These days, it seems, time moves faster than it did in previous years. While I haven’t yet backed up this theorem with any scientific evidence, I’m sure that many folks would agree that the speed of light has sped up. Now, the distinction between me receiving a Nobel Prize (or being called a kook) for this brilliant theory is evidence. To be sure, this type of solid confirmation can be an obstacle, but it’s merely a small impediment I am working to overcome.
All too soon, the world will know — unequivocally — that time is moving faster than it used to move in the past, which means that the future will be upon us before we know it. Again, I have no real numbers, but even if the speed of light is now moving at 187,000 miles per second, there is sure to be a discernable difference in our lives. If this is not just a one-time acceleration, but rather a gradual increase of velocity, then in no time at all we might be viewing our lives like a video on the fast-forward mode. I studied high school science and learned that the speed of light is one of nature’s constants. As taught, it’s a law that cannot be broken, much like the Bill of Rights.
Anyway, that said, Happy New Year to one and all. Meanwhile, while my brilliant theory of accelerated light only proves the fact, it’s still hard to believe that 2014 is already behind us. For that matter, it’s hard to believe that this column is now in its 14th year. I still remember when, back in 2002, FRONT of HOUSE made me an offer I couldn’t refuse. In our discussions regarding the type of column considered for the magazine, a “day in the life” approach seemed to fit, so I was commissioned to present a few pieces that might work. Some of them tuned out to be more like “The Days of Our Life,” but the pieces were well received, and with the blessing of publisher Terry Lowe and current editor George Petersen, the rest is a faster-than-light history. Part of this column’s mission recognizes that most engineers and audio persons are more than just one-dimensional “Check one two, one two,” characters. So while the gear and mechanics of engineering are definitely important to us, there are also other mitigating factors that help or hinder us in our search for the perfect mix and the absolute (live) sound.
As it turns out, we are part of the whole, and it appears that everything — other than gain structure and the type of console we use — affects us on various levels. For example, the fluctuation in the price of gas affects our bottom line on tour and ultimately affects our income and quality of touring life. As the price of food increases, there may be a diminished excellence in catering, and your per diem may not be as beneficial as it once was. An obvious game changer is war; with the case in point being the Israeli’s cancelling their July 17 Neil Young concert in the name of safety. Anyone who has journeyed by airline pre- and post-911 will agree the threat of terrorism has drastically changed the travel industry. By the same token, marijuana legalization and same sex marriage has — and to some degree — will definitely shape our present and future world.
Forever hopeful, we speed away — faster than ever from the old chaotic year and into the rapidly encroaching future of love, peace and understanding. Along the way, we’ll leave in our wake headline new items as: Ebola; extreme weather; Russia/Crimea; Malaysian Flight 370; Mexican drug gangs; sexual assault in the military; Isis; Americans beheadings; troops returning to Iraq; Dow, S&P and NASDAQ at all-time high; “Yes is yes” on campus, Congress and the Senate; immigration reform; suicide bombers; Bill Cosby accused; Derek Jeter retired; Leno out/Fallon in; Kim’s butt breaks the Internet; gas prices drop; hacked corporations and hacked private information; Ferguson; and “I can’t breathe.” Of course, there was so much more to the year, and most of it with a better in-depth coverage, but off the top of my head, this is my recap of 2014.
Try Common Sense-ism
Will this year be a better year than last? Hopefully, this year will be the best year in all of known history, but as I watch so many years speed away into the past, I fear I’ve taken on a pessimistic outlook. Common sense tells me that my gloomy outlook is probably on the mark and common sense also tells me that maybe what we need is more common sense in this world. Injected with a little common sense there is a good possibility that the past year’s headlines might have read differently. It would be great if we could start a common sense-ism movement of common sense-ists, although common sense tells me that it probably wouldn’t work. Common sense is not necessarily an innate quality for all people, but rather a learned skill based upon prior life experiences. As life experience is different for almost everyone, it then makes sense that a common sense-ism movement would fail.
Common sense, for example, dictates that crossing a busy highway in the dark is an unwise move, but I’m sure it’s been done. If common sense prevails, then a chokehold might be loosened when the choked person is saying they can’t breathe. Conversely, if you happen to be surrounded by six police officers, common sense might make you think twice about resisting arrest. Unfortunately, there are many factors that might cloud our judgment when a common sense moment is presented to us, and while common sense-ism might be a pretty good philosophy on paper, common sense dictates that the reality of making it work is a whole other ball of wax.
As audio engineers, we too need a little common sense to take with us into the New Year. Sometimes these bits of common sense are rules — issued and imposed upon us by OSHA because — when it becomes apparent that common sense is lacking — rules and laws have to be enacted to ensure a common sensibility. Nonetheless, here are a few of my common sense tips for the New Year.
Rules to Live By in 2015
Always, connect the ground and neutral of a power distro before you connect the hot lines and always disconnect in reverse. If your console is outdoors (even if under a tent), cover it, and secure the cover. If you find yourself in a foreign country, try to avoid wandering into strange neighborhoods that — with any local common sense — you would avoid. If your digital console starts acting funny, don’t initially assume that the console is bad. Check to see if an uploaded file is corrupt and causing the problem by clearing the console and rebooting, or perhaps check the line voltage for droops.
Don’t argue with the TSA, and don’t crack stupid “Hi, Jack” types of jokes, as the TSA has no sense of humor. Just because you have a plug-in for every channel does not mean it has to be used. Do not turn all your amps on at the same time, and be careful with whom you hook up with, as the 1970’s sped away from us along time ago. These are not deep and awe-inspiring tips, but rather common sense tips that, when read, should have you thinking, “Well duh!”
If indeed that was your sentiment, then you are a practicing common sense-alist — not sensualist, although you might be one of them, too. As far as I can tell, common sense is an acquired knowledge, therefore be mindful and live and learn as you transverse the obstacle course of the New Year. Happy New Year and enjoy it quickly, since it will be over faster than you can imagine.
