Grandma\u27s Restaurant, 1987

1987 Menu from Grandma\u27s Restaurant, One City Center building food court. An exterior view of One City Center in 1985 can be seen at this link.https://digitalcommons.portlandlibrary.com/menus/1024/thumbnail.jp

Towards a New Paradigm for Intuitive Theatrical Lighting Control

A simplified model of a lighting process applied in theatrical productions is one that involves two key players. The first is that of the lighting designer, to produce a set of intentions and plans for the scenes that define the show. The second, the lighting technician, has the job of translating these designs into practice using control equipment, luminaires, and other technical instruments. The lighting design often becomes a ‘working document’ subject to change and adaptation as the physical reality of the design becomes apparent, and the input of other stakeholders is considered. This process can be a valuable creative tool, and also a difficult technical hurdle to overcome, depending on a varied number of factors. A common frustration with this process is that either the complexity of the task, or difficulty in communication can make it difficult for the final creative vision to be effectively realised. Strains may also arise in the case of small, often touring, theatre companies where the lighting designer and technician may be the same person, and frequently one of the performers as well. Considering the design aspect, there can be challenges in ensuring efficacy of lighting plans between venues in touring productions, with 2D lighting sketches or even 3D computer simulations confined to the paper or screen. From a technical perspective, the role of the lighting technician in theatres and performance situations has included the operation of lighting control equipment during shows. The equipment has evolved over time but has, until recently, been grounded upon the basis of faders and the mixing desk. It is argued that this paradigm has failed to keep pace with the change in other interactive technologies. The on-going research described in this paper explores existing and upcoming technologies in the field, whilst also seeking to understand the roles and communication workflows of those involved in theatrical lighting to find the best areas to seek improvement, adopting principles of user-centred design. The intention of this research is to develop a new paradigm, and manifestation of it, using a control method for lighting or projection that allows a more intuitive form of operation in theatre productions, which will be scalable and flexible

Letter from Grandma to Mrs. Muir [Louie Strentzel Muir], 1892 Sep 11

Honey Grove Texas Sept 11th 1892 Dear Louie, We shall probably start home on Wednesday the 21st of Sept as by that time we will have made a pretty long visit. They all want us to stay longer but I think Georgia will like to go then, she says she has net been homesick yet but I fear she will if we stay too long. What do you think about Louie [Ervin] going home with me? Uncle Zack has decided to go back to his old home, and will take all the children except Lorraine. When he returns he will [remain] with Lacy in [ ]. Louie is quite a handsome girl 17 years old, and they all tell me is a very [good] girl, is very studious and anxious to learn, is fond of reading and talk, but little has a low [voice] and speaks her words very quickly. She seems to have a perfect passion for drawing and painting, she only began last January, and I think it is surprising what progress she has made in so short a time. I have not said anything to her yet about going, [ ] to her father and mother, for I do not know what would be best for the child. If she could remain here and go on with her studies she might do well, but I fear she will go back with them. I know our children would be delighted with her and I have thought she could study with them when you get another teacher, and stay six months, or a year, and by that time we could see what would be best for her. I want you to write and tell me what you think of it. The day of the wedding has been changed again, they will be married on the 13th, which is next Tuesday. The wedding will be very quiet, only the relatives and a few intimate friends will be present. Mr. White is a merchant here, is a brother of Eva’s husband, is a widower with one child. He seems to be a steady good man, but I think [the family] they do not like him as they did [ ] Mr. Smith. Aunt Bessie and Mary always shed tears when Mr. Smith’s name is mentioned. They went with me to his grave and cried like their hearts would break. He must have been a noble man from what they all tell me. I fear the grapes will not come in time but we tell [ ] we can eat them after she is gone to San Antonio on her wedding [ ]. You must send Alice a [ ]. Write and tell me how you all are. Hope your health is better. Love to the children. Grandm

Letter from Grandma to Mrs. Muir [Louie Strentzel Muir], 1885

“health and good cheer this Christmastide!” from Grand-ma Grand-pa 188