socks

If God is, hmmm, "God" and is all of the things usually ascribed to Him - creator who is able to make something out of "nothing", knows all, sees all, all the time everywhere at once, bigger than big, eternal, etc. etc. - then there are a lot of things God "lets" happen, for whatever reasons. LOTS of things. More things than He actually does directly it would appear. If I broke a leg trying to ski at 120 mph on a 2 X 4, that would qualify as breaking a few rules. Should my leg heal? Should a doctor set it, should I receive pain-killers? If me and my 2 X 4 hit you, and you broke 4 ribs and both arms, should you be treated? It begs the question - are things like stupidity, lack of common sense and pride sins? I can think of bible verses for "pride", but none off the top of my head for stupidtiy. Couple for ignorance, but that might not be my fault. Still, do I need a sign on a ski slope saying "don't be stupid"....? Maybe that's what humanity needs - some big billboards in the sky that would carry that kind of instruction. "Please - do not use rocks for flotation devices, nor are they to be worn as hats or any kind of underwear". Start with the simple stuff and see how that goes for awhile. If God "let" Kartina happen, he lets a lot of bad things happen and a lot of the time to people who are doing just dandy in God's eyes, at least to hear them tell it. Weird, huh?

Yeah, Let me veer back on the train track too, Keith. It sounds like Geer doesn't advertise a church or any kind of a one-to-one pastoral function, rather it's an information service delivered in this franchise arrangement. The franchise arrangment is an income generating system. Money comes in, year after year, for the same thing you got last year, plus whatever else gets added in, if it does (it sounds like). I "own" the orignal product and let you use it, for a price. The original product in this case would be my own teaching on the bible. Of course, Jesus didn't run a business like that. If he were cast in the role of "representative for God", what He offered was pretty much free of physical taxes or charges. He emphasised the "heart" of the recipient, and their relationship with Himself and God. Practically speaking, Paul did too as well as others in the N.T. We read what happened, and a lot of people try to extract a process from it, a methodology. If I did that, the lionshare of what came in would go out, based on what I read. Physical offerings would be distributed to the church as there was need amongst the church - the elderly without means, the infirmed, widows with no income or family, those unable to care for themselves for any number of reasons, the sick, etc. etc. The Way's approach was to eliminate anyone who had any of those "problems", and keep all the income for their own purposes (although there was never any real interest in pursuing the actual example of the early church along these lines, that we know) I see it really simply - on the one hand you've got business. People can make a living in any kind of business they want and if the product's useful to someone they'll make some money from it. The other side of the coin - "church business" is a completely different animal, and by the sounds of it, that dog doesn't bark much in Geer's operation. BUT - like I say, I don't know first hand, just the what I've read and heard. I would think it would shrink, or if not shrink take a smaller piece of the pie as ex-Wayfers in particular grow up, raise families and develop their lives.

Hmmmm, Keith - Mel Bay is actually a good choice of comparison in certain respects Keith, and I assume you chose him because of that. Mel Bay designed and developed what has become the most basic and universally used and copied method of guitar instruction. Mel didn't invent the music, but he virtually iinvented his method of instruction and his pursuit of teaching is nothing short of inspirational. But there is a double standard at play here and there should be IMO, by my own definition which I'll try to explain briefly. I do not believe the the bible and instruction into it's most vital information should be sold or traded like other commodities because of what it is. It's content is sacred and holy, and speaks of God and at times for God. If a person believes that it's content is "god-breathed", that is out of the mouth of God, the ownership of the material isn't mine or yours to sell. If knowledge is gained about it's meaning and purpose, it deserves the highest treatment and value we can give it. My view has less to do with who says they own what or who repackages what previous teaching or presenation, regardless of the media, and more to do with the source material. The fact that it's acceptable to buy and trade it piece meal doesn't make it right, in my view. Taking parts of it, so-called enlightened instruction into it's meaning and purpose and selling it in exchange for money is wrong. To me, there's no "your mileage may vary" on this or double standard, it's a standard of the highest mark that other standards can reflect or emulate, to everyone's benefit when it is. While I do hold music in high regard, I don't hold it to the same standard as the bible. It's no wonder though that organizations and businesses that buy and sell biblical "insight", instruction and teaching will attract people that will abuse other people. If they treat "God's Word" like a commodity, why not "God's people"?

Hey!!! Wait a minute- okay, I missed it in flying by - Check out Somewhere over the Rainbow - Rick? Here! Hey!!! Wait a minute- okay, I missed it in flying by - Check out Somewhere over the Rainbow - Rick? Here! Is that the Strat you got a while back?

You're going to make a bundle waysider, I can feel it! Keith, I - might...have a problem with someone selling B.P.'s reworked teachings. Mainly because at one time, those tapes were available at no charge. None. Free. O-nay oney-may. Ey-Fre of arge-chay. There's probably - dare I say, there ARE copies of the reel-to-reel around, if you know where to find them. Which is part of the problem - so many people charge either cash or membership for stuff like that, knowing ex-Wayfers have no other way to get Way-based materials unless they know some kind soul who would say Oh, those tapes? Sure, come on over, you can make a copy. Why not, y'know? Copyrights? Ownership? We're Christians, we march to a higher drum. But, we all gotta make a living, I guess. In my little dream world I feel like I've managed to do it lo these many years without resembling a blood-sucking tic. But I'm probably tic-like in some respects, y'know? So maybe I shouldn't talk. But I do, I do. Y'know. What are ya gonna do? I do. I just wish I could figure out how to make a buck off of it, here. Maybe some of you guys could send me some. I mean, I'm doing the work. Come on. Don't tell me you're not invigorated up the wazoo just reading this. If you aren't you will be, just give it time.

Hey there Mr. John! We do a Birthday Day tune that'll rock your socks off! And we throw everyone in this big pond out here - we call it "the Pacific" for short! We love you guys. We luvved you in Tampa. And your growing family must be wonderful. You have all our best, always.

Check it out! A la, good for you - a full report is requested, please. Let us know how it goes. We're going to see him in a few weeks, he's billed with Sheryl Crow. Hope to see some of his new stuff off "Continuum". Adam Levy is a black-belt accompaniest. Does magic with his instrument, I do agree widdat! Speaking of which - Norah's got a new release we bought and I expected big things, as it has Jim Campilongo playing on it, a somewhat eccentric but creative and talented guitarist. I like a lot of his instrumental stuff, but 5I was moderately disappointed at his playing, having read that he was very happy with the results and the creative freedom he had recording. As always Norah's voice is in good form but it wasn't what I expected. I'd hoped for the kind of musical mind meld of a Shawn Colvin/John Levanthal combination. Speaking of "Somwwhere Over the Rainbow", that song is such a great song. Many, many musicians have done wonderful things with it. It's not a complicated tune, just beautifully simple and wonderfully crafted. A gem. Yah, Youtube is addicting alright. Amazing what's out there! Chatty, that Knopfler tune is great - killah!

Hi Keith, these comments aren't directed at you, wer'e on the same wavelength I suspect, some of your points made me think. I've posted this comment before about the franchise arrangement, and I can't document it because I heard it in a meeting at the Way Nash years ago, where VP said he considered a franchise set up for PFAL at one time. Not that Mr. Geer can't have an original thought, but I'd guess he took that and ran with it. From a business standpoint it has advantages - you get your money upfront, regardless what anyone does with the product. Your income's predictable. The mileage restriction is a basic geographical sales model where licensed representatives have a protected area that's "theirs". No one else can make money in your area. He he he....cool....Ultimately, that's where it goes - income and profits. If you charge a 100 bucks for it, and you can't get 10 people to buy it you're out money (besides maybe needing some sales training but that's another topic). Most customers would probably say, well, it's not about the money or the profits, it's about the Word. And if that's the case, then why is money involved at all? Because it cost money to make it? Weeeeell, perhaps a more moral and ethical means of transferring the information is needed than charging for it. If people need it, desparately, to live truly fulfilled lives before God it seems kind of cheesey to charge for it. "Here, I know you're starving and I've got a sandwich right here. That'll be 50 bucks". Y'know? What would people say if stores sold gallons of water at high prices to victims of Katrina when they were destitute? Well, it cost someone some money, ain't free. Yet even the grungiest "natural man" can find it in himself to give to the needy. It does seem a shame so many of God's Christian children have trouble doing the same - and with His own property! It's not ours to sell! I wonder if those are from the Bishop Pillai tapes he made, years ago at the Way? There were good. Don't know about a Grand Good, but they were good. Again, selling another persons work in a new package - well, dead horse, leave it alone. Nope, Geer isn't the first and I doubt he'll be the last. God and Mammon, it's what's for dinner. However, on a related note - this just in! I am almost ready to distribute my latest book and it's going to be worth every penny I'm not charging for it. To be titled "I've Got a Jack and I Want to Help YOU!", it's sure to thrill hearts everywhere! I'm not kidding, if you liked "Will the Real You Please Move Over, You're in My Spot", and "How to Win Friends Winning at Cards", you're gonna go nuts over this one. No coffee table should be without it. Again, no money, no charge, no fee - ever! And if it wasn't such an incredible value I'd ship it regular book rate, but given the awesome power of the knowledge it contains I don't want it to fall into the wrong hands so I'll be shipping it Super Special Rate - please include 79.95 USD to handle the necessary shipping expense and it will be sent immediately! And remember - it's free! P.S. Any deadbeats that can't afford the 79.95, don't bother asking as you're obviously not the kind of person that would fully appreciate a free offer like this.

Does it sound like this? And...

And an interesting note on Dick Dale - and his string gauges - :blink:

Albert "Iceman" Collins - a cool link on his tuning and playing - a little Collins Miver

More from MeToob - 2 Stinging Tele's and a Flying V.

An interesting link - Roy Buchanan playing a solo piece, Telecaster guitar I'm not sure where it's from - I think it may be from a PBS bio-piece done on him, where he went back to see his family in Pixley, California. He's young in it. In the beginning he goes into using a technique of his he called "circle picking", which he used on the song "Thank You Lord", the song right after "5 String Blues" on his second album. Basically a sweep arpeggio technique, he used it a lot of different ways, years before the sweep was incorporated into heavy metal styles. It's cool to see him just doing it, casually. He's playing his '53 Telecaster in this, looks like. Though y'all might enjoy it!

Cheers dmiller! You've rung in the the next grand!

Poetry? Well, thanks Chatty! Yeah, like him, that, do. :) Speaking of which, I just noticed - we went past 1,000 posts a ways ago. Not that I'm counting, but for a second I thought the thread read 109, and that seemed kind of light. Then I saw it was over a 1,000 and I thought, when did THAT happen? Our Thread Treads still look new! ChattyKathy! - # 1,000 - and you weren't at the top!

act2, to determine the year, you can be able to use the information on this site - HERE It says the serial number will be inside the body, (you may have already done this) and through the soundhole towards the neck, and you should be able to see the serial number located inside the body's sound hole on the neck block. Scroll down to the "Gibson Serial number" link on that other page, find yours and use that to get the year. (I may hve missed the year in an earlier posting but the year it was made will be the most important element of pricing, and after that of course overall condition). Couple random pricings online of some J-45's for sale: 21000.00 A 1965 Gisbson goes for 2400.00 dmiller speaks words of widom! (which is better than wisdom!) And Gruhn is the Guy on vintageness, their estimates are as good as cash money. I was trying to find more information on my Takamine, so I wrote them and they were very helpful. I'd bought it new in 1987, and thought that was the year, but have never seen any exactly like mine since then. Using a photo and serial number, they confirmed it was made in 1984. Turned out that was the only year they made them as a "jazz" model, with a round hole and carved arched maple top. It was easy to do. It's only what - 22 years old so it's not quite vintage, plus they're not sought after as a vintage instrument. It sold for 700.00 in 87, I got it for half that, at a store closing. I've been offered a grand for it in the last couple years. So a J45 Gibson will likely be woth a tad more than that. Please let us know how it goes with your baby! Sounds like it was a great time at the auction. Nice hat too! :)

Very nice, act2. 1500 smackers. Not bad! I'd love to hear it played, so if your hubbie ever does, let us know! Hmmm, it's Friday. I've been working on a transcript of the tune by Tommy Emmanuel, "Angelina". It's a nifty song, deceptively simple sounding. I think I like it because the opening intro and verse have a James Taylor-ish sound to it, so it was easy to start off with, but it's got some very intricate parts to it. (and Taylor is one highly underrated guitarist, IMO, a killer fingerstylist) Tommy talks about the "groove", the rhythm a lot, and you can hear it. He's an interesting blend of musicianship and performer. Live, and even in recording, his playing isn't "perfect" although he could certainly achieve that and does on a lot of stuff. When I saw him in Workshop he talked about how he's more interested in getting a good performance that will reach his audience than a note perfect rendition. That philosophy can be heard in his instruments. He has the action set so his neck is flat, "board flat" he called it, flatter than flat, no bow at all. The strings are heavy muthahs, .013 through .058 and again, set as low as they can go. Their about like the standard electric Fender light gauge string height, low for an acoustic. I held one of them briefly and sighted down the neck - flat. And the action low, but with those string gauges, very responsive. As a result there are buzzes at spots on the neck and in some song parts he'll kind of rip through certain sections, but his performance is, in a workd, amazing. He puts such life into it, it's "irrepressible" for want of a better word. Some of the things he plays are so intricate and fast, it's hard to believe he can play through them at all, to be honest. But he's one of those guys who seems to have his tank filled to the brim all the time and he's able to throw himself over the edge with no fear and just nails it. He's really incredible. Yeah, I dig him! .......... (sorry, just waxing on, waxing off..........zzzz..........)

Way ProSUCtions. Does that include the Vesper Chimes Hour? Vesper Youth Chimes. Isn't a Vesper an Italian sports car? Hope, no offense taken. To be honest, performing with good hearted people like yourself was always a pleasure for me, but it certainly didn't advance my skills. Why did I do it? Because I loved working with people who gave a damn. To be really honest, with few exceptions it's always been easier to work with musicians who have some reasonable committment to their instrument and it's craft. In the absence of that, I enjoyed working with many of the Way peeps, regardless of how "good" they were, or who good they thought I was, if they were willing to put in the time, and many were. Way Prod was always a grab bag, a "familial" effort. The notion that it was the "greatest" was relative to the time and the people. I'm proud of what I do, then as now. Today after 45 years at it, I don't have to take a back seat to anybody, and of course I'm still not the best, the fastest, the greatest. But I'm pretty dammed good at what I do. Believe me, it's easy being humble. Way Prod - rewind to 1969-70 and there was a "Music Ministry". The winter of '71, a Youth Advance and "Rock of Ages" concert/dance/doo. That summer the followup, the first ROA, with music from all over the country. Shortly after, a "Music Ministry" meeting at the New Knoxille High gym. Lots of talk about who was doing what and what might be done in the future. Long hair, short hair. Lots of guitarists, singers, etc. etc. If you remember that and any of the people, now go watch one of the videos on the Way site. Oh what a long strange trip it's been. It didn't get that way overnight. The current Way Prod is what happens when cousins marry, over and over. Musical incest. What's that - like the Dead Sea, reversed. No inlet, no outlet, just a stagnant pond burbling under it's own thick layer of pond goo. Watching those videos, I can't really muster a true coherent response to this thread topic, but I couldn't resist posting anyway.

Danny m'man! Good to sEe you! I have a friend who owned a baritone for awhile, and he let me play it some. He had it tuned to a C chord, not sure why. It was fairly easy to get the feel for the chord positions, if you've ever played any open tunings it's not hard. I don't recall the maker, but it was an acoustic. Sounded great. I've played a couple of the Danelectro's at a local store, and they're fun. The scale length is longer, so while the strings are a heavier gauge they don't feel as "tight" as you'd expect.

My completely unqualified opinion of Geer's Class Franchise is very low. I've never attended it so only know what I've heard, that it's a reworked version of PFAL, without the personality and with some of the material shaved down. I guess I have to wonder why anyone who was well versed in PFAL and wanted to offer a "class" as the ideal way to reach and teach people would buy someone else's class....? Given that so much training and time and study went into the 3 part series by so many people it seems like it would make sense to teach your own, do your own "class". That way every class would be live and could be tailored to that specific group. Live presentation will always be more dynamic and effective because - it's live. Real people. I could see use of different kinds of media to enhance a class-style presenation. Can't see why anyone would rely primarily on a canned presentation though. To pay for the right to do so seems like a waste of money when you could just do it yourself. Maybe there's some shine that comes from having "Geer's class"? Dunno. Why ex-Wayfers flock to this kind of thing may not be complicated or "spiritual" at all. Maybe it's just a comfort level - people tend to like what they know, what they're familiar with. If someone liked all the teaching and the home fellowship arrangement before, but didn't like the authoritarian management approach, it probably makes sense to find another church that has the one, and not the other. So somebody says "we're moving down the street to my house, see you Tuesday at 7:30", that's probably just find and dandy. Until it isn't, inevitably there will be friction of one kind or another between people. As long as it doesn't get too hot and heavy, everything's okay. We've visited several churches in our area, and it's certainly not a vast wasteland out here. There's some pretty interesting, inspiring and helpful things going on.

Number 11, reporting for duty, Sir! I'm glad you enjoyed it CK! I'm in the process of learning it. It's such a pretty ballad. I saw T.E. last year in a Workshop and he was really a gentleman, and as enthusiastic as any about his music and what he does. A real pleasure to listen to and to watch. Jake and the ukelele - that's really a nice sound. I read online that's a "tenor" Ukelele, not sure. Thre's also a piece on youtube where he's playing a "six string" ukelele. Standard tuning for Uke is a C6 chord - G - C - E - A, with the G above middle C, so it's sounds out the "My dog has fleas" melody. :) So it's a 4th, a 3rd and another 4th, in sequence. Pedal steels use a C6 tuning, among others (E9 is popular too). Lap steels also commonly use both. Uke's have that tinkly arpeggio sound when picked. That guy really gets a beautiful sound out of his!

:) I hope everyone has a great day.

ChattyKathy Likes It On Top! So you like the Uke? He's pretty good hey? If your hubbie decideds to sell anymore, maybe you could let us know here, act2, might be a buyer in these parts.

Here is a cool tune - by someone worth checking out - Jake Shimabukoro, who plays ukelele. The song is "While My Guitar Gently Weeps", a video of hiim performing it live in Central Park, NY, on Youtube. I bet you'd like this Chatty. While My Guitar Gently Weeps - if this link doesn't work try a search for Jake on Youtube.com and scroll down the results..... Orange World is a bluegrass style tune, for dmiller... :)

A good interview with Mr. Paul himself - at Modernguitars dot com's website So much has been written about Les Paul, but I always enjoy reading more, or again. :) There's a nice pic of him with Paul McCartney too, down the page.