Andrew Revkin's 1994 profile of the masterful luthier Linda Manzer. Blending spruce, sweat and sawdust, Linda Manzer builds guitars that
dazzle.
Photos by Peter Sibbald https://petersibbald.visura.co
Linda Manzer:
https://manzer.com
Andy Revkin:
http://j.mp/revkinlinks
Michael Hauver builds "new-old" guitars that mimic the vintage blues guitars of the 1920s-1930s to produce their characteristic dry, burly tone. He studied vintage guitar building techniques and now constructs guitars using ladder bracing and other period methods. Hauver's guitars pay tribute to blues legends like Charley Patton and Blind Blake through their designs and labels featuring artwork of the original players. His guitars allow modern musicians to achieve the coveted aged sound of antique guitars while gaining the structural reliability of new instruments.
The guitar originated in 15th century Spain and has since become one of the most popular instruments worldwide. It is a string instrument typically played by strumming or plucking the strings with fingers or a pick. The modern guitar has six strings and comes in both acoustic and electric varieties. Key developments included the addition of the fifth and sixth strings during the Renaissance and Baroque eras, and Antonio de Torres' popularization of the fan bracing technique and larger design in the 19th century, establishing the blueprint for the modern classical guitar.
The document analyzes several rock and metal magazines to understand their target audiences and design approaches. Total Guitar targets younger audiences aged 15-17 with a simple pop-inspired design and tutorials, focusing less on classic rock history. Power Play and Metal Hammer both appeal to older readers who were teenagers in the 1970s-1980s with their dark color schemes and coverage of established classic artists. Metal Hammer stands out with its iconic masthead and use of shocking religious and violent imagery to hype up coverage of artists.
The History of Guitars document discusses the origins and evolution of the guitar. It begins with the bowl harp being considered the original predecessor to the modern guitar. It then describes the early ancestors of the guitar, such as instruments made from tortoise shells and animal guts. The document outlines different types of guitars that developed throughout history, such as acoustic, electric, bass, and custom guitars. It provides facts about guitar construction and tones. It also discusses the development of electric guitars and pickups in the 1920s-1930s. Famous guitars like the Gibson Les Paul and Fender Stratocaster are highlighted for their iconic sounds and players like Slash and Jeff Beck.
The document provides an overview of the different sections that make up an orchestra: strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion. It describes several instruments within each section, including their history, composition, and how they produce sound. The strings section includes violins, violas, cellos, and basses. Woodwinds include flutes, oboes, clarinets, bassoons and saxophones. Brass instruments are made of brass and produce sound through buzzing lips, such as French horns, trumpets, trombones and tubas. Percussion uses instruments struck to make sound, like drums, xylophones, and glockenspiels.
The steel pan originated in Trinidad from bands that used bamboo instruments called tamboo bamboo bands. As bamboo proved too fragile, metal instruments like oil drums and biscuit tins were used instead to create louder, more durable sounds. By the 1940s, the steel pan had evolved into its current form with different pitched notes and Spree Simon and Ellie Mannette pioneered the ping pong lead pan. In the 1950s, the Trinidad All Steel Percussion Orchestra was formed and helped organize the steel pan movement, led today by Pan Trinbago. The annual Panorama competition began in 1946 and showcases large steel bands with talented arrangers. Over time, the steel pan has spread globally while continuing to
The document traces the evolution of the acoustic guitar from its origins thousands of years ago to its widespread popularity and cultural impact today. It discusses early instruments that preceded the modern guitar, like the lute and kithara. The guitar continued developing over centuries as it spread across cultures. Today, the acoustic guitar remains deeply influential across many genres of music and has never lost its appeal despite technological changes, demonstrating its power to inspire emotions. Famous musicians like Dave Matthews still rely heavily on the acoustic guitar to create music. The guitar has evolved as different societies have shaped it but continues to influence individuals and cultures in a mostly positive way.
This document provides information on different families of musical instruments: string, woodwind, brass, and percussion. It describes various instruments within each family, including their physical characteristics, origins, and tones. Instruments discussed include the violin, flute, oboe, trumpet, trombone, xylophone, snare drum, cymbals, and more. The document aims to educate readers on the wide variety of instruments that make up orchestras and musical groups.
Michael Hauver builds "new-old" guitars that mimic the vintage blues guitars of the 1920s-1930s to produce their characteristic dry, burly tone. He studied vintage guitar building techniques and now constructs guitars using ladder bracing and other period methods. Hauver's guitars pay tribute to blues legends like Charley Patton and Blind Blake through their designs and labels featuring artwork of the original players. His guitars allow modern musicians to achieve the coveted aged sound of antique guitars while gaining the structural reliability of new instruments.
The guitar originated in 15th century Spain and has since become one of the most popular instruments worldwide. It is a string instrument typically played by strumming or plucking the strings with fingers or a pick. The modern guitar has six strings and comes in both acoustic and electric varieties. Key developments included the addition of the fifth and sixth strings during the Renaissance and Baroque eras, and Antonio de Torres' popularization of the fan bracing technique and larger design in the 19th century, establishing the blueprint for the modern classical guitar.
The document analyzes several rock and metal magazines to understand their target audiences and design approaches. Total Guitar targets younger audiences aged 15-17 with a simple pop-inspired design and tutorials, focusing less on classic rock history. Power Play and Metal Hammer both appeal to older readers who were teenagers in the 1970s-1980s with their dark color schemes and coverage of established classic artists. Metal Hammer stands out with its iconic masthead and use of shocking religious and violent imagery to hype up coverage of artists.
The History of Guitars document discusses the origins and evolution of the guitar. It begins with the bowl harp being considered the original predecessor to the modern guitar. It then describes the early ancestors of the guitar, such as instruments made from tortoise shells and animal guts. The document outlines different types of guitars that developed throughout history, such as acoustic, electric, bass, and custom guitars. It provides facts about guitar construction and tones. It also discusses the development of electric guitars and pickups in the 1920s-1930s. Famous guitars like the Gibson Les Paul and Fender Stratocaster are highlighted for their iconic sounds and players like Slash and Jeff Beck.
The document provides an overview of the different sections that make up an orchestra: strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion. It describes several instruments within each section, including their history, composition, and how they produce sound. The strings section includes violins, violas, cellos, and basses. Woodwinds include flutes, oboes, clarinets, bassoons and saxophones. Brass instruments are made of brass and produce sound through buzzing lips, such as French horns, trumpets, trombones and tubas. Percussion uses instruments struck to make sound, like drums, xylophones, and glockenspiels.
The steel pan originated in Trinidad from bands that used bamboo instruments called tamboo bamboo bands. As bamboo proved too fragile, metal instruments like oil drums and biscuit tins were used instead to create louder, more durable sounds. By the 1940s, the steel pan had evolved into its current form with different pitched notes and Spree Simon and Ellie Mannette pioneered the ping pong lead pan. In the 1950s, the Trinidad All Steel Percussion Orchestra was formed and helped organize the steel pan movement, led today by Pan Trinbago. The annual Panorama competition began in 1946 and showcases large steel bands with talented arrangers. Over time, the steel pan has spread globally while continuing to
The document traces the evolution of the acoustic guitar from its origins thousands of years ago to its widespread popularity and cultural impact today. It discusses early instruments that preceded the modern guitar, like the lute and kithara. The guitar continued developing over centuries as it spread across cultures. Today, the acoustic guitar remains deeply influential across many genres of music and has never lost its appeal despite technological changes, demonstrating its power to inspire emotions. Famous musicians like Dave Matthews still rely heavily on the acoustic guitar to create music. The guitar has evolved as different societies have shaped it but continues to influence individuals and cultures in a mostly positive way.
This document provides information on different families of musical instruments: string, woodwind, brass, and percussion. It describes various instruments within each family, including their physical characteristics, origins, and tones. Instruments discussed include the violin, flute, oboe, trumpet, trombone, xylophone, snare drum, cymbals, and more. The document aims to educate readers on the wide variety of instruments that make up orchestras and musical groups.
This document is the March 2013 issue of the St. John's Prep School music magazine "Music Matters". It includes articles on Miles Davis as the artiste of the month, a teacher feature on Mrs. Williams the chorister, and a report on the school choir's performance at the Barnardo's annual choir competition finals. It also previews upcoming content on musical notation systems around the world and the musical saw instrument. The editor's message welcomes readers to the issue and highlights these articles.
The document classifies different types of guitars based on their historical origin and characteristics. It discusses the vihuela, gittern, Baroque guitar, romantic guitar, classical guitar, flamenco guitar, contraguitar, heavy metal guitar, and bass guitar. For each guitar type, it provides a brief description of its origin, tuning, and role in music.
This document is an email correspondence about Rev. James Lienert (Padre Jaime), an American Catholic priest who passed away on January 4, 2010 at the age of 84. He had spent over 30 years serving remote communities in northern Mexico. Though the correspondents did not know him personally, they came to appreciate him through email exchanges where he would share stories, jokes, and PowerPoint presentations. One correspondent is translating one of Padre Jaime's last presentations about treasures from his childhood for others to read as a tribute to him.
Samples pages of a title that I performed the layout and design on. Published by the University of North Texas Press.
Contact me through my LinkedIn profile at https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeparenteau1
This document provides an overview of the four main families of musical instruments - strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion. It describes the general characteristics and some prominent examples within each family. The string family includes instruments like the violin, viola, cello, and guitar that are played with a bow or by plucking. The woodwind family uses a column of vibrating air and includes flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon and others. Brass instruments like the trumpet and French horn are played by buzzing lips into a mouthpiece. Percussion instruments are divided into those with a definite pitch, like timpani and xylophone, and those without a definite pitch, including the snare
The document discusses Takamine guitars and their commitment to crafting high quality instruments. It summarizes that Takamine works as a team to debate ideas and ensure their guitars are made with artistic commitment and the right techniques prevail. It also highlights some of their signature artist models and top features including solid woods and preamps.
The trumpet is a brass musical instrument that is one of the oldest in the world. It produces sound through the vibration of lips in the nozzle of an approximately 180 cm long brass tube that is coiled into a spiral shape. Trumpets have pistons that allow players to change notes and also come with mutes to produce different sounds. It has been used widely in jazz and 20th century music and was also used historically to wake soldiers. There are different types of trumpets including the piccolo and bass trumpet.
The trumpet is a brass musical instrument that is one of the oldest in the world. It produces sound through the vibration of lips in the nozzle of an approximately 180 cm long brass tube that is coiled into a spiral shape. Trumpets have pistons that allow players to change notes and also come equipped with mutes to produce different sounds. Some famous trumpet players include Miles Davis, Chris Botti, and Arturo Sandoval.
This document summarizes the different families of musical instruments - string, woodwind, brass, and percussion. It provides details on specific instruments within each family, describing their physical characteristics, playing techniques, and tonal qualities. The string family includes instruments like the violin, viola, cello, guitar, and double bass. The woodwind family consists of instruments like the flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, and English horn. Brass instruments outlined are the trumpet, French horn, trombone, and tuba. Percussion instruments discussed have either a definite or indefinite pitch and include the timpani, xylophone, snare drum, bass drum, and triangle.
Music is one of the best ways of improving yourself all around. Character development. Personality. Body Language. Presentation. Audience selection, involvement & engagement. The music repertoire you choose. Your ability to play in a group - with musicians who are better than you. OR less than you. Play styles and genres of music you many not enjoy but have to for the collaborative whole tolerance.
The document discusses the history and components of the guitar. It describes how the guitar originated from Greek and Spanish instruments and evolved over time. The main types of guitars are acoustic and electric, with acoustic guitars having subcategories like classical and steel-string guitars. The components of the guitar are then outlined, including the body, neck, frets, and headstock. Guitars are widely used in genres like flamenco, jazz, blues, and rock music.
The document provides an overview of the history and types of guitars. It discusses the origins of the guitar dating back over 1000 years to instruments like the bowl harp. Modern guitars are generally classified as acoustic, classical, electric, bass, and others with additional strings. Key details are provided on classical guitars which are played fingerstyle, steel string acoustic guitars which have a brighter sound, and the development of electric guitars using pickups. The bass guitar is described as developing from the double bass. Specific guitar models like the Gibson Les Paul and Fender Stratocaster are highlighted for their iconic status.
The document provides an overview of the history and development of different types of guitars. It discusses the origins of the guitar as a plucked string instrument over 1000 years ago. It then describes the development of modern acoustic guitars like the classical and steel string guitars. The advent of electric guitars in the 1920s-30s enabled amplification and led to solid body designs. Other guitar types discussed include bass guitars, 7 and 12 string guitars, and famous models like the Gibson Les Paul and Fender Stratocaster. Diagrams of guitar parts and styles are also included.
In 1985, my editor, Scott DeGarmo, asked me to write a cover story on the future of the automobile - when the future was the Ford Taurus. It's now kind of a museum artifact and I hope you enjoy it and offer feedback.
This is the core of a webinar Andy Revkin conducted with folks at Columbia Climate School to explore how scientists, scholars and others seeking to craft a better human journey can make the most of Twitter even as Elon Musk's purchase disrupts things. We also talked about alternatives, none of which Revkin sees as remotely competing with the capacities Twitter offers for a long time. (It took a decade of relentless programming, regulatory and other work to build the Twitter we know.)
Subscribe to Revkin's Sustain What newsletter and webcasts to engage and drive the conversation further:
https://revkin.substack.com/subscribe #socialmedia #sustainability #climate
This is a fantastic case study and overview showing how businesses can prepare for the hazards around them to cut the scope of impacts - preventing a natural hazard from becoming an unnatural disaster.
It centers on the experience and work of Parsons Manufacturing, a company that suffered a direct hit from an EF-4 tornado in 2004 but avoided any deaths.
Learn more at the company website:
https://www.parsonscompany.com/about/
A #COP26 presentation by Zainab Usman of Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and Katie Auth of Energy for Development, building on this paper: September 28, 2021
REFRAMING CLIMATE JUSTICE FOR DEVELOPMENT: SIX PRINCIPLES FOR SUPPORTING INCLUSIVE AND EQUITABLE ENERGY TRANSITIONS IN LOW-EMITTING ENERGY-POOR AFRICAN COUNTRIES
By Mimi Alemayehou, Katie Auth, Murefu Barasa, Morgan Bazilian, Brad Handler, Uzo Iweala, Todd Moss, Rose Mutiso, Zainab Usman
Advancing inclusive and equitable energy transitions is one of this century’s most vital global challenges, and one in which development finance will play a crucial role. References to justice and equity are widespread in international climate policy, and are increasingly being used by development organizations to guide their own work, including support for energy transitions.
But prevailing definitions of climate justice rarely fully capture the priorities, challenges and perspectives of low-emitting energy-poor countries, the vast majority of which are in sub-Saharan Africa. When applied to development policy, this gap risks prioritizing near-term emissions reductions over broader support for economic development and energy transformation, with comparatively little climate benefit. This could severely hinder poverty alleviation, development, and climate resilience — the very opposite of justice. We need energy transitions that are truly ‘just and inclusive.’ What does this mean for development funders and financiers, and how should it drive their approach to supporting energy transitions in the lowest-income countries?
Rene Dubos was a masterful biologist, Pulitzer-winning essayist and humanist. Read the story behind this essay in Andy Revkin's homage to Dubos here: http://j.mp/despairingoptimist
This is a summary of the three-week international survey of the vaquita refuge in heavily fished waters of the northern Gulf of California of the coast of Mexico's Baja California state. It shows what can be accomplished with a fresh effort in the fall of 2021.
The expedition included scientists and conservationists from Mexico, the United States and Canada.
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Ähnlich wie Meet the Masterful Guitar Maker Linda Manzer
This document is the March 2013 issue of the St. John's Prep School music magazine "Music Matters". It includes articles on Miles Davis as the artiste of the month, a teacher feature on Mrs. Williams the chorister, and a report on the school choir's performance at the Barnardo's annual choir competition finals. It also previews upcoming content on musical notation systems around the world and the musical saw instrument. The editor's message welcomes readers to the issue and highlights these articles.
The document classifies different types of guitars based on their historical origin and characteristics. It discusses the vihuela, gittern, Baroque guitar, romantic guitar, classical guitar, flamenco guitar, contraguitar, heavy metal guitar, and bass guitar. For each guitar type, it provides a brief description of its origin, tuning, and role in music.
This document is an email correspondence about Rev. James Lienert (Padre Jaime), an American Catholic priest who passed away on January 4, 2010 at the age of 84. He had spent over 30 years serving remote communities in northern Mexico. Though the correspondents did not know him personally, they came to appreciate him through email exchanges where he would share stories, jokes, and PowerPoint presentations. One correspondent is translating one of Padre Jaime's last presentations about treasures from his childhood for others to read as a tribute to him.
Samples pages of a title that I performed the layout and design on. Published by the University of North Texas Press.
Contact me through my LinkedIn profile at https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeparenteau1
This document provides an overview of the four main families of musical instruments - strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion. It describes the general characteristics and some prominent examples within each family. The string family includes instruments like the violin, viola, cello, and guitar that are played with a bow or by plucking. The woodwind family uses a column of vibrating air and includes flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon and others. Brass instruments like the trumpet and French horn are played by buzzing lips into a mouthpiece. Percussion instruments are divided into those with a definite pitch, like timpani and xylophone, and those without a definite pitch, including the snare
The document discusses Takamine guitars and their commitment to crafting high quality instruments. It summarizes that Takamine works as a team to debate ideas and ensure their guitars are made with artistic commitment and the right techniques prevail. It also highlights some of their signature artist models and top features including solid woods and preamps.
The trumpet is a brass musical instrument that is one of the oldest in the world. It produces sound through the vibration of lips in the nozzle of an approximately 180 cm long brass tube that is coiled into a spiral shape. Trumpets have pistons that allow players to change notes and also come with mutes to produce different sounds. It has been used widely in jazz and 20th century music and was also used historically to wake soldiers. There are different types of trumpets including the piccolo and bass trumpet.
The trumpet is a brass musical instrument that is one of the oldest in the world. It produces sound through the vibration of lips in the nozzle of an approximately 180 cm long brass tube that is coiled into a spiral shape. Trumpets have pistons that allow players to change notes and also come equipped with mutes to produce different sounds. Some famous trumpet players include Miles Davis, Chris Botti, and Arturo Sandoval.
This document summarizes the different families of musical instruments - string, woodwind, brass, and percussion. It provides details on specific instruments within each family, describing their physical characteristics, playing techniques, and tonal qualities. The string family includes instruments like the violin, viola, cello, guitar, and double bass. The woodwind family consists of instruments like the flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, and English horn. Brass instruments outlined are the trumpet, French horn, trombone, and tuba. Percussion instruments discussed have either a definite or indefinite pitch and include the timpani, xylophone, snare drum, bass drum, and triangle.
Music is one of the best ways of improving yourself all around. Character development. Personality. Body Language. Presentation. Audience selection, involvement & engagement. The music repertoire you choose. Your ability to play in a group - with musicians who are better than you. OR less than you. Play styles and genres of music you many not enjoy but have to for the collaborative whole tolerance.
The document discusses the history and components of the guitar. It describes how the guitar originated from Greek and Spanish instruments and evolved over time. The main types of guitars are acoustic and electric, with acoustic guitars having subcategories like classical and steel-string guitars. The components of the guitar are then outlined, including the body, neck, frets, and headstock. Guitars are widely used in genres like flamenco, jazz, blues, and rock music.
The document provides an overview of the history and types of guitars. It discusses the origins of the guitar dating back over 1000 years to instruments like the bowl harp. Modern guitars are generally classified as acoustic, classical, electric, bass, and others with additional strings. Key details are provided on classical guitars which are played fingerstyle, steel string acoustic guitars which have a brighter sound, and the development of electric guitars using pickups. The bass guitar is described as developing from the double bass. Specific guitar models like the Gibson Les Paul and Fender Stratocaster are highlighted for their iconic status.
The document provides an overview of the history and development of different types of guitars. It discusses the origins of the guitar as a plucked string instrument over 1000 years ago. It then describes the development of modern acoustic guitars like the classical and steel string guitars. The advent of electric guitars in the 1920s-30s enabled amplification and led to solid body designs. Other guitar types discussed include bass guitars, 7 and 12 string guitars, and famous models like the Gibson Les Paul and Fender Stratocaster. Diagrams of guitar parts and styles are also included.
Ähnlich wie Meet the Masterful Guitar Maker Linda Manzer (15)
In 1985, my editor, Scott DeGarmo, asked me to write a cover story on the future of the automobile - when the future was the Ford Taurus. It's now kind of a museum artifact and I hope you enjoy it and offer feedback.
This is the core of a webinar Andy Revkin conducted with folks at Columbia Climate School to explore how scientists, scholars and others seeking to craft a better human journey can make the most of Twitter even as Elon Musk's purchase disrupts things. We also talked about alternatives, none of which Revkin sees as remotely competing with the capacities Twitter offers for a long time. (It took a decade of relentless programming, regulatory and other work to build the Twitter we know.)
Subscribe to Revkin's Sustain What newsletter and webcasts to engage and drive the conversation further:
https://revkin.substack.com/subscribe #socialmedia #sustainability #climate
This is a fantastic case study and overview showing how businesses can prepare for the hazards around them to cut the scope of impacts - preventing a natural hazard from becoming an unnatural disaster.
It centers on the experience and work of Parsons Manufacturing, a company that suffered a direct hit from an EF-4 tornado in 2004 but avoided any deaths.
Learn more at the company website:
https://www.parsonscompany.com/about/
A #COP26 presentation by Zainab Usman of Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and Katie Auth of Energy for Development, building on this paper: September 28, 2021
REFRAMING CLIMATE JUSTICE FOR DEVELOPMENT: SIX PRINCIPLES FOR SUPPORTING INCLUSIVE AND EQUITABLE ENERGY TRANSITIONS IN LOW-EMITTING ENERGY-POOR AFRICAN COUNTRIES
By Mimi Alemayehou, Katie Auth, Murefu Barasa, Morgan Bazilian, Brad Handler, Uzo Iweala, Todd Moss, Rose Mutiso, Zainab Usman
Advancing inclusive and equitable energy transitions is one of this century’s most vital global challenges, and one in which development finance will play a crucial role. References to justice and equity are widespread in international climate policy, and are increasingly being used by development organizations to guide their own work, including support for energy transitions.
But prevailing definitions of climate justice rarely fully capture the priorities, challenges and perspectives of low-emitting energy-poor countries, the vast majority of which are in sub-Saharan Africa. When applied to development policy, this gap risks prioritizing near-term emissions reductions over broader support for economic development and energy transformation, with comparatively little climate benefit. This could severely hinder poverty alleviation, development, and climate resilience — the very opposite of justice. We need energy transitions that are truly ‘just and inclusive.’ What does this mean for development funders and financiers, and how should it drive their approach to supporting energy transitions in the lowest-income countries?
Rene Dubos was a masterful biologist, Pulitzer-winning essayist and humanist. Read the story behind this essay in Andy Revkin's homage to Dubos here: http://j.mp/despairingoptimist
This is a summary of the three-week international survey of the vaquita refuge in heavily fished waters of the northern Gulf of California of the coast of Mexico's Baja California state. It shows what can be accomplished with a fresh effort in the fall of 2021.
The expedition included scientists and conservationists from Mexico, the United States and Canada.
This chapter on climate change as news, by Andrew Revkin is from "Climate Change: What It Means for Us, Our Children, and Our Grandchildren" - edited by Joseph F. C. DiMento and Pamela Doughman
MIT Press 2007, updated edition, 2014
https://scholar.google.com/citations?view_op=view_citation&hl=en&user=xsxkAlEAAAAJ&citation_for_view=xsxkAlEAAAAJ:edDO8Oi4QzsC
Alice Bell's new book on the history of climate change knowledge and inaction is fantastic. Some have missed what is NOT in the CIA's 1974 assessment of climate change and security risk. There's no mention of global warming from carbon dioxide. Here's a Guardian excerpt from Alice's book: https://www.theguardian.com/science/2021/jul/05/sixty-years-of-climate-change-warnings-the-signs-that-were-missed-and-ignored
Here's the original CIA document without text recognition: https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=725433
The strategic narrative outlines five key shifts: from control to credible influence in an open system; from containment to sustainment and domestic focus; from deterrence and defense to civilian engagement and embracing competition; from zero-sum to positive-sum global politics; and from national security to national prosperity and security. It argues the US should invest in sustainable prosperity at home and tools of global engagement to strengthen its influence, compete fairly, and leverage interdependencies to achieve security and prosperity.
A deep early look at how supercomputer security became a prime concern of the Reagan administration - with climate science in the mix.
More context in Andrew Revkin's prize-winning March 1985 Science Digest article on nuclear winter:
https://www.slideshare.net/Revkin/hard-facts-about-nuclear-winter-1985
And Revkin's investigative report on the vanishing of Vladimir Alexandrov, a high-profile Soviet atmospheric scientist who'd become a fan of American cars and cuisine while visiting NCAR, a mountainside supercomputer lab in Colorado:
http://j.mp/alexandrovmissing
Here are emails showing exchanges between Dr. Will Happer, a senior Trump Administration science and security adviser, and the Heartland Institute -- which has long sought to cast doubt on the enormous body of science pointing to rising dangers from human emissions of climate-warming gases.
The emails were released under a Freedom of Information Act request by the Environmental Defense Fund: http://blogs.edf.org/climate411/files/2019/03/Climate-Review-FOIA-CEQ.pdf
Here's an Associated Press story:
https://www.apnews.com/4ec9affd55a345d582a4cc810686137e
EDF provided this copy to Andrew Revkin.
Here's an excerpt from a 2017 interview Revkin did with Happer for ProPublica: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSpL5dziylo
A Physicist and Possible Adviser to Trump Describes His Love of Science, and CO2
https://www.propublica.org/article/a-physicist-and-possible-adviser-to-trump-describes-his-love-of-science-co2
More on Happer in National Geographic:
Does the U.S. need a ‘presidential climate security committee’?
A Trump adviser who sees rising CO2 as a good thing wants a panel to review government findings that climate change is a security threat.... https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/2019/02/trump-presidential-climate-security-committee/
This was the document leaked to the press this week ahead of a White House meeting assessing whether President Trump should create a committee to assess conclusions about links between global warming and national security.
Some Globo coverage in 1990 from the trial of the Alves family members and associates charged with the assassination of Chico Mendes in December 1988, including an interview with Andrew Revkin, who'd just published The Burning Season, a book chronicling Mendes's life, death and legacy. More: http://bit.ly/revkinmendes
- The author returns to Raiatea island in French Polynesia 10 years after initially visiting as a student to study the culture. He is interested in checking in on the Teihotaata family who had welcomed him into their home previously.
- When he arrives, he sees changes that have come to Raiatea in the last 10 years including the introduction of phones, more development, and tourism. However, the village of Feruna where the Teihotaata family lives remains relatively unchanged.
- He meets up with Turo Teihotaata, now 47 years old, who he had stayed with previously. Turo's family has grown significantly in the last 10 years but their way of life
This cover story on climate change by Andrew Revkin was published in Discover Magazine in October, 1988. For more on the article visit this Dot Earth post: 1988-2008: Climate Then and Now http://nyti.ms/WIvLbH via @dotearth
Make sure to click to the last page, which was the back-cover advertisement that month - for cigarettes.
Shows things can change, sometimes slowly.
And read Andy's reflection on lessons learned in 30 years of climate coverage:
http://j.mp/revkin30yearsclimate
Enhancing LPG Use During Pregnancya collaboration between KEM Health Research Center, Sri Ramachanda University, and University of California, Berkeley
An explanatory presentation provided to ProPublica.org
Lewis Reznik, who spent his adult life as a dentist in Westchester County, New York, had a very different adolescence - on the run between Nazis and Russian troops in Poland as the Holocaust unfolded. This is is remarkable memoir. Lew died in 2013.
I edited the manuscript and helped Lew publish the book.
Please purchase a copy at j.mp/boysholocaust
Share and discuss the book on Facebook: j.mp/boysholocaustFB
Context:
"Royal Dutch Shell in Nigeria: Where Do Responsibilities End?" Journal of Business Ethics, 2015
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10551-014-2142-7
Shell's plans for Nigeria (SPDC subsidiary), 2013: http://www.shell.com/media/news-and-media-releases/2013/spdc-sets-out-its-future-intent-for-nigeria.html
Business & Human Rights Resource Center on two landmark lawsuits:
https://business-humanrights.org/en/shell-lawsuit-re-nigeria-kiobel-wiwa
This document contains a collection of quotes, tweets, and snippets of text on a variety of topics related to climate change communication, science, and society. Some key ideas discussed include the need to manage the atmosphere well, the influence of media on science reporting, focusing on agreement around climate policy rather than disagreement, and paying attention to response diversity in ecosystem and social management. The document reflects on challenges and opportunities in communicating climate science to different audiences.
Mehr von Earth Institute of Columbia University (20)
At Digidev, we are working to be the leader in interactive streaming platforms of choice by smart device users worldwide.
Our goal is to become the ultimate distribution service of entertainment content. The Digidev application will offer the next generation television highway for users to discover and engage in a variety of content. While also providing a fresh and
innovative approach towards advertainment with vast revenue opportunities. Designed and developed by Joe Q. Bretz
The Unbelievable Tale of Dwayne Johnson Kidnapping: A Riveting Sagagreendigital
Introduction
The notion of Dwayne Johnson kidnapping seems straight out of a Hollywood thriller. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, known for his larger-than-life persona, immense popularity. and action-packed filmography, is the last person anyone would envision being a victim of kidnapping. Yet, the bizarre and riveting tale of such an incident, filled with twists and turns. has captured the imagination of many. In this article, we delve into the intricate details of this astonishing event. exploring every aspect, from the dramatic rescue operation to the aftermath and the lessons learned.
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The Origins of the Dwayne Johnson Kidnapping Saga
Dwayne Johnson: A Brief Background
Before discussing the specifics of the kidnapping. it is crucial to understand who Dwayne Johnson is and why his kidnapping would be so significant. Born May 2, 1972, Dwayne Douglas Johnson is an American actor, producer, businessman. and former professional wrestler. Known by his ring name, "The Rock," he gained fame in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) before transitioning to a successful career in Hollywood.
Johnson's filmography includes blockbuster hits such as "The Fast and the Furious" series, "Jumanji," "Moana," and "San Andreas." His charismatic personality, impressive physique. and action-star status have made him a beloved figure worldwide. Thus, the news of his kidnapping would send shockwaves across the globe.
Setting the Scene: The Day of the Kidnapping
The incident of Dwayne Johnson's kidnapping began on an ordinary day. Johnson was filming his latest high-octane action film set to break box office records. The location was a remote yet scenic area. chosen for its rugged terrain and breathtaking vistas. perfect for the film's climactic scenes.
But, beneath the veneer of normalcy, a sinister plot was unfolding. Unbeknownst to Johnson and his team, a group of criminals had planned his abduction. hoping to leverage his celebrity status for a hefty ransom. The stage was set for an event that would soon dominate worldwide headlines and social media feeds.
The Abduction: Unfolding the Dwayne Johnson Kidnapping
The Moment of Capture
On the day of the kidnapping, everything seemed to be proceeding as usual on set. Johnson and his co-stars and crew were engrossed in shooting a particularly demanding scene. As the day wore on, the production team took a short break. providing the kidnappers with the perfect opportunity to strike.
The abduction was executed with military precision. A group of masked men, armed and organized, infiltrated the set. They created chaos, taking advantage of the confusion to isolate Johnson. Johnson was outnumbered and caught off guard despite his formidable strength and fighting skills. The kidnappers overpowered him, bundled him into a waiting vehicle. and sped away, leaving everyone on set in a state of shock and disbelief.
The Immediate Aftermath
The immediate aftermath of the Dwayne Johnson kidnappin
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Leonardo DiCaprio is synonymous with Hollywood stardom and acclaimed performances. has a unique connection with one of America's most beloved sports events—the Super Bowl. The "Leonardo DiCaprio Super Bowl" phenomenon combines the worlds of cinema and sports. drawing attention from fans of both domains. This article delves into the multifaceted relationship between DiCaprio and the Super Bowl. exploring his appearances at the event, His involvement in Super Bowl advertisements. and his cultural impact that bridges the gap between these two massive entertainment industries.
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Leonardo DiCaprio: The Hollywood Icon
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Leonardo Wilhelm DiCaprio was born in Los Angeles, California, on November 11, 1974. His journey to stardom began at a young age with roles in television commercials and educational programs. DiCaprio's breakthrough came with his portrayal of Luke Brower in the sitcom "Growing Pains" and later as Tobias Wolff in "This Boy's Life" (1993). where he starred alongside Robert De Niro.
Rise to Stardom
DiCaprio's career skyrocketed with his performance in "What's Eating Gilbert Grape" (1993). earning him his first Academy Award nomination. He continued to gain acclaim with roles in "Romeo + Juliet" (1996) and "Titanic" (1997). the latter of which cemented his status as a global superstar. Over the years, DiCaprio has showcased his versatility in films like "The Aviator" (2004). "Start" (2010), and "The Revenant" (2015), for which he finally won an Academy Award for Best Actor.
Environmental Activism
Beyond his film career, DiCaprio is also renowned for his environmental activism. He established the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation in 1998, focusing on global conservation efforts. His commitment to ecological issues often intersects with his public appearances. including those related to the Super Bowl.
The Super Bowl: An American Institution
History and Significance
The Super Bowl is the National Football League (NFL) championship game. is one of the most-watched sporting events in the world. First played in 1967, the Super Bowl has evolved into a cultural phenomenon. featuring high-profile halftime shows, memorable advertisements, and significant media coverage. The event attracts a diverse audience, from avid sports fans to casual viewers. making it a prime platform for celebrities to appear.
Entertainment and Advertisements
The Super Bowl is not only about football but also about entertainment. The halftime show features performances by some of the biggest names in the music industry. while the commercials are often as anticipated as the game itself. Companies invest millions in Super Bowl ads. creating iconic and sometimes controversial commercials that capture public attention.
Leonardo DiCaprio's Super Bowl Appearances
A Celebrity Among the Fans
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Leonardo DiCaprio, A name synonymous with Hollywood excellence. is not only known for his stellar acting career but also for his impressive real estate investments. The "Leonardo DiCaprio house" is a topic that piques the interest of many. as the Oscar-winning actor has amassed a diverse portfolio of luxurious properties. DiCaprio's homes reflect his varied tastes and commitment to sustainability. from retreats to historic mansions. This article will delve into the fascinating world of Leonardo DiCaprio's real estate. Exploring the details of his most notable residences. and the unique aspects that make them stand out.
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Leonardo DiCaprio House: Malibu Beachfront Retreat
A Prime Location
His Malibu beachfront house is one of the most famous properties in Leonardo DiCaprio's real estate portfolio. Situated in the exclusive Carbon Beach. also known as "Billionaire's Beach," this property boasts stunning ocean views and private beach access. The "Leonardo DiCaprio house" in Malibu is a testament to the actor's love for the sea and his penchant for luxurious living.
Architectural Highlights
The Malibu house features a modern design with clean lines, large windows. and open spaces blending indoor and outdoor living. The expansive deck and patio areas provide ample space for entertaining guests or enjoying a quiet sunset. The house has state-of-the-art amenities. including a gourmet kitchen, a home theatre, and many guest suites.
Sustainable Features
Leonardo DiCaprio is a well-known environmental activist. whose Malibu house reflects his commitment to sustainability. The property incorporates solar panels, energy-efficient appliances, and sustainable building materials. The landscaping around the house is also designed to be water-efficient. featuring drought-resistant plants and intelligent irrigation systems.
Leonardo DiCaprio House: Hollywood Hills Hideaway
Privacy and Seclusion
Another remarkable property in Leonardo DiCaprio's collection is his Hollywood Hills house. This secluded retreat offers privacy and tranquility. making it an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles. The "Leonardo DiCaprio house" in Hollywood Hills nestled among lush greenery. and offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes.
Design and Amenities
The Hollywood Hills house is a mid-century modern gem characterized by its sleek design and floor-to-ceiling windows. The open-concept living space is perfect for entertaining. while the cozy bedrooms provide a comfortable retreat. The property also features a swimming pool, and outdoor dining area. and a spacious deck that overlooks the cityscape.
Environmental Initiatives
The Hollywood Hills house incorporates several green features that are in line with DiCaprio's environmental values. The home has solar panels, energy-efficient lighting, and a rainwater harvesting system. Additionally, the landscaping designed to support local wildlife and promote
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Introduction
In the realm of entertainment, few names resonate as Orpah Winfrey Dwayne Johnson. Both figures have carved unique paths in the industry. achieving unparalleled success and becoming iconic symbols of perseverance, resilience, and inspiration. This article delves into the lives, careers. and enduring legacies of Orpah Winfrey Dwayne Johnson. exploring how their journeys intersect and what we can learn from their remarkable stories.
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Early Life and Backgrounds
Orpah Winfrey: From Humble Beginnings to Media Mogul
Orpah Winfrey, often known as Oprah due to a misspelling on her birth certificate. was born on January 29, 1954, in Kosciusko, Mississippi. Raised in poverty by her grandmother, Winfrey's early life was marked by hardship and adversity. Despite these challenges. she demonstrated a keen intellect and an early talent for public speaking.
Winfrey's journey to success began with a scholarship to Tennessee State University. where she studied communication. Her first job in media was as a co-anchor for the local evening news in Nashville. This role paved the way for her eventual transition to talk show hosting. where she found her true calling.
Dwayne Johnson: From Wrestling Royalty to Hollywood Superstar
Dwayne Johnson, also known by his ring name "The Rock," was born on May 2, 1972, in Hayward, California. He comes from a family of professional wrestlers, with both his father, Rocky Johnson. and his grandfather, Peter Maivia, being notable figures in the wrestling world. Johnson's early life was spent moving between New Zealand and the United States. experiencing a variety of cultural influences.
Before entering the world of professional wrestling. Johnson had aspirations of becoming a professional football player. He played college football at the University of Miami. where he was part of a national championship team. But, injuries curtailed his football career, leading him to follow in his family's footsteps and enter the wrestling ring.
Career Milestones
Orpah Winfrey: The Queen of All Media
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Beyond her talk show, Winfrey expanded her empire to include the creation of Harpo Productions. a multimedia production company. She also launched "O, The Oprah Magazine" and OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network, further solidifying her status as a media mogul.
Dwayne Johnson: From The Ring to The Big Screen
Dwayne Johnson's wrestling career took off in the late 1990s. when he became one of the most charismatic and popular figures in WWE. His larger-than-life persona and catchphrases endeared him to fans. making him a household name. But, Johnson had ambitions beyond the wrestling ring.
In the early 20
Orpah Winfrey Dwayne Johnson: Titans of Influence and Inspiration
Meet the Masterful Guitar Maker Linda Manzer
1. The Arts
Blendi
ngspruce,
swea
t andsawd·ust,
LindaManzerbuilds
guitar
sthat
da
zzlemusics
topstars.
Joinheronhe
r quest
forthehol
ygrain.
Article
byANDREW REVKI N wit11
pliotography
byPETER SIBBALD
LINDA MANZ!lll ANXIOUSLY ClR-
cles the tool-strewn workshop
in her old brick house in
Toronto's Cabbagetown dis-
trict. She islooking forjust the
right piece of wood. And she
has plenty to choose from.
Stacked in corners, piled atop
filing cabinets and poking out
fromshelvesare planks,sheets,chunks
and strips of aged maple, spruce, cedar,
mahogany, ebony and rosewood .
She lifts a metre-long slab of South
American mahogany from the floor
and laysit on a workbench. Squinting
at the rust-red wood in the glow
of a dented aluminum spotlight, she
takes a wh ite grease pencil and be-
gins to sketch out the lines of four
oddly shaped guitar necks. Shestudies
the slab from every angle, trying to
match the planned necks with the
speckled flow of the grain.
58 • MARCH/AJ>RIL 1994
Manzer isbehind schedule, and she
breaksinto a slight sweat asshe plunks
the mahogany onto the platform of
her Rockwell band.saw,plugs her ears
and puIlson her goggles.Even though
she is one of the world's top guitar
makers,regarded by peers as "fearless"
in her work. she still feels gnawing
panic each time she sets out to trans-
By tapping a.nd listening- to a
spruce top , facing page, Manzer
guid es her ca.rving by ea.r ; the
goal is a.nother Pika.s so, above .
form several mute hunks of
wood into a resonant musical
instrument. And today is no
routine challenge. All four
necks she is preparing to cut
are destined for one extra-
ordinary guitar.
The plans for the instru -
ment, laid out on a rumpled
scroll of paper on anearby table, look
like a map ofa chaotic freeway system.
The guitar will have 42 strings-
sevt:n Limes the number in a basic
model. Because of its fragmented, ab-
stract look. Manzer callsit the Pikasso;
a friend calls it the SwissArmy guitar.
Some weeks from now, the real test
wiJI come when she tightens the
strings and burdens the guitar's
wooden body with half a tonne
of tension. If she does her work well,
the instrument will singwith the rich-
ness of a Gregorian chant and the
LINDA MANZER
2.
3. sweetness of a lark. Ifshe fails,it will
crumple like a beer can under a car
tire. Taking a deep breath, she linesup
for the first cut. She kicks the on
switch, sending the ribbon like blade
whirring. "Here goes," she yells, and
pink dust begins to cascade to the
black linoleum floor.
LINDA MANZER JS ONE OF A RARE BREED
of artisans who hand-build guitars,
carefully shaping each piece of wood,
mother -of-pearl and bone in an end-
lessquest for excellence. While mass
manufacturers turn out dozens of
guitars each day, Manzer produces
only ro to I 5 a year,each taking 70 to
200 hours of painstaking labour. A
woman in an overwhelmingly male
field, at the age of 42 she has risen to
the top. Her guitars are renowned
worldwide for a sound and style that
can come only from the hands of a
strong-willed artist with an intuitive
feel for wood, the courage to innovate
technically and the patience to invest
60 • MARCH/APRIL I994
She
picks
upone
of
thenecks,
andher
forehead
wrinkles
indismay
. "A
crack.
Oh,damn.'
'
dozens of hours in the fiddly craft de-
tails that accumulate into a one-of-a-
kind instrument. Flip Scipio, one of
the most respected guitar restorers in
North America, says:"Linda does in-
credible things with wood . She has
90-year-o ld hands on a young body."
Like many compulsively driven
artists, Manzer can cite the exact mo-
ment that her life's calling became
clear. In the winter of r974, she vis-
ited the Toronto studio of guitar
maker Jean Larrivee. At the time, he
was inventing a new tradition of
Canadian guitar craft to challenge
American legendssuch as Martin and
Gibson. ''I'll never forget that day,"
says Manzer . "This young guy was
gently sanding a finely carved classi-
cal-guitar peghead. There was all the
warm colour ofthe dust and the lamp,
and he wassitting on an old stool, and
I walked in and thought, 'Th is isit . I
want to do this. I want to besitting on
that stool.'"
After two decades at her craft,
Manzer has built more than 2 50 in-
struments, focusing mainly on steel-
string acoustic guitars. American jazz
guitarist Pat Metheny and Canadian
singer-songwriterBruce Cockburn are
repeat customers; rocker Carlos San-
SPOT PHOTOS OF FIN ISHED GUITARS, LINDA MANZER
4.
5.
6. ----
------ -- --- -- - - ------- ----- ----- -- ------------ - ---
with wood that's very grounding," she
says. "Wood doesn't Lie.If you don't
cut it the right way, it betrays you. If
you work with it, it rewards you."
AJl the guitars that Manzer makes
-even the Pikasso-in-progress-
share the samebasicanatomy. lo every
detail , form fits function. Th e nickel-
silver frets that climb the fingerboard
Likea ladder's rungs have to bealigned
and filed perfectly, both to render the
scale accurately and to prevent buzz-
ing or spurious vibration. The curve of
the guitars waist must accommodate
the player'sthigh. Even the seemingly
decorative trim around the instru-
ment 'sborders serves a purpose, seal-
ing the porous grain of the wood to
prevent moisture from invading.
The main design goal for any in-
strument isto produce the best sound.
The wooden structure must translate
the quiet hum of a taut metal string
into a booming bass or ringin g treble
note. If a player plucked strings that
were attache d just to a wooden stick,
they would move solittle air that they
would generate only extremely weak
sound waves-hardly enough forceto
send a melody acrossa crowded saloon
or concert hall. But when those same
vibrating guitar strings are connected
to the centre of a large wooden sur-
face-t he soundboard of a guitar-
the vibrations are transferred to the
wood, which then vibrates and pro-
jects sound. A well-constructed guitar
top absorbsthe energy from the string
and begins to "pump" the air around
it like the cone ofa stereo loudspeaker.
Meanwhile, the back helpsproject the
sound forward, Lik
e a speaker cabinet .
The stiffnessofthe neck contributes to
the 'sustain," the length oftime a note
lingers before fading.
The central paradox of guitar de-
sign lies in the need for both sensitiv-
ity and strength. The soundboard,
generally built of spruce, has to be
Lightand responsiveto react nimbly to
the vibrations of the strings. But it also
has to be braced on the inside to resist
the 80-to-90-kilogram pull on the
Using a hot -water -ta.u.kelement mounted inside a copper pipe, a.hove,
Ma.nzer steam -heats a guitar side into sha.pe; with a ha.nd-opera.ted
jeweller 's sa.w, facing page , she ca.i-ves delicat e mother -of-pearl inlays .
bridge, the dark plate in the centre of
the soundboard where the six strings
are anchored.
Complicating the shaping and brac-
ing of a soundboard is the fact that
every piece of wood is unique. Man -
zer lifts the broad sheet of spruce that
has been warming beneath Billy-Bob.
Composed of two identical sheets
glued along a seam,it hasa tight ly stri-
ated grain, each line representing
a year's growth in the centur ies-old
German spruce from which it was
sliced. The growth lines are farther
apart toward the edges than at the
centre. "That means it'll be more flex-
ible near the edges," she says. As she
sands the top, she will vary its thick -
ness to take into account the variabil-
ity in the elasticity of the wood.
Manzer holds the Pikasso'stop by a
corner and raps it sharply with her
knuckle, producing a distinctive, if
muffled, tone. "You want to make the
wood sing in its very best voice," she
says. "How? As you carve a piece of
wood and tap it, you just get to a point
where it sounds Likeabell. Ifyou take
too much off,it starts tosound boomy,
dead. There's an ideal note for every
piece of wood, and that's where the
touchy-feely part comes in."
MA.NzERS
ADVENTUR E IN LUTHIERY BB-
gan in 1969 when she and some
friends sneaked into the Mariposa
Folk Festival by q_uietly paddling a
canoe across to the Toronto Islands.
Hearin g Joni Mitchell's dulcimer,
Manzer had to have one. During her
art studies at Sheridan College of Ap-
plied Arts and Technology in Oak-
ville, Ontario, she began spending all
her free time in the wood shop, where
she started building dulcimers from
scratch. (She suspects that she was
partly drawn to woodworking asa re-
action to early life experiences: in
grade school in the 1960s, she had
been banned from the shop and forced
to study home economics and serve
tea and biscuits to the boys.) During
further collegestudies in Nova Scotia,
she met a guitar maker and became
consumed with the notionofbuilding
that instrument.
After seeing the pioneering work of
young Toronto-based guitar maker
7. t
•
J
Jean Larrivee, Manzer, while working
part-time as a telephone operator,
began to pester him with long-dis-
tance calls, pleading to become an ap-
prentice. He resisted. 'Tm a chauvin -
ist, you know," he said, chuckling.
An avid classical-guitar player, Lar-
rivee had opened his own shop in
I97I for building the nylon -stringed
classical instruments. He switched to
steel-stringed acoustic guitars to sat-
isfya demand fuelled by the rock- and
folk-music explosion of the time. Be-
fore Larrivee, American companies
such asMartin and Gibson had virtu-
ally defined the steel-string guitar.
Ignorant ofthat tradition, Larrivee in-
vented a new style that has distin -
guished most Canadian acoustic gui-
tars ever since. It features abody with
rounded shoulders, a slim waist and a
broad belly,distinctive decorative de-
tails such as a mosaic of tiny coloured
piecesofwood around the sound hole,
and a set of unique bracing patterns
supporting the soundboard.
In I974, a weary and broke Manzer
decided simply to turn up at Larrivee's
studio, hoping to win himover with a
Nordic lyre she had built. It turned
One Manzer
supplier
harv
ests
woodonly
from
treesthatblew
downin thewind.
out he liked her work on the joints
and soimmediately put her to work-
asan unpaid gofersweeping up, fetch-
ing coffee, sanding small blocks of
wood. "It was fabulous," she recalls. "I
was getting this free education."
Slowly, she graduated to such pre-
cision work as shaping the wooden
sidesof instruments over a heated cop-
per pipe and manipulating the string -
"IJ'nder
the watchful eye of feline colleague Billy-Bob , Manzer applies
wooden clamps on the freshly glued Sitka spruce struts of Pikasso II.
64 • M A R C H / A P R I L I 9 9 4
thin blade of a jigsaw to cut out elab-
orate shapes from brittle tablets of
mother -of-pearl and ahalone. After
many evenings and weekends of
painstaking piecework, Manzer com-
pleted her own first guitar."The joy of
putting strings on your first guitar for
the first time isunbelievable," she says.
''I'd given birth to this thing. To me, it
sounded like heaven."
Manzer's first big break came in
I977 when she met a friend of Carlos
Santana who asked her to build a gui-
tar as a Christmas gift for the Ameri -
can rock legend .The night before she
delivered the finished instrument, she
used a trick she had learned to
"awaken" the wood. "Guitar wood is
sort of like a dancer's body," she says.
"It's stiff at first. Your body is really
tight when you wake up. You have to
stretch." She placed the guitar in front
of a stereo system and blasted it all
night-with John Denver's Christmas
album. Santana loved the guitar.
Eventually, Manzer felt that it was
time to go out on her own and build
guitars under her own name. Lar-
rivee's operation, then based in Victo-
ria, had taken on the feel of an assem-
bly line. "For a year, I was strutting
three tops and three backs every day,"
saysManzer. The day shewas packing
to leave Victoria, a friend called to tell
her that an ancient red cedar log from
one of the nearby forests had washed
up on the beach and that it looked like
great wood for guitar tops. Manzer
jumped into her car. "It was a hot sum-
mer day. I remember sweating furi-
ously, sawing away with my handsaw
asfastasI could. I had a ferry to catch.
I tried to take the biggest hunk I could
fit in my car." All the way back to
Toronto, she savoured the punge nt
smell of the cedar on the backseat.
Manzer points to a seriesof reddish
brown sheets ofcedar stacked in a rack
like record albums, waiting to become
guitar soundboards. They were all
sliced from that beached hunk of
cedar. At one point, she mislaid the
wood in someone else's shop and
8. didn't find it until a full five years
later. "It was like meeting an old
friend, finding a piece of gold."
Manzer remains almost obsessed
with making use of any odd scrap of
wood and wasting nothing. Part ofher
concern comes from knowing that
many of the most prized guitar woods,
such as African ebony or Brazilian
rosewood, come from vanishing trop -
ical rainforests. Half of her hesitation
in sawing the four Pikasso necks was
to lay them out so as to waste as little
of the precious South American ma-
hogany as possible. Like many con-
temporary builders, Manzer encour -
ages suppliers to seek mahogany or
rosewood that has been harvested in
an environmentally sensitive way.
And knowing that the best spruce and
cedar for soundboards comes from
threatened ancient forests of the
northern hemisphere, she has struck
an unusual arrangement with a cohort
in Oregon. He hi'.kesinto the temper-
ate rainforestsof the PacificCoastwith
asmallchain sawand extractshunks of
instrument-quality wood- but only
from trees blown down by the wind.
Manzer's concern about waste also
derives from a lifelived mainly on the
edge. For the first three years back in
Toronto, Manzer lived frommonth to
month, sleeping on friends' floors,
scrounging tools. She was selling just
enough guitars to get by.Her career as
an independent luthier wasfinally as-
sured in the summer of I982, when
Pat Metheny came to town.
A fan ofMetheny's soaring, impro-
visational jazz style, Manzer rushed
to get tickets when she heard that he
was playing in Toronto. At a friend's
urging, she sent a note asking Meth -
eny if he would be interested in seeing
her guitars. After his show, she man-
aged to see him, then raced back to
her shop to retrieve ·two guitars
for him to try out. He tried the first
guitar but didn't comment . He
couldn't put the second one down.
"He sat on the bed cross-legged with
my guitar and basically played the
With practised skill , Ma.nzer binds the Pika.sso top with awning twine
to help the glue set on decorative rosewood strips, called purfling .
whole concert again," Manzer recalls.
Metheny remembers that night as
well. "Over the years,I've had dozens
of guitar makers come to me and ask
me to play guitars," he says."The only
one I ever got really interested in right
off the bat was Linda's." At 3 a.m.,he
put the instrument down and said,
'Td like one." Manzer wasstunned. "I
just said, 'Okay,' but inside, I was like
a volcano going off."
She disappeared into her shop and
emerged five months later with two
guitars-just in case.Metheny loved
the first one and still usesit routinely
to compose."Every year,it gets better
and better ," he says. "Her workman -
ship is incredibly evolved . She has a
very advanced senseof what makesan
instrument in the broadest senseof the
word. There is something more hap-
pening than just the wood and the
strings and the bone."
As Manzer's relationship with
Metheny blossomed, she built him
more instruments, including a guitar
with a sitarlike twang, miniature gui-
tars and a fretlessclassicalguitar. Most
presented novel challenges . "Pat al-
ways pushed me to the limit," ·says
Manzer . On the sitar guitar , for in-
stance, she made a plate in the bridge
that can be adjusted until it nestles
next to the stringsjust enough to pro-
vide the distinctive sitar buzz, but not
so much that it mufflesthe volume.
EQ..UI N OX • 65
9. Thanks to her work with Metheny,
Manzer has had no shortage of other
orders. Bruce Cockburn has commis-
sioned four instruments, including a
blue-green-coloured model whose top
was the first built with the cedar from
that beach in Victoria. "After I played
this guitar from Linda, I got rid of all
ofmy other acoustics," saysCockburn.
"I didn't need them any more."
Manzer'.smost unusual commission
began with a simple question Meth -
eny posed in the fallof 1984. Sitting in
his studio near Boston, he casually
asked, "How many strings can you
put on a guitar?" Just as casually, she
replied, "How many do you want?"
Metheny just smiled. On a scroll of
computer paper, she sketched a layout
for several dozen parallel strings-
something like a harp. When she
showed the drawing to Methen y, be
waved his bands in the air like a wind -
mill and said, 'No, like this!'"
Over the next few months, Manzer
worked feverishly on plans for what
would eventually become the Pikasso.
Early on, it was dubbed the 3M42,
meaning "42-stringed Metheny -
Manzer Madness.'' Through the win-
ter, Manzer sent Metheny a series of
letters in which she sketched different
string layouts, sometimes accompa -
nied by a life-size cardboard cutout of
-the guitar shape. After finalizing the
number of strings and general layout,
she spent her time trying to mould the
design to fit the natural movements of
Metheny'.s hands. Finally, it was time
to cut wood. With more than 450
kilograms ofstring tension to consider,
Manzer had to design an entirely
new bracing pattern for the spruce
top . The rosewood sides were re-
inforced with dense mahogany back-
ing . She added two small rosewood
door's to the sides, prov iding access to
the internal electronics .
Finally, after five full-time months
of work on the Pikasso, the moment of
truth arrived. "When I put the strings
on for the first time, that wasthe scari-
est moment of my life,"says Manzer .
66 • MAllCH/APRlL 1994
Cockburn
selects
a
Manzertoplay
hisencore.
"Icould
dienowandbe
happy,"
shesays.
She liked what she heard. And so did
Metheny .Wh en Manzer delivered it
to him at his studio in the summer of
1985,be played it for eight hours .The
instruments layexs
ofpianolik e sounds
and its unlimited tunings-the extra
strings can be tuned to an Indian or
Orien tal scaleor a straightforward do,
re, mi-push aoy player into un
charted terri tory. "Its scary,"saysgui-
tar restorer Scipio. "You hit strings
and frequenci esstar t to work, and be-
foreyou know it,-y
ou just move your
hand and the thing is playing itself.
MA NZ ERSSANDWICH IS GONE AND HER
tea iscold,but the cracked guitar neck
for Pikasso II is still there , taunting
her. She stares at the tiny fault and
grimaces. She is feeling a bit over-
whelmed by this project. "The first
Pikasso almost killed me," she says.
"Thank God, I kept t he plans aod
took pictur es." Manzer manipulates
the wedge of mahogany, looking for a
way to avoid the crack. She runs it
back through the handsaw several
times, shaving away the cracked por-
tion bit by bit , seeing how far it sinks
In the sha.dow of the best-la.id pla.us
for the Pikasso, Ma.nzer toils
tena.ciously on her 1,000 -hour job .
into the wood . She thinks about flip-
ping it over, but that would lose the
"wonderful" way the grain follows the
shape of the neck. Finally, Manzer
puts it down. ''I'llsleepon it," she says.
There is plenty of other work yet to
be done. She pulls out the thick folder
of background she has compiled for
the inlay on the guitar: photocopies
and snapshots and magazine clippings
of the great builders and guitarists of
the past 150 years. A stack of her trac-
ing-paper sketches of Orville Gibson,
John D'Angelico, the Dopera broth -
ers,Paul Bigsbyand the rest slidesonto
the table. She spreads the small draw-
ingsout over the sprawling guitar plan
and shuffles them like playing cards .
"A bunch of men - and me," says
Manzer with a chuckle . As she pon-
ders the design, she runs her fingers
through her long hair, eliciting a
sprinkling of mahogany dust.
That weekend, Manzer drives to
Guelph to see Bruce Cockburn per-
form. The rousing two -hour show has
the packed house singing along on al-
most every tune. The crowd roars and
pounds the floor, insisting on an en-
core. Cockburn comes out, 1ooks
down in the shadows at three guitars
and selects the Manzer. Twenty rows
back, the instrument's creator smiles
ecstatically at his choice. "As a guitar
builder, you have certa in people you
aspire to build instruments for," she
whispers. "Pat was one of them. And
Bruce was really the other. I could sort
of die now and be happy ." The guitar's
lacquered cedar top, salvaged from a
beach solong ago,gleamslike an emer-
ald in the spotlight . Even with its
sound hole stuffed with foam to stifle
any feedback howl, und er Cockburn's
touch, the guitar makes the rafters
shiver and the audience dance. l(t-
Andrew Revkin isaiithol'oftheaward
-
wi,i»ing The Burning Season: The
Murder of Chico Mendes and the
Fight for the Amazon Rain Forest .
Peter Sibbald is a Tol'onto
photographer.
Thisisthe
firstEQ.UINOX appearan
c.e
forboth..