[Tax-chick]

I think the flute is the “ney.” Hugh bass drum, people at stoplights would stare, even with the windows closed!

Glad you’re feeling better. It’s a bad year, although fortunately none of us has been seriously ill. Tom has a cough and congestion; we’ll have to get him some heavy-duty drugs before his speech competition on Friday.

He acts like he might have some asthma symptoms, but that can be very episodic, and an asthma diagnosis, even if it goes away, means he’d never get into the military if he wants to. Better, I think, just go give him chamomile tea and some expectorants and wait until spring.

[sionnsar]

The Iranian ney (different from the Arabic ney) is an interesting if difficult instrument. Essentially an end-blown flute, it apparently requires something of a small gap between two teeth, something I have in exactly the right spot. But the breath control required to kick it into its various octaves is quite difficult.

I love hearing it. I'd love to learn to play it, but doubt my ability. Or that I have the time...

Just copied all the new African & Persian music onto my MP3 player. OMG 22 Gigs of MP3s in categories: African, Asian, Bagpipes, Celtic, Christian, Classical, Country, ... Russian, Scottish, Vocal. (Hm. Pipes and Bagpipes categories... need to look at that.)

[sionnsar]

It’s a bad year, although fortunately none of us has been seriously ill. Tom has a cough and congestion; we’ll have to get him some heavy-duty drugs before his speech competition on Friday.
He acts like he might have some asthma symptoms, but that can be very episodic, and an asthma diagnosis, even if it goes away, means he’d never get into the military if he wants to. Better, I think, just go give him chamomile tea and some expectorants and wait until spring.

We'll pray it's not asthma then! And for protection against serious (or any other) disease.

[Frank Sheed]

There is a very nasty cough going around that I had for over 3 weeks. It struck at night especially and I’ve spoken to some who’ve had pneumonia. Fortunately, I was able to use guaifenesin which works great:

http://www.fpnotebook.com/Lung/Pharm/CghExpctrnt.htm

I find it to be safe and bought it in the Mucinex DM brand.

I agree with the advice about spring. The weather in many houses now is very dry due to the heat being on so much. He may be suffering from a simple pneumonitis that is aggravated by that. Not to fear, Mrs. Tax. I pray it will respond to something mild. Guiafenesin has been around forever and is considered pretty safe.