Return-Path: <stagecraft-report [at] theatrical.net>
X-Scanned-By: RAE MPP/Clamd http://raeinternet.com/mpp
X-Scanned-By: This message was scanned by MPP Lite Edition (www.messagepartners.com)!
X-Real-To: stagecraftlist [at] theatrical.net
Received: by prxy.net (CommuniGate Pro PIPE 4.2.10)
  with PIPE id 25652962; Mon, 21 Nov 2005 19:43:59 -0800
X-ListServer: CommuniGate Pro LIST 4.2.10
List-Unsubscribe: <mailto:stagecraft-off [at] theatrical.net>
List-ID: <stagecraft.theatrical.net>
Message-ID: <list-25652938 [at] prxy.net>
From: "Stagecraft" <stagecraft [at] theatrical.net>
Sender: "Stagecraft" <stagecraft [at] theatrical.net>
To: "Stagecraft" <stagecraft [at] theatrical.net>
Precedence: list
Subject: Stagecraft Digest #593
Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2005 19:41:58 -0800
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="ISO-8859-1"
Content-Disposition: inline
X-Spam-Checker-Version: SpamAssassin 3.0.4 (2005-06-05) on prxy.net
X-Spam-Status: No, score=-5.7 required=5.0 tests=ALL_TRUSTED,AWL,BAYES_00 
	autolearn=unavailable version=3.0.4
X-Spam-Level: 
X-TFF-CGPSA-Version: 1.4f2
X-prxy-Spam-Filter: Scanned

For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see <http://stagecraft.theprices.net/>
---------------------------------------------------

Stagecraft Digest, Issue #593

 1. Re: Certification info.
    by "ladesigners [at] juno.com" <ladesigners [at] juno.com>
 2. Re: Certification info.
    by "Peter Scheu" <peter [at] scheuconsulting.com>
 3. Choreographed Light Display
    by Jonathan Wills <jbwills [at] gmail.com>
 4. Re: Certification info.
    by Bill Sapsis <bill [at] sapsis-rigging.com>
 5. Re: Gas Smell...
    by Heather Hillhouse-Deans <hjh2 [at] Lehigh.EDU>
 6. Re: Choreographed Light Display
    by Charlie Richmond <charlier [at] RichmondSoundDesign.com>
 7. Re: Certification info.
    by "ladesigners [at] juno.com" <ladesigners [at] juno.com>
 8. Re: Poseidon Adventure...
    by Michael Sorensen <chaoscon666 [at] yahoo.com>
 9. opinion on certification from a very small theater in the sticks
    by "Davis, Thomas J" <TJDavis [at] westshore.edu>
10. DMX new design
    by "David R. Krajec" <drkrajec [at] stritch.edu>
11. Re: Choreographed Light Display
    by Jim Hyslop <theatre [at] dreampossible.ca>
12. Re: DMX new design
    by Ford H Sellers <fhs4 [at] cornell.edu>
13. Re: Choreographed Light Display
    by Charlie Richmond <charlier [at] RichmondSoundDesign.com>
14. Re: Choreographed Light Display
    by Ford H Sellers <fhs4 [at] cornell.edu>
15. Re: Choreographed Light Display
    by Herrick Goldman <Herrick [at] HGLightingDesign.com>
16. Re: Choreographed Light Display
    by Stephen Litterst <slitterst [at] ithaca.edu>
17. Re: Choreographed Light Display
    by Ford H Sellers <fhs4 [at] cornell.edu>
18. Re: Choreographed Light Display
    by Charlie Richmond <charlier [at] RichmondSoundDesign.com>
19. Re: Choreographed Light Display
    by Jim Hyslop <theatre [at] dreampossible.ca>
20. Re: Choreographed Light Display
    by "Jon Ares" <jonares [at] hevanet.com>
21. Re: Choreographed Light Display
    by "Jon Ares" <jonares [at] hevanet.com>
22. British Opera Stops Using Black Makeup
    by theatre safety programs <theatresafe [at] jgorrell.com>
23. Re: Choreographed Light Display
    by Jonathan Wills <jbwills [at] gmail.com>
24. Re: Choreographed Light Display
    by Charlie Richmond <charlier [at] RichmondSoundDesign.com>
25. Re: Choreographed Light Display
    by David Wetmore <davidfitwe [at] wetmoreproductions.com>
26. Re: Choreographed Light Display
    by Jerry Durand <jdurand [at] interstellar.com>
27. Re: Choreographed Light Display
    by Kevin Lee Allen <klad [at] klad.com>
28. Re: Choreographed Light Display
    by Jerry Durand <jdurand [at] interstellar.com>
29. Re: Choreographed Light Display
    by "Secore, Scott" <Scott.Secore [at] EKU.EDU>
30. Re: Poseidon Adventure...
    by Paul Puppo <ppuppo [at] gmail.com>
31. Re: Certification
    by MissWisc [at] aol.com
32. Re: Choreographed Light Display
    by Bruce Purdy <bpurdy [at] rochester.rr.com>
33. Re: Choreographed Light Display
    by Stephen Litterst <slitterst [at] ithaca.edu>
34. Re: Certification info.
    by MissWisc [at] aol.com
35. Re: Certification
    by "Peter Scheu" <peter [at] scheuconsulting.com>
36. Dimmer Power Cubes
    by Stephen Litterst <slitterst [at] ithaca.edu>
37. Certification - little secret
    by "Bill Conner" <bill-conner [at] att.net>
38. Re: Dimmer Power Cubes
    by Ford H Sellers <fhs4 [at] cornell.edu>
39. Re: Dimmer Power Cubes
    by Stephen Litterst <slitterst [at] ithaca.edu>
40. Re: Choreographed Light Display
    by Kevin Lee Allen <klad [at] klad.com>
41. network based intercom
    by kim.hartshorn [at] plattsburgh.edu
42. Re: network based intercom
    by Dale Farmer <dale [at] cybercom.net>
43. Re: Certification
    by MissWisc [at] aol.com
44. Looking to rent costumes for How to Succeed
    by "RICHARD FINKELSTEIN" <rfinkels [at] msn.com>
45. Simon Blackett
    by "Paul News" <paul.news [at] dsl.pipex.com>
46. Re: Dimmer Power Cubes
    by "Paul Sanow" <psanow [at] vls.com>
47. Re: network based intercom
    by Charlie Richmond <charlier [at] RichmondSoundDesign.com>
48. Re: Choreographed Light Display
    by Bruce Purdy <bpurdy [at] rochester.rr.com>
49. Re: Kristi's POV on Rigging Cert.
    by CB <psyd [at] cox.net>
50. Re: Choreographed Light Display
    by Jerry Durand <jdurand [at] interstellar.com>
51. Re: Certification info.
    by CB <psyd [at] cox.net>
52. Re: Looking to rent costumes for How to Succeed
    by Kurt Cypher <kurt.stagecraftlist [at] gmail.com>
53. Re: Choreographed Light Display
    by Jim Hyslop <theatre [at] dreampossible.ca>
54. Re: Certification - little secret
    by "Peter Scheu" <peter [at] scheuconsulting.com>
55. Re: Certification - little secret
    by "ladesigners [at] juno.com" <ladesigners [at] juno.com>
56. Rigging Certification
    by "Frank E. Merrill" <Lamplighter [at] tcon.net>
57. Re: Choreographed Light Display
    by Bruce Purdy <bpurdy [at] rochester.rr.com>
58. Re: Certification info.
    by FrankWood95 [at] aol.com
59. Re: Dimmer Power Cubes
    by FrankWood95 [at] aol.com
60. Re: Looking to rent costumes for How to Succeed
    by "JUSTIN DAVID BENNETT" <jbennett43 [at] mail.accd.edu>
61. Re: Looking to rent costumes for How to Succeed
    by "ladesigners [at] juno.com" <ladesigners [at] juno.com>
62. Re: Rigging Certification
    by Bill Sapsis <bill [at] sapsis-rigging.com>
63. Re: Rigging Certification
    by MissWisc [at] aol.com
64. Re: Rigging Certification
    by Bill Sapsis <bill [at] sapsis-rigging.com>
65. Re: Rigging Certification
    by Bill Sapsis <bill [at] sapsis-rigging.com>
66. Re: Rigging Certification
    by Dale Farmer <dale [at] cybercom.net>
67. Re: Rigging Certification
    by Eric Rouse <erictd [at] gmail.com>
68. Re: Rigging Certification
    by Michael Drury <MSDRURY [at] peoplepc.com>
69. Re: Rigging Certification
    by "Josh Ratty" <josh.ratty [at] verizon.net>
70. Subject: list-25624104 [at] prxy.net Rigging Certification.
    by "Idaho Scenic" <idahoscenic [at] earthlink.net>
71. Re: Rigging Certification
    by "Bill Nelson" <billn [at] peak.org>
72. Re: Rigging Certification
    by "Bill Nelson" <billn [at] peak.org>

*** 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.

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

From: "ladesigners [at] juno.com" <ladesigners [at] juno.com>
Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2005 13:04:10 GMT
Subject: Re: Certification info.
Message-Id: <20051121.050452.18865.6404 [at] webmail31.lax.untd.com>

Dear Bill,
Yes, I am serious. I am a strong believer in the Rigging Exam, and other=
 certification programs that identify safe and competent employees. Towa=
rd that end, any appropriate incentives should be utilized to encourage =
persons to pay the fee, sit for, and pass the exam. One such incentive c=
ould be lowered insurance rates. When YOU suffer your own periodic insur=
ance re-evaluations and/or inspections, are you not offered rate incenti=
ves, based upon liability-lowering procedures that you have initiated on=
 your own or upon the insurance company's request? I was just attempting=
 to ascertain whether the hope of lowered insurance rates could be used =
as a selling point to convince Master Riggers to pass the test. I will g=
uess that this was not considered in the marketing of the exam to potent=
ial test takers by the ESTA rigging panel. Was the issue of lowered rate=
s explored and discarded, or never explored at all, with insurance compa=
nies?
/s/ Richard
_______________________________
Richard.  You aren't serious, are you?  We've been talking about a riggi=
ng exam, not insurance companies.  What happens with rates for any type =
of insurance is up to the insurance companies, not trade associations or=
 rigging companies.
Bill S.
_______________________________
> Dear Bill,
> Will the cost of 'Errors and Omissions' (or other non-vehicular) liabi=
lity insurance of those who become certified be lowered? Was this a fact=
ored in to the net cost for someone to become certified?
> /s/ Richard
 


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

Reply-To: <peter [at] scheuconsulting.com>
From: "Peter Scheu" <peter [at] scheuconsulting.com>
Subject: RE: Certification info.
Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2005 08:09:11 -0500
Organization: Scheu Consulting Services, Inc.
Message-ID: <!~!UENERkVCMDkAAQACAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABgAAAAAAAAAFIzFiG12TU6sr87xtBG2l8KAAAAQAAAALcvq/OIcmUSzGcSb8nGNIQEAAAAA [at] scheuconsulting.com>
In-reply-to: <list-25638617 [at] prxy.net>

Richard wrote:

>> Will the cost of 'Errors and Omissions' (or other non-vehicular)=20
>> liability insurance of those who become certified be=20
>lowered? Was this=20
>> a factored in to the net cost for someone to become certified?

All I can tell you is that when I got my E&O insurance this year, I told =
my
broker that I was an SME invited to help write the exam, and that I =
would be
receiving a certification for doing so (this should also answer an =
earlier
question regarding SME's being "excluded" from the test for "bias"), my =
rate
didn't change. He said it might get me work as an "expert witness" =
though,
so there's another level of liability to protect.

BTW - while the $600 fee is payable when you apply for the exam, it is
refunded if you fail to meet the experience vetting (in answer to an =
earlier
concern about someone being out $600 if they don't meet the vetting =
points).

The level (top 1/3 of riggers) we're testing here is like in medicine... =
If
you're an EMT, you have one level of training and experience, a nurse =
has
another, a PA a third. In our industry, we're taking about "surgeon" =
level
here. I would be all for adding levels of certification to the overall
program (Master, etc.), but given that it's taken so long (5 years) to =
just
get to this one... granted the others will be faster now that ETCP's got
this under their belt.... it will be a while before that happens. Having
seen the process from the inside, I can tell you it's a very tedious =
process
and very expensive. But very "valid" and legally defensible.

In Uncle Bill's defense (like he needs MY help!), all this information =
is
available form the horse's mouth - the ETCP itself. It's not a closed =
shop,
and the folks there are very professional, open, honest, experienced, =
and
damn nice to work with! Calling or e-mailing them directly with your
questions or concerns will help relieve your fears and concerns much =
better
than musing in a public forum like this one.

Peter Scheu

Scheu Consulting Services, Inc.
www.scheuconsulting.com
Tel: 315.422.9984
fax: 413.513.4966


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

Message-ID: <a34e6f5a0511210639w32ed64ffw848589de30ccda79 [at] mail.gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2005 09:39:40 -0500
From: Jonathan Wills <jbwills [at] gmail.com>
Subject: Choreographed Light Display

Hello all,

I just seen this on another newsgroup. Does anyone know who did this
or what control they are using or might be using. I have a few guesses
but loooking for more opinions. My wife has now decided our house must
look like this, as if Christmas is not busy enough.

http://members.cox.net/transam57/lights.wmv
(TSO as accompaniment)

Thanks,

Jonathan Wills

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

Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2005 09:42:11 -0500
Subject: Re: Certification info.
From: Bill Sapsis <bill [at] sapsis-rigging.com>
Message-ID: <BFA746F3.551E%bill [at] sapsis-rigging.com>
In-Reply-To: <list-25640084 [at] prxy.net>

Richard.  The insurance companies will decide what to do on their own and on
an individual basis.  My personal experience with insurance companies is
that they won't care much about this.  Rate reductions with insurance
companies????  No, I am not offered reductions.  My insurance goes up
between 20 & 40% EVERY year.  And that's not because of claims.   I would
stack my loss runs against any other company in the country.  We have way
better than an excellent track record and still the rates go up.

While I wish it were otherwise, looking for incentives with the insurance
industry is pretty much a waste of time.  At least at our level.  Disney &
Clear Channel may be able to get something out of them, but little ol Sapsis
Rigging won't.

Bill S
www.sapsis-rigging.com
800.727.7471
800.292.3851  fax
267.278.4561 mobile

Join the Long Reach Long Riders on their 3rd annual cross country charity
motorcycle ride.   <www.LRLR.org>


On 11/21/05 8:04 AM, "ladesigners [at] juno.com" <ladesigners [at] juno.com> wrote:

> For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see <http://stagecraft.theprices.net/>
> ---------------------------------------------------
> 
> Dear Bill,
> Yes, I am serious. I am a strong believer in the Rigging Exam, and other
> certification programs that identify safe and competent employees. Toward that
> end, any appropriate incentives should be utilized to encourage persons to pay
> the fee, sit for, and pass the exam. One such incentive could be lowered
> insurance rates. When YOU suffer your own periodic insurance re-evaluations
> and/or inspections, are you not offered rate incentives, based upon
> liability-lowering procedures that you have initiated on your own or upon the
> insurance company's request? I was just attempting to ascertain whether the
> hope of lowered insurance rates could be used as a selling point to convince
> Master Riggers to pass the test. I will guess that this was not considered in
> the marketing of the exam to potential test takers by the ESTA rigging panel.
> Was the issue of lowered rates explored and discarded, or never explored at
> all, with insurance companies?
> /s/ Richard
> _______________________________
> Richard.  You aren't serious, are you?  We've been talking about a rigging
> exam, not insurance companies.  What happens with rates for any type of
> insurance is up to the insurance companies, not trade associations or rigging
> companies.
> Bill S.
> _______________________________
>> Dear Bill,
>> Will the cost of 'Errors and Omissions' (or other non-vehicular) liability
>> insurance of those who become certified be lowered? Was this a factored in to
>> the net cost for someone to become certified?
>> /s/ Richard
> 
> 



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

Message-ID: <4381DD9D.1050600 [at] lehigh.edu>
Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2005 09:45:49 -0500
From: Heather Hillhouse-Deans <hjh2 [at] Lehigh.EDU>
Subject: RE: Gas Smell...
References: <list-25622799 [at] prxy.net>
In-Reply-To: <list-25622799 [at] prxy.net>

Hi again-  What I'm really hoping for is some sort of fragrance oil or 
something like that to generate a similar smell-  the debate about 
whether it is a good idea or not is moot if I can't find a way to do it 
to begin with! I'm trying to give the designer the freedom to try 
things- whether we like it or not is a different story!
Thanks again-
Heather

>Message-Id: <3.0.6.32.20051119100134.00ce8cf0 [at] pop.west.cox.net>
>Date: Sat, 19 Nov 2005 10:01:34
>From: CB <psyd [at] cox.net>
>Subject: RE: Gas Smell...
>
>  
>
>>I don't have any intention of actually using gasoline
>>I don't have any intention of actually using gasoline
>>I don't have any intention of actually using gasoline
>>I don't have any intention of actually using gasoline
>>    
>>
>
>Just so we don't get anymore warnings about the health hazards of gasoline
>in an enclosed space, Heather did say that she wasan't thinking of using
>gas, but was looking for something that might safely imitate the smell.  I
>don't know of anything, but I'd also join the camp that suggests that if
>the director and actors are doing their jobs, the rest will fall into
>place.  If you want an automotive smell, gas isn't always the one that
>triggers it for me.  For me its the old upholstery and oil smell.
>				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...
>
>
>  
>
>  
>

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

Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2005 14:50:25 +0000 (GMT)
From: Charlie Richmond <charlier [at] RichmondSoundDesign.com>
Subject: Re: Choreographed Light Display
In-Reply-To: <list-25641180 [at] prxy.net>
Message-ID: <Pine.LNX.4.63.0511211448300.2487 [at] viscount.richmondsounddesign.com>
References: <list-25641180 [at] prxy.net>

On Mon, 21 Nov 2005, Jonathan Wills wrote:

> http://members.cox.net/transam57/lights.wmv
> (TSO as accompaniment)

If it's the same as this one:

http://www.ffmcobalt.com/WizardsofWinter-SM.wmv

We've been having quite a lively discussion about how it could be done on the 
Show-Control list (see my sig...)

My guess is that it's the house of some X-10 installer who has a lot of extra 
inventory ;-)

Charlie

| Charlie Richmond - Richmond Sound Design - Skype: charlierichmond |
| http://www.RichmondSoundDesign.com "Performance for the Long Run" |
| Show Control List: http://www.RichmondSoundDesign.com/sclist.html |

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

From: "ladesigners [at] juno.com" <ladesigners [at] juno.com>
Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2005 15:04:33 GMT
Subject: Re: Certification info.
Message-Id: <20051121.070531.17548.7000 [at] webmail37.lax.untd.com>

Dear Bill,
Thank You. You have more than answered my question. Forgive my naivete. =
I also have had no Workmans Comp, E&O, or General Liability claims since=
 I started my company in 1970, and my rates have gone up exponentially, =
also. I was just trying to slow down the rate jumps...
/s/ Richard

Richard.  The insurance companies will decide what to do on their own an=
d on an individual basis.  My personal experience with insurance compani=
es is that they won't care much about this.  Rate reductions with insura=
nce companies????  No, I am not offered reductions.  My insurance goes u=
p between 20 & 40% EVERY year.  And that's not because of claims.   I wo=
uld stack my loss runs against any other company in the country.  We hav=
e way better than an excellent track record and still the rates go up. <=
snip>
Bill S
 


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

Message-ID: <20051121151530.33840.qmail [at] web50715.mail.yahoo.com>
Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2005 07:15:30 -0800 (PST)
From: Michael Sorensen <chaoscon666 [at] yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: Poseidon Adventure...
In-Reply-To: <list-25638745 [at] prxy.net>

<<Scott Parker wrote:>>
Just so you know, This version has the ship hit by
terrorists. Rogo is
a homeland security sea marshal, (not a cop on
vacation.)
The capt. got shot.
The Olympic swimmer, Winter's part, is a widow. No
Jack Albertson.
Keith, you can relax. the pretty girl didn't sing...
Not yet anyway
and the ship is already upside down.

Back when the movie came out, I made my dad take me
several times. In
fact, I think he sat in the car reading the paper
during my third
viewing.

Scott>>

I worked on a cruise ship for several months.  Late at
night, the ship would pull in the stabilizers and
crank up the speed to make it to the next port.  A
couple of techs and I would sneak into the childrens
entertainment center, which had a large screen tv. 
We'd get drunk and watch the Poseidon Adventure.  The
ship always seemed to hit a large wave and roll just
as the tidal wave hit the Poseidon...wheeeeeeeee!

Michael Sorensen

"It's all just a scam, isn't it?  
You get those actors to put on a 
show, just so you can have a good 
reason to play with your toys." 
--Christopher Stasheff, "A Slight Detour"

Proton Lighting and Video
"We positively charge up your show!"
Phone: 520-232-3540  
Email: chaoscon666 [at] yahoo.com


	
		
__________________________________ 
Yahoo! Mail - PC Magazine Editors' Choice 2005 
http://mail.yahoo.com

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

Subject: opinion on certification from a very small theater in the sticks
Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2005 10:16:43 -0500
Message-ID: <3CF87682970858499CA56707FB1F092B902EFA [at] wscc-s-003000.westshore.edu>
From: "Davis, Thomas J" <TJDavis [at] westshore.edu>

Scottville, Michigan is about as far out in the sticks as you can get
(but I do have Chicago roots).

First, let me say that I think the concept of certification is a VERY
good idea, and something that has been missing from this business for a
long time.  As someone who has had to deal with a variety of haphazard
rigging, electrics and carpentry all his life, this is a refreshing
change.  Let's face it, it is all too often that we face situations in
which people don't understand that breaking strength and safe working
load are not the same, that neutrals and grounds are not the same, and
that 2x4s are not unbreakable.  The HVAC engineers on the rehab of the
theater here left me with a catwalk access that is a tunnel 22 inches
wide, 36 inches high and 12 feet long (and lest we forget, 20 feet off
the ground), so feel free to establish an ESTA certificate for theater
HVAC. =20

The concern that I read between the lines in the debate over the rigging
certification is that in venues like mine, 20 years from now, every time
I want to move a curtain track or hang a sign, the state will require me
to hire a "certified rigger" who has years of experience and ESTA
certification that would allow him or her to do all the rigging for
Phantom or Wicked. =20

My hope is that ESTA takes what I see as a very good (and necessary)
start and continues to develop the certification concept.  I may seek
ESTA certification myself as an electrician (especially if I can get the
college to pick up part of the bill- or at least the travel expense), an
area where I think I can establish the hours and have more "book
learnin'" than in rigging.  However, down the line, I would hope that
ESTA develops a rigging certification that certifies that someone like
me knows his way around a counterweight system and can rig a carpet
hoist (and yes, tie a clove hitch)- all of which I have done for years,
even if I will never rig a Broadway spectacular or Rolling Stones
concert, or install a 50 line stagehouse.  Perhaps ESTA could take the
certification a step higher as well, and establish certified trainers -
participation in a seminar/workshop with these folks could result in a
"mini-certificate" in particular areas that could certify people like me
for the functions we deal with on a day to day basis.

 By the way, how do you do the clove hitch part at the H&R Block office?


Tom Davis

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

Reply-To: <drkrajec [at] stritch.edu>
From: "David R. Krajec" <drkrajec [at] stritch.edu>
Subject: DMX new design
Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2005 09:25:27 -0600
Message-ID: <FFEKLPMABANLAIDPOAKBOELJCPAA.drkrajec [at] stritch.edu>
In-Reply-To: <list-25638745 [at] prxy.net>

I'm forwarding the following to the list as I'm not sure where else to go
with it.

David K.

I am a contract electronics engineer located in near by Minneapolis.  I
recently bid on the hardware and firmware design of a DMX controller for a
lighting boom or lift.  Where is the best place to get a definition of the
DMX protocol both bit and byte and message?

Ken Drewlo
ken.drewlo [at] tds.net
763-420-5161



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

Message-ID: <4381E87B.9080303 [at] dreampossible.ca>
Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2005 10:32:11 -0500
From: Jim Hyslop <theatre [at] dreampossible.ca>
Organization: Dreampossible Inc.
Subject: Re: Choreographed Light Display
References: <list-25641180 [at] prxy.net> <list-25641327 [at] prxy.net>
In-Reply-To: <list-25641327 [at] prxy.net>

Charlie Richmond wrote:
>> http://members.cox.net/transam57/lights.wmv

oohh... my... gawd.

> If it's the same as this one:
> 
> http://www.ffmcobalt.com/WizardsofWinter-SM.wmv

Yep, they're the same.

> We've been having quite a lively discussion about how it could be done
> on the Show-Control list (see my sig...)
> 
> My guess is that it's the house of some X-10 installer who has a lot of
> extra inventory ;-)
I haven't used X-10 that much - is it that responsive?

In any case, I counted at least 39 separately controlled sets of lights,
some with different intensity levels. The Griswolds live!!!

-- 
Jim Hyslop


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

Message-Id: <6.2.3.4.2.20051121102838.0532d3a0 [at] postoffice8.mail.cornell.edu>
Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2005 10:38:27 -0500
Cc: ken.drewlo [at] tds.net
From: Ford H Sellers <fhs4 [at] cornell.edu>
Subject: Re: DMX new design
In-Reply-To: <list-25641812 [at] prxy.net>
References: <list-25638745 [at] prxy.net>
 <list-25641812 [at] prxy.net>

David, Do you want us to respond to Ken, or is he going to join the list?

In any case, I think the answers you're looking for are best found at 
USITT's website: http://www.usitt.org/standards/DMX512_FAQ.html

Ken, you should join the List if you haven't already.  It is a great 
source of information, even if we do get off track or bicker on 
occasion.  ;) <G>

-Ford
>I'm forwarding the following to the list as I'm not sure where else to go
>with it.
>
>David K.
>
>I am a contract electronics engineer located in near by Minneapolis.  I
>recently bid on the hardware and firmware design of a DMX controller for a
>lighting boom or lift.  Where is the best place to get a definition of the
>DMX protocol both bit and byte and message?
>
>Ken Drewlo
>ken.drewlo [at] tds.net
>763-420-5161

************************
Ford H Sellers
Master Electrician
Cornell University
Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts
430 College Avenue
Ithaca NY, 14850
(607) 254-2736  office
(607) 254-2733  fax 



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

Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2005 15:39:12 +0000 (GMT)
From: Charlie Richmond <charlier [at] RichmondSoundDesign.com>
Subject: Re: Choreographed Light Display
In-Reply-To: <list-25641953 [at] prxy.net>
Message-ID: <Pine.LNX.4.63.0511211535220.2487 [at] viscount.richmondsounddesign.com>
References: <list-25641180 [at] prxy.net> <list-25641327 [at] prxy.net> <list-25641953 [at] prxy.net>

On Mon, 21 Nov 2005, Jim Hyslop wrote:

> I haven't used X-10 that much - is it that responsive?

It can be.  There is lots of X-10 software that allows timed sequences along 
with media content.

> In any case, I counted at least 39 separately controlled sets of lights,
> some with different intensity levels. The Griswolds live!!!

I only saw one set that dimmed (the blues around the front of the yard) and 
there were only about 5 levels involved.  This is a real tell tale X-10 kind of 
thing.  I believe X-10 allows 255 addresses so it would be pretty easy to do but 
of course, as someone mentioned on the Show-Control list, lord help the 
neighbour that also has X-10 devices if there's no isolator and they share a 
transformer secondary...

Charlie

| Charlie Richmond - Richmond Sound Design - Skype: charlierichmond |
| http://www.RichmondSoundDesign.com "Performance for the Long Run" |
| Show Control List: http://www.RichmondSoundDesign.com/sclist.html |

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

Message-Id: <6.2.3.4.2.20051121104753.021f20a8 [at] postoffice8.mail.cornell.edu>
Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2005 10:53:28 -0500
From: Ford H Sellers <fhs4 [at] cornell.edu>
Subject: Re: Choreographed Light Display
In-Reply-To: <list-25641180 [at] prxy.net>
References: <list-25641180 [at] prxy.net>

First of all...Holy Crap!!!!

My favorite moment is when the Snowmen are running from the 
Searchlight coming out of the Star.  I just can't even get 
started....I won't be able to stop.  I think I love this person.   I 
mean Holy S*!T!!!!

Secondly, I bet you could do it with Light Jockey, it takes timecode, 
and will allow you to Synch with MP3 files in your computer.  Then I 
guess it's hooked into dimmers and Switch relays...

But, I mean...Really?

-Ford

************************
Ford H Sellers
Master Electrician
Cornell University
Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts
430 College Avenue
Ithaca NY, 14850
(607) 254-2736  office
(607) 254-2733  fax 



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

Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2005 10:55:36 -0500
Subject: Re: Choreographed Light Display
From: Herrick Goldman <Herrick [at] HGLightingDesign.com>
Message-ID: <BFA75828.8E4A%Herrick [at] HGLightingDesign.com>
In-Reply-To: <list-25642083 [at] prxy.net>

Is there a better link? Has someone been able to download it all as a stand
alone file? Windows Media is so bad it just stutters along.



-- 
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



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

Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2005 11:34:09 -0500
From: Stephen Litterst <slitterst [at] ithaca.edu>
Subject: Re: Choreographed Light Display
In-reply-to: <list-25642328 [at] prxy.net>
Message-id: <4381F701.4040802 [at] ithaca.edu>
Organization: IC-Dept. of Theatre Arts
References: <list-25641180 [at] prxy.net> <list-25642328 [at] prxy.net>

Ford H Sellers wrote:
> ---------------------------------------------------
> First of all...Holy Crap!!!!
> 
> My favorite moment is when the Snowmen are running from the Searchlight 
> coming out of the Star.  I just can't even get started....I won't be 
> able to stop.  I think I love this person.   I mean Holy S*!T!!!!
> 
> Secondly, I bet you could do it with Light Jockey, it takes timecode, 
> and will allow you to Synch with MP3 files in your computer.  Then I 
> guess it's hooked into dimmers and Switch relays...
> 

I'm not convinced it was programmed.  If you watch the grass and the 
street, they seem to shift with every light shift.  Almost as if they 
filmed the different looks on the house and then edited them together 
with the music.

But I'd be willing to chip in some equipment if you wanted to try this 
  between now and Christmas, Ford.  We could really make the Schwartz 
center dance!

Steve L.
-- 
Stephen C. Litterst
Technical Supervisor
Ithaca College
Dept. of Theatre Arts
607/274-3947
slitterst [at] ithaca.edu

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

Message-Id: <6.2.3.4.2.20051121113717.0230ca50 [at] postoffice8.mail.cornell.edu>
Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2005 11:38:05 -0500
From: Ford H Sellers <fhs4 [at] cornell.edu>
Subject: Re: Choreographed Light Display
In-Reply-To: <list-25642895 [at] prxy.net>
References: <list-25641180 [at] prxy.net>
 <list-25642328 [at] prxy.net>
 <list-25642895 [at] prxy.net>

I already e-mailed my wife to say NO!!!!!


At 11:34 AM 11/21/2005, you wrote:
>For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see <http://stagecraft.theprices.net/>
>---------------------------------------------------
>
>Ford H Sellers wrote:
>>---------------------------------------------------
>>First of all...Holy Crap!!!!
>>My favorite moment is when the Snowmen are running from the 
>>Searchlight coming out of the Star.  I just can't even get 
>>started....I won't be able to stop.  I think I love this 
>>person.   I mean Holy S*!T!!!!
>>Secondly, I bet you could do it with Light Jockey, it takes 
>>timecode, and will allow you to Synch with MP3 files in your 
>>computer.  Then I guess it's hooked into dimmers and Switch relays...
>
>I'm not convinced it was programmed.  If you watch the grass and the 
>street, they seem to shift with every light shift.  Almost as if 
>they filmed the different looks on the house and then edited them 
>together with the music.
>
>But I'd be willing to chip in some equipment if you wanted to try 
>this  between now and Christmas, Ford.  We could really make the 
>Schwartz center dance!
>
>Steve L.
>--
>Stephen C. Litterst
>Technical Supervisor
>Ithaca College
>Dept. of Theatre Arts
>607/274-3947
>slitterst [at] ithaca.edu

************************
Ford H Sellers
Master Electrician
Cornell University
Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts
430 College Avenue
Ithaca NY, 14850
(607) 254-2736  office
(607) 254-2733  fax 



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

Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2005 16:42:45 +0000 (GMT)
From: Charlie Richmond <charlier [at] RichmondSoundDesign.com>
Subject: Re: Choreographed Light Display
In-Reply-To: <list-25642895 [at] prxy.net>
Message-ID: <Pine.LNX.4.63.0511211635250.4659 [at] viscount.richmondsounddesign.com>
References: <list-25641180 [at] prxy.net> <list-25642328 [at] prxy.net> <list-25642895 [at] prxy.net>

On Mon, 21 Nov 2005, Stephen Litterst wrote:

> I'm not convinced it was programmed.  If you watch the grass and the street, 
> they seem to shift with every light shift.  Almost as if they filmed the 
> different looks on the house and then edited them together with the music.

I noticed that also and looked carefully for evidence of being digitally 
produced but I don't think it is unless it has been EXTREMELY thoughfully done. 
I think the artifacts on the grass (is it grass or snow?) is a natural result of 
the reflections from all the light changes as well as the .wmv file processing. 
A much better version would obviously resolve these questions much better - 
which may well be why it is only available like this! ;-)

The main thing that makes it not look edited is that the changes seem to overlap 
slightly with a visible time transition between on and off - but then, with LEDs 
this should be instant anyway so perhaps it was edited and then converted using 
a really low quality media player encoder which gave it extra softness anyway..

Good question...

Charlie

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

Message-ID: <4381FA3A.1070503 [at] dreampossible.ca>
Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2005 11:47:54 -0500
From: Jim Hyslop <theatre [at] dreampossible.ca>
Organization: Dreampossible Inc.
Subject: Re: Choreographed Light Display
References: <list-25641180 [at] prxy.net> <list-25642328 [at] prxy.net> <list-25642895 [at] prxy.net>
In-Reply-To: <list-25642895 [at] prxy.net>

Stephen Litterst wrote:
> I'm not convinced it was programmed.  If you watch the grass and the
> street, they seem to shift with every light shift.  Almost as if they
> filmed the different looks on the house and then edited them together
> with the music.

That'd be one hell of a lot of editing. I've had another look, and I'm
pretty sure the shifting you're seeing is just the loss of quality
induced by the JPEG compression. When the lights are off, the street is
one big block of (mostly) black so the compression algorithm can mark it
all as one huge chunk of the same colour. When the lights are on, the
details become clearer so the compression algorithm has to adjust
things, and some things that were previously in one block get moved into
a different block.

If you look carefully when all the lights flash on and off, you can see
the split-second fade up and fade down of the lamps - that'd be pretty
tough to edit in.

The audio was obviously dubbed - it's just too good a quality to have
been recorded live. But that could have been done simply to provide a
better quality sound track (it happens all the time in movies).

-- 
Jim Hyslop


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

Message-ID: <001301c5eebe$e4463350$0600000a [at] BRUTUS>
From: "Jon Ares" <jonares [at] hevanet.com>
References: <list-25642347 [at] prxy.net>
Subject: Re: Choreographed Light Display
Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2005 09:13:29 -0800

> Is there a better link? Has someone been able to download it all as a 
> stand
> alone file? Windows Media is so bad it just stutters along.
>


It came down to me as a standalone file....  of course I saved it for future 
reference.  :)

     - Jon Ares
www.hevanet.com/acreative 


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

Message-ID: <001f01c5eebf$39aadb70$0600000a [at] BRUTUS>
From: "Jon Ares" <jonares [at] hevanet.com>
References: <list-25641180 [at] prxy.net> <list-25642328 [at] prxy.net> <list-25642895 [at] prxy.net> <list-25643120 [at] prxy.net>
Subject: Re: Choreographed Light Display
Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2005 09:15:52 -0800

>> I'm not convinced it was programmed.  If you watch the grass and the
>> street, they seem to shift with every light shift.  Almost as if they
>> filmed the different looks on the house and then edited them together
>> with the music.
>


I just feel sorry for the neighbors... all that sound... and what must 
reflect into their houses all night like mortar hits....

     - Jon Ares
www.hevanet.com/acreative 


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

Message-Id: <6.2.3.4.2.20051121102631.0210f220 [at] mail.earthlink.net>
Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2005 10:27:38 -0700
From: theatre safety programs <theatresafe [at] jgorrell.com>
Subject: British Opera Stops Using Black Makeup

interesting article

British Opera Stops Using Black Makeup

By JENN WIANT (Associated Press Writer)
 From Associated Press
November 21, 2005 10:49 AM EST
LONDON - White opera singers will no longer wear black face paint 
when playing black characters at the British Royal Opera House.

The practice of putting black makeup on white performers was used in 
dress rehearsals for Verdi's "Un Ballo in Maschera" ("A Masked 
Ball"), but the singer portraying the sorceress Ulrica did not use 
the makeup in Thursday's opening night performance, Royal Opera House 
spokesman Christopher Millard said.

Novelist Philip Hensher noticed it while attending a dress rehearsal 
and criticized the practice in The Independent newspaper. The Royal 
Opera House would not discuss the reason for the timing of its new 
policy, which was announced within a day of Hensher's article.

The Italian director of the opera, Mario Martone, accepted the 
decision not to use black make-up on mezzo Stephanie Blythe, Millard 
said Monday.

"We had tried various means to see if there was a way in which we 
could resolve the issue of whether a white actor should be 'blacked 
up' and decided we should cut it," Millard said.

"It doesn't work. It's racially insensitive," he said.

He added that operas calling specifically for black characters "are 
incredibly rare," though exceptions to the policy are possible.

"Blacking up" was common in the United States for about 100 years, 
from the first minstrel shows in the 1840s until civil rights 
activists began criticizing the practice in the 1940s.

In Britain, "The Black and White Minstrel Show," a popular musical 
variety show featuring blackface actors, was on TV until 1978.

Copyright 2005 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material 
may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.


Jerry Gorrell



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

Message-ID: <a34e6f5a0511210937o398ba2edlb0e4663c47d2019f [at] mail.gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2005 12:37:40 -0500
From: Jonathan Wills <jbwills [at] gmail.com>
Subject: Re: Choreographed Light Display
In-Reply-To: <list-25642895 [at] prxy.net>
References: <list-25641180 [at] prxy.net> <list-25642328 [at] prxy.net>
	 <list-25642895 [at] prxy.net>

Stephen,

My wife thought it might be filmed then put together, but if you look
at the left hand side of the house there is a radio tower with a
blinking light. The light is blinking pretty regularly with no major
signs that it is spliced together, but I could be wrong.

Jonathan

> I'm not convinced it was programmed.  If you watch the grass and the
> street, they seem to shift with every light shift.  Almost as if they
> filmed the different looks on the house and then edited them together
> with the music.
>
> But I'd be willing to chip in some equipment if you wanted to try this
>   between now and Christmas, Ford.  We could really make the Schwartz
> center dance!

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

Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2005 17:40:50 +0000 (GMT)
From: Charlie Richmond <charlier [at] RichmondSoundDesign.com>
Subject: Re: Choreographed Light Display
In-Reply-To: <list-25643810 [at] prxy.net>
Message-ID: <Pine.LNX.4.63.0511211740120.4659 [at] viscount.richmondsounddesign.com>
References: <list-25641180 [at] prxy.net> <list-25642328 [at] prxy.net>  <list-25642895 [at] prxy.net>
 <list-25643810 [at] prxy.net>

Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2005 17:30:07 +0000
From: John Leonard <soundmanjohn [at] btinternet.com>
To: Show-Control [at] yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [Show-Control] What kind of system can do this?

But all this kind of stuff has been around for years - remember the Singing
Christmas Tree things?

Go here and marvel...

http://www.midilite.com/quicktime/index.html

Regards,

--
John Leonard
Sound & Show Control
10 Belsize Park
Hampstead
London
NW3 4ES
United Kingdom


T: +44 (0)20 7794 5942
F: +44 (0)20 7431 4716
M: +44 (0)7774 758774
Skype:  soundmanjohn
SkypeIn: +44 (0)20 8816 7587

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

In-Reply-To: <list-25643476 [at] prxy.net>
References: <list-25642347 [at] prxy.net> <list-25643476 [at] prxy.net>
Message-Id: <6B49EE35-01CF-4A75-9756-0260C7EEDE0D [at] wetmoreproductions.com>
From: David Wetmore <davidfitwe [at] wetmoreproductions.com>
Subject: Re: Choreographed Light Display
Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2005 09:45:23 -0800

If someone has this file as a standalone, can they convert it to  
anything but a windows media file.  Something that quicktime can  
read.  Mac's don't like the new windows media files quite yet.

David Wetmore
On Nov 21, 2005, at 9:13 AM, Jon Ares wrote:

> For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see <http:// 
> stagecraft.theprices.net/>
> ---------------------------------------------------
>
>> Is there a better link? Has someone been able to download it all  
>> as a stand
>> alone file? Windows Media is so bad it just stutters along.
>>
>
>
> It came down to me as a standalone file....  of course I saved it  
> for future reference.  :)
>
>     - Jon Ares
> www.hevanet.com/acreative


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

In-Reply-To: <list-25642347 [at] prxy.net>
References: <list-25642347 [at] prxy.net>
Message-Id: <D5B08F8C-D1B5-45BB-88D8-A010A2BB7494 [at] interstellar.com>
From: Jerry Durand <jdurand [at] interstellar.com>
Subject: Re: Choreographed Light Display
Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2005 10:02:08 -0800


On Nov 21, 2005, at 7:55 AM, Herrick Goldman wrote:

> Is there a better link? Has someone been able to download it all as  
> a stand
> alone file? Windows Media is so bad it just stutters along.

Can't help with a better quality video, but if you can't save the  
file with your system, you can fetch it from our server:

http://interstellar.com/clients/.Lights/



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

Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2005 13:06:01 -0500
From: Kevin Lee Allen <klad [at] klad.com>
Subject: Re: Choreographed Light Display
In-reply-to: <list-25643940 [at] prxy.net>
Message-id: <BC56D6DC-033C-44D7-8F7D-40C1C1313472 [at] klad.com>
References: <list-25642347 [at] prxy.net> <list-25643476 [at] prxy.net>
 <list-25643940 [at] prxy.net>

pleeeasse.


On Nov 21, 2005, at 12:45 PM, David Wetmore wrote:

> If someone has this file as a standalone, can they convert it to =20
> anything but a windows media file.  Something that quicktime can =20
> read.  Mac's don't like the new windows media files quite yet.


-----
Kevin Lee Allen
Architect of Dreams
http://www.klad.com
973.744.6352.voice
201.280.3841.mobile
klad [at] klad.com
=F0




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

In-Reply-To: <list-25644245 [at] prxy.net>
References: <list-25642347 [at] prxy.net> <list-25643476 [at] prxy.net> <list-25643940 [at] prxy.net> <list-25644245 [at] prxy.net>
Message-Id: <DDC5D909-324A-4CF9-AA04-1699BCDA05F3 [at] interstellar.com>
From: Jerry Durand <jdurand [at] interstellar.com>
Subject: Re: Choreographed Light Display
Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2005 10:13:26 -0800

I have to run off for a hour or two, if someone wants to convert the  
file and e-mail it to me, I'll stick it on the server with the other  
one.


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

Subject: Re: Choreographed Light Display
Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2005 13:31:22 -0500
Message-ID: <346414591B50EE4299DB6686321B8CC701D2936F [at] FACSTAFF.facultystaff.eku.edu>
From: "Secore, Scott" <Scott.Secore [at] EKU.EDU>

>>> but if you look at the left hand side of the house there is a radio
tower with a blinking light. The light is blinking pretty regularly with
no major signs that it is spliced together, but I could be wrong.
<<<

Being the geek I am, I timed the intervals (sort of, but not really) of
the=20
"radio tower/blinking light", and it is constant. Seems you may just be
correct.

-SS
TTS
EKU

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

Message-ID: <3998154b0511211034u6a5dc6f3t7e4c1e672a8daf0e [at] mail.gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2005 10:34:52 -0800
From: Paul Puppo <ppuppo [at] gmail.com>
Subject: Re: Poseidon Adventure...
In-Reply-To: <list-25641654 [at] prxy.net>
References: <list-25638745 [at] prxy.net> <list-25641654 [at] prxy.net>

On 11/21/05, Michael Sorensen <chaoscon666 [at] yahoo.com> wrote:

> A couple of techs and I would sneak into the childrens
> entertainment center, which had a large screen tv.
> We'd get drunk and watch the Poseidon Adventure.


Funny, when I worked on the ss Norway we'd sneak into the children's
center (called Trolland, don't ask me, it was some Norwegian thing),
get drunk, and play Mario Cart on the big TV.

Ah, those were the days.

Paul Puppo

http://www.Nifty-Gadgets.com

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

From: MissWisc [at] aol.com
Message-ID: <6d.51bbfb72.30b37431 [at] aol.com>
Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2005 14:04:17 EST
Subject: Re: Certification

bill-conner [at] att.net writes:
<< As far as eligibility, my opinion  is some of you are taking the "rigging 
work experience" too strictly.  If  you hang curtains and drops, run sets, 
etc., I would think certainly this time  counts. >>

That's what I've asked about and am still hoping for more clarification  from 
Unkle Bill or others who were involved with the test design. Exactly what  
DOES count?

<<Based on the questions and comments, I think if you  take the exam as I did 
you will agree that it does reasonably test skills and  tasks that the 
in-charge folks doing production work should know - which is  exactly the target 
that was set.>>

Can't take the exam if you don't  qualify. :) Seems the argument becomes 
circular then.
 

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

Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2005 14:05:24 -0500
Subject: Re: Choreographed Light Display
From: Bruce Purdy <bpurdy [at] rochester.rr.com>
Message-ID: <BFA784A3.B593%bpurdy [at] rochester.rr.com>
In-Reply-To: <list-25644245 [at] prxy.net>

 > pleeeasse.
>  
>> If someone has this file as a standalone, can they convert it to
>> anything but a windows media file.  Something that quicktime can
>> read.  Mac's don't like the new windows media files quite yet.

    Add my voice to this request.
BTW, I'm glad to hear others bring this up! Lately anytime I try to watch a
Windows Media file I get sound but no picture. I've re-downloaded the latest
Windows Media player a couple of times to no avail, so I thought there might
be something wrong with my computer.
    I always *used* to be able to watch WM files, but not anymore. Why did
they do that?

Bruce
-- 
Bruce Purdy
Technical Director
Smith Opera House



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

Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2005 14:07:12 -0500
From: Stephen Litterst <slitterst [at] ithaca.edu>
Subject: Re: Choreographed Light Display
In-reply-to: <list-25644597 [at] prxy.net>
Message-id: <43821AE0.6090208 [at] ithaca.edu>
Organization: IC-Dept. of Theatre Arts
References: <list-25644597 [at] prxy.net>

Secore, Scott wrote:
> For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see <http://stagecraft.theprices.net/>
> ---------------------------------------------------
> 
> 
>>>>but if you look at the left hand side of the house there is a radio
> 
> tower with a blinking light. The light is blinking pretty regularly with
> no major signs that it is spliced together, but I could be wrong.
> <<<
> 
> Being the geek I am, I timed the intervals (sort of, but not really) of
> the 
> "radio tower/blinking light", and it is constant. Seems you may just be
> correct.

Really?  I just watched it again with an eye on that and found it 
pulsing in time with the music and suspiciously blinking out in time 
with some of the blackouts. Even turned off all the lights to make 
sure I wasn't seeing any reflections on my screen.


Some of the foreground shifts I can accept as being from the lossy 
video format, but there are some distinct shifts that don't quite fit in.

Without finding a better quality copy, I'm afraid we'll never know.

Steve L.

-- 
Stephen C. Litterst
Technical Supervisor
Ithaca College
Dept. of Theatre Arts
607/274-3947
slitterst [at] ithaca.edu

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

From: MissWisc [at] aol.com
Message-ID: <236.20bb191.30b377be [at] aol.com>
Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2005 14:19:26 EST
Subject: Re: Certification info.

ladesigners [at] juno.com writes:
<<   When YOU suffer your own periodic insurance re-evaluations and/or 
inspections,  are you not offered rate incentives, based upon liability-lowering 
procedures  that you have initiated on your own or upon the insurance company's 
request? I  was just attempting to ascertain whether the hope of lowered 
insurance rates  could be used as a selling point to convince Master Riggers to pass 
the test. I  will guess that this was not considered in the marketing of the 
exam to  potential test takers by the ESTA rigging panel. Was the issue of 
lowered rates  explored and discarded, or never explored at all, with insurance 
companies?  
>>
 
I bet this will come in the future when venues can start requiring the ESTA  
certification for riggers. I have a discount on my motorcycle insurance 
because  I passed the MSF class and I can take a defensive driving class to get 
lower car  insurance rates. Once the insurance companies hear that the 
certification is  available,. they will probably make adjustments either way. As  Unkle 
mentioned "You're NOT certified??? We're going to double your  rates!" is more 
likely to happen than "You have certification so we'll lower  your rates." 
 
As Mick mentioned, our IA local was asked in a recent contract negotiaition  
to supply only certified riggers which of course is impossible at this point. 
We  ended up including verbage that our riggers will follow  the 
"Entertainment Technician Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct"  that's in the ESTA test 
taker booklet as part of the contract.
 
Kristi
 
 

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

Reply-To: <peter [at] scheuconsulting.com>
From: "Peter Scheu" <peter [at] scheuconsulting.com>
Subject: RE: Certification
Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2005 14:20:11 -0500
Organization: Scheu Consulting Services, Inc.
Message-ID: <!~!UENERkVCMDkAAQACAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABgAAAAAAAAAFIzFiG12TU6sr87xtBG2l8KAAAAQAAAAL3R+c2dYX02+jaudjb0/swEAAAAA [at] scheuconsulting.com>
In-reply-to: <list-25645047 [at] prxy.net>

MissWisc [at] aol.com wrote:

>That's what I've asked about and am still hoping for more 
>clarification  from 
>Unkle Bill or others who were involved with the test design. 
>Exactly what  
>DOES count?

Kristi, nothing "official" can be bespoken in this forum, either by Bill,
myself, or anyone else associated with ETCP. In fact, we are actually
contractually and ethically bound NOT to give out such information. Your
best bet for clarification is to call or write Katie Geraghty at ETCP. All
the contact info can be found at http://etcp.esta.org/contact.html 

Good luck.

Peter Scheu

Scheu Consulting Services, Inc.
www.scheuconsulting.com
Tel: 315.422.9984
fax: 413.513.4966


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

Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2005 14:26:57 -0500
From: Stephen Litterst <slitterst [at] ithaca.edu>
Subject: Dimmer Power Cubes
Message-id: <43821F81.3000508 [at] ithaca.edu>
Organization: IC-Dept. of Theatre Arts

Does anyone know of a way to test a power cube short of installing it 
in a dimmer?  I just replaced two power cubes (in L86 dimmers) only to 
find out that they weren't the problem. I don't want to take the 
trouble to put them back in, but I'd like to find out if they're good 
so I don't throw away $100 of parts.

Thanks,

Steve L.
-- 
Stephen C. Litterst
Technical Supervisor
Ithaca College
Dept. of Theatre Arts
607/274-3947
slitterst [at] ithaca.edu

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

Message-ID: <01cb01c5eed1$d0023bb0$6401a8c0 [at] BCA1>
Reply-To: "Bill Conner" <bill [at] bcaworld.com>
From: "Bill Conner" <bill-conner [at] att.net>
Subject: Certification - little secret
Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2005 13:28:51 -0600

Posted:  "BUT since you were involved in the creation of the test, you may 
not ethically take the exam and hence you can't be ESTA certified riggers."

Wrong - or so I've been told.  All "subject matter experts" are certified as 
a result of their selection and participation during which I believe they 
have taken the exam many times.

Bill



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

Message-Id: <6.2.3.4.2.20051121142902.05437e70 [at] postoffice8.mail.cornell.edu>
Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2005 14:29:17 -0500
From: Ford H Sellers <fhs4 [at] cornell.edu>
Subject: Re: Dimmer Power Cubes
In-Reply-To: <list-25645420 [at] prxy.net>
References: <list-25645420 [at] prxy.net>

Did your dimmer fail on or off?

At 02:26 PM 11/21/2005, you wrote:
>For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see <http://stagecraft.theprices.net/>
>---------------------------------------------------
>
>Does anyone know of a way to test a power cube short of installing 
>it in a dimmer?  I just replaced two power cubes (in L86 dimmers) 
>only to find out that they weren't the problem. I don't want to take 
>the trouble to put them back in, but I'd like to find out if they're 
>good so I don't throw away $100 of parts.
>
>Thanks,
>
>Steve L.
>--
>Stephen C. Litterst
>Technical Supervisor
>Ithaca College
>Dept. of Theatre Arts
>607/274-3947
>slitterst [at] ithaca.edu

************************
Ford H Sellers
Master Electrician
Cornell University
Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts
430 College Avenue
Ithaca NY, 14850
(607) 254-2736  office
(607) 254-2733  fax 



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

Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2005 14:35:10 -0500
From: Stephen Litterst <slitterst [at] ithaca.edu>
Subject: Re: Dimmer Power Cubes
In-reply-to: <list-25645469 [at] prxy.net>
Message-id: <4382216E.3080100 [at] ithaca.edu>
Organization: IC-Dept. of Theatre Arts
References: <list-25645420 [at] prxy.net> <list-25645469 [at] prxy.net>

Ford H Sellers wrote:
> ---------------------------------------------------
> 
> Did your dimmer fail on or off?


Ok, long story short.  I didn't fully test the pack before replacing 
the cubes.  The dimmers weren't firing via the bump buttons so I 
assumed the cube had failed off.  Replaced the power cube and found 
that the bump buttons still didn't fire the dimmer.  At which point I 
investigated further to find that the bump buttons are no longer 
connected.  Patched the rack into my console and found that they'll 
fire via DMX.  So now I'm wondering if the original power cubes were 
still good.

This is what happens when I cut steps out of the process to save time. 
  If only the students weren't on break, they could have learned a lot 
about what not to do.

Steve L.

-- 
Stephen C. Litterst
Technical Supervisor
Ithaca College
Dept. of Theatre Arts
607/274-3947
slitterst [at] ithaca.edu

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

Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2005 14:35:25 -0500
From: Kevin Lee Allen <klad [at] klad.com>
Subject: Re: Choreographed Light Display
In-reply-to: <list-25645072 [at] prxy.net>
Message-id: <F45702C0-D105-4940-B97F-5EC4085F9626 [at] klad.com>
References: <list-25644245 [at] prxy.net> <list-25645072 [at] prxy.net>



I've had the same issue, but difficulty in downloading the current =20
version. I think we are just looking at competition. I'll bet a =20
Windows user cannot view a Quicktime file w/o Quicktime. It is a real =20=

call for standards and compatibility. I like the Quicktime interface =20
and would prefer to have only Quicktime installed, not the Real =20
Player, the Microsoft Player AND Quicktime.

But then, I don't really want to watch videos in iTunes, either.




On Nov 21, 2005, at 2:05 PM, Bruce Purdy wrote:

> BTW, I'm glad to hear others bring this up! Lately anytime I try to =20=

> watch a
> Windows Media file I get sound but no picture. I've re-downloaded =20
> the latest
> Windows Media player a couple of times to no avail, so I thought =20
> there might
> be something wrong with my computer.
>     I always *used* to be able to watch WM files, but not anymore. =20
> Why did
> they do that?


-----
Kevin Lee Allen
Architect of Dreams
http://www.klad.com
973.744.6352.voice
201.280.3841.mobile
klad [at] klad.com
=F0




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

Message-ID: <1132600180.43821b7442ad1 [at] webmail.plattsburgh.edu>
Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2005 14:09:40 -0500
From: kim.hartshorn [at] plattsburgh.edu
Subject: network based intercom
References: <list-25638745 [at] prxy.net>
In-Reply-To: <list-25638745 [at] prxy.net>


Hey All

So I am sitting in our green room doing the crossword puzzle and eating my 
lunch when these two guys from resnet (residential networking of course) come 
in to find out where they should put the upgraded network connections.  And I 
am sort of thinking....well everywhere.  So here's the real question, have any 
of you used or are planning to use network based communications for intercom 
and monitors?  Ive done some quick googling this morning and have found some 
shareware and commercial ware to get intercom capability using regular 
computers and a quicker search that sees that there are numerous hardware 
devices out there also.  Anybody using any of them? are they cost effective? 
Clear-Com for instance has a product called the Digital Matrix.  Can this 
actually result in what I am thinking it could result in?  monitoring a show 
completely from my desk, intercom, stagemanager, etcnet, monitor...all through 
my network connection?  I would mention motion control...but that might be 
reaching :-)

thanks

Kim

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

Message-ID: <43822502.A0AFB554 [at] cybercom.net>
Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2005 14:50:26 -0500
From: Dale Farmer <dale [at] cybercom.net>
Organization: The  fuzz in the back of the fridge. 
Subject: Re: network based intercom
References: <list-25638745 [at] prxy.net> <list-25645622 [at] prxy.net>



kim.hartshorn [at] plattsburgh.edu wrote:

> For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see <http://stagecraft.theprices.net/>
> ---------------------------------------------------
>
> Hey All
>
> So I am sitting in our green room doing the crossword puzzle and eating my
> lunch when these two guys from resnet (residential networking of course) come
> in to find out where they should put the upgraded network connections.  And I
> am sort of thinking....well everywhere.  So here's the real question, have any
> of you used or are planning to use network based communications for intercom
> and monitors?  Ive done some quick googling this morning and have found some
> shareware and commercial ware to get intercom capability using regular
> computers and a quicker search that sees that there are numerous hardware
> devices out there also.  Anybody using any of them? are they cost effective?
> Clear-Com for instance has a product called the Digital Matrix.  Can this
> actually result in what I am thinking it could result in?  monitoring a show
> completely from my desk, intercom, stagemanager, etcnet, monitor...all through
> my network connection?  I would mention motion control...but that might be
> reaching :-)
>
> thanks
>
> Kim

    The raw twisted pair wires of the ethernet cables are quite good at
passing all sorts of signals.   I've actually experimented with sending
multiple channels of clearcom down a single 10-base-T cable, and while
the audio was not as good, it was usable.  Crosstalk between channels
was a problem as well.
    There are all sorts of devices to adapt clearcom to single pair and
two pair telephone circuits, all you would need to do is supply some
talk battery power and patch the cable in the patchbay.
    If you are talking about sending these signals over ethernet or
TCP/IP, that is a much more expensive proposition.  But, the
boxes to do this are out there.

    --Dale



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

From: MissWisc [at] aol.com
Message-ID: <a9.1c77f3.30b37e30 [at] aol.com>
Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2005 14:46:56 EST
Subject: Re: Certification

peter [at] scheuconsulting.com writes:
<< Your best bet for  clarification is to call or write Katie Geraghty at 
ETCP. >>
 
Thanks Peter! I've sent her an email. 
 

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

Message-ID: <BAY106-F304823D99A85B48360DBFBC7530 [at] phx.gbl>
From: "RICHARD FINKELSTEIN" <rfinkels [at] msn.com>
Subject: Looking to rent costumes for How to Succeed
Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2005 14:49:55 -0500

I volunteered to ask the list if there is a known rental package out there 
for How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. We are looking to rent 
all or a portion for a production that opens Feb 14, 2006 at James Madison U 
in Virginia.

Richard Finkelstein
JMU



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

Message-ID: <009d01c5eed5$469e4770$20b0d255 [at] paul1mcvpezfqr>
From: "Paul News" <paul.news [at] dsl.pipex.com>
Subject: Simon Blackett
Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2005 19:53:36 -0000

I am posting this as I am sure some of you out there in the UK theatre world
will have known Simon Blackett (lighting & sound).
The news is not good as Simon died on 16th November following a brain
haemorrhage.
If any body would like details of Simons funeral which is this Friday please
do contact me.

Paul

phlxx [at] dsl.pipex.com
(remove the x's)



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

Subject: RE: Dimmer Power Cubes
Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2005 15:08:03 -0500
Message-ID: <CB9851ABAB071C4F961D1C36F96439670F5DF4 [at] win2kserveroh.vlsoffice.com>
From: "Paul Sanow" <psanow [at] vls.com>

This is a case where it usually pays to swap around some dimmers before =
going ahead and changing out a power cube (SSR).  Swapping a =
questionable dimmer for a known-good dimmer is the best bet.  Especially =
since most of these dimmers are 1-2 SSR cubes and associated choke.  =
Follow the problem- did it follow the ??dimmer or stay the same.  =
Depending on how easy it is to get to the dimmers and/or lights, =
sometimes I'll check the dimmer before I check the light.  Occasionally =
it works out to avoiding setting up a lift.  If you are talking dimmer =
packs that don't include modular dimmers, I know of no other method.  =
Since there's not much to a dimmer (modular rack-type) I'm usually =
skeptical of dimmer module problems unless something tells me otherwise.

As for testing SSRs, it's kind of tricky since the signal into the cube =
is a square wave.  The frequency will be the same as your incoming power =
(60Hz in the US).  The longer the square wave is high, the longer the =
output is "on".  Some dimmers do it backwards (low is on), but that's =
the general theory- simplified.  There aren't many SSRs used in =
entertainment dimmers that can run on  variable flat regulated DC input =
without a firing card.

Paul

***********************************************************
Paul Sanow 			psanow [at] vls.com
Technical Sales			www.vincentlighting.com
Vincent Lighting Systems


1420 Jamike Ln. #2
Erlanger, KY 41018

(859) 525-2000	x211		FAX (859) 525-2050
***********************************************************

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Stephen Litterst [mailto:slitterst [at] ithaca.edu]
> Sent: Monday, November 21, 2005 2:35 PM
> To: Stagecraft
> Subject: Re: Dimmer Power Cubes
> Importance: Low
>=20
>=20
> For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see=20
> <http://stagecraft.theprices.net/>
> ---------------------------------------------------
>=20
> Ford H Sellers wrote:
> > ---------------------------------------------------
> >=20
> > Did your dimmer fail on or off?
>=20
>=20
> Ok, long story short.  I didn't fully test the pack before replacing=20
> the cubes.  The dimmers weren't firing via the bump buttons so I=20
> assumed the cube had failed off.  Replaced the power cube and found=20
> that the bump buttons still didn't fire the dimmer.  At which point I=20
> investigated further to find that the bump buttons are no longer=20
> connected.  Patched the rack into my console and found that they'll=20
> fire via DMX.  So now I'm wondering if the original power cubes were=20
> still good.
>=20
> This is what happens when I cut steps out of the process to=20
> save time.=20
>   If only the students weren't on break, they could have=20
> learned a lot=20
> about what not to do.
>=20
> Steve L.
>=20
> --=20
> Stephen C. Litterst
> Technical Supervisor
> Ithaca College
> Dept. of Theatre Arts
> 607/274-3947
> slitterst [at] ithaca.edu
>=20

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

Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2005 20:08:54 +0000 (GMT)
From: Charlie Richmond <charlier [at] RichmondSoundDesign.com>
Subject: Re: network based intercom
In-Reply-To: <list-25645622 [at] prxy.net>
Message-ID: <Pine.LNX.4.63.0511212007060.9115 [at] viscount.richmondsounddesign.com>
References: <list-25638745 [at] prxy.net> <list-25645622 [at] prxy.net>

On Mon, 21 Nov 2005, kim.hartshorn [at] plattsburgh.edu wrote:

> actually result in what I am thinking it could result in?  monitoring a show
> completely from my desk, intercom, stagemanager, etcnet, monitor...all through
> my network connection?  I would mention motion control...but that might be
> reaching :-)

Not too far reaching at all.  I would mention the fact that show control 
networking has been doing this for years but I always get criticised for being a 
broken record when I do ;-)

Join the Show-Control mailing list if you want to avoid the nay-sayers (see my 
sig... ;-)

Charlie


| Charlie Richmond - Richmond Sound Design - Skype: charlierichmond |
| http://www.RichmondSoundDesign.com "Performance for the Long Run" |
| Show Control List: http://www.RichmondSoundDesign.com/sclist.html |

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

Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2005 15:31:28 -0500
Subject: Re: Choreographed Light Display
From: Bruce Purdy <bpurdy [at] rochester.rr.com>
Message-ID: <BFA798CF.B5A2%bpurdy [at] rochester.rr.com>
In-Reply-To: <list-25645598 [at] prxy.net>

> I've had the same issue, but difficulty in downloading the current
> version. I think we are just looking at competition. I'll bet a
> Windows user cannot view a Quicktime file w/o Quicktime.

    Perhaps, but the point is I *have* the proprietary Windows Media player,
and I still can't see it!

> It is a real call for standards and compatibility.

    You said it! When I used to build Websites, I always made sure they were
cross browser and cross platform compatible! (And didn't require the latest
or fastest computer to access any of it's features.) This required extensive
testing before the site was officially launched. It's a pity WM doesn't
adhere to the same principle!
 
Bruce
-- 
Bruce Purdy
Technical Director
Smith Opera House



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

Message-Id: <3.0.6.32.20051121133840.00ce59e0 [at] pop.west.cox.net>
Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2005 13:38:40
From: CB <psyd [at] cox.net>
Subject: Re: Kristi's POV on Rigging Cert.

>And if you think trainers like myself and the others
>you all know are going to sit on our hands idly watching the parade pass us
>by, you've got some more thinking to do.
>
>I don't really know what else to say.  I hear your concerns and I appreciate
>that you have your own POV.

Well, Bill, proud papa that you are, you ain't quite done yet it seems.  If
there are folk on this list that were here the whole time you were
discussing this upcoming event, and still have a bit of a problem
understanding just what the cert is for, you can bet that there will be a
whole lot more folk out there with a whole lot less understanding.  I think
the issue is going to be that it takes far more of a rigger to even take
the test than it does to rig your show into a theatre or shed.  The guy
that has rigging that needs to be done has to realize that just because the
guy hanging his soft-goods isn't ESTA certified, it doesn't mean that he is
just a local swashbuckler.  The hard part about this certifications is
going to be getting people to understand just what it means.
				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...

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

Message-Id: <6.2.3.4.0.20051121123716.029bb670 [at] 192.168.0.13>
Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2005 12:45:24 -0800
From: Jerry Durand <jdurand [at] interstellar.com>
Subject: Re: Choreographed Light Display
In-Reply-To: <list-25646593 [at] prxy.net>
References: <list-25645598 [at] prxy.net>
 <list-25646593 [at] prxy.net>

At 12:31 PM 11/21/2005, you wrote:
>     You said it! When I used to build Websites, I always made sure they were
>cross browser and cross platform compatible! (And didn't require the latest
>or fastest computer to access any of it's features.) This required extensive
>testing before the site was officially launched. It's a pity WM doesn't
>adhere to the same principle!

You're going to see more of this with the spread of DRM.  Windows 
stuff (music, video, now DOCUMENTS) that doesn't work on Mac, Mac 
stuff that doesn't work on Windows, and even tighter restrictions 
that you can only play/use the files on ONE computer/handheld unless 
you transfer the rights to one other machine.

You'll see more snooping, too.  iTunes now sends a sample of every 
music CD you insert into your Mac to Gracenote.com to identify the 
CD.  You can't turn it off or opt out, so Gracenote could keep a 
record of every music CD you own (with many errors on their part, 
they think a disk I recorded here is called "Hotel California").



-- 
Jerry Durand
Durand Interstellar, Inc.
219 Oak Wood Way
Los Gatos, California 95032-2523 USA
tel:  +1 408 356-3886, USA toll free:  1 866 356-3886
web:  www.interstellar.com



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

Message-Id: <3.0.6.32.20051121135146.00ce59e0 [at] pop.west.cox.net>
Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2005 13:51:46
From: CB <psyd [at] cox.net>
Subject: Re: Certification info.

>CB.  It ain't about the taxes.  The certification administration company
>simply rents some space from H & R Block.  The two are not intertwined.

Arright, who took my smileys? They were supposed tp be right here!  I
coulda sworn... there oughta be someone.... dang attention deficit...
mumble-grumble-mumble...
				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...

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

Message-ID: <fcb018350511211324i5cf17882t6c5c3eaf0534813d [at] mail.gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2005 16:24:13 -0500
From: Kurt Cypher <kurt.stagecraftlist [at] gmail.com>
Subject: Re: Looking to rent costumes for How to Succeed
In-Reply-To: <list-25645869 [at] prxy.net>
References: <list-25645869 [at] prxy.net>
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------------------------------

Message-ID: <43823FD3.9000508 [at] dreampossible.ca>
Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2005 16:44:51 -0500
From: Jim Hyslop <theatre [at] dreampossible.ca>
Organization: Dreampossible Inc.
Subject: Re: Choreographed Light Display
References: <list-25644597 [at] prxy.net> <list-25645113 [at] prxy.net>
In-Reply-To: <list-25645113 [at] prxy.net>

Stephen Litterst wrote:
>> Being the geek I am, I timed the intervals (sort of, but not really) of
>> the "radio tower/blinking light", and it is constant. Seems you may
>> just be
>> correct.
> 
> 
> Really?  I just watched it again with an eye on that and found it
> pulsing in time with the music and suspiciously blinking out in time
> with some of the blackouts. Even turned off all the lights to make sure
> I wasn't seeing any reflections on my screen.

Well, I just blocked out most of the house with my hand, turned off the
sound and played it, beating time with my other hand with the radio
tower. It's pretty regular.

I didn't notice any blinking outs that went in time with the blackouts.
The blinking out you're seeing could, again, be an artifact of your JPEG
decoder. JPEG compression involves the decoder/decompressor making
predictions about what the picture is going to look like several frames
ahead, and if it predicts wrong, then you can get some pretty weird results.

> Some of the foreground shifts I can accept as being from the lossy video
> format, but there are some distinct shifts that don't quite fit in.
Also don't forget that the camera used was most likely a consumer-grade
camera, and the sudden transitions from light to dark would probably
have played havoc with its automatic level setting, which would affect
all areas of the picture.

I'm reasonably convinced the video hasn't been edited or enhanced.

-- 
Jim Hyslop


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

Reply-To: <peter [at] scheuconsulting.com>
From: "Peter Scheu" <peter [at] scheuconsulting.com>
Cc: bill [at] bcaworld.com ('Bill Conner')
Subject: RE: Certification - little secret
Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2005 16:50:52 -0500
Organization: Scheu Consulting Services, Inc.
Message-ID: <!~!UENERkVCMDkAAQACAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABgAAAAAAAAAFIzFiG12TU6sr87xtBG2l8KAAAAQAAAAdthHwRqiiUG431egqkh13QEAAAAA [at] scheuconsulting.com>
In-reply-to: <list-25645456 [at] prxy.net>

Bill Conner wrote:

>Posted:  "BUT since you were involved in the creation of the 
>test, you may 
>not ethically take the exam and hence you can't be ESTA 
>certified riggers."
>
>Wrong - or so I've been told.  All "subject matter experts" 
>are certified as 
>a result of their selection and participation during which I 
>believe they 
>have taken the exam many times.

Bill's right. 

I "took it" again today, for the fourth or fifth time I believe. Have to
help the psychometricians (the company hired to put the test together)
determine the cut score. I think I finally got all the questions right this
time!  ;-)

Peter Scheu

Scheu Consulting Services, Inc.
www.scheuconsulting.com
Tel: 315.422.9984
fax: 413.513.4966




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

From: "ladesigners [at] juno.com" <ladesigners [at] juno.com>
Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2005 22:09:51 GMT
Subject: Re: Certification - little secret
Message-Id: <20051121.141043.22753.8634 [at] webmail30.lax.untd.com>

What?? You'll 'blow' the Curve! <g>
/s/ Richard

I "took it" again today, for the fourth or fifth time I believe. I think=
 I finally got all the questions right this time!  ;-)
Peter Scheu



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

Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2005 17:28:51 -0500
From: "Frank E. Merrill" <Lamplighter [at] tcon.net>
Reply-To: "Frank E. Merrill" <Lamplighter [at] tcon.net>
Message-ID: <15310167283.20051121172851 [at] tcon.net>
Subject: Rigging Certification

O wise Oracles I beseech thee once more!

I'm pleased to learn of rigging certification, and I endorse the
concept entirely.  I apologize for being dense, but where might I take
that test?

I'm so old that, in the event that I really HAVE forgotten more than
the young whippersnappers ever knew, I can always say that I never
needed accreditation anyway!

Best regards,
  Frank E. Merrill
  MERRILL STAGE EQUIPMENT
  Indianapolis
  Established 1946
  www.merrillstage.com 
 
  Running THE BAT!  Natural e-mail system v.3.60        mailto:Lamplighter [at] tcon.net


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

Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2005 17:48:42 -0500
Subject: Re: Choreographed Light Display
From: Bruce Purdy <bpurdy [at] rochester.rr.com>
Message-ID: <BFA7B8FA.B5B5%bpurdy [at] rochester.rr.com>
In-Reply-To: <list-25646805 [at] prxy.net>

> You're going to see more of this with the spread of DRM.  Windows
> stuff (music, video, now DOCUMENTS) that doesn't work on Mac, Mac
> stuff that doesn't work on Windows, and even tighter restrictions
> that you can only play/use the files on ONE computer/handheld unless
> you transfer the rights to one other machine.
> 
    Once 'pon a time, it used to be that Windoze was Windoze, and Mac was
Mac, and Ne'er the twain would meet. No compatibility at all!

    Then came the age of enlightenment, when Most any file created on a
Wintel box could be opened on my Mac (& Vice Versa if I was careful about
file naming conventions.)

    Now it seems that the world is going back in the wrong direction!

> You'll see more snooping, too.  iTunes now sends a sample of every
> music CD you insert into your Mac to Gracenote.com to identify the
> CD.  You can't turn it off or opt out, so Gracenote could keep a
> record of every music CD you own (with many errors on their part,
> they think a disk I recorded here is called "Hotel California").
> 
    I just don't like the direction that this world is headed. Does that
make me officially an "Old Phart"?

Bruce
-- 
Bruce Purdy
Technical Director
Smith Opera House



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

From: FrankWood95 [at] aol.com
Message-ID: <21b.35fc77d.30b3ada3 [at] aol.com>
Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2005 18:09:23 EST
Subject: Re: Certification info.

In a message dated 21/11/05 19:20:53 GMT Standard Time, MissWisc [at] aol.com 
writes:

> Once the insurance companies hear that the 
>  certification is  available,. they will probably make adjustments either 
way.
>  As  Unkle 
>  mentioned "You're NOT certified??? We're going to double your  rates!" is 
> more 
>  likely to happen than "You have certification so we'll lower  your rates." 

For curiosity, how many incidents happen due to faulty rigging, and how many 
due to poor management?

Perhaps a certification process should be put in place for theatre managers. 
I doubt that it could be done, though. Behind them, taking no direct 
responsibility, stand the bean counters and the men in suits. These are the ones who, 
morally, should carry the can for poorly equipped theatres, with every safety 
expenditure questioned. It is they who comission impracticable designs. 


Frank Wood

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

From: FrankWood95 [at] aol.com
Message-ID: <7a.7ffb5b37.30b3afaa [at] aol.com>
Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2005 18:18:02 EST
Subject: Re: Dimmer Power Cubes

In a message dated 21/11/05 19:30:09 GMT Standard Time, slitterst [at] ithaca.edu 
writes:

> Does anyone know of a way to test a power cube short of installing it 
>  in a dimmer?  I just replaced two power cubes (in L86 dimmers) only to 
>  find out that they weren't the problem. I don't want to take the 
>  trouble to put them back in, but I'd like to find out if they're good 
>  so I don't throw away $100 of parts.

You would have to build a test jig of some sort, and have some test gear to 
go with it. Off the top of my head, I should say that you would need a drive 
circuit, driven by an analogue fader, and a dummy load, together with an 
oscilloscope to monitor voltage and current waveforms. This looks like more than $100 
to me, but could have many other uses.


Frank Wood

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

From: "JUSTIN DAVID BENNETT" <jbennett43 [at] mail.accd.edu>
Subject: RE: Looking to rent costumes for How to Succeed
Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2005 18:21:30 -0600
In-Reply-To: <list-25647281 [at] prxy.net>
Message-ID: <IQBYBU00.S8Q [at] mail.accd.edu>

Not knowing about your specific situation, I would suggest you look into
hiring a costume designer/staff before renting. It's often more economical,
and you get to keep the costumes. Even if it's not more economical, you
still get to keep the costumes. 

Justin Bennett
Technical Director / Theatre Manager
St. Philip's College - Watson Fine Arts Center
jbennett43 [at] mail.accd.edu
(210) 531-4706 Office
(210) 531-4768 Fax


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

 On 11/21/05, RICHARD FINKELSTEIN <rfinkels [at] msn.com> wrote:
> I volunteered to ask the list if there is a known rental package out there
> for How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. 



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

From: "ladesigners [at] juno.com" <ladesigners [at] juno.com>
Date: Tue, 22 Nov 2005 00:42:34 GMT
Subject: Re: Looking to rent costumes for How to Succeed
Message-Id: <20051121.164258.22753.9220 [at] webmail30.lax.untd.com>

How to Succeed... could be costumed by pulling stock from your local Sal=
vation Army Thrift store, if you had to. Just hire a talented and experi=
enced Costume Coordinator and let him or her provide the magic.
/s/ Richard

Not knowing about your specific situation, I would suggest you look into=
 hiring a costume designer/staff before renting. It's often more economi=
cal, and you get to keep the costumes. Even if it's not more economical,=
 you still get to keep the costumes. =

Justin Bennett
 


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

Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2005 20:08:12 -0500
Subject: Re: Rigging Certification
From: Bill Sapsis <bill [at] sapsis-rigging.com>
Message-ID: <BFA7D9AC.55CA%bill [at] sapsis-rigging.com>
In-Reply-To: <list-25648394 [at] prxy.net>

Once more into the breach.....

Frank.  The test will be available as a computer based test starting on
March 15, 2006 at testing sites around the country.  I do not yet know how
many or where they will be but I'm told there are quite a few and most of
them are in H & R Block income tax offices.

Please check in with the ETCP at <http://etcp.esta.org/> for further
developments.

Thanks
Bill S.
www.sapsis-rigging.com
800.727.7471
800.292.3851  fax
267.278.4561 mobile

Join the Long Reach Long Riders on their 3rd annual cross country charity
motorcycle ride.   <www.LRLR.org>




On 11/21/05 5:28 PM, "Frank E. Merrill" <Lamplighter [at] tcon.net> wrote:

> For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see <http://stagecraft.theprices.net/>
> ---------------------------------------------------
> 
> O wise Oracles I beseech thee once more!
> 
> I'm pleased to learn of rigging certification, and I endorse the
> concept entirely.  I apologize for being dense, but where might I take
> that test?
> 
> I'm so old that, in the event that I really HAVE forgotten more than
> the young whippersnappers ever knew, I can always say that I never
> needed accreditation anyway!
> 
> Best regards,
>   Frank E. Merrill
>   MERRILL STAGE EQUIPMENT
>   Indianapolis
>   Established 1946
>   www.merrillstage.com
>  
>   Running THE BAT!  Natural e-mail system v.3.60
> mailto:Lamplighter [at] tcon.net
> 



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

From: MissWisc [at] aol.com
Message-ID: <dd.3254b553.30b3ccef [at] aol.com>
Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2005 20:22:55 EST
Subject: Re: Rigging Certification

I got your six, Unkle!
 
Frank:
 
goAMP.com - Assessment Center Network 

Is the company that will be  doing the tests. They refer you back to ESTA for 
locations for the Rigging tests  right now, but you can look at locations for 
other tests to get an idea of where  the AMP testing offices are. In 
Wisconsin, we have ones in Milwaukee and Green  Bay (!). Indiana has Evansville, Fort 
Wayne, and Indy. There's even one  in Hawaii if you are looking for a tax 
break on your hula  lessons. :)

_http://www.goamp.com/sched/w_aspen.examinfo_ 
(http://www.goamp.com/sched/w_aspen.examinfo) 

Use this link and look at some of the national tests to see where  locations 
are in your area.
 
Kristi



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

Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2005 20:48:57 -0500
Subject: Re: Rigging Certification
From: Bill Sapsis <bill [at] sapsis-rigging.com>
Message-ID: <BFA7E339.55D4%bill [at] sapsis-rigging.com>
In-Reply-To: <list-25651094 [at] prxy.net>

OK. I just took the test again.  I've lost track of how many times I've done
it and, frankly, I'm hoping this is the last time.  But, on the plus side, I
now know all the answers.  You wanna know what they are?

A, B, C & D.

Now if I could just remember what order they go in.
(Don't tell Katie I told you.)

<<VBG>>


Bill S.
www.sapsis-rigging.com
800.727.7471
800.292.3851  fax
267.278.4561 mobile

Join the Long Reach Long Riders on their 3rd annual cross country charity
motorcycle ride.   <www.LRLR.org>






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

Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2005 20:51:15 -0500
Subject: Re: Rigging Certification
From: Bill Sapsis <bill [at] sapsis-rigging.com>
Message-ID: <BFA7E3C3.55D6%bill [at] sapsis-rigging.com>
In-Reply-To: <list-25651094 [at] prxy.net>

Could someone explain to me where the phrase "I've got your six" comes from?
I know what it means I just can't remember the connection.

Bill S
www.sapsis-rigging.com
800.727.7471
800.292.3851  fax
267.278.4561 mobile

Join the Long Reach Long Riders on their 3rd annual cross country charity
motorcycle ride.   <www.LRLR.org>






On 11/21/05 8:22 PM, "MissWisc [at] aol.com" <MissWisc [at] aol.com> wrote:

> I got your six, Unkle!



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

Message-ID: <43827DF5.74D6969A [at] cybercom.net>
Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2005 21:09:57 -0500
From: Dale Farmer <dale [at] cybercom.net>
Organization: The  fuzz in the back of the fridge. 
Subject: Re: Rigging Certification
References: <list-25651460 [at] prxy.net>



Bill Sapsis wrote:

> For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see <http://stagecraft.theprices.net/>
> ---------------------------------------------------
>
> Could someone explain to me where the phrase "I've got your six" comes from?
> I know what it means I just can't remember the connection.

    I think it comes from WW2  airplane lingo.  Twelve O'Clock High anyone?

    --Dale



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

Message-ID: <41f080680511211808y474d4527ye49c01bb85ecf871 [at] mail.gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2005 21:08:11 -0500
From: Eric Rouse <erictd [at] gmail.com>
Subject: Re: Rigging Certification
In-Reply-To: <list-25651460 [at] prxy.net>
References: <list-25651094 [at] prxy.net> <list-25651460 [at] prxy.net>
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------------------------------

Message-ID: <438280BB.7090103 [at] peoplepc.com>
Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2005 21:21:47 -0500
From: Michael Drury <MSDRURY [at] peoplepc.com>
Subject: Re: Rigging Certification
References: <list-25651460 [at] prxy.net> <list-25651707 [at] prxy.net>
In-Reply-To: <list-25651707 [at] prxy.net>

I know that it was used in WW II but I don't know if it was used 
before.  It refers to direction from the pilot's POV.  12:00 being 
directly in front, six o'clock being behind, three right etc..  High 
being above, low below.

Ah, the trivia we hang to.

msd

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

Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2005 21:29:45 -0500
From: "Josh Ratty" <josh.ratty [at] verizon.net>
Subject: RE: Rigging Certification
In-reply-to: <list-25651962 [at] prxy.net>
Message-id: <000501c5ef0c$9a7f09b0$0201000a [at] Rattys>

So it's like saying "I've got your back." Eh?

Josh Ratty

-----Original Message-----
From: Stagecraft [mailto:stagecraft [at] theatrical.net] On Behalf Of Michael
Drury
Sent: Monday, November 21, 2005 9:22 PM
To: Stagecraft
Subject: Re: Rigging Certification

For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see <http://stagecraft.theprices.net/>
---------------------------------------------------

I know that it was used in WW II but I don't know if it was used 
before.  It refers to direction from the pilot's POV.  12:00 being 
directly in front, six o'clock being behind, three right etc..  High 
being above, low below.

Ah, the trivia we hang to.

msd


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

Message-ID: <009101c5ef0e$832c0d10$6401a8c0 [at] amd2200>
From: "Idaho Scenic" <idahoscenic [at] earthlink.net>
Subject: Subject: list-25624104 [at] prxy.net Rigging Certification.
Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2005 19:43:25 -0700

My apologies if this doesn't get posted right.  This is my first post.

In reference to Rigging Certification.

What qualifies me as a rigger?  KNOWLEDGE.  Pure plain and simple.  When I
walk into a familiar venue and hang points for a sound system for a
touring show,  I know how those points will hang.  How? Safely.  If one
point needs to hang two feet out into the middle of  no-where,  there are
several things I have to consider: Angles, weight, stresses, trim height,
the building, what else is going right next to it, or fifteen feet away on
the same truss, (beam, batten...)  It being a familiar building helps a
whole bunch.  A lot of the homework has been done before.

KNOWLEDGE of what I DON'T know is just as important.  I have been brought
into new construction in the planning stages as a consultant, and been hired
by sound companies to hang  permanent cabinets because someone there was
smart enough to figure out that he didn't have enough knowledge to hang
those cabinets safely.  I then have homework to do long before any materials
start showing up on the floor.

The "training program"  for riggers at the building, I work most often,
differentiates between "Riggers" and "Climbers."  Climbers know how to bolt
the hardware together. They don't know the specifics: the why's and how's of
that particular point.  From that first point they hang, under supervision,
it is my hope that they will begin their thirst for knowledge of their job.
When is a Climber considered a Rigger in my book?  When that person can be
satisfied, when he walks away, that it will be safe, and be able to explain
how and why to anyone who asks.

I do not subscribe to "that's the way it has always been done".   It may be
right, it may not. It may have been done that way by a guy who "just made it
work" back in the 'fifties.

Would I pass that certification test?  I don't know.  I don't consciously
know all that I know, which is what a Test / Certification does.  Fourteen
years ago I attended a week long seminar for rigging.  I got a certificate
of completion for that,  It didn't "make" me a rigger then.   Since then I
have several hundred / thousand hours in the air, on the ground, at the pin
rail, in the loft,  and at the drafting table and calculator. I am still
learning.

Would I trust someone who has passed that certification test?   Certainly.
Unquestionably?  Nope.  Would  I respect his / her knowledge, absolutely,
because hopefully with that knowledge comes the knowing that it is just a
level of competency he / she has obtained.  (If I doubt my doctor I get a
second opinion.)

For over twenty years about the country,  I have seen  many people who call
themselves riggers,  who are competent,  riggers, climbers, and not.  Would
a National program, i.e. certification,  lend more professionalism and
SAFETY to our profession. Absolutely. Am I for it, Absolutely.  Would I be
more comfortable walking into a venue and seeing "the" embroidered patch on
the lead riggers jacket / backpack. duh!

Hope to see you with my 1040 in hand.

Was this a rant?  I just felt the need. Thanks, sigh...

Rob Riddle


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

Message-ID: <1269.208.51.52.91.1132630422.squirrel [at] webmail.peak.org>
In-Reply-To: <list-25651743 [at] prxy.net>
References: <list-25651094 [at] prxy.net> <list-25651460 [at] prxy.net>
    <list-25651743 [at] prxy.net>
Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2005 19:33:42 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: Rigging Certification
From: "Bill Nelson" <billn [at] peak.org>

OK, you now have a much needed Master Rigger certification - e.g. a person
who is competent to design as well as install just about any rigging
system.  I think you need to call the certification "Master Rigger", as
that is what they are - the best in the trade.

Now it may be necessary to work on certification for a "Rigger". This
person does not design rigging and most likely never installs hard points.
The extent of their work involves flying items on existing
tracks/pipes/trusses. The knowledge and experience needed here is far
below the Master level. The person needs to know how to fasten items
properly and to calculate load distributions to make sure they don't
exceed the design specifications. The person should also be able to
maintain the equipment - as well as recognize when it is starting to
deteriorate.

Of course, we then have the problem of all the theatres that have never
had any load specifications written. Or, if they have been, they have been
lost over the years.

Bill


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

Message-ID: <1274.208.51.52.91.1132630615.squirrel [at] webmail.peak.org>
In-Reply-To: <list-25652055 [at] prxy.net>
References: <list-25651962 [at] prxy.net> <list-25652055 [at] prxy.net>
Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2005 19:36:55 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: Rigging Certification
From: "Bill Nelson" <billn [at] peak.org>

> So it's like saying "I've got your back." Eh?

Maybe "I'm covering your ass."

Bill


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

End of Stagecraft Digest #593
*****************************