Thoughts at large

[Zacha341]

Great points. It all sounds the same too.... I try to avoid it, except at the Dollar Store where it must be endured over their sound system as the new form of 'mus-zak'!

[Zacha341]

Definition of Auto-Tune [[autotune) used so much in music now:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auto-Tune

In part: Auto-Tune is an audio processor created by Antares Audio Technologies, which uses a proprietary device to measure and alter pitch in vocal and instrumental music recording and performances through use of a phase vocoder.^{[2][not in citation given]} It was originally intended to disguise or correct off-key inaccuracies, allowing vocal tracks to be perfectly tuned despite originally being slightly off-key.

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=autotune

Pitch correction software specifically for vocals that makes up for a lack of natural singing talent. 90% or more of all "professional" recordings use this software.

An extreme example is that horrific Cher song from a few years back, and the Kid Rock song where is voice is all fucked up. Used in moderation it can hardly be heard except by a trained ear.

Remember before autotune, when singers could actually sing?

[Honky Tonk]

Definition of Auto-Tune [[autotune) used so much in music now:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auto-Tune

In part: Auto-Tune is an audio processor created by Antares Audio Technologies, which uses a proprietary device to measure and alter pitch in vocal and instrumental music recording and performances through use of a phase vocoder.^{[2][not in citation given]} It was originally intended to disguise or correct off-key inaccuracies, allowing vocal tracks to be perfectly tuned despite originally being slightly off-key.

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=autotune

Pitch correction software specifically for vocals that makes up for a lack of natural singing talent. 90% or more of all "professional" recordings use this software.

An extreme example is that horrific Cher song from a few years back, and the Kid Rock song where is voice is all fucked up. Used in moderation it can hardly be heard except by a trained ear.

Remember before autotune, when singers could actually sing?

I have mixed emotions about your post. On the one hand I think this really sucks. On the other, maybe there's hope for me yet?

[Jimaz]

I find it revealing how seldomly we hear the word "deregulation" any more. It used to be so confidently overused.

[Jimaz]

According to Weather.com, today, January 24, has the lowest average daily mean temperature of the year [[26°F).

So happy coldest day of the year! It's all downhill from here.

[Jimaz]

There's a commercial for a seat cushion called "Forever Comfy."

Okay, I understand that some folks need a good cushion, especially long-haul truck drivers. No problem.

But when they get to the truck driver's testimonial, he says "My back feels good and my bottom feels good."

Come on. What truck driver refers to his ass as his "bottom"? He'd be laughed out of the Teamsters.

[[This commercial has been sanitized for your protection.)

[Gistok]

The Danish language is falling apart... into meaningless gutteral sounds...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-mOy8VUEBk

[Gistok]

Remember ever attending a high school dance where at least some of the kids behaviour really pissed off the principal?.... ....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmYY0i05EN4

[rb336]

so you are saying I should forgive Ohio for that commercial???

[gnome]

My annual complaint: why doesn't a local chocolatier make just chocolate bunny ears? They are the best part of the bunny. I certainly am not interested in eating their evil looking faces, nor their fluffy tails ... The ears only.

[old guy]

I know, an old one.... but.

Attachment 18583

[rb336]

that's stunning. is the maple handling it well?

[Jimaz]

↑ I love that one.

---

Today is 3.14, so happy Pi Day!

National Pi Day at Wayne State University

[jackie5275]

This sure has been a busy news week. Kwame verdict, Pope election, EM announcement, it's been wild for a news junkie.

[Honky Tonk]

This sure has been a busy news week. Kwame verdict, Pope election, EM announcement, it's been wild for a news junkie.

Don't forget Charlie peeing in the street!

[Ray1936]

If the words, "baby" and "yeah" were stricken from the English language, half of today's music would have no lyrics.

[Honky Tonk]

If the words, "baby" and "yeah" were stricken from the English language, half of today's music would have no lyrics.

Yeah baby!

[Zacha341]

Or the tiresome part bleating, part bellowing phrase "Oh, ohhh, oh! Wooah, woahhhhh" by so many no-talent young female singers. Ick.

If the words, "baby" and "yeah" were stricken from the English language, half of today's music would have no lyrics.

[Gistok]

Sex education should be taught better in schools, so there are fewer pregnancies. It should be taught like it was in the olden days...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKqjDbrQplM

[rb336]

That is a great line. bet it's an old russian proverb

[Jimaz]

Wiley Miller produced another winner today:

Non Sequitur - Anthropomorphic Theater

[gnome]

forgiveness doesn't change the past, it changes the future.

[gnome]

No, but it might help you be less judgemental and close-minded.

[Jimaz]

Decades ago, a Wisteria vine [[technically "bine") clandestinely crawled from its trellis onto one of our Maples.

No one noticed.

Over the years it gradually grew to cover 1/3 to 1/2 of the top of the Maple. The trellis decayed long ago.

Today the Wisteria blooms into a startlingly thick blanket of deep purple blossoms each year. This year it's beginning to bloom into what appears will be a record-breaking splash of color. Here's a photo of it taken on May 26, 2011:

Attachment 20085

I believe it's a Japanese Wisteria because of its unusually long racemes [[flower clusters).

Some more Wisteria images from Google

Their enormous bean pods have a spiral twist that changes depending on humidity and so can be used as natural hygrometers.

[Jimaz]

The Maple is eagerly supporting this Wisteria and both are surviving well.