'GET A LIFE'

Subject: 'GET A LIFE'
From: GUEST
Date: 13 Apr 01 - 09:31 PM

Once went to a Folk Club that was overrun with 'teachers'. They corrected a song I sang because one line said something like "Fishing for the Whale." You can't fish for a Whale, I was told, 'cos its not a fish. It was, I discovered, how they were all the time. I gave up on them in the end. Similarly. I can take Mudcat in small doses, but I usually end up 'forgetting it' for six months because of the number of participants that are politically correct or that 'get onto a thread' merely to correct English or spelling.

Quite enjoying Mudcat at the moment though. Particularly Clinton Hammond.

"Ya wouldn't call him boring.'

BS

Subject: RE: 'GET A LIFE'
From: Geoff the Duck
Date: 13 Apr 01 - 09:37 PM

I would!

Subject: RE: 'GET A LIFE'
From: GUEST,boring
Date: 13 Apr 01 - 09:43 PM

"but I usually end up 'forgetting it for six months"

Uhhh, any chance that six months is about to start now "B"?

Subject: RE: 'GET A LIFE'
From: Matt_R
Date: 13 Apr 01 - 09:47 PM

Never trust anyone named Bull Shit.

Subject: RE: 'GET A LIFE'
From: Geoff the Duck
Date: 13 Apr 01 - 09:47 PM

If you are in Britain call at the Yorkshire Mudcat gathering - otherwise sweet dreams!;-) ???

Subject: RE: 'GET A LIFE'
From: Sorcha
Date: 13 Apr 01 - 10:09 PM

OH! Thank you so very much for your permission!! (I thought I already had one......)It's such a relief to know that I was mistaken!!

You can come get my life if you want....endless rounds of food, dirty dishes, laundry, vacuming, errands, yard work etc. interspersed with not enough gigging......There probably are a few people out there desperate enough to trade lives with me, but I haven't met one yet. I am so glad you are willing.

What did you say your name was????

Subject: RE: 'GET A LIFE'
From: Melani
Date: 13 Apr 01 - 10:41 PM

I have a life. This is part of it.

Subject: RE: 'GET A LIFE'
From: Mountain Dog
Date: 13 Apr 01 - 11:54 PM

Like many other facets of life, this one is optional. And, as in much of life, you tend to receive in kind what you give.

Be well, whether you're on sabbatical or spending time here.

Subject: RE: 'GET A LIFE'
From: CarolC
Date: 14 Apr 01 - 12:09 AM

You mean like this guy did?

Don't get a life, get a McGill!

Subject: RE: 'GET A LIFE'
From: flattop
Date: 14 Apr 01 - 12:16 AM

Hey, Dave McGill's making coffee.

And that art & fart model at the Sir Sam Steele Art Gallery. Real class!

Subject: RE: 'GET A LIFE'
From: JedMarum
Date: 14 Apr 01 - 01:27 AM

LOL, Melani! Best retort I've seen on MC!

Subject: RE: 'GET A LIFE'
From: John Routledge
Date: 14 Apr 01 - 06:29 AM

I am happy to reveal that Mudcat is a part of my life.GB

Subject: RE: 'GET A LIFE'
From: kendall
Date: 14 Apr 01 - 06:35 AM

I rather enjoy hanging out with people who know more than I. Thats how I learn.

Subject: RE: 'GET A LIFE'
From: nutty
Date: 14 Apr 01 - 07:22 AM

It's all part of life's rich pattern - we are (thankfully) all different

In this part of the world we say "one man's meat is another man's poison" so if you find this is boring - go get another life elsewhere

PS.I'm a retired teacher

Subject: RE: 'GET A LIFE'
From: Willie-O
Date: 14 Apr 01 - 07:40 AM

I gave my mom a copy of my CD...she likes it but first thing she had to tell me was "there's one grammatical error".

Needless to say she's a retired ex-teacher...

willie-O

Subject: RE: 'GET A LIFE'
From: JeZeBeL
Date: 14 Apr 01 - 07:50 AM

I really don't have a problem with people correctin stuff I write, cos most of the time it's just a XXXX tek cos I write how I speak. I'm from Yorkshire and don't care if me grammar aint perfect. I don't care if people feel they wanna correct it, because the simple fact of life is that everyone is different, everyone speaks different, nearly evri1 looks different. And I also ENJOY cummin on ere nearli evri day to speak to all the good people who'r on this great site, and I say that you really should get out more n meet more people then, and GET A NEW LIFE!!!! This is part of my great life n I love it cos I can now go to a sesh n meet sum of the wonderful peeps that I talk to on ere.

Emma Kitchen (Goin 2 b a teacher when finished degree no matter what her gramma's like!!)

Subject: RE: 'GET A LIFE'
From: clansfolk
Date: 14 Apr 01 - 08:25 AM

What's wrong with "Fishing for a whale"????

I often go down to the pier and spend a day catching fish which I take home to feed my pet whale on - my Gandma never corrected me.....

MY wife's a teacher - If I get it wrong the first time.......etc.

Lancaster Festival was good! (it's still on - is good)

Pete

Subject: RE: 'GET A LIFE'
From: Cobble
Date: 14 Apr 01 - 08:51 AM

Fishing for the Whale is correct, Islander's in the Pacific fish with spears so what's the difference. But does it matter, the best thing is, we all love MUDCAT if you dont why are you here.

Cobble.

Subject: RE: 'GET A LIFE'
From: Frug
Date: 14 Apr 01 - 09:51 AM

So these people are still about in the folk clubs!

I remember 30 years ago when as a very young aspiring performer, I went to a small club with my band, did a floor spot and performed a trad. song a ragtime number and finished with spoof rock 'n' roll song. At the end of the set when we enquired about a possible gig (we had gone down rather well) the organiser said we weren't folksy enough and maybe if we learnt some more trad. songs we might have a chance.........never bothered. But I was amazed at the arrogant attitude.

Subject: RE: 'GET A LIFE'
From: Mr Red
Date: 14 Apr 01 - 10:03 AM

clansfolk
you took the puns right out of my keyboard
as GBS said (oh OK George Bernard Shaw) "Those that can, do. Those that cannot, teach"
to which some add "those that cannot teach, teach teachers."
and the really smart arses add "we elect the rest". on June the 7th is it?

Subject: RE: 'GET A LIFE'
From: Amos
Date: 14 Apr 01 - 11:25 AM

Oh, and by the way, Mister BS, your first sentence is lacking an explicit subject, and the contraction " 'cos" is vulgar useage and should generally be spelled out in full.

A

Subject: RE: 'GET A LIFE'
From: mousethief
Date: 14 Apr 01 - 11:31 AM

Can I be the only one to have noticed that "get a life" is usually used by people who are not thinking, but reacting viscerally, to someone? I most often see it when someone is losing an argument. All of a sudden his opponent needs to "get a life."

Just an observation.

Alex

Subject: RE: 'GET A LIFE'
From: Little Hawk
Date: 14 Apr 01 - 11:47 AM

BS - Yup, folk arrogance is a pretty annoying character trait that one runs into here and there...I can recall a few occasions.

As for the phrase "Get a life!" I suggest you buy yourself a parrot and teach it this phrase until the bird's got it right down. I guarantee that this will soon make you fully aware of just what a truly nasty phrase it is, and then you will probably stop inflicting it upon others.

It's a rather recent phrase by the way. As I recall, it emerged in the 80's sometime. Pity about that...

- LH

Subject: RE: 'GET A LIFE'
From: Amos
Date: 14 Apr 01 - 11:51 AM

Right, Little Hawk -- just about the same times as junk bonds and 17% prime.

A

Subject: RE: 'GET A LIFE'
From: chip a
Date: 14 Apr 01 - 12:31 PM

I'm pretty new to mudcat. The first thing I noticed was how helpful everyone here is. I asked a couple of questions and the response was great. The second thing I noticed was a little of what guest is fussing about. I guess my understanding of life is a little to the right of most mudcatters. To me, the p.c. thing gets a little far fetched on here sometimes. And sometimes I feel that those 'catters who pride themselves in being the most p.c. have their own groups of inferior beings to look down on. Maybe. Just a thought. But I'm not ready to hide for six months! I kinda like it here. So, thanks for having me and be gentle if I miss spell a wurd or too.

Peace,

Chip

Subject: RE: 'GET A LIFE'
From: mousethief
Date: 14 Apr 01 - 12:32 PM

Can I blame it on Reagan then? (evil grin)

Alex

Subject: RE: 'GET A LIFE'
From: Matt_R
Date: 14 Apr 01 - 12:47 PM

The term "'cos" is almost exclusively UK usage, so I suppose our Mysterious friend (?) is named Bullock Shite.

Subject: RE: 'GET A LIFE'
From: mousethief
Date: 14 Apr 01 - 12:53 PM

I use "cos" because I like it and it's easier to type than cause. I learned it from Supertramp lyrics. (on topic!)

Alex

Subject: RE: 'GET A LIFE'
From: Seamus Kennedy
Date: 14 Apr 01 - 03:40 PM

Some clown trolls, and lotsa people bite. (inluding I)

Seamus

Subject: RE: 'GET A LIFE'
From: Little Hawk
Date: 14 Apr 01 - 07:46 PM

I use "cos" too. I think it should be granted official word status posthaste.

- LH

*AWK!!! GET A LIFE!!! GET A LIFE!!! AWRKKK!!! GET A_(Bang!)___AWWWR-R-R-R-K-K-K-!.....(Thud!)_____.

There. One less parrot to listen to. Ah, the beautiful silence...

Subject: RE: 'GET A LIFE'
From: Peg
Date: 14 Apr 01 - 08:19 PM

Don't people this side the pond tend to use "cuz" instead of "cos"???

Just wondering.

BTW the concept of having a life seems to mean having a "social life" with real flesh and blood humans...

As opposed to only socializing online...

Subject: RE: 'GET A LIFE'
From: John Routledge
Date: 14 Apr 01 - 08:25 PM

Peg - In the UK I understand "Get a life" to mean "Don't become a boring old fart before your time".

Subject: RE: 'GET A LIFE'
From: death by whisky
Date: 14 Apr 01 - 08:29 PM

BOLLOCKS

Subject: RE: 'GET A LIFE'
From: death by whisky
Date: 14 Apr 01 - 08:34 PM

A Whale is not a fish

Subject: RE: 'GET A LIFE'
From: Peg
Date: 14 Apr 01 - 08:50 PM

Interesting, Geordie...

Here it seems people mean, when they say you have no life, that you are single and don't date much (if at all) and don't go out or to parties, etc. and spend too much time on the computer, etc.

Subject: RE: 'GET A LIFE'
From: Matt_R
Date: 14 Apr 01 - 08:57 PM

Sounds like Peg is describing me in particular.

Subject: RE: 'GET A LIFE'
From: Peg
Date: 14 Apr 01 - 09:18 PM

Aw, Matt, students are a special case...especially these days (no one had computers when I was in college; now they are a sort of requirement).

Having a social life need not be an organized matter; one can simply try to get out into the world and amongst humans...that seems pretty social to me...

Besides my description could also apply to ME...and to any number of Mudcatters...

Subject: RE: 'GET A LIFE'
From: Matt_R
Date: 14 Apr 01 - 09:21 PM

Thanks! Phew...thought I was beyond all hope!

Subject: RE: 'GET A LIFE'
From: Ma Fazoo
Date: 14 Apr 01 - 09:36 PM

Cranky Yankee and I have run into more than one "folk music Fascist" in our long , long gig. Sure, some folks just can't relax and enjoy life. I just met the Mudcat folks a few weeks ago and can't imagine where you get the impression that they would deliberately discourage another musician in any way. Some of us, including Jody and me, have warped senses of humor, but at least we HAVE senses of humor. Do not tell me to get a life. We were all given one when we were born and with it the ability to make of it what we will. I do wish you the best, no more thankless gigs, or boring people trying to teach you something. Just all the way you want things.

Subject: RE: 'GET A LIFE'
From: Sourdough
Date: 14 Apr 01 - 09:55 PM

Reading the first post made me smile. Isn't it nice that Guest appreciates Clinton Hammond so much. I mean that Guest was able to notice that among all the discussions currently on Mudcat, the hundred of threads, the thousands of postings, Clinton Hammond's shine out so brightly from the rest, enough to pick them out especially.

Sourdough

Subject: RE: 'GET A LIFE'
From: Peg
Date: 14 Apr 01 - 10:01 PM

Sourdough--LOL!!!!!!! Quite right.

I bought a loaf of bread in your honor today...I knew there was a reason for that.

Peg

Subject: RE: 'GET A LIFE'
From: catspaw49
Date: 14 Apr 01 - 10:04 PM

Gee 'Dough..........I'd make some smartass comment here, but I'm laughing too hard.................

Can we vote this as the most inane thread of the week?

Spaw

Subject: RE: 'GET A LIFE'
From: Linda Mattson
Date: 14 Apr 01 - 10:06 PM

Hello, I don't understand the criticism voiced by Frug of the club manager who said the band could play again if they played/learned more folk songs. He was insulted because he thought they had gone over well. Speaking as a former booker, there is a difference between - being supportive of very young aspiring musicians and - booking bands for a club.

If you had a rock and roll club, but the band played classical music, and you knew your patrons were primarily looking for rock and roll, would you book the band again? Maybe not.

Likewise, if you had a classical concert series and a band played rock and roll, would you invite them back? Probably not. Is this a surprise?

I don't think it is arrogant to book what your audience is looking for. You wouldn't stay in business if you didn't. Stretching the genre, however, is admirable.

Linda "Thanks, I've got a life" M.

Subject: RE: 'GET A LIFE'
From: Metchosin
Date: 14 Apr 01 - 10:12 PM

Gee, we have a crab fishery on this coast, never thought of going crusting for a crab though....hmmmm....novel idea....

Subject: RE: 'GET A LIFE'
From: GUEST,ceiliwidow
Date: 14 Apr 01 - 10:23 PM

I don't know, guys....seems to me if you can "fish for a compliment" you can "fish for a whale".

Subject: RE: 'GET A LIFE'
From: Sourdough
Date: 15 Apr 01 - 12:16 AM

Fishing for Whales: First Prize for Useless Pedantry

I knew that the word, "Whalefish" was familiar. I ran it through the Digitrad and sure enough, what I remembered was Greenland Whale Fisheries.

"There's a whale, there's a whale, there's a whalefish he cried.
And she blows on every span, brave boys"

To my surprise, there were three others "whalefishes", The Whale Catchers, Ranzo, and Blood Red Roses.

While the distinction between whale and fish is important in biology, I think th eteachers could benefit from a class in traditional music.

Sourdough

Subject: RE: 'GET A LIFE'
From: Gypsy
Date: 15 Apr 01 - 12:19 AM

following that, wouldja go sailing for a salmon? Or sucking for an abalone?

Subject: RE: 'GET A LIFE'
From: Mountain Dog
Date: 15 Apr 01 - 12:21 AM

There's a version of Lady Franklin's Lament that contains the line:

"In Baffin Bay, where the whalefishes blow..."

Subject: RE: 'GET A LIFE'
From: CarolC
Date: 15 Apr 01 - 12:27 AM

So it looks like we have 'fishing' in a literal sense, and 'fishing' in a literary sense. Both seem valid to me. I would think that a science teacher would endorse the literal use, while a teacher of English or literature would endorse the literary use.

Subject: RE: 'GET A LIFE'
From: catspaw49
Date: 15 Apr 01 - 12:32 AM

I was wondering since the state charges so much for hunting licenses, deer permits, and all.....yet a fishing license is cheap. So suppose I took my rod and I baited the hook with a big ear of corn and cast it out into a school of deer and one of them bit on and I was to reel it in and then bash it real good with my tackle box...............Well what I'm gettin' at here is, doncha' think I could get by with only a fishing license?

Spaw