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---------------------------------------------------

Stagecraft Digest, Issue #574

 1. Re: Pre-show Announcement
    by Marty_Petlock [at] sarasotagov.com
 2. Re: Falling distance
    by Greg Williams <gwilliams [at] appstate.edu>
 3. Re: Falling distance
    by Loren Schreiber <lschreib [at] mail.sdsu.edu>
 4. Re: Falling distance
    by CB <psyd [at] cox.net>
 5. Trucking
    by "Jonathan S. Deull" <jdeull [at] clarktransfer.com>
 6. Re: Pre-show Announcement
    by "Tony Deeming" <deeming.tony [at] btinternet.com>
 7. Re: Falling distance
    by "Jeffrey E. Salzberg" <stagecraft [at] jeffsalzberg.com>
 8. Re: Pre-show Announcement
    by "Bill Conner" <bill-conner [at] att.net>
 9. Re: Falling distance
    by FrankWood95 [at] aol.com
10. Re: Pre-show Announcement
    by FrankWood95 [at] aol.com
11. Re: Falling distance
    by FrankWood95 [at] aol.com
12. Re: Pre-show Announcement
    by FrankWood95 [at] aol.com
13. Falls from high places
    by Steve Larson <tiptd [at] theatreinthepark.com>
14. Re: Falls from high places
    by "Jeffrey E. Salzberg" <stagecraft [at] jeffsalzberg.com>
15. Re: Falls from high places
    by FrankWood95 [at] aol.com
16. OT
    by "Bill Conner" <bill-conner [at] att.net>
17. Re: OT
    by rwhitco [at] comcast.net
18. Re: OT
    by "Tony Deeming" <deeming.tony [at] btinternet.com>
19. Re: OT
    by Jerry Durand <jdurand [at] interstellar.com>
20. Re: Pre-show Announcement
    by "Steve B." <sbmtbike [at] optonline.net>
21. Re: Pre-show Announcement
    by Herrick Goldman <Herrick [at] HGLightingDesign.com>
22. Re: OT
    by Dale Farmer <dale [at] cybercom.net>
23. HELP PLEASE with Express effect cue
    by Adam Berns <gunntd [at] mac.com>
24. Inventory tracking
    by "James, Brian" <bej [at] vt.edu>

*** Please update the subject line of your reply to use the subject
*** line of the message you are replying to! Please only reply to
*** one message subject in each reply.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Subject: Re:  Pre-show Announcement
Message-ID: <OF4B099D4C.EE3201FE-ON852570B0.004B0103-852570B0.004B8657 [at] sarasotagov.com>
From: Marty_Petlock [at] sarasotagov.com
Date: Sat, 5 Nov 2005 08:44:55 -0500


I saw a bunch of shows in the UK last summer and they did a really neat
thing (those clever Brits). Just before the house lights went out a cell
phone ring went off. It was a very common ring tone, just loud enough to
get your attention and be annoying. As people immediately went for their
phones another ring went off, then another. By this time everyone had
figured it out and I got to see lots of phones being turned off. Seemed
much more effective than the announcement which most folks ignore.

Marty Petlock
Technical Facilities Manager
Van Wezel P.A.H.
Sarasota, FL.



**********
E-mail messages sent or received by City of Sarasota officials and
employees in connection with official City business are public records
subject to disclosure under the Florida Public Records Act.
**********



------------------------------

Date: Sat, 05 Nov 2005 10:11:30 -0500
From: Greg Williams <gwilliams [at] appstate.edu>
Subject: Re: Falling distance
In-reply-to: <list-25357425 [at] prxy.net>
Message-id: <376D97FE-6A3F-4436-8D50-20D47FD9B40E [at] appstate.edu>
References: <list-25357425 [at] prxy.net>


On Nov 4, 2005, at 6:41 PM, FrankWood95 [at] aol.com wrote:
> I am indeed. To eject me head first from our catwalks would need me  
> to be
> unconscious.

I think I understand where we're not communicating. I believe all of  
us assumed that you _would_ be unconscious when you were thrown from  
the catwalk. This would not only make the initial interface more  
rewarding for the thrower(s), but would also allow the throwing and  
impact as desired a bit easier. In this case, you would be unable to  
use your reflexes in the +/- 1 second from catwalk to stage floor to  
recover and save yourself.

In this narrow scenario, the initial velocity of the thrower(s) would  
indeed be added to acceleration times time to account for your  
velocity at the moment of the head-first splat onto the stage.

Unless, of course, you were wearing...

-=Greg Williams=-
Production Manager
Valborg Theatre, Appalachian State University

www.LRLR.org - 2006 ride dates July 9-18 - c'mon and join us!



------------------------------

Message-Id: <6.1.1.1.2.20051105082029.03a05850 [at] mail.sdsu.edu>
Date: Sat, 05 Nov 2005 08:20:54 -0800
From: Loren Schreiber <lschreib [at] mail.sdsu.edu>
Subject: Re: Falling distance

I prefer to determine the answer empirically. I mean, that's why we have 
students, isn't it?


Loren "Grits" Schreiber, Technical Director
School of Theatre, Television and Film
San Diego State University

Long Reach Long Riders announce dates for the 2006 Charity Ride.
Check out www.lrlr.org  for more information, and then join us!




------------------------------

Message-Id: <3.0.6.32.20051105094047.00b48098 [at] pop.west.cox.net>
Date: Sat, 05 Nov 2005 09:40:47
From: CB <psyd [at] cox.net>
Subject: Re: Falling distance

>To eject me head first from our catwalks would need me to be 
>unconscious. Even then it would be hard.

Something tells me that the preconditioins could be met, and there are
those that would be willing to make the extra effort.  Call it a hunch.
				Chris "Chris" Babbie
				Location Sound
				MON AZ

Delete key training and post trimming done by appointment.  Rates
negotiable, will trade for typing lessons/ADD treatment...

------------------------------

From: "Jonathan S. Deull" <jdeull [at] clarktransfer.com>
Subject: Trucking
Date: Sat, 5 Nov 2005 11:52:29 -0500
Message-ID: <004501c5e229$4f51e1f0$6701a8c0 [at] M60>


....Looking for good trucking companies for a west coast run.  I remember
someone here is associated with Clark, but I can't find a number for them...

Hi Joe:

You were right.  Here I am.

Call Tawna at Clark Transfer HQ.  She will help you. 
800 488-7585.  Email is tawna [at] clarktransfer.com.
Website is: www.clarktransfer.com.

Let me know off-list if you need any other help.
Jonathan

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 

Jonathan S. Deull
1777 Lanier Place, NW
Washington, DC 20009

jdeull [at] clarktransfer.com

Phone:  (202) 232-4138
Fax:    (202) 232-4139
Cel:    (202) 256-9207




------------------------------

From: "Tony Deeming" <deeming.tony [at] btinternet.com>
Subject: RE: Pre-show Announcement
Date: Sat, 5 Nov 2005 17:08:23 -0000
Message-ID: <ODEMKLAMIBKNHPJLNKDPMEJADEAA.deeming.tony [at] btinternet.com>
In-reply-to: <list-25365733 [at] prxy.net>

Yup, we Brits have used that quite a lot (don't know who started it, but
it's a great way to get attention!)
We have a couple of pre-shows pre-recorded and at least one includes the
ringers.

TD

>
> I saw a bunch of shows in the UK last summer and they did a really neat
> thing (those clever Brits). Just before the house lights went out a cell
> phone ring went off. It was a very common ring tone, just loud enough to
> get your attention and be annoying. As people immediately went for their
> phones another ring went off, then another. By this time everyone had
> figured it out and I got to see lots of phones being turned off. Seemed
> much more effective than the announcement which most folks ignore.
>
> Marty Petlock
> Technical Facilities Manager



------------------------------

Reply-To: <stagecraft [at] jeffsalzberg.com>
From: "Jeffrey E. Salzberg" <stagecraft [at] jeffsalzberg.com>
Subject: RE: Falling distance
Date: Sat, 5 Nov 2005 12:15:24 -0500
Message-ID: <000001c5e22c$85f17740$6601a8c0 [at] Dell>
In-Reply-To: <list-25367592 [at] prxy.net>


> >To eject me head first from our catwalks would need me to be
> >unconscious. Even then it would be hard.
> 
> Something tells me that the preconditioins could be met, and 
> there are those that would be willing to make the extra 
> effort.  Call it a hunch.

How big are his catwalks?  Is there room for everyone who would apply, or
will it be first-come, first-served?



------------------------------

Message-ID: <00a001c5e233$fa5178e0$6601a8c0 [at] BCA1>
Reply-To: "Bill Conner" <bill [at] bcaworld.com>
From: "Bill Conner" <bill-conner [at] att.net>
Subject: Re: Pre-show Announcement
Date: Sat, 5 Nov 2005 12:08:45 -0600

First, I saw KA in Vegas in September and they have in their style 
integrated the cell phone and pictures and making noise cautions into a 
delightful and inspired pre-show bit of lazzi.  They don't however tell 
people to think about how they would get out if there were a hazard so I 
guess if it happens in Las Vegas, you stay there.

Recent changes to the Life Safety Code and other codes and standards as a 
result of the Station fire in Rhode Island increase the requirement for 
crowd management so that practically any assembly of more than 50 people 
require a crowd manager - an individual that has specific responsibilities 
for the safety of the other occupants.  One specific duty is inspecting the 
means of egress regularly to assure it is not obstructed.

As a result, I expect the pre-show - pre-event really -  announcements will 
become more common.  I try to remember to make the announcements at all code 
and standards meetings I attend - after actually checking the means of 
egress .  After all, one incident resulting in injury will now result in a 
question in court like "did you as the crowd manager use a normal standard 
of care to prevent this injury?" and soon to be followed by "did you ensure 
the occupants were informed where the exits were and how they worked?" 
Pretty soon it will be safe to assume most Owners will require their crowd 
managers to make the announcement.  Yes, our tort system is based on 
everyone is stupid and anything that happens is someone else's fault.  Deal 
with it.

Oh Frank?  Your comments on our country's ways are unwelcome here so just 
button it or we'll dump your Guinness into the ocean this time and that 
would surely be a waste.

Bill



------------------------------

From: FrankWood95 [at] aol.com
Message-ID: <251.47a9f7.309e51c5 [at] aol.com>
Date: Sat, 5 Nov 2005 13:19:49 EST
Subject: Re: Falling distance

In a message dated 05/11/05 15:25:38 GMT Standard Time, 
gwilliams [at] appstate.edu writes:

> I think I understand where we're not communicating. I believe all of  
>  us assumed that you _would_ be unconscious when you were thrown from  
>  the catwalk. This would not only make the initial interface more  
>  rewarding for the thrower(s), but would also allow the throwing and  
>  impact as desired a bit easier. In this case, you would be unable to  
>  use your reflexes in the +/- 1 second from catwalk to stage floor to  
>  recover and save yourself.

To get back towards reality, the only reason I can see to be unconscious on 
our catwalks is to have had a heart attack or something similar. In this case I 
should probably fall to the floor of the catwalk, or perhaps drape myself on 
the rails. I might bash my head as I went down. Either way, there is no way a 
fall arrest system would help. I need to be noticed, an ambulance called, and 
evacuated in double quick time. 
>  
>  In this narrow scenario, the initial velocity of the thrower(s) would  
>  indeed be added to acceleration times time to account for your  
>  velocity at the moment of the head-first splat onto the stage.

Don't forget that velocities add vectorially.


Frank Wood

------------------------------

From: FrankWood95 [at] aol.com
Message-ID: <209.d87f1c6.309e52d3 [at] aol.com>
Date: Sat, 5 Nov 2005 13:24:19 EST
Subject: Re: Pre-show Announcement

In a message dated 05/11/05 17:09:00 GMT Standard Time, 
deeming.tony [at] btinternet.com writes:

> Yup, we Brits have used that quite a lot (don't know who started it, but
>  it's a great way to get attention!)
>  We have a couple of pre-shows pre-recorded and at least one includes the
>  ringers.

The trouble is that there are so many individual rings. Only lazy old sods 
like me keep to the preset "Beep-Beep".

Frank Wood

------------------------------

From: FrankWood95 [at] aol.com
Message-ID: <209.d87f1c9.309e541c [at] aol.com>
Date: Sat, 5 Nov 2005 13:29:48 EST
Subject: Re: Falling distance

In a message dated 05/11/05 17:14:13 GMT Standard Time, 
stagecraft [at] jeffsalzberg.com writes:

> > Something tells me that the preconditioins could be met, and 
>  > there are those that would be willing to make the extra 
>  > effort.  Call it a hunch.
>  
>  How big are his catwalks?  Is there room for everyone who would apply, or
>  will it be first-come, first-served?

18" wide at floor level, increasing to 2' at lower level, and 2'6" at top 
rail height. Many have an auxiliary rail a foot out from the top rail. Form a 
queue.

Frank Wood

------------------------------

From: FrankWood95 [at] aol.com
Message-ID: <fc.1fba7aab.309e57d1 [at] aol.com>
Date: Sat, 5 Nov 2005 13:45:37 EST
Subject: Re: Pre-show Announcement

In a message dated 05/11/05 18:09:33 GMT Standard Time, bill-conner [at] att.net 
writes:

> Recent changes to the Life Safety Code and other codes and standards as a 
>  result of the Station fire in Rhode Island increase the requirement for 
>  crowd management so that practically any assembly of more than 50 people 
>  require a crowd manager - an individual that has specific responsibilities 
>  for the safety of the other occupants.  One specific duty is inspecting 
the 
>  means of egress regularly to assure it is not obstructed.

Every show we did was visited by a safety inspection team. Escape routes, 
including their lighting, both permament and maintained, were scrupulously 
checked. Loose cables were frowned on, and substantial handrails to access stairs 
insisted on. Other details depended on the show and on the set.

Formally, the House Manager and his team are responsible for the orderly 
evacuation of the audience, and the SM for the backstage areas.

Frank Wood

------------------------------

Date: Sat, 05 Nov 2005 14:59:11 -0500
Subject: Falls from high places
From: Steve Larson <tiptd [at] theatreinthepark.com>
Message-ID: <BF92793F.83E0%tiptd [at] theatreinthepark.com>
In-Reply-To: <list-25368694 [at] prxy.net>

All this talk of falling is about to make
me go out and take a long walk on a short
catwalk.  Enough already.  If you fall,
you may die.  Who cares what goes through
your mind at 28 mpg in less than a second.
Instead of talking about it, let's do something
about preventing it.

Steve



------------------------------

Reply-To: <stagecraft [at] jeffsalzberg.com>
From: "Jeffrey E. Salzberg" <stagecraft [at] jeffsalzberg.com>
Subject: RE: Falls from high places
Date: Sat, 5 Nov 2005 15:14:09 -0500
Message-ID: <000501c5e245$7ecafc20$6601a8c0 [at] Dell>
In-Reply-To: <list-25369620 [at] prxy.net>


> Who cares what goes through
> your mind at 28 mpg in less than a second.
> Instead of talking about it, let's do something
> about preventing it.

I think we're all committed to preventing mishaps; the rest is just an
interesting intellectual exercise.



------------------------------

From: FrankWood95 [at] aol.com
Message-ID: <210.d69e351.309e9737 [at] aol.com>
Date: Sat, 5 Nov 2005 18:16:07 EST
Subject: Re: Falls from high places

In a message dated 05/11/05 20:03:48 GMT Standard Time, 
tiptd [at] theatreinthepark.com writes:

> All this talk of falling is about to make
>  me go out and take a long walk on a short
>  catwalk.  Enough already.  If you fall,
>  you may die.  Who cares what goes through
>  your mind at 28 mpg in less than a second.
>  Instead of talking about it, let's do something
>  about preventing it.

By all means. First, let us design our catwalks properly. Let me quote ours 
as an example, and they date from 1964, with additions.

The rails are 2" OD steel tube, supported at 3' intervals by 1" square steel 
stanchions. The main longitudinals, to which the stanchions are bolted, are 
runs of 6" x 3" steel channel, securely fastened to the girder structure of the 
roof, or elsewhere to the structure of the theatre. They are fully floored, 
fitted with kicking boards, and have two rails on each side.

Access is by a 3' wide or more gallery, with the same rail structure on the 
auditorium side, and brick walls elsewhere. This, in turn, is three steps up 
from the control room, to which there is a 6' wide staircase.

They provide enough lighting positions for 99% of our needs. Sometimes, we 
need to rig lanterns in other positions, but seldom. In these cases, suitable 
fall precautions should be taken. Also, as we grow older, we grow more cautious. 
Thirty years ago, I did things I should not do now, confident in my ability 
then. Nowadays, I can't handle a domestic stepladder, and, in France, my grapes 
go unharvested.


Frank Wood

------------------------------

Message-ID: <010001c5e25f$4e33b830$6601a8c0 [at] BCA1>
Reply-To: "Bill Conner" <bill [at] bcaworld.com>
From: "Bill Conner" <bill-conner [at] att.net>
Subject: OT
Date: Sat, 5 Nov 2005 17:18:53 -0600

I couldn't resist forwarding this from the IBC (building code) board, 
especially with Frank in mind:

Scientists at NASA built a gun specifically to launch standard 4 pound dead 
chickens at the windshields of airliners, military jets and the space 
shuttle, all traveling at maximum velocity. The idea is to simulate the 
frequent incidents of collisions with airborne fowl to test the strength of 
the windshields.

British engineers heard about the gun and were eager to test it on the 
windshields of their new high speed trains. Arrangements were made, and a 
gun was sent to the British engineers. When the gun was fired, the engineers 
stood shocked as the chicken hurled out of the barrel, crashed into the 
shatterproof shield, smashed it to smithereens, blasted through the control 
console, snapped the engineer's back-rest in two, and embedded itself in the 
back wall of the cabin, like an arrow shot from a bow.

The horrified Brits sent NASA the disastrous results of the
experiment, along with the designs of the windshield and begged the US 
scientists for suggestions.

You're going to love this...


NASA responded with a one-line memo -- "Defrost the chicken."



------------------------------

From: rwhitco [at] comcast.net
Cc: bill [at] bcaworld.com (Bill Conner)
Subject: Re: OT
Date: Sat, 05 Nov 2005 23:36:13 +0000
Message-Id: <110520052336.18116.436D41ED0008171E000046C42200735834010C9B0708999D [at] comcast.net>

It's a great story, however:
http://www.snopes.com/science/cannon.htm

Snopes.com is such a great resource.


> For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see <http://stagecraft.theprices.net/>
> ---------------------------------------------------
> 
> I couldn't resist forwarding this from the IBC (building code) board, 
> especially with Frank in mind:
> 
> Scientists at NASA built a gun specifically to launch standard 4 pound dead 
> chickens at the windshields of airliners, military jets and the space 
> shuttle, all traveling at maximum velocity. The idea is to simulate the 
> frequent incidents of collisions with airborne fowl to test the strength of 
> the windshields.
> 
> British engineers heard about the gun and were eager to test it on the 
> windshields of their new high speed trains. Arrangements were made, and a 
> gun was sent to the British engineers. When the gun was fired, the engineers 
> stood shocked as the chicken hurled out of the barrel, crashed into the 
> shatterproof shield, smashed it to smithereens, blasted through the control 
> console, snapped the engineer's back-rest in two, and embedded itself in the 
> back wall of the cabin, like an arrow shot from a bow.
> 
> The horrified Brits sent NASA the disastrous results of the
> experiment, along with the designs of the windshield and begged the US 
> scientists for suggestions.
> 
> You're going to love this...
> 
> 
> NASA responded with a one-line memo -- "Defrost the chicken."
> 
> 

------------------------------

From: "Tony Deeming" <deeming.tony [at] btinternet.com>
Cc: bill [at] bcaworld.com (Bill Conner)
Subject: RE: OT
Date: Sat, 5 Nov 2005 23:36:47 -0000
Message-ID: <ODEMKLAMIBKNHPJLNKDPOEJDDEAA.deeming.tony [at] btinternet.com>
In-Reply-To: <list-25371696 [at] prxy.net>

ROTFLMFAO!!!

I had to wait for at least five minutes before I could type straight enough
to respond to this!!
It's GOT to be one of the funniest things I've read in a LONG time!!!

TD

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Stagecraft [mailto:stagecraft [at] theatrical.net]On Behalf Of Bill
> Conner
> Sent: 05 November 2005 23:19
> To: Stagecraft
> Subject: OT
>
>
> For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see <http://stagecraft.theprices.net/>
> ---------------------------------------------------
>
> I couldn't resist forwarding this from the IBC (building code) board,
> especially with Frank in mind:
>
> Scientists at NASA built a gun specifically to launch standard 4
> pound dead
> chickens at the windshields of airliners, military jets and the space
> shuttle, all traveling at maximum velocity. The idea is to simulate the
> frequent incidents of collisions with airborne fowl to test the
> strength of
> the windshields.
>
> British engineers heard about the gun and were eager to test it on the
> windshields of their new high speed trains. Arrangements were made, and a
> gun was sent to the British engineers. When the gun was fired,
> the engineers
> stood shocked as the chicken hurled out of the barrel, crashed into the
> shatterproof shield, smashed it to smithereens, blasted through
> the control
> console, snapped the engineer's back-rest in two, and embedded
> itself in the
> back wall of the cabin, like an arrow shot from a bow.
>
> The horrified Brits sent NASA the disastrous results of the
> experiment, along with the designs of the windshield and begged the US
> scientists for suggestions.
>
> You're going to love this...
>
>
> NASA responded with a one-line memo -- "Defrost the chicken."
>
>
>



------------------------------

In-Reply-To: <list-25371696 [at] prxy.net>
References: <list-25371696 [at] prxy.net>
Message-Id: <80DC6296-6A99-40EF-A84F-81ED6AC228C5 [at] interstellar.com>
From: Jerry Durand <jdurand [at] interstellar.com>
Subject: Re: OT
Date: Sat, 5 Nov 2005 15:44:04 -0800


On Nov 5, 2005, at 3:18 PM, Bill Conner wrote:

> NASA responded with a one-line memo -- "Defrost the chicken."
>
>
>

When Sharon and I took our Pyro Shooter's Certification some time  
back, there was a demo of the dangers of fireworks.  Among other  
things, a chicken was placed over a 3" mortar to demonstrate why you  
don't ever put your head over a loaded gun.

After the course, we were discussing the demo on a pyro mailing list  
and mentioned the chicken.  There was a horrified outcry that we'd  
blown up a chicken.  How cruel, etc.  There were several calls for  
the instructor to be disciplined, etc.

When he got a chance to respond, he pointed out that the chicken had  
come from the supermarket and was quite dead BEFORE he blew it up.

Never leap to conclusions without your fall arrest harness on!

--
Jerry Durand
Durand Interstellar, Inc.
Los Gatos, California, USA
www.interstellar.com



------------------------------

Date: Sat, 05 Nov 2005 19:57:23 -0500
From: "Steve B." <sbmtbike [at] optonline.net>
Subject: Re: Pre-show Announcement
Message-id: <008f01c5e26d$0c51d790$6601a8c0 [at] SBFF>
References: <list-25365733 [at] prxy.net>


----- Original Message ----- 

Our in-house producer showed his sense of himor a few weeks back, after a 
week of torrential rains in the NE USA, announced to the audience, after the 
usual "No Photo's" etc... "And a reminder that the seat cushion maybe used 
as a floatation device in the event of sever flooding".  Got a healthy laugh 
out of the audience.

Steve Bailey
Brooklyn College



------------------------------

Date: Sat, 05 Nov 2005 20:15:40 -0500
Subject: Re: Pre-show Announcement
From: Herrick Goldman <Herrick [at] HGLightingDesign.com>
Message-ID: <BF92C36C.8801%Herrick [at] HGLightingDesign.com>
In-Reply-To: <list-25372834 [at] prxy.net>

On my recent Hawaii tour of A Chorus Line  or ("dance 2 looks 4" as we liked
to call it)  our SM used to end his pre-show with "Mahalo" which many of you
know is "Thank You".

The entire company learned that "Maliho" (Paul correct my spelling) means
"Scrotum" so we had spots on headset and dancers standing around him
whispering Maliho in the hopes that he would accidentally Spoonerize Mahalo.

Sadly he was too good for us.

-H


-- 
Herrick Goldman
Lighting Designer, NYC
www.HGLightingDesign.com
917-797-3624
"To the scores of silent alchemists who wreak their joy in darkness and in
light bringing magic to life, we bow most humbly. "-CDS



------------------------------

Message-ID: <436D6471.71E09DF7 [at] cybercom.net>
Date: Sat, 05 Nov 2005 21:03:29 -0500
From: Dale Farmer <dale [at] cybercom.net>
Organization: The  fuzz in the back of the fridge. 
Subject: Re: OT
References: <list-25371696 [at] prxy.net>



Bill Conner wrote:

> For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see <http://stagecraft.theprices.net/>
> ---------------------------------------------------
>
> I couldn't resist forwarding this from the IBC (building code) board,
> especially with Frank in mind:
>
> Scientists at NASA built a gun specifically to launch standard 4 pound dead
> chickens at the windshields of airliners, military jets and the space
> shuttle, all traveling at maximum velocity. The idea is to simulate the
> frequent incidents of collisions with airborne fowl to test the strength of
> the windshields.
>
> British engineers heard about the gun and were eager to test it on the
> windshields of their new high speed trains. Arrangements were made, and a
> gun was sent to the British engineers. When the gun was fired, the engineers
> stood shocked as the chicken hurled out of the barrel, crashed into the
> shatterproof shield, smashed it to smithereens, blasted through the control
> console, snapped the engineer's back-rest in two, and embedded itself in the
> back wall of the cabin, like an arrow shot from a bow.
>
> The horrified Brits sent NASA the disastrous results of the
> experiment, along with the designs of the windshield and begged the US
> scientists for suggestions.
>
> You're going to love this...
>
> NASA responded with a one-line memo -- "Defrost the chicken."

    While the chicken cannon is real.  The story is, unfortunately,
fictional.  Funny story though.
    The first chicken cannon I can recall was built for the USAF
in the 1950s, after they started realizing just how dangerous a
bird strike was to a jet speed aircraft.   Once the aircraft designers
figured out how to make a really strong window, angle it decently,
and build it into a window frame that was strong enough, bird
strikes to cockpits became just a nuisance.
    There are still chicken cannons in use, for testing how engines
react to ingesting birds in flight.    They need to toss birds into
jet engines running at full speed in a test stand, then watch the
engine blow up with the high speed cameras.   Interesting films,
actually, watching things you think of as rigid warping and
wobbling.
    They also use them for a cleaning procedure.  They used to
have to disassemble each engine and carefully wash and scrape
the dirt off of each vane, and then reassemble them.  Very
tedious and time consuming procedure.  Then the air force was
trying to find a way to do this without disassembly.  Long story
short, they found that pouring unpopped popcorn into a running
engine did the trick.   The unpopped popcorn hit the compressor
vanes and were hard enough to scrape off the dirt.  When they
went through the combustor section, it popped and then got
burned up, so that it could pass through the thrust vanes without
damaging them.

    --Dale,  fount of useless information.



------------------------------

Message-ID: <3506651.1131255681882.JavaMail.gunntd [at] mac.com>
Date: Sat, 05 Nov 2005 21:41:21 -0800
From: Adam Berns <gunntd [at] mac.com>
Subject: HELP PLEASE with Express effect cue

Okay, I have 6 lights, each with a Morpheus M series scrollers, running in the standard CMY mode (only three circuit used for each).  Here is what I want to do.  I want to have channels 31-36 "flicker" between 35 and 90, easy to do.  Then I want the scrollers to change between three colors.  Let me be a little more technical here.  Where Channel 60 is Y for Channel 31, 61-->M for channel 31, 62-->C For channel 31 (I am not worried about seeing the color scrollers change)

Step  Channel  Lo/Hi
1     31       35/95
2     32       35/95
etc...36
7     60 [at] 25,61 [at] 10,62 [at] 5
8     60 [at] 15,61 [at] 25,62 [at] FF
9     60 [at] 30,61 [at] 40,62 [at] 80
10    64 [at] 25,65 [at] 10,66 [at] 5
11    64 [at] 15,65 [at] 25,66 [at] FF
12    64 [at] 30,65 [at] 40,66 [at] 80

So the idea is that Channel 31 will go between 35-95% and cycle between 3 color, Channel 32 will go between 35-95% and cycle between 3 colors, etc...

The basic problem is that the color scrollers should always be at one of the defined levels.  Instead they will go between 0% and their max values.  They should never go below their minimum, and they should stay as that group.  Meaning that I can't have each C,Y,Or M in their own separate step.

Whew, I hope that makes sense.

------------------------------

Subject: Inventory tracking
Date: Sun, 6 Nov 2005 01:52:04 -0500
Message-ID: <B856897C0D47234483A5166273B0E8C8024CDAC8 [at] fangorn.cc.vt.edu>
From: "James, Brian" <bej [at] vt.edu>

Do any of you use a database or off the shelf software to track your =
inventory and repair history for your equipment?

Currently,. we have a paper based system, but this seems inefficient. If =
you do track repair records, what do you use program wise or system =
wise?

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End of Stagecraft Digest #574
*****************************