So long, Smart guys
Recording is a tough business, and getting tougher. That's why seeing a competitor close is usually considered a good thing: one fewer studio to take a slice of the local recording pie. But there is no joy for us in the closing of Smart Studios ("So long, Smart Studios," 1/8/10).
In many respects, Smart has been less a competitor and more a local partner. Over the last 15 years, we have shared equipment, knowledge and even personnel. We were happy to do this, and the people at Smart have always been fair, professional, honest and ethical.
Mike Zirkel was always there to give advice and answer questions, or to loan us headphones. And when we needed a blurb to promote our old Triple-M radio program, "Mad City Live," Butch Vig was happy to help.
In this new world of basement recordings on laptops, we need some real pros - people with the best gear and the knowledge to use it - to remind us of the difference between recording as utility and recording as art. The people at Smart did that. We were proud to have them just up the street, and we will miss them now.
Buzz Kemper and Steve Gotcher, Co-owners, Audio for the Arts
Global warming a scam!
Re: "Global Warming Hits Madison! (1/8/10): I used to be a huge global warming believer, starting in 1992. I knocked on doors, wrote letters and editorials, and did whatever I could to spread the word. Today, I believe it is the scam of the century.
The earth has been steadily cooling for over a decade now. Furthermore, the so-called scientific consensus, it turns out, is anything but. Worst of all, we have the top climate researchers falsifying data to "hide the [temperature] decline."
Even the solutions are an insult, with cap-and-trade having little to do with reducing emissions, only taxing and trading them. Ultimately, this is about power, money and control.
David A. Hammond
Praise for Baum, Isthmus
We read with great interest David Medaris' article on Mary Kay Baum, "Ambassador of Hope" (1/15/10). This is a well-done piece and very insightful. Ms. Baum seems to be giving back to the community in special ways and should be commended for representing herself in such an honorable fashion. Kudos to you and your staff.
Mike McFarland
