Return-Path: 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 26807090; Thu, 19 Jan 2006 03:02:11 -0800 X-ListServer: CommuniGate Pro LIST 4.2.10 List-Unsubscribe: List-ID: Message-ID: From: "Stagecraft" Sender: "Stagecraft" To: "Stagecraft" Precedence: list Subject: Stagecraft Digest #659 Date: Thu, 19 Jan 2006 03:01:26 -0800 MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="ISO-8859-1" Content-Disposition: inline X-Spam-Status: No, score=-5.7 required=5.0 tests=ALL_TRUSTED,AWL,BAYES_00 autolearn=unavailable version=3.0.4 X-Spam-Checker-Version: SpamAssassin 3.0.4 (2005-06-05) on prxy.net X-Spam-Level: X-TFF-CGPSA-Version: 1.4f2 X-prxy-Spam-Filter: Scanned For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see --------------------------------------------------- Stagecraft Digest, Issue #659 1. Re: A great Little Prodcut by Brian James 2. Re: A great Little Prodcut by "Tony Deeming" 3. Repairing Wenger Decks by "Charles J Korecki" 4. Re: Tech table designs by "Curtis L. Mortimore" 5. Re: Homemade fiber optic curtains by Mike Brubaker 6. Re: Laptop Lock-down Cables by Jerry Durand 7. Re: Tech table designs by Greg Bierly 8. Re: A great Little Prodcut by Herrick Goldman 9. Re: A great Little Prodcut by Brian James 10. Re: Laptop Lock-down Cables by Herrick Goldman 11. Strand SL by Richard Clever 12. Re: Strand SL by Herrick Goldman 13. Re: Strand SL by Tony Kambic 14. Re: Homemade fiber optic curtains by barney 15. Re: Laptop Lock-down Cables by Jim Hyslop 16. Re: Homemade fiber optic curtains by Michael de Almeida 17. Re: Strand SL by "John Gibilisco" 18. Re: Tech table designs by "Jon Ares" 19. Re: Laptop Lock-down Cables by "Stuart Baulch" 20. Re: Homemade fiber optic curtains by "Jon Ares" 21. Random replies by BKHAIN [at] aol.com 22. Re: Laptop Lock-down Cables by Mat Goebel 23. Wire Rope Tricks by "Brian Busch" *** 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. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Message-ID: <43CEE94F.60706 [at] gmail.com> Date: Wed, 18 Jan 2006 20:20:15 -0500 From: Brian James Reply-To: brianedwardjames [at] gmail.com Subject: Re: A great Little Prodcut References: In-Reply-To: This is not my first post to the group, it is my first using a new email address. Up to you what you want to believe and what you want to research on your own though. I just thought I would be helpful. Tony Deeming wrote: >For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see >--------------------------------------------------- > > > > > >>-----Original Message----- >>From: Stagecraft [mailto:stagecraft [at] theatrical.net]On Behalf Of Brian >>James >>Sent: 19 January 2006 00:50 >>To: Stagecraft >>Subject: A great Little Prodcut >> >> >>For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see >>--------------------------------------------------- >> >>I am not sure how many of you have older dimming systems that would >>benefit by some retrofitting, however we recently installed a retrofit >>in one our dimming systems. The product is quite nice and customer >>services is outstanding. The company is Johnston Control systems, I have >>included the URL below. >> >>(FYI, I am not a deal, just a VERY happy end user). >> >> >> > >Strangely, with this being (as far as I can see with a quick Google-Groups >search) your first post to the group, I'm not sure that I actually believe >you!! >Call me a cynical old git, but .......! > > > > > -- Brian James ------------------------------ From: "Tony Deeming" Cc: brianedwardjames [at] gmail.com Subject: RE: A great Little Prodcut Date: Thu, 19 Jan 2006 01:22:59 -0000 Message-ID: In-Reply-To: OK - maybe I am mistook! It's just that we've had a fair few masquerading posts here and on the stagecraft NG - if I have maligned you erroneously then you have my sincere apologies. TD > -----Original Message----- > From: Stagecraft [mailto:stagecraft [at] theatrical.net]On Behalf Of Brian > James > Sent: 19 January 2006 01:20 > To: Stagecraft > Subject: Re: A great Little Prodcut > > > For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see > --------------------------------------------------- > > This is not my first post to the group, it is my first using a new email > address. > > Up to you what you want to believe and what you want to research on your > own though. I just thought I would be helpful. > > Tony Deeming wrote: > > >For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see > >--------------------------------------------------- > > > > > > > > > > > >>-----Original Message----- > >>From: Stagecraft [mailto:stagecraft [at] theatrical.net]On Behalf Of Brian > >>James > >>Sent: 19 January 2006 00:50 > >>To: Stagecraft > >>Subject: A great Little Prodcut > >> > >> > >>For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see > >>--------------------------------------------------- > >> > >>I am not sure how many of you have older dimming systems that would > >>benefit by some retrofitting, however we recently installed a retrofit > >>in one our dimming systems. The product is quite nice and customer > >>services is outstanding. The company is Johnston Control systems, I have > >>included the URL below. > >> > >>(FYI, I am not a deal, just a VERY happy end user). > >> > >> > >> > > > >Strangely, with this being (as far as I can see with a quick > Google-Groups > >search) your first post to the group, I'm not sure that I > actually believe > >you!! > >Call me a cynical old git, but .......! > > > > > > > > > > > > > -- > Brian James > > ------------------------------ Message-ID: From: "Charles J Korecki" Subject: Repairing Wenger Decks Date: Wed, 18 Jan 2006 20:30:03 -0500 Our school owns 9 Wenger Versalite Series Stage Decks. We use them for everything and the surface of these decks has begun to show it. I contacted Wenger to see if they sold a product for filling in the areas that have been gouged, scraped, and chipped. No luck. So now I turn to the wisdom of this list. Can anyone recommend any product that I can use to "patch" the surface of these decks? Paint is an option, but it won't fill the cracks or gouges. Bondo is hard enough, but not all that flexible. I am sure there must be some type of (preferably black) epoxy out there that I can use which will bond with the original surface and fill in the pits. Any suggestions? Thanks so much for your help! Charles Cuyahoga Falls High School ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 18 Jan 2006 20:36:32 -0500 Subject: Re: Tech table designs From: "Curtis L. Mortimore" Message-ID: In-Reply-To: You've hit me in a weak spot. I have yet to see my dream tech table but I am concerned that I have passed the threshold of cost vs. the ability to convince someone else to pay for it. In my head the tech table design begins during the building design phase not after the seats are installed. This would facilitate the incorporation of a large enough area to set up a "tech beach" if you will. Either by designing in a mid-house crossover or possibly a section of folding or removable seats. This may be crazy, but would it be unreasonable to place a Handicapped seating area in a location that might be a good tech table location? My whole fuss is mostly about comfortable moveable seating for tech..."oh you don't like that chair? How bout this one? Oh, you'd like to bring your own? Sure!" Instead of "Nope, you have sneak half-way down this isle then cram yourself between the desk and your theatre seat which is just as uncomfortable as every other seat in the place and oh, by the way, did we mention that the show is only three and half hours but you'll have to ride that chair which was never designed to have a table in front of it at least 1447 hours before we open?" Point being. Once you have an acceptable/accessible location to tech FROM, the table design becomes much less critical. That being said. Not many(if any) of us will ever have the chance to pick our location. I agree with most of the previous suggestions: Easily accessible outlets for personal electronics, etc. COM, outlets on the table? "Holsters" for COM belt-packs. Cup/drink/food area somehow separated from the "important" stuff. TRASHCAN! or two... or five... Littlites or other dimmable task lighting for whoever needs it. Multiple tables. I am on headset with the SM, LD, and everyone else, I might not need to sit right next to them. LAP, Lightweight And Portable. Collapsible and easy to store when not in use. And if anyone wants to build me a new theatre I would be glad to spend ridiculous amounts of money, hopefully, designing the perfect tech paradise. -- Curtis L. Mortimore Technical Director Ball State University Department of Theatre and Dance Muncie, IN 47306 ------------------------------ Message-Id: <7.0.0.10.0.20060118203747.01c37368 [at] insightbb.com> Date: Wed, 18 Jan 2006 20:42:28 -0500 From: Mike Brubaker Subject: Re: Homemade fiber optic curtains In-Reply-To: References: A very effective solution I've used was a series of small crystals (think chandelier) on black thread hung in strings from a batten. Vary the distance (vertically) between the crystals when you tie them on. Tape the spools to the batten and you have an easy way to store them at strike. Light them from the sides with very tightly focused ellipsoidals--they'll sparkle and twinkle and make a stunning star drop--for a lot less than fiber. Mike At 05:06 PM 1/18/2006, Dirk Van Pernis wrote: >Has anyone taken the homemade route (versus ex. buying from Rose brand) >for fiber optic curtains and star drops? Any places to purchase fiber >from? ------------------------------ Message-Id: <7.0.0.16.0.20060118175359.01f351d0 [at] interstellar.com> Date: Wed, 18 Jan 2006 17:55:35 -0800 From: Jerry Durand Subject: Re: Laptop Lock-down Cables In-Reply-To: References: At 04:36 PM 1/18/2006, you wrote: >Thought this might be of interest for those of us who use lockdown >cables to keep our notebooks secure on jobs. I see that's from 2004. I haven't heard of a class-action suit against Kensington, considering what they charge for these locks (I believe you pay them a royalty on every laptop that has the lock port, too!). -- 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 ------------------------------ In-Reply-To: References: Message-Id: <9C95A5F5-9EB7-4F83-B41F-7F4FB2706957 [at] dejazzd.com> From: Greg Bierly Subject: Re: Tech table designs Date: Wed, 18 Jan 2006 21:01:01 -0500 > Either by > designing in a mid-house crossover or possibly a section of folding or > removable seats. This may be crazy, but would it be unreasonable to > place a > Handicapped seating area in a location that might be a good tech table > location? Just worked at Franklin and Marshal college this weekend and their Roschel Perfoming Arts Center has just that. A row of freestanding chairs in the center of the house that can be removed for wheelchair seating or tech tables. Greg Bierly Technical Director Hempfield HS ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 18 Jan 2006 21:05:46 -0500 Subject: Re: A great Little Prodcut From: Herrick Goldman Message-ID: In-Reply-To: Which product did you get? -- Herrick Goldman Lighting Designer, NYC www.HGLightingDesign.com 917-797-3624 "To the scores of silent alchemists who wreak their joy in darkness and in light bringing magic to life, we bow most humbly. "-CDS ------------------------------ Message-ID: <43CEF4CF.3050403 [at] gmail.com> Date: Wed, 18 Jan 2006 21:09:19 -0500 From: Brian James Reply-To: brianedwardjames [at] gmail.com Subject: Re: A great Little Prodcut References: In-Reply-To: We installed the CD2000 and the JS2809 keypads. They seem high quality and we were able to program the keypads very quickly and easily. Herrick Goldman wrote: >For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see >--------------------------------------------------- > >Which product did you get? > > > -- Brian James ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 18 Jan 2006 21:23:10 -0500 Subject: Re: Laptop Lock-down Cables From: Herrick Goldman Message-ID: In-Reply-To: I've always used the combination locks. The odds of losing my keys in an arena are just way too high! Especially when I empty my pockets to go upstairs. On 1/18/06 8:55 PM, "Jerry Durand" wrote: > For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see > --------------------------------------------------- > > At 04:36 PM 1/18/2006, you wrote: >> Thought this might be of interest for those of us who use lockdown >> cables to keep our notebooks secure on jobs. > > I see that's from 2004. I haven't heard of a class-action suit > against Kensington, considering what they charge for these locks (I > believe you pay them a royalty on every laptop that has the lock port, too!). > -- Herrick Goldman Lighting Designer, NYC www.HGLightingDesign.com 917-797-3624 "To the scores of silent alchemists who wreak their joy in darkness and in light bringing magic to life, we bow most humbly. "-CDS ------------------------------ Message-ID: <20060119031125.17192.qmail [at] web80410.mail.yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 18 Jan 2006 19:11:24 -0800 (PST) From: Richard Clever Subject: Strand SL In-Reply-To: Here's a silly question that I'll smack myself (doh) when I get the answer. How the heck do you change the lamp in a Strand SL? I am used to working with Source4's and I have to help out in a house that has lost all their tech staff and they have Strand. I'm sure it's something easy, but it was the end of a long day and we were all tired. Thanks for your help. Rick ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 18 Jan 2006 22:27:37 -0500 Subject: Re: Strand SL From: Herrick Goldman Message-ID: In-Reply-To: Aren't those disposable one-time use lekos? They recycle so nicely. And they only cost a few bucks each! Save your shutter although you may want them for another unit. But seriously: From the pdf manual: Lamp Access For access to the lampholder, turn the burner handle (1) counterclockwise against the spring pressure. The burner may now be withdrawn from the luminaire by pulling it backwards. IMPORTANT: Do not turn the lamp focus knob (2) when removing the burner. This will ensure easy refitting and retains previously set beam distribution. To fit a new lamp, align the pins of the lamp with those of the lampholder, insert the lamp and push down until it sits firmly onto the base of the lampholder. The burner handle seems to be the larger of the 2 thingamajiggers on the cap. _HTH -Herrick On 1/18/06 10:11 PM, "Richard Clever" wrote: > For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see > --------------------------------------------------- > > Here's a silly question that I'll smack myself (doh) > when I get the answer. How the heck do you change the > lamp in a Strand SL? I am used to working with > Source4's and I have to help out in a house that has > lost all their tech staff and they have Strand. I'm > sure it's something easy, but it was the end of a long > day and we were all tired. Thanks for your help. > > Rick > -- 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: Wed, 18 Jan 2006 22:42:13 -0500 From: Tony Kambic Subject: RE: Strand SL In-reply-to: Message-id: <000001c61caa$55eaff40$09bc5743 [at] tony> To add to this, They don't mention in the manual that you really have to turn it HARD. Especially if the fixture is new. Hope this helps, Tony Kambic Electrician/Lighting technician NY NY > -----Original Message----- > From: Stagecraft [mailto:stagecraft [at] theatrical.net] On Behalf Of Herrick > Goldman > Sent: Wednesday, January 18, 2006 10:28 PM > To: Stagecraft > Subject: Re: Strand SL > > For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see > --------------------------------------------------- > > Aren't those disposable one-time use lekos? > > They recycle so nicely. And they only cost a few bucks each! > > > Save your shutter although you may want them for another unit. > > But seriously: > > From the pdf manual: > > Lamp Access > For access to the lampholder, turn the burner handle (1) counterclockwise > against the spring pressure. The burner may now be > withdrawn from the luminaire by pulling it backwards. > IMPORTANT: Do not turn the lamp focus knob (2) when removing > the burner. This will ensure easy refitting and retains previously set > beam distribution. > To fit a new lamp, align the pins of the lamp with those of the > lampholder, insert the lamp and push down until it sits firmly onto > the base of the lampholder. > > > The burner handle seems to be the larger of the 2 thingamajiggers on the > cap. > > > > _HTH > > -Herrick > > > On 1/18/06 10:11 PM, "Richard Clever" wrote: > > > For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see > > --------------------------------------------------- > > > > Here's a silly question that I'll smack myself (doh) > > when I get the answer. How the heck do you change the > > lamp in a Strand SL? I am used to working with > > Source4's and I have to help out in a house that has > > lost all their tech staff and they have Strand. I'm > > sure it's something easy, but it was the end of a long > > day and we were all tired. Thanks for your help. > > > > Rick > > > > -- > Herrick Goldman > Lighting Designer, NYC > www.HGLightingDesign.com > 917-797-3624 > "To the scores of silent alchemists who wreak their joy in darkness and in > light bringing magic to life, we bow most humbly. "-CDS > ------------------------------ Message-ID: <43CF1203.3040208 [at] JosephCHansen.com> Date: Wed, 18 Jan 2006 23:13:55 -0500 From: barney Subject: Re: Homemade fiber optic curtains References: In-Reply-To: Dirk Van Pernis wrote: >Has anyone taken the homemade route (versus ex. buying from Rose brand) >for fiber optic curtains and star drops? Any places to purchase fiber >from? > > Well, yes, I think I can say that Rose Brand is NOT the only one (including many participants here) to make fiber optic curtains. In fact here at Hansen, we recently built a combo LED/fiber optic drape to the design layout specifications of David Salle to back up a digital printed scrim we did of one of his photo art pieces. It was interesting delivering those to the white gloved curator of photographic art... But I digress... First, many 'professionally' built units (including those from the Brand) come from Main Light. Next, the most challenging part is the termination. I tend to buy a bundle, specify say 500 fibers, of various length, depending upon your drapes side. I think I bought the last one, 250 fibers [at] 25' for about $500. This way, the bundle is epoxied into the termination to fit into a 'standard' lighting unit, it will be cut and polished and I do not have to do it. I suspect that an internet search will find you fiber, and an enterprising person with a shop to do it, can finish the end - I really do not have that shop. Then, I covered the floor with 1" blue foam insulation. Stretched the drape over it, chalked a grid on the back, and used quilt pins to lay out the specified design. We then removed the pins and replaced them with the fibers. The point of this is to keep the fibers perpendicular to the face of the fabric to provide a better visual. Then use the low temp hot glue to glue the fibers. I've seen people dab it on the end of their finger and smear it on the fiber/fabric: just a dab will do ya. Then tie mini bundles across the back of the curtain to support the fibers and keep them from pulling out. Cover with the lining. Turn the drape over. Using C-7's or similar, trim the fibers to the length of the nap of the fabric (more/less). Do not use scissors, as they will mash the fibers and not give a good light. Hang and enjoy. It took two people two days to layout 250 fibers and about that many LEDs. Choice of fabric: I like synthetic real velour (NOT Encore). BUT the real velour's nap will pull out: put a piece of tape on the back of an old piece of velour and pull it off. Encore will not do that... it is a trade off, look of the fabric vs durability, I am probably wrong in the long run about my personal preference of fabric. -- Barney Simon JC Hansen Co., Inc Drapes Drops and Dance Floors 423 West 43rd Street, NYC 212-246-8055 F:212-246-8189 JCHansen.com 866-988-8055 ------------------------------ Message-ID: <43CF15C2.1050005 [at] dreampossible.ca> Date: Wed, 18 Jan 2006 23:29:54 -0500 From: Jim Hyslop Organization: Dreampossible Inc. Subject: Re: Laptop Lock-down Cables References:

In-Reply-To: Mat Goebel wrote: > For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see > --------------------------------------------------- > > Combination locks apparently not safe either. > > http://www.securityinfowatch.com/article/article.jsp?id=1467&siteSection=329 > An interesting response from one consultant, in that article: "What do you expect for $35?" Uhhh, well, let's see - reasonably good, and extremely-difficult-to-pick, padlocks run, what, $5? Maybe 10? So, for $35 I expect something that will significantly slow someone down. -- Jim Hyslop ------------------------------ In-Reply-To: References: Message-Id: <9EDAB387-7FC1-408C-97A6-F0023986AAD9 [at] comcast.net> From: Michael de Almeida Subject: Re: Homemade fiber optic curtains Date: Thu, 19 Jan 2006 00:00:35 -0500 While I was at the State University in Oswego, we had a couple of students build one with rice lights. The lights are little 12 volt lights and weeded into a black scrim. 12 of the lights were put in series to create a 120 volt circuit. More lights, less brightness. The circuits were run and hooked up randomly to not create a pattern. This was hooked into 10 separate circuits to twinkle. If you would like to see it being built and in use, check out.. http://tinyurl.com/9jjyr - Mike D On Jan 18, 2006, at 5:06 PM, Dirk Van Pernis wrote: > For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see stagecraft.theprices.net/> > --------------------------------------------------- > > Has anyone taken the homemade route (versus ex. buying from Rose > brand) > for fiber optic curtains and star drops? Any places to purchase fiber > from? > > Dirk Van Pernis > Master Electrician > Olney Theatre Center for the Arts ------------------------------ Message-ID: <002201c61cb8$aee15140$6400a8c0 [at] om.cox.net> From: "John Gibilisco" References: Subject: Re: Strand SL Date: Wed, 18 Jan 2006 23:24:55 -0600 In addition to the other tips do be sure that you use a GLA or GLC 575 watt lamp in the SL fixture. John G ------------------------------ Message-ID: <001901c61cba$121eeff0$0600000a [at] BRUTUS> From: "Jon Ares" References:

Subject: Re: Tech table designs Date: Wed, 18 Jan 2006 21:34:51 -0800 > This table was originally designed 10+ years ago to hold two standard > monitors at almost table level- recessed into the surface. As a lighting > designer, the ability to see OVER the monitors to the stage without the > monitors disrupting line of sight was wonderful! Again, this sounds like a wonderful contraption... I (and many others, I would think) would love to see pictures of such a table concoction. Does anyone have pics of this table setup from Stephens Hall Theatre?? - Jon Ares www.hevanet.com/acreative ------------------------------ Reply-To: From: "Stuart Baulch" Subject: re: Laptop Lock-down Cables Date: Thu, 19 Jan 2006 00:46:09 -0500 Message-ID: In-Reply-To: After having one of our projectors that had been secure with a Kensington cable boosted - and miracle of miracles, recovered by police (picked up the perp on another warrant and figured that he wasn't likely to be walking around legitimately with a six grand projector), we had the chance to examine the damage caused to the projector by the theft. Apparently he used a small slot screwdriver and just popped it. The damage was visible but only if you really looked for it. The next day, all of the projectors were "caged" in vinyl-coated aircraft cable and were secured with a truck lock. Haven't lost one since... and if that statement isn't tempting the gods.... For my laptop, if it has to sit out exposed, i have a cradle made by a metal worker that fits around the laptop's hinge point (with cut-outs for the important connectors). Awkward, ugly but mostly secure. The Kensington locks will prevent someone walking by from grabbing it and running, but will not slow down someone with have a clue of how to pop it. Either that or the security slots on Hitachi projectors are exceptionally crappy. Stuart B. ------------------------------ Message-ID: <004901c61cbb$d3e26710$0600000a [at] BRUTUS> From: "Jon Ares" References: Subject: Re: Homemade fiber optic curtains Date: Wed, 18 Jan 2006 21:47:26 -0800 > Has anyone taken the homemade route (versus ex. buying from Rose brand) > for fiber optic curtains and star drops? Any places to purchase fiber > from? I've worked on a couple of fiber optic star drops - placed into black scrim. Very lovely, but a lot of work (as I suspect they all are). The fibers were poked through the black sharktooth scrim, and some would sit perpendicular to the scrim, some would not, and this added to the 'randomness' of brightness, etc. We would run 3 or 4 different 'bundles' scattered throughout the scrim, running to 3.5" mini-lekos, snooted with blackwrap to hold the bundles. (I don't remember how the bundles were... um... bundled.) This method worked fine, although I'm sure not nearly as lovely as one of the manufactured ones from Rose, or Barney, or any other dedicated drape shop. The big reasons for doing this was that the black scrim could be re-used (the fibers would be 'struck'), and during the show, the black scrim could be lit behind, showing (I believe) the cyc.... but the cyc could fade out and show a lovely starfield. - Jon Ares www.hevanet.com/acreative ------------------------------ From: BKHAIN [at] aol.com Message-ID: <20c.10eea9c5.31008b4c [at] aol.com> Date: Thu, 19 Jan 2006 01:27:24 EST Subject: Random replies Did anyone else get the email from LSA (Lighting and Sound America) about a week ago asking for letters to the editor regarding the magazine? I composed one and was a little surprised at myself that it quickly turned into a "...all flash and nothing useful to my small college theater..." type of letter. Just like a lot of you are saying. So it's not just me? I'm so pleased to hear so many of you saying the same thing. Sometimes I really feel like the littlest pip-squeak out here... Now, in other news, I just got my last Christmas present; the new rolling gear bag from Setwear. Haven't had a chance to use it yet but I'm very excited about it. Anybody else tried it out yet? And to repeat what others have said; I learn more stuff from this list! I'm sure my wife and coworkers are tired of me starting everyday with "They were talking on the stagecraft list about...." Thanks everybody. Benjamin Hain Freelance TD / LD / General Theater Guy Rochester, MN ------------------------------ Message-ID: Date: Wed, 18 Jan 2006 22:46:13 -0800 From: Mat Goebel Cc: stuart [at] thedevilyouknow.ca Subject: Re: Laptop Lock-down Cables In-Reply-To: References:

Sounds kind of like this?: www.laplocker.com On 18/01/06, Stuart Baulch wrote: > For my laptop, if it has to sit out exposed, i have a cradle made by a me= tal > worker that fits around the laptop's hinge point (with cut-outs for the > important connectors). Awkward, ugly but mostly secure. -- Mat Goebel www.matgoebel.com Mobile: 510.693.1448 ------------------------------ From: "Brian Busch" Subject: Wire Rope Tricks Date: Thu, 19 Jan 2006 00:29:01 -0800 Message-ID: <002a01c61cd2$6686d4a0$0201a8c0 [at] smith> I just saw a dress rehearsal of Cirque's Quidam. There are 5 truss/track units that arc above the entire venue for moving people and scenery. Two carriages are on each track driven by their own aircraft cable run. The slick part is a wire rope retainer mechanism that keeps the drive cables in the arc (or very close to) of the track while letting the carriages pass. I could not see exactly what this mechanism was but I imagine it to be similar in form and function to a ski lift when it passes over a support pole. Also of interest is the cable attachment method to the carriages. Is there anyone who is privy to these bits of information or could at least point me in the right direction? Thank you, Brian Busch Asst. Technical Director La Jolla Playhouse ------------------------------ End of Stagecraft Digest #659 *****************************