The Key to Success: Preparation

I need to thank my B Period Publication Production class for their indulgence and patience.  Early ticket sales for this show started in the middle of class, so I had my Ticketmaker account cued on the instructor’s console before class and handed out a brief reading assignment just before tickets went on sale. While they read the article, I made a few quick clicks and scored 3^rd row seats. Now there is some debate on how close is too close. @spencerkeasey has already weighted in that we are too close. I guess it depends on the venue, artist, and show, but I think with Dylan the closer the better. There will be no theatrics, special effects or video walls best viewed at a distance. Besides we’re getting old with failing eye sight and hearing loss.

Speaking of hearing loss, this will be by fifth Dylan concert. While I know MZ has been to more live shows and experienced more artists, I did see Bob twice in 1979 (Pittsburgh Civic Arena, Richfield Coliseum in Ohio), 1982 at the Stanley Theater in Pittsburgh, and with MZ and Dr. Joe Harry last year at the Consol Energy Ball Park. The Richfield Coliseum trip was probably one of the more interesting events. There used to be record "Head" shop in Slippery Rock located in the building that now has the tattoo shop about six houses north of the North Country Brewery. It was run by a guy named Czer. He put together a packaged trip. For $20.00 you got a concert ticket, bus ride to the show, and all you could drink from a keg in the back of the bus (it didn't seem to matter in those days that I was only 18). The seats were mediocre and someone stole the keg while we were in the show, but it was an opportunity I'm glad I didn't miss.

Technology Issues

Getting the tools charged and ready.

I’ve used several different blog sites. For this challenge, I needed one that we could both use our Android phones for instant posting of videos in addition to stills and text. After research, trial and error, the only one I could get to work was Blogspot. It still requires that I e-mail the video to our Blogspot account. Using the direct video upload, the videos become corrupt and won’t play without error.

A quick inventory of technology for the trip – Verizon netbook for online access during the drive, 2 flip cams, 2 Android based phones, car battery chargers for phones, and two extra charged batteries for my phone. (Personal reminder – Don’t forget the damn tickets fussing about all the equipment) - mc