As you can see in the chart above, the best option will vary by application. I’ll touch on the pros and cons of the top few.

• Incandescent: Completely ruled out. With the cost of a CFL bulb as low as it is, there’s no point to these bulbs. I suspect you won’t see them on the market very much longer.
• CFL: Great for most applications. The wattage range to LPW ratio gives you options between 120 and 7200 Lumens. The only real disadvantage to these guys is that they are not at full brightness the instant you turn them on. Some of these bulbs will take a couple minutes to grow to their full intensity. If that’s not an issue, they are probably the best choice for average room lighting.
• HID: These guys are pretty cool. Double the lifespan of a CFL and brighter per watt of energy consumed. The only problem is you can’t find them in low lumens. The dimmest bulb is going to be around 2300 Lumens, a little more light than your average 150 Watt Incandescent.
• LED: Longest living bulb on the market, these guys are awesome. Downside here is the max Lumens, somewhere around 720. Similar to the standard 60 Watt Incandescent and their price. I expect these to evolve quickly, allowing brighter bulbs with a lower purchase cost. Likely the bulb of the future.

10 light fixtures with 100 Watt incandescent bulbs will consume 1000 Watts, product 12,600 Lumens and cost on average $120.0o per year to use*.  To get the same amount of light production from CFL, you could instead use a 19 Watt CFL bulb, the will use 190 Watts, product 12,000 Lumens and cost on average $22.90 per year to use*. As you can see, switching to CFL will save about you hundreds of dollars per year and save 81% of the energy use.

*Based on 3 hours/day, 11¢/kWh. Actual cost depends on your use.

It is my hope that you find this blog series helpful to making informed decisions about your home. I felt the need to start this series with the topic above because it’s something everyone can put into practice right away with a very low investment cost.

If you learned anything about by reading this post or have suggestions for the next topic, please comment below!

So I have been making it a point to visit an establishment more than once before blogging about it. This pattern has not changed with Playmakers. My first encounter at this place was for lunch. A new restaurant, I wasn’t surprised to find the place fairly empty in the way of customers. With that, I held high hopes. With little work for the staff to do, perhaps they’d work hard to make my experience a great one. I ordered the BBQ Burger. The service was pretty good. The food was average. Nothing too special, but not bad. Worthy of a second visit.

Today, at least a month later, I went for dinner and to watch the Steeler’s game with a couple friends. I think there were about 8 people in the place when I got there, my group adding 4 more. The service was interesting. The food, again, average. Our waitress came to the table at least every 10 minutes to see if we needed anything. Normally, if we were drinking, that would have been a good thing. However, due to the lack of the right liquor license, they are unable to sell liquor on Sunday. After about 2 hours and at least 15 visits from our waitress, the constant checking on us started to get annoying. Everytime she came to the table, we were good and didn’t ask for anything. One would think she’d take a hint. The final straw was 4 minute to halftime in the game when we were informed that the place was closing in 15 minutes. Seriously? A sports bar closing during an NFL game? Quite shocking. Particularly when there’s 6-8 people sitting at the bar drinking beers. It’s not like there was no business at all.

Average place but unfortunately poor business plan. Maybe they’ll do alright, but it’s not a place for me. Best of luck to you, Playmakers. You may succeed, but it won’t be by my dollar.

Intros are over. Time to skate. First to jam are Killy and monster. I’m not sure what strategy that first jam was but it worked for the knockers. Monster busts through for a quick 3 points

Cq takes lead, 4 pt jam. Steamers up 1 as fright takes lead jam with 2 points. Steamers up 6-3

Buddha tried to split 2 knockers and got sandwiched. Knockers score 1.

Next jam Killy busts through. Sends a quick taunt and has an unproductive jam. No points scores.

Cq gets another lead and quickly scores 4.

Bad mooney takes great lead for a grand slam plus 2. Tied at 11. Great bout so far

Knockers have fright stuck in the pack hardcore. Double grand slam for the knockers but 2 knockers in the box as a result of the jam. Knockers up 23 to 11

Steamers hold off the knockers jammed long enough for Killy to score 4 and call it

Cq blatantly cuts the track and gets caught. Poweriam for monster. Refs FINALLY call 20′. Another steamer to the box. 11 points for monster knockers up 19

Another good jam for knockers for 4 points. This HK team looks like a completely different team from last week. They are skating awesome. Their strategy is working

4 more points knockers. 42-15

Knockers flying everywhere to take out Killy with no results. Knockers got lead but only 1 point

Takeout is back! Cq cuts the track again but gets away with it. Powerjam for steamers! Go CQ go. steamers get 8. Scary got back in and called the jam but I hear it wasn’t a legal call as she never retook lead jam. Not sure what happened there but the jam is over.

Buddha in the box but halo and the other blockers are doing great at holdin knockers jammed back. Somehow Buddha manages to get 4 after coming back in. 54-27 knockers

Takeout is jamming for the first time in a long time. Grandslam plus 3 Welcome back TO

Monster gets another lead jam. Every jam she skates she takes he outside between turns 1 and 2 and easily gets the lead. Watch out for that steamers !

Of course no sooner do I say that, monster jams and goes inside. Another lead. Another 4 points

There refs refuse to call 20′. WTF

TO is jamming again and making it look simple. 5 grandslams and he steamers jammed was NOT in the box. How the hell does that happen??????

Halftime

2 jams over in second half and HK up 100 to 48

Looks like steamers may have figured a few things out at halftime. Cq with some great hits on monster let’s fright get a quick grand slam. Let’s go steamers. You can do this.

I love these blocks. Sandwiched between 2 blockers and when they let you go you get hit by the one in front of you. Scary for HK in box. Powerjam for Killy. 15 points, 104-48

Quick 4 for cq. Steamers are a late game team. Watch out HK. I’m calling it a comeback.

Fright with the hidden trip and gets away with it forcing a 0 point jam for HK. Fright ends up in the box giving HK a fresh powerjam. Refs again ignore 20′ rule. Halo comes out of the box just to get sent back.

Monster takes the outside wall again and gets lead. 4-1 knockers up 120-57

Halo takes out a knocker and a ref in a great hit. Knockers score another 4.

Looks like the knockers are back. Steamers jammers can’t seem to get out of the pack. Insane.

Let’s pay attention refs. Cq gets hit in the face. Clearly bleeding and she gets sent to the box? What the hell. Prima goes to box, freeing cq who comes out blazing and scores 5 before the jam ends.

129-62. Under 10 minutes in bout

Powerjam for steamers. Killy gets laid out and gets back into it. 20 foot!!!!!!!!!! Killy scores 14.

Fright is again stuck in the pack, rough jamming night for her. V scores 5 for a score of 134-76 with 5 to go

Damn can halo hit hard

Killy takes lead over monster and monster looks like Shes pissed. She skated harder than I think I’ve ever seen to catch up and limit Killy to 1

Knockers playing some great clock management strategy. 38 seconds to go with the knockers up 56. Fantastic skating knockers. Game over 143-93. Epic game

Game 2 coming up next hellbombers v pinups

Intros done. Time to skate. This game should be quite entertaining. 2010 hazard cup rematch

Match opens with blatant tripping and a another no call. WTF refs??? 4-2 pinups

No lead jammer Souleater pulls down her teammate trying to gain speed but it doesn’t help. 8-3 jam for hb. Great jam eduskater.

Eva and another skater tried sandwiching destroya with utter fail. One pinup goes down and destroya keeps going. Great!

Razor takes quick lead but having to deal with eva’s speed she only gets 1 point. 16-11 hb

Great blocking going on from both teams. Hb up 20-14. Sparkles takes lead but Eva is close behind. 1 point to hb

Razor takes lead with soule still stuck in the pack. Morbid is making it impossible to pass her. 3 points hb

Slaughter hits way out, beyond the 20′ and gets sent to he box. 4 points to pinups. Nice jam

Destroya takes an elbow to the face and still manages to fight through it and get lead. She looks hurt but won’t give up. 7 points

Eva breaks loose for a quick 4 for pinups.

RAzor takes another quick lead jam and gets 1/2 track lead. Scores 4 and calls it. 36-22 hb

Pixie pushes for a lead jam quite skillfully but sparkles is right behind her. 0 point jam. When sparkles loses lead jam it seems it lights a fire under her skates cause she closes the gap between her and the opposing jammer crazy fast!

Eva blew to near lead jam and slaughter appeared out of nowhere to block and keep eva from getting it. Quick skates slaughter another 0 point jam

Eduskater fights through for a 4 point jam. 7 minutes left in first half

Destroya jammin gets credit from Kent smith for getting her grove on at the jam line.

Hellbombers blockers are hitting hard tonight. I would not want to be on he receiving end of those hits. Small jams but hb is doing fairly well at running this game

Powerjam for hb gets them 10points 53-22 hb

Pinups just can’t keep together in the pack.

Soule whips pixie out for lead jam coupled with great trapping of hb jammer yields 8-0 jam. Keep that up pinups.

Again pinups get lead and trap the hb jammer for a 3 point jam. Halftime 53-33 hb

Halftime is over. Let’s do this.

Again sparkles speed limits pixie to a 1 point jam

Injury timeout, mandy gets up on her own and looks okay.

Pixie takes lead and when trying to make it back through he pack to score takes a crazy hit from sparkles.

Hb up 62-36

Pixie gets sent to the box giving sparkles a powerjam. 9 points. 71-36

I wish I could say more but this is just a solid match. Again, both jammers make it out quickly for a 0 point jam

Eduskater gets sent to the box. Pixie has a chance to close this gap but the veteran hb blockers stop pixie, holding her to only 2 points. Pinups were giving pixie no help whatsoever. At times even hindering pixie. Come on and work together.

2 bombers in the box, one of which is slaughter who has been in there 3 times already ( I thing that count is right)

Sparkles blazes around he track for 4 points before she calls it. 75-43 hb

Slaughter goes down taking out a pinup and unfortunately takes eduskater out with her. Sucks more cause eduskater is they’d jammer.

Eduskater lost her star helmet cover and some idiot NSO takes it off the track nooooooo please educate people before they officiate.

Another taunt from sparkles. Love it.

Nice help bruises. Pave the way for your jammer. 85-56

Eva takes lead and score 4-1. Eva jamming back to back. Razor is her opposing jammer and blazes out for 4. 91-60

Wow. Razor takes lead and Eva as the opposing jammer blocked razor until pinups pack catches up and absorbs razor for blocks. Awesome strategy

Slaughter to he box again! Sparkles runs through for another 10 points 102-60. I did not expect this bout to go this way. I thought it would be much closer but the bombers came out in it to win it.

Eva takes lead after a split pack. Scores 3 and calls it.

Kent smith. Shut up! I don’t want a burrito

Bout over 106-67

Verizon Wireless: In my mind, VZW is the clear leader in the industry if you are looking for solid coverage and options on your choice of cell platform (“Dumb” phone, Android, iPhone and WinMo). It will be rare that you don’t have the ability to make a phone call, barring being in a building that’s playing hell with their signal. The downside? VZW is not very innovative and there’s a serious lag between the time that a manufacturer releases a phone to the market and Verizon will launch it. Of course, there’s two sides to that coin. It take them forever to launch a phone, but that’s because they put it through rigorous before they will allow it on their network. They work very hard to ensure it will perform well and that their customers will not suffer. Now that they have finally launched the iPhone, I believe it’s only a matter of time before they crush the competition. The other downside to Verizon is that they use CDMA technology, which is not globally compatible and has fallbacks like the inability to support simultaneous voice and data usage.

Sprint: Sprint is a company focused on the “all you can eat” style plan. They hedge their bets on users that need a lot of usage capabilities (or *think* they need unlimited usage. They offer a very affordable “unlimited everything” plan. What’s the downside? Their coverage is fairly poor. Granted, it got better when Spring purchased Alltel/Nextel back in 2004, but they are still behind the game. Personally, I would suggest that their users look at their actual minute and data consumption. Do you really need unlimited or would you be better off with a more solid carrier with a “limited” plan that still offers all you need? Sprint uses the same CDMA technology as Verizon, so again, you’re limited to US coverage.

T-Mobile: With T-Mobile, you get a few awesome benefits. Their customer service is one of the best around. Also, this company really pushed innovation. They were the first to launch Android and look at how the platform has grown. They are consistently launching the latest and greatest devices. The downside with T-Mobile is again, coverage. T-Mobile does use GSM technology, so simultaneous voice and data do work. In addition, their phones can be used globally.

AT&T: I left these guys for last because it’s hard for me to be objective when discussing them. I have a problem with AT&T as a whole company. At one point, I would have said the primary benefit to them was the iPhone, however that’s no longer the case with VZW getting it on their network. They do use GSM, which is a good thing. Their coverage map is not as large as Verizon, but they are very clearly the number 2 in the country in terms of technical coverage. The problem is their network is so antiquated and overloaded with users and usage that it has become a huge liability. Dropping calls is not uncommon at all. Poor signal, you’re lucky to be a customer of theirs and not run into times when you can’t get signal. Overall, they are just very poor. I am convinced that had it not been for their long time exclusivity with the iPhone, they would have gone out of business ages ago.

——————

So, what sparked this post? Well, in recent news, it’s become known that AT&T is attempting to purchase T-Mobile for $39 billion. A clear statement by AT&T that they recognize that their network is a sore spot and that in order to stay afloat, they need to take drastic actions soon. Well, I have a big problem with the purchase of T-Mobile. First and foremost, it’s going to hurt the consumers and put a screeching halt to innovation in the industry. AT&T does not drive change. They don’t push manufacturers to keep producing new phones with new features. T-Mobile, however, does – and does a good job at it. Do you think that mindset would stay with T-Mobile upon purchase or would it get swallowed by AT&T? I think the latter. Second, it would make AT&T the only GSM carrier in the US, giving it a monopoly on that technology. There’s a reason we have anti-monopoly laws in this country. It hurts the market and it hurts the consumer. The only benefit is to the company.

Fortunately, the FCC has already unofficially stated there’s “no way” they would allow this merger to take place. Thank you FCC for watching out for the consumers. One of my best friends is very opposed to a big government with oversight over business among other things. I think this is a prime example of why the FCC and government regulation is needed. Consumers 1, AT&T 0.

Bout 1. Hellbombers vs. Cleveland steamers

Here we go. Time for intros!

Pain Austin is bench managing steamers. Awesome! Slaughter is back on skates.

Killy gets first lead jam. Steamers up 2-0

Nice hit halo! 1 point steamers.
Nice blocking all around. Fright gets lead jam. 4-1 steamers

Razor takes hb first lead jam. 5-4 steamers

9-5 hb. Nice jam eduskater

Nice hits and blocks hb. Nice taunt Killy. Hahaha

Fright drafting halo for the lead. Awesome! 17-9 hb

Fright takes lead. 23-13 hb

Coco slams through a steamers wall, 27-13

This may be a lower scoring game but it’s intense! Fright is looking great jamming this year so far. Not sure what she did in the off season, but it shows.

32-20 hb

Coco tried busting through the steamers wall again but it didnt work. 34-22 hb

Grand slam Killy

35-33 hb. Great effort Killy.

Last jam coming up. Cupquake takes lead First half is over. Steamers take the lead 36-35!

Ok. Second half. Killy takes lead. 39-35 steamers.

Grand slam and then some for buddha. 47-38 steamers

Smart jam destroya 47-42 steamers

Buddha. What moves. Recovers from a hit by spinning. Awesome. Dispite that, the hb get a 10 pt jam. Tie game

Way to miss a blatant cut refs.

58-56 steamers

Powerjam for hb. 67-62 steamers.

Powerjam steamers and Buddha(steamers jammer) to the box. 80-77 steamers.

8 minutes left in bout.

Did razor just hurdle a down teammate? Amazing. 81-80 hb has the lead

Cq’s back wheels fell of. Crazy!

Hb wins 87-84

Towards the end of overtime; with the Heat down by two points, the Heats final chance to tie the game went out the window when LeBron settled for a long three point shot. It was surprising to see LeBron take the shot, since there was still time on the clock for a much safer play.

Yet again, the game is on the line, there’s time left on the clock and good ol’ LBJ stands there with the ball, letting the clock wind down. When he feels the time is right, he takes his career 33.1% (at time of this posting) success rate 3 point shot and as many would expect, fails again.

LeBron, if you read this, which I know chances are about 99.9999999% that you won’t, I have one thing to say to you. It’s true that the Cavs were contenders while you were here. It’s true that they suck now. The reason Cleveland never got a ring under your tenure is because you are a ball hogging ego driven man who thinks he is God’s gift to Basketball. The truth of the matter is that while there is no doubt you are one of the best (not THE best, but certainly in the group) players to grace the court, you will never succeed until you begin to realize that you are not the only player on the team and when it comes down to the line, it’s not your responsibility to make that game winning shot. It’s your responsibility to make the right “DECISION” and take the shot or pass to a teammate (yes, you have teammates) who is in a better position to come through. Everyone knows you want the highlight reel on ESPN showing LeBron James making the game saving shot, but wouldn’t you rather see the highlight reel where LeBron AND TEAM win the NBA Championship?

While the Cavs may have a horrible record, and can’t seem to get it together, they are still a better team without you. They play with more heart and more passion than they ever did with your lazy ass around. So, here’s to you, Mr. James. The best and worst thing to ever grace the city of Cleveland. I don’t miss you, the town doesn’t miss you. In fact, many are glad you are gone. Cleveland will have their day in the spotlight and it will be a proud moment being there without you. And at the rate you are going, we’ll be there before you as well.

I’ve given a lot of thought to this subject and I really think I can help. You see to many people IT guy is a mystery; a reclusive, surly shadow that descends upon you in your hour of need and disappears thereafter, from sight and consciousness, moving on to the next user in distress. Dealing with such a creature may seem complicated or daunting. Keeping that in mind I’ve come up with 10 guidelines for successfully navigating the pitfalls of dealing with your IT guy.

1. Thou Shalt Not Forget Thy Password
We understand that you have multiple passwords and most times they are different. Requiring you to change your password, for security reasons, to you seems unnecessary. We get that. Nonetheless you have to change your password and you know you have to change your password. Resistance is futile. When the time comes to change your password you must engage whatever cognitive function you can muster and retain the information you’ve chosen to use. That brings us to the next commandment:

2. Thou Shalt Not Excuse Thyself In Any Way
When you screw up, own it. The natural inclination is to say “It wasn’t me.” Well it was you. No one else uses your computer, just you. The argument is often proffered “I remember my password; the system is not letting me in.” Let me tell you something “the system” doesn’t care who you are, “the system” doesn’t have any prejudice or bias against you and “the system” isn’t trying to sabotage your day. “The system” just wants the correct password and when it receives that password (that you set by the way) “the system” will gladly let you in. You know how we know that? Because everyone who entered the correct password was promptly let in and did not have to call us.
Another thing, saying “I’m not a computer person” or “I’m computer illiterate” is a cop out. It’s 2010, most jobs require some sort of interaction with a computer. And guess what? Your job requires that you use a computer. Why is it that people wish to be viewed as competent in every other aspect of their job but are unwilling to put any time or effort into figuring out what every ten year old knows how to do? You don’t have to be a “computer person” to operate a computer and saying you are “computer illiterate” tells us you are either lazy or not bright, we’ll let you pick.

3. Thou Shalt Not Start Thy Query With “Quick Question.”
The implication here is that you’re so busy that you need a brief answer right away or that the question is insignificant and therefore not worth either of our time. Both of these are irksome. We fully recognize that this prefix to your question is rooted in your IT guy’s ‘don’t bother me’ persona and that it is intimidating to call him. You may think ‘I’m simply alerting him that I’ll only require a moment of his time’. You don’t know that and can’t control that; beginning your conversation with “Quick question” is a bad idea. Simply state your problem or question and allow your tech support to judge the value of the conundrum and determine the length or brevity of his response.

4. Thou Shalt Respect Thy IT Guy’s Time
We all know the Brothers Grimm tale of a shoemaker and his helper elves. Each night the good shoe cobbler laid out a piece of leather and went to sleep. At midnight the little elves would appear and make shoes while the cobbler slept. In the morning the elves would be gone and the cobbler would find a fine pair of shoes ready to be sold. Well you are not a cobbler and we are not elves. We work the same hours as you. In the evenings and on weekends we go home to our family. We too get to take lunch every day. Inviting us to work on your computer while you are at lunch, at 5 o’clock when you are done for the day, or on Saturday when you won’t be bothered doesn’t work for us.

5. Thou Shalt Not Stop Thy IT Guy In The Hall
If you see your IT guy in the hall there’s a good chance he’s going somewhere. He’s not just wandering aimlessly around the building waiting for someone to stop him with a question or a problem. Odds are someone has already called or emailed him with a question or problem and he’s on his way to respond to them. Your hallway question or problem is the equivalent of cutting in the lunch line. It’s not fair to the others involved. Oh and if he’s not on his way to help someone he’s on his way to the bathroom. He’s been holding it for some time because he was on the phone with someone claiming that they did not forget their password or that they are “computer illiterate”. So please give him a break. A smile or a polite head nod in the hall will usually be returned in kind.

6. Thou Shalt Have No Other IT Guys Before Him
Whether your boyfriend, brother or roommate is an IT guy, computer guru or tech geek is irrelevant. Your support comes from your IT staff. Going to someone else first only makes the problem worse when they can’t figure it out and you are forced to call your IT guy anyway. Saying that you tried to work it out through outside resources does not garner you any points, only chagrin.

7. Hast Thou Rebooted?
With the inevitable bumps in the road that come with regular computer use you’ll experience a glitch, a bug or a frozen application or system. Before frantically reaching for the phone and dialing your friendly neighborhood IT man, stop for a moment, take a breath and ask yourself “Have you rebooted?” You see this will save you from shamefully answering “No.” when your IT guy asks you that very question when you know good and well that would most likely have done the trick in the first place.

8. Thou Shalt Not Be Cute
Your IT guy visits many different people throughout the course of the day. He sits in offices and cubicles, on some chairs that are comfortable and others that aren’t. Working on computers requires that he sits at a desk that is not his own in a workspace where you are accustom to seeing others sit. When stumbling upon this out of the ordinary scene you may feel compelled to make comments such as these: “Why Barbara you’ve changed.” or “My Bob, you look different today.” or “Suzie, did you get a haircut?” These are not original and to your IT guy, who hears this six times a day, it is maddening. Resist the urge; fight it with every fiber of your soul. We beg you.

9. Thou Shalt Not Be Disingenuous
Starting your phone call with “Hey buddy” or “What’s up brother?” does not make us buddies or brothers. Asking “How’s your day going?” or “What’s new with you?” may seem polite but in the context of why you are calling is moot. We are not buddies as we never hear from you other than when something is wrong or you need something. This is not a social call; you are calling because you have a request for help or service. Pretending it is anything else is just a waste of our time and your energy. You give no thought about your IT guy unless you have a problem. We accept that, let’s move on.

10. Thou Shalt Express Thy Gratitude
IT guy is a thankless job. He is remembered only in your hour of greatest frustration and angst; to be immediately forgotten once the crisis has been addressed or the problem solved. If you really want to get along with your IT guy this commandment is above all others. Say thank you and mean it. You will endear yourself to him in a way that even he doesn’t understand.

Stolen from this guy. With an addition:

11. If you know someone who is an IT guy by profession, don’t call them only when you need help with your computer. Nothing drives us crazy more than when we only hear from “friends” or “family” when their computer is broken, or they need a new wireless network. Personally, if the only time I hear from you is when you have an IT problem, chances are I won’t help you and will instead ignore your calls. Here’s a thought for you all out there – show us some love outside of the IT realm. The fact of the matter is often times, we don’t know the answer to your problem, we just know how to find the answer or figure it out. In the end, we are people too, we’re just smarter than you.

Will I fail. That question haunted me for weeks. I ran around touting this show as a guaranteed success. I invited all my friends and family. One could even say I bragged a time or two about growing into the Producer role so quickly. After all this promotion and publicity, would everyone just point and laugh or would it be a raging success? All in all, I learned many things through this experience. I learned that when working at the volunteer level, it’s quite difficult to motivate people to do their “jobs” without their simple response of “I quit”. I learned not to always count on things getting done properly if I don’t plan on doing them myself or directly following up on them. I learned that dispite having doubts in certain individuals or goals, sometimes the people you don’t expect to come through and knock it out of the park. In the end, the curtain opened each night and closed with applause. The show received great reviews and a lot of positive experiences for most of those involved. For me, I learned that being a Producer is not a task I am ready for. It’s a job better left to those who can live with imperfection and potential failure. I expect the best. I always give everything my all and I expect nothing less from the people I work with. It appears that when working with a volunteer group, not everyone is willing to live up to that expectation. That is not something I am prepared to accept.

So, it’s November 14th. Drowsy closes and my next show is already on the cusp of curtain. A Christmas Carol, performed by Garfield Heights High School Theatre, opens December 3rd on the same stage. This leaves me, as GHHS Technical Director, exactly 3 weeks to go from empty stage to opened curtain. Oh what the undertaking this has become. As I write this, the students are preparing for a preview performance in a few hours and the curtain will open to an audience tomorrow. The set is done, for the most part. It’s not what I would like, but how much can you really accomplish by yourself in 3 weeks? The sound effect edits are done. The special effects are in place. The lights are programmed and we’re ready to go. GHHS Theatre used to be my #1 passion. It was where I devoted my time. I regret to say that during this show, that has not been the case. Drowsy ran me dry and took what energy I had left in me. I pushed through Christmas Carol, but the result is not what I expected and I am disappointed in myself. When Spring comes, and a new round of shows are on the schedule, things will be reversed. My students deserve more. My mentor deserves more. The parents and students of the Garfield Heights Schools deserve more, and more is what they will get.

The last 3 months have been an enlightening, eye-opening and educational time for me and dispite the bumps in the road, I am glad to have experienced it. Glad to have been through it all and I feel I have come out a better person.

– UPDATED 5.1.2011 –

I just realized that this post never completed for some reason. I was quite disappointed. The first time it came out, the meat was still cold. Seriously?? COLD! The worst part was that the owner claimed to have learned his Corned Beef recipe from Slyman’s, so of course my interests were peaked. After I was served the same sandwich again, just heated up, I gave up. I won’t step foot in there again. If you do, I hope you experience better than I.