Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Algo coloquial y muy nuestro. El abucheo a nuestros políticos me parece algo tan frecuente que ha terminado por perder efectos que vayan más allá de lo anecdótico. Sin decir si lo merecen o no, debemos encontrar formas de manifestarnos que no parezcan tan predecibles y que no resulten tan intrascendentes.

El TSM esta listo para la inauguracion.

La Cancha luce impecable. El Verde predomina el estadio.

El TSM se inaugura hoy Miercoles 11 de Noviembre del 2009. Lo impresionante de las instalaciones que serán estrenadas con el partido entre los Guerreros del Santos y el Santos de Brasil.

El TSM es de gran nivel.

Santos estrenara estadio.

I realise I have been lacking in blogs recently. It wasn’t that I was lacking time, but rather that the Seagull was very “regular” and I struggled to find anything to blog about. It was very classical, and maybe not quite my thing, but still good fun to work on. As always I learned new things as I went, but found that the show was quite technically bare. Nothing went wrong, in fact I think everything went really well, but I don’t know if I came across many notable points for reflection.

I don’t think tech week got off to the best start. Monday and Tuesday were LX focus and plot. As TSM crew I found this long and tedious. Perhaps it was because I knew we had a long list of things to do, but we couldn’t do any of them because everything had to be done in silence, in the dark without disturbing anyone. I am happy to sit about and do nothing if there is nothing to do, but otherwise I want to be working away through the list. Anyway, by the time Tuesday afternoon came, I had visited the library and taken out some books to keep me occupied. As the week went on, it got better and better, and we all seemed to agree that Friday afternoon was a fantastic session and we managed to get almost everything in order by then ready for the first dress.

Opening night went really well, but I am also glad we had the dress in the afternoon to make sure we had it all sorted, especially after the changes made. Mostly I am impartial to the changes, but I am disappointed that the Kabukis were cut since we had worked really hard and I thought they looked pretty good.

I think, on the whole, the production was a success, but I found it quite deceiving. When you looked at the design/lighting/tech stuff/general show, it should have been a really straight forward fit-up and show in most aspects, but somehow even near the end of the tech week we were still encountering small problems to overcome and looking back, perhaps there were a few issues which would have been easier to resolve had a different approach been taken. Had it been a longer run I think we should have implemented some more permanent solutions for a few of the more time consuming tasks such as the velcro on the trellises which kept ripping off.

I really enjoyed working Automation and Flies since I felt more involved in the process. I know every job is important, but sometimes when I am the person on the deck tidying-up, coiling rope or holding a bit of wood while someone else drills a hole in it, I feel like a bit of a spare part. I tried to lend a hand with the tedious tasks where I could, but it was nice to get a change in responsibilities and I think it has helped me appreciate one of the most important and dangerous things about working off the deck (but especially on the fly floor) which is communication. While the show was simple, during the fit-up and strike I seemed to have a list of requests which people were adding to by the minute. They were manageable, but I often found myself having four conversations at once and trying to make it very clear which bar was going in, which one was going out and which one had now been clipped while also trying to keep tabs on the weight and positions of bars and lines. All this is made more difficult by other people working around you, chatting and calling to each other across the stage, grid or auditorium.

For anyone who has missed it, here are a few links related to The Seagull:

STV Part 1

STV Part 2

STV Part 3

The Seagull review by The Herald

All in all, The Seagull went well and I was happy with the work I did, but doubt it will make it into my five favourite shows. Next up is Panto which I am really looking forward to. I just have a good feeling that we will all be suitably challenged by the show, and with it being bigger and more complex I am sure there will be more chances for us to take different responsibilities onboard. It’s too early to tell for sure, but I think it might be a good choice for Scott and I to leave after fit-up and begin to work on War and Peace since it sounds like it will be a huge production, gives the first year crew more opportunities and responsibilities on Panto and also means we get the experience of doing two challenging fit-ups without having to endure all the performances of Panto!

This is a relatively short blog since I seem rather stuck for anything to reflect about this week. While I have enjoyed myself since I have returned to the Academy, I have really relaxed into this week and enjoyed myself more. We are now on the stage and it is such a relief to be able to work in your own space and finish a job without needing to negotiate tools and move from space to space several times. All things considered I have really enjoyed this production so far since it has been challenging, but also a good way to ease us back into the Academy.

Below is a very short video of a trial kabuki. We had a bit of a struggle getting the trellises and kabuki masking up and working, but I think we are almost there. There were points during the steeldecking and kabukis which reminded my of the “three holes” incident. (clicky) I was reminded of this because I felt, on a few occasions, there were too many measurements being thrown about and too many people trying to put forward their solutions rather than stopping, talking it through and taking action. This said, I thought Kirsty did a good job at taking all the points and ideas and forming a plan from them. I think the kabuki works well and will look very effective when all six go, but I will let you decide.

Finally, this week the TSM crew worked out a freak coincidence (or perhaps it was fate?) and following in the footsteps of Stage Management, I now proudly launch the TSM logo:

The Spotlight models were asked to share the items they selected to accentuate the designer’s fashions. Their selections are based not on how to show the garment in its actual setting, but in the context of simply “selling” the designer’s work. The result is that you may notice the subtlety of the outfit as a whole, yet you will be able to understand the quality of craftsmanship and intricate details that make each piece unique.

Please keep in mind that this is not a requirement of the Spotlight models. We do understand that selection and proper display of accessories is a trade secret for professional models and we respect their choices either way. I would like to thank those models who participated. Their willingness to share is a gift for all designers and models who aspire to be the very best.

Ora Trei Designs is a women’s and men’s boutique that outfits the stylish avatar from head-to-toe. Founded on Groundhog’s Day of 2009 by owner and designer, Potnia Theas, Ora Trei means 3 o’clock in Romanian. The name is inspired by the concept of trinity and time. The Ora Trei label includes sub-labels/lines, such as “Motif” shoes and “Hair Razing” hair. The Ora Trei label features a wide array of fashions and styles that range from casual-chic to elegantly stylish. Ora Trei mixes flirty and fun with whimsy and fantasy to create a distinctive style. The effect is slightly edgy styles that are always fashionable, sexy and fun to wear.

The pictures blow are screenshots from the actual MODA Fashion Spotlight on Treet.tv.  You can watch the entire archive by clicking on the Ora Trei Designs logo above, and don’t forget to look for the details!

LIANE MAERTENS “Bonjour” Skin: Chaisuki (Mayleen Sunrise) Shoe: B & G Shoes (Melody – Rojo) Hair: Kin (Maia – Black) Necklace: Ding! (Jewelry-Rose Pendant)

LOVE KAWAGUICHI “Cashmere” Skin: Beauty Avatar (Diamante) Hair: Cricri Earring: Etched Bangles: World Bangles

SHELBY ROBBIANI “Charming” Skin: League (Misty Twighlight) Hair: Tiny Bird (Kissy Kissy – Ginger) Shoes: Ora Trei Designs (Charming – Classic Gold) comes with outfit Earrings: Casa Del Shai (Gold Flat Disc Hoops)

KIMBER KASSNER “Checker “ Hair: Fireroses (Noah Hair) Earrings: Jewels by Chloe (Black Night) Shoes & Jacket: Ora Trei Designs (Checker) comes with outfit

RHIANNALYNN LANE “Nychta” Hair: LollipopZ (Gothic Romance 3 – Black) Shoes: SLink (L’Amour Platforms – Black) Earrings: Shiny Things (Pyra – Silver)

LIANE MAERTENS “Filo Di Seta” Skin: Chaisuki (Mayleen Sunrise) Hair: *TSM* (Uwrapped – Black) Shoes: Leezu! (Klara – Brown) Earrings: Leezu! (Zoee – Metal)

LOVE KAWAGUICHI “Flavor Vanilla” Hair: Zero Style (Dana) Shoes: Courtisane (Marquise) Ring: SK (White Diamond) Earrings: Dahlinks Bracelet: Glamurena (Cotton Candy)

SHELBY ROBBIANI “Illumination” Skin: League (Medium-Misty Classic) Hair: fri. (Neva.2-Emo Black) Shoes: Maitreya (Gold-Shanti Nude)

KIMBER KASSNER “Fizzle” Ring: Vega Jewels (Vega) Earrings: Jewels by Chloe (Black Night) Shoes: Calendar Models of SL (Sassy)

RHIANNALYNN LANE “Melody” Hair: ETD (Aiiyanna – Black) Jewelry Set: Earth Jewel (Imperio) Shoes: B & G Shoes (Betsy – Negro)

LIANE MAERTENS “Midnight Hour” Skin: Chaisuki (Mayleen Jelly) Hair: Dark Mouse (Bozena – Dark Black)

LOVE KAWAGUICHI “Soleil” Earrings: Earthstones (Carelian) Ring: Earthstones (Nature Beauty Ring)

SHELBY ROBBIANI “Starlet” Skin: Laqroki (Jennie) Hair: Laqroki (Cutie-Goldenblonde) Shoes: Ora Trei Designs (Starlett Lace Heels – White) comes with outfit Earrings: Earthstones (Timeless Pearl Earrings)

KIMBER KASSNER “Mother Earth” Earrings: Solange! Fashions (Matahari Medallion) Shoes: Plausible Body (Open toe Pumps)

RHIANNALYNN LANE “Antiquity Bridal” Hair: W&Y (Model Hair “8″ ) Shoes: B & G Shoes (Melody – Blanco) Earrings: Earth Jewel (Enchanted Heart Earring with gems)

In ordine cronologico ho conseguito il diploma in Perito Giuridico Economico Aziendale all’ITC Don Milani di Montichiari (BS). Ho proseguito gli studi all’Accademia di Belle Arti NABA di Brescia diplomandomi con una tesi dal titolo “Passaggi. Dall’Arte Pubblica all’Atteggiamento Surpolitico”. Dopodiché mi sono specializzata al Mart di Rovereto frequentando il Master MAC Art and Culture Management della Trentino School of Management.

Nel frattempo ho partecipato a due workshop: “Il finanziamento dei progetti culturali tra pubblico e privato” organizzato da CO.EUR e “L’artista come curatore, il curatore come artista” tenuto da Jan Hoffman presso la NABA di Milano.

For most of this week I have been working with Kirsty, Thomas and Scott doing some pre-prep for The Seagull. We have got a head start which is good, but I felt we struggled along the way because of the same issues I mentioned in my last blog, these being borrowing tools and the lack of space. On Friday it got so bad we were painting kabukis hung from stings tied to the backs of chairs in the corner of the Chandler! In spite of this, I think we worked well with the time and resources given. Hopefully it will be easier as of Monday since we then have access to the venue.

We also spent Wednesday and Thursday working on the 3rd years Pyro show. I really enjoyed it and it has certainly been the best day of the year so far. It was nice to see all the 2nd years working together in one team again. I appreciate they had other commitments, but since all the 2nd years gave their time, it was a shame we didn’t see more of the 3rd years supporting their own Pyro show. I was up on the fly floor (which I was happy to do), but it meant I was one of the few people who didn’t get to lend a hand with setting up the Pyros. All in all the day was a success and I am already looking forward to our show next year.

On Friday lunchtime I went to Jamie’s “Travel Club” again. I went once last year and then couldn’t manage back since I was at SYT. If you want to find out more about the last time I went, look here.

I arrived late because I had to go buy lunch first which threw me a bit and made me feel a bit awkward at first. The session was all about being centred (which is when you are totally happy and confident in yourself) and I found that the questions at the base of the session were really useful. The questions were exploring various things including what makes you anxious, why and how you can change this. I still think that most people from the course would walk away with something useful if they try these sessions, but also think perhaps the sessions would benefit a larger number of people if they were more focused on the base questions. This is because (purely in my opinion) I think many people might discard the classes if they get too “airy-fairy”. I did find the session useful, but the weekend is too short and I have had no time to think about the notes I made. Perhaps I will expand on what I found out during the session in the future when I have more time to consider it.

Think that is all for now!

I have spent most of this week in Workshop with Zander. One of the first things we were asked was “Who is actually interested in workshop?” and I felt quite awkward being the only one who hesitated (as far as I could see). I have no dislike for workshop; the reason I hesitated was that it is not where my natural skills lie, in fact I would go further and say that at points I really struggle. I know at times it is essential to have basic workshop skills as a TSM, and I tried my hardest all week and feel I am improving, but I would also like to point out that TSM also covers many other areas and a lack of workshop skills doesn’t necessarily mean you will make a bad TSM.

We started by learning some of the power tools, then spent the later part of the time doing work with hand-tools. On Wednesday we were set the challenge of rigging a door frame and hanging a door in it, sinking in the hinges so it would work properly. It was good fun and I thought our group worked well as a team, although perhaps I could have got a bit more involved. Even though we were (very) slow to get started, once we decided our strategy, we implemented it quickly and got our door up and running in a short space of time. It took a bit of persuasion to fit the frame, but we got there in the end. I was really proud of my group and thought we did a really good job… until Zander asked to take off the door, turn it around and re-hinge it so other people in the group could try it.  The frame was squint so we had to plane off a lot of the door to make it fit in the first place, leaving the door pretty squint too, so needless to say when we turned it around, it wouldn’t fit in the frame anymore!

Here are a few photos of our second attempt at hanging the door. Not as good as the first door, but it still worked. The photos are sideways and I don’t know why. They show up as portrait on my computer!

I found the basic training really useful and hopefully it will give me a bit more confidence in my workshop skills.

We spent Thursday afternoon and Friday with Kirsty getting prepped from The Seagull. I am looking forward the show, but not sure if I am looking forward to the fit-up since it will be the first time I need to prove myself as a TSM and our prep time has also been cut dramatically by other classes happening in the Ath, leaving us at a bit of a loose end for a few days.

I have also found what may turn out to be a real stumbling block. Workshop and props no longer lend any hand-tools, which is completely understandable due to them always going missing, but could cause quite a problem for other departments. Yesterday we were asked to drill a few holes in the trellises for Seagull. This became a larger job that required when we had to negotiate hard to borrow a suitable drill, use random right-angles since we couldn’t borrow a combination square and then had to go to crockets to buy our own file (by our own, I mean TSM’s not our own personal one). I agree we should all have tools which we will use all the time, but it would be absurd to assume that everyone can buy an entire set of hand tools on the off chance they might require them one day.

This week we are also working on the third year’s pyro show. I am looking forward to it since it is sure to be fun and last year’s one looked really great. However, I am not so delighted with the way the third years approached us for our help. I think most of us are happy to help, but it is not a requirement of the course and we should have been asked rather than told. I appreciate they may be working to a tight schedule and may be getting a bit stressed about it, but that is no excuse for a lack of manners. Regardless, I look forward to the week and will update you once it’s over.

These are this Friday morning’s top day trader and active trader alert stocks.  We have provided a link through to VSInvestor.com with more detailed price and volume analysis on each stock below:

Acorda Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: ACOR) down on FDA link that made its data public.

AVANIR Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVNR) is the top gainer so far as Zenvia data showed positive results at higher doses.

Infosys Technologies Limited (NASDAQ: INFY) beat earnings, but shares are down about 3%.

Savient Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: SVNT) is trading up over 4% after a secondary offering, and an upgrade probably helped here.

Spectrum Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: SPPI) is down sharply on complete response letter from FDA for FUSILEV in advanced metastatic colorectal cancer going against it.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd. (NYSE: TSM) is up marginally on over 1 million shares a sales drop still met plan.

You can join our open email distribution list to get updates each morning on analyst upgrades and downgrades, top day trader alerts, IPO’s and secondary offerings, Warren Buffett and other guru activity, M&A and more.

JON C. OGG
October 9, 2009

These are this Wednesday mornings top Wall Street analyst downgrades and cautious research calls we have seen early this morning:

Anglogold (AU) Cut to Neutral at Nomura.
BP plc (BP) Cut to Hold at RBS.
Cubist Pharmaceuticals (CBST) Cut to Neutral at RW Baird.
Gold Fields (GFI) Cut to Neutral at Nomura.
Smith & Nephew (SNN) Cut to Neutral at UBS.
St. Jude Medical (STJ) Cut to Hold at Canaccord.
Taiwan Semiconductor (TSM) Cut to Neutral at UBS.

You can join our open email distribution list which goes out several times per week for reminders of the top day trader alerts, analyst upgrades and downgrades, IPO’s, key secondary offerings, guru investor data on Buffett and others, mergers, and more.

JON C. OGG

In order to install your own Java Card Applets on to the Nokia 6212 Secure Element (SE) you will need to either talk to the TSM (Trusted Service Manager)(Venyon is the TSM for Nokia phones), OR, you can permanently unlock the SE by using Nokia’s UnlockMidlet (You will need to register to download. Registration is free).

First some warnings:

• The unlock operation is PERMANENT, and cannot be undone.
• After unlocking, no TSM will ever trust your secure element anymore, EVER (because you and other people now have access to the default keys).
• If authentication fails more than 1o times in a row, the card manager will be locked, and you will not be able to install or delete any Applet to/from the SE.
• Unlocking should only be performed if you want to use your phone for development or testing purposes.

You have been warned!

The UnlockMidlet establishes a secure (encrypted) connection between your SE and a Nokia server. The server will then communicate with your SE and set keyset 42 to the default keys (MAC/ENC/DEK = 404142434445464748494a4b4c4d4e4f), and the Mifare card emulation authentication keys (both key A and B) to FFFFFFFFFFFF.

Step by step:

1. Download UnlockMidlet
2. Upload to phone, using either bluetooth or micro-USB cable (in PC Suite mode)
3. Make sure your phone is configured to use (GPRS) packet data (Settings -> Configuration -> Preferred access pt.)
4. Start the UnlockMidlet.

At this point the unlock operation might fail due to “No Server Connection” (at least that happend to me). No matter how I configured the packet data settings, the UnlockMidlet always failed with “No Server Connection”.

However, there is another solution to unlock the SE, by using the SDK Emulator and a OmniKey Cardman 5321 reader:

1. Download UnlockMidlet
2. Download Nokia 6212 SDK (Requires registration. Registration is free).
3. Get yourself a OmniKey Cardman 5321 Reader
4. Download OnmiKey PCSC Driver, Synchronous API and Diagnostics Tool
5. After installing the OmniKey software, run the Diagnostics Tool, and confirm that there is an ‘API’ tab listing “scardsyn.dll” (this dll is required when using this reader in the Nokia SDK).
6. Run SDK ‘Emulator’, and in the Phone window, open the file menu and load the unlock midlet.
7. In the Emulator window, drag and drop the cardman reader from “External Readers” to both 1: “Embedded Tag” and 2: “Embedded Smart Card”.
8. On the Nokia 6212 phone, go to NFC settings and make sure “cards availability” is set to “always”.
9. Place the 6212 on the OnmiKey reader, (lay it down on the reader and let it stay there until the unlock operation is completed).
10. Proceed with the unlock operation in the midlet emulator.

Assuming the unlock operation was successful, you will now be able to install your own Java Card Applets using for example GPShell or GPJ (a pure java version).

i’ve drooled over tsm’s since i saw patty boy’s in the bemis garage, and even more once i saw creature erin’s. recently i’ve been talking with nate about a sick bastard franken-motor idea. i wanted to base it off a peugeot frame, but wanted the stability and gas capacity of a top tank. but finding a tsm? get real. on monday night these path’s colided and mo-luck shined on me. someone posted in the bandit forum that there was a moped about to go for cheap on ebay in louisville. i casually checked it out…TSM?? whoa! a couple hours later i eeked out a winning bid and yesterday i brought this little lady home.

it needs a little love cosmetically, but it was complete and nothing i’ll be using is broken. forks are solid, wheels are good and the frame isn’t rusty. the motor is seized, but i’m not planning using it.

this is going to be my winter project. a full restore. recover the seat, sandblast and paint the tank and trunk piece, get NOS decals and shine everything up. the exciting part comes with the motor. it’s going to be hush hush till we start getting stuff ironed out. but to give you a hint, nate is helping out on it.

The stock market had a good week – up about 2%.  Most significantly, on August 3^rd, Lowry’s intermediate term indicator switched to a BUY!  And the changes in both buying power and selling pressure have been bullish all week.  From Lowry: “While a short-term correction appears possible, the longer term weight of evidence suggests the rally from the March low has yet to fully run its course.”

I am still a bit cautious, because the market has come so far, so quickly.  But I have done a bit of nibbling.  One theme is to focus on buying stocks with a secure good dividend that is likely to grow over the years.  A month ago, I bought some Verizon (VZ), just a bit lower than its current price.  Its dividend yield is ~6%.  Back then I was more nervous about the market, so I also sold the Jan30 calls, which limited the upside, but results in a good 6-month return.  On Friday, I started a small position in MCHP (Microchip Technology).  MCHP has a 5% dividend yield.  They make the boring chips that go in everyday appliances (eg cars, washing machines, etc).  Obviously, their business took a hit when consumer discretionary purchases dropped.  But now their inventories seem under control, business is improving, and they have great margins.

Staying with the “chip” theme, there are a couple of speculative names that are worth considering, especially on a correction.  First, an hypothesis:  over the last 2 years, semiconductor manufacturers have under-invested in new equipment.  Also, various companies have decided to go Fabless over the longer term, using Foundries instead.  So, assuming a worldwide recovery, we are likely to see manufacturing limits next year, which will result in some pricing power and good margins.  Some names to consider are Samsung, Taiwan Semiconductor (TSM), and Micron (MU).  All are well-up from their lows.  Samsung doesn’t trade in the US (it is a S. Korean company) – so I haven’t figured how to buy it yet.  I started a small position on TSM on Friday.  For now, I will wait for a dip, before considering any more purchases.  I bought MU many months ago at much lower levels, and sold some on the way up.  The rest is hedged with Aug6 calls, which I may buy back.  Again, all 3 of these stocks are over-extended on the upside, and very speculative.  So, be cautious.

One more idea.  Back in Dec/Jan, I invested in RYJUX (mutual fund) and TBT (ETF).  Keeping the explanation of both of these oversimplified, they move in the direction of long-term treasury yields (which is in the opposite direction of the underlying treasury bonds).  As the worldwide economy improves, and we continue to have large US gov’t fiscal deficits, long-term treasury yields should rise.  TBT uses more leverage than RYJUX.  I am currently out of TBT, but I am short some August straddles (too complex to describe).  In some sense, RYJUX and TBT provide a hedge to my bond investments.