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ODC2 - Our Daily Challenge - The Alphabet
The well-known, oft used, sentence all typists have to practise when they learn to type! This sentence contains all the letters of the alphabet and therefore uses the whole QWERTY keyboard!
The large letters highlight each letter from the alphabet and the small ones represent those already used.
(Can you see which one doesn't follow this rule?) hehehe.
Had to borrow it for the word ALPHABET!
It became a penance after several weeks - but never forgotten! :-)))
Thanks so much for your visit, your views and comments are always much appreciated.
In one week, I take my Life in the UK exam.
Study point: "Although the UK is a historically Christian society, everyone has the legal right to practise the religion of their choice." In the 2001 census, 2.7% of people in the UK identified themselves as Muslim.
The greatest paintings were once merely pigments on a palette.
— Henry S. Haskins
Typeface: Wood Bonnet Grotesque No4
Merchandise available: www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/144784672
The greatest paintings were once merely pigments on a palette.
— Henry S. Haskins
Typeface: Wood Bonnet Grotesque No4
Merchandise available: www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/144784453
The greatest paintings were once merely pigments on a palette.
— Henry S. Haskins
Typeface: Wood Bonnet Grotesque No4
Merchandise available: www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/144784789
The greatest paintings were once merely pigments on a palette.
— Henry S. Haskins
Typeface: Wood Bonnet Grotesque No4
Merchandise available: www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/144784789
After doing some normal webs, our little spiderfriend decided that it was time to do other things. Here is "The Dog". The little spider is very proud.
"Practise makes perfect" - "Øvelse gør mester"
For six word story.
The Didgeridoo: A Deep Dive into an Ancient Musical Tradition
Introduction
The didgeridoo is a mesmerizing and ancient musical instrument that has captivated people for centuries. Originating from the Indigenous cultures of Australia, this cylindrical wind instrument has a rich history and cultural significance. In this extensive essay, we will explore the origins, construction, playing techniques, cultural significance, and contemporary relevance of the didgeridoo.
I. Historical Origins
The didgeridoo, sometimes spelled "didjeridu" or "didge," is one of the oldest known musical instruments in the world. Its history is intertwined with the Aboriginal peoples of Australia, whose existence dates back at least 50,000 years. This instrument was born out of their deep connection to the land and spirituality. The word "didgeridoo" is believed to be derived from an Aboriginal language, possibly the Yolŋu word "yidaki," though the terminology varies among different Aboriginal groups.
The earliest evidence of the didgeridoo's existence can be found in ancient rock paintings, cave art, and oral traditions of Aboriginal communities. These sources suggest that the instrument has been played continuously for thousands of years, serving as a means of communication, storytelling, and religious expression.
II. Construction and Materials
The didgeridoo is typically crafted from the trunks or branches of eucalyptus trees. While eucalyptus is the most common wood used, other hardwoods may also be employed. The crafting process involves hollowing out the wood, both naturally and through the work of skilled artisans. The length of a didgeridoo can vary, with some reaching up to five feet or more. Longer didgeridoos tend to produce lower-pitched sounds, while shorter ones create higher-pitched tones.
The inside of the instrument is what makes it unique. The didgeridoo features a narrow bore with a flared bell shape at the end. This design produces the characteristic resonant drone sound when air is blown through it.
III. Playing Techniques
Playing the didgeridoo is a unique and intricate art. Musicians, known as "didgeridoo players" or "didge players," produce sound by vibrating their lips against the instrument's mouthpiece. Circular breathing is an essential technique in didgeridoo playing, allowing the player to maintain a continuous sound without interruption. This technique involves inhaling through the nose while simultaneously expelling air from the mouth.
Musicians can vary the pitch, tone, and rhythm by manipulating their lips, tongue, and vocal tract. Skilled players can create an astonishing range of sounds, from deep, resonant drones to complex rhythmic patterns and animal-like calls.
IV. Cultural Significance
The didgeridoo holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for Indigenous Australians. It plays a central role in their traditional ceremonies, storytelling, and connection to the Dreamtime, which is the Aboriginal understanding of the world's creation and the foundation of their spiritual beliefs.
Aboriginal communities use the didgeridoo to communicate with their ancestors, bridge the physical and spiritual worlds, and celebrate their culture. Each didgeridoo often carries a specific Dreaming story, and the instrument itself is considered sacred. Playing the didgeridoo is a privilege and responsibility, reserved for those who have been initiated into the necessary cultural knowledge and rituals.
V. Contemporary Relevance
In recent decades, the didgeridoo has gained global recognition and popularity outside of Indigenous Australian communities. It has become a symbol of Australian culture and is often incorporated into various forms of world music. Many non-Indigenous people have taken up the instrument and incorporated it into their musical repertoires.
The didgeridoo's unique sound and cultural mystique have made it a popular choice in ambient and meditation music, as well as world music fusion projects. It is also used in therapeutic settings to promote relaxation and healing.
Despite its global popularity, there is an ongoing debate about cultural appropriation, as the didgeridoo's origins are deeply rooted in Indigenous Australian culture. It is crucial for players and enthusiasts to approach the instrument with respect and understanding of its cultural significance.
Conclusion
The didgeridoo is a remarkable instrument with a history that spans tens of thousands of years. It embodies the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of Indigenous Australians and remains an integral part of their traditions. Its unique construction, playing techniques, and captivating sound have garnered global recognition and made it a valuable addition to the world of music and culture. As we continue to appreciate the didgeridoo, we must do so with the utmost respect for its origins and the Indigenous communities who have safeguarded this cultural treasure for millennia.
The Didgeridoo: An Ancient Australian Instrument of Cultural Significance
Introduction
The didgeridoo, an ancient musical instrument originating from the Indigenous peoples of Australia, is a unique and fascinating instrument with a rich cultural history. Often spelled as "digeridoo" or "didjeridu," this instrument is renowned for its distinctive sound and connection to the Aboriginal Australian cultures. This essay explores the history, construction, playing techniques, cultural significance, and contemporary relevance of the didgeridoo.
I. Historical Origins
The didgeridoo is believed to be one of the world's oldest musical instruments, with a history that spans over 40,000 years. Its roots are deeply embedded in Aboriginal Australian culture. These indigenous peoples have a spiritual connection to the land, which they express through various forms of art and music. The didgeridoo is a key element of this cultural expression. It is believed to have originated in the northern regions of Australia, with the Yolŋu people of Arnhem Land and the Walpiri people of the Western Desert being notable custodians of this instrument.
II. Construction and Materials
The construction of a didgeridoo is a testament to the resourcefulness of Indigenous Australians. Traditionally, didgeridoos are made from naturally occurring materials, particularly the hollowed-out trunks of certain trees, such as the eucalyptus or acacia. The selection of the tree is crucial, as it greatly influences the instrument's sound. The crafting process includes removing the bark, smoothing the exterior, and creating a mouthpiece by shaping and sealing the top end.
In more contemporary settings, didgeridoos are also made from materials like PVC or fiberglass. These materials offer durability and ease of transportation but lack the cultural significance associated with traditional wood.
III. Playing Techniques
Playing the didgeridoo involves a unique set of techniques. The most distinctive aspect of didgeridoo playing is the use of circular breathing, a skill that enables the player to maintain a continuous sound without pause. Circular breathing involves inhaling through the nose while simultaneously expelling air through the mouth, achieved by storing air in the cheeks or using a circular motion of the tongue to maintain airflow. The combination of this technique with vocalizations, such as vocal drones, rhythms, and animal sounds, creates the mesmerizing, hypnotic tones characteristic of the didgeridoo.
IV. Cultural Significance
The didgeridoo holds immense cultural significance for Indigenous Australian communities. It is considered a sacred instrument, often associated with spiritual rituals, storytelling, and dance. It has been a vital element in passing down oral histories and preserving cultural traditions. The didgeridoo serves as a connection between the people and their ancestors, their land, and the Dreamtime, a belief system that encompasses the creation of the world and the laws by which Indigenous Australians live.
Furthermore, the didgeridoo is closely linked to traditional Aboriginal art and symbolism. Its distinctive designs, often painted onto the instrument's exterior, convey stories, spiritual beliefs, and ancestral connections.
V. Contemporary Relevance
In recent decades, the didgeridoo has transcended its traditional cultural boundaries and found global appeal. It has become an integral part of world music, fusion genres, and even popular music. Many non-Indigenous musicians have incorporated the didgeridoo into their compositions, often blending it with other musical elements to create a unique and eclectic sound.
The instrument's popularity as a meditative and healing tool has also grown, with people around the world recognizing its therapeutic benefits. The low, resonant tones of the didgeridoo are believed to have a calming effect on the mind and body, making it a valuable component in sound therapy and relaxation practices.
In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of cultural appropriation concerns related to the didgeridoo. Indigenous communities and advocates stress the importance of respecting the instrument's cultural roots and encouraging genuine appreciation rather than appropriation.
Conclusion
The didgeridoo is a musical instrument that embodies the rich history and cultural significance of Indigenous Australian communities. It has transcended its traditional boundaries to become a global symbol of ancient wisdom, spirituality, and artistic expression. Whether played in its traditional context or embraced in contemporary music and therapeutic practices, the didgeridoo continues to captivate and inspire people worldwide, reminding us of the enduring power of cultural heritage and artistic innovation.
When you are taking pictures, Make sure you set the right White balance, so that your pictures don't come out Yellow.. =) (or shoot pictures in RAW so you can tinker more in photoshop later ;))
owow, I have so much to learn... thank goodness I have a spanking new manual to read =p hah =D the lady at the photo(camera)shop noticed that I was quite excited to get my new camera... apparently I was smiling from ear to ear =D (probably still am..)
Now I just need to learn how to control the thing =p oh, well... will be interesting times =D
The greatest paintings were once merely pigments on a palette.
— Henry S. Haskins
Typeface: Wood Bonnet Grotesque No4
Merchandise available: www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/144784672
The greatest paintings were once merely pigments on a palette.
— Henry S. Haskins
Typeface: Wood Bonnet Grotesque No4
Merchandise available: www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/144783997
The greatest paintings were once merely pigments on a palette.
— Henry S. Haskins
Typeface: Wood Bonnet Grotesque No4
Merchandise available: www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/144784317
The greatest paintings were once merely pigments on a palette.
— Henry S. Haskins
Typeface: Wood Bonnet Grotesque No4
Merchandise available: www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/144783997
The greatest paintings were once merely pigments on a palette.
— Henry S. Haskins
Typeface: Wood Bonnet Grotesque No4
Merchandise available: www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/144784453