From: owner-joni-digest@smoe.org (JMDL Digest) To: joni-digest@smoe.org Subject: JMDL Digest V2007 #413 Reply-To: joni@smoe.org Sender: owner-joni-digest@smoe.org Errors-To: owner-joni-digest@smoe.org Precedence: bulk Unsubscribe: mailto:joni-digest-request@smoe.org?body=unsubscribe Archives: http://www.smoe.org/lists/joni Website: http://jonimitchell.com JMDL Digest Sunday, October 14 2007 Volume 2007 : Number 413 ========== TOPICS and authors in this Digest: -------- Re: sjc, Nobel Prizes NJC [Bob Muller ] Re: Shine, Joni and Herbie [Bob Muller ] Headphone recommendation [Dave Blackburn ] for listees with little kids (under 7/8) in their orbit - NJC [Patti Parl] SV: SV: dog eat dog ["Marion Leffler" ] Re: Shine et al [Bobsart48@aol.com] NJC Crosby & Nash concert review for those interested.... ["Kate Bennett"] Re: Shine - "gone !" [Bobsart48@aol.com] NJC--but personally important ["Kate Bennett" ] sjc, Across the Universe -- Julie Taymor on Charlie Rose ["Kate Bennett" ] Re: One Week Last Summer [Bobsart48@aol.com] Re: audio file converters NJC [Moni Kellermann ] Re: Shine [Bobsart48@aol.com] Costco and SHINE [est86mlm@ameritech.net] another stereo question NJC [Em ] James Taylor reads batting order! (njc) [Victor Johnson ] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Sat, 13 Oct 2007 04:13:06 -0700 (PDT) From: Bob Muller Subject: Re: sjc, Nobel Prizes NJC While he would have been a good one, he's already had his chance and didn't want it badly enough to fight for it. Oh, and if only he would have...American history with no Dubya, can you imagine? We don't need another candidate who's content to lose with dignity. We need one who's willing to fight to win. Besides, Al's serving us just fine in his current position. Bob - --------------------------------- Be a better Globetrotter. Get better travel answers from someone who knows. Yahoo! Answers - Check it out. ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 13 Oct 2007 04:09:28 -0700 (PDT) From: Bob Muller Subject: Re: Shine, Joni and Herbie Hey Kakki, Welcome back to the 2-handed world. Have been sending out good vibes for you. As for the nose, your comment reminds me of the scene in Rocky when he has his nose broken and Adrian's sister Pauly says "it's an improvement". Glad you're digging all the new Joni-related sounds. Our opinions are pretty much in total alignment there. Bob - --------------------------------- Be a better Globetrotter. Get better travel answers from someone who knows. Yahoo! Answers - Check it out. ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 13 Oct 2007 07:41:35 -0700 From: Dave Blackburn Subject: Headphone recommendation Those of you who use iPods or equivalent portable music players ought to know about the iGrado wrap-around-back-of-your-head phones. Grado win the audiophile critic awards for best headphones practically every year and yet few consumers know about them, musicians least of all I've found. These little marvels will give you the soundstage, depth of field, stereo separation and warm bass you always assumed couldn't come out of an ipod. They are very comfortable and very affordable; I got mine from Amazon for $45. http://www.amazon.com/Grado-i-Headphones-iPod-BLACK/dp/B000KN0YEY/ ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/002-8369093-0868840? ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1192286403&sr=8-1 Dave (always on a quest for better sound) On Oct 13, 2007, at 12:00 AM, onlyJMDL Digest wrote: > Don't ever be afraid to ask. Someone always knows the > answer. Whether it's what kind of headphones to buy, > or the meaning of a word or expression. ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 13 Oct 2007 15:02:36 +0000 From: Patti Parlette Subject: for listees with little kids (under 7/8) in their orbit - NJC Dear Friend Barbara: Thank you so much for sharing this information. Das ist ganz wunderbar! (German for "That is totally awesome!") (I hope that is correct, Moni und Marion!) This takes care of three out of ten breakdowns of this century that were outlined recently by Ela Gandhi in her lecture at UConn on October 4th. ("The Crises of the 21st Century - Some Gandhian Solutions") From my inchoate scribbled notes: 2. Power of the media over our thinking and behavior (encourages violence, pornography, etc.). 3. Development of prejudices (learned from society and media; xenophobia leads to war and the loss of humanity). 4. Nature of our education (there has been a shift from the humanistic development of body, mind & soul to a technological approach by technocrats with little knowledge of humanity ("Frankenstein technologies"). We need more non-violence programs in primary school-level curricula. More non-violence programs for children. Yes! This is our ticket to ride! "Promoting mutual respect and understanding." The children will be exposed to other languages and cultures (preventing xenophobia) and will see that there is more that unites us than divides us. Children are like sponges at this age, empty little vases/beakers/teapots/whatever that get filled up with whatever we put in them. This is good stuff! But both sides now: there is bad stuff, too. I'm thinking of photographs I have seen of little children in the Middle East in military-madness garb carrying GUNS, with fathers beaming proudly behind them. Children as young as two years old. Ugh. (NPIMH: Teach your children well, Their father's hell did slowly go by, And feed them on your dreams The one they picked, the one you'll know by.) But alas: I'm trying to think of 4-7 year olds I know and I'm coming up pretty blank. How does it feel to know you really have no one aged 4-7, only a river of changing faces, looking for an ocean. How old are Marlin and Daisy? (I wish I had Joni's phone number. There are so many times I want to call her for conversation and comfort and consultation!) Oh boy, now I've got a strong longing that I want to settle down and raise another child up with somebody. Hmmm....who else? I feel like that Romper Room lady peering through her magic glass to see the children out there. Okay, now I see: my little neighbor boy Seth. Nah. He is 8. Too old. I don't have grandchildren yet. My great nephew is only 8 months old. Hey, I know! Work friends! Let's see. Our Classics professor has a little Peter (get your minds out of the gutter, you guys). He's in Kindergarten. And Miguel has 7 year-old twins Clara and Alexis.....oh yeah! Our brand new Spanish prof has a darling little Shirley Temple named....YES!.....Amelia! Oh, merde. False alarm. She is only 2 and a half. Oh yeah -- and you know there may be more. One of our German profs has 6 year-old Malcom. And another Spanish prof has 6 year-old Flavio. Okay, I'm off to the races here. On your mark red ribbon runners.... Seriously though, thank you again Barbara. This is a great thing and I will spread the word. And you got my painted ponies going up and down this morning. My kids grew up watching Sesame Street. We can't return, we can only look, behind from where we came, and now I am returning to myself sprinkling Cheerios on their little play tables and singing Sesame Street with them again. Peace, Patti P. NPIMH: Sunny Day Sweepin' the clouds away On my way to where the air is sweet Can you tell me how to get, How to get to Sesame Street Come and play Everything's A-OK Friendly neighbors there That's where we meet Can you tell me how to get How to get to Sesame Street It's a magic carpet ride Every door will open wide To Happy people like you-- Happy people like What a beautiful Sunny Day Sweepin' the clouds away On my way to where the air is sweet Can you tell me how to get, How to get to Sesame street... How to get to Sesame Street How to get to... (segueing into) All the good things you are And so I ask you please Can I help you find the peace and the star Oh, my friend What time is this To trade the handshake for the fist ****** Hello to under-7 children around the world, from Polkadot-shoes in New York City!!!! I have something new for you to try! Sesame Workshop, not-for-profit producer of Sesame Street, is celebrating the launch of one of its latest initiatives, Panwapa. It is for 4 to 7 year-olds, an online destination that is designed to inspire and empower children to become responsible global citizens, by promoting mutual respect and understanding. There is no "writing" (therefore safe) but pre-programmed messages translated into 6 languages so kids can make friends around the world. First step is to 'create' a Panwapa child, where children can express what they look like, what country they come from, and what are their favorite things. It is similar to a 'Facebook' for children, but with absolute anonymity and danger-free. A learning and sharing creative environment. There are 4500 kids from around the world who have registered since yesterday in this totally secure online environment. The website: www.panwapa.com ( http://www.panwapa.com/ ) - check it out and share it with all your little friends. There is no fee, no commercialization, nothing but delight and activity for your child. Your friend Barbara from : Barbara L.Stewart, MLS Library - Sesame Workshop 1 Lincoln Plaza, 4th fl, NYC, NY 10023 USA tel: 212-875-6393 fax: 212-875-7309 barbara.stewart@sesameworkshop.org "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about the things that matter." - ML King _________________________________________________________________ Help yourself to FREE treats served up daily at the Messenger Cafi. Stop by today. http://www.cafemessenger.com/info/info_sweetstuff2.html?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_OctWLtagline ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 13 Oct 2007 19:52:17 +0200 From: "Marion Leffler" Subject: SV: SV: dog eat dog You're so right, Catherine! I will remember that. Marion - -----Ursprungligt meddelande----- Fren: Catherine McKay [mailto:anima_rising@yahoo.ca] Skickat: den 13 oktober 2007 01:47 Till: Marion Leffler; 'Jerry Notaro'; 'rian afriadi'; 'Joni List' Dmne: Re: SV: dog eat dog - --- Marion Leffler wrote: > Thank you, Jerry, from another non-native English > speaker! I've been > wondering the same as Rian but were afraid to > ask:-)Your explanations are > crystal clear. Thanks again. > Marion > Don't ever be afraid to ask. Someone always knows the answer. Whether it's what kind of headphones to buy, or the meaning of a word or expression. I didn't know about the origin of the word "cynic" until Bene explained. It's so cool that there is always at least ONE person who has the answer. (Go ask the dancer.) Catherine - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- - --- Ask a question on any topic and get answers from real people. Go to Yahoo! Answers and share what you know at http://ca.answers.yahoo.com ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 13 Oct 2007 14:32:53 EDT From: Bobsart48@aol.com Subject: Re: Shine et al Kakki wrote, in part: "I am finally a two handed typist and wanted to thank those who sent notes about my accident. I am finally emerging from it all - with a new character nose ;-) a new elbow and finally back on martinis ;-).... It is funny but I agree with all the critiques on Shine whether sharp, negative or overwhelmingly positive. The bottom line for me is that, while there is lots of room for criticism, I am very struck by the "bones" of her music on this one. Regardless of the lyrics or synth sounds, to me there are some real wow moments there as far as the music. ............As for Starbucks watch, I am sorry to report that two in downtown L.A. and one on the westside still have NOTHING displayed and no album in the rack. I haven't been up to challenging those outlets but as I regain strength I may say a few words to them!" I've been away from the list for a while, so I had not heard about you accident, Kakki. As a big admirer of your posts - and the spirit of them - over the years, I wish you a speedy recovery. That means I haven't read any reviews on the list here (and only one or two from the media on JMDL.com) either. However, I did pick up my copy of Shine at the Starbucks in my office building (they didn't have it the first day, but they did have it the second day, and I understand from my colleagues who frequent that site - it's not my cup of coffee - that they have been playing Joni's stuff there quite a bit lately). I have been listening to Shine exclusively on my car ride for the past 2-1/2 weeks (you can call me Sicko). Still, I consider it premature to attempt a full blown review - this is Joni Mitchell we are talking about, and I've learned my lessons over the years - that it takes time (for me, sometimes decades) to absorb and appreciate her work. Still, I have a few first impressions/observations: 1. Musically, it's fun to listen to. I love the space in the sound. Simple (by her standards), but not really. 2. Joni did a nice job of balancing the songs, in terms of their order. 3. I love the non-political Hana and Night of the Iguana - I'm grinning from ear to ear every time I hear them. 4. Obviously, the lyrics present a primarily 'socio-political' theme. As usual, Joni strives to keep the message universal, rather than personal, in terms of her critical commentary on the world. That's good for the art. 5. The lyrics fall short IMO of the technical excellence that has marked so much of her earlier work, but I strongly believe that was deliberate on her part. I suspect she really feels passionately about these topics, and chose to keep the style straightforward to avoid any possibility that her feelings would not come through (or would be diluted by too much intellect). 6. In terms of content, my initial sense was that Joni was feeling despondent and I wanted to give her a hug (I always want to give her a hug, and a ...... but, never mind). However, there has always an undercurrent of redemption and optimism in Joni's work, and I feel that it Shines through - in a powerful way -even in this work. Especially good are her prayers for having the genius to save this place. My wife thinks I'm a pessimist (I think she's an optimist), but I do believe that we do have that genius and will save this place. We've got the fight, and we've got the insight. "if" is a hopeful word, really. Perhaps Joni was closing with her version of "Hope", the way she closed "Wild Things" with "Love". 7. I do think that Joni is pretty hard on the rest of the world - often in the past, she has been harder on herself than on others, but not so much lately (and certainly not on this record). Still, I suspect Hollywood will like this record. I will venture (a long shot ?) that it will get a lot of consideration when the Grammy awards come out, despite her anti-industry rantings. Bobsart ps - now that I've gotten my little post out, time to catch up on my digests :-) ************************************** See what's new at http://www.aol.com ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 13 Oct 2007 11:39:16 -0700 From: "Kate Bennett" Subject: NJC Crosby & Nash concert review for those interested.... Thanks for the concert review Monica & I'm thrilled to hear it was magical. They still have their angelic voices don't they? I agree with you about Graham- of all the people I've met in casual situations who are well known in the entertainment industry, Graham stands head & shoulders above most of the rest as such a kind & considerate gentleman. (Michael McDonald also). The loyalty & friendship Nash provided to Crosby during his darkest hours is legendary. And of course, so is his love affair with Joni. Years ago, at a local fundraiser, a bunch of high caliber musicians performed at a dance concert- mostly fun cover tunes. Crosby & Nash did a killer set of Everly Brother tunes. ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 13 Oct 2007 14:48:52 EDT From: Bobsart48@aol.com Subject: Re: Shine - "gone !" Bob Muller replied earlier: " Me too, Mack - and it's beacuse of the "...gone!" she sings *after* she sings that line. With a single word (and the manner in which she sings it) she elevates the thought to a darker and more permanent level. While I am dazzled by Joni's metaphors, sometimes it is even more powerful to use the direct text as she does in most of the new songs. " Spot on, Bob (and a good example of a point I tried to make in my earlier post). Bobsart PS - the songbirds are not all gone. The world still has Joni Mitchell ! ************************************** See what's new at http://www.aol.com ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 13 Oct 2007 11:59:27 -0700 From: "Kate Bennett" Subject: NJC--but personally important Sending prayers & healing thoughts to you, your dad, & your friends & family ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 13 Oct 2007 12:20:15 -0700 From: "Kate Bennett" Subject: sjc, Across the Universe -- Julie Taymor on Charlie Rose Thanks for this link patti, I agree, Charlie Rose would be the perfect show for joni-- letterman/leno give 1 minute if that to musicians for talking- CR bugs me sometimes (he talks too much to prove how much he knows IMO) but it is truly an in depth show & if anyone could pick interesting questions, it would be him Patti> I really like Charlie Rose's show. JMDL rumor has it that Joni is going to be on it. Of all the talk shows, I think this is the best one for her. I just don't see her with Letterman or Leno. She's got too much class for jokesters, imo. Can't you just picture her impossibly gentle hands, gesticulating with her cigarette, white smoke billowing and wafting up against that stark black background, and TALKING? (Charlie Rose let Sean Penn smoke when he was on.)< ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 13 Oct 2007 15:27:23 EDT From: Bobsart48@aol.com Subject: Re: One Week Last Summer One other comment - this song has a "Canon in D" - like feel to it to me. I could hear them playing it during the Masters next year .....:-) Bobsart PS - when you have the record on circular repeat, this piece is the perfect follow up to If. It allows for a lovely circularity in that respect. ************************************** See what's new at http://www.aol.com ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 13 Oct 2007 21:56:24 +0200 From: Moni Kellermann Subject: Re: audio file converters NJC Wie Catherine McKay so vortrefflich formulierte: > I like Easy CD-DA extractor. A freeware alternative is here: http://www.bonkenc.org/ To unprotect the iTunes files first, you can use QTFairUse from http://www.hymn-project.org/download.php but you need iTunes installed on your system. It will let you convert the m4p (protected) to m4a (unprotected). If you use these 2 programs, there is no need to record the songs through your soundcard. Simply run the files through QTFairUse first and then convert with Bonkenc if you need mp3. If you just want to play back the m4a, you can use the great http://www.kmplayer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4094 KMPlayer which I have mentioned before. I use it for all audio and video files. moni ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 13 Oct 2007 15:57:00 EDT From: Bobsart48@aol.com Subject: Re: Shine 10 days ago Dave wrote: "I really really wanted to believe in this one. So far I find little to hang my hat on. But then I'm a huge Travelogue fan, so what do I know?" For what it's worth, Dave, I too am a big Travelogue fan. So much so that, if I had one album to take to a desert island ..... it might be Travelogue. That said, unlike you, I have been enjoying Shine. I thought perhaps this might have something to do with my age, with the tempo of my being resonating with Joni's because of the relative closeness of our age, and Joni's long standing policy of writing in her own blood from where she stands today. Your reaction puts the lie to that, I guess. Time to rethink the rationale. Bobsart PS - One some my several dozen listenings to date, I have found myself irritated with Shine. That fine line between the banal and profound is always problematic, and I fear that Joni crossed it in the wrong direction in several places on this record (perhaps I a being overly forgiving). How often the line is crossed (and I feel the irritation) may be a function of my own mood on the day of the listening. ************************************** See what's new at http://www.aol.com ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 13 Oct 2007 18:10:43 -0600 From: est86mlm@ameritech.net Subject: Costco and SHINE FYI: Found Joni Mitchell's Shine at Costco for a very reasonably priced $11.49 Laura FREEBIE: Costco members can get a free TIDE sample here http://www.costco.com/Home.aspx ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 13 Oct 2007 17:30:59 -0700 (PDT) From: Em Subject: another stereo question NJC hi, was wondering if someone could explain (briefly) the difference between the "loudness" knob and the regular volume knob? I'm using about a 10 year old Yamaha receiver that I "inherited". The "loudness" knob goes from "flat" (0) and turns counter clockwise to "-10" which also says in little letters "-30 decibels". The it has a big knob which is the regular "volume" knob. So where should I leave that loudness knob for cleanest sound out? to be honest, I mostly use it with my new headphones. So far I can't really tell too much diff. like if I turn that loudness knob way down, and then make up for it with the volume knob. I don't get it. Can anyone explain why that loudness knob is even there, on a piece of home audio equipment? thanks! Em < Subject: James Taylor reads batting order! (njc) I was watching the second Red Sox/Indians game on Fox when to my surprise, James Taylor read off the lineup of the Red Sox tonight, with great style I might add. Twas a nice surprise to see him. I enjoyed his rendition of The Star Spangled Banner a few years ago. But even when he speaks his voice has such a nice tone. Victor ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 14 Oct 2007 00:57:00 -0400 From: "Eric Taylor" Subject: oh my Helloha all ye Joni fans/friends~ Sorry I haven't been in touch for the past five eventful years. All I can say is that I've been listening to Travelogue almost every day since then and concluded long ago that this would be the one thing I would want to have if I were stranded on a desert island. I totally understood why Joni would want to quit the pornographic pop music industry and was thoroughly satisfied with her supposed swan song. But nothing could prepare me for the masterpiece that is Shine. As I've done ever since Wild Things, I purchased Shine the day it was released. I began sobbing 10 seconds into the first track because I adore her piano playing and have longed to hear more since she stopped playing the piano too many years ago. (Some of you might remember that I am a huge Paprika Plains fan.) It took 10 listens of Shine for me to conclude that this is my favorite Joni Mitchell album EVER. Night Of The Iguana is especially amazing and Larry Klein sends it into the stratosphere with his awesome base line. This song is the archetypal story of my life. When I was 19 I fell in love with a widow twice my age, partly because she looks and acts so much like Joni. I was a student of ballet and a newly born again Christian who was asked every day for years: "Did anyone ever tell you that you look like David Cassidy?" Hence the bus..... June and I are still together 30 years later and we particularly enjoy the line "With no help from God at all." And Hana! Oh my, she is even more precious than Amelia! Every song on Shine shines brilliantly. I relish every note and word the more I listen. I'm working on a review but that could take a very long time. Meanwhile I just need to say that you have saved my life yet again Joni. All of this increasingly horrible ugliness just makes me want to die but you have taken this bullshit by the horns and yet again turned it into something incredibly beautiful. Joni Mitchell, I can't begin to express how much your artistry has impacted my life and influenced my outlook, more than Jesus or the Beetles or all of the Beethovens and Van Gogh's combined. Thank you profoundly for being the soundtrack of my little life! Lighting the lamp, ET "Men love war / that's what history is for / a mass murder mystery / history / his story." ~Joni Mitchell, Strong And Wrong 2007 ------------------------------ End of JMDL Digest V2007 #413 ***************************** ------- Post messages to the list by clicking here: mailto:joni@smoe.org Unsubscribe by clicking here: mailto:joni-digest-request@smoe.org?body=unsubscribe -------