A relaxing evening down (or up) in the "Flamingo Lounge" with some great cocktails, snacks, and some good jokes. Good thing with the Flamingo is that you can come as you are - as I did today.
I walked out of two days of cleaning out the attic (removing old fiberglass insulation) and straight into the Flamingo. And I wasn't thrown out. There was no bouncer, or a locked door. Just someone yelling from the inside "come on in".
Scott and Daryl; Thanks for a great and relaxing evening. Exactly what I needed after fighting the dust up there!
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Friday, December 28, 2007
Great NeighborZ - 1
A house is a place where one park one's "stuff". A home is a place where you live and (hopefully) also enjoy life (and park your stuff). Part of that "enjoying" is having great neighbors - as we do - in multiples.
Just came home from the traditional "Martinka Holiday Party", a longstanding tradition in this part of town. And, as every year, it was an enjoyable evening with friends, brew, and food. All of it great. Fun to see such an eclectic bunch of people in one place.
Just came home from the traditional "Martinka Holiday Party", a longstanding tradition in this part of town. And, as every year, it was an enjoyable evening with friends, brew, and food. All of it great. Fun to see such an eclectic bunch of people in one place.
Monday, December 24, 2007
MiZZing it but finding it!
Christmas (not really a religious holiday) is very important in Sweden. For Americans to really understand how important, one likely have to compare it with Thanksgiving, the big difference that Christmas in Sweden can (during good years) be a two week long holiday - filled with traditional ceremonies (nah, that sounds too serious but you get the idea), tons of food, drinks and desserts. It is a deep rooted celebration to Winter and all good it brings (as long as there's snow of course). The actual Christmas holiday (three days, December 24, 25, and 26) is normally spent over at relatives, but then many take off for the mountains (in Scandinavia, or the Alps), and this "season", Christmas is not rreally ending until January 6, providing for a long extended holiday that started on December 21.
Living far away from one's birthplace and where the rest of the (birth) family resides, sort of takes away some of those traditions, traditions that have been engraved through the hard work of parents and grandparents over the years. You sort of just miss out on them after a while. Missing them when the Christmas season arrives, but still not that badly.
Out of the woodwork pops Magnolia. Born in Portugal, she's spent some years in Sweden and now she's happily married to a Swede up here in the Pacific Northwest.
Even with only little Swedish time under her wings, Magnolia prepares THE BEST Swedish Christmas buffet this side of the Atlantic. Truly amazing (dare I say better than mama's?) for someone that was not born/raised there.
For the 2nd year we had the honor of being invited over to her and Mats' house to "feast", since there is no better description on what they manage to cook up.
Big Thank You guys for a wonderful Christmas eve, with EVERYTHING that could be expected - and more!
Living far away from one's birthplace and where the rest of the (birth) family resides, sort of takes away some of those traditions, traditions that have been engraved through the hard work of parents and grandparents over the years. You sort of just miss out on them after a while. Missing them when the Christmas season arrives, but still not that badly.
Out of the woodwork pops Magnolia. Born in Portugal, she's spent some years in Sweden and now she's happily married to a Swede up here in the Pacific Northwest.
Even with only little Swedish time under her wings, Magnolia prepares THE BEST Swedish Christmas buffet this side of the Atlantic. Truly amazing (dare I say better than mama's?) for someone that was not born/raised there.
For the 2nd year we had the honor of being invited over to her and Mats' house to "feast", since there is no better description on what they manage to cook up.
Big Thank You guys for a wonderful Christmas eve, with EVERYTHING that could be expected - and more!
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Traditional ChriZtmas Run
Today was the day when we were going to meet up with wife's old fiancee (recently moved from Detroit to Portland), do some sight seeing and go for a bite to eat.
I had some X-mas errands to run in the morning, and also needed to take the dog for a walk. Met up with wife and Ken around two in the afternoon at the house (after they had had their first encounter in almost ten year to themselves), and we drove down to Brouwers in Fremont, a "Flemish Grand Café". It is a fairly recent addition to the neighborhood, maybe a bit too upscale for some (at least from a "regular Budweiser beer drinker's" standpoint), but this place rocks. Food is excellent, and the selection of beers is outstanding, of course with a heavy lean towards what comes of of the "low countries" (Netherland and Belgium) in Europe. Needless to say, there is neither Miller or Budweiser in sight - truly a good thing.
After a small feast and chat at Brouwers in the company of Susan, who's just returned back from New Jersey, we went out to Ballard and Olsen's Scandinavian Foods, a "must-go" destination this time of year.
With Ken and wife waiting outside with dog (treated with food from passers by and a nearby restaurant), I'm inside picking out the ham, pickled heering, the "sylta", some Norwegian smoked lamb sausage, and the traditional marsipan pigs. Unfortunately, Olsen's is out of Rödkål, so they place a courtesy call up to another Scandinavian outpost in Ballard, Scandinavian Specialties, where they still have plenty (Christmas is not Christmas without Rödkål on the table). We leave that store with a bit more than just Rödkål, but with filled bags, it is sure to be another great Christmas.
It is wonderful that even in this day's changing Ballard (condofication), there's still room for several Scandinavian outpost. And they are not really competitors, they complement each others.
For a regular grocery run, Ballard is far too far of a drive from Kirkland, but this time of year, it is just a given destination!
I had some X-mas errands to run in the morning, and also needed to take the dog for a walk. Met up with wife and Ken around two in the afternoon at the house (after they had had their first encounter in almost ten year to themselves), and we drove down to Brouwers in Fremont, a "Flemish Grand Café". It is a fairly recent addition to the neighborhood, maybe a bit too upscale for some (at least from a "regular Budweiser beer drinker's" standpoint), but this place rocks. Food is excellent, and the selection of beers is outstanding, of course with a heavy lean towards what comes of of the "low countries" (Netherland and Belgium) in Europe. Needless to say, there is neither Miller or Budweiser in sight - truly a good thing.
After a small feast and chat at Brouwers in the company of Susan, who's just returned back from New Jersey, we went out to Ballard and Olsen's Scandinavian Foods, a "must-go" destination this time of year.
With Ken and wife waiting outside with dog (treated with food from passers by and a nearby restaurant), I'm inside picking out the ham, pickled heering, the "sylta", some Norwegian smoked lamb sausage, and the traditional marsipan pigs. Unfortunately, Olsen's is out of Rödkål, so they place a courtesy call up to another Scandinavian outpost in Ballard, Scandinavian Specialties, where they still have plenty (Christmas is not Christmas without Rödkål on the table). We leave that store with a bit more than just Rödkål, but with filled bags, it is sure to be another great Christmas.
It is wonderful that even in this day's changing Ballard (condofication), there's still room for several Scandinavian outpost. And they are not really competitors, they complement each others.
For a regular grocery run, Ballard is far too far of a drive from Kirkland, but this time of year, it is just a given destination!
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Christmas Zoo a la 2007 (no "elfing"...)
OK, here's a sneak peak of the 2007 issue of the family Christmas Card. Some of you will get a paper version, some of you will have to settle for the electronic ones here. At least you'll get more of them to enjoy...
Needless to say, putting all these guys in the same frame is not easy. First you have to convince the wife that the "photo thing" is worth while doing, then after a while she thinks it is a great idea and starts to decorate (everything of course outside the frame and not visible), then some hair and make up, and at last one has to chase the animals.
Willow (grey cat) literally hates Louie (big black cat and newest member of family) and just getting those two together in the same room is a chore. White Kiddie is unfortunately slowly dying of old age, and is standing on very shaky legs on the back rest. Add to that that the dogs do not like to have cats "behind" where they (cats) cannot be fully monitored, and you have a "zoo". Still, it came out "OK", with me running over to the camera for every shot...
Merry Christmas everyone!
Ho, Ho, Ho
Beth, Per-Ola, and the "zoo"
(all photos clickable for larger version)
Needless to say, putting all these guys in the same frame is not easy. First you have to convince the wife that the "photo thing" is worth while doing, then after a while she thinks it is a great idea and starts to decorate (everything of course outside the frame and not visible), then some hair and make up, and at last one has to chase the animals.
Willow (grey cat) literally hates Louie (big black cat and newest member of family) and just getting those two together in the same room is a chore. White Kiddie is unfortunately slowly dying of old age, and is standing on very shaky legs on the back rest. Add to that that the dogs do not like to have cats "behind" where they (cats) cannot be fully monitored, and you have a "zoo". Still, it came out "OK", with me running over to the camera for every shot...
Merry Christmas everyone!
Ho, Ho, Ho
Beth, Per-Ola, and the "zoo"
(all photos clickable for larger version)
Monday, December 17, 2007
Not many updates reZently, but keeping busy..
There's not been much movement on this blog recently, but I'm busy running electrical wires, CAT5, coax, and the completion of insulating the new addition.
In parallel also working up on the new "third" floor preparing so that can be insulated properly (most bang for the buck and the biggest indoor comfort factor improvement). Not really fun work since it involves moving around dusty old fiberglass insulation mixed up with sawdust, dry leaves, dust from the roof construction, and the occasional old birds nest and yellow jacket nest.
For more boring details, head over to KirklandZoo is Building.
In parallel also working up on the new "third" floor preparing so that can be insulated properly (most bang for the buck and the biggest indoor comfort factor improvement). Not really fun work since it involves moving around dusty old fiberglass insulation mixed up with sawdust, dry leaves, dust from the roof construction, and the occasional old birds nest and yellow jacket nest.
For more boring details, head over to KirklandZoo is Building.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Big ChangeZ
Well, for those big changes, head on over to "Kirklandzoo is Building".
More details to be found there, even though I'm way behind on updates to the web site due to actual "construction work". It all takes time...
And even though house might still look like a "construction site", I'm very, very happy with the outcome so far and the overall style/design change.
More details to be found there, even though I'm way behind on updates to the web site due to actual "construction work". It all takes time...
And even though house might still look like a "construction site", I'm very, very happy with the outcome so far and the overall style/design change.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Dr. Hans Blix - a PeaZeMaker
Dr. Hans Blix, the somewhat famous Swedish diplomat (and Bush' nemesis during the buildup to the Iraq war) arrived in Seattle today for a few days. Already signed up for the lecture at UoW long time ago, I also got invited to a great little private reception and buffet before his speach. Dragged the wife and dad since I thought they'd enjoy it as well (they did).
Over a glass of red, I got a few minutes with Dr. Blix, commending him on his work for "detent" and disarmament specifically and world peace in general. A really nice guy (well, he is actually 79, maybe gentleman would better suit him...) and I feel sad that I never sort of paid any attention to him until my time in Texas when he was the face of the IAEA and later head of the UN WMD inspections team in Iraq. He has had a very long career in both the Swedish Foreign Office, as well at UN "before" Iraq. But I guess that that's the way they work most efficiently, in the quiet, in the background, never getting any recognition until they sort of retire - and then it all comes at once, proven by a large number of standing ovations tonight.
Apart from a very interesting lecture, very fitting the culture and general approch of people here in the Pacific NorthWest (where neither support for Bush or any Iraq - or Iran - war is very strong), he also pulled of a few good jokes, and a some memorable phrases, most notable probably being:
"The United Nations is not there to take us to heaven, but to help us avoid going to hell." (Dag Hammarsköld)
So apart from a nice dinner buffet, a nice one-on-one chat with Dr. Hans Blix, a good lecture, most amazing was probably to see how increadibly well respected he is (a true Statesman) and how highly his work is regarded here in the U.S. He is likely more of an international "superstar" here, outside his native Sweden.
In any case, an evening when you're proud of being Swedish!
And, almost forgot. First fall storm hit just as we were leaving home. Camera in the car, I took this picture crossing the SR-520 bridge. You could actually feel the shaking when up at the East highrise. Down on the pontoons, it was pretty smooth, but it looks sort of weird. Such a contrast between the south (angry) and north side (calm and relaxed). No windsurfers out today, though they normally have a field day during these few storm events.
Over a glass of red, I got a few minutes with Dr. Blix, commending him on his work for "detent" and disarmament specifically and world peace in general. A really nice guy (well, he is actually 79, maybe gentleman would better suit him...) and I feel sad that I never sort of paid any attention to him until my time in Texas when he was the face of the IAEA and later head of the UN WMD inspections team in Iraq. He has had a very long career in both the Swedish Foreign Office, as well at UN "before" Iraq. But I guess that that's the way they work most efficiently, in the quiet, in the background, never getting any recognition until they sort of retire - and then it all comes at once, proven by a large number of standing ovations tonight.
Apart from a very interesting lecture, very fitting the culture and general approch of people here in the Pacific NorthWest (where neither support for Bush or any Iraq - or Iran - war is very strong), he also pulled of a few good jokes, and a some memorable phrases, most notable probably being:
"The United Nations is not there to take us to heaven, but to help us avoid going to hell." (Dag Hammarsköld)
So apart from a nice dinner buffet, a nice one-on-one chat with Dr. Hans Blix, a good lecture, most amazing was probably to see how increadibly well respected he is (a true Statesman) and how highly his work is regarded here in the U.S. He is likely more of an international "superstar" here, outside his native Sweden.
In any case, an evening when you're proud of being Swedish!
And, almost forgot. First fall storm hit just as we were leaving home. Camera in the car, I took this picture crossing the SR-520 bridge. You could actually feel the shaking when up at the East highrise. Down on the pontoons, it was pretty smooth, but it looks sort of weird. Such a contrast between the south (angry) and north side (calm and relaxed). No windsurfers out today, though they normally have a field day during these few storm events.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Some people are MooronZ - at moorings
Kirkland has a great little marina downtown. It is always packed in the summer, many times by moorons with more money than brains, and their boats sort of show it. But, with big boats come babes, and with babes also boobs. So, I'd guess it is not all bad...
New rules were implemented this year, so in the off-season, you can actually moor your boat there for longer periods than the usual "no more than 5 days in any 7 day period". Since moorage in Lake Washington is both expensive and hard to come by, people tend to jump at "deals", dropping of the boats that they maybe never should have bought otherwise.
The drawback with the marina is that is exposed, EXPOSED! Westerly or southwesterly winds have free range across the lake. The docks are also of a bit weird design with cleats in not the smartest positions, and some pilings are "flexible". Hence, this is not the best place for when the winds kick up.
Forecast calls for stronger winds today with at least a storm arriving both Thursday and Friday. So wind is expected.
Dad and I took the dog for a walk this afternoon. We neded up at the marina. What I saw was sort of appauling:
A couple of perfectly nice boats, tied up so poorly that the boats are likely not going to make it in the little wind we have this afternoon. One boat was already cracked open, and with one stern cleat precariously positioned, I'd say that this boat will be grounded in the next few hours. Too bad, because this was a neat 22' cuddy cabin just a few hours ago, and it would have been fine with the bow into the wind tied up in the empty spot next door... Not even with a need for any crappy fender.
The other boat was a 42', a nice one, but tied up by someone that really has no idea of the forces wind and wave can exert on a hull and the dock. Apart from already having pnctured a few fenders, it was also starting pulling the dock apart.
Yet another small bow-runner was hitting the dock from UNDENEATH at every wave. What a beating, and it has not even started blowing yet...
The best moored boat today, was a small 18" that was tied up in all four corners and with enough slack in the lines so it could move freely, w/o tugging at the cleats and eventually pulling them out of the deck.
So, at moorings, people are moorons!
New rules were implemented this year, so in the off-season, you can actually moor your boat there for longer periods than the usual "no more than 5 days in any 7 day period". Since moorage in Lake Washington is both expensive and hard to come by, people tend to jump at "deals", dropping of the boats that they maybe never should have bought otherwise.
The drawback with the marina is that is exposed, EXPOSED! Westerly or southwesterly winds have free range across the lake. The docks are also of a bit weird design with cleats in not the smartest positions, and some pilings are "flexible". Hence, this is not the best place for when the winds kick up.
Forecast calls for stronger winds today with at least a storm arriving both Thursday and Friday. So wind is expected.
Dad and I took the dog for a walk this afternoon. We neded up at the marina. What I saw was sort of appauling:
A couple of perfectly nice boats, tied up so poorly that the boats are likely not going to make it in the little wind we have this afternoon. One boat was already cracked open, and with one stern cleat precariously positioned, I'd say that this boat will be grounded in the next few hours. Too bad, because this was a neat 22' cuddy cabin just a few hours ago, and it would have been fine with the bow into the wind tied up in the empty spot next door... Not even with a need for any crappy fender.
The other boat was a 42', a nice one, but tied up by someone that really has no idea of the forces wind and wave can exert on a hull and the dock. Apart from already having pnctured a few fenders, it was also starting pulling the dock apart.
Yet another small bow-runner was hitting the dock from UNDENEATH at every wave. What a beating, and it has not even started blowing yet...
The best moored boat today, was a small 18" that was tied up in all four corners and with enough slack in the lines so it could move freely, w/o tugging at the cleats and eventually pulling them out of the deck.
So, at moorings, people are moorons!
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Dad iZ arriving
Dad arrived yesterday from Sweden. Good to see him again. Been since last time he was here in April of 2006. Time flies fast! Wife and I have been "working them" for long to get them (mom and dad) over here again, but mom just HAD to stay home for birthdays and other committments. She hints that she'll be coming in the spring, but I know the story. At that time all the "worry" is about the plants and the garden "back home". so we'll see. They should travel now when they can, and we have familiy in Hawaii just waiting to see them.
But, since mom "bailed out", this was dad's first "solo" air-line trip ever. Not being very proficient in English, and not used to international air travel, one can sort of get lost along the way. just gate numbers can be confusing if you do not understand the instructions you are given.
Due to late booking, and SAS having horribly high prices with such short notice, my brother helped him book the trip. Ended up being on LuftHansa/AirCanada with a layover in both Frankfurt and Vancouver.
But, he made it! Some confusion in Vancouver, but he had a couple of hours and eventually got directed properly and seated on the plane for the short jump across the border and down to Seattle. Of course his bags did not make the last flight, but they were delivered to the house around 1.30 AM this morning. Good, because there were the usual "treasures" (Swedish Coffee, Cloudberry and lingonberry jams, Kalle's Kaviar, Vasterbottens Ost, etc). Nothing confiscated this time so all is well!
After getting a good night sleep her i nthe guest room (or should we call it the family room after all?), he is pretty well rested and not as pooped as a long transatlantic trip with little or no sleep can result in. Especially for a 76-year old.
But, since mom "bailed out", this was dad's first "solo" air-line trip ever. Not being very proficient in English, and not used to international air travel, one can sort of get lost along the way. just gate numbers can be confusing if you do not understand the instructions you are given.
Due to late booking, and SAS having horribly high prices with such short notice, my brother helped him book the trip. Ended up being on LuftHansa/AirCanada with a layover in both Frankfurt and Vancouver.
But, he made it! Some confusion in Vancouver, but he had a couple of hours and eventually got directed properly and seated on the plane for the short jump across the border and down to Seattle. Of course his bags did not make the last flight, but they were delivered to the house around 1.30 AM this morning. Good, because there were the usual "treasures" (Swedish Coffee, Cloudberry and lingonberry jams, Kalle's Kaviar, Vasterbottens Ost, etc). Nothing confiscated this time so all is well!
After getting a good night sleep her i nthe guest room (or should we call it the family room after all?), he is pretty well rested and not as pooped as a long transatlantic trip with little or no sleep can result in. Especially for a 76-year old.
Monday, October 01, 2007
Annexation WoeZ
I've never met Rob Butcher, but he is engaged and has done a good job in raising his voice in opposition to the potential annexation of more land into the City of Kirkland.
Check out his web "Save Kirkland - Stop Annexation".
Personally, I'm still undecided on this issue but likely leaning towards a no as well, although I and others (apart from the City Council) cannot vote on it.
We know where we have Kirkland today and we like most of what we see. However, with City Hall having to serve an additional 33,000 people, it is very likely that the small, friendly, and very caring staff at City Hall will no longer be the same. It will be more of a large administration, and no good will come out of that.
One of the things that really defines "Kirkland" today is that it is easy doing business, or having business, with people at the helm. Everyone (few expections of course) at City Hall is very service minded, have a good "feel" for their city, and knows the neighborhood. they are more "residents" than "public servants", even though I really don't know how many of them that are actually living inside the city of Kirkland.
Check out his web "Save Kirkland - Stop Annexation".
Personally, I'm still undecided on this issue but likely leaning towards a no as well, although I and others (apart from the City Council) cannot vote on it.
We know where we have Kirkland today and we like most of what we see. However, with City Hall having to serve an additional 33,000 people, it is very likely that the small, friendly, and very caring staff at City Hall will no longer be the same. It will be more of a large administration, and no good will come out of that.
One of the things that really defines "Kirkland" today is that it is easy doing business, or having business, with people at the helm. Everyone (few expections of course) at City Hall is very service minded, have a good "feel" for their city, and knows the neighborhood. they are more "residents" than "public servants", even though I really don't know how many of them that are actually living inside the city of Kirkland.
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Comment from CounZil member Sternoff
Bob Sternoff is a pretty good and mostly reasonable guy, but reading a comment in today's Seattle Times sort of sets me back:
"You get to see big equipment and a house demolished, which you don't get to see every day," said Bob Sternoff, a Kirkland City Council member who viewed the demolition. "It kind of builds a sense of community."
Bob, that's EXACTLY what's wrong about Kirkland today. We see TOO MANY "big equipment" tearing down houses in our neighborhoods. A lot of the new construction is out of touch with the "look and feel" of Kirkland, sacrificing our green areas and trees in the process.
Been debated before, but we need more stringent rules as for when a house can be demolished and not. Many of the houses torn down are prime candidates for remodel, but it is easier/cheaper to just tear down.
That said, in the case surrounding this house, a tear down was in order, and the resident will be getting a brand-new home for FREE - thanks to "Extreme MakeOver - Home Edition".
"You get to see big equipment and a house demolished, which you don't get to see every day," said Bob Sternoff, a Kirkland City Council member who viewed the demolition. "It kind of builds a sense of community."
Bob, that's EXACTLY what's wrong about Kirkland today. We see TOO MANY "big equipment" tearing down houses in our neighborhoods. A lot of the new construction is out of touch with the "look and feel" of Kirkland, sacrificing our green areas and trees in the process.
Been debated before, but we need more stringent rules as for when a house can be demolished and not. Many of the houses torn down are prime candidates for remodel, but it is easier/cheaper to just tear down.
That said, in the case surrounding this house, a tear down was in order, and the resident will be getting a brand-new home for FREE - thanks to "Extreme MakeOver - Home Edition".
Friday, September 28, 2007
Roads and TranZit Package
Wow, suddenly, just a few weeks ahead of the election, things that have been quiet starts to heat up. Not too late I hope.
On the November Ballot is a gigantic measure that is referred to as the "Roads and Transit Package", RTP. Depending on who you ask, it is either a $18 Billion package, a $28 Billion package, a $57 Billion package, or a $157 Billion package. In any case, even the lowest number is $18,000,000,000 (yes, nine zeroes). A lot of money.
The legislature owes the public a fair and true estimate, and clearly explain how the ballot numbers are derived. A "what, when, how, and how much" before people can make a fair and educated decision and cross off either "yes" or "no" on the ballot.
I'm all for light rail, lots of it, but not at the enormous cost, and the huge time for construction. Elsewhere (Europe, Asia) projects of this type are built FASTER and for MUCH LESS money. Why not here? Personally, I believe it is due to poor management and lack of skilled workers! The long project times has an awkward effect on the over all cost and drives financing costs why past the actual construction costs. Sort of backwards, isn't it?
Totally neglecting to utilize the existing BNSF corridor on the Eastside is further proof that who ever came up with the "package", does not understand, or care, for the cost imposed on the tax payers. We could have functioning rail service in a 40+ mile corridor, serving major Eastside downtown communities, for what it would cost to build just a few miles of light rail. And, it could be done in a few years, not a few decades. Read more on Eastside Rail Now's web page.
Finally, a "Roads and Transit Package" that fails to FULLY FUND the SR520 bridge as well as the Alaskan Way "tunnel" is foolish and short sighted. We need both, and we need them today, not 25 years out.
A number of good articles/opinions surfaced this week:
Ron Sims opposing RTP
King 5 presentation
Seattle Times - Why Sims turned against "Roads & Transit"
A few good sites to read more and form opinions:
"NO Movement"
"Yes Movement"
On the November Ballot is a gigantic measure that is referred to as the "Roads and Transit Package", RTP. Depending on who you ask, it is either a $18 Billion package, a $28 Billion package, a $57 Billion package, or a $157 Billion package. In any case, even the lowest number is $18,000,000,000 (yes, nine zeroes). A lot of money.
The legislature owes the public a fair and true estimate, and clearly explain how the ballot numbers are derived. A "what, when, how, and how much" before people can make a fair and educated decision and cross off either "yes" or "no" on the ballot.
I'm all for light rail, lots of it, but not at the enormous cost, and the huge time for construction. Elsewhere (Europe, Asia) projects of this type are built FASTER and for MUCH LESS money. Why not here? Personally, I believe it is due to poor management and lack of skilled workers! The long project times has an awkward effect on the over all cost and drives financing costs why past the actual construction costs. Sort of backwards, isn't it?
Totally neglecting to utilize the existing BNSF corridor on the Eastside is further proof that who ever came up with the "package", does not understand, or care, for the cost imposed on the tax payers. We could have functioning rail service in a 40+ mile corridor, serving major Eastside downtown communities, for what it would cost to build just a few miles of light rail. And, it could be done in a few years, not a few decades. Read more on Eastside Rail Now's web page.
Finally, a "Roads and Transit Package" that fails to FULLY FUND the SR520 bridge as well as the Alaskan Way "tunnel" is foolish and short sighted. We need both, and we need them today, not 25 years out.
A number of good articles/opinions surfaced this week:
Ron Sims opposing RTP
King 5 presentation
Seattle Times - Why Sims turned against "Roads & Transit"
A few good sites to read more and form opinions:
"NO Movement"
"Yes Movement"
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Computer IZZues Solved... - HyperThreading
In early summer I did a complete re-install of Windows on my "main" computer. I had started to get issues with external hard drives and recognition of USB devices in general. After a couple of years, the registry just holds on to too much information, much of it no longer relevant.
But, even though the re-install eventually went smooth, or relatively so, I have never been happy with the performance afterwards. Machine is has just been too slow, and certainly much more sluggish than before the "procedure" - and that was certainly not the objective!
I had sort of accepted it, but today I took some time to look in the Dell Support Forums and since I did not find anything relevant to my issue, I decided post a question. Low and behold, a "Peter" answered within a couple of minutes and asked what processor I had and if HyperThreading was on. Of course it was, it's always been on, but since I needed to double-verify the processor, I went into the BIOS to make sure that the info corresponded to what I had noted down fro mthe CPU casing (after I physically had it removed during cleaning). Sure enough, the info was correct and there was still a field that said "HyperThreading = Yes", followed by "These fields are for information only and can not be changed".
So, HyperThreading was there and on, but since it was a few month I dug through the BIOS, I decided to look through it again. For the upmteen time...
Low and behold: Under "Performance" there was a manual setting for "HyperThreading" and it was set to off. How could I have missed this one?
Turned it on, rebooted, Windows installed the additional software, rebooted again, and WHAT A DIFFERENCE! No longer is CPU tied up to 100% for menial tasks such as retrieving e-mail from a mail server, ripping a CD into mp3s, or simply scrolling through a long web page.
Who knew that little "feature" could make such a difference? I am happy again and not blaiming Dell for substandard hardware (even though they are using a weird combination of chipset SW sometime).
Lesson learned: When you checked everything umpteen times, check again...
But, even though the re-install eventually went smooth, or relatively so, I have never been happy with the performance afterwards. Machine is has just been too slow, and certainly much more sluggish than before the "procedure" - and that was certainly not the objective!
I had sort of accepted it, but today I took some time to look in the Dell Support Forums and since I did not find anything relevant to my issue, I decided post a question. Low and behold, a "Peter" answered within a couple of minutes and asked what processor I had and if HyperThreading was on. Of course it was, it's always been on, but since I needed to double-verify the processor, I went into the BIOS to make sure that the info corresponded to what I had noted down fro mthe CPU casing (after I physically had it removed during cleaning). Sure enough, the info was correct and there was still a field that said "HyperThreading = Yes", followed by "These fields are for information only and can not be changed".
So, HyperThreading was there and on, but since it was a few month I dug through the BIOS, I decided to look through it again. For the upmteen time...
Low and behold: Under "Performance" there was a manual setting for "HyperThreading" and it was set to off. How could I have missed this one?
Turned it on, rebooted, Windows installed the additional software, rebooted again, and WHAT A DIFFERENCE! No longer is CPU tied up to 100% for menial tasks such as retrieving e-mail from a mail server, ripping a CD into mp3s, or simply scrolling through a long web page.
Who knew that little "feature" could make such a difference? I am happy again and not blaiming Dell for substandard hardware (even though they are using a weird combination of chipset SW sometime).
Lesson learned: When you checked everything umpteen times, check again...
Monday, September 10, 2007
DeZign Change
After discussions over the weekend, we did put up the following plan for early Monday morning:
- Get Contractor's input
- Talk to the City
And if both parties OK, proceed to architect and ask him for opinion and when he can have drawings modified.
Since everyone was very accommodating, we had an addtional chat at home and in late afternoon gave the "go ahead" to the architect.
Not bad going from a semi-meltdown on late Friday afternoon, to a revised (and possible better) design three days later.
But once again, there's is never "too many times" when it comes to reviewing drawings.
For more on this story, click here.
- Get Contractor's input
- Talk to the City
And if both parties OK, proceed to architect and ask him for opinion and when he can have drawings modified.
Since everyone was very accommodating, we had an addtional chat at home and in late afternoon gave the "go ahead" to the architect.
Not bad going from a semi-meltdown on late Friday afternoon, to a revised (and possible better) design three days later.
But once again, there's is never "too many times" when it comes to reviewing drawings.
For more on this story, click here.
Sunday, September 09, 2007
Sunday and SunZhine!
Today was one of those days when Seattle is just unbeatable. It has to be enjoyed and can hardly be described, but I'll list a few items here below just to give an idea.
Wife and I went biking around the lake to the Pancake Breakfast at Swedish Cultural Center (SCC). A good 20 miles there in just perfect conditions. After loading up on pancakes and "accroutements" we passed through downtown, over Capitol hill, stopped at Karen's and Kent's and then back over the I-90 bridge and up along the Eastside. A total tour of just over 40 miles.
- Perfect weather, bone dry northerly light breeze.
- Temperature in the 80ies, but a fresh cold morning
- Not a cloud, deep blue skies
- Cute chicks out biking and walking the dogs (one is still allowed to look...)
- Lake Washington filled with sailboats and a few power boats
- Tons of boats on Lake Union and the ship canal, just out browsing
- Town is "alive" and has a good vibe in the basking sun
- Cafes and coffeeshops lined with people enjoying the weather
- Mt Rainer very majestic and statuesque to the south
- A snow capped Mt Baker in the far distance to the north
- A rare Mt Stuart to the east
- Olympic Mountains as a nice "prop" for an even better sunset
A very enjoyable bike ride, some 40 miles all together.
Wife and I went biking around the lake to the Pancake Breakfast at Swedish Cultural Center (SCC). A good 20 miles there in just perfect conditions. After loading up on pancakes and "accroutements" we passed through downtown, over Capitol hill, stopped at Karen's and Kent's and then back over the I-90 bridge and up along the Eastside. A total tour of just over 40 miles.
- Perfect weather, bone dry northerly light breeze.
- Temperature in the 80ies, but a fresh cold morning
- Not a cloud, deep blue skies
- Cute chicks out biking and walking the dogs (one is still allowed to look...)
- Lake Washington filled with sailboats and a few power boats
- Tons of boats on Lake Union and the ship canal, just out browsing
- Town is "alive" and has a good vibe in the basking sun
- Cafes and coffeeshops lined with people enjoying the weather
- Mt Rainer very majestic and statuesque to the south
- A snow capped Mt Baker in the far distance to the north
- A rare Mt Stuart to the east
- Olympic Mountains as a nice "prop" for an even better sunset
A very enjoyable bike ride, some 40 miles all together.
Friday, September 07, 2007
Can never review too many timeZ
Wife and I have reveiwed drawings for remodel for well over 18 months. A number of sessions at the architect's office, as well as evenings at home.
But today after excavator had been here and loaded up on concrete and taken off to dump it, she asks "why are we digging that deep?"
Anser is given, "There's where the entrance is supposed to be, at slab level".
"No, it'll look stupid, no one wants to walk into a basement!" And so on...
So, despite having gone over this umpteen times, the three dimensional "feel" was not there and wife really had no idea of the "ingress" part. She still envisoned the entrance to be at the platform level (split-level) as today, just puled out a bit further.
My stomach almost fell to the floor, and sort of quit and went inside to take a shower and prepare for the Crawfish party later tonight. No more of this right now.
I guess we'll have some heavy reviewing to do tomorrow since there is NO perfect design, they all have compromises. I just thought we really had worked them through. Excavator and General Contractor will be here early Monday morning and they need guidance.
Maybe it is time to go back to military days; you explained, you asked if there were any questions, and then you asked the soldiers to repeat what you just had explained. Just to be sure the information actually had been properly received...
In any case, I'm now heading to the Crawfish party...
But today after excavator had been here and loaded up on concrete and taken off to dump it, she asks "why are we digging that deep?"
Anser is given, "There's where the entrance is supposed to be, at slab level".
"No, it'll look stupid, no one wants to walk into a basement!" And so on...
So, despite having gone over this umpteen times, the three dimensional "feel" was not there and wife really had no idea of the "ingress" part. She still envisoned the entrance to be at the platform level (split-level) as today, just puled out a bit further.
My stomach almost fell to the floor, and sort of quit and went inside to take a shower and prepare for the Crawfish party later tonight. No more of this right now.
I guess we'll have some heavy reviewing to do tomorrow since there is NO perfect design, they all have compromises. I just thought we really had worked them through. Excavator and General Contractor will be here early Monday morning and they need guidance.
Maybe it is time to go back to military days; you explained, you asked if there were any questions, and then you asked the soldiers to repeat what you just had explained. Just to be sure the information actually had been properly received...
In any case, I'm now heading to the Crawfish party...
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Girl iZ named Emma!
Have not yet talked to my brother (time difference and he is understandably busy, working as well as commuting to the hospital) but have updates from other family members.
Mama and "Emma" are doing fine but still at the hospital due to some blood loss during the delivery and also that Emma has not been gaining weight as "planned".
Latest I heard tonight (from a proud maternal grandmother baby sitting the boys) is that they are all coming home tomorrow, a day later than planned.
BTW, due to Sweden's excellent healthcare system, you cannot have a delivery of a baby at the fairly large hospital in Alingås. That "function" has for the county been centralized to the very boring (but larger) town of Borås, about 25 miles away. Go figure...
Mama and "Emma" are doing fine but still at the hospital due to some blood loss during the delivery and also that Emma has not been gaining weight as "planned".
Latest I heard tonight (from a proud maternal grandmother baby sitting the boys) is that they are all coming home tomorrow, a day later than planned.
BTW, due to Sweden's excellent healthcare system, you cannot have a delivery of a baby at the fairly large hospital in Alingås. That "function" has for the county been centralized to the very boring (but larger) town of Borås, about 25 miles away. Go figure...
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Dinner and FriendZ
Got mail last week from an old customer and (still) good friend. Have not seen him in over two years, but he was to pass Seattle on his way to Olympia for a meeting with the Public Utilities Commission.
Given the opportunity we met up tonight for a meal and few drinks. Always good to meet up with old friends after some time has passed. Lot of stuff to tell. In his case, he's recently gotten married and just looked happy. Life is good!
Just have to post this great wedding photo he sent me...
Given the opportunity we met up tonight for a meal and few drinks. Always good to meet up with old friends after some time has passed. Lot of stuff to tell. In his case, he's recently gotten married and just looked happy. Life is good!
Just have to post this great wedding photo he sent me...
Monday, September 03, 2007
New addiZion to the family
Got a brief e-mail from my brother. He just got a GIRL! Wow, a girl! I know they were hoping for one (after two boys) but did not know "what to expect".
In any case, here's a picture of the new arrival (51 cm och 2,380 grams, or about 20 inches and 5.2 lbs). Will talk to him first thing tomorrow morning to get the full scope.
In any case, here's a picture of the new arrival (51 cm och 2,380 grams, or about 20 inches and 5.2 lbs). Will talk to him first thing tomorrow morning to get the full scope.
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