A couple of bits of American culture

I amuse myself by reading quite a few special interest email groups. It's a handy way to find out different perspectives on whatever interest you choose to give your attention to. It's also interesting to see how virtual groups are just as prone to dissention and acrimony as real life organisations. The knitted dishcloth controversy on the Knitlist was particularly noteworthy. I saved copies of the emails. Never before or since have I seen such emotion engaged by so little substance.

The dispute that broke out on the Creative Machine Group was not as bitter as the great knitted dishcloth showdown of 2004 on the Knitlist. It was about Gees Bend quilts. Why are the Gees Bend quilts in museums and art galleries when they are so inferior in both fabric and construction compared with the meticulously crafted examples in any State Fair? Maybe these designs from a tradition of poverty and isolation have something you can't buy in a quilt shop. Here are some older pictures from the community.

There is another strand of American culture that was totally unknown to me until my friend told me about an outpost in Sydney Rd. The Melbourne Sacred Harp Singers have brought a style of folk music to my doorstep. Somebody seems to have made a film and the YouTube sampler is worth a listen. Sacred Harp trailer And just to show that it is not an exclusively white art form, here is an example of African American style Sacred Harp Most of the tunes in the hymnal are know by place names. This is New Britain (Amazing Grace) This is a nice singing of one verse of Africa Sacred Harp is not a performance art. Any spectators sit with the singers and join in if they wish. Sometimes songs will be used by performers though. This Bluegrass performance is an example.

As you can gather, I had a good time scouring You Tube for Sacred Harp examples you might like. This is a rather odd little example. The beginning doesn't really go with the end, and I'm not sure the music has anything to do with the images, but I particularly like the images and you might too Native American tribute
This Smithsonian lesson plan gives an excellent explanation of the genre if you are not sick of it yet.

If you live by Sydney Rd Brunswick, or even if you are just passing, come and join in if you are interested. There is no charge, no commitment required, just lots of singing and a cup of tea and maybe something to eat if someone brought something along.

Lap dog Tyko

Tyko enjoyed sitting on Jacinta's lap. He also enjoyed getting a post card from Evie. He didn't read the writing himself, but he did enjoy looking at the picture of Venice and having the writing read to him. As you can see he was taking part in a round table (rectangle table if you like) conversation including Bill. We had better make sure Bill's dog Bluey doesn't see these pictures, or he will want to be a lap dog too.

Tyko's new hair cut

This is Tyko with his new hairstyle. They were a bit anxious at the hairdressers. "How long will they be away? He's never had poodle feet before."
I hope you are not too shocked. It shouldn't take that long to grow back.