Chas while I agree with the ideals you are stating; I disagree with the way our present administration is going about running our country. From what I've read, there are more people receiving government benefits now, than there are those of us paying for them. I was told in college that you can not borrow yourself out of debt. Sooner or later, the bill must be paid.
However this is not the place to be arguing politics. I hadn't even noticed Dave's comment, because I sort of scanned through the post, thinking it was about choices in music.
I love you and respect you Chas, but it seems at times you have a chip on your shoulder. It's probably just me.
I wanna just talk about music, and I wasn't trying to offend anyone.
DonM

Don, you are certainly one of the people I most respect on this board, mainly for your intellect, your humor, and your sophistication. I must say that within your chosen genre', you're no slouch as a musician and entertainer either. But you're wrong about me having a chip on my shoulder. As a minority member of this little community, I admit that I may be a tad bit more sensitive to some of the asinine and insensitive things that come out of the mouths of some of our members.

I have no problem with people disagreeing with some (or all - although that seems unrealistic) of the policies of the 'present administration' (the nice way of saying 'Obama'). Fact is, I too believe in fiscal responsibility, on both the personal and governmental level, and I am vehemently against even the concept of drone strikes. In my mind there is just no way to justify the killing of innocent women, children, and other non-combatants. There is no acceptable 'collateral damage' as far as I am concerned. But I'm sure you'll agree that the deep-seated hatred for our President in some quarters, goes far beyond these transgressions.

Again, I didn't start the conversation on race or politics, just responded to it. There have been many non music related topics on this board. How it's perceived usually depends on who started it. As you yourself noted, you didn't even notice Dave's racial reference. Could it be because it was .....Dave? As some of you know, one of the guys I most like and admire here is Captain Russ. Aside from his obvious musical talent, he is one of the most generous, kind, and caring individuals you're likely to meet. But most importantly, he's not afraid to speak his mind or take a position, even if it's not the popular one. Furthermore, it's not just talk. If he believes in a cause (say Nursing Home Reform or housing for the homeless (ie. HH), he has and will, back it up with action and his wallet. You happen to be one of his favorite people here, and that's good enough for me since I think he's a pretty good judge of character (although he also likes me and Diki ). Ok, now we can go back to talking about music. Did I tell you about my KeyB Mark III? No arranger functions but a killer organ sound. If you're ever up this way (ATL), stop by for a visit. I'm surrounded by golf courses. Lots of good quality Country music around here as well, in fact two of the guys I play (jazz) with play in one of the top Country/Southern Rock bands in Atlanta.

Take care,

chas

I was just in Atlanta last week, chas, but sadly on a very hectic schedule again, for the ALMS Petit LeMans up at Road Atlanta.

One day...

Sounds good Chas. I used to spend a lot of time in Atlanta, back when I had a "real" job in the 70s. We were headquartered in Arkansas and had an ad agency we used in Atlanta. The company, Murphy Oil, had a Grand Commander and a Jet Commander on which I must have ridden a million miles. Commercial service into rural Arkansas was pretty much limited to Texas International, and you took your life in your hands riding with them!
BTW, I would vote for Condi Rice in an instant, but only if Ben Carson doesn't run.
Woops, no politics, sorry!
As far as discrimination, by ancestors used to own this entire country, but it was stolen from us by people who "discovered" America after we had been here for many generations. Good news is we can own casinos now, but I can't figure out how to get one.
DonM

Darn Diki, sorry we couldn't get together. I wanted to get your first hand impression of the KeyB and how it stacked up against my Nord C2D. Both will plug right into my Leslie 3300.

Don, a buddy of mine used to fly the Jet Commander for a local Cable company and I've flown 'right seat' with him a number of times (as required by the regs) when their usual part-timer couldn't make it (they only had one full-time pilot). Never flew the turboprop version although they're essentially the same airplane. I remember every landing feeling like a belly landing because it sat so low to the ground. Nice airplane though, with good short field capability.

BTW, my grandmother was Native American so I should be able to get at least 1/4 of a casino .

As far as Condi Rice is concerned, I'll give her points for being a smart, articulate woman who likes football. However, It's difficult for me to understand her loyalties given the direction the Republican party has turned in terms of social ideology. But hey, at least you didn't say Herman Cain .

Did I mention that I own 3 arrangers, 5 if you count a couple of old ones back in my storeroom. I've always liked playing around with them, just wouldn't gig with one, nor do I consider them a legitimate instrument. That doesn't make me an arranger hater or an arranger player hater. It also doesn't mean that because you choose to use one professionally that you can't play a 'regular' instrument. In other words, I understand the economics of it (re OMB), it's just not for me. Much respect for those that are able to utilize one (along with their vocal talents) to make a good living (along with being musically satisfied). My personal choice is, has always been, will always be, a Hammond Organ/Leslie 122 or the closest I can come to it in a 'clonewheel'. After that, piano, although I'm not very good at it and could not hold down a solo gig with one. I HAVE, but the customers 'wuz robbed' .

chas

I'm not trying to fan any fires here, and I have ALWAYS been 100% colorblind. My mention of the race card, is how it is often used with no need .... much like cursing in movies and songs. For example: The newscaster may broadcast "A White police officer was shot by a Hispanic teen this afternoon .... etc" THIS is where I get sick to my stomach. The news SHOULD have said : "a man was shot this afternoon ... etc". I think we have to stop SAYING the words that offend each other, so we might have a chance to forget that there are so many injustices that won't seem to ever get better. I do not joke about race, and I do not ever discriminate based on color or background. I DO, however take issue with stupidity, like in the case of some of the crap being spoon-fed to the public by the media.
It just blows my mind, and saddens my heart that the N-word is still tossed around in almost every major HipHop release. "..er", "...ah" whatever - it's all the same, and it stinks.

This is my only defense of my comment - those of you who know me, know that I love and respect all people for who they are, and I will not engage any further. My apologies if anyone took personal offense. That was never my intent.

Back to keyboards ..... I'm having a ball with this 9000PRO - it's simple, elegant and built like a tank. It'll probably never leave the house, but I love having it in my rehearsal studio. Fits my style like a glove, now that I have the PA900 as my main axe.

Good conversation. Now, if only we could get our elected leaders to discuss things this way, calm the rhetoric and think about the "end game" ie: what's best for the preservation and future of the country and its people.
Eddie

Dave, I have a refrigerator dolly you can have if you ever decide to take that tank on the road. However, a fork lift would probably be a better tool.

Gary

Gary .... HAHA - I know, it's a beast!
It's amazing how I really do feel "at home" with this 900 .... I can do any room, any crowd with just my keyboard. Add the iPad and/or guitar and it's that much sweeter, but the basics are covered with just the PA900. I'm a happy boy.

I had one for about six months, Dave - it was a real brute to lug around to the restaurants I played in Baltimore's Little Italy. Guess I'm getting old - that S-950 is about as heavy as I want to carry these days, and that's just putting it on the Rock and Roller Cart's top tier.

Good Luck,

Gary