. I believe his posts are sincere and his stylistic liberty with the English language without peers. I can find no fault in such a man.

Regarding Bill's last comment on "less notes are more" For me, less notes are more because I am not able to fluidly weave 12 choices of notes over a musical fabric without ripping a dischordant hole. I am still learning the ABC's, and think that many of Jeff Newman's rules of thumb are geared toward players such myself who need to first build a foundation. Yes, I am still down here digging, waiting for the day I may put a house on that foundation.

[Barry Blackwood]

Colm, I like your hat ...

[Colm Chomicky]

Thanks, bought it used in a second hand store for $5 and can only assume a better man than me once wore it. Inner hat band embossed "John B. Stetson, Philadephia Pa, The Boss Raw Edge" on one side, and Mednick Bros., Casper Wyoming on the otherside. Its an old one for sure.

[Barry Blackwood]

It's excellent.

[Dave Mudgett]

Bill, I am serious.
While it is true that you have always had the steel as your main interest, this thread has deteriorated from something that was very vaguely related to steel to an in-depth discussion on the English language and its related grammar, spelling, yada yada.
Plus, everyone's opinion on your off the beaten track command of the language.

How can this possibly have anything to do with steel guitar? The thread has become so off-topic and deteriorated so badly that I am surprised that people still contribute, and I am also surprised that b0b does not close it for being 'off-topic'.

Bill is not the one who veered this topic off into a discussion of the English language. With the number of catcalls to close the topic for being off-topic, we have a case of the pot calling the kettle black, IMHO. If you don't want to talk about the original topic that Bill posted on, then you shouldn't be posting here. Again IMHO. If b0b decided that Bill's original topic was off-topic, he could have moved it or deleted it.

It seems to me that, a long time ago, we acknowledged that we would accept a wide variety of writing styles and quality on this forum. We have forum members (not Bill - if he wants to, he can be very clear, direct, and pithy, I've seen it) who are, frankly, seriously writing-challenged. Occasionally someone pipes in that we should do something about it, and such comments are usually quickly put down. I agree that we should accept the diverse writing styles of our members.

The reality is that some members can't do anything about it - not all the valuable input here is from highly schooled contributors. In fact, I think some very useful contributors have a fairly rough-and-ready writing style, and sometimes I need to work to understand what they are saying. But with certain people, I find it's well worth it.

But really - if you think that certain posters aren't worth your time to dig through, it's very simple to avoid their threads. I personally find that sometimes Bill has useful things to say, and can often figure out the semantics of his posts more easily than I can wade through the ad hominem attacks on his writing style. IMHO, flame suit on.

[David L. Donald]

In this case Bill over reached a bit,
possibly from fatigue on the opening gambit.

He USUALLY makes perfect sense if you
take the time to pick through some of the alliteration.

Most ALL his posts are analysis of playing issues.
Or looking to provoque thought about the playing processes.

I got what he was meaning this time, and didn't
get bent out of shape because he wasn't as clear
as he usually can be, even while being verbose.

I know how to turn a polysylablic phrase too.
But I often find harder, convoluted (multi-layed and twisted)
subjects call for SMALLER words to get bigger ideas across.

One formal use for grandiosity in written discourse is
finesse in stating ideas. Precision.

Another is making the coming blow hurt a bit less.
Bury the less becoming commentary in politesse
to make it more formal and less in your face rude.
Something there is not enough of here, too often; me thinks!

Ah, to be in a forum of acerbic Victorians!
Per chance to dream.

Some are sharp when they are blunt.
Others are just aggressive...

Others are sharper still when they wear you down with a dull edge,
till all you see is... their POINT.

I am saddened to see Bill trampled for his style.
I am gladdened to see Bill Hatcher and he reconciled.
(Hatch, Donna Lee is smokin'.)

Life is too short to pig pile on each other for style
and not consider substance and INTENTIONS, in the mix.
Bill has great intentions, usually is quite on point
and has his own 'barely imitable' style.

I for one am happy he has something to say,
and that it gets through to some few people.
If it DOESN'T get through to others.
well who DOES get through to everybody?
noone I've met so far.

[Mike Shefrin]

edited

[Bill Hankey]

Mike,

I feel that there is a great need for a second "Twelfth Day Of Judgment". Our city of 50,000 citizens were notified that Freddie Hart's original steel guitarist, J.D. Walters was due to arrive in Pittsfield on the 10th of April. Peggy Green, Joe Casey, Doug Beaumier, Jim Roule Jr., and a list of additional players were set to play. The sky opened and it poured on the 10th of April, in 1983. Over 300 fans attended the Steel Bash, which resulted in a closing of the doors to others, who wished to enter the staging area. (Freddie's Original Band), backed J.D.'s exemplary performance. Freddie Hart was voted as "Entertainer Of The Year", and "Top Male Vocalist" in 1971 and 1972. "Easy Loving" was "Certified Gold". J.D. and "The Heartbeats" highlighted the Steel Guitar Bash for an appreciative crowd. By the 12th of April, I was finally coming down from a natural high, caused by unlimited excitement. Mike, after reading what you have subscribed to, I see the makings of an ill will blowing ever so gently as you cast your negative views.

[Bill Hankey]

I wish to thank each forum member for the kind words. I truly enjoy getting better acquainted with writers on the forum.

[Mike Shefrin]

edit

[Bill Hankey]

Mike,

Thanks for the response. I'm not making any declarations that are tinged with hostility. I'm hoping for a lasting friendship, that will always be one to recognize in future discussions.

[Mike Shefrin]

editaroony

[Mike Winter]

So what do we need, Dr. Phil...or Oprah...to come in and organize an "Encounter Group?"

[Mike Shefrin]

edited again

[Bill Hankey]

Mike S.,

There are numerous points of interest in Stockbridge. The Norman Rockwell Museum, The Mission House, built in the 15th century, The Lions Den in The Red Lion Inn, Squaw Peak, heading south on route 7 out of Stockbridge are very popular sights for visitors. The town is overrun by foliage viewers at the peak of colorful woodlands. It's interesting knowing you once lived in nearby Stockbridge.

[Mike Winter]

Mike S -- I suppose it was a little sarcastic. But it gets a little wearisome to me when people go out of their way to apologize for really nothing more than giving their opinion...afraid that they'll hurt someone's feelings. This thread has gone far beyond ridiculous. I'm kicking myself for even bothering to be involved. The bottom line on this thread is that some people took offence, or at least questioned, the poster using high-shelf verbiage to get across a "point," when simple language would do. The point of a forum usually is to communicate, and usually that's best done at a level where "the cows can get it." Otherwise, what's the point?

[Mike Shefrin]

edit shmedit

[David L. Donald]

This in many ways IS an encounter group.
Occasionally giving group therapy.

As I have seen encounter groups on TV and
as side functions of work related gigs,
I also have observed they often are QUITE MESSY.
The MD./moderator MUST ride herd.

So what we have here fits.

I also find it curious, that there is such a disdain,
for those trying to use more precise language.
Uppity intellectual snobs.. or some such.

Funny considering we financially scrap and save to put
our children into higher education facilities,
and INSIST they go if it is at all possible,
and think ourselves, or them, partly failed
if we don't succeed in a full university education.

And yet,
if someone actually SHOWS this knowledge,
we look down on them as effite, elitist, intellectual snobs,
trying to make us look dumb.

What is the point of higher education if not to use it in life?
Why must we glorify a global dumbing down to TV show levels,
just so that some may feel they are as smart as others.

Actual 'Smarts' are not the same as learned smarts.
High intelegence not given an opportunity for growth
because of financial or cultural reasons doesn't mean
that person is Not As Smart.

Some spend a lifetime self educating, and end up AHEAD..

Yet we want those with an education to pretend they don't have it.

What a wonderful social dicotomy.

[Bill Hankey]

David D.,

Have you ever considered the cottony approaches of opportunities? I'm forever looking back on mismanagement of that soft tapping on a door. It approaches within earshot, and whispers your name in the form of vague presentations. I feel that every mature person standing has experienced the phenomenon. I know that you shine brightly, and your diversified interests would most certainly have experienced similar situations. Our penchant for the steel guitar, and it's great potential to reward the
determined player, helps to fill in the gaps of lost opportunities. The realization that some chances for considerable monetary gains may have been overlooked, as well as social patterns, that disrupt a way of life, requires reconciliation with missed opportunities.

[David L. Donald]

When the window of opportuinity knocks
fall through it,
and regret not choosing the door
or alternate portal
of egress and progress.

OR
Speak softly lest you be hit with a big stick.

What you choose to focus intently on
should be reward enough for the effort.

Let the brickbats fall where they may
and gather your accomplishments as answer.

[Bill Hankey]

David D.,

Nothing seems to equal the disappointment of loosing a full page written to you because of a flawed system. After spending a lengthy time span. the submitting went directly to sign in, it didn't make my day.

[David L. Donald]

...twixt the cup and the lip.