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Hiram Foster

Crystal, MN
Commenter for
5 years 26 weeks

Recent Comments

Posted on 05/12/13 at 08:05 am in response to Vikes stadium unveiling: Expect ‘modernistic’ design with ‘outdoor feel’

Although I will say, and this idea has never gone anywhere, that instead of taxing football cards, and people at bars, what we should do instead is impose a surcharge on tv advertising revenue generated by commercials during games.

Posted on 05/03/13 at 10:04 am in response to Vänskä threatens to resign if Orchestra lockout lingers

Vanska's statement ramps up the pressure on management, but it's impact on the problem or at least management's perception of the problem, remains to be determined. Vanska's departure would make the orchestra's situation worse, but it doesn't address any issue that would make things better.

It's management's position that the orchestra doesn't have the money to continue on it's current path. In their view at least, that isn't "THEIR way", that is simply the way things are. It's the...

Posted on 04/26/13 at 01:45 pm in response to The only path to settlement: Orchestra musicians, board members must negotiate

Several commentators have suggested that the offer contained in the article above represents an ultimatum, a take it or leave it proposal, which is inconsistent with the notion of bargaining. For all I know, it may well be, but I don't think that's what the article says. I would also note that the offer is is interesting for the issues it doesn't address, specifically those related to work rules, some of which pertain to issues bearing on artistic integrity. My guess is that there is plenty...

Posted on 04/27/13 at 05:59 am in response to The only path to settlement: Orchestra musicians, board members must negotiate

The offer above strikes me both as not in the form of an ultimatum, but also as highly incomplete, which suggests to me that there is plenty of room for negotiation, including negotiation on matters that have financial impact on musicians.

I an intrigued by this notion that there are alternative business models which can perhaps enhance revenue. It should be noted, for one thing, that just because they aren't discussed in the article above, that doesn't mean that they are unknown to...

Posted on 04/28/13 at 06:13 am in response to The only path to settlement: Orchestra musicians, board members must negotiate

I am not a big fan of preconditions for negotiations. Simple minded me just thinks they are excuses for not negotiating. As for outside counseling, if both sides can be brought to some table for that, I am all for it.

Posted on 05/14/13 at 07:46 am in response to The only path to settlement: Orchestra musicians, board members must negotiate

Has Osmo Vanska ever conducted a group of Minnesota high school orchestras?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dP4kXJ92Qh4&feature=youtu.be

Posted on 04/20/13 at 09:31 am in response to Testy times at the Capitol as angry Republicans walk out of committee meeting

In terms of procedural nonsense, it is devoutly to be hoped that what goes around in fact does come around. Legislators spend huge amounts of time on grandstanding, posturing, and other related forms of political garbage. The right way to run a committee is to let the minority make it's point a couple of times and then move the heck on. Life is way to short to spend more of it in airless SOB committee rooms than is strictly necessary.

Posted on 04/16/13 at 10:32 am in response to Dear Mr. Henson: Your lockout is the 'barrier to negotiations'

The problem is that both sides seem more interested in making their case to the public than they are to each other. In this case, what we seeing is a recitation of ancient grievances, which has little to do with the Orchestra's ongoing issues, whatever they might be.

Posted on 04/16/13 at 01:23 pm in response to Dear Mr. Henson: Your lockout is the 'barrier to negotiations'

Playing and talking, at least from Henson't view, would just be a continuation of a status quo that is driving the orchestra into bankruptcy. If management is to be believed, it's hard to see how a deteriorating financial situation makes any contribution at all to a "fresh start" that would serve as a basis for any contractual agreement. Certainly not one that would ensure the viability of the orchestra. No one can put a price tag on a Carnegie Hall appearance, but what one can put price...

Posted on 04/16/13 at 03:13 pm in response to Dear Mr. Henson: Your lockout is the 'barrier to negotiations'

" I do not see that the management has any intention of backing down. The musicians have given their all."

To say that there is no possibility of an agreement is to admit that the Minnesota Orchestra as an institution, has failed. I know that I am nowhere near reaching such a conclusion. The fact is, management has come to the conclusion that the current financial model for the orchestra isn't viable. I don't personally know that to be the case, but I do have a high level of...