Of Zippers and Bagpipes...

So... I realized something I already knew.

Ever had one of those moments? You know, where you know something but are in a constant state of denile about it?

Yeah, that was me today.

My favorite pair of shorts has recently suffered some trauma in the crotch regin (NOT WHAT YOU THINK! {sorry to any kids that may read this}) ... for some reason, my zipper has decided that I has become afraid of heights, or perhaps has been practicing the swan dive while I wasn't looking.... er... not that I stare at my zipper a lot... 'cause that would be creepy........

Anyway... it got me thinking about different ways that you could mention that someones (or your own!) fly is down:

• You've got Windows on your laptop.
• You need to bring your tray table to the upright and locked position.
• Your pod bay door is open, Hal.
• Ensign Hanes is reporting a hull breach on the lower deck, Sir!
• The Buick is not all the way in the garage.
• Our next guest is someone who needs no introduction...
• What!? You can't afford air conditioning!?!
• I always knew you were crazy, but now I can see ya nuts.
• There's a gap in your defensive perimeter.

Yeah... sorry... when boredom grips me... it grips me good!

ON A SIDE NOTE:


I started bagpipe lessons today. Yay! My goal, of course, is to carry the celtic family heritage and perhaps having something rather unique hobby to pass along to my kids. BUT ultimately, it's to work my way up to this guy.... 'cause he's cool.

A brief look at the pipes recent history:
During the expansion of the British Empire, spearheaded by British military forces which included Highland regiments, the Great Highland Bagpipe was diffused and has become well-known world-wide. This surge in popularity was boosted by large numbers of pipers trained for military service in the two World Wars. The surge coincided with a decline in the popularity of many traditional forms of bagpipe throughout Europe, which began to be displaced by instruments from the classical tradition and later by gramophone and radio. Police forces in Scotland, Canada, Australia and the USA (although not as commonly widespread) have also formed pipe bands. The Tayside Police Pipe band, still in existence, was founded in 1905. In the United Kingdom and Commonwealth Nations such as Canada and New Zealand, the bagpipe is commonly used in the military and is often played in formal ceremonies. Foreign militaries patterned after the British Army have also taken the Highland bagpipe into use, including but not restricted to Uganda, Pakistan, and Oman, effectively spreading official military use to Africa, Asia and the Middle East, respectively.

In the modern era the use of bagpipes has become a common tradition for military and police funerals and memorials in the anglophone world, and they are often used at the funerals of high-ranking civilian public officials as well. Weddings, dances and parties are also venues for piping.

In more recent years, often driven by revivals of native folk music and dance, many types of bagpipes have resurged in popularity, and in many cases instruments that were on the brink of extinction have become extremely popular. In Brittany, the concept of the pipe band was adopted, the Great Highland Bagpipe was brought in and the bagad was created, a showcase ensemble for Breton folk music. The pipe band idiom has also been adopted in Spain where various types of band are popular.

Who knew, huh?

Anyway... wish me luck as I venture into the HARDEST instrument I've ever been around!

Amani,
SLIM