Wordless Wednesday

My love of drums.

As you can probably guess, I love to drum. So this post is to give you a little bit of history about the djembe.

African Djembe, (also jembe, jenbe, yembe, sanbanyi in Susu; pronounced "ZHEM-bay") is a goatskin covered drum shaped like a large goblet and meant to be played with bare hands. Traditionally crafted djembe drums are carved in one single piece from hollowed out hardwood trees. Specific types of wood depend upon the forests accessible to the drum makers. Some West African hardwoods used for musician quality instruments (carved in Guinea, Senegal, Mali, and Ivory Coast)

As a result of the large goblet shape and the goatskin head, there is a significant difference in the tones produced. Striking the skin near the center produces a bass note; striking the skin near the rim can produce either a tone or slap note, depending on the technique used. The slap has a higher pitch than the tone. Some consider the djembe female and the Ashikos to be male.

The djembe is said to contain 3 spirits. The spirit of the tree, the spirit of the animal of which the drumhead is made and the spirit of the instrument maker. The African djembe is also known as the magical drum.The African djembe is used for ceremonial purposes such as a wedding, full moon or the start of a harvest season for farmers.

There is general agreement that the origin of the African djembe is associated with a class of Mandinka/Susu blacksmiths known as Numu. The wide dispersion of the djembe drums throughout West Africa may be due to Numu migrations dating from the first millennium A.D. The Malinke, an indigenous people who are spread throughout West Africa, use the djembe to help spread their message of peace. In the Malinke culture it's an expression of joy. And is often used as a way for the African people to share their thoughts about the world. African drummer Mamady Keita, named best djembe drummer in Africa by the Pan-African Festival in Algers puts it best: "For us personally it's a way for us to share our own thoughts about the world. It helps us show through music that all our problems are not needed, and that we can come together as people because we can come together to play music."

Special thanks to x8drums for the cool photos and information. Click here to visit their site.

instruction manual to you new PC

Your New PC (Pussy Cat)1


Specifications:

Standard Input: Bilateral frontal tactile sensor array

Bilateral adjustable audio dishes (range: 20-20,000Hz)

Stereoscopic scanning device w/night vision

VelcroTM flavor sampling device/energy collector

Odor sampling devices in assorted colors pink, grey and black (2)


Standard Output:

Internally mounted purr-box

Single speaker with separate growl mode

Rear-mounted, fully-jointed semaphore device


Processor:

Parallel neuron array with Random Access Memory and Autonomic control of system software


Included Hardware:

Calcium-based skeletal structure

Byte-to-bit conversion array

Retractable document shredder/hole-punch

Paw-pad printer

Mouse (Standard Catnip)


Also included:

natural-fiber protective covering in various colors

System software:

your PC will come preloaded with one of the following:

DOS (DOmestic Shorthair)

OS (Other Shorthair)

MS (MegaSoft, installed in units with fuzzy covering)

Conversion to UNIX can be done by a simple operation. This is recommended to prevent the
proliferation of cheap PC clones.

Bundled software:

May include the following:

Mortal Kombat

Acrobat

Explorer

Stuffit Expander


Your PC will automatically convert from laptop to desktop as needed. There are no user-serviceable parts inside.

Operating your PC:
To start up your PC, push the power button (on any electric can opener). Your PC has an energy-saving mode known as Sleep. Your PC will Sleep automatically if unused for a short period of time, or you may invoke Sleep mode by placing your PC in a soft, warm area. To wake your PC from Sleep, you may press the power button as in Start, shake the mouse, or tap any of the PC's input devices (see specs).

To perform a warm boot:
Remove your shoe, then tap the PC gently with your toes.

To perform a cold boot:
Same technique as for warm boot, but leave your shoe on.

To reboot:
Repeat the warm boot.

Cleaning your PC:
Use only mild soap and water, no solvents. Surface wash only. Total immersion is not recommended. If partial immersion is necessary, wear proper hand and face protection and make sure your PC is fully dry when finished.

Compatibility and networking:
Your PC is designed to independently assess compatibility with other PCs. Running UNIX will generally give your PC greater compatibility with other PCs. It may be necessary to install a firewall between incompatible PCs as each may attempt to breach the other's security systems. Compatible PCs may share thermal energy and cleaning tasks and may network for gaming purposes. Please note that your PC will be incompatible with units of type BIRD and FISH unless appropriate security measures (such as a firewall) are installed. Your PC may tolerate one or more DOG units provided they occupy a subordinate position within the hierarchical structure.

Power requirements:

Alternating supply of canned cat food and dry cat food
Direct supply of water
Direct access to solar and thermal energy sources

Troubleshooting:

PC HAS DIFFICULTY EXITING:
Perform a warm boot.

PC SHARES FILES FROM DINNER/TABLE/PLATES WITHOUT PERMISSION:
Boot your PC prior to running food-related software.

PC HANGS UP PHONE DURING CONNECTION TO ISP:
Try invoking sleep mode prior to connecting to ISP. Otherwise, perform a warm boot.

PC IS FROZEN:
PC is probably scanning for small life forms. Reboot until it responds.