Opening Night of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”

directed by Jayce Tromsness and presented by The Warehouse Theatre

As Reviewed by Pamela M. Hoyt

Last night was one of those evenings that leaves a Mom smiling!  Allow me to explain… John, myself, and our daughter, Megan, were very excited about attending the opening night of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at The Warehouse Theatre.  My son, Brett, had other plans which fell through at the last minute, and I was able to get him a ticket Friday morning so he could be with us as well.  Hence, as every Mom loves, our family was together for a night out and what a great entertaining night it was!

I was dumbfounded by the great lengths that The Warehouse Theatre actors went to set the stage and introduce this production into the Greenville community weeks before the opening.  They used Social Media – which I Loved – with a facebook fan page and created such intrigue with the troupe of actors that were coming from afar to present this production.  A few weeks ago I remember a strange person “friend requesting” me on facebook which got my attention.  I researched the origin of the information, and knowing the storyline of Midsummer, I chuckled in amazement!   They continued this media hit by posting Youtube videos by the great Russell Tripp that exemplified their travels across the U.S. to get to Greenville and followed with an interview by Kimberly Kelly.  The communities excitement was building over the international theatrical troupe that The Warehouse Theatre hired to perform this Shakespeare work… and WE had tickets!

We arrived early so that the four of us could sit together in our usual claimed seats on the back row. Brett, the 15 year old son, was interested when four very attractive young ladies chose to sit in front of us!  I watched as all of them chatted curiously over Paul Savas and Shannon Robert’s display of slight panic as to the whereabouts of the cast!  “Do you think the play will start on time?”  one girl asked.  After a period, I leaned over and informed my son that this was all a part of the setting for the play.  “Oh!” he commented and his face lit up like he knew something that the rest of the room had no clue about.  He actually stopped texting and put his phone away for the entire production!  Ironically, Megan and Brett’s high school drama department is also performing the same play and Megan attended their opening the night before. I knew she was curious to see how the play compared to her friend’s production.

The Warehouse Theatre did not let us down once again!  It is believed that “Midsummer Night’s Dream” was first performed between 1595 and 1596.  Amazing to see a Romantic Comedy from an era so long ago can keep an audience laughing with such light humor and yet on edge waiting on the next scene even today.  To read a description of the play is more confusing than enjoying Midsummer as the dreams unfold.  Basically, the play is based around three couples and the complexities that love evokes as three separate dreams intertwine.  The cast does a marvelous job of engaging the audience and carrying them through this twisted script that young and old can follow along with intrigue whether you are well versed on Shakespeare’s writing or did not pay much attention at all when you had to read this in school.

The troupe of seven actors appeared to constantly have fun with this play and they carried this through from the minute we stepped foot through the door at the Warehouse.  Their fun and light heartedness  was contagious throughout the audience yet they displayed such professional acting that we all wanted to be a part of.  Hint:  Stay away from the front rows if you do not want to have a speaking part! Even the young child, Mae Evelene Tromsness, that played the Changeling Child seemed to enjoy her role throughout the evening.  Each character of Shakespeare’s drama was portrayed with a modern edge and flavor that we all could relate and empathize.  The lighting and setting was kept very simple yet engaging for the audiences enjoyment.

Of course I was anxious to hear my children’s reaction to Midsummer over pizza after the play.  Brett stated that he “Really enjoyed it!”  And Megan just laughed when I asked her how it compared to Thursday nights’ performance at her school.  “My friends are not quite as professional!”  I must throw in that Megan made sure to state that this was her favorite Warehouse Production… second only to Rocky Horror!  Thank you Paul Savas and the Warehouse staff for bringing this fantastic troupe of actors together.  Bravo to the Teatro Moltoimpassionata  for making their journey to Greenville so we might fall in love with the cast of such a top notch production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

To buy tickets or for more information about Greenville’s Warehouse Theatre, visit www.WarehouseTheatre.com – The opening night was sold out, so you may want to hurry and get your tickets so you don’t miss this great performance.

I was at a meeting today in a nicely laid out conference room, and it made me think about how various businesses use video displays.

Beautiful boardrooms have beautiful displays!

Here are a few options for typical boardrooms:

• Whiteboard, permanent screen or wall  for display with a projector on the table, and cables running everywhere (currently how I do it at our office)
• Exposed retractable / drop-down screen mounted on wall with projector hung from ceiling mount and wiring nicely tucked out of sight (How it is done where I was today)
• Hidden retractable / drop-down  screen mounted in ceiling with a hidden projector that drops with the touch of a button
• LCD or Plasma monitor mounted to the wall, cables hidden, electronics in a cabinet
• LCD or Plasma monitor on a kiosk or mobile rack that is self-contained
• LCD or Plasma monitor that retracts into in a credenza type cabinet with all electronics hidden in cabinet

Of course there are lots of other options, but you get the picture.

Since my business is supposed to be “high tech”, does it make sense for me to be using a mobile projector which is pulled out of the bag and put on the table with unsightly cables running everywhere for people to trip over? No it doesn’t. And I am going to do something about that. Coming soon will be option 3 above, a hidden screen and hidden projector.

But what is right for your business? Have you seen the options that are available to you?

Homeland Secure IT is a dealer for Da-Lite and can help you in planning and deploying the perfect solution to your wants and needs! Give us a call for a free consultation here in Greenville / Upstate SC… 864.990.4748 or email info@homelandsecureit.com

Homeland Secure IT Alert

Homeland Secure IT Alert for Thursday, March 3, 2011

Microsoft issued the Advance Notification for March 2011 and today… The full version of the Microsoft Security Bulletin Advance Notification for March 2011 can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms11-mar.mspx.

The advanced notification will be replaced with the March bulletin summary on March 8, 2011.

On the Critical list are updates for remote code execution that affects: XP SP3, XP Professional x64 SP2, Vista SP1 & SP2, Vista x64 SP1 & SP2, Windows 7 for 32/64bit & SP1, Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64 & SP1.

So basically, a little something for all current Microsoft Windows systems. Watch for these updates on “Patch Tuesday”…

Before our Linux and Macintosh friends begin gloating, there may be something for them too if they are using Mozilla Firefox as their browser.

Mozilla released a Firefox update this week that addressed 11 vulnerabilities which could have allowed an attacker to execute code and install software without user interaction beyond the scope of browsing.

If you are using Firefox, be sure to update to 3.6.14 to insure your security.

Should you require assistance with these or any other computer security or service issues in Greenville / Upstate SC, please call us at 864.990.4748 or email info@homelandsecureit.com

Homeland Secure IT Alert

I believe when it comes to data, MORE IS BETTER! Yeah, so call me a hoarder, it’s okay. I have plenty of room and hard drives are cheap!

Case in point…  Yesterday I received a call from the IT administrator for a corporation based out of MA about a router that was down. When I arrived, I found an old Cisco 2500 router that would not boot up. Sure, you can replace a nonoperational router, but what about that configuration? You see, when an IT service dude or dudette walks into a business in this kind of mess and no records are available, you are left with a bunch of question marks…

What is the WAN IP? What is the WAN gateway? What’s the netmask? What’s the LAN information? Are there VPNs? Where do they point to? What about access in from the outside world to internal resources, what goes where?

You can get some of this information by calling the internet service provider, you can get some by checking a desktop for where it might already be pointing for it’s gateway, but some of it is a certain blank without having notes.

One thing better in this situation is having a backup of the running configuration from the router.  Guess what? The IT administrator at the main office has the foresight to save a copy 4 or 5 years ago, and he was able to provide that information to me, allowing for a very rapid replacement of the equipment and a reconfig!

The moral of this story is – hang on to those old emails, keep those old configs, even if they are 4 years old.

Hard drives to store data on are inexpensive, the cost to recreate the data is NOT when you consider the downtime, the service charges for a technician to sit on hold to find out simple information, etc.

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Homeland Secure IT provides computer, server & network sales, service & support to Greenville / Upstate SC businesses and individuals. Call 864.990.4748 or email info@homelandsecureit.com for more information.

A computer security post on TGDaily.com entitled, “BlackHole RAT Trojan targets Mac OS X” discusses Mac’s very own variant of a Microsoft Windows Remote Access Tool (RAT) called darkComet.

The Mac version is known as “BlackHole RAT” and it is not quite ready for prime time, though it seems to offer a great stepping stone to be used to target the Mac OSX platform. While most Mac owners still believe they are impervious to exploits, blog articles and service requests tend to prove otherwise. The Mac has mainly been an unattractive target to the authors of malware because the rewards for their efforts would be low.

This is basically “security through obscurity” which certainly can work, but Mac sales have been increasing slowly, making the operating system a little more visible on the black hat radar.

Those of you reading this blog probably feel I am beating a dead horse, but now is the time for you Mac owners to get anti-virus on your systems. It actually may be too late, since the Mac is such a great multitasking system, you may be infected, and not even know it. Another thing to seriously consider is backup!

We recommend Trend Micro for your Mac, and offer it for sale. We can also help with Greenville / Upstate SC Mac virus removal and cleanup, as well as Servosity Online Backup for your Mac. Please call 864.990.4748 for more information, or email info@homelandsecureit.com

I am hearing that many people are opting to not install Microsoft Windows 7 SP1 which was released back in February 22, 2011.

The reasoning is that it is a large download (750MB or 1GB depending on whether you need 32bit or 64bit versions), a long install process, and there are no enhanced features.

So what does the Service Pack provide? A compilation of security patches and non-security related fixes which have already been addressed and released via Windows Update. So basically, if you have kept up to date with updates as they have been released, SP1 is not going to give you additional security.

SP1 would certainly be handy for those installing a new version of the operating system, especially computer repair and computer service techs who generally have to install a slew of updates after a fresh install. With the release of SP1, a fresh install, followed by SP1 and a few other patches, brings the computer fully up to date. The SP1 install can be downloaded and stored on a DVD for later install, or optionally it could be slip streamed into a full install for computer techs who do LOTS of installs of the OS.

There are two enhancements that are included in the Service Pack, and that is an updated Remote Desktop client that functions with RemoteFX, a new technology that is included in the Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1, released in concert with Windows 7 SP1… Dynamic Memory was also implemented into the Service Pack, which allows virtual machine memory to be adjusted in real-time.

If you would like more information about Microsoft Windows 7 SP1 or Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1, or if you require computer service or repair for your Microsoft Windows based workstation or server, please call 864.990.4748 or email info@homelandsecureit.com – We are your Greenville / Upstate Microsoft Small Business Specialists!

Put this date on your calendar now: March 18, 2011 @ 7pm

You don’t want to be anywhere other than downtown Greenville at that time. This is the one year anniversary of Google On Main, (#GoogleOnMain / #WeAreFeelingLucky)  which made national news, and it is being organized by the same people who arranged that incredible event which changed Greenville forever!

How do you get involved? First, visit this website http://www.xperiencegreenville.org/

You need to reserve your spot, which costs a few bucks, but guarantees you will get the materials you need, such as an LED glowstick and 3D glasses.

Please tell your friends and follow the action on Twitter and when you post about it, include the #XperienceGVL hashtag.

This is a family friendly event. Though it sounds like a rave, the environment will be safe and secure!

See you there!!!!!!!!!!

So it’s your wife’s birthday… What in the world do you get the woman who apparently has everything? I mean seriously, she does. She’s got great kids, a super-duper husband, outstanding wardrobe, jewelry, etc…

Hard to top all that, but I think I may have done it!  I got her a Big Jon Evans!!!!!   (@BigJonEvans on Twitter)

Okay, I didn’t purchase him, I rented him, for the day.

Jon Evans has an uber cool way of making your name known the world over, and that is through his http://www.4head4rent.com/ website which allows you to rent his forehead. He will then wear your logo around, do a live video stream with you and post a video online. Some of you may remember that I used him for Homeland Secure IT a while back.

Today, Jon Evans is known as “McAbee’s Custom Carpets”, so keep your eyes open, he’s kinda hard to miss! McAbee’s Custom Carpets is my wife’s family business, run by her and her two sisters. They have been around for years and can help you in and around the Greenville area with all your rug and carpet floor covering needs!  www.McAbeesCarpet.com for more info on that.

Happy birthday to my sweet wifey, Pamela!

So now that we are reaching the end of the IPv4 addresses, what’s next?

You don’t have to sit back and wait for your ISP to provide you with IPv6, you can play with IPv6 today using a “Tunnel Broker”.

How does that work? Hurricane Electric is one example of a tunnel broker who allows you to use IPv6 via tunneling through the traditional IPv4 network from an IPv6 configured host or router to one of the Hurricane Electric IPv6 tunnel routers.

What do you need? A IPv6 capable router/firewall or IPv6 capable host. That’s it.

What if your router doesn’t support IPv6? It may be flashable to run one of the Open Source offerings such as OpenWRT or DD-WRT , or you could invest less than 100 dollars and purchase a compatible device.

You’ve got the hardware, now what? Go to the Hurricane Electric site or another Tunnel Broker, create your tunnel and you should be able to get it going in a short period of time.

Next point some hosts from your domain to your new IPv6 IPs and give it a try!  Now you’re ready for World IPv6 day!

While this is fun and gives you an opportunity to work with the “new” technology, I would not recommend this as your long term solution, nor would I recommend it for a corporate or even business network solution.

If you have a Greenville / Upstate business that you need to prepare for an IPv6 deployment, please contact us at 864.990.4748 or email info@homelandsecureit.com – We can help pave the way to a smooth transition.

Homeland Secure IT Alert

Homeland Secure IT Alert for Thursday, February 17, 2011

I’m posting this verbatim from the WatchGuard security blog…

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Yesterday, a gray hat going by the alias Cupidon-3005 posted details about a zero day Windows SMB vulnerability that could potentially allow attackers to gain control of fully patched Windows Server 2003 and XP computers. Microsoft is currently investigating this surprise release, but hasn’t had time to post an early Security Advisory about the issue yet, let alone deliver a patch.

Specifically, the vulnerability involves a buffer overflow flaw within the SMB component’s mrxsmb.sys file. By sending a specially crafted browser election request packet containing an overly long server name, an attacker could exploit this flaw to either crash your computer, or execute code on it, potentially gaining complete control of your PC.

Since Microsoft just learned of this flaw on the 15th, they haven’t had time to release a patch yet. However, your WatchGuard firewall can help. By default, our appliances block SMB and broadcast traffic (the exploit leverages broadcast requests), which prevents Internet-based attackers from leveraging this flaw against you (assuming you haven’t opened SMB ports, which you should never do). That said, worms quite regularly rely on SMB vulnerabilities to help them automatically spread within networks, once they infect the first victim. So in general, I consider SMB vulnerabilities high risk. I’ll continue to monitor Microsoft’s investigation into this flaw, and will post updates when they release any workaround or patch. – Corey Nachreiner, CISSP

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Homeland Secure IT is a Greenville / Upstate SC reseller and partner with WatchGuard – If you would like more information about their security appliances, please call us at 864.990.4748 or email info@homelandsecureit.com

Homeland Secure IT Alert