Other Technologies

So, I was discussing this class with my musical director for the play, and he gave me a great idea for a blog post: the technology that goes into performing theatre.  We use technology that people don't even think about.  In this particular musical we have a revolving turn table in the middle of the stage.  There is a HUGE motor that controls the whole thing, and all together it weights about 6500 lbs!  Another more obvious aspect of theatre is the lighting.  I went up to the catwalk yesterday to check out the lights and realized how extremely complicated it can be.  We have hundred of lights that are controlled by a large light board.  And sound!  Not only do we have live music in the pit, but there are also sound effects that need to be recorded and put into a particular order in the sound booth so they play at the right time.  I never realized how much technology is used in a show until I actually checked it out for myself!  Props to the guys that run this stuff, they are brilliant!  

Too Much Tech?

So here is my first blog.  Ed says talk about technology so I guess there are a few things I can talk about... First, something I've mentioned before is about lap tops in school.  In my high school students were given lap tops when they were in 7th grade to have for the rest of their undergraduate career.  I was always jealous that these students got lap tops and my grade didn't.  I realize now how LUCKY we were not NOT have these computers at our every whim.  Not only does the class of 2007 have excellent penmanship, but we also are not DEPENDENT on these devises.  I can recall the students giving the laptops away for summer vacation and some students actually CRYING about it.  You would think that they are appendages.  Like they're losing their left arm or something!  I'm so grateful that I am not attached to my computer like these guys are. Second, cell phones!  I got a cell phone when I was 15.  I begged my parents for one and they gave me this little brick.  It was a Nokia and I think I only used it to call my mother.  Now kids that are 9 years old have cell phones.  My 10 year old cousin has been begging for one for about 2 years.  I asked him this past Christmas who he would be calling with his cell phone and he replied frankly, "momma."  My 7 year old cousin is a text messenger.  She uses my cell phone to send texts to her mother.  She is almost quicker than I am.  I am absolutely astounded by these children who have the intellect to comprehend devises like these!  I was no where near this level of comprehension when I was 8.  Times are changing.  For better or for worse?