Website Wednesday: SpeedyFox

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Site: SpeedyFox

URL: http://www.crystalidea.com/speedyfox

Brief Summary: If you use Firefox, use this utility to speed up load times.

More Info: Firefox tends to be a pretty fast browser, but it can seem to slow down over time.  In fact it is.  A lot of settings and other data that Firefox saves is stored in mini-databases.  These databases become cluttered and unoptimized over time which can cause slow performance especially on startup when it is loading most of the information from these databases.  This quick utility which requires no installation will optimize those mini-databases for you and keep Firefox running smooth and faster.  Just head on over, download the utility, exit Firefox, and run SpeedyFox and enjoy a more responsive Firefox.  Remember to only run the utility when Firefox is not running!

Theatre Thoughts: Ramsey Lewis Trio and Ann Hampton Callaway

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Performance Name: Ramsey Lewis Trio and Ann Hampton Callaway

Location: Wharton Center Cobb Great Hall

Date/time: Wednesday, October 21, 2009 – 7:30 p.m.

Performance Type: Jazz Trio and Singer

Websites: http://www.ramseylewis.com/ and http://www.annhamptoncallaway.com/

Thoughts: There are many things that make a great performance, but one key thing I thought about tonight was how engaged the audience is.  That is a true maker of a great performer is how well they make the audience feel like they are part of the performance and not just the audience.  I find concerts must more enjoyable when I feel like they are having a conversation with me and sharing their talents and music with me personally.  It gives a more warm and engaged feeling than when the performer gives the vibe that they are performing for the group if I feel they recognize the audience at all.  This applies to many parts of life too – this example is one of the reasons I like NPR News – I get the feeling they are sharing the news with me through a conversation instead of just pushing it at me.

Tonight I also thought about how all music has both an individual part and a group part.  I think jazz really emphasizes this.  It is much like a track and field relay or swimming relay event.  Each person in the group/team has their own special skills, talent, and style.  They all get a chance to showcase their individuality while working for the common goal of the group.  They play off each other and encourage each other along while recognizing each individual’s skills. A nice duality that makes for great music.

Pet Peeve of the Evening: The required standing ovation.  It seems like every performance I go to these days people give a standing ovation.  Either my standard of excellence is higher than most people or people think any performance should get a standing ovation.  I’m starting to take the stand (or is it sit) but only standing when I feel it was a truly spectacular performance, instead of just standing because everyone else did.  It is a little annoying not being able to see the stage, but I’ll survive.

Repeat Rating: On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being a free day long trip to the dentist for a root canal and 10 being a free day long trip to Disney World, the chance I’d see this performance again is a 5.