>Hi Peter,
>
>Hey where is the humor on this list? Maybe we are all breathing our own air
>too long. But thanks for the feedback.
>
>Rob McNeil
Rob,
I'm actually known for my sense of humor (and grouchiness): see
archives. But, for some reason the term "shak" has always ticked me
off. So, I let you know. I'm not usually overly reverential either
about shakuhachi. I loved the shakuhachi stand up comedian at the
'98 Boulder Festival though some found him offensive. I don't know
what it is. Maybe it's because last night our gigantic 300 year old
Monkey Pod tree in Hawaii fell on and crushed our neighbors house and
truck and I didn't know if my insurance would cover it. Made me
grouchy. I just found out ten minutes ago that I'm completely
covered. I just drank two beers really fast and am typing this. I
suddenly feel more understanding.
If you're ever in Costa Rica stop by and I'll buy you a beer and you
can say "shak" 1,000 times in front of me, though I'll probably try
to get my dog to bite you.
Best regards,
Peter
>
>
>On 7/27/04 12:28 PM, "Peter Ross" <peteross@cloudhandsmusic.com> wrote:
>
>> Hey Rob,
>>
>> I don't have a problem with the ideas you express in your letter
>> (below). I didn't read Brian's original letter, but it sounds like
>> you're getting a lot from playing and studying the shakuhachi.
>>
>> I just wanted to point out that a lot of the players and teachers
>> think it's really lame to say "shak" instead of "shakuhachi". It's
>> real annoying in fact. It's not a shak; it's a shakuhachi. Just
>> like you're teacher is a "sensei" and not a "sen" or a "sei". It's a
>> type of "dumming" down of the tradition we all respect and love
>> (obviously including you).
>>
>> Thought you and others might want to know this.
>>
>> Best regards,
>>
>> Peter
>>
>>> Hi Group,
>>> I originally sent this only to Brian, but since I hear so often that
>>> shak players can't afford our instrument. I thought I would post it
>>> to the list. I hope you are not offended Brian.
>>>
>>> Hey Brian,
>>>
>>> Sometimes it's how you frame it. I have two fine shaks. Ronnie
>>>got them both
>>> for me. My wife used to hold the same beliefs till we had a good talk about
>>> it. My case:
>>>
>>> The Shak does nice things for me and for you, (honey)
> >>
> >> My blood pressure goes down when I play (documented) - a good thing.
> >>
> >> When I am finished playing - I am in a good mood - good for our
> >> relationship.
> >>
> >> I become creative when I play and think of new business ideas -
>more revenue
>>> another good thing (documented)
>>>
>>> When I travel, I take my flute - Instead of going to bars or watching TV, I
>>> play, also good things.
>>>
>>> I play during breaks at corporate retreats e.g. Nike, Cigna,
>>>Pfizer etc. and
>>> all my lessons are tax deductible (my shaks are as well.) A good thing.
>>>
>>> Because of my playing we have expanded our circle of friends, including
>>> Ronnie and Yoshio, people we would never have met. More good!
>>>
>>> Our daughter takes an active interest in music, and plays her violin with
>>> me. She travels with me to my lessons and camps, and its our father /
>>> daughter "talk time - a very good thing.
>>>
>>> You have something to tease me about - squeaky sounds etc. (good for you).
>>>
>>> When I travel to lessons, you have your own time. I choose early Saturday
>>> mornings so she can sleep in! And I am back in time for fun with
>>>the family.
>>> Another good thing.
>>>
>>> The Shaks don't go down in value, and in fact they go up. Not
>>>true with some
>>> of our other investments (don't go here if inappropriate!) (very good).
>>>
>>> When Yoshio comes and plays a concert, all your friends get to
>>>come and they
>>> enjoy it and keep asking when he will return. Good for them and us.
>>>
>>> Because of a Yoshio concert, we raised enough money to demolish the old
>>> Slaughterhouse where the teenagers used to do drugs, and you got
>>>to make the
>>> dedication of the park speech! (a very good thing).
>>>
>>> Lastly, buying flutes and paying for lessons helps keep this instrument and
> >> this wonderful music alive. If it weren't for us, an entire genre would
>>> become extinct. We are all asked in many ways to support the arts by making
>>> charitable contributions etc. Why not support the art by being part of the
>>> art?
>>>
>>> Now that I think of it, Yoshio has a great 1.6 for sale hmmmm.
>>>
>>> Yu didn't ask for this but here is some unsolicited feedback. Never begin
>>> your thoughts with the word "unfortunately." I find it causes me to give up
>>> too quickly. You are not investing in an instrument, or a piece of bamboo,
>>> you are investing in yourself, and making yourself better helps us all.
>>>
>>> Hope this helps.
>>>
>>> Rob McNeil
>>
-- Peter Ross http://www.cloudhandsmusic.com APDO 542-4100 Grecia, Costa Rica Central America 011 (506) 494-5170 _____________________________________________List subscription information is at: http://communication.ucsd.edu/shaku/listsub.html
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b29 : Wed Feb 23 2005 - 15:42:33 PST