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X-Real-To: stagecraftlist [at] theatrical.net Received: by prxy.net (CommuniGate Pro PIPE 4.2.10) with PIPE id 32636520; Mon, 31 Jul 2006 19:58:30 -0700 X-Spam-Level: X-Spam-Status: No, score=-2.5 required=5.0 tests=ADVANCE_FEE_1,AWL,BAYES_00, INFO_TLD,NO_RECEIVED,NO_RELAYS,SARE_BEASTUD autolearn=no version=3.1.3 X-Spam-Checker-Version: SpamAssassin 3.1.3 (2006-06-01) on localhost 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 #896 Date: Mon, 31 Jul 2006 19:57:09 -0700 MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="ISO-8859-1" Content-Disposition: inline X-TFF-CGPSA-Version: 1.4 X-prxy-Spam-Filter: Scanned For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see --------------------------------------------------- Stagecraft Digest, Issue #896 1. Re: Source for Tools by Kevin Lee Allen 2. Re: Source for Tools by "Jerry George" 3. Re: Getting Paid When Theatre Closes by Charlie Fraser 4. Re: Getting Paid When Theatre Closes by Bill Sapsis 5. Re: Source for Tools by "C. Dopher" 6. photogs (was re: online portfolio) by "C. Dopher" 7. Re: photogs (was re: online portfolio) by "Jeffrey E. Salzberg" 8. Re: Source 4 reflector cleaning by "Abby Downing" 9. Re: Faith Healers by Bill Sapsis 10. Re: Faith Healers by "Joe Saint" 11. Re: online portfolio by "Steven Haworth" 12. Personal Tool liability WAS: Getting Paid When Theatre Closes by Charlie Fraser 13. Re: Broken Phone by gregg hillmar 14. Re: Getting Paid When Theatre Closes by "ladesigners [at] juno.com" 15. Re: Getting Paid When Theatre Closes by Charlie Fraser 16. Re: Ramp dimensions by Greg Persinger 17. Re: Source 4 reflector cleaning by Greg Persinger 18. Re: Broken Phone by Charlie Richmond 19. Re: ETCP Rigging Exam by "Nathan Kahn" 20. Re: ETCP Rigging Exam by "Jerry George" 21. Re: ETCP Rigging Exam by Bill Sapsis 22. Re: Broken Phone by "Jon Ares" 23. bad questions by KEITH ARSENAULT 24. Re: Getting Paid When Theatre Closes by Jerry Durand 25. Re: ETCP Rigging Exam by Bill Sapsis 26. Re: bad questions by "Jeffrey E. Salzberg" 27. Re: Faith Healers by Bill Sapsis 28. Re: Faith Healers by "Joe Saint" 29. Re: Source for Tools by 30. Re: Source for Tools by "Jeffrey E. Salzberg" 31. Visio by "Alf Sauve" 32. Re: Ramp dimensions by "RD" 33. Re: ETCP Rigging Exam (long - how standardized tests are created) by MissWisc [at] aol.com 34. Re: Source for Tools by "Idaho Scenic & Rigging" 35. Stone working power tools by "Dre Suchoski" 36. Re: Article about stolen theatre props by CB 37. Re: drink and the theatre and tailgating by CB 38. Re: Stone working power tools by "Ray-Pfeifer, Merel" 39. Re: Getting Paid When Theatre Closes by CB 40. Re: Stone working power tools by "Nigel Worsley" 41. Re: Article about stolen theatre props by "Douglas McCracken" 42. Re: Visio by "Scott Casanova" 43. Re: Soldering XLR connectors... by CB 44. Re: ETCP Rigging Exam by "Bill Nelson" 45. Re: Article about stolen theatre props by Bruce Purdy 46. Re: Source 4 reflector cleaning by "Bill Nelson" 47. Re: Article about stolen theatre props by "Paul Schreiner" 48. Re: Stone working power tools by "Idaho Scenic & Rigging" 49. Re: Stone working power tools by 50. Re: Article about stolen theatre props by "Idaho Scenic & Rigging" 51. Re: ETCP Rigging Exam (long - how standardized tests are created) by "Jerry George" 52. Re: Source 4 reflector cleaning by Greg Persinger 53. Re: Stone working power tools by "Delbert Hall" 54. Re: Visio by Andy Ciddor 55. Re: drink and the theatre and tailgating by "RD" 56. Re: Stone working power tools by "RD" 57. Re: Faith Healers by "Ian Cunningham" 58. Re: drink and the theatre and tailgating by "Stephen Litterst" 59. Re: Stone working power tools by "Delbert Hall" 60. Re: Soldering XLR connectors... by Tony Kambic 61. Running with the Fireworks Bulls by Jerry Durand 62. Re: ETCP Rigging Exam (long - how standardized tests are created) by "Delbert Hall" 63. Re: Visio by "Jeffrey E. Salzberg" 64. Re: Running with the Fireworks Bulls by "Delbert Hall" 65. Re: ETCP Rigging Exam by Dale Farmer *** 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. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Mon, 31 Jul 2006 06:01:38 -0400 From: Kevin Lee Allen Subject: Re: Source for Tools In-reply-to: Message-id: References: On Jul 30, 2006, at 8:41 PM, Jerry George wrote: > I like dealing locally when possible. Dealing locally with > merchants that > you know and trust means that when something breaks, and something > will, you > can go to that merchant for support. From what I read on this list, everyone here is also a small business operator. There is a benefit in supporting others that considerably outweighs the short term savings from one of "The Borg." > Having said that, what I did was to make sure that we had a set of > "good > tools" including, for example, a DeWalt cordless drill. Good tools are always important, no matter the tool and especially for students. It is better for a young painter to have fewer colors and brushed, but to buy the best they can find/afford. The same for a chef and knives. When learning a skill, it is best not to be frustrated by the tools. ----- Kevin Lee Allen Architect of Dreams http://www.klad.com 973.744.6352.voice 201.280.3841.mobile klad [at] klad.com ------------------------------ From: "Jerry George" Subject: RE: Source for Tools Date: Mon, 31 Jul 2006 07:54:55 -0400 Message-ID: <000201c6b498$27971800$0200a8c0 [at] Chesty> In-Reply-To: Not everyone. There's quite a mix of people on here, with quite a mix of budgets, ethical beliefs, incomes, jobs, etc. We all make plays in some form or another. J -----Original Message----- From: Stagecraft [mailto:stagecraft [at] theatrical.net] On Behalf Of Kevin Lee Allen Sent: Monday, July 31, 2006 6:02 AM To: Stagecraft Subject: Re: Source for Tools For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see --------------------------------------------------- On Jul 30, 2006, at 8:41 PM, Jerry George wrote: > I like dealing locally when possible. Dealing locally with > merchants that > you know and trust means that when something breaks, and something > will, you > can go to that merchant for support. From what I read on this list, everyone here is also a small business operator. There is a benefit in supporting others that considerably outweighs the short term savings from one of "The Borg." > Having said that, what I did was to make sure that we had a set of > "good > tools" including, for example, a DeWalt cordless drill. Good tools are always important, no matter the tool and especially for students. It is better for a young painter to have fewer colors and brushed, but to buy the best they can find/afford. The same for a chef and knives. When learning a skill, it is best not to be frustrated by the tools. ----- Kevin Lee Allen Architect of Dreams http://www.klad.com 973.744.6352.voice 201.280.3841.mobile klad [at] klad.com ------------------------------ Message-ID: <44CDF03D.3020401 [at] charliefraser.com> Date: Mon, 31 Jul 2006 07:57:49 -0400 From: Charlie Fraser Subject: Re: Getting Paid When Theatre Closes References: In-Reply-To: Bill is right, I work at a university and many things are just purchased on a credit card and never make it's way to inventory. There has been more than one case when an employee separated that there was such a dispute. The ruling from the administration has always been "show us the original receipt with serial number and we will be glad to return it to you, otherwise it is University property." Charlie Bill Nelson wrote: > For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see > --------------------------------------------------- > > >> "It looks just like mine. Look, see?!? Besides, there isn't one on the >> company inventory. If you can show me one on the companies assets list, >> I'll gladly let this one stay here, but until then, at least here in the >> US, law enforcement isn't supposed to stop a citizen from doing anything >> that isn't unlawful or dangerous. >> > > That may have been the case, at one time. > > Now, however, the laws on expensing equipment have been so liberalized for > businesses that rather expensive equipment is now simply expensed - and > never entered on the assets list. This can be done for even multi-thousand > dollar computer systems. > > Some companies track such equipment on an expensed equipment inventory, > others don't bother. > > Bill > > > > ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 31 Jul 2006 08:27:42 -0400 Subject: Re: Getting Paid When Theatre Closes From: Bill Sapsis Message-ID: In-Reply-To: While it's not a absolute rule around here, I do frown on guys bringing their own tools. The one concession is the rigging equipment. Some of the guys bring in their own rigging bag with their own climbing gear. But the gear stays in the bag when not being used and it's only used by its' owner. I learned my lesson the hard way years ago when a guy brought in some fancy schmancy tool that we didn't need but he wanted to use. Then he lost it on the job and billed me for it. Bill S. ETCP Certified Rigger - Theatre www.sapsis-rigging.com 800.727.7471 267.278.4561 mobile On 7/31/06 7:57 AM, "Charlie Fraser" wrote: > Bill is right, I work at a university and many things are just purchased > on a credit card and never make it's way to inventory. There has been > more than one case when an employee separated that there was such a > dispute. The ruling from the administration has always been "show us the > original receipt with serial number and we will be glad to return it to > you, otherwise it is University property." > > Charlie ------------------------------ In-Reply-To: References: Message-Id: <1F41B183-4AEF-4305-99B4-DE5A4AAFDFE4 [at] dopher.com> From: "C. Dopher" Subject: Re: Source for Tools Date: Mon, 31 Jul 2006 08:57:42 -0400 > Jonathan writes: > I am about to have the pleasure of outfitting our new high school > theatrical > shop with an appropriate array of hand and power tools. List > participants > have helped to generate the shopping list in various threads. The > question > now arises: is there a preferred "one-stop-shopping" source of > tools where I > can order most of what I need at good prices on line, or am I > better off > heading out to Home Depot/Lowes with a truck? Neither! Having done major tool purchases for theatres twice in my career (25 grand worth or more), I've found the best value for the dollar is to be had by negotiating a price break directly with your LOCAL hardware guys - the ones you go to for your screws and bolts during the year. They can order anything you need and some places will help you get tools almost at cost - significantly less than retail. I also had good luck with asking the lumber company (in my case Prince Lumber) to help me buy tools on the remains of my blanket order with them at the end of the year - again, way less than regular retail. Good luck. Cris Dopher, LD ------------------------------ In-Reply-To: References: Message-Id: <7DF91A54-8D7D-489C-9CF8-39A1FADD1BC6 [at] dopher.com> From: "C. Dopher" Subject: photogs (was re: online portfolio) Date: Mon, 31 Jul 2006 09:04:37 -0400 Jeff Forbes wrote: > And pictures hardly ever do the lighting real justice unless you hire > a pro with a really good camera. But I think the photos for the most > part represent the work pretty well. And one is always caught between: do we do posed pictures, which end up looking better lighting-wise, but with stiff, bored actors as the subjects? Or do we shoot during, say, next-to-final dress rehearsal, where things should flow pretty smooth, but we won't be able to have slow shutter speeds without blur? I document my own work, of course, and have gotten pretty good - but whenever I can convince the producer to hire one Chainan Yen, a doctoral candidate at NYU, to come take photos, I know - KNOW - that the results will be nothing short of spectacular and look exactly like what I saw on stage. I don't know how he does it. He's given me lots of pointers over the years, but I can't seem to match his expertise. His equipment helps, sure....but the man has an uncanny sense of timing and - when processing through the RAW files later - an uncommon memory for what the lighting actually looked like. He's managed to capture color so accurately - particular in green ranges. Well, enough jawing - off to load-in. Cris Dopher, LD PS If anyone wants Chainan's contact info, email me privately. He's well worth the money. ------------------------------ Reply-To: From: "Jeffrey E. Salzberg" Subject: RE: photogs (was re: online portfolio) Date: Mon, 31 Jul 2006 09:12:43 -0400 Message-ID: <00a901c6b4a3$0300f0a0$6501a8c0 [at] Dell> In-Reply-To: > And one is always caught between: do we do posed pictures,=20 > ...with stiff, bored actors as the =20 > subjects? Or do we shoot during, say, next-to-final dress=20 > rehearsal Why compromise? Do what I do -- shoot performance photos with stiff, = bored actors. When possible, I try to shoot during a performance, rather than a = rehearsal, provided I can do so completely unobtrusively and, preferably, with a tripod. The down side of this, of course, is that it means I have to actually go to a performance. ------------------------------ Subject: RE: Source 4 reflector cleaning Date: Mon, 31 Jul 2006 09:20:22 -0400 Message-ID: <7AE59BA9B8D15D4787EB1C7A2DB6DFBA30E27D [at] jekyll-sbs.ollsi.local> From: "Abby Downing" I'm not sure exactly what ETC recommends, as I don't have their documentation in front of me at the moment, but I've had very good luck with denatured or isopropyl alcohol. The other thing I've tried that may work- is Dirtex(tm) ammoniated glass cleaner. It comes in an aerosol or a pump action bottle, but I think the aerosol can tends to make a nice even foam that helps break down crud. With either, I would definitely clean reflector thoroughly with plain old water after you're done, as not to leave residue. Use old t-shirts or some other type of lint-free cloth. You mention wanting to avoid rubbing, but I'm not sure you're going to be able to. I would say, spray the heck out of one spot with the foaming (aerosol) Dirtex(tm) and let it soak for a period of time, then just wipe dry and see if this does the trick. The only thing I've had on reflectors that I had to work to get off is dead bugs, and the aforementioned methods work well. If that doesn't work, and you find some other method that does, please keep us all posted. =20 Also- fellow stagecrafter Andrew Ritter put together a really good "how-to" document. I believe it also talks about using alcohol, but I don't have that in front of me at the moment either. Good luck, Abby=20 ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 31 Jul 2006 09:27:04 -0400 Subject: Re: Faith Healers From: Bill Sapsis Message-ID: In-Reply-To: I saw Faith Healer last week in NY. Did anyone on the list see it? I'd be very interested in discussing that show either privately or here. Thanks Bill S. ETCP Certified Rigger - Theatre www.sapsis-rigging.com 800.727.7471 267.278.4561 mobile ------------------------------ From: "Joe Saint" Subject: RE: Faith Healers Date: Mon, 31 Jul 2006 09:38:27 -0400 Message-ID: <00fa01c6b4a6$9c3222a0$640fa8c0 [at] D3G47461> In-Reply-To: Bill, I saw it back during Tony voting season. I'd be happy to throw in my two cents, either on list or off. Joe Saint President IMCD Lighting 646-415-7588 www.imcdlighting.com -----Original Message----- From: Stagecraft [mailto:stagecraft [at] theatrical.net] On Behalf Of Bill Sapsis Sent: Monday, July 31, 2006 9:27 AM To: Stagecraft Subject: Re: Faith Healers For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see --------------------------------------------------- I saw Faith Healer last week in NY. Did anyone on the list see it? I'd be very interested in discussing that show either privately or here. Thanks Bill S. ETCP Certified Rigger - Theatre www.sapsis-rigging.com 800.727.7471 267.278.4561 mobile ------------------------------ Subject: RE: online portfolio Date: Mon, 31 Jul 2006 08:39:33 -0500 Message-ID: <5D5187063B6B8B46A99E8C0D36E0EB0901AAA548 [at] danube.river.idm.com> In-Reply-To: From: "Steven Haworth" It's nice work! - Steven (sjh [at] idm.com) --------------------------- http://www.stagelights.info ------------------------------ Message-ID: <44CE0906.8080604 [at] charliefraser.com> Date: Mon, 31 Jul 2006 09:43:34 -0400 From: Charlie Fraser Subject: Personal Tool liability WAS: Getting Paid When Theatre Closes References: In-Reply-To: There is also a question of liability. I bring many of my own tools to the theater when I am working on set construction or hanging lights. What would the liability be if one of the tools such as a power saw or a nail gun mal-functioned and caused serious injury? At our theater there are theater owned tools which are maintained and checked but it is a pain to schedule signing them in and out with the facilities manager who is not on-site. Would the theater be responsible, the tool owner, or both in the event of injury? Charlie Bill Sapsis wrote: > For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see > --------------------------------------------------- > > While it's not a absolute rule around here, I do frown on guys bringing > their own tools. The one concession is the rigging equipment. Some of the > guys bring in their own rigging bag with their own climbing gear. But the > gear stays in the bag when not being used and it's only used by its' owner. > > I learned my lesson the hard way years ago when a guy brought in some fancy > schmancy tool that we didn't need but he wanted to use. Then he lost it on > the job and billed me for it. > > Bill S. > ETCP Certified Rigger - Theatre > www.sapsis-rigging.com > 800.727.7471 > 267.278.4561 mobile > > > > > > > On 7/31/06 7:57 AM, "Charlie Fraser" wrote: > > >> Bill is right, I work at a university and many things are just purchased >> on a credit card and never make it's way to inventory. There has been >> more than one case when an employee separated that there was such a >> dispute. The ruling from the administration has always been "show us the >> original receipt with serial number and we will be glad to return it to >> you, otherwise it is University property." >> >> Charlie >> > > > > > ------------------------------ In-Reply-To: References: Message-Id: <60F07BA0-FBF6-4E56-AB0B-C34E2BCAAB5B [at] hillmardesign.com> From: gregg hillmar Subject: Re: Broken Phone Date: Mon, 31 Jul 2006 09:45:21 -0400 You might try something like BitPim, which is open-source software. IF it supports your phone, you can easily download your address book, etc, to your computer. Or try something like DataPilot, which is commercial software, but does the same thing. HTH g. _____________________ gregg hillmar scenic & lighting design portfolio & life as we know it: http://www.hillmardesign.com "Work like you don't need the money. Love like you've never been hurt. Dance like no one's watching." Satchel Paige On Jul 31, 2006, at 12:20 AM, NODEraser wrote: > For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see stagecraft.theprices.net/> > --------------------------------------------------- > > Anyone know where I can download the functional software? Seems > Motorola will only let you download it if you order it from them for > $50 or whatever rediculous price they're asking for it. Seems kind of > silly, that they don't ship it with the phones that have USB > capability. > > On 7/30/06, Richard Bakos wrote: >> For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see > stagecraft.theprices.net/> >> --------------------------------------------------- >> >> You have a usb port on the phone. My phone came with a program >> "mobile >> phone tools" from motorola. Use it to pull all of your info off if it >> came with the phone. I got a disk but I also had to download a newer >> version at some point. You phone supplier may also be able to do >> a one >> time down load and recovery to your new phone. >> I was able to recover my son's v220 which he broke the screen on. >> I was >> even able to move the data base to a new razor phone when he lost the >> replacement v220 2 weeks later. >> >> Rick >> >> Don Rowe wrote: >> >> >For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see > stagecraft.theprices.net/> >> >--------------------------------------------------- >> > >> >I admit this must be the oddest request on the list but hopefully >> someone >> >can help me. >> >Last night I crushed my Motorola V551 phone (with the forklift I was >> >driving) and the screen stopped working. If there is anyone out >> there with >> >this phone could you please email me off list and tell me the key >> sequence >> >to move my phone book from the phone memory to the SIM card? >> That way I >> >don't loose my phone book. Thank you. >> > >> > >> > >> > >> >> -- >> >> Richard Bakos >> >> President >> >> Studio One Inc. >> >> 25833 State Road 2 >> >> South Bend, In 46619-4736 >> >> VOICE 574-232-9084 >> >> FAX 574-232-2220 >> >> Rick [at] StudioOneSB.com >> >> www.StudioOnesb.com >> >> >> >> > > > -- > Greg Bennett > Carpenter/Grip/Electrician > Mount Washington Valley Theatre Company > Eastern Slope Inn Playhouse > North Conway, New Hampshire ------------------------------ From: "ladesigners [at] juno.com" Date: Mon, 31 Jul 2006 14:05:55 GMT Subject: Re: Getting Paid When Theatre Closes Message-Id: <20060731.070611.8266.248537 [at] webmail37.lax.untd.com> I disturbs me when people fail to consider that the chattel that they = receive in lieu of the payment contracted for may be the property of = another member of the production staff. I can not suborn = embezzlement. If things start turning south, sue in Small Claims = court first, so you will have priority if there is a partial = distribution of the money raised after an auction or other asset = sale. Timing is key: try to set the court date in the week following = the final scheduled performance. Do not be deterred by the arguments = that "your lawsuit closed the theatre" or that "paying you will not = leave enough money for the next production". Always get a personal = guarantor on the contract: the last line should read something = like "executed in the undersigned persons personal capacity, and as = the representative of the XYZ Theatre company". That way, you can get = a renewable judgment that may be able to collect on in the future = from the person, even when the theatre company is long gone. /s/ Richard ------------------------------ Message-ID: <44CE10EA.8050806 [at] charliefraser.com> Date: Mon, 31 Jul 2006 10:17:14 -0400 From: Charlie Fraser Subject: Re: Getting Paid When Theatre Closes References: In-Reply-To: A letter of credit can also be a good way to insure payment. Letters of credit are being used more and more for everyday transactions even with companies which have long perfect credit histories. An LOC guarantees you will be paid once you deliver the goods or services. ladesigners [at] juno.com wrote: > For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see > --------------------------------------------------- > > I disturbs me when people fail to consider that the chattel that they > receive in lieu of the payment contracted for may be the property of > another member of the production staff. I can not suborn > embezzlement. If things start turning south, sue in Small Claims > court first, so you will have priority if there is a partial > distribution of the money raised after an auction or other asset > sale. Timing is key: try to set the court date in the week following > the final scheduled performance. Do not be deterred by the arguments > that "your lawsuit closed the theatre" or that "paying you will not > leave enough money for the next production". Always get a personal > guarantor on the contract: the last line should read something > like "executed in the undersigned persons personal capacity, and as > the representative of the XYZ Theatre company". That way, you can get > a renewable judgment that may be able to collect on in the future > from the person, even when the theatre company is long gone. > /s/ Richard > > > > ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 31 Jul 2006 09:20:06 -0500 Subject: Re: Ramp dimensions From: Greg Persinger Message-ID: In-Reply-To: Kristi, Although building the ramp to ADA specs sounds good, the angle needed for ramping gear onto a stage and ramping a wheelchair to stage is very different. If I remember correctly you need 1 foot of ramp to every 1 inch of rise in the stage. This means a 4' stage would require 48' of ramp to be ADA compliant. I think there also has to be landings in the ramp every so many feet as well to provide a rest. For a 4' stage most people use a 12 to 20 foot aluminum truck ramp to ramp gear onto a stage. This is vastly different then the ADA requirement. This is why most retrofits use a wheelchair lift instead of a ramp to be ADA compliant. Saves a lot of room. Greg Persinger on 7/30/06 4:39 PM, MissWisc [at] aol.com at MissWisc [at] aol.com wrote: > For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see > --------------------------------------------------- > > You just answered your own question! > > Since you do not currently have a ramp to stage level, whatever you build > should meet ADA specs as this will also provide the needed ADA access to > stage > level, so use those wheelchair specs! :) > > Kristi > > > maestro196 [at] sbcglobal.net writes: > The space I am working in has no ramp to stage level. I am looking at some > ideas to correct that situation. What is a good angle for a loading ramp? > I have looked for OSHA standards and general specs, but the only thing I seem > to be able to find is for wheelchair access. > > ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 31 Jul 2006 09:28:23 -0500 Subject: Re: Source 4 reflector cleaning From: Greg Persinger Message-ID: In-Reply-To: First don't use anything with ammonia on the reflectors. This causes the dichroic reflector coating to break down. Ammonia is for the lenses only. Here is what David Fox from ETC recommended in a previous discussion of Source Four cleaning: " Our documentation recommends the following: Glass Lenses: Vinegar, Water, or Household Ammonia. Plastic Lenses: Alcohol and Water mixture (10% alcohol to water) Reflectors: Oil Free Air, Alcohol, or Distilled Water What I should have said was that Denatured alcohol plus Source Four lenses does not mix. The alcohol can cause damage to the coating on the lenses. My personal preference for cleaning a fixture (S4 or otherwise) has always been as follows: - Clean dry and never used for anything but this purpose paint brush to dust the outside of the fixture. - Distilled Water to dampen a lint free cloth to clean gack off of the lenses otherwise a dry lint free cloth for dust. For fun things like melted snow or fog juice I use white vinegar and water mixed 50/50. - A lint free cloth dampened with Distilled water to clean the inside of the reflector. Ammonia mixed with water (like a 30/70 mix) works very well on the lenses but the smell drives me insane so I tend not to use it. You can use alcohol on the reflector and it is very effective. I tend to go with water as after 20 or so fixtures I get easily confused looking at 2 white cloths each with its own use and quickly learned that sniffing them to determine which is which only confused me more :-D" I hope this helps. Greg Persinger on 7/31/06 8:20 AM, Abby Downing at aldowning [at] onlocationls.com wrote: > For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see > --------------------------------------------------- > > I'm not sure exactly what ETC recommends, as I don't have their > documentation in front of me at the moment, but I've had very good luck > with denatured or isopropyl alcohol. The other thing I've tried that > may work- is Dirtex(tm) ammoniated glass cleaner. ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 31 Jul 2006 15:58:49 +0100 (BST) From: Charlie Richmond Subject: Re: Broken Phone In-Reply-To: Message-ID: References: On Mon, 31 Jul 2006, gregg hillmar wrote: > For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see > --------------------------------------------------- > > You might try something like BitPim, which is open-source software. IF it > supports your phone, you can easily download your address book, etc, to your > computer. Or try something like DataPilot, which is commercial software, but > does the same thing. The software that Motorola specifically sells for this purpose is called "mobile PhoneTools" and it works pretty well but the version I have is a bit buggy... Charlie ------------------------------ Message-ID: <77fad3270607310855x2ffeb149y3c454ea72e44f776 [at] mail.gmail.com> Date: Mon, 31 Jul 2006 11:55:13 -0400 From: "Nathan Kahn" Subject: Re: ETCP Rigging Exam In-Reply-To: References: > Fifteen unidentified questions are unscored. What's the point of that? Some sort of online security or control mechanism? Nathan -- Look Solutions USA, Ltd. Toll-Free: 1-800-426-4189 Email: usa [at] looksolutions.com Web: www.fogspecs.com ------------------------------ From: "Jerry George" Subject: RE: ETCP Rigging Exam Date: Mon, 31 Jul 2006 12:06:50 -0400 Message-ID: <000001c6b4bb$5573bc10$0200a8c0 [at] Chesty> In-Reply-To: I would guess that it's to test the questions for validity before = actually using them. It's amazingly simple to write a "bad" test question. Jerry -----Original Message----- From: Stagecraft [mailto:stagecraft [at] theatrical.net] On Behalf Of Nathan = Kahn Sent: Monday, July 31, 2006 11:55 AM To: Stagecraft Subject: Re: ETCP Rigging Exam For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see --------------------------------------------------- > Fifteen unidentified questions are unscored. What's the point of that? Some sort of online security or control mechanism? Nathan --=20 Look Solutions USA, Ltd. Toll-Free: 1-800-426-4189 Email: usa [at] looksolutions.com Web: www.fogspecs.com ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 31 Jul 2006 12:09:38 -0400 Subject: Re: ETCP Rigging Exam From: Bill Sapsis Message-ID: In-Reply-To: For accurate answers to test administration questions, I would like to suggest that you contact the ETCP Certification Manager, Katie Geraghty or 212.244.1505. She's really very nice and loves to help with this stuff. Bill S. ETCP Certified Rigger - Theatre www.sapsis-rigging.com 800.727.7471 267.278.4561 mobile On 7/31/06 11:55 AM, "Nathan Kahn" wrote: > For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see > --------------------------------------------------- > >> Fifteen unidentified questions are unscored. > > What's the point of that? Some sort of online security or control mechanism? > > Nathan ------------------------------ Message-ID: <002701c6b4bc$27f5a860$0600000a [at] BRUTUS> From: "Jon Ares" References: Subject: Re: Broken Phone Date: Mon, 31 Jul 2006 09:12:44 -0700 > The software that Motorola specifically sells for this purpose is called > "mobile PhoneTools" and it works pretty well but the version I have is a > bit buggy... A bit buggy? Yup. Or is it a 'feature' when, after syncing phone and computer, it asks if you really want to ERASE the phone?? Probably a bug. - Jon Ares www.hevanet.com/acreative ------------------------------ In-Reply-To: References: Message-Id: <7A5A15C5-2835-4B24-B23F-E63053FEBBA4 [at] aol.com> From: KEITH ARSENAULT Subject: bad questions Date: Mon, 31 Jul 2006 12:17:17 -0400 I got at least four questions thrown off tests years ago in college when i pointed out to the professor that the poor phrasing of the question made none of the multiple choice answers correct. It was fairly obvious ( to me at least ) which answer the professor intended to be correct but the poor use of language created a question that if properly read as stated on the page, made none of them correct. It's amazing how often that happened in my academic career. I also found a couple of situations where the more you knew, the more the test was prejudiced against you. i e, the test assumed that you knew no more about the subject than what had been presented in class and the correct answer was predicated on only that knowledge, where as if you already knew what was going to be taught say in the next semester you would in fact give a different answer to a question. I had to fight on a couple of occasions that my answer was correct and that I should not be penalized for being ahead of the class. Again, if the professor had thought it through the question could have been stated in such a way that this would never have been a problem. On Jul 31, 2006, at 12:06 PM, Jerry George wrote: I would guess that it's to test the questions for validity before actually using them. It's amazingly simple to write a "bad" test question. Jerry Keith L Arsenault Tampa, Florida 813 831 3465 office 813 205 0893 cellular iaeg [at] aol.com ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 31 Jul 2006 09:19:19 -0700 From: Jerry Durand Subject: Re: Getting Paid When Theatre Closes In-reply-to: Message-id: <7.0.1.0.0.20060731091855.01f06e80 [at] interstellar.com> References: At 11:24 AM 7/30/2006, CB wrote: >at least here in the >US, law enforcement isn't supposed to stop a citizen from doing anything >that isn't unlawful or dangerous. That's Sooooooo pre-9/11 talk! -- Jerry Durand, Durand Interstellar, Inc. www.interstellar.com 219 Oak Wood Way, Los Gatos, California 95032-2523 USA tel: +1 408 356-3886, USA toll free: 1 866 356-3886 Skype: jerrydurand ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 31 Jul 2006 12:27:40 -0400 Subject: Re: ETCP Rigging Exam From: Bill Sapsis Message-ID: In-Reply-To: Just to be clear. The test questions were reviewed by the SME's ad nauseum prior to their being considered for the test. And I do mean, ad nauseum. Writing and reviewing the tests questions was, especially for me (non-academic type), an extremely difficult and humbling experience. Bill S. ETCP Certified Rigger - Theatre www.sapsis-rigging.com 800.727.7471 267.278.4561 mobile On 7/31/06 12:06 PM, "Jerry George" wrote: > For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see > --------------------------------------------------- > > I would guess that it's to test the questions for validity before actually > using them. It's amazingly simple to write a "bad" test question. > > Jerry > > -----Original Message----- > From: Stagecraft [mailto:stagecraft [at] theatrical.net] On Behalf Of Nathan Kahn > Sent: Monday, July 31, 2006 11:55 AM > To: Stagecraft > Subject: Re: ETCP Rigging Exam > > For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see > --------------------------------------------------- > >> Fifteen unidentified questions are unscored. > > What's the point of that? Some sort of online security or control > mechanism? > > Nathan ------------------------------ Reply-To: From: "Jeffrey E. Salzberg" Subject: RE: bad questions Date: Mon, 31 Jul 2006 12:30:43 -0400 Message-ID: <000201c6b4be$ab9b37a0$6501a8c0 [at] Dell> In-Reply-To: > It was fairly obvious ( to me at least ) which answer the professor > intended to be correct but the poor use of language created a > question that if properly read as stated on the page, made none of > them correct. > > It's amazing how often that happened in my academic career. I forget whether it was Congress or a state legislature, but a law was once passed that -- due to a misplaced comma -- legalized slavery. ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 31 Jul 2006 12:36:47 -0400 Subject: Re: Faith Healers From: Bill Sapsis Message-ID: In-Reply-To: Well, let's start off with on the list and see how it goes. For those of you who don't know it... story about a guy, his wife and a manager. He is a Faith Healer with a 1 in 10 record. The characters are never onstage at one time. It's 4 separate monologues. First him, then her. Intermission and then Manager and back to him. Minimalist set that does not change. Furniture is only what is needed. Chair, side table. Small fridge. Lighting plot appears to be smaller than inventory at my high school. Maybe 40 instruments. Joe? It's a show about the acting and it completely blew me away. It ranks as one of the top 5 shows I have ever (yes, ever) seen. But I'm looking for other opinions. Bill S. ETCP Certified Rigger - Theatre www.sapsis-rigging.com 800.727.7471 267.278.4561 mobile On 7/31/06 9:38 AM, "Joe Saint" wrote: > For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see > --------------------------------------------------- > > Bill, > > I saw it back during Tony voting season. I'd be happy to throw in my two > cents, either on list or off. > > Joe Saint > President > IMCD Lighting > 646-415-7588 > www.imcdlighting.com > > > -----Original Message----- > From: Stagecraft [mailto:stagecraft [at] theatrical.net] On Behalf Of Bill Sapsis > Sent: Monday, July 31, 2006 9:27 AM > To: Stagecraft > Subject: Re: Faith Healers > > For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see > --------------------------------------------------- > > I saw Faith Healer last week in NY. Did anyone on the list see it? I'd be > very interested in discussing that show either privately or here. > > Thanks > Bill S. > ETCP Certified Rigger - Theatre > www.sapsis-rigging.com > 800.727.7471 > 267.278.4561 mobile > > > > > ------------------------------ From: "Joe Saint" Subject: RE: Faith Healers Date: Mon, 31 Jul 2006 13:02:25 -0400 Message-ID: <000101c6b4c3$1e697d10$640fa8c0 [at] D3G47461> In-Reply-To: I agree about minimalist design approach on the set and prop level. I think the lighting was far more complex than it appeared. Many VERY subtle lighting cues including one that ever so delicately picked up a thin band of light along the US most edge of the floor (right by the wall) and a fireplace whose embers would ebb and flow. Bill is dead on about the acting. This show lives and dies on its actors. Each monologue is about 30 minutes. VERY difficult to pull off (i.e. keep audience engaged) for even the best of actors (and the B'way version had 3 great ones). I love Friel but I don't think this is his best work. The structure of the story is Rashomon-esque in that each character is telling his/her version of the same set of events, not for laughs but for insight. I am never a big fan of any play that involves characters talking directly to the audience to tell the story (Show me the story, don't explain it to me.) and it bothered me no less here, especially with the wife and the Manager (when the title character begins the play, I wondered if we were supposed to be an audience at one of his faith healings as the set suggested). On a scale of 1-10, I would give the script a 7, the acting a 9, the design an 8, but overall a 6. Yes, the whole is LESS than the sum of the parts. My $0.02. Joe Saint President IMCD Lighting 646-415-7588 www.imcdlighting.com -----Original Message----- From: Stagecraft [mailto:stagecraft [at] theatrical.net] On Behalf Of Bill Sapsis Sent: Monday, July 31, 2006 12:37 PM To: Stagecraft Subject: Re: Faith Healers For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see --------------------------------------------------- Well, let's start off with on the list and see how it goes. For those of you who don't know it... story about a guy, his wife and a manager. He is a Faith Healer with a 1 in 10 record. The characters are never onstage at one time. It's 4 separate monologues. First him, then her. Intermission and then Manager and back to him. Minimalist set that does not change. Furniture is only what is needed. Chair, side table. Small fridge. Lighting plot appears to be smaller than inventory at my high school. Maybe 40 instruments. Joe? It's a show about the acting and it completely blew me away. It ranks as one of the top 5 shows I have ever (yes, ever) seen. But I'm looking for other opinions. Bill S. ETCP Certified Rigger - Theatre www.sapsis-rigging.com 800.727.7471 267.278.4561 mobile On 7/31/06 9:38 AM, "Joe Saint" wrote: > For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see > --------------------------------------------------- > > Bill, > > I saw it back during Tony voting season. I'd be happy to throw in my two > cents, either on list or off. > > Joe Saint > President > IMCD Lighting > 646-415-7588 > www.imcdlighting.com > > > -----Original Message----- > From: Stagecraft [mailto:stagecraft [at] theatrical.net] On Behalf Of Bill Sapsis > Sent: Monday, July 31, 2006 9:27 AM > To: Stagecraft > Subject: Re: Faith Healers > > For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see > --------------------------------------------------- > > I saw Faith Healer last week in NY. Did anyone on the list see it? I'd be > very interested in discussing that show either privately or here. > > Thanks > Bill S. > ETCP Certified Rigger - Theatre > www.sapsis-rigging.com > 800.727.7471 > 267.278.4561 mobile > > > > > ------------------------------ Subject: RE: Source for Tools Date: Mon, 31 Jul 2006 13:26:19 -0400 Message-ID: In-reply-to: From: Jonathan, If your school has state contracts with vendors for materials and supplies, they probably have a contract for tools as well. That can be a big price chopper. You might try going to a specific manufacturer like Bosch or Milwaukee (to name two) to see if they would give you a deal on a package of gear. Check out the FineHomebuilding tools issues where they have done fairly decent testing of lots of different items over the years. I rely on them as a primary source of information. www.tauntonpress.com=20 I suggest you get the best you can afford and then teach the students the value of them as they work with them.=20 HTH, Steve Rees SUNY-Fredonia =20 -----Original Message----- From: Stagecraft [mailto:stagecraft [at] theatrical.net] On Behalf Of Jonathan S. Deull Sent: Sunday, July 30, 2006 2:10 PM To: Stagecraft Subject: Source for Tools For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see --------------------------------------------------- I am about to have the pleasure of outfitting our new high school theatrical shop with an appropriate array of hand and power tools. List participants have helped to generate the shopping list in various threads. The question now arises: is there a preferred "one-stop-shopping" source of tools where I can order most of what I need at good prices on line, or am I better off heading out to Home Depot/Lowes with a truck?=20 TIA. Jonathan * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *=20 Jonathan S. Deull Edmund Burke School Washington, DC jdeull [at] clarktransfer.com ------------------------------ Reply-To: From: "Jeffrey E. Salzberg" Subject: RE: Source for Tools Date: Mon, 31 Jul 2006 13:33:12 -0400 Message-ID: <000f01c6b4c7$65ee5e90$6501a8c0 [at] Dell> In-Reply-To: > I suggest you get the best you can afford and then teach the > students the value of them as they work with them. One way to do that last is to also buy some cheap, crappy tools; the first time a student abuses one of the good tools, it* goes back in the crib and s/he has to finish the job with the crappy substitute. * the tool, not the student. ------------------------------ Subject: Visio Date: Mon, 31 Jul 2006 14:24:13 -0400 Message-ID: From: "Alf Sauve" Visio light plots. Okay, I'm not a sophisticated CAD user. What I do isn't true "drafting" = but more drawing or visualization. And I really like all the stencils = MS has added in the latest version. But, I haven't be able to find = really good stencils for a lighting plot.=20 ATTENTION ETC, Altman, Martin, L&E: It would be so cool if you would = provide a VISIO stencil for your instruments. (If you already have, = could you point me to them.) Along that line, anybody have a good set of lighting stencils? For = free? Thanks, Alf Alf Sauv=E9 Media Specialist Mt Bethel UMC Marietta, GA 770 900 2920 ------------------------------ Reply-To: From: "RD" Subject: RE: Ramp dimensions Date: Mon, 31 Jul 2006 12:30:55 -0600 Message-ID: <00f501c6b4cf$7618e210$c083c447 [at] doom1> In-Reply-To: You got it right. Doom -----Original Message----- From: Stagecraft [mailto:stagecraft [at] theatrical.net] On Behalf Of Greg Persinger Sent: Monday, July 31, 2006 8:20 AM To: Stagecraft Subject: Re: Ramp dimensions For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see --------------------------------------------------- Kristi, Although building the ramp to ADA specs sounds good, the angle needed for ramping gear onto a stage and ramping a wheelchair to stage is very different. If I remember correctly you need 1 foot of ramp to every 1 inch of rise in the stage. This means a 4' stage would require 48' of ramp to be ADA compliant. I think there also has to be landings in the ramp every so many feet as well to provide a rest. For a 4' stage most people use a 12 to 20 foot aluminum truck ramp to ramp gear onto a stage. This is vastly different then the ADA requirement. This is why most retrofits use a wheelchair lift instead of a ramp to be ADA compliant. Saves a lot of room. Greg Persinger on 7/30/06 4:39 PM, MissWisc [at] aol.com at MissWisc [at] aol.com wrote: > For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see > --------------------------------------------------- > > You just answered your own question! > > Since you do not currently have a ramp to stage level, whatever you build > should meet ADA specs as this will also provide the needed ADA access to > stage > level, so use those wheelchair specs! :) > > Kristi > > > maestro196 [at] sbcglobal.net writes: > The space I am working in has no ramp to stage level. I am looking at some > ideas to correct that situation. What is a good angle for a loading ramp? > I have looked for OSHA standards and general specs, but the only thing I seem > to be able to find is for wheelchair access. > > ------------------------------ From: MissWisc [at] aol.com Message-ID: Date: Mon, 31 Jul 2006 14:45:30 EDT Subject: Re: ETCP Rigging Exam (long - how standardized tests are created) Ah... the birth of a standardized exam. DISCLAIMER: I am not a SME for this exam nor was I involved in writing it. The following is from my experience writing and scoring standardized exams for someone else. First.. someone decides "There should be a standardized exam for that." The folks who want the exam hire a psychometrician (professional test writer) and nominate some people they think know a lot about the topic. Then those folks are asked to recommend others. From those recommendations, a panel of people who are really smart about the topic is then gathered. For this test they were called the Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) and they create a list of what should be included on the test, compose sample questions and review them. Often the first question pool is created individually and someone from the psychometrician's office compiles those questions and topics and creates an outline of what seems to be the consensus of things that the SMEs think should be asked. This complied list may then be shared via email for comments and critique. The results of that are then re-compiled with comments considered and another round of comments/critique. Then the real fun begins. At this point the SMEs,psychometrician and test sponsors usually get together for a couple of days at some resort somewhere. The SMEs and test sponsor decide exactly what needs to be measured, i.e. what makes the test VALID. There are a certain percent of questions allotted to each area to be measured. The ETCP Rigging Exam determines if the writer knows how to safely rig for theatre and/or arena entertainment applications. The questions all then must support that purpose. You're not going to be asked about which color paint makes the best floor. It's a theatre question, but not something that a rigger needs to know to do his/her job. The questions must be free from bias. You won't have a question like "How many sumo wrestlers can be suspended from the roof of this arena?" because only men are sumo wrestlers - a gender bias - and sumo wrestling is a Japanese sport - a cultural bias. There are about 10 kinds of bias and each question is reviewed for each kind. A pool of about twice as many questions as needed for the test is compiled. If there are 150 scored questions, there are at least 300 questions in the pool. This is where the 15 "non-scored" questions Delbert wrote about comes from. It's not that they weren't scored, it's just that they weren't included in the questions used to calculate Delbert's score. Delbert's responses to the questions are used as part of the norm-referencing for those questions. The trick to writing is good question is not in the question, it's in the potential responses. The responses (there are no "answers" on a standardized exam) are reviewed for accuracy by the SMEs. There is no "right answer"; the correct one is the "best response". This makes sense if you think of the miriad of ways to do things in theatre. E.g. I can use a Genie lift to focus lights or I can buy a focus track from Unkle Bill. Neither is "right" all the time - you're looking for the best answer given the situation. All responses should be possibly correct. If the question is "What should be used to hang a light?" the responses shouldn't be things like "Tennis balls" "spaghetti sauce" and "beer". When the SME's agree that the question is valid and free from bias, then it is put into the category as to what it measures, (safety, calculations, equipment, arena vs. theatre, etc.) so that when the final test is composed, there is an appropriate mix of questions included. The Guinea Pig testers (those of you who bravely took the test the first time) create the "norm" for each question. Usually ALL the questions from the pool are included in that initial test offering, with each taker getting a portion of them. An excellent test question is one that is answered correctly by the top test takers and incorrectly by the rest. A good question is answered correctly by about half the test takers. That's why they couldn't give you a passing score at that time, they hadn't finished norm-referencing the questions to determine what the passing score could be. It's assumed that the Guinea Pigs are a reasonable representation of the folks who would take the test - no smarter and no dumber than typical. You wouldn't have high schools students be the Guinea Pigs for a professional exam like this. The test is then compiled from an assortment of the "valid, norm-referenced" questions. The responses are manipulated so there are an even number of A, B, C and D correct responses. It's not uncommon for the psychometrician to put a few easy questions toward the beginning of the test as it helps reduce test anxiety and thus means the results are more reliable. If the test is being offered via computer, the questions are sometimes selected by the program based on if the last response was correct. If so, a more "difficult" question is offered. This method provides the most accurate score. The questions offered for each administration of the test are different, but they are mathmatically equivalent (in test taker's terms "inter-reliable") so that if Delbert took version A, B, or C of the test, his score should be the same. Test questions are often re-used after a period of several years or depending on the number of exams administered. When I took the GRE exam, I had previous GRE sample tests going back 10+ years. There were several questions taken verbatum from those old exams that appeared on my computerized test. :) It pays to practice! Knowing that Delbert has been a professional rigger and teacher of rigging for years, if he didn't pass, I would have questioned the validity of the ETCP exam. The fact he did pass increases the validity of the exam in my opinion. And the fact he said there were a few questions that he knew he didn't know the response to tells me that the test is tough enough for the most knowledgeable riggers. So it appears that the ETCP rigging exam is valid and reliable. HTH Kristi ------------------------------ Message-ID: <00a401c6b4d3$79184290$6401a8c0 [at] amd2200> From: "Idaho Scenic & Rigging" References: Subject: Re: Source for Tools Date: Mon, 31 Jul 2006 12:59:38 -0600 Let me elaborate on my previous comment. My son's high school had a drama instructor, who, albeit one great person, was fairly limited in her technical ability, probably more than most of her students, but her plate was always full. The tech class consisted of mostly looking at hand drawn plans and scrapping things together. There might be a student who, for two years, knew enough about care of tools and "trying to keep things together". but then he was gone... Trying to find a flat blade screwdriver without a bent shaft was a rare thing. A new set of Wal-Mart ones was budgeted for every show! When our Summer Shakespeare Festival was in its weaning years it was, maybe, just a half step above that. When I was part, I brought my own tools and after the first season ALL my hand tools had a distinctive dark blue paint mark and were used only with permission. The carps, interns, and apprenti (sic?) brought in then, knew very little of tool care and proper use and left with little more. (when I say weaning years I mean slave shop) Now they have a TD who rules with an iron hand AND supplies the PROPER tools and all are marked. The ass't TD will not hesitate to stop someone to instruct them properly. All a good thing. All summer hires are encouraged to bring a selection of their personal hand and small power tools. Is your High School now, or planning to be, of the latter? The training the students receive will benefit the school both in the short and long term. (i.e. more technical sets and longer tool life) Tool control is important, as is proper use. Always a pleasure outfitting a new shop, Think where you can now set-up the program's limits, or NOT, (know your, the schools, and the administration's attitude) as to what it is going to be. Let that kind of be a guide of quality you buy. As to what Chris Dopher and Jerry George said about going to the local hardware guy for a price break, I whole-heartedly agree. This guy is the one who will be there, appreciate the business, and probably once he knows that his store is THE store for your high school shop supplies, be much more willing to support your program. See if he or she or his or her significant other likes theater. His or her employees, too. (My days in Memphis always included visits to Gate City Hardware on Summer Ave, first. Loved that place and their people.) Rob't "Hmm, no diamonds, no spades, no clubs," said Tom whole-heartedly. >I am about to have the pleasure of outfitting our new high school >theatrical shop with an appropriate array of hand and power tools. List >participants have helped to generate the shopping list in various >threads. The question now arises: is there a preferred >"one-stop-shopping" source of tools where I can order most of what I >need at good prices on line, or am I better off heading out to Home >Depot/Lowes with a truck? >TIA. >Jonathan * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Jonathan S. Deull Edmund Burke School Washington, DC jdeull [at] clarktransfer.com ------------------------------ Subject: Stone working power tools Date: Mon, 31 Jul 2006 15:38:33 -0400 Message-ID: <071168C3EF37C34580207EB53478A0F73EFAB4 [at] stage.OTC.local> In-Reply-To: From: "Dre Suchoski" Does anyone have experience with using power tools to cut into stone? We are working on a new play, In The Mood, and the only mention in the script is that the actress is working with "a corded saw" to carve away at the large chunk of suspended stone (most will be foam, and the part she is carving will be sandstone or something similar). I have been researching saws, grinders, and the like, and I would like to have as much information before our production meeting on Thursday. And trust me, I have already tried to explain that this is theatre and we shouldn't be using real power tools/stone/etc on stage but it's something very integral to the story and she must be cutting away at a real rock with a real power tool. Any help will be appreciated, thanks in advance! Dre Suchoski, Properties Artisan Olney Theatre Center ------------------------------ Message-Id: <3.0.6.32.20060731124227.00e66628 [at] pop.west.cox.net> Date: Mon, 31 Jul 2006 12:42:27 From: CB Subject: Re: Article about stolen theatre props > As the theatre=20 >swordsmith, I do not believe that a sharp and fully lethal rapiier=20 >which I made for R&J should be in the general props storage. Frank, as the theatre's swordsmith, I have to ask why you *made* a rapier for R&J that was sharp, and fully lethal? I own three rapiers, that would be fully lethal but for the edge and the blunt on the tip, and I challenge anyone to tell the difference between any of these and a sharpened rapier at any distance greater than its non-kill radius. 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: <3.0.6.32.20060731124529.00e66628 [at] pop.west.cox.net> Date: Mon, 31 Jul 2006 12:45:29 From: CB Subject: Re: drink and the theatre and tailgating >The following car is always responsible >for a rear-end collision. This just isn't true. Welcome back, Frank. 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, 31 Jul 2006 15:46:56 -0400 Subject: Re: Stone working power tools From: "Ray-Pfeifer, Merel" Message-ID: In-Reply-To: Have you talked with your local art dept.? The Sculpture people would be my first stop in researching this. Merel On 7/31/06 3:38 PM, "Dre Suchoski" wrote: > For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see > --------------------------------------------------- > > Does anyone have experience with using power tools to cut into stone? > We are working on a new play, In The Mood, and the only mention in the > script is that the actress is working with "a corded saw" to carve away > at the large chunk of suspended stone (most will be foam, and the part > she is carving will be sandstone or something similar). I have been > researching saws, grinders, and the like, and I would like to have as > much information before our production meeting on Thursday. > And trust me, I have already tried to explain that this is theatre and > we shouldn't be using real power tools/stone/etc on stage but it's > something very integral to the story and she must be cutting away at a > real rock with a real power tool. > Any help will be appreciated, thanks in advance! > > Dre Suchoski, Properties Artisan > Olney Theatre Center ------------------------------ Message-Id: <3.0.6.32.20060731125242.00e66628 [at] pop.west.cox.net> Date: Mon, 31 Jul 2006 12:52:42 From: CB Subject: Re: Getting Paid When Theatre Closes >Some companies track such equipment on an expensed equipment inventory, >others don't bother. They must have some method of tracking it, even if it's just a credit card receipt. In any case, law enforcement can't stop you from taking something out of your place of work unless they have a reasonable suspicion that you are stealing it. Suggesting that its yours, and not having any other owner/employee suggest that it belongs to the company, should satisfy a 'reasonable' man's suspicions. Martial law aside, that is. 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: <040c01c6b4dc$2acde820$0e00a8c0 [at] Nogle> From: "Nigel Worsley" References: Subject: Re: Stone working power tools Date: Mon, 31 Jul 2006 21:00:45 +0100 "Dre Suchoski" > Does anyone have experience with using power tools to cut into stone? > We are working on a new play, In The Mood, and the only mention in the > script is that the actress is working with "a corded saw" to carve away > at the large chunk of suspended stone (most will be foam, and the part > she is carving will be sandstone or something similar). Soapstone would be much easier to carve than sandstone, as it is very soft. One artist that uses it says: "Soapstone is a common term for talc. Often, wood tools are used when producing carvings from soapstone, as well as handsaws, files, sandpaper, and acrylic finishing products." Any tools suitable for metal would probably be overkill with such a soft material, an angle grinder would reduce the soapstone to talc in seconds. Nigel Worsley ------------------------------ Subject: RE: Article about stolen theatre props Date: Mon, 31 Jul 2006 10:03:26 -1000 Message-ID: From: "Douglas McCracken" I said: >One wonders why anyone would use something valuable as a prop. I didn't say: >One wonders why anyone would use something as valuable as a prop.=20 Big difference. >In the case of a motorcycle gag that I designed, A motorcycle would be considered a set piece, wouldn't it. And, yes, losing a set piece would make a scene suck. I will grant you 'bad example status'. A prop viewed from 40 feet, under stage lights, doesn't have to be the actual golden scepter from King Tut's tomb. Just need a good prop builder. And of course that prop is valuable. But, I thought the original message was regarding REAL valuable items that are used as props. My implication was to not use the real item, but build one. Aloha, Douglas McCracken Lighting Designer International Convention and Event Services douglasm [at] iceshawaii.com ------------------------------ Message-Id: Date: Mon, 31 Jul 2006 16:07:55 -0400 From: "Scott Casanova" Subject: Re: Visio Hey gang, We just started using Visio here for our room diagrams etc. I'll second = the motion for Visio stencils, and if anyone has any, please share with = the list! :-) Scott Scott Casanova Supervisor - Facilities and Technical Services Schine Student Center Suite 228D 315-443-1438 http://students.syr.edu/ets >>> Alf.Sauve [at] mtbethel.org 7/31/2006 2:24 PM >>> For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see --------------------------------------------------- Visio light plots. Okay, I'm not a sophisticated CAD user. What I do isn't true "drafting" = but more drawing or visualization. And I really like all the stencils MS = has added in the latest version. But, I haven't be able to find really = good stencils for a lighting plot.=20 ATTENTION ETC, Altman, Martin, L&E: It would be so cool if you would = provide a VISIO stencil for your instruments. (If you already have, could = you point me to them.) Along that line, anybody have a good set of lighting stencils? For free? Thanks, Alf Alf Sauv=E9 Media Specialist Mt Bethel UMC Marietta, GA 770 900 2920 ------------------------------ Message-Id: <3.0.6.32.20060731132140.00e66628 [at] pop.west.cox.net> Date: Mon, 31 Jul 2006 13:21:40 From: CB Subject: Re: Soldering XLR connectors... >I do it a bit differently. I pre-tin the wire, then "shape" it so that it >goes into the solder cup and stays there. I then use my iron to heat the >wire and cup together until the solder flows to mostly fill the cup. I guess it depends on your experience. Thinking about it, this method might work better for those that don't do a lot of these. I've worked out a method over, say, a coupla thousand experiments. This method includes how far back the tinning goes on the connecting wires (too far and it becomes brittle) how far to trim, how much solder goes in the cup, how to do it by feel in the dark (it ain't easy...) and a few other tidbits. I have cables that have been in service for two decades without repair, and thy've not been hiding in the dark. They go out on the occaisional music gig, and get attached to mics and amps and drums and junk. No hot-house flowers, these! Other than pre-tinning the cups, these methods seem remarkably similar. I'll find an easily accesable point on the outside of the solder cup, and tin that, and once I get a good flow, I'll bottom out the solder in the cup. It usually runs right in, fills the cup, and there's no bubble. As soon as I get the wire in place, I'll just touch that spot again to get the solder in the cup flowing, and two shakes in the cup and the solder on the wire is flowing too! I get far fewer cold solder joints (as in: not a statistically significant number) when I pre-tin the wire *and* the cups. 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: <1120.205.215.254.15.1154378234.squirrel [at] webmail.peak.org> In-Reply-To: References: Date: Mon, 31 Jul 2006 13:37:14 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: ETCP Rigging Exam From: "Bill Nelson" >> Fifteen unidentified questions are unscored. > > What's the point of that? Some sort of online security or control > mechanism? There are at least two reasons: I suspect the primary reason is validation of the new questions. As with most areas, rigging practices change. New questions need to be developed to cover these practices. It is desireable to expand the pool of valid questions. Again, these must be validated. Checking how the examinees answer the questions does this. The people who exhibit an expert level of knowledge on the regular questions will be most likely provide the best answers on these new questions. It is also possible to make sure that the additional questions are not "too easy". Bill ------------------------------ In-Reply-To: References: Message-Id: <0983055F-B27B-4924-85B2-272F45CF504A [at] rochester.rr.com> From: Bruce Purdy Subject: Re: Article about stolen theatre props Date: Mon, 31 Jul 2006 16:41:01 -0400 >> As the theatre=20 >> swordsmith, I do not believe that a sharp and fully lethal rapiier=20 >> which I made for R&J should be in the general props storage. > > Frank, as the theatre's swordsmith, I have to ask why you *made* a > rapier > for R&J that was sharp, and fully lethal? I own three rapiers, > that would > be fully lethal but for the edge and the blunt on the tip, and I > challenge > anyone to tell the difference between any of these and a sharpened > rapier > at any distance greater than its non-kill radius. > Chris "Chris" Babbie Oh no --- Here we go again! Bruce ____________________ Bruce Purdy Technical Director Smith Opera House ------------------------------ Message-ID: <1125.205.215.254.15.1154378752.squirrel [at] webmail.peak.org> In-Reply-To: References: Date: Mon, 31 Jul 2006 13:45:52 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: Source 4 reflector cleaning From: "Bill Nelson" Thanks for the two responses. Unfortunately, the alcohol/water recommendation from ETC does not work. Ammonia is not allowed for the reflectors. I don't know what the deposit is, it may be residue from a lamp blowing up in the fixture. Whatever it is, the color is light gray or white. I may just have to use an old tee shirt and gently scrub the reflector. I was hoping for a gentler method. Bill ------------------------------ Subject: RE: Article about stolen theatre props Date: Mon, 31 Jul 2006 16:47:27 -0400 Message-ID: <6E497ADB607656479C24E6D7BF6B505A05CED64A [at] exchange.rmwc.edu> In-Reply-To: From: "Paul Schreiner" > Oh no --- Here we go again! I promise not to jump in on this thread. Not this time. Nope. Nosiree. I'm biting my tongue as we speak. ------------------------------ Message-ID: <011301c6b4e2$b175be10$6401a8c0 [at] amd2200> From: "Idaho Scenic & Rigging" Cc: idahoscenic [at] earthlink.net (EL Idaho Scenic) References: Subject: Re: Stone working power tools Date: Mon, 31 Jul 2006 14:48:35 -0600 Which brings me to the thought of the dust... Everywhere Rob't ----- Original Message ----- > Any tools suitable for metal would probably be overkill with such a soft > material, an angle grinder would reduce the soapstone to talc in seconds. > > Nigel Worsley > ------------------------------ Subject: RE: Stone working power tools Date: Mon, 31 Jul 2006 16:50:05 -0400 Message-ID: In-reply-to: From: Dre, Whatever you use is going to produce a LOT of dust and particulate matter if you are not careful. I would first assure that the material you end up cutting is not going to adversely affect your audience. I think the smaller the corded or cordless tool you use, the better off you will be. So instead of a 14" masonry saw, maybe you're looking for a 3.5" or 4" variable speed grinder with a small diameter blade that you can run slowly to give the effect without creating too much havoc. There is still going to be dust, but at least the tool will be easier for the actor to deal with. Maybe you could use a real tool with a faux blade that won't actually cut stone but gives the illusion. Maybe an abrasive wheel for metal that won't cut stone but will look like it is. Or Masonite, maybe. Hope that helps. Say HI to Sean C. Steve Rees SUNY-Fredonia =20 -----Original Message----- From: Stagecraft [mailto:stagecraft [at] theatrical.net] On Behalf Of Dre Suchoski Sent: Monday, July 31, 2006 3:39 PM To: Stagecraft Subject: Stone working power tools For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see --------------------------------------------------- Does anyone have experience with using power tools to cut into stone? We are working on a new play, In The Mood, and the only mention in the script is that the actress is working with "a corded saw" to carve away at the large chunk of suspended stone (most will be foam, and the part she is carving will be sandstone or something similar). I have been researching saws, grinders, and the like, and I would like to have as much information before our production meeting on Thursday. And trust me, I have already tried to explain that this is theatre and we shouldn't be using real power tools/stone/etc on stage but it's something very integral to the story and she must be cutting away at a real rock with a real power tool. Any help will be appreciated, thanks in advance! Dre Suchoski, Properties Artisan Olney Theatre Center ------------------------------ Message-ID: <011a01c6b4e3$2801f2b0$6401a8c0 [at] amd2200> From: "Idaho Scenic & Rigging" References: Subject: Re: Article about stolen theatre props Date: Mon, 31 Jul 2006 14:51:54 -0600 Where's a super cell when you need one? Rob't > Oh no --- Here we go again! ----- Original Message ----- From: "Bruce Purdy" I > > challenge > > anyone to tell the difference between any of these and a sharpened > > rapier > > at any distance greater than its non-kill radius. > > Chris "Chris" Babbie > > > Bruce > ____________________ > Bruce Purdy > Technical Director > Smith Opera House ------------------------------ From: "Jerry George" Subject: RE: ETCP Rigging Exam (long - how standardized tests are created) Date: Mon, 31 Jul 2006 17:06:12 -0400 Message-ID: <000201c6b4e5$27c30300$0200a8c0 [at] Chesty> In-Reply-To: Wow, thanks Kristi. Jerry -----Original Message----- From: Stagecraft [mailto:stagecraft [at] theatrical.net] On Behalf Of MissWisc [at] aol.com Sent: Monday, July 31, 2006 2:46 PM To: Stagecraft Subject: Re: ETCP Rigging Exam (long - how standardized tests are = created) For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see --------------------------------------------------- Ah... the birth of a standardized exam. DISCLAIMER: I am not a SME for = this exam nor was I involved in writing it. The following is from my = experience=20 writing and scoring standardized exams for someone else. ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 31 Jul 2006 16:12:31 -0500 Subject: Re: Source 4 reflector cleaning From: Greg Persinger Message-ID: In-Reply-To: Bill, If the residue is noticeably diminishing the light output then you either need to get the reflector clean or replace it. At this point I would consider using a soft bristle toothbrush and whatever mild solvent will remove the deposit as you don't have much to lose and a good working reflector to gain. A new replacement reflector is around $80 list so that is what you would be out if you destroyed the reflector trying to clean it. Good luck. Greg Persinger on 7/31/06 3:45 PM, Bill Nelson at billn [at] peak.org wrote: > For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see > --------------------------------------------------- > > Thanks for the two responses. > > Unfortunately, the alcohol/water recommendation from ETC does not work. > Ammonia is not allowed for the reflectors. > > I don't know what the deposit is, it may be residue from a lamp blowing up > in the fixture. Whatever it is, the color is light gray or white. > > I may just have to use an old tee shirt and gently scrub the reflector. I > was hoping for a gentler method. > > Bill > > ------------------------------ Message-ID: Date: Mon, 31 Jul 2006 17:17:40 -0400 From: "Delbert Hall" Subject: Re: Stone working power tools In-Reply-To: References: I was thinking along the same line as Steve - a grinder. If you used a rubber disc instead of a grinding wheel it should be a relatively safe tool for the actor to handle onstage, and it would still be able to "cut" and "grind" styrofoam, or something similar. -Delbert > So instead of a 14" masonry saw, maybe you're looking for a > 3.5" or 4" variable speed grinder with a small diameter blade that you > can run slowly to give the effect without creating too much havoc. > There is still going to be dust, but at least the tool will be easier > for the actor to deal with. Maybe you could use a real tool with a faux > blade that won't actually cut stone but gives the illusion. Maybe an > abrasive wheel for metal that won't cut stone but will look like it is. > > Steve Rees > SUNY-Fredonia -- Delbert L. Hall ZFX Flying Director Phone: 714-585-7070 ------------------------------ Message-Id: <7.0.1.0.2.20060801085315.035cb0a8 [at] kilowatt.com.au> Date: Tue, 01 Aug 2006 08:54:49 +1000 From: Andy Ciddor Subject: Re: Visio In-Reply-To: References: At 04:24 1.08.2006, Alf Suave wrote: >Visio light plots. > >Okay, I'm not a sophisticated CAD user. What I do isn't true >"drafting" but more drawing or visualization. And I really like all >the stencils MS has added in the latest version. But, I haven't be >able to find really good stencils for a lighting plot. Selecon have had just such a library for a few years now. http://www.seleconlight.com/files/english/Selecon%20Visio%20Stencil.zip Andy ------------------------------ Reply-To: From: "RD" Subject: RE: drink and the theatre and tailgating Date: Mon, 31 Jul 2006 17:08:02 -0600 Message-ID: <008d01c6b4f6$2d095a60$c083c447 [at] doom1> In-Reply-To: And if you all folks read voraciously, you will note that two states have now put large markers, I believe in pink, on the highways in their state in certain places, 200 feet apart and are ticketing those who do not abide by them ..... NYTimes article I think last week or the week before. Doom -----Original Message----- From: Stagecraft [mailto:stagecraft [at] theatrical.net] On Behalf Of CB Sent: Monday, July 31, 2006 12:45 PM To: Stagecraft Subject: Re: drink and the theatre and tailgating For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see --------------------------------------------------- >The following car is always responsible >for a rear-end collision. This just isn't true. Welcome back, Frank. 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... ------------------------------ Reply-To: From: "RD" Subject: RE: Stone working power tools Date: Mon, 31 Jul 2006 17:26:44 -0600 Message-ID: <00b101c6b4f8$c94c55b0$c083c447 [at] doom1> In-Reply-To: Try the local tombstone company. Doom -----Original Message----- From: Stagecraft [mailto:stagecraft [at] theatrical.net] On Behalf Of Ray-Pfeifer, Merel Sent: Monday, July 31, 2006 1:47 PM To: Stagecraft Subject: Re: Stone working power tools For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see --------------------------------------------------- Have you talked with your local art dept.? The Sculpture people would be my first stop in researching this. Merel On 7/31/06 3:38 PM, "Dre Suchoski" wrote: > For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see > --------------------------------------------------- > > Does anyone have experience with using power tools to cut into stone? > We are working on a new play, In The Mood, and the only mention in the > script is that the actress is working with "a corded saw" to carve away > at the large chunk of suspended stone (most will be foam, and the part > she is carving will be sandstone or something similar). I have been > researching saws, grinders, and the like, and I would like to have as > much information before our production meeting on Thursday. > And trust me, I have already tried to explain that this is theatre and > we shouldn't be using real power tools/stone/etc on stage but it's > something very integral to the story and she must be cutting away at a > real rock with a real power tool. > Any help will be appreciated, thanks in advance! > > Dre Suchoski, Properties Artisan > Olney Theatre Center ------------------------------ Message-ID: <016801c6b501$fd2409b0$0501a8c0 [at] office1> From: "Ian Cunningham" References: Subject: Re: Faith Healers Date: Tue, 1 Aug 2006 01:32:36 +0100 ----- Original Message ----- From: "Bill Sapsis" > Well, let's start off with on the list and see how it goes. > > For those of you who don't know it... > > story about a guy, his wife and a manager. He is a Faith Healer with a 1 > in > 10 record. > > The characters are never onstage at one time. It's 4 separate monologues. > First him, then her. Intermission and then Manager and back to him. > > Minimalist set that does not change. Furniture is only what is needed. > Chair, side table. Small fridge. > > Lighting plot appears to be smaller than inventory at my high school. > Maybe > 40 instruments. Joe? > > > It's a show about the acting and it completely blew me away. It ranks as > one of the top 5 shows I have ever (yes, ever) seen. But I'm looking for > other opinions. > > Bill S. I saw the Almedia produduction in London in 2001 (?) with Ken Stott, Geraldine James and Ian McDairmid (who is in the Broadway cast) I was utterly mesmerised by the production - by chance I had a front row seat within (quite litterally) spitting distance of the cast. The production was purely about the acting - staging, lighting and sound played only supporting roles (important but very much in the background). This was a masterclass in acting from three of the UKs finest actors. I had gone along mainly as a big fan of Ken Stott but it was Ian McDairmid's performance that really got me - It remains probably the finest piece of drama I have ever seen Ian Cunningham ------------------------------ Message-ID: <11b83d560607311739g733383ffre2a1109108ffd8a3 [at] mail.gmail.com> Date: Mon, 31 Jul 2006 20:39:30 -0400 From: "Stephen Litterst" Cc: doomster [at] worldnet.att.net Subject: Re: drink and the theatre and tailgating In-Reply-To: References: > --------------------------------------------------- > > And if you all folks read voraciously, you will note that two states have > now put large markers, I believe in pink, on the highways in their state in > certain places, 200 feet apart and are ticketing those who do not abide by > them ..... NYTimes article I think last week or the week before. Doom I-80 in Pennsylvania just west of the Delaware Water Gap has this system (in white, though.) It's enlightening to think I'm following safely and then get into the zone with the dots and find out I need to back off. And then get cut off by someone trying to fit into the space I opened. Steve L. ------------------------------ Message-ID: Date: Mon, 31 Jul 2006 20:50:39 -0400 From: "Delbert Hall" Cc: doomster [at] worldnet.att.net Subject: Re: Stone working power tools In-Reply-To: References: Another thought I had tonight was to use a big block of hard soap or something similar instead of stone, so as not produce any dust as it is "carved." -Delbert -- Delbert L. Hall ZFX Flying Director Phone: 714-585-7070 ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 31 Jul 2006 21:50:01 -0400 From: Tony Kambic Subject: RE: Soldering XLR connectors... In-reply-to: Cc: sdwheaton [at] fuse.net Message-id: <000001c6b50c$d0bf97d0$7a88c744 [at] tony> Greetings Stuart & list, Sorry was out over the weekend [at] a wedding... Sounds pretty much like the process, although like others have said, it takes a few. Frank's mention of the alligator clip stand-thingy (yeah I can't find a name for it either, Frank) helps works wonders too because it holds the cable further back from the heat. If it helps, a trick I use is to make sure the solder reaches the bottom of the cup and doesn't just stick on the top. Yeah the heatshrink is also no fun. Burned many of fingers. I use a pair of reverse tweezers to hold it back, then immediately slide it down over the joint (after the solder solidifies, but before the heat migrates up the wire) so it can form over the joint as it continues to cool. As Chris buzzed, I don't like the pliers either as it deforms the insulation. Hope this helps, Tony M Kambic Lead Electronics Technician - City Theatrical Freelance lighting technician, NY, NY > -----Original Message----- > From: Stagecraft [mailto:stagecraft [at] theatrical.net] On Behalf Of Stuart > Wheaton > Sent: Saturday, July 29, 2006 9:10 AM > To: Stagecraft > Subject: Soldering XLR connectors... > > For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see > --------------------------------------------------- > > OK, I've been putting XLR's on cables for years, and I certainly do a > good enough job from a mechanical standpoint, but the aesthetics of the > thing have always bothered me. > > The technique I learned was as follows... > > Strip and tin the cable, cut the exposed conductors down to about 1/4" > > Put the Connector in the vise, fill the solder cups. > > Grab each tinned conductor with a pair of needle nose pliers, re-melt > the solder in the cup, once it goes wet, stuff the tinned conductor in > and let it cool. > > Other than forgetting to put the shell on the cable first, what I find > troublesome is that the insulation on the conductors mushes under the > pliers in the heat. If I don't pre-tin the solder cups, I can put the > wires in without the pliers, but then the heat of filling the cups > distorts the insulation even worse. > > I worry that stuffing the wires into the tinned cups might be cooling > the solder pool so fast I could get bad joints, though I see no evidence > that this happens. > > On commercial cables, there is often heatshrink over the cups, and I > can't figure out where they hide that stuff so it doesn't shrink while > soldering the pins. > > I guess I am looking for assurances I'm doing OK, or instructions to > improve my techniques. If it matters, most of these are either 5 pins > for DMX or 4 pins for oddball applications. > > Stuart ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 31 Jul 2006 19:14:22 -0700 From: Jerry Durand Subject: Running with the Fireworks Bulls Message-id: <40D4F62B-B985-462F-BE07-75B58CCBDBCA [at] interstellar.com> For anyone who thinks there is lax safety around their place... (Dr. Doom, don't look!) http://revver.com/video/40862/19518 -- Jerry Durand, Durand Interstellar, Inc. Los Gatos, California, USA, www.interstellar.com tel: +1-408-356-3886, USA toll free: 1-866-356-3886 skype: jerrydurand ------------------------------ Message-ID: Date: Mon, 31 Jul 2006 22:31:11 -0400 From: "Delbert Hall" Subject: Re: ETCP Rigging Exam (long - how standardized tests are created) In-Reply-To: References: On 7/31/06, MissWisc [at] aol.com wrote: > Knowing that Delbert has been a professional rigger and teacher of rigging > for years, if he didn't pass, I would have questioned the validity of the ETCP > exam. The fact he did pass increases the validity of the exam in my opinion. > And the fact he said there were a few questions that he knew he didn't know > the response to tells me that the test is tough enough for the most > knowledgeable riggers. > > So it appears that the ETCP rigging exam is valid and reliable. > Kristi Great post Kristi. There are lots of different areas of rigging and the exam does a good job testing you on nearly all of them. To pass you have to have knowledge about many aspects of rigging, but not all aspects of rigging. I felt that the exam helped me understand my strengths and weaknesses. After the exam I made of list of topics that I felt weak on and I plan to study-up on them. I write multiple-choice questions all the time and it is difficult to write good questions. After the students take an exam, I run software that helps me validate my questions based on the responses by the students to all of the questions. I throw-out questions that do not pass the validity threshold. I assume that AMP uses similar software and shares the results with ESTA. -Delbert -- Delbert L. Hall ZFX Flying Director Phone: 714-585-7070 ------------------------------ Reply-To: From: "Jeffrey E. Salzberg" Subject: RE: Visio Date: Mon, 31 Jul 2006 22:35:28 -0400 Message-ID: <000001c6b513$271a29f0$6501a8c0 [at] Dell> In-Reply-To: > Along that line, anybody have a good set of lighting > stencils? For free? I don't know Visio at all, but assuming that a "stencil" is the equivalent of a symbol or a block, I have a fairly comprehensive set online in DWG, DXF, and PDF formats at: http://www.jeffsalzberg.com/articles.htm ------------------------------ Message-ID: Date: Mon, 31 Jul 2006 22:43:01 -0400 From: "Delbert Hall" Subject: Re: Running with the Fireworks Bulls In-Reply-To: References: INSANE video. -Delbert On 7/31/06, Jerry Durand wrote: > For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see > --------------------------------------------------- > > For anyone who thinks there is lax safety around their place... > > (Dr. Doom, don't look!) > > http://revver.com/video/40862/19518 > > > -- > Jerry Durand, Durand Interstellar, Inc. > Los Gatos, California, USA, www.interstellar.com > tel: +1-408-356-3886, USA toll free: 1-866-356-3886 > skype: jerrydurand > > > -- Delbert L. Hall ZFX Flying Director Phone: 714-585-7070 ------------------------------ Message-ID: <44CEC1CF.7070706 [at] cybercom.net> Date: Mon, 31 Jul 2006 22:51:59 -0400 From: Dale Farmer Organization: I'm working on that.... Subject: Re: ETCP Rigging Exam References: In-Reply-To: Bill Sapsis wrote: > For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see > --------------------------------------------------- > > Just to be clear. The test questions were reviewed by the SME's ad nauseum > prior to their being considered for the test. And I do mean, ad nauseum. > Writing and reviewing the tests questions was, especially for me > (non-academic type), an extremely difficult and humbling experience. > > Bill S. > ETCP Certified Rigger - Theatre > www.sapsis-rigging.com > 800.727.7471 > 267.278.4561 mobile > > > > > On 7/31/06 12:06 PM, "Jerry George" wrote: > >> For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see >> --------------------------------------------------- >> >> I would guess that it's to test the questions for validity before actually >> using them. It's amazingly simple to write a "bad" test question. >> >> Jerry >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: Stagecraft [mailto:stagecraft [at] theatrical.net] On Behalf Of Nathan Kahn >> Sent: Monday, July 31, 2006 11:55 AM >> To: Stagecraft >> Subject: Re: ETCP Rigging Exam >> >> For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see >> --------------------------------------------------- >> >>> Fifteen unidentified questions are unscored. >> What's the point of that? Some sort of online security or control >> mechanism? >> >> Nathan > A couple of reasons. You put in dummy questions to give you aclue that a test preperation company or individual has gotten ahold of the question and answer database. Evaluating new questions so you can norm them against the current questions. You also put in old questions so you can check your norm to earlier versions. But the big one is trial of new questions. It is appallingly difficult to write good test questions. One of my (now deceased, RIP) friends was a high school chemistry teacher. He collected a little extra money during summer vacation by being part of a group of high school chemistry teachers that created questions for the SAT test. He said that they would meet every week for most of the summer, and also put in a day or so by themselves each week writing and evaluating and rewriting questions. He said that his group averaged one to two questions each year that made it into the database, and that the question was included in a non-scoring capacity the first test cycle it was in to check for errors. Whole lotta work. Simple and easy, like playing Go. --Dale ------------------------------ End of Stagecraft Digest #896 *****************************