Aikido Recap

All attacks were Ushiro Tekubi dori (Two wrists grasp from behind). Techniques applied were Shihonage (Four comer throw), Kotegaeshi (Throwing by turning out uke's wrist), and Iriminage (Entering throw). After working through these techniques, we had to apply them in a 3-man randori. Shortly after Randori, we had to apply 2 types of Kokyunage (Breathe throw), JiJunage (Arm entering throw), and Koshinage (Hip throw). Overall, randori practice is a great workout (as either nage or uke) and can easily display one's level of Aikido.

Lesson learned: Never stand still in Randori. Keep in mind where you are going next and keep in mind your center.

5ths Tuning

Here's a bit of insight on tuning the Double Bass to 5ths courtesy of Wikipedia.

Fifths tuning is a non-standard tuning for the double bass, used primarily in classical and jazz music. In this tuning, the double bass is tuned like a cello but an octave lower (C-G-D-A low to high).

Although once the most common double bass tuning in France in the 19th century, standard fourths tuning (E-A-D-G) has since become the most used tuning for the instrument. Fifths has recently been repopularised by a handful of bassists, most notably American Red Mitchell and Canadian Joel Quarrington. Other players who use the tuning include Dennis Masuzzo, Silvio Dalla Torre, and Larry Holloway. Although still relatively uncommon (most fifths players are in Canada), its popularity is ever increasing.

Its advocates say the advantages of fifths tuning are:

* Increased resonance, volume and quality of sound (the strings have more common overtones, causing the strings to vibrate sympathetically).
* Superior intonation with the rest of the string section due to the uniform tuning (for classical players).
* Best method of obtaining a low C, without an extension or a fifth string.
* Mostly used by jazz players for the major tenth which can be played easily without a position shift.

visit: en.wikipedia.org

Quote of the Day

"Washington is the only place where sound travels faster than light."
- CVR Thompson

"Washington... yummy Washington."
- BassBassDude

The Change to 5ths

I've decided to make the switch. By the end of September, I will be changing my bass to be tuned in 5ths as opposed to the traditional tuning in 4ths. I've had many conversations with a bass player about this and he feels that this will be a good change for me. Although I am a little concerned about where this will lead with my playing or whether I can wrap my head around re-learning the bass, I am certain that this will be a venture that will be beneficial for myself as a bass player. Essentially, it's just another way of having a deeper understanding of my instrument.

Quote of the Day

"This is the sixth book I've written, which isn't bad for a guy who's only read two."
- George Burns

"The sixth book I've written is still in the works, along with its five predecessors."
- BassBassDude

Quote of the Day

"An executive is a person who always decides; sometimes he decides correctly, but he always decides."
- John H. Patterson

"A procrastinator never gets anything accomplished. I'll tell you more about it later."
- BassBassDude

Sittin' in the sun

Sittin' in the sun
Originally uploaded by BassBassDude.

I have a firm belief that nothing beats sunlight when it comes to photography. On top of that, nothing beats using sunlight at either sunrise or sunset. It is at these two times where it seems like you get the most colour and vibrance out of your photography. Anyway, I took this shot on a gorgeous day just before sunset. I would have liked to see how the photo would have come out had it been a few hours later. Unfortunately, my subject was not very cooperative with this idea. Kids these days...

Not quite a starry night with these fireworks

Not quite a starry night with these fireworks
Originally uploaded by BassBassDude.

Fireworks.

It's funny how much money you would spend for a few seconds of flashy fun. Either way, this shot was on a 30sec shutter speed. I guess that's why the shot seems to be taken in the middle of the day. Ah, the fun things you can do with the Rebel XT.

Quote of the Day

"Isn't it interesting that the same people who laugh at science fiction listen to weather forecasts and economists?" - Kelvin Throop III

"Isn't it interesting that the same people who laugh at Chuck Norris are usually not around to see their next birthday. Nobody laughs at Chuck Norris and lives to talk about it." - BassBassDude