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.

Meet the Super Geek League

Posted on February 27, 2014 by Gandalfe

This Seattle phenomenon is called the Super Geek League, where I have some friends playing with shock music.  I keep meaning to find time to go to their show and now that they are releasing their third CD, will have … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Band, Culture, Dancing, Seattle | Tagged | Leave a comment

FAQ: Name Those Saxes

Posted on February 25, 2014 by Gandalfe

“And I saw the sax line-up that he had behind him and I thought, I’m going to learn the saxophone. When I grow up, I’m going to play in his band. So I sort of persuaded my dad to get … Continue reading →

Posted in Saxophone | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Let Post Offices Replace Payday Lenders

Posted on February 4, 2014 by Gandalfe

Vote for this idea by signing this petition. A few days ago, a diary was posted explaining that the US Inspector General had recently endorsed the idea of the United States Post Office offering simple banking services in addition to … Continue reading →

Posted in Economics, Education, Government, Guides, Money | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

My Conn Mezzo Soprano Sax in F

Posted on February 2, 2014 by Gandalfe

“Don’t play the saxophone. Let it play you.” ~ Charlie Parker It was the mid-naughts and I was flush with money. Those were the days. I purchased a one of a kind Eppelsheim bass sax and a Conn F mezzo … Continue reading →

Posted in Music Instruments, Saxophone | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Retiring in Style for the Average Family

Posted on February 1, 2014 by Gandalfe

“It was the labor movement that helped secure so much of what we take for granted today. The 40-hour work week, the minimum wage, family leave, health insurance, Social Security, Medicare, retirement plans. The cornerstones of the middle-class security all … Continue reading →

Posted in Economics, Education, FAQ, Guides, retirement | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Why I’ve Grown to Hate Most Employee Feedback Systems

Posted on January 23, 2014 by Gandalfe

In the past 22 years, I have noticed that most corporations solicit feedback from all levels of a team, but when using them to *help* an employee improve, the feedback is used in a way that leaves out specifics, so … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Employment, FAQ, Guides | Tagged | 1 Comment

Top Ten Home Improvements

Posted on January 11, 2014 by Gandalfe

“If I were asked to name the chief benefit of the house, I should say: the house shelters day-dreaming, the house protects the dreamer, the house allows one to dream in peace.” ~ Gaston Bachelard Customizing your home is a … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Guides, Health and wellness, home, Money, My World, Repair, Style, Tips and Tricks | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Electric Cars in 2014

Posted on January 7, 2014 by Gandalfe

Here is a lovely article looking at 13 Electric Cars coming to the Market in 2014. BUT, they didn’t mention the existing electric cars like Tesla and the Smart Car. I can’t even begin to tell you how fun this … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Commuting, Conservation, Technology | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Page one of 365, Chapter 2014

Posted on January 1, 2014 by Gandalfe

“The life of every man is a diary in which he means to write one story, and writes another; and his humblest hour is when he compares the volume as it is with what he vowed to make it.” ~ … Continue reading →

Posted in Employment, Family, Lifestyle, My World | 1 Comment

WordPress Annual Report for my Blog

Posted on December 31, 2013 by Gandalfe

The folks at WordPress sent me my annual report, part of which is provided in this screenshot: My number of post per month has been reduced dramatically as I spend more time a work than I used to. I now … Continue reading →

Posted in Blog, Statistics, WordPress | Tagged | Leave a comment