Author Archives: Gandalfe

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About Gandalfe

Just an itinerant saxophonist trying to find life between the changes. I have retired from the Corps of Engineers and Microsoft. I am an admin on the Woodwind Forum, run the Pacifica Big Band (formerly the Microsoft Jumpin' Jive Orchestra) and participate in other ensembles. Mostly enjoy time with family and friends.

Windows Live Maps Rocks

Posted on March 17, 2008 by Gandalfe

I was grabbing a map for a new drummer so that he could attend our practice tomorrow and I chose Windows Live Map this time. Wow, has it improved; faster, slicker, and more intuitive to use, it will become my … Continue reading →

Posted in Travel | 8 Comments

Uncrate: Vacuum Tube Car Stereo

Posted on March 16, 2008 by Gandalfe

Uncrate.com introduces us to the vacuum tube car stereo. "The Panasonic CQ-TX5500D ($950) is the only car stereo that we know of that features a built-in vacuum tube amplifier for all the retro-sounding overtones you so desperately desire. It plays … Continue reading →

Posted in Technology | 4 Comments

Sax Station, What and How to Practice – Jazz, Latin, Funk

Posted on March 14, 2008 by Gandalfe

I found this interesting site, the Sax Station, that re-purposes YouTubage for practice purposes. The menu of things to do unfortunately is below the fold (two screens down) and site doesn’t have a professional appearance. But what a great way … Continue reading →

Posted in Music | 4 Comments

Comics.com: Jazz Hands

Posted on March 12, 2008 by Gandalfe

From Greg; it’s all about the jazz hands thang.  :o)

Posted in Humor | 4 Comments

Wired Mag: Free! Why $0.00 Is the Future of Business

Posted on March 11, 2008 by Gandalfe

Wired Magazine presents this article written by Chris Anderson. A fascinating read, this article is pretty provocative on the benefits and economics of giving away things to customers. Chris Anderson, editor of Wired, also wrote The Long Tail, and this … Continue reading →

Posted in Technology | 4 Comments

Just sing it like you did yesterday…

Posted on March 10, 2008 by Gandalfe

A music conductor comes in with a score crumpled up under one arm. Says: "Folks, get out your pencils, we have a few changes to make." Proceeds for 20 minutes changing the music significantly, wiping out entire sections, adding beats, … Continue reading →

Posted in Humor | 3 Comments

Beautiful Minds: Stephen Wiltshire

Posted on March 10, 2008 by Gandalfe

My sister points me to this YouTube clip with a simple, "Wow." Stephen Wiltshire from London is a star among savants. Stephen is autistic. He did not speak his first words "pencil" and "paper" until he was 5. Yet, when … Continue reading →

Posted in Everyday Science | 5 Comments

Object D’Art — 50 ft Saxophone

Posted on March 9, 2008 by Gandalfe

Jay Easton send a pointer to this monstrosity located in, where else, Texas. His message is simple and one I can relate to, "I want one…" :o) The Roadside America site sez the sculpture is made from cars. How cool … Continue reading →

Posted in Music | 3 Comments

So You Want to Write a Blog – Part I

Posted on March 6, 2008 by Gandalfe

I have been meaning to capture my thoughts on writing a successful blog and then I saw this quote which is rather elegantly put if’n you ask me. A very sage author once told me, “Write the book that you … Continue reading →

Posted in Blog, Tips and Tricks, Writing | 9 Comments

The cas’, very cas’ guy…

Posted on March 4, 2008 by Gandalfe

Suzy was teasing me about my sleeves in yet another shirt that had shrunk and the sleeve length was too short. It’s one of the pitfalls for us tall guys. I typically wear long-sleeve shirts in the cooler weather part … Continue reading →

Posted in Style, Tips and Tricks, Work Related | 12 Comments