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.

When Microsoft Lays You Off ~ Tips from Someone who has been There.

Posted on July 21, 2014 by Gandalfe

For those of you who live in a cave, let me catch you up. Microsoft gave 12,500 employees walking papers last week. Note, Microsoft conducts these Reduction In Force (RIF) exercises every 3 to 5 years. This current RIF is … Continue reading →

Posted in Employment, Guides, LinkedIn, Microsoft | Tagged , , | 6 Comments

Superhero Muse du Jour

Posted on July 14, 2014 by Gandalfe

      Are there any other questions?” I cleared my throat. “Yeah,” I replied, raising my voice. “Can I get paid for being the repeat victim in these practice runs? It’s not easy, you know, getting tied up or … Continue reading →

Posted in Art | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Microsoft Live Spaces Saga Continues

Posted on July 6, 2014 by Gandalfe

This blog started on a platform called Microsoft Live Spaces. Wikipedia sez, “Windows Live Spaces was Microsoft’s blogging and social networking platform. The site was originally released in early 2004 as MSN Spaces to compete with other social networking sites, … Continue reading →

Posted in Blog, Microsoft | Tagged | Leave a comment

Professor Gadget Sax Quartet, take 2014

Posted on June 30, 2014 by Gandalfe

“Music is your own experience, your own thoughts, your wisdom. If you don’t live it, it won’t come out of your horn. They teach you there’s a boundary line to music. But, man, there’s no boundary line to art.” ~ … Continue reading →

Posted in Sax Quartet, Saxophone | Tagged | 3 Comments

A Cold Summer for the Emerald City in 2014

Posted on June 17, 2014 by Gandalfe

“Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine.” ~ Anthony J. D’Angelo I’m sitting here finishing some projects and looking out the window here near the Emerald City aka Seattle. Mid to high 50s most … Continue reading →

Posted in Hobbies, My World, Seattle | Tagged , | 1 Comment

My Dawg and Me …

Posted on June 10, 2014 by Gandalfe

I’m here watching TV and Amelia is, of course, sitting right next to me. She is an Australian Red heeler and German Shepard mix. Her smile is omnipresent and her love is unfailing. Words fail me, so here are some … Continue reading →

Posted in Dog, Pets | 1 Comment

Google X Built A Fully Self-Driving Car From Scratch, Sans Steering Wheel And Pedals

Posted on May 28, 2014 by Gandalfe
Posted in Music | Leave a comment

Memorial Day Gigs ~ 2014

Posted on May 26, 2014 by Gandalfe

There is nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured with what is right in America. ~ Bill Clinton This 20-year veteran retiree is thinking about the things he saw in the military. Some was amazing, some was tragic, and … Continue reading →

Posted in Holiday, Music | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Analysis of my Zip Code ~ Stats 2014

Posted on April 25, 2014 by Gandalfe

I thought I’d research my corner of this blue marble and save the findings here. Bothell is a city located in King and Snohomish Counties in the state of Washington. It is part of the Seattle metropolitan area. The population … Continue reading →

Posted in Community, Government, My World, Research, Statistics | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Just for fun …

Posted on April 23, 2014 by Gandalfe
Posted in Humor, Music | Leave a comment