Mass Historia

Blog Comments: a Dying Breed

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 09:26:06 -0800

It isn't a compelling point, since I have not been very active in keeping my blog up to date lately, but I would like to let folks know that I will be disabling comments on most of my future posts. The reason is the pervasiveness of robotic spam machines that insert the same sort of crap in the comments fields in blogs and "guest books" that you get in your email.

Using Sirsi Unicorn to build a digital library

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 10:26:17 -0800

On Tuesday, April 8th 2008, I made a presentation at the "UUGI Superconference" on using the SIRSI Unicorn library catalog system to create a digital document library. I am putting the slides up on my website in case anyone who attended the briefing wants a copy of the slides.

Things You Can Do to Fight State Park Closures

Sat, 29 Mar 2008 09:53:33 -0800

There is a bill before the State Legislature that would declare 48 State Parks "excess property", which would release them for sale and development.

While we may all be angry about the proposed state park closures, just being angry will do no good. The only way we can make an impact is by making ourselves heard.

Here are a few ways:

Civilian Re-Enacting

Sun, 23 Mar 2008 10:21:07 -0800

If someone wants to get dressed up in a uniform, and march around playing "bang you're dead", it is generally not too difficult to find some kindred spirits to play with.

However, for those who are more interested in the more peaceful aspects of history, it is sometimes a bit harder.

The "Save Our State Parks" Website

Sun, 23 Mar 2008 09:56:53 -0800

The folks who are fighting to save our State Parks from the Governor's planned cuts have set up a website to coordinate their activities.

It can be found at http://www.savestateparks.org/

Vintage Dance Workshops Around the World

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 09:45:47 -0800

This has been passed to me by Richard Powers of Stanford University:
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Marketing for Preservation Groups

Sat, 15 Mar 2008 08:40:05 -0800

This may be of interest to preservation groups.
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Newport Vintage Dance Week - August 11-17 2008

Sat, 01 Mar 2008 10:27:35 -0800

Here is information on the Newport Vintage Dance Week.

Living History Protest in Sacramento

Tue, 05 Feb 2008 06:58:34 -0800

Here is info from David Freeman, who is organizing a "living history" protest against the proposed park closures. This protest will originate in Sutter's Fort and then march a few blocks to the State Capitol.

For more information, contact Mr. Freeman directly.

A message from Mr. Freeman follows:

The Governor's Plan to Close State Parks

Mon, 21 Jan 2008 07:29:33 -0800

I don't generally make political comments on the web, but Governor Schwarzenegger's recent proposal to close a raft of state parks to address the budget deficit has me livid.

Dance Class Technology

Sat, 29 Dec 2007 09:07:42 -0800

Teachers of historical dance are not, as a general rule, the first to embrace new technology. Once they are comfortable with a particular arrangement, there seems little incentive to change.

However, the 21st Century has brought with it some very useful tools, which can make the teacher's job much easier, enhance flexibility and save a lot of time wasted looking for the right CD and the right track or (perish the thought), cuing the tape to the right spot.

What follows is my particular solution. There are other ways to do this, but this is what has worked for me.

Flash Packet Sings Sea Shanties

Thu, 29 Nov 2007 10:15:04 -0800

Among the many other things I do, I am part of a Sea Shanty group called "Flash Packet".

One of our members, Bill Howard, recently completed a video that showcases our group. It is now up on Youtube.

AOL - The Final Chapter

Wed, 24 Oct 2007 18:22:33 -0800

As I have mentioned in several previous posts, AOL's idiotic and ham handed block policies have shut out all AOL subscribers from receiving the information I send out about local vintage dance and history events. However, it looks like I have found a work around.

Middle Aged Swashbuckling

Mon, 01 Oct 2007 09:13:23 -0800

This is something of a departure for me, as I try to avoid too much personal stuff (I find self indulgent blogs deeply boring). I will, however make a slight departure in this case, as the topic has something of a historical connection. I would like to speak in praise of the one sport that has ever held my interest: fencing (I don't consider dancing a sport, and dislike attempts to make it one)

A Costumer's Yard Sale

Tue, 25 Sep 2007 12:14:00 -0800

You are cordially invited to join us on Sunday, October 14th 2007 from 10 to 3 PM. About a dozen costumers will be emptying their closets and bookshelves of historical and fantasy costume, vintage clothes, books, camp furniture, weapons and what not. It should be quite a show, with many a bargain. The historical periods covered will range from the middle ages to the 20th Century.

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