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

Stagecraft Digest, Issue #336

 1. Update on the CPSC actions against fireworks
    by Jerry Durand <jdurand [at] interstellar.com>
 2. Test 2
    by "James Smith, www.theatrewireless.com" <jsmith [at] theatrewireless.com>
 3. Re: Direct Boxes
    by Sunil Rajan <squeakypig [at] earthlink.net>
 4. Re: Rechargables
    by Sunil Rajan <squeakypig [at] earthlink.net>
 5. Re: Wagner + lyrics
    by John Bracewell <jbrace [at] lightlink.com>
 6. Re: Wagner + lyrics
    by "ladesigners [at] juno.com" <ladesigners [at] juno.com>
 7. Re: Costumers
    by "Paul Guncheon" <paul.guncheon [at] verizon.net>
 8. Re: Direct Boxes
    by "Storms, Randy" <rstorms [at] bham.wednet.edu>
 9. Discount Knot Books
    by murr rhame <murr [at] vnet.net>
10. Direct Boxes
    by CB <psyd [at] cox.net>
11. Re: Direct Boxes
    by "Jeremiah Minh Greenblatt" <roadhat [at] earthlink.net>
12. Re: Direct Boxes
    by Mat Goebel <mgoebel [at] gmail.com>
13. Re: gmail
    by Mat Goebel <mgoebel [at] gmail.com>
14. Re: Direct Boxes
    by David Duffy <david [at] audiovisualdevices.com.au>
15. Re: Discount Knot Books
    by "Delbert Hall" <flyingfx [at] hotmail.com>
16. Re: Wagner + lyrics
    by FrankWood95 [at] aol.com
17. ETCP Handbook
    by Bill Sapsis <bill [at] sapsis-rigging.com>
18. USITT/LRLR
    by Bill Sapsis <bill [at] sapsis-rigging.com>
19. Re: Moving lights - Ellipscan
    by "Fitch, Tracy" <tfitch [at] email.uncc.edu>
20. Re: ETCP Handbook
    by "Rob Carovillano" <rcarovillano [at] verizon.net>
21. Moving lights - Cost?
    by Joe <joe [at] dunfee.com>
22. Re: Moving lights - Cost?
    by "Daryl Redmon" <jonathand01 [at] sbcglobal.net>
23. Re: Moving lights - Cost?
    by "Mike Rock" <rockm [at] new.rr.com>
24. Re: ETCP Handbook
    by Greg Bierly <gbierly [at] dejazzd.com>
25. Re: Moving lights - Ellipscan
    by Greg Bierly <gbierly [at] dejazzd.com>
26. Re: Moving lights - Cost?
    by Greg Persinger <gregpersin [at] comcast.net>
27. Re: Children's Museum Light Board
    by Jerry Durand <jdurand [at] interstellar.com>
28. Re: gmail
    by Jerry Durand <jdurand [at] interstellar.com>

*** 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: <6.2.1.2.0.20050320071644.027f2e98 [at] localhost>
Date: Sun, 20 Mar 2005 07:24:40 -0500
From: Jerry Durand <jdurand [at] interstellar.com>
Subject: Update on the CPSC actions against fireworks

For those interested in theatrical pyro in the USA (all the way down to the 
smallest effects), you should be keeping up on this.  The "hobbyist" pyro 
refers to all of us who build some product and shoot less than hundreds of 
shows per year...pretty much all of the pyro clubs and most of the shooters.

The full newsletter is 
at:  <http://www.skylighter.com/skylighter_info_pages/article.asp?Item=74>.

>UPDATE ON CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION (CPSC) MATTERS
>
>A message from Harry Gilliam, CEO, Skylighter, Inc.
>---------------------------------------------------
>If you're a long-time reader of these newsletters, you know I am not 
>generally the harbinger of bad news.  Frankly, I hate having to write this 
>particular newsletter.  I love entertaining you poor, pitifully 
>pyrotechnically addicted people.  And entertaining, this newsletter is 
>not.  You will not read what follows and emit any yuks.  You may yeck, but 
>definitely not yuk.
>
>I have read emails from a number of people who believe that the recent 
>CPSC actions against Firefox and other pyro suppliers were not serious, 
>and did not constitute a threat to the fireworks making hobby.  I have 
>read posts from people who said that if CPSC was taking legal action 
>against Firefox and other suppliers that the vendors must be at fault, 
>that the vendors had it coming.  Pardon me if I belabor the obvious, but 
>in our country our legal system still operates on the principle that one 
>is innocent until proven guilty.  Ultimately, the courts will decide the 
>case against Firefox.  But in the meantime, I believe that Firefox 
>deserves the very best defense team possible.  And that is why I will 
>continue to try and raise as much money as possible for the defense of 
>that case, and any similar cases brought against pyrotechnic supplies 
>vendors by the CPSC.
>
>It may not be clear to all who read this yet, that the CPSC has undertaken 
>a methodical, targeted campaign against pyrotechnic supplies vendors in 
>order to halt the sale of various chemicals believed by CPSC to be used in 
>the manufacture of M80s and similar devices.  The number of arrests, 
>investigations, visits, etc. by the CPSC to pyro supplies vendors is 
>simply unprecedented.  Virtually every vendor I know of, and some I didn't 
>before, has been visited and/or charged with violations during the past 18 
>months.  This has never happened before.  Ever.  And it is continuing.
>
>I remain convinced that if you and I do not assist Firefox in defending 
>themselves against their case in Federal court, and win, that sooner than 
>later, there will be no more fireworks making hobby in this country.  I 
>believe that all vendors of fireworks supplies, books, tools, and related 
>goods will be forced to close.  I believe that the now numerous fireworks 
>clubs in the US will cease operating.  I believe that eventually, even the 
>sale of consumer fireworks will be adversely affected as well, because 
>even seemingly innocuous fireworks can be made into exploding devices as 
>well.  (Try Googling "sparkler bombs," for instance.)
>
>The bottom line is that we must find ways, regulatorily, legislatively, 
>politically, and legally in the courts, to stop the CPSC and other 
>government agencies from taking away the enjoyment we all derive from 
>fireworks.  Whether you are a fireworks maker, a buyer of consumer 
>fireworks, someone who merely wants sparklers in her wedding to add some 
>magical romance, or someone who just likes to watch fireworks displays, we 
>need your help.
>
>Now, if you know me, you know I am fiercely competitive in this 
>business.  I conduct all kinds of sales, giveaways, etc. in order to take 
>business away from my competitors.  Nevertheless, I have put my money 
>where my mouth is.  Last month, I personally contributed $1,000 to help 
>Firefox, my biggest competitor, defend itself in court against the Federal 
>government.  And I will continue to contribute, until this case is 
>won.  Please, even if you have already contributed to the legal defense 
>fund, do it right now, again.
>
>If you have any doubts that your help is needed, here is what has happened 
>since the last newsletter I sent out on this very serious issue.
>
>Pyrotek has closed its business
>-------------------------------
>Yet another pyrotechnic supplies business has ceased business 
>operations.  Last year, I was told by the owner of Pyrotek (a Pennsylvania 
>based pyro supplies vendor), John Rasmus, that the CPSC had threatened to 
>bring a legal action against his business.  John told me that he had 
>reached a compromise with CPSC under which he had agreed to cease selling 
>certain chemicals.  I spoke to him several months after he had stopped 
>selling those items, and he told me that the effect on his sales had been 
>"catastrophic."  This was in late fall, 2004.  Late in February 2005, when 
>I heard that he had closed his business, I called him to find out whether 
>it was true or not.  All I got was a recording saying that Pyrotek was no 
>more.  Checking his web site, I found that there was a new company listed 
>there, but no mention of Pyrotek.
>
>Another Vendor Raided on March 3, 2004
>--------------------------------------
>A small company in the Midwest, who sometimes vends at the Pyrotechnic 
>Guild International's conventions, was raided by multiple law enforcement 
>agencies, including the CPSC, late in the afternoon on March 3.  We don't 
>have any other details at this point.
>
>Current status of the Firefox case
>----------------------------------
>The CPSC has initiated litigation against another pyro supplies vendor, 
>Firefox.  If successful, the government's case would result in Firefox 
>also being unable to supply hobbyist pyro chemicals.  Recently Firefox's 
>attorneys filed a Motion to Dismiss the case.  The government has recently 
>filed a Response to the Motion to Dismiss.  Firefox is in the process of 
>drafting a Reply to the Response and the Court has set the matter for a 
>hearing in April to decide the Motion to Dismiss.  This case has actually 
>been in process since July of 2004.  Legal costs to date, have already 
>amounted to many thousands of dollars.  Retaining of experts and 
>preparation for a lengthy trial will involve significant additional costs 
>as will, if necessary, possible appeals.
>
>If this is the first you have heard of this case, I urge you to refer to 
>our last newsletter, which contains much more detail on the nature of this 
>case and its threat to the fireworks community.
>
>Winning this case is critical.  If the Federal Government wins, the 
>precedent set by the case would, without a doubt, result in the near total 
>demise of amateur fireworks making in the United States.  For that reason, 
>please donate generously to a fund, which has been set up to help defray 
>the legal expenses associated with the Firefox case.  Any individual or 
>organization can write a check in any amount they can afford to The 
>Fireworks Foundation.  Since the Fireworks Foundation is a 501.c (3) 
>[non-profit Federal tax status], your contribution is tax deductible so 
>long as you do not DIRECT the Foundation on how to use the monies.  If you 
>would like your donation to be tax-deductible, you may write on your check 
>(in the Memo section)  "For the Chemical Defense Fund or other purposes as 
>required."  That way you are not strictly telling the Foundation how to 
>use the money.  If you don't care about tax deductibility, you can write 
>(in the Memo section) "For the Chemical Defense Fund"
>in which case the Foundation will be bound to use your money for that purpose.
>
>Where to send donations
>-----------------------
>Checks should be payable to "The Fireworks Foundation," with "Chemical 
>Defense Fund" written in the memo section, and mailed to:
>
>Mike Swisher
>Treasurer-Fireworks Foundation
>14511 Olinda Boulevard.
>North Stillwater, Minnesota  55082
>
>As an alternative, the Fireworks Foundation web site at 
>http://www.fireworksfoundation.org has provisions for making donations 
>online using your credit card, electronic checks, and PayPal.
>
>A Special Request
>-----------------
>Finally, a special request.  It would be a huge help to us here at 
>Skylighter and at Firefox if you can refrain from calling us with your 
>concerns and questions about the case.
>
>The good folks at both Skylighter and Firefox have been swamped with calls 
>and questions.  We simply don't have the hours in the day to handle all of 
>your calls about this case.  I know, I know.  Here I am asking you to give 
>money, and on the other asking you not to talk to me about it.  But, 
>honestly, both companies are very small, and everybody here has about two 
>jobs to do every day, even without the legal fight looming.  If you have 
>read this update and our previous newsletter on the topic, you now know as 
>much about the case as we do.   Believe me, we will continue to give you 
>the very latest updates on the case as they happen.
>
>Firefox is also asking for any formulas you know of which include 
>potassium perchlorate, potassium chlorate, and dark aluminum which are not 
>flash formulas.  For instance, I know of a silver flitter formula using 
>only dark aluminum, potassium perchlorate, and dextrin.  Please forward 
>your formulas to Firefox by email at custserv [at] firefox-fx.com.


----------
Jerry Durand
Durand Interstellar, Inc.
219 Oak Wood Way
Los Gatos, California 95032-2523  USA
tel:  +1 408 356-3886
fax:  +1 408 356-4659
web:  www.interstellar.com




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

Reply-To: <jsmith [at] theatrewireless.com>
From: "James Smith, www.theatrewireless.com" <jsmith [at] theatrewireless.com>
Subject: Test 2
Date: Sun, 20 Mar 2005 09:38:28 -0500
Organization: Home of the RC4 Wireless Dimmer System
Message-Id: <20050320143830.NXYM2988.tomts5-srv.bellnexxia.net [at] p3m866>

Test 2


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

In-Reply-To: <list-21130338 [at] prxy.net>
References: <list-21130338 [at] prxy.net>
Message-Id: <1663ED6D-9955-11D9-B99A-000A95BD64AC [at] earthlink.net>
From: Sunil Rajan <squeakypig [at] earthlink.net>
Subject: Re: Direct Boxes
Date: Sun, 20 Mar 2005 10:31:11 -0500


On Mar 20, 2005, at 6:01 AM, Stagecraft wrote:

>> I know they are probably mostly the same but I need to purchase some 
>> new
>> direct boxes.
>
> Countryman makes the industry standard, and are well worth whatever 
> you pay
> for them.  Stewart's ADB-1 is a good second, Behringer is too be 
> avoided at
> all costs.

I'll second the above that Chris Babbie wrote.

In addition, my personal faves over the past few years have been 
anything by Radial Engineering (out of Canada).  The JDI series is a 
great passive DI, but pretty much all their stuff is built like a tank 
and sounds great!

Cheers,
Sunil Rajan
Freelance Audio Mercenary


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

In-Reply-To: <list-21130338 [at] prxy.net>
References: <list-21130338 [at] prxy.net>
Message-Id: <D8CB3A17-9955-11D9-B99A-000A95BD64AC [at] earthlink.net>
From: Sunil Rajan <squeakypig [at] earthlink.net>
Subject: Re: Rechargables
Date: Sun, 20 Mar 2005 10:36:37 -0500

I've heard excellent things about the Maha rechargeables

www.mahaenergy.com

Though seems like everyone is jumping on the rechargeable bandwagon 
nowadays!

Cheers,
Sunil Rajan
Freelance Audio Mercenary


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

Message-Id: <5.2.0.9.0.20050320115307.02013850 [at] pop.lightlink.com>
Date: Sun, 20 Mar 2005 11:55:53 -0500
From: John Bracewell <jbrace [at] lightlink.com>
Subject: Re: Wagner + lyrics
In-Reply-To: <list-21035289 [at] prxy.net>
References: <list-21012938 [at] prxy.net>
 <list-21012938 [at] prxy.net>


>I don't suppose anyone has the original lyrics for Elsa's Procession to 
>the Cathedral from Lohengrin by Wagner in an electronic format, eh?

<snip>

>I am pretty sure the original lyrics are not "Here comes the bride, all 
>dressed in white, slipped on a turtle and down fell her girdle!"

Did you really mean Elsa' Procession to the Cathedral, because I don't 
recall that there are words to that.  The bridal march (Freilich gemut) is 
the piece that is usually played as the entry procession in the US.  And 
no, the words aren't even really "Here comes the bride," let alone the part 
about the turtle and the girdle.  <grin>

If no one has found this for you, I think I might be able to come up with 
something.

-- JLB 


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

From: "ladesigners [at] juno.com" <ladesigners [at] juno.com>
Date: Sun, 20 Mar 2005 17:15:25 GMT
Subject: Re: Wagner + lyrics
Message-Id: <20050320.091619.18087.58283 [at] webmail23.lax.untd.com>


That works, as long as it is followed by Mendelsohn's 'Wedding March' from his 'A Midsummers Nights Dream'. Oberon & Titania prefer it!
/s/ Richard

Did you really mean Elsa' Procession to the Cathedral, because I don't 
recall that there are words to that.  The bridal march (Freilich gemut) is the piece that is usually played as the entry procession in the US. 
-- JLB 



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

Date: Sun, 20 Mar 2005 07:25:45 -1000
From: "Paul Guncheon" <paul.guncheon [at] verizon.net>
Subject: Re: Costumers
Message-id: <0dee01c52d71$da913170$0202a8c0 [at] yourxhtr8hvc4p>
References: <list-21130338 [at] prxy.net>

<<That's less than burger-flippers and garbage-can haulers make>>

It has been my experience that "Garbage can haulers", i.e. "sanitation
engineers", are usually unionized and are well paid compared to theater
technicians on a local level.

Laters,

Paul

"I'll decide which car to purchase after looking at the pictures," said Tom
autobiographically.


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

Subject: RE: Direct Boxes
Date: Sun, 20 Mar 2005 09:30:06 -0800
Message-ID: <555928311F8B2943B65FC7197942C3B7323A40 [at] es1.bsdnet.wednet.edu>
From: "Storms, Randy" <rstorms [at] bham.wednet.edu>


I haven't heard anybody mention Whirlwind.  I have been very satisfied =
with my handful of Whirlwind Hotboxes.  Solid units - going on five =
years in service and never a problem.

Cheers,
-- r.

Randy Storms
rstorms [at] bham.wednet.edu
-----Original Message-----

>Countryman <snip>
>Stewart's <snip>
>Behringer <Snip>


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

Date: Sun, 20 Mar 2005 14:06:54 -0500 (EST)
From: murr rhame <murr [at] vnet.net>
Subject: Discount Knot Books
In-Reply-To: <list-21130338 [at] prxy.net>
Message-ID: <Pine.GSO.4.58.0503201330410.4522 [at] katie.ctc.net>
References: <list-21130338 [at] prxy.net>


I picked up a couple of knot books several weeks ago at a
discount book store.  Just got around to reading them.  "The New
Encyclopedia of Knots" by Derek E, Avery, is of marginal value.
The illustrations are hand drawn and not very clear.  There's an
overabundance of decorative rope work, relatively few practical
knots and no contemporary knots.  There's no index or glossary.
It is better than most at listing alternative names for knots.
Got nice instructions for weaving a net.  Can't say I'd recommend
this book.  Pages 191.  List $15.99.  Discount $9.59.
ISBN 1-86019-190-8


The other book is "The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Knots and
Ropework" by Geoffry Budworth.  This book is well illustrated
with color photographs.  It breaks the tying instructions into
smaller steps than most books and offers alternative tying
methods for some knots.  It has a good glossary, index and
reference section.  It has a good selection of contemporary
knots, suitable for synthetic ropes.  There's a pretty good
selection of climbing knots.  It includes several fairly recently
invented knots such as the icicle hitch and Simple Simon bends.
It includes most of the more useful traditional knots and a
modest selection decorative knots.  I only have a handful of knot
books.  The Budworth encyclopedia is by far the most useful knot
book I've seen so far.  Pages 256.  List $24.99.  Discount  $14.99.
ISBN 1-84309-548-3


- murr -

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

Message-Id: <3.0.6.32.20050320212052.016e7450 [at] pop.west.cox.net>
Date: Sun, 20 Mar 2005 21:20:52
From: CB <psyd [at] cox.net>
Subject: Direct Boxes

> I've used another (can't remember the brand off hand, cerebral
>flatulence) that was good but had issues with button location.

Oh, yeah, it was the BSS.  Nice sound, wierd package, and for the money,
the Countryman is a better deal. BSS is the one that Behringer
copied...er... closely resembles, but doesn't even begin to imitate in real
world usage.
				Chris "Chris" Babbie
				Location Sound
				MON AZ

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

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

From: "Jeremiah Minh Greenblatt" <roadhat [at] earthlink.net>
Subject: RE: Direct Boxes
Date: Sun, 20 Mar 2005 15:53:21 -0500
Message-ID: <000c01c52d8e$dda0b530$0300a8c0 [at] Roadbox>
In-Reply-To: <list-21153471 [at] prxy.net>

Chris,

Just out of curiosity, and for my own failing memory, what were your button
concerns with the BSS? I can't actually remember any buttons on that unit -
just (3) small switches (power, pad, and ground/lift) I think.

- J.Minh





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

Message-ID: <d983c4a0503201259ec1a0ce [at] mail.gmail.com>
Date: Sun, 20 Mar 2005 12:59:37 -0800
From: Mat Goebel <mgoebel [at] gmail.com>
Reply-To: Mat Goebel <mgoebel [at] gmail.com>
Subject: Re: Direct Boxes
In-Reply-To: <list-21148135 [at] prxy.net>
References: <list-21148135 [at] prxy.net>

I second Whirlwind, having used several of these in a theme park
settings. They had been beat to hell by previous people in my
position, abused by novice techs, etc. Lord knows how long it been
since (or if) they had been serviced. I even backed over one with a
truck!

They were always 100% reliable (one of the few pieces of equipment I
can say that about) and always sounded pretty decent.


On Sun, 20 Mar 2005 09:30:06 -0800, Storms, Randy
<rstorms [at] bham.wednet.edu> wrote:
> For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see <http://stagecraft.theprices.net/>
> ---------------------------------------------------
> 
> I haven't heard anybody mention Whirlwind.  I have been very satisfied with my handful of Whirlwind Hotboxes.  Solid units - going on five years in service and never a problem.
> 
> >Countryman <snip>
> >Stewart's <snip>
> >Behringer <Snip>



-- 
Mat Goebel
Cell: 510.693.1448

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

Message-ID: <d983c4a05032013087b4a90e1 [at] mail.gmail.com>
Date: Sun, 20 Mar 2005 13:08:27 -0800
From: Mat Goebel <mgoebel [at] gmail.com>
Reply-To: Mat Goebel <mgoebel [at] gmail.com>
Subject: Re: gmail
In-Reply-To: <list-21123088 [at] prxy.net>
References: <list-21114305 [at] prxy.net> <list-21123088 [at] prxy.net>

I'll jump in and offer some specifics about gmail and spam since no
other gmail users seem  to have done so.

Gmail has a spam filter that learns. You receive messages, they are
labelled as spam, and can be viewed separately from the rest of your
messages. If you receive spam in your inbox, you can mark the message
as spam, and the filter will catch similar messages (I imagine it's
looking at the host information) and mark those as spam in the future.

Gmail also does not bounce messages from accounts that don't exist. So
if a spammer buys an email list that includes gmail addresses, they
have no way to verify which ones are legit unless you respond to the
messages they send you.

All in all, I would say I receive about 2-3 spam messages per week,
all of which are caught by the spam filter. I may get an addition 1
per month that winds up in my inbox. All in all, WAY better than my
previous experience with comcast.

I have friends with hotmail that get hundreds per DAY!

I would also add that I do not put my email address into online forms.
If I do, I put something similar to mgoebel [at] REMOVETHISgmail.com .


> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "CB" <psyd [at] cox.net>
> To: "Stagecraft" <stagecraft [at] theatrical.net>
> Sent: Sunday, March 20, 2005 4:51 AM
> Subject: Re: gmail
> 
> > For info, archives & UNSUBSCRIBE, see <http://stagecraft.theprices.net/>
> > ---------------------------------------------------
> >
> > >Besides, google is not the only email provider that scans messages.
> > >If your isp has any type of spam filters, they are scanning your
> > >email.
> >
> > If my ISP scans my e-mail for spam, its to reduce it, not encourage it.
> > SPAM costs you and I and my ISP (ergo the you and I part) much money.

-- 
Mat Goebel
Cell: 510.693.1448

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

Message-ID: <423DE9FF.4030404 [at] audiovisualdevices.com.au>
Date: Mon, 21 Mar 2005 07:24:15 +1000
From: David Duffy <david [at] audiovisualdevices.com.au>
Subject: Re: Direct Boxes
References: <list-21153471 [at] prxy.net>
In-Reply-To: <list-21153471 [at] prxy.net>

CB wrote:

>Oh, yeah, it was the BSS.  Nice sound, wierd package, and for the money,
>the Countryman is a better deal. BSS is the one that Behringer
>copied...er... closely resembles, but doesn't even begin to imitate in real
>world usage.
>  
>

I have a few Behringer DI100's and a DI20 and find them to work
quite well for hooking keyboards and (on stage) CD players into
the PA system. I'm aware that you don't like Behringer though. :-)
David...


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

Message-ID: <BAY104-F341E2906337A8E2A83C2C3C24C0 [at] phx.gbl>
In-Reply-To: <list-21151435 [at] prxy.net>
From: "Delbert Hall" <flyingfx [at] hotmail.com>
Subject: RE: Discount Knot Books
Date: Sun, 20 Mar 2005 17:43:51 -0500

I like Budworth's THE BOOK OF KNOTS, which includes 200 useful knots.

Speaking of knots, about 120 people came to the knots session at USITT on 
Wednesday night.  We are scheduled to do it again in 2007 in Phoenix.

-Delbert

Delbert L. Hall
423-773-HALL (4255)


>
>The other book is "The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Knots and
>Ropework" by Geoffry Budworth.  This book is well illustrated
>with color photographs.  It breaks the tying instructions into
>smaller steps than most books and offers alternative tying
>methods for some knots.  It has a good glossary, index and
>reference section.  It has a good selection of contemporary
>knots, suitable for synthetic ropes.  There's a pretty good
>selection of climbing knots.  It includes several fairly recently
>invented knots such as the icicle hitch and Simple Simon bends.
>It includes most of the more useful traditional knots and a
>modest selection decorative knots.  I only have a handful of knot
>books.  The Budworth encyclopedia is by far the most useful knot
>book I've seen so far.  Pages 256.  List $24.99.  Discount  $14.99.
>ISBN 1-84309-548-3
>
>
>- murr -



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

From: FrankWood95 [at] aol.com
Message-ID: <102.5d3efbe1.2f6f63a3 [at] aol.com>
Date: Sun, 20 Mar 2005 18:39:15 EST
Subject: Re: Wagner + lyrics

The " Wedding March" is the opening chorus of Act III, after the prelude. 
This is it in English.

Faithfully guided, come to this place
Where the blessing of love shall enfold you!
Love, the reward of courage triumphant
Truly makes you a most happy pair.
Champion of virtue, proudly advance!
Flower of youth, gracefully advance!
Having escaped from the feast's merriment,
Now may your hearts be filled with bliss.
The fragrant room,bedecked for love,
Shall now enclose you, far from the light.
Faithfullu guided, now enter here,
Where the blessing of love may enfold you.
Courage triumphant, loves so pure
Truly make you a most happy pair.

I can post a version in the original German, within the limits of my ESP. It 
doesn't do umlauts. The translation is not attributed. It's from the libretto 
with the re-issue of the EMI recording, with Rudolf Kempe conducting.

Frank Wood

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

Date: Sun, 20 Mar 2005 19:16:38 -0500
Subject: ETCP Handbook
From: Bill Sapsis <bill [at] sapsis-rigging.com>
Message-ID: <BE637C95.589B%bill [at] sapsis-rigging.com>
In-Reply-To: <list-21157834 [at] prxy.net>

Greetings folks.  The ETCP Rigging certification Candidate Handbook was
unveiled at USITT in Toronto.  The handbook has the information you will
need to help you decide if you want to take the test.  If you do decide to
take the test, the handbook has all the eligibility requirements.

It is available for download at

http://www.etcp.esta.org/candidateinfo/riggingexams/CandidateHandbook.html

or you can get a copy from the ESTA office

Needless to say, I'm thrilled.  It's taken us over 4 years to get to this
point, which sounds like a long time, I know.  But when you put it into the
perspective of a voluntary trade association, it's astonishing that we got
this far this quickly.  There are a number of people who worked on this book
and the program and they deserve all the credit they can get.

(Do I sound like a proud papa or what?)

Anyway, download the documents and have a look.  If you have questions for
the ETCP, you can send them to  certification [at] esta.org

Or you can e-mail me privately.

Thanks
Be well
Bill S.

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

Please support the Long Reach Long Riders on their 2nd annual benefit ride
http://sapsis-rigging.com/LRLR.html



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

Date: Sun, 20 Mar 2005 19:31:48 -0500
Subject: USITT/LRLR
From: Bill Sapsis <bill [at] sapsis-rigging.com>
Message-ID: <BE638023.589E%bill [at] sapsis-rigging.com>
In-Reply-To: <list-21157834 [at] prxy.net>

Many, many thanks to all of you who attended any of my sessions and/or
bought raffle tickets for the LRLR.  I had a great time at the sessions and
we raised a chunk of money for BC/EFA.  I'll announce the total as soon as I
get it, probably in a day or three.

When asked at Stump the Rigger if I would pass the Rigging Certification
Test, I didn't answer but simply tossed one of the prizes to the questioner.
I guess that passes for being stumped, eh?

I want to thank fellow list members Greg Williams, Alice Neff and Loren
Schreiber, Greg and Alice's students and Allison Helms for all their help,
not only with the raffle but also for covering for me at the SRI booth.  The
game this year, BTW, was a foosball table. I've discovered that I suck at
foosball.

This conference seemed to have a lot more energy than last year and it was
good fun.  

Thanks again
Be well
Bill
www.sapsis-rigging.com
800.727.7471
800.292.3851  fax
267.278.4561  mobile

Please support the Long Reach Long Riders on their 2nd annual benefit ride
http://sapsis-rigging.com/LRLR.html





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

Subject: RE: Moving lights - Ellipscan
Date: Sun, 20 Mar 2005 19:46:54 -0500
Message-ID: <A01ABA2A211C644596549C5FF91C50E404183B1A [at] EXEVS02.its.uncc.edu>
From: "Fitch, Tracy" <tfitch [at] email.uncc.edu>

Actually, the largest problem I found with ellipscans (other than the
fact that it seems like 1 out of every 3 has an annoying high-pitched
whine that won't die) is that the weight/movement of the ellipscan on
the front of the fixture tends to cause the fixture to slip in the yoke.
I cured this by adding a cable at the front to help support the front of
the fixture.  Then my focus points stopped shifting.

--Tracy S. Fitch
TD, UNC Charlotte
LD, Everywhere Else

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

Date: Sun, 20 Mar 2005 21:08:43 -0500
From: "Rob Carovillano" <rcarovillano [at] verizon.net>
Subject: Re: ETCP Handbook
Message-id: <000401c52dba$e8df4340$6601a8c0 [at] LAPTOP>
References: <list-21158626 [at] prxy.net>

Is the rigging certification the first to be offered? If so is their plans 
for certifications in other areas?  I guess will probably need a couple of 
more years before I can take the exam because I certainly do not spend 
enough time on rigging to qualify for the 30 points.

Rob Carovillano
Technical Director - Bluett Theatre
Saint Joseph's University
(610) 660-1044
rcarovillano [at] verizon.net 


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

Message-Id: <1.5.4.32.20050321025203.01560c34 [at] pop.paonline.com>
Date: Sun, 20 Mar 2005 21:52:03 -0500
From: Joe <joe [at] dunfee.com>
Subject: Moving lights - Cost?

  Since we are talking about the Ellipscan, I have a related question.  I am
surprised that fixtures like this haven't dropped to something like $200
now.  The necessary electronics and stepper motors are pretty low cost
nowdays.  I realize that theater is not a mass market... but it is not a
small one either.  Also, non-theater venues are certainly using plenty of
theatrical type lighting.  Why haven't prices dropped more?

  
Joe Dunfee  joe [at] dunfee.com
Gordonville, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.


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

Message-ID: <000e01c52dc3$9a38bf10$6500a8c0 [at] yourfsyly0jtwn>
From: "Daryl Redmon" <jonathand01 [at] sbcglobal.net>
References: <list-21161538 [at] prxy.net>
Subject: Re: Moving lights - Cost?
Date: Sun, 20 Mar 2005 19:10:57 -0800

In most small nitch markets items can't be built in high volume that allow 
rock bottom prices. I know that me being a volunteer for a church lighting 
it is difficult just to get justification for standard theater fixtures so I 
would love to see the prices drop but as a realist I know that companies 
must pay their overhead and make a profit to stay in business. If you can 
still make a huge profit on your product and the market will bear it you do. 
If someone comes in with lower cost and high quality then the battle begins 
for market share. Sometimes it is who has the biggest resources survive and 
maybe we all lose with smaller selection for us the consumer is the end 
product. Note what has happened in the computer industry!

Daryl Redmon
Resounding Light

  I am
> surprised that fixtures like this haven't dropped to something like $200
> now.  The necessary electronics and stepper motors are pretty low cost
> nowdays.  I realize that theater is not a mass market... but it is not a
> small one either. 


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

Message-ID: <006e01c52dc4$014116d0$80fea8c0 [at] Fred>
From: "Mike Rock" <rockm [at] new.rr.com>
References: <list-21161538 [at] prxy.net>
Subject: Re: Moving lights - Cost?
Date: Sun, 20 Mar 2005 21:13:50 -0600

> Why haven't prices dropped more?

1.Becasue they are still trying to get back costs. R&D, machine set up, that
sort of stuff.
2. Becasue people are still paying the price. Sure if they lowerd the price
20% they would sell mor but would they sell enough more to make up the loss?

Just things I caught in my econ class.
Mike




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

In-Reply-To: <list-21160730 [at] prxy.net>
References: <list-21158626 [at] prxy.net> <list-21160730 [at] prxy.net>
Message-Id: <24031738f2f9a78e07ca2cbfe4c5ba4e [at] dejazzd.com>
From: Greg Bierly <gbierly [at] dejazzd.com>
Subject: Re: ETCP Handbook
Date: Sun, 20 Mar 2005 23:53:36 -0500

> I guess will probably need a couple of more years before I can take 
> the exam because I certainly do not spend enough time on rigging to 
> qualify for the 30 points.

I haven't taken the time to work out how many hours I have actually 
rigged in the past 16 years but I don't think I'll get anywhere near 
the required number of points to qualify to take the exam.  I know the 
reasoning but it does exclude the smaller market people who there are 
only so many gigs in a year that need a rigger.  IE I only get called 
as a rigger about 10 times a year.  I would guess there are only about 
25-30 rigging calls a year and usually we are talking 4 hours in and 
2-3 hours out max.  Now I did work for a production company for 6 years 
full time and I was in charge of attaching spansets on the trusses and 
rigging them to the genie crank towers.  That usually took about an 
hour a gig for maybe 50-75 days a year.  That gets me 3-5 points.  
Would those days even count since I was not on a "rigging" call?

I am just wondering out loud.  I would love to be "certified" but am 
not sure how feasible it would be for me to take the exam anyway.  btw 
I became a rigger because I had a rope and wasn't terrified of heights 
and they needed someone to walk out on the beam.  I can see in an 
established market the possibility of internships and apprenticeships 
but I don't ever see that happening around here.

Greg Bierly
Technical Director
Hempfield HS


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

In-Reply-To: <list-21118739 [at] prxy.net>
References: <list-21118739 [at] prxy.net>
Message-Id: <8e2c83dd8581fa5772a9af1e863ad213 [at] dejazzd.com>
From: Greg Bierly <gbierly [at] dejazzd.com>
Subject: Re: Moving lights - Ellipscan
Date: Sun, 20 Mar 2005 23:56:25 -0500

> Some cheaper fixtures don't have the best smoothing algorithms and 
> will drop
> information and not move the mirror a step because of the DMX having a
> different resolution then the stepper motors. These dropped bits 
> slowly add
> into the position error over time.

Herein most likely lies the the difference between a $250 elipscan and 
a pricey moving light fixture (or even the I-Cue).

Just a guess on my part.

Greg Bierly
Technical Director
Hempfield HS


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

Date: Mon, 21 Mar 2005 00:07:00 -0600
Subject: Re: Moving lights - Cost?
From: Greg Persinger <gregpersin [at] comcast.net>
Message-ID: <BE63C0A4.A9E3%gregpersin [at] comcast.net>
In-Reply-To: <list-21161538 [at] prxy.net>

Joe Dunfee wrote:

> Since we are talking about the Ellipscan, I have a related question.  I am
> surprised that fixtures like this haven't dropped to something like $200
> now.  The necessary electronics and stepper motors are pretty low cost
> nowdays.  I realize that theater is not a mass market... but it is not a
> small one either.  Also, non-theater venues are certainly using plenty of
> theatrical type lighting.  Why haven't prices dropped more?


Joe the stepper motors alone cost around $40 each. Add in all of the other
pieces and I am sure cost on the fixture is more than $200. You can't sell
below cost and stay in business.


Greg Persinger
Vivid Illumination

Greg [at] Vividillumination.com




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

Message-Id: <6.2.1.2.0.20050320125214.027fbb98 [at] localhost>
Date: Sun, 20 Mar 2005 12:59:57 -0500
From: Jerry Durand <jdurand [at] interstellar.com>
Subject: Re: Children's Museum Light Board
In-Reply-To: <list-21037603 [at] prxy.net>
References: <list-21035264 [at] prxy.net>
 <list-21037603 [at] prxy.net>

At 11:18 AM 3/18/2005, you wrote:
>I was thinking of doing 3 or 4 channels FOH (Warm, Cool, Clear, ?) that 
>are 2 fixtures each.
>4 channels on the LX for the drops (R, B, G, A) again two fixtures each.
>
>The trick is - how do I control them. Looking at small portable theatrical 
>dimmers (The NSI NCM-508 and such) I need a DMX control board. Well I am 
>worried that this board will not last long. Also it would be ideal to have 
>big levers that we can color code and such.
>
>Of course they have a very small budget - the number I heard was $500 for 
>all the lighting - I think there is some flexibility if I could find the 
>right package.
>
>I have an old two scene preset that I could scavenge, but then I need 
>dimmers that take an analog signal. The dimmers ideally would fit on two 
>20amp circuits. I imagine I could modify the DMX levers with the handles 
>from the preset - but price is also a factor.
>
>Does anyone know of small analog dimmers - anyone have any sitting in the 
>back room?

At the Stage Expo we had a mini-stage in our booth lit with 5W halogen 
lamps using our just announced DC dimmers.  They take DMX or DALI 
(architectural) inputs and can drive a LOT of halogen or other low voltage 
lights for their size/cost (10A continuos at up to 40V).

We had as part of our demo a two-scene preset board controlling one of our 
DMX controllers (using RS-232).  That board took me about two days to make, 
if you have access to any hardware hackers or find a high school that needs 
a tech project, that wouldn't be hard to build.

Buying our gear new would be a bit outside your budget, but we will be 
selling off the items we used in the show at a good discount (since it's 
now "used").  If you're interested in any of it, contact me off-list.


----------
Jerry Durand
Durand Interstellar, Inc.
219 Oak Wood Way
Los Gatos, California 95032-2523  USA
tel:  +1 408 356-3886
fax:  +1 408 356-4659
web:  www.interstellar.com




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

Message-Id: <6.2.1.2.0.20050320130321.027fbd68 [at] localhost>
Date: Sun, 20 Mar 2005 13:06:23 -0500
From: Jerry Durand <jdurand [at] interstellar.com>
Subject: Re: gmail
In-Reply-To: <list-21039499 [at] prxy.net>
References: <list-21037428 [at] prxy.net>
 <list-21039213 [at] prxy.net>
 <list-21039499 [at] prxy.net>

At 12:29 PM 3/18/2005, you wrote:
>What is this thing about G-mail?  As far as I can tell somebody is getting 
>something for getting other people to participate.  Is it SPAM?  So far, I 
>have not been interested enough to find out, but now that is has surfaced 
>here, I get curious.

They give you free e-mail in exchange for advertising showing up based on 
the content of your messages (the Google computer reads your mail, not a 
human).  For example, if someone with gmail received a message talking 
about DMX512, it would be very likely for them to have one of our 
advertisements appear next to the message (sort of "this message brought to 
you in part by Durand Interstellar").

>Besides,  I am here in AZ while everyone else is at play in Canada :-(


Well, don't know about "play", I'm currently sitting in an airport on a 6 
hour layover with no WiFi available.  :(



----------
Jerry Durand
Durand Interstellar, Inc.
219 Oak Wood Way
Los Gatos, California 95032-2523  USA
tel:  +1 408 356-3886
fax:  +1 408 356-4659
web:  www.interstellar.com




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

End of Stagecraft Digest #336
*****************************