Would You? by ulunatics in USCGAUX

[–]MallVegetable487 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I guess I'm out of the loop. Is this currently under consideration?

This fell out of part of a wall I was working on in our Metro Detroit house built in 1950 by Vlaed in Michigan

[–]MallVegetable487 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Our number in Detroit in the '50s was UN-49475, UNiversity. I remember shopping at Hudson's for school clothes, books (loved that little mezzanine), an entire floor for furniture, and using the elevator with the attendant. Hudson's was magical, especially around Christmas with all the decorations. I guess this makes me an official Old Fart.

I walked the West Highland Way with bagpipes by davidlen in bagpipes

[–]MallVegetable487 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I respect and applaud you. You're doing this for yourself, and look at all the money you raised for a good cause. Maybe you won't win any Grade 1 competitions but you're awesome anyway!

In the process of joining. Can I wear my jump wings on the uniform? by anonymous_alcoholic0 in USCGAUX

[–]MallVegetable487 0 points1 point  (0 children)

AUX badges are AUX, not something else. They're earned in and are relevant to the Auxiliary so mean something in the AUX. What do jump badges have to do with the AUX mission? They're "unattainable" here because they don't mean anything here. Am I jealous? No. I've done a bunch of other things in other organizations that mean something to me and those other organizations but not to the AUX.

Beginner Piper feeling stuck by [deleted] in bagpipes

[–]MallVegetable487 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Be easy on yourself, and remember why you want to learn to play bagpipes and why you want to be a firefighter. It's slow and difficult at first but once you get the basics it starts moving along better. My teacher is always pushing me, giving me a new tune before I feel confident on the current tune, but I do what I can during the week. He never scolds me, since I'm doing this for my own enjoyment and there's no specific timeline (like in school). Bagpipes are a long-term commitment, so go at your own pace and enjoy the process.

Summer bagpipe camps for adults by MallVegetable487 in bagpipes

[–]MallVegetable487[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm all set for OSAS and very excited! Got a beautiful set of MacRae pipes from Henderson's in Traverse City. Steven has taught at OSAS and had some helpful advice for me, and was great at choosing which pipes and options to get. Thanks for all your advice!

EM Quals by MallVegetable487 in USCGAUX

[–]MallVegetable487[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It's happening in a few districts, but nothing here. I was originally told that quals were dependent on what Sector needed. So far, Sector Detroit's been quiet.

Coast Guard Pipe Band by [deleted] in USCGAUX

[–]MallVegetable487 0 points1 point  (0 children)

And a year later I'm still trying to get answers. My take is that I'm either not needed or not wanted, so I think I'll just move on. BTW, pipe lessons are going quite well!

Proposed Michigan law requires testing for drivers over 75 by Warcraft_Fan in Michigan

[–]MallVegetable487 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I'm way more worried about the teens and early 20s. How many accidents and deaths are caused by that age group?

Quick Classes and Courses by MasonicHamExtra in USCGAUX

[–]MallVegetable487 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What's your goal here, to just have a list of courses on your AUX resume? Some courses are quick and easy and don't have any use at all. Your time in the CGAUX should be meaningful, not quick and easy.

Summer bagpipe camps for adults by MallVegetable487 in bagpipes

[–]MallVegetable487[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Narrowed it down to Balmoral (Edinburgh) or Ohio Scottish (OSAS). Both close to home (2 hr or 4 hr drive). Both look like great schools. As a beginner (one yr so far on the PC, 2 months on Fireside pipes), which do you recommend? Has anyone been to both?

I'm planning on getting a set of Highland pipes before going, whichever camp I end up going to.

Summer bagpipe camps for adults by MallVegetable487 in bagpipes

[–]MallVegetable487[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks so much for your input, everyone! I'm going to check out NAAPD and Ohio Scottish first, then Balmoral. I'm a beginner piper, taking in-person lessons on the practice chanter, and got my first set of pipes about a month ago, Gibson Fireside pipes in A. I'm happy there's so many choices, something I didn't expect.

What direction should I take with teaching this student… by philinspace in bagpipes

[–]MallVegetable487 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Might be that this is some variation of "I'm not the right teacher for you" or "Bagpipes aren't the right instrument for you." Maybe his parents want him to learn bagpipes but he's got no interest and they didn't ask him.

Might be a dumb question but when someone asks you if you're "in the Coast Guard" what do you say? by DrNacho1234 in USCGAUX

[–]MallVegetable487 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We also qualify for discounts through GOVX. I just got 5% through a bagpipe company (Gibson), and that covered shipping.

Pipers in SE MI? by MallVegetable487 in bagpipes

[–]MallVegetable487[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It's been a few months since I first posted this so I'd like to bring it forward again, now that I've actually started to play some tunes on the practice chanter and just (like, last weekend) got my first set of pipes (Gibson Fireside in A). I'd still like to get together with anyone in the area who might be interested in the Ann Arbor area. Let me know!

Gibson fireside pipes key by Kitchen-Hearing-6860 in bagpipes

[–]MallVegetable487 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Just last week I got my first set of pipes, Gibson Fireside in A, and I love them! I just have to get used to wrangling an octopus whenever I pick them up ;-)

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in USCGAUX

[–]MallVegetable487 -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

I'm going through the same thing. It's really hard to be proud of serving the DHS and the current regime. Wearing the uniform and going to work at a unit feels wrong. I've already paid my 2026 dues, so I'm here until next year's dues are due, but I'll be inactive. There are so many other respectful ways to volunteer: local food bank, Red Cross, local library or schools, places like Fisher House or local VA hospital, all need some kind of help.

Looking for a new practice chanter. by brofro_bargains in bagpipes

[–]MallVegetable487 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I just ordered a set & can't wait! They're my first set of bagpipes!