Front Row At Strathmore - Jethro Tull (Last Night)

[meagain]

Yeah, what the heck is wrong with Thick as a Brick?

Sheesh - Thick as a Brick haters!

[oldtimer]

THICK AS A BRICK

Thick As A Brick

Really don't mind if you sit this one out.

My words but a whisper -- your deafness a SHOUT.

I may make you feel but I can't make you think.

Your sperm's in the gutter -- your love's in the sink.

So you ride yourselves over the fields and

you make all your animal deals and

your wise men don't know how it feels to be thick as a brick.

And the sand-castle virtues are all swept away in

the tidal destruction

the moral melee.

The elastic retreat rings the close of play as the last wave uncovers

the newfangled way.

But your new shoes are worn at the heels and

your suntan does rapidly peel and

your wise men don't know how it feels to be thick as a brick.

And the love that I feel is so far away:

I'm a bad dream that I just had today -- and you

shake your head and

say it's a shame.

Spin me back down the years and the days of my youth.

Draw the lace and black curtains and shut out the whole truth.

Spin me down the long ages: let them sing the song.

See there! A son is born -- and we pronounce him fit to fight.

There are black-heads on his shoulders, and he pees himself in the night.

We'll

make a man of him

put him to trade

teach him

to play Monopoly and

to sing in the rain.

The Poet and the painter casting shadows on the water --

as the sun plays on the infantry returning from the sea.

The do-er and the thinker: no allowance for the other --

as the failing light illuminates the mercenary's creed.

The home fire burning: the kettle almost boiling --

but the master of the house is far away.

The horses stamping -- their warm breath clouding

in the sharp and frosty morning of the day.

And the poet lifts his pen while the soldier sheaths his sword.

And the youngest of the family is moving with authority.

Building castles by the sea, he dares the tardy tide to wash them all aside.

The cattle quietly grazing at the grass down by the river

where the swelling mountain water moves onward to the sea:

the builder of the castles renews the age-old purpose

and contemplates the milking girl whose offer is his need.

The young men of the household have

all gone into service and

are not to be expected for a year.

The innocent young master -- thoughts moving ever faster --

has formed the plan to change the man he seems.

And the poet sheaths his pen while the soldier lifts his sword.

And the oldest of the family is moving with authority.

Coming from across the sea, he challenges the son who puts him to the run.

What do you do when

the old man's gone -- do you want to be him? And

your real self sings the song.

Do you want to free him?

No one to help you get up steam --

and the whirlpool turns you `way off-beam.

LATER.

I've come down from the upper class to mend your rotten ways.

My father was a man-of-power whom everyone obeyed.

So come on all you criminals!

I've got to put you straight just like I did with my old man --

twenty years too late.

Your bread and water's going cold.

Your hair is too short and neat.

I'll judge you all and make damn sure that no-one judges me.

You curl your toes in fun as you smile at everyone -- you meet the stares.

You're unaware that your doings aren't done.

And you laugh most ruthlessly as you tell us what not to be.

But how are we supposed to see where we should run?

I see you shuffle in the courtroom with

your rings upon your fingers and

your downy little sidies and

your silver-buckle shoes.

Playing at the hard case, you follow the example of the comic-paper idol

who lets you bend the rules.

So!

Come on ye childhood heroes!

Won't you rise up from the pages of your comic-books

your super crooks

and show us all the way.

Well! Make your will and testament. Won't you?

Join your local government.

We'll have Superman for president

let Robin save the day.

You put your bet on number one and it comes up every time.

The other kids have all backed down and they put you first in line.

And so you finally ask yourself just how big you are --

and take your place in a wiser world of bigger motor cars.

And you wonder who to call on.

So! Where the hell was Biggles when you needed him last Saturday?

And where were all the sportsmen who always pulled you though?

They're all resting down in Cornwall --

writing up their memoirs for a paper-back edition

of the Boy Scout Manual.

LATER.

See there! A man born -- and we pronounce him fit for peace.

There's a load lifted from his shoulders with the discovery of his disease.

We'll

take the child from him

put it to the test

teach it

to be a wise man

how to fool the rest.

QUOTE

We will be geared to the average rather than the exceptional

God is an overwhelming responsibility

we walked through the maternity ward and saw 218 babies wearing nylons

cats are on the upgrade

upgrade? Hipgrave. Oh, Mac.

LATER

In the clear white circles of morning wonder,

I take my place with the lord of the hills.

And the blue-eyed soldiers stand slightly discoloured (in neat little rows)

sporting canvas frills.

With their jock-straps pinching, they slouch to attention,

while queueing for sarnies at the office canteen.

Saying -- how's your granny and

good old Ernie: he coughed up a tenner on a premium bond win.

The legends (worded in the ancient tribal hymn) lie cradled

in the seagull's call.

And all the promises they made are ground beneath the sadist's fall.

The poet and the wise man stand behind the gun,

and signal for the crack of dawn.

Light the sun.

Do you believe in the day? Do you?

Believe in the day! The Dawn Creation of the Kings has begun.

Soft Venus (lonely maiden) brings the ageless one.

Do you believe in the day?

The fading hero has returned to the night -- and fully pregnant with the day,

wise men endorse the poet's sight.

Do you believe in the day? Do you? Believe in the day!

Let me tell you the tales of your life of

your love and the cut of the knife

the tireless oppression

the wisdom instilled

the desire to kill or be killed.

Let me sing of the losers who lie in the street as the last bus goes by.

The pavements ar empty: the gutters run red -- while the fool

toasts his god in the sky.

So come all ye young men who are building castles!

Kindly state the time of the year and join your voices in a hellish chorus.

Mark the precise nature of your fear.

Let me help you pick up your dead as the sins of the father are fed

with

the blood of the fools and

the thoughts of the wise and

from the pan under your bed.

Let me make you a present of song as

the wise man breaks wind and is gone while

the fool with the hour-glass is cooking his goose and

the nursery rhyme winds along.

So! Come all ye young men who are building castles!

Kindly state the time of the year and join your voices in a hellish chorus.

Mark the precise nature of your fear.

See! The summer lightning casts its bolts upon you

and the hour of judgement draweth near.

Would you be

the fool stood in his suit of armour or

the wiser man who rushes clear.

So! Come on ye childhood heroes!

Won't your rise up from the pages of your comic-books

your super-crooks and

show us all the way.

Well! Make your will and testament.

Won't you? Join your local government.

We'll have Superman for president

let Robin save the day.

So! Where the hell was Biggles when you needed him last Saturday?

And where were all the sportsmen who always pulled you through?

They're all resting down in Cornwall -- writing up their memoirs

for a paper-back edition of the Boy Scout Manual.

OF COURSE

So you ride yourselves over the fields and

you make all your animal deals and

your wise men don't know how it feels to be thick as a brick.

[thebes]

OT, you beat me to it!

Personally I think Mas and Travis should sit down, break bread, have a cup of Salada tea, work out their differences and then toast their reapproachmont with a nice single malt.

[Mike Lindsey]

Yep... TAAB is my favorite as well. I have most everything prior to 1982, and that one gets more playing time than any of them. I also enjoy Songs From The Wood, and Live, Busting Out!

Mike

[Travis In Austin]

Marty,

Thanks for the box of tea!!!!!! I have not had a chance to make a cup, but it is supposed to be cold this weekend so I think I will be making my wife and I a cup, thanks so much.

Travis

[Travis In Austin]

Yet you still miss the point of the original casual comment from which you derived your entire tempest in a tea pot. My point stands. And whether you understand it or not, who the %$#& cares? At some point we just have to acknowledge reality and your incapacity to grasp a concept. Oh well. I won't lose any sleep over it.

Mas,

You know, Gary is right, you are a very smart guy. It is a very big shame that you don't use it to be helpful to people (I know you think you are being helpfull, but you are not), but instead go about trying to insult, bait and harrass anybody you possibly can. I don't know what happened to you to be so mean spirted, so anti-social, but it really is sad.

I have done very well as a trial attorney, not because I am the smartest person (far from it) but, by the grace of God, a lot of hard work, a great memory and some luck, I have been able to achive good results for clients along the way. Another reason for a long string of court room victories is that I have been blessed with a natural ability to read a person, in an instant. More specifically, as soon as they take the witness stand I am able to size them up, know their background, whether they are telling the truth, stretching it, hiding something, etc. This allows me to be very effective at cross-examination. I always love it when I have a prosecutor or a witness who thinks they are smarter then everyone else, I know it is going to be a fun trial. Not because I am smarter then them, I'm not, but because I know it is going to be a fun day. Whenever I have a cop or an expert witness who just knows they know more then everybody else I know my client's case is won. Without exception, where a witness like that is involved they end up hanging themselves. They can't help it, their ego won't allow them to keep things in check and they just melt down. The best part about it is that they don't even realize it, they think the jury is eating out of the palm of their hands, when in fact the jury says they didn't beleive a word the person said.

It took me awhile, but it came to me. I know you, you have been on here before. You see you do in fact have a very distinctive "flair." The manner in which you tell the whole world how smart you are, on so many subjects, in a way the offends everyone (save and except Richard), is almost as unique as a fingerprint. But there were several things you said in your last few posts that brought your true identity to light. I don't know why I didn't catch it earlier, it was like a light switch went on, but it went on.

You are the same, you have not changed one bit. I would have thought your last experience, under your prior identity would have taught you to restrain yourself, to be a gentle and kind person, or as least not so caustic and abrassive to everyone. Unfortunately, you are like those witnesses that I have had, very intelligent, but with a mindset that everyone is inferior to them. You just couldn't keep a lid on it, you cannot keep it contained. You just have to let the world know how smart you are, and moreover, how stupid everyone else is. You can't help it.

You have been banned here before and you will be banned again at the rate you are going. I hope you can get it in check, to understand that you have to respect others before anyonoe will respect you, regardless of how smart you are. But I'm not going to lose any sleep over it.

Travis

[mas]

So you think that you can read a few lines and then proceed to tell me what
I meant to say.

If only.

You might want to employ that skill and intuit what I am thinking now…..

I made a simple comment in response to another’s comment. My comment were
predicated upon first hand personal involvement in the very referred event, and yet you tell me what ‘I meant” and you then misstate
my assertion as you declare it incorrect and offered personal attacks. And all
despite my having first hand personal knowledge of exactly that which I stated. Talk
about arrogance…

I was involved in discussions where the goals of the tour were expressly
stated. I was there. And the express design of the Thick as a Brick tour was to
expand both the technical scope of the production as well as to expand the
market penetration in terms of increased venue size and an expansion of market coverage
and penetration. Your interpretation of how successful that strategy was is superfluous. And you do so without even being aware of the venue capacities or subsequent revenue figures. But as you say, you don't need to be confused by such market trivialities. And the stated goal is not subject to your interpretation or debate. It is historical fact.

You began, not by asking questions or actually discussing, but by deriding and attacking. But then I understand why, you are unique and don't need to actually communicate, you already have all of the answers and you are sanctimoniously qualified to pass judgement on others.

And regarding a few other issues which you feel it your business to discuss...
I did not come here expressing personal ideas regarding acoustics of my own
invention. I have seldom posited explorative ideas requesting comments and impressions. Rather
I have presented tested and scrutinized concepts developed by those who are
indeed considered amongst the most progressive authorities in the field of
audio, primarily acoustical concepts. And again, I happen to have been present and associated with many
of them in a first hand manner through live sound, SynAudCon, and various
industry related activities, as well as personal and social friendships.. And I
have been lucky enough to have a pretty extensive background and association
in various roles and degrees of involvement with the field over an almost 40 year period. There have been MANY changes , to make a profound understatement. But would you be offended if someone were to suggest that for many on the forum, at least in terms of acoustics, it is like they are still living in 1975, prior to the advent of time based analysis.

{And beyond that, you have no idea regarding my past. (But I would love to
see your Carney routine. Maybe you can book a spot on Montel…)}

And so I was a messenger, not the author of many ideas that exceed the scope of
acoustical physics in which you and many others operate. That is simply a fact. And when I attempt to present such
ideas (facts) of which many are unaware, the reaction is derision, personal attack, and a
persistent resistance. You see, they too share your talent as knowing everything about a subject even before they are aware of it. But then your silence is mysteriously(sic) deafening!

{I guess you considered your college instructors abrasive and caustic if as they presented concepts, students simply responded with derision, argument and rejection. Far be it from the instructor to expect the students to at least taken the effort to pursue an understanding of the material before challenging, rejecting and deriding the basic validity of the concept. And I am sure you fail to realize that the ideas presented were just that, various new paradigms that supplant many of the older commonly accepted paradigms.Just how long should a physics professor entertain students who attempt to dominate the class to assert that quantum is a goofy concept that is impractial and invalid? Questions for increased clarity based upon an increasing understanding and analysis of a new concept are fine and welcome. Cries of burn the witch from those who already "know all they need to know" but whom are without a clue, are not.}

So I have attempted to present concepts such as the time domain, time domain
analysis and behavior characteristics, Nyquist and Heyser spirals, minimum and
non-minimum phase (of which I am even accused of inventing!) and he related
limitations of equalization, the lack of a truly reverberant field in a small
acoustic space, and quite a few other notions.

And ALL of the concepts are very
valid, and All of the concepts have been developed and established via
extensive scrutiny by other leaders in the field. FACT! The validity of these ideas is not dependent upon the feelings of you
or anyone else here.

And how is this information received? Folks like you, you know, the
self-proclaimed nice, gentile, family folk begin not by asking where the
ideas originated, or upon what basis they are predicated. Nope, instead the
immediate reaction of the ‘oh so nice’ and pleasant folk such as yourself, who have
already determined everything they are open to knowing based upon their previous
assumptions and prejudices, is simple rejection and derision. And as such, those sanctimonious folks who already ‘know it
all’ react like you do, They don’t need
to ask anything, as they already know
it all.

Yup, they know it all!...All except current factual knowledge of the subject at hand!

And so it happens over and over. When a new idea that threatens the generally
accepted notions is presented, you don’t have to ask anything! Nope, You and
the others already know all that you need to know. And your response is all the
same, You attack and denigrate anyone who dares challenge your sacred cows….
Consistently. Just like you did! But you are just a well meaning congenial fellow
who knows all without bothering to learn a thing. Take a bow.

Its always easier to treat new ideas as if they are simply the spawn of someone who dreamed them up after a night of heavy drinking and to immediately dismiss
them, or to challenge and/or attack the messenger personally. And that’s allot
easier than taking the time and making the effort to research the topic and to
perhaps learn something new.

And to further aggravate the situation, when references for the ideas are
provided, the seemingly universal whine is “But that has math in it!” ROFLMAO.

Not everyone here is like this, but far too many are.

The fact is that I have many questions regarding acoustics, although I will
admit that they are primarily predicated upon a pretty good understanding of the ‘new
acoustics’ of which many here are resistant or unaware. The old debates are boring and tired to me. But I love to explore these new ideas

And I came here in part to partake in acoustics discussions. I really have
little interest in exchanging recipes, kids pictures, discussing football
scores or complaining about the price of videos or trying to impress others
with what a piece of equipment in my system cost. In fact, I consider it a
waste of time to even post the equipment because what suites my purposes has no
necessary applicability to what anyone else is doing. So, I share few common interests
with why many come here.

On the other hand, nothing would please me more than to have a discussion
where the prerequisite knowledge is evident, or at least an openness to
understand them is present. All I have hoped to find are a few folks who were
either familiar with, or open to asking and learning more regarding the significant
and ramifications of the newer ideas in acoustics.

Discussions dominated by willful ignorance and/or an active derision of the
advances in acoustics have little attraction for me.. Neither are they
productive. And unfortunately these are not uncommon here. And let’s be sure to
make a valuable distinction! An unawareness of principles is not a big problem,
but a willful resistance or rejection
of an increased understanding sufficient to overcome this ignorance is! And
this far from uncommon.

The fact is that I have had significant conversations with a few in the forum.
Many of these folks are content to simply avoid topics where a lack of
understanding of the issues is evident.

Topics that consistently dominate the forum are boring as hell to me. I find
little interest in the seemingly endless tired emotional debates over
interconnects, SS versus tube amps, vinyl versus CDs, and other silly debates.

Yet it is fascinating to note that when I start a thread on a particular
topic, the preponderance of the responses are not questions asking for
explanation or further elaboration. Instead the threads are dominated by the
same gentile folks similar to yourself who already know it all who are simply intent
on denigrating and attacking the concept or person. After all, they already
know it all, right???

So they spend lots of time posting pictures of how amazing a filter behaves
in a minimum phase environment, oblivious to the fact that the topic was about
how that very circuit FAILS to act in a well behaved manner in a non-minimum phase
environment! I mean, why should anyone bother to understand first, what a
non-minimum phase environment is, let alone how and why their wonderful passive
filter fails to perform in a non-minimum phase environment as it does in a minimum phase environment. Oh, but they
had such cute pictures! Of course, others assert that I have simply invented
the concept of “non-minimum” phase. Hey,
you’re a lawyer, can you help me acquire the licensing rights to “non-minimum”
phase devices? I mean, if I invented it, I should be able to reap the benefits
shouldn’t I?

So, what occurred was NOT an attempt to understand the premise, all that ocurred was an attempt to rebut it without an adequate understanding of what the significance of the topic even was! And it ocurs over and over.

But you are right in one regard. With only few exceptions, there is really
very little opportunity to explore the topics at the level I would like to
explore them. As I too would like to expand my understanding of topics of my
interest. So, as you can so effectively ascertain everything about a person,
would you mind identifying all of those who have read and understand the
contents of Sound System Engineering. Or failing that, how many have
taken just a week and attended the complete SynAudCon series of classes. OK, I’ll
settle for a little more practicality, how many are even aware of both of these?

So my only real interest in hanging around is to talk to and help a few who
desire to develop a quality listening room that will adequately augment their
listening pleasure.

And if anyone is interested in learning a bit more about some of the newer
facets of acoustics I am glad to try to make them a bit clearer and more
meaningful to the degree to which I am able. And I would be delighted to learn a
bit in return..

In either case, i would encourage them to PM me and I will be gald to call them back at their convenience. Skype is also available for chat.

On the other hand, I have little desire to get to know anyone who without so
much as exchanging a meaningful word, feels that that have already sufficiently
judged everything they feel is necessary to understand someone else and feel that is a sufficient impression on which to operate. But then only such
an extreme level of ignorance could be
so obtuse to that which they are so willfully unaware. Such a person is far too
shallow and truly arrogant on which to waste any more of my time. And you have demonstrated this with aplomb! Unfortunately, in most circles, this behavior is characteristic not only of prejudice, but of a bigot.

My suggestion
would be to take your ‘skill’ and become a Carney and guess weights.. But from the sound of your modis operandi,
you already have.

[Travis In Austin]

Mas,

No one, and I mean no one, is doubting that you are extreamly knowledgeable on a number of subjects related to audio. It is just the way you approach things, and while you may be the most knowledgeable person in a particular area it does not give you license to be condesending, inconsiderate of other people.

You posted a reply to meagain's hum problem. It was beautiful, perfect. It was stated in simple terms, had a great handy article attached to it, etc. It was one of the most helpful, concise responses I have seen by anybody. You typically talk way above people (and I know I know nothing about the technical aspects of audio), you need to bring it down to our level, or the level of the person who you are talking with. There is no need to espouse your knowledge and then when there is a response where they don't understand, come down on them like a ton of bricks.

There have not been that many changes Mas, that was how I was able to figure it out. Your style is not to come out with it. Your style is to hold something back so that you can come back with something to crush them with a response. Instead of saying, I have some experience in this area because of this, and you might want to consider thus, you prepare for a knock down drag out. I know it takes more effort, I know you should be able to just come out and say it, without explanination, etc. but to have it come across so people who want to read it requires that effort. For example, in this thread you could have come out and said something like:

"I enjoyed reading your post about the concert, it brought back some memories for me, as I had the unique privledge to tour with Jethro Tull back in . . . . (this adds credibility to what you are saying without comming across like a jerk) Was Martin playing his signature __________? What did you think of the strings being part of __________? (asking questions shows you are interested in what the person has to say, in addition, it avoids the impression that a person thinks they know everything already).

Mas, if you had left that little response, you would have had all kinds of inquirys about what you saw and heard back in the day. People would be dying to hear about it. But they don't want to be talked down to, they don't want to be deridded for asking something, so they don't. Did you notice, not one person responded, hey Mas that is really cool, Hey Mas I have always wanted to know about this, or that. But they didn't. I know your natural response is to come back at me with some attack about it does not matter to you what people think, or what I think about how you say it, etc., but it must matter if you keep coming back and reading and posting. The only reason it would not matter is if your sole motivation is to harass and annoy people. Which I don't think it is, at least I hope not. You could be a great teacher on here, just be a little bit humble. I know it's hard (hey that's a song isn't it) when we are all so dumb.

To use your analogy about trying to explain religion to God, remember Jesus was a teacher. He had to explain things as to what God meant about many things, and he used a particular style in getting points across. Thier is nothing wrong with bringing your language down to a common level, to making your replys more succient.

The word you need to look up, and I mean this in all sincerity, is humble. Try using some of it, it will go a long ways on here. I know how frustrating it must be dealing with the likes of me and others, who just are never going to get what you are saying, you just need go on to the next topic. You cannot save all of us you know.

If you just don't see there is any room for improvement on your end then I am sorry for taking up your time with this. You seemed to be expressing some frustration in your previous post about people not understanding. I am offering the above with all sincerity, and I hope it is somehow helpfull.

While we are all gathered here, if I could ask a couple of questions. You have posted previously (I am talking a few years ago, so I am talking generaly here) about one of the ways you came in contact with Klipsch was the tour was looking at possibly making a change and using Klipsch equipment. As I recall this was mid-tour. First, what speakers were they using on the tour, and what configuration? Did they always use their own speakers or were there situations where they would use the venue's system. One of my interests in the "business" of music, the economics (as in the science of economics, not so much in the accounting sense) of the music industry. So my other questions would be, who pays people like the sound engineer, lighting enginner. Is it the promoter for the tour? When you were touring with these bands had any of the bands made the switch to self-promoting. In other words, instead of collecting a check, they woud share in the risk of promoting their own tours in exchange or more of the revenue. (This was a big thing when the Stones made a "business decition) told Bill they were going to bypass him and Mick was going to promote it). I was just wondering if you saw that kind of shift with the tours you were working with. This is more personel, I am not asking about you specifically, but what kind of money would the head sound or lighting person make on a major tour such as with Tull or Floyd (since you worked with them as well). My impression/assumption, which is why I was curious, is that while it was a job that required skill and expertise, there was no shortage of folks who were interested in the position, thus the pay was relatively low. Again, I am asking in general and not with respect to you. Were there any union issues. For example Tull played in the LV Convention center. No one, I mean no one, does any wiring, rigging, moving, etc. unless you are in the Union. You could not carry a speaker into the center unless you were in the Teamsters. You can't plug something into a socket unless you are in the electrical union. Was there much of that on tour, or were you given waivers, etc. If you feel like answering any of these I would most appreciative.

Travis

[Arky]

Travis, that was an excellent post.

mas: Please consider some of those points. Personally, I have less audio knowledge than Travis but I try to learn as I have time, i'm currently making a career shift entailing working two mediums, so I don't have any extra time. I don't understand many of your posts, some I try others I leave after a couple sentences. It's just too much effort for me right now, again i'm one of the dummies. However, I would enjoy reading any industry tidbits you pass along such as the post ending questions Travis asked.

Thank you.

[Coytee]

Travis, I agree with Arky, excellent post.

Maybe we can extricate MAS from his shell a bit and get him to expand a bit more about his history and technical background. Heck... maybe before long we'll all be singing Kum-by-ya around a bonfire here on my farm, Jubilees playing, with MAS being the Maistro (sp?) (of course we'll have some Tull on in the background for nostalgia's sake)

To be most truthful (and MAS, I didn't put him up to this!! [], though I wish I had []) I'm glad SOMEONE finally got to asking those questions. I myself wanted to and was going to. Before someone asks me why I have never done it, I first felt I needed to tell MAS I wanted to do it and in essence, ask his permission. He suggested he was more content not getting into too many details of his history (I don't remember the reasons why) and so I've respected that and just sat by watching some of these (sometimes interesting, sometimes not) threads "blossom", many times with frustration.

MAS, if you won't say any of your background for yourself, then do me a favor and do it for Chloe [&]. Unbeknown to you, I've (boy this sounds corny) "gone to bat" for you once or twice and I'd really really like the others to know that which I (and a couple others) have come to know.

Of course... for anyone reading this thread, we might need to be careful of what we ask.. MAS is very capable of typing as we've all seen... if we get him to open up more about his background and things he's done... we might crash the forum, it IS the weekend after all.... prime time for crashing [6]

[Travis In Austin]

I can certainly understand where there are situations where a person may not want to talk about a period/job/siutation in ones past for a whole host of reasons. And my questions, while they were kind of directed to Mas specifically, it does not matter to me if Mas choses to answer them in general, as opposed to what his personal experience was. There may be a situation where for various reasons he is not supposed to talk about what they were using, and I certanly don't want him to violate any agreement he had to keep things confidential.

I am interested in those things and I hope he does feel comfortable talking about them, as they relate to him specifically or other wise. So come on Mark, please share some of that knowledge, those were a just of few I have always wondered about. I have about 400 on It's a Beautiful Day Alone, and I know some of those you will want to avoid[]

Travis

[oldbuckster]

COYTEE, You mean mas is going to Jubestock ? That might get me there, I'd like to see him in person .... up close and personal, that's most interesting, but your teasing me, I think ........................ I bet alot of folks would like to meet the great mas !!!!!!!!!!!!! ................. Atleast I would ..... []

[Coytee]

COYTEE, You mean mas is going to Jubestock ? That might get me there, I'd like to see him in person .... up close and personal, that's most interesting, but your teasing me, I think ........................ I bet alot of folks would like to meet the great mas !!!!!!!!!!!!! ................. Atleast I would .....

Well Buckster, he'd be 100% invited and welcome. I too would like to put a face, behind the fingers. We must however, keep him from finding out that each one of us is reading about old Winston Salem witch trials and the burning of the witches... He might put 2+2 together... after all, we HAVE made specific mention of maybe having a bonfire... []

[oldbuckster]

Burning Witches, that's awful, so cruel ................. Me, I had a Duel in mind, offered it to him before, with no response,........... I'd like to meet the Great mas, no keyboards to hide behind, to be honest, I'd like to know if he is for real, or living out some fantasy on-line ............. Probably won't happen, just wishing I guess ....................

[mas]

You guys kill me...

I come back from being away from the forum for the weekend and discover that I have been: "Living out some fantasy online???" ROFLMAO!

Indeed! If I were, one might think that I would pick something that had a bit more potential for a positive return, instead of debating acoustics with a bunch of folks who think i am making all of this up and have little capacity for my wry sense of humor, made more difficult by the fact that flat text cannot adequately convey inflection, tone, and a wink or grin. But, to pursue this fantastic suggestion just a bit further, as this actually is quite fun in a very absurd way, let's explore this for a moment...

So just out of curiosity, what exactly do I stand to gain by this incredible masquerade? For what have I asked? And if I were to be doing so, would it not have made more sense to lead with my 'fantastic' bio and resume?

I mean, aside from your undying adulation and worship, what benefits have befallen me or what riches do I stand to inherit? [] And to whom do I submit my list? [] 'Tis the season you know...

The fact is that I am, as I have always offered, available to speak either via phone or by skype chat, especially now as it is posited that I am probably a phony. A phony what?

...A phony who has bothered to become more conversant in modern acoustical theory and practice than most of the more learned "real' folks? Huh? Now that's a new take on an old game! Maybe a few more should consider becoming such ignorant phonies. At least we would share more interesting discussions. []

Look folks, you make this too hard!

As i have said, anyone who is curious to know who i am is welcome to contact me. Just PM me with your phone number and a good time to call and I will be gald to give you a holler and to answer almost any question you may want to know that I am capable of answering.

And purely in a proactive attempt to prevent any unecessarily dashed and avoidable expectations or broken hearts: I am straight. Sorry boys... [:S]

I am not fond of airing all of my personal business online - especially on a site where I don't control the content! Anyone find that a bit surprising that I am concerned about this with a background in Information Assurance/InfoSec, not to mention a semblance of common sense? if I were into advertising my personal business to all who have no business knowing it, it would certainly be easier to go to MySpace and impress all of the X-year old males masquerading as 16 year old babes....[*-)]

Besides, the validity of acoustical principles is not dependent upon who i am. But some might know this if they were willing to read a book despite the presence of a mathematical formula. Nevertheless, I have persisted in trying to discuss them. And i would love for anyone to actually engage in a conversation addressing the topics. Even if you want to discredit them, you are welcome, provided the discussion is done from a POV that reflects an actual understanding of them! I LOVE debate where one or more critically examine the foundation and ramifications of the concept(s). But I am loath to simply argue some vested personal emotional position. ln other words, I hate the all too common arguments that masquerade as debates.

On the other hand, if you are interested in the topic, you don't have to understand any of it if you are still interested in exploring the topis, I can certainly try to talk in small words and still explore the topic [] But remember, no smiling or grinning. This is serious stuff!

So...Travis, Buckster, Dean, and Anyone else who might want to talk in order to figure out who I am (not that you really care, but perhaps just to see if I am real...whatever in hell that means - I guess that means that after the infernal machine you may get a real person on the phone), or hopefully, to discuss any aspect of acoustics...or anything else for that matter. Please PM me with your phone number and a good time to call (if you are in the US or Canada) and I can call you back. If you are located outside of the US or Canada, we can still talk (&/or chat) via skype (www.skype.com) - computer to computer.

Just think...to have folks actually attempt to understand ideas or others...now there is a refreshing possibility! Who would of thunk?!? Dare we establish a precedent?

But be forwarned, I am a very serious person, and I only discuss business in a very serious manner. No asides, digressions or dry wit. Just pure straightforward boring technobabble!

Of course, if you are all afraid..... [] ROFLMAO!

PS. If you can do the Jubefest in early fall, that has some real possibilities, and would be great! (this might also afford folks an opportunity to take a sidetrip to the Smokies or even a UT football game for those so inclined...personally I will be Jonesing for a C! (solo canoe) to take down the Ocoee or the Tellico !!!...) But late spring (May/June) currently has too many conflicts.

Edit: PS Travis. If we can talk on the phone, I will be glad to try to explain all of your questions to the best of my ability , and more- and you will see that there are a variety of possibilites for almost all of the issues you mention. I will be glad to explain the various scenarios and the pros and cons of each and how they have changed over the years.

And you would inquire regarding the (Teamsters; electricians(IBEW) and communications workers of America(CWA)...and we can't forget the invaluable musicians union ...). What would touring be without these folks!?? Hmmm....Such a nice thought! Suffice it to say many would love to find out!

Again, I would be glad to give you the skinny on all of this from my, combined with the collective memory of friends', POV.

[Coytee]

You guys kill me...

So what you're really saying is you've also seen the Achmed video?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uwOL4rB-go

[garymd]

Mas,

Although I have no desire to speak to you in person or over the phone (don't take it personally - I'm just being honest), I am curious to know if you actually talk the way you write. I know quite a few very bright people who can write extremely well (I'm married to one) but don't know anyone who speaks that way in everyday conversation.

- Gary

[mas]

Mas,

...I am curious to know if you actually talk the way you write. I know quite a few very bright people who can write extremely well (I'm married to one) but don't know anyone who speaks that way in everyday conversation.

- Gary

No, I speak very poorly, but my spelling is exceptional.[*-)]

[oldbuckster]

OH Gee mas, talking to you on the phone wouldn't be the same for me as meeting The Great Mas in person. Almost, anti climatic, if you ask me, but your not asking right ? I don't disrespect your point of view, it's the way you present it, ..........................

[boomac]

After reading this thread I just had to dig through some old LPs, (ones I haven’t touched in maybe 30 years) in search of something by Jethro Tull. I recalled some guy playing the flute but that's about it. Holy cow! I found “Stand Up”, cleaned it and damn if I didn’t thoroughly enjoy it. Great music & great sound! Next time they come to Strathmore Gary….give me a call!