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.

Hey, Thelonius (the cat) can play piano too!

Posted on March 2, 2007 by Gandalfe

Nora, the piano-playing cat has grabbed the headlines appearing on YouTube.com on January 28th, 2007. Within two weeks. her video had been viewed over a 1.5 million times, and various news media were quick to pick up the story. I … Continue reading →

Posted in Pets | 3 Comments

Making a difference on this blue marble

Posted on March 1, 2007 by Gandalfe

  I’m excited to let you know that today in the U.S. we launched the  “(I’m) initiative," which connects users of the Windows Live Messengers with nine of the world’s most significant causes and the leading non-profit organizations associated with them. … Continue reading →

Posted in Computers and Internet | 1 Comment

Book Lust with Nancy Pearl

Posted on February 28, 2007 by Gandalfe

It takes a post by my friend Eolake to find the Seattle Channel’s Book Lust. It’s made even more amazing because while I live in Seattle, Eolake Stobblehouse lives Denmark! And he saw it first. "Nancy’s guest in November is … Continue reading →

Posted in Books | Leave a comment

James Carter does the Bass Sax

Posted on February 26, 2007 by Gandalfe

Someone on the SOTW forum turned me on to James Carter’s ‘Chasing the Gypsy‘. I’ve been listening to it all week and just loving the old school bass sax stylings of this CD. I’ve been playing against the CD, especially … Continue reading →

Posted in Jazz | 2 Comments

Fighting the Wallet Bulge and other Pocket Atrocities

Posted on February 24, 2007 by Gandalfe

I have been reducing the stuff I carry in my pockets ever since the government made me stop carrying my pen knife which I used two to three times a week on average fixing things. First to go was the wad … Continue reading →

Posted in Technology | 6 Comments

Jazz Saxophonist Michael Brecker (1949-2007)

Posted on February 22, 2007 by Gandalfe

National Public Radio‘s JazzSet does a nice write-up of saxophonist Michael Brecker. "Among the most influential musicians in jazz since the 1960s." (New York Times) "Michael Brecker’s death in January robs jazz of one of our most important musicians, recognized … Continue reading →

Posted in Jazz | 1 Comment

It’s the body thang again…

Posted on February 17, 2007 by Gandalfe

I really find the public outcry against beautiful people showing off their bodies to be a bit disingenuous at the very least and a cry for help in most cases. Does that make me a voyeur? In this case "Thai … Continue reading →

Posted in Too Spicy for some | 3 Comments

The Selmer Paris modele 67 Privilége low-C bass clarinet

Posted on February 15, 2007 by Gandalfe

I have been extremely happy with this bass clarinet, a Selmer Paris Privilége modele 67 low-C, after wrestling with a vintage Leblanc Paris model for about six months. All of a sudden I have the full clarion range without the squeaking … Continue reading →

Posted in Music | 1 Comment

One Laptop per Child

Posted on February 13, 2007 by Gandalfe

  Eight Nations set to get $150 laptops – C/net News From Brazil to Pakistan, some of the world’s poorest children will peer across the digital divide this month–reading electronic books, shooting digital video, creating music and chatting with classmates … Continue reading →

Posted in Everyday Science | 2 Comments

Isn’t Life Glorious

Posted on February 12, 2007 by Gandalfe

Isn’t life glorious, Isn’t it grandHere–take it–hold it tight in your handSqueeze every drop of it into your soulDrink of the joy of it, sunsweet and whole       Laugh with the love of it, burst into songScatter it’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Health and wellness | 1 Comment