I recently got back from my long vacation. It was great. I was able to relax and spend some quality time with the family. I did not do any work while on vacation for the first time in years! I decided to get a book I had wanted to read instead. I read through Glenn Beck's 'Common Sense' pretty quickly and went out and picked up Neil Boortz's 'Somebody Has to Say It.' I really enjoyed both books. When I returned I bought Neil Boortz's two other books about the Fair Tax. I have read the first, but I am only part way through the second (well, work is picking up again). I have become a supporter of the Fair Tax. From what I have read (and researched...I don't tend to believe only one side), it could prove to put the buying power back into the hands of the people.
While I suggest you do your own research on the subject before you make up your own mind, I hope to get you at least interested enough to do just that.
The Fair Tax is a consumption tax (not a sales tax). It would be a 23% tax on all goods and services which would be paid by everyone (including the government). 23%?!?! Are you kidding me? That would kill us, you say? Well, before this would happen they would do away with all other FEDERAL taxes. No more IRS, no more April 15th tax filings, no more capitol gains taxes, no more death tax, no more retirement account taxes, etc. This would not, however, affect state taxes unless they took it upon themselves to change it. Just imagine for a second if you received the money in your check the federal government takes from your check every pay period? "But," you say, "what about Social Security and Medicare? Those are a huge part of my paycheck too." That's the beauty of this plan. No more Social Security or Medicare taxes either!
The 23% was determined by economists to cover all federal taxes coming in, including Social Security and Medicare. The taxes only count on new purchases, so a new car...taxed. A used car...not taxed. Each item is only to be taxed once. Also, the tax is only levied at the retail level. This means businesses will not be adding additional costs into their product; we will only see the final 23% added onto our price. Our tax structure is out of date, if it was ever in date, and needs reform. Why not take the power out of the hands of lobbyists and put it back with whom it rightfully belongs, the American people.
The larger paycheck allows us the opportunity to save more for the future and put the capitalist ideal back in play. How would we create competition again? Right now off shore banks are a tax haven for businesses that are trying to stay competitive with world markets. Our current tax structure doesn't allow them to lower their prices enough to beat the prices of overseas businesses. An example from Mr. Boortz's book revolves around car sales. A Mercedes can sell for less than a Cadillac in the US because our tax structure doesn't effect the German car company as heavily as in does General Motors. The Fair Tax would make the US a tax haven, rather than the off shore banks being that tax shelter. Businesses would flock back to the US. Not only that, but to compete here, businesses from other countries would have to set up shop here as well. Boy, that sounds like a lot of job creation! And, as we all know from the law of supply and demand, as the number of people working rises, so will pay. As we find more money in our pockets, sales go up, the economy grows exponentially, and we become the most power nation financially once again.
The creators of the Fair Tax don't want this tax to cripple anyone, so they also proposed a "prebate." It would be a predermined, based on income, beginning of the year payemnt to help offset the cost of "basic necessities." A check would be cut for every head of household based on income and occupants in the home. It would also be based on the poverty line and help families buy the goods required for basic living. Otherwise, you are free to spend and save your money as you please! Sounds good to me! I think I know how my money should be spent, and I'm damn sure I know better than soemone who has never met me or my family.
This across the board tax is not without problems. The legislative branch would still have the ability to raise the percentage rate, but that only means we have to stay vigilant when it comes to our elected officials (which might not be such a bad thing). Spending would also still be an issue. As I mentioned before, the 23% would only equal the current amount coming in. Spending is still out of control, so that would still need to be addressed, but one problem at a time.
This is not everything by a long shot, but I hope this has peaked your interest enough so that you will research it yourself. If you like what what see, please contact your congressmen and senators and urge them to support the Fair Tax. You can read 'The Fair Tax' or go to www.fairtax.org and get what you need.
Take action! As the baby boomers retire government programs will start to fail. As more and more businesses leave, fewer and fewer individuals will be left holding a bill that will crush us all. If you don't agree with the Fair Tax, then find something else to hang you hat on. Just do something before it's too late.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
We Would Be Fired For This!
The New York State Senators have done it again!! The Senate Democrats ducked in the back door of the chambers before a special session was to begin and locked themselves in the room. They did this before Republicans could also enter the room.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/24/nyregion/24albany.html
If I refused to come to work for two weeks and then locked my coworkers out of the theater, I would be fired. If you went to your place of business and refused to work with others, locked them out of their office, or just plain old refused to do your job, you would be fired. At the very least you would be docked pay, time, or benefits. The conduct of our representatives is atrocious. They were elected to do a job. We may not always agree with their results, but at least they can say they were doing what we "hired" them for. For the last two weeks they have not done their job. Now, after being forced to actually do something (God forbid!!!) a group of them pull a stunt like this?
I've heard many people call for the firing of politicians in the past. I've probably mentioned it myself. The difference revolves around the issue of why people call for their removal. I always hear about the ridiculous laws being considered or passed, but when constituents say, "That person isn't doing their job!" they mean that person isn't passing the laws they would like. But in the case of these recent actions I am willing to say, "These people are not doing their jobs!"
Is now the time that New Yorkers can stand up and say enough? When will it be enough? I'm sure the representatives will tell you that we can make our voices heard in the next election time. Oh wait, they are blaming the opposite party members for this mess and are trying to get us to elect more of their party to solve it. Right!!! That must me the problem!!! "It's not me, it's the other guy." Well, I can't wait for my next job review. All the good stuff was me, and all the bad stuff was other people. Raise please!!
I would be fired for these same tactics. My employer would not wait a year or two to take action. They would fire me immediately. I wish I knew if we could replace these employees. What's that? Employee? That's right, they work for us!! We elected them to complete a task. A majority of the residents of each district elected a man or woman their representative. They employed that person to represent their interests in the state senate. They are no longer fulfilling their obligations. I could start making outrageous claims like 'no taxation, without representation,' or trying to blame one party over another, but I only want one thing.
Go back to work or quit now. Frankly, I don't care which. Start working or move out of the way for someone who will. I'm so tired of this fighting between parties while you spit in our faces. Good luck at re-election time. You will need it!!
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/24/nyregion/24albany.html
If I refused to come to work for two weeks and then locked my coworkers out of the theater, I would be fired. If you went to your place of business and refused to work with others, locked them out of their office, or just plain old refused to do your job, you would be fired. At the very least you would be docked pay, time, or benefits. The conduct of our representatives is atrocious. They were elected to do a job. We may not always agree with their results, but at least they can say they were doing what we "hired" them for. For the last two weeks they have not done their job. Now, after being forced to actually do something (God forbid!!!) a group of them pull a stunt like this?
I've heard many people call for the firing of politicians in the past. I've probably mentioned it myself. The difference revolves around the issue of why people call for their removal. I always hear about the ridiculous laws being considered or passed, but when constituents say, "That person isn't doing their job!" they mean that person isn't passing the laws they would like. But in the case of these recent actions I am willing to say, "These people are not doing their jobs!"
Is now the time that New Yorkers can stand up and say enough? When will it be enough? I'm sure the representatives will tell you that we can make our voices heard in the next election time. Oh wait, they are blaming the opposite party members for this mess and are trying to get us to elect more of their party to solve it. Right!!! That must me the problem!!! "It's not me, it's the other guy." Well, I can't wait for my next job review. All the good stuff was me, and all the bad stuff was other people. Raise please!!
I would be fired for these same tactics. My employer would not wait a year or two to take action. They would fire me immediately. I wish I knew if we could replace these employees. What's that? Employee? That's right, they work for us!! We elected them to complete a task. A majority of the residents of each district elected a man or woman their representative. They employed that person to represent their interests in the state senate. They are no longer fulfilling their obligations. I could start making outrageous claims like 'no taxation, without representation,' or trying to blame one party over another, but I only want one thing.
Go back to work or quit now. Frankly, I don't care which. Start working or move out of the way for someone who will. I'm so tired of this fighting between parties while you spit in our faces. Good luck at re-election time. You will need it!!
Monday, June 8, 2009
The TONYs
I watched the TONY awards with my wife last night. I just wanted to get a few things down regarding the show.
First of all, Neil Patrick Harris did a great job as the host. There were a few good jokes that were delivered well. The end of the show song was great. It was well performed and the perfect end to the program. My wife thought a few jokes were harsh, but my sense of humor was greatly appreciative.
In my opinion, the addition of the touring companies performing was kind of a slap in the face. There is a lot of great theater happening in NYC and beyond, but they felt the need to promote old Broadway shows that will more than likely do fine in the towns they travel to. The commercial was unnecessary.
The "Creative" awards were given the shaft again this year, but I felt they did even more this year than usual. Every time someone comes back from a Broadway musical I get a quick synopsis of the show, a quick note on their opinion of the performance, and then I get a lengthy description of the special effects, costumes, makeup and scenery. So, why would we want to show our thanks to those that created the story and designed the effects?!?!?!
A few technical issues came up during the show. The sound department had a rough show. Mics were muted a few times, off stage mics picked up backstage and audience noise, there were some monitor troubles, and the prerecorded shows were not mixed very well. Bret Michaels also had a bit of a rude awakening. He was late on a cue, turned around and walked right into a piece of scenery that was flying in. It looked like he was trying to jump up onto a platform and his hat blocked his view from the wall coming down. It caught him right in the face and he went down.
I also noticed that the 'Frankie' from the NY production of "Jersey Boys" moved downstage early because the lights did not go with him when he moved.
As always the performances were good. The lighting was really well put together, and it was nice to see humble performers receive well deserved accolades. I just wish they would give the technicians and playwrights the attention they deserve.
First of all, Neil Patrick Harris did a great job as the host. There were a few good jokes that were delivered well. The end of the show song was great. It was well performed and the perfect end to the program. My wife thought a few jokes were harsh, but my sense of humor was greatly appreciative.
In my opinion, the addition of the touring companies performing was kind of a slap in the face. There is a lot of great theater happening in NYC and beyond, but they felt the need to promote old Broadway shows that will more than likely do fine in the towns they travel to. The commercial was unnecessary.
The "Creative" awards were given the shaft again this year, but I felt they did even more this year than usual. Every time someone comes back from a Broadway musical I get a quick synopsis of the show, a quick note on their opinion of the performance, and then I get a lengthy description of the special effects, costumes, makeup and scenery. So, why would we want to show our thanks to those that created the story and designed the effects?!?!?!
A few technical issues came up during the show. The sound department had a rough show. Mics were muted a few times, off stage mics picked up backstage and audience noise, there were some monitor troubles, and the prerecorded shows were not mixed very well. Bret Michaels also had a bit of a rude awakening. He was late on a cue, turned around and walked right into a piece of scenery that was flying in. It looked like he was trying to jump up onto a platform and his hat blocked his view from the wall coming down. It caught him right in the face and he went down.
I also noticed that the 'Frankie' from the NY production of "Jersey Boys" moved downstage early because the lights did not go with him when he moved.
As always the performances were good. The lighting was really well put together, and it was nice to see humble performers receive well deserved accolades. I just wish they would give the technicians and playwrights the attention they deserve.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Projector vs. Laptop
Not that I want this blog to turn into a theater only blog, but since I have a big part of my life take place in a theater, I guess it will take up a big part of my thoughts. I had a moment over the weekend that actually left me speechless and motionless. We had a group using the theater for speech and we came in to get everything set up. The speaker brought his own Mac Book to run the slide show and hooked into our projector. Everything was working fine, but he asked me to enlarge the image to fit the screen better.
"No problem!" I started to adjust the image....CRASH!!!....
My head snapped around to look at my colleague. The look of shock was apparently VERY funny. The threads let go and the projector came crashing down out of the ceiling mount. The other issue was that the laptop was sitting directly under the projector. It crushed the monitor on the laptop.
The presenter could not have been more understanding, which I can't tell you how much I appreciated. The discussion quickly changed to how we could still run the presentation and we started on time (with a new laptop and projector).
Not the way I wanted my Saturday to go.
"No problem!" I started to adjust the image....CRASH!!!....
My head snapped around to look at my colleague. The look of shock was apparently VERY funny. The threads let go and the projector came crashing down out of the ceiling mount. The other issue was that the laptop was sitting directly under the projector. It crushed the monitor on the laptop.
The presenter could not have been more understanding, which I can't tell you how much I appreciated. The discussion quickly changed to how we could still run the presentation and we started on time (with a new laptop and projector).
Not the way I wanted my Saturday to go.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Certification II
Wow, I must say I am really impressed. The designers in Texas really came through. Before the end of the day, the legislature got the message are planning to rewrite the bill to exclude temporary installers/designers. Nice!!
Certification
A new bill was just passed this morning in Texas. It was supposed to address permanent installations, but the wording, being too broad, has involved theatrical lighting designers. The bill has the potential to be interpreted so that all lighting designers, permanent or temporary, need to have a certain level of certification. (While it is a little unclear to me thus far how much certification, it seems to be an electrician or architect license.)
The original intent of the bill was to require interior designers and other lighting professionals that design permanent installations to be certified. The law currently requires them to have their drawings looked over prior to final approval by an architect or engineer. This could be a costly step for home and business owners when the extra pair of eyes is required in the process. Having a certified person design is an interesting step, and while I feel it isn’t necessary, I can see where the Texas legislature is coming from.
In another brilliant lawyer minded move however, they have cast the net too wide and caught up a series of professionals that could cause loss of jobs, not only for lighting designers, but for other theatrical professionals. What could happen to already stretched thin budgets when you have to pay for certified designers for each production? Just because you don’t give credit to a light designer in the program, doesn’t mean someone wasn’t responsible for the lighting. Now do we run into legal issues every time we have to alter light plots? This could begin the dawn of permanent repertory plots in smaller venues that can’t afford to pay for the redesign. That might be blowing it out of proportion just a tad, but I do fear the ripple effect of other states using the same language. As budgets are eaten up by higher personnel costs, the shows and companies could start to go under, which is always the fear when major costs are thrown at smaller professional and community theaters.
I don’t live in Texas, so my voice will not be of great help. If anyone in Texas is out there, please contact your governor and tell him to veto this bill. (Like I said before, it passed this morning [5/27/09]) Have them change the language of the bill to cover only the permanent installations and to leave the temporary lighting exempt. And those of us in New York can hope they don’t follow Texas in the wording of this bill, and if they do, please be prepared to make the necessary calls!
The original intent of the bill was to require interior designers and other lighting professionals that design permanent installations to be certified. The law currently requires them to have their drawings looked over prior to final approval by an architect or engineer. This could be a costly step for home and business owners when the extra pair of eyes is required in the process. Having a certified person design is an interesting step, and while I feel it isn’t necessary, I can see where the Texas legislature is coming from.
In another brilliant lawyer minded move however, they have cast the net too wide and caught up a series of professionals that could cause loss of jobs, not only for lighting designers, but for other theatrical professionals. What could happen to already stretched thin budgets when you have to pay for certified designers for each production? Just because you don’t give credit to a light designer in the program, doesn’t mean someone wasn’t responsible for the lighting. Now do we run into legal issues every time we have to alter light plots? This could begin the dawn of permanent repertory plots in smaller venues that can’t afford to pay for the redesign. That might be blowing it out of proportion just a tad, but I do fear the ripple effect of other states using the same language. As budgets are eaten up by higher personnel costs, the shows and companies could start to go under, which is always the fear when major costs are thrown at smaller professional and community theaters.
I don’t live in Texas, so my voice will not be of great help. If anyone in Texas is out there, please contact your governor and tell him to veto this bill. (Like I said before, it passed this morning [5/27/09]) Have them change the language of the bill to cover only the permanent installations and to leave the temporary lighting exempt. And those of us in New York can hope they don’t follow Texas in the wording of this bill, and if they do, please be prepared to make the necessary calls!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Summer
Now that the Memorial Day weekend has past. The summer schedule has officially begun. At work events tend to slow down, summer projects start to eat away at me, and vacation seems within reach.
I have been working a little harder on the upcoming Theater Program/Drama Club shows because we are producing some good portfolio shows. I have been working for years on productions that I did not need to produce extensive paperwork for. As the Scene Designer, TD, carpenter, painter, Lighting Designer, electrician, programmer, etc., I did not have to worry whether or not my original vision would be produced accurately. But now I am left with a lack of work to put with the photos from my shows. We are producing 'Pippin' and 'The Cherry Orchard' this coming fall. I feel these two shows could be great additions to my work since they are both well known titles, something that doesn't happen too often in a single semester. With my time this summer I plan to produce the normal paperwork as if I was not the all-in-one person hired. This way I can show future employers that I am capable of doing the job correctly. My hope is that I will be able to a design or two each year away from MVCC to keep a professional resume to go along my work at the school.
Summer projects always seem to creep up on you, but they seem to bring friends ever since we bought the house. This summer I have two projects that have been eating away at me. I finally put together the play set for Caroline which freed up the space for the new pool/storage shed. I have some design ideas already and I am looking forward to getting...oh wait...what's that over there. The back deck!!! It is falling apart. Right now Sarah and I are looking at what kind of money we can put into either of these two projects. The deck is bad and I wanted to install some new gates so Caroline can't get to the pool as easily, but I also wanted to put in that outdoor fireplace/chimney as well along with the deck. We'll just have to wait and see on those.
Ah, vacation. The week of no responsibilities (unless you include watching the little one, of course). No lawn mowing, no job worries (with no internet that becomes far easier), no home improvement projects, no cats jumping all over you, just fun in the sun and fireside antics. Good times. While I don't really do count downs, an informal one has begun.
I have been working a little harder on the upcoming Theater Program/Drama Club shows because we are producing some good portfolio shows. I have been working for years on productions that I did not need to produce extensive paperwork for. As the Scene Designer, TD, carpenter, painter, Lighting Designer, electrician, programmer, etc., I did not have to worry whether or not my original vision would be produced accurately. But now I am left with a lack of work to put with the photos from my shows. We are producing 'Pippin' and 'The Cherry Orchard' this coming fall. I feel these two shows could be great additions to my work since they are both well known titles, something that doesn't happen too often in a single semester. With my time this summer I plan to produce the normal paperwork as if I was not the all-in-one person hired. This way I can show future employers that I am capable of doing the job correctly. My hope is that I will be able to a design or two each year away from MVCC to keep a professional resume to go along my work at the school.
Summer projects always seem to creep up on you, but they seem to bring friends ever since we bought the house. This summer I have two projects that have been eating away at me. I finally put together the play set for Caroline which freed up the space for the new pool/storage shed. I have some design ideas already and I am looking forward to getting...oh wait...what's that over there. The back deck!!! It is falling apart. Right now Sarah and I are looking at what kind of money we can put into either of these two projects. The deck is bad and I wanted to install some new gates so Caroline can't get to the pool as easily, but I also wanted to put in that outdoor fireplace/chimney as well along with the deck. We'll just have to wait and see on those.
Ah, vacation. The week of no responsibilities (unless you include watching the little one, of course). No lawn mowing, no job worries (with no internet that becomes far easier), no home improvement projects, no cats jumping all over you, just fun in the sun and fireside antics. Good times. While I don't really do count downs, an informal one has begun.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Patting Myself on the Back
I had to come up with a quick and creative solution to a lighting problem yesterday. Our light board did not have enough unlocked/authorized channels to cover the large light plot we hung for the summer events. I was able to get he funds to unlock the necessary channels, but I found out at the end of the day that it may take a week or more to get the unlock codes! Not good.
I was steaming and thinking about the last time I upgraded a light board and how quick the request went through...WAIT! Eureka! The last board!
I starting hooking up our old light board. The people working with me looked at me like I was crazy. I had just received some adapters that were going to help me access more channels around the theater and I could use those to get half of my lighting to our old board. The two boards combined could handle the total channels needed to run the plot until I get the upgrade.
The first universe of DMX will run the conventional light fixtures and the LEDs. The second universe of DMX is freed up to run all the moving lights. It is a tight fit, but it is necessary until I can get the upgrade codes.
I need to get back to programing two light boards, but I am a little proud of myself for coming up with this solution so quickly.
I was steaming and thinking about the last time I upgraded a light board and how quick the request went through...WAIT! Eureka! The last board!
I starting hooking up our old light board. The people working with me looked at me like I was crazy. I had just received some adapters that were going to help me access more channels around the theater and I could use those to get half of my lighting to our old board. The two boards combined could handle the total channels needed to run the plot until I get the upgrade.
The first universe of DMX will run the conventional light fixtures and the LEDs. The second universe of DMX is freed up to run all the moving lights. It is a tight fit, but it is necessary until I can get the upgrade codes.
I need to get back to programing two light boards, but I am a little proud of myself for coming up with this solution so quickly.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Way to Go Jen!!
I just found out that my sister Jen has a cool new project that she is working on. As some of you may know, my sister was a contestant on the 5th season of Project Runway. This gave her something she desperately needed; a platform for her designs to get out to the public. Her life on the show was cut short (she was robbed), but she did come back to team up with another designer and win one though!
That being said, Jen has recently been contracted to make a dress for an actress to wear on the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival. Awesome, I know, but you can follow along with the design process at her blog site: http://thesuitelife-jennifer.blogspot.com/
Check it out!
(Shameless plug alert!!!)
She also has a etsy website to buy your very own designer merchandise. You can find that at suite.etsy.com.
I do apologize for taking so long to get back to posting, but work has kept me really busy. I have a lot to get to in terms of updates. I may post a little more frequently than once a week to catch up, so check back when you get a chance!!
That being said, Jen has recently been contracted to make a dress for an actress to wear on the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival. Awesome, I know, but you can follow along with the design process at her blog site: http://thesuitelife-jennifer.blogspot.com/
Check it out!
(Shameless plug alert!!!)
She also has a etsy website to buy your very own designer merchandise. You can find that at suite.etsy.com.
I do apologize for taking so long to get back to posting, but work has kept me really busy. I have a lot to get to in terms of updates. I may post a little more frequently than once a week to catch up, so check back when you get a chance!!
Friday, February 20, 2009
Theaterhelper.com
If you just can't get enough of what it is I have to say, then you my friends, are in luck! One of my friends runs a website designed to help people interested in technical theater. I have been able to write a few different articles for the website on special effects and lighting. If you have any interest in theater, this could be a great resource for tips and tricks to put together a good production.
TheaterHelper.com can also help those those with questions about educational theater. There are articles that can shed light on the different degrees that are offered, portfolio tips, and job opportunities.
With the educational information and professional tips provided, it really does become a one stop shop for theater amateurs, students, and professionals. I hope you will check it out.
www.theaterhelper.com
TheaterHelper.com can also help those those with questions about educational theater. There are articles that can shed light on the different degrees that are offered, portfolio tips, and job opportunities.
With the educational information and professional tips provided, it really does become a one stop shop for theater amateurs, students, and professionals. I hope you will check it out.
www.theaterhelper.com
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Proud and Disappointed
You know what makes me wildly proud and extremely disappointed all at the same time? My daughter can say she has done more work on a college production than some theater majors. My daughter is two years old.
Last semester I was working on a small theatrical production and the students were practically non-existent when it came to assisting on technical aspects of the production. One weekend my wife decided to bring me lunch and bring my daughter along to see me. She really liked to see what Dad was working on and I asked her if she wanted to help. With a dirty look from my wife I handed my daughter a small screw gun (don’t worry, I was holding it too!!) and held her up to set a screw. She liked it, but then realized her new calling; handing screws to Dad. We counted them out and she helped me pick the next place to put a screw. It was some of the most fun I have had being a parent. I was very proud of my little girl.
Then I realized later that she had actually done more technical theater work than some of our theater majors. If you take away the experience the students get out of the technical theater courses, then the number of students with backstage experience drops dramatically. I was proud of my daughter for successfully completing a task far beyond her years (even if I did help a lot), and I know most two year old kids don’t put in time on theatrical productions, but college students who have chosen theater as a career should have more time in on production work than any two year old. I am disappointed that most students I meet today that choose acting as a career feel that knowledge about the technical side of productions is uninteresting and unimportant. The age old “when am I ever going to use this?” argument has been used in my class.
It’s sad that an interest in their chosen profession is so lacking in today’s student. Hopefully I will be able to keep the enthusiasm up in my daughter so that she wants to learn about every aspect of whatever it is that she wants to accomplish. The quickest way to success is having the knowledge to get you to where it is you want to go.
Last semester I was working on a small theatrical production and the students were practically non-existent when it came to assisting on technical aspects of the production. One weekend my wife decided to bring me lunch and bring my daughter along to see me. She really liked to see what Dad was working on and I asked her if she wanted to help. With a dirty look from my wife I handed my daughter a small screw gun (don’t worry, I was holding it too!!) and held her up to set a screw. She liked it, but then realized her new calling; handing screws to Dad. We counted them out and she helped me pick the next place to put a screw. It was some of the most fun I have had being a parent. I was very proud of my little girl.
Then I realized later that she had actually done more technical theater work than some of our theater majors. If you take away the experience the students get out of the technical theater courses, then the number of students with backstage experience drops dramatically. I was proud of my daughter for successfully completing a task far beyond her years (even if I did help a lot), and I know most two year old kids don’t put in time on theatrical productions, but college students who have chosen theater as a career should have more time in on production work than any two year old. I am disappointed that most students I meet today that choose acting as a career feel that knowledge about the technical side of productions is uninteresting and unimportant. The age old “when am I ever going to use this?” argument has been used in my class.
It’s sad that an interest in their chosen profession is so lacking in today’s student. Hopefully I will be able to keep the enthusiasm up in my daughter so that she wants to learn about every aspect of whatever it is that she wants to accomplish. The quickest way to success is having the knowledge to get you to where it is you want to go.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Living in New York State
I live in New York State. I have never lived in any other state. I don’t hate New York or New Yorkers. I have high hopes for the Central New York economy. Or should I say HAD high hopes?
I am not a financial expert, in any sense of the term, but I am having a problem with how I see my state government acting during this economic climate. I was raised to believe in hard work, a good education, and always thinking about the future to secure economic success. While not a specific plan, it does lay a ground work on which I try to build my financial future. I believe the basic solution to a strong home budget is controlled spending. Credit cards and debt are the enemy. In practice, I must admit, I may not always follow these rules to the letter. I believe some debt is unavoidable. For example, I am unable to make large purchases, such as a home or car, in full. Debt must be incurred to have the large ticket items. You know what I don’t own? A boat, motorcycle, luxury car, massive house, or many other big ticket items. I can’t afford them. The debt that I would accumulate would put a strain on my finances and possibly make it impossible for me to pay them off. The more money I have, the more I am likely to spend, but I know when my check comes there is a finite number printed on it.
I don’t think the politicians in New York share my philosophy in financial planning. If I’m concerned about a budget gap, I adjust my spending. The little things I like to do get cut first to make room for essentials. I am seeing increased spending on a state and national level while we are asked to strap in and take it. Are the politicians cutting their spending at all? This excerpt from a story in the Washington Times suggests they aren’t.
“Talk about a pet project. A tiny mouse with the longtime backing of a political giant may soon reap the benefits of the economic-stimulus package.
Lawmakers and administration officials divulged Wednesday that the $789 billion economic stimulus bill being finalized behind closed doors in Congress includes $30 million for wetlands restoration that the Obama administration intends to spend in the San Francisco Bay Area to protect, among other things, the endangered salt marsh harvest mouse.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi represents the city of San Francisco and has previously championed preserving the mouse's habitat in the Bay Area.
The revelation immediately became a political football, as Republicans accused Democrats of reneging on a promise to keep so-called earmarks that fund lawmakers' favorite projects out of the legislation. Democrats, including Mrs. Pelosi, countered that the accusations were fabricated.”
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/feb/12/earmark-less-bill-gives-pelosis-mouse-cookie/
The other side of the economic crisis is the slow retail sales. Again, I am far more willing to spend money that I have. Along with the increased spending from the federal government come the increased taxes and fees from New York State. The lesson I am taking away here is spend more with less. They want me to go out and buy to stimulate the economy. Only they are going to add fees to what I buy and increase how much they take before I even get my check. Isn’t buying when we can’t afford to what got us into this mess to start with?
Governor Patterson, please stop trying to stop trying to fill gaps in the budget by squeezing more money out of the people who have the ability to save the economy. The politicians have it only partially right. We can spend our way out of this crisis. But, when I say we, I mean the American public, not the giving money to large struggling businesses. They will stop struggling when their quarterly profits go up after the public consistently buys their products again, not when you just hand over a onetime cash award.
I am not a financial expert, in any sense of the term, but I am having a problem with how I see my state government acting during this economic climate. I was raised to believe in hard work, a good education, and always thinking about the future to secure economic success. While not a specific plan, it does lay a ground work on which I try to build my financial future. I believe the basic solution to a strong home budget is controlled spending. Credit cards and debt are the enemy. In practice, I must admit, I may not always follow these rules to the letter. I believe some debt is unavoidable. For example, I am unable to make large purchases, such as a home or car, in full. Debt must be incurred to have the large ticket items. You know what I don’t own? A boat, motorcycle, luxury car, massive house, or many other big ticket items. I can’t afford them. The debt that I would accumulate would put a strain on my finances and possibly make it impossible for me to pay them off. The more money I have, the more I am likely to spend, but I know when my check comes there is a finite number printed on it.
I don’t think the politicians in New York share my philosophy in financial planning. If I’m concerned about a budget gap, I adjust my spending. The little things I like to do get cut first to make room for essentials. I am seeing increased spending on a state and national level while we are asked to strap in and take it. Are the politicians cutting their spending at all? This excerpt from a story in the Washington Times suggests they aren’t.
“Talk about a pet project. A tiny mouse with the longtime backing of a political giant may soon reap the benefits of the economic-stimulus package.
Lawmakers and administration officials divulged Wednesday that the $789 billion economic stimulus bill being finalized behind closed doors in Congress includes $30 million for wetlands restoration that the Obama administration intends to spend in the San Francisco Bay Area to protect, among other things, the endangered salt marsh harvest mouse.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi represents the city of San Francisco and has previously championed preserving the mouse's habitat in the Bay Area.
The revelation immediately became a political football, as Republicans accused Democrats of reneging on a promise to keep so-called earmarks that fund lawmakers' favorite projects out of the legislation. Democrats, including Mrs. Pelosi, countered that the accusations were fabricated.”
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/feb/12/earmark-less-bill-gives-pelosis-mouse-cookie/
The other side of the economic crisis is the slow retail sales. Again, I am far more willing to spend money that I have. Along with the increased spending from the federal government come the increased taxes and fees from New York State. The lesson I am taking away here is spend more with less. They want me to go out and buy to stimulate the economy. Only they are going to add fees to what I buy and increase how much they take before I even get my check. Isn’t buying when we can’t afford to what got us into this mess to start with?
Governor Patterson, please stop trying to stop trying to fill gaps in the budget by squeezing more money out of the people who have the ability to save the economy. The politicians have it only partially right. We can spend our way out of this crisis. But, when I say we, I mean the American public, not the giving money to large struggling businesses. They will stop struggling when their quarterly profits go up after the public consistently buys their products again, not when you just hand over a onetime cash award.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Introduction
Master of something...I just don't know what yet!
I am finally making my way into the blog-o-sphere. I don't really know if that is good or bad, but it is happening. I spent a good hour with my wife trying to think of a name for the blog. We tried taking my interests and putting them together to make up a clever title. I came to the realization that I have many talents, but I have yet to be able to hang my hat on any of them. That gave me the title of my new blog.
I hope to get my opinions out there and maybe pass along some helpful hints now and again. Let's hope this isn't what I'm the best at!!
I am finally making my way into the blog-o-sphere. I don't really know if that is good or bad, but it is happening. I spent a good hour with my wife trying to think of a name for the blog. We tried taking my interests and putting them together to make up a clever title. I came to the realization that I have many talents, but I have yet to be able to hang my hat on any of them. That gave me the title of my new blog.
I hope to get my opinions out there and maybe pass along some helpful hints now and again. Let's hope this isn't what I'm the best at!!
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