Author Archives: Gandalfe

Unknown's avatar

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.

Mother Ducks

Posted on January 27, 2013 by Gandalfe

From the Facebook site Wild for Wildlife and Nature, this picture struck a chord with me this Sunday morning. Parents always have their children on their minds, even when they are not living at home anymore.

Posted in Facebook, Photograph, Wildlife | Tagged | Leave a comment

J.D. Salinger

Posted on January 25, 2013 by Gandalfe

Jerome David Salinger was an American author, best known for his 1951 novel The Catcher in the Rye, as well as his reclusive nature. His last original published work was in 1965; he gave his last interview in 1980. Raised … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Culture, Heros, Writing | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Please Grandpa

Posted on January 25, 2013 by Gandalfe

Grandparents can be special in their own ways. The song in this video is Youth, done by the band Daughter.

Posted in Family, Humor, Video, YouTube | Tagged | Leave a comment

Amazon Kindle HD 8.9 Review

Posted on January 21, 2013 by Gandalfe

“As far as we can discern, the sole purpose of human existence is to kindle a light in the darkness of mere being.” ~ Carl Jung Back when iPads were the only viable tablet solution, Suzy and I purchased one … Continue reading →

Posted in Amazon, Culture, In the news... | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

FAQ: Password Management.

Posted on January 20, 2013 by Gandalfe

“Treat your password like your toothbrush. Don’t let anybody else use it, and get a new one every six months.” ~ Clifford Stoll How do you manage all the passwords for computers?  I’m sure most of you are familiar with … Continue reading →

Posted in Computers and Internet, FAQ, Guides, Security | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

Wild for Wildlife & Nature

Posted on January 20, 2013 by Gandalfe

There is a little drama going on in the world of Facebook. One very popular Facebook page, Wild for Wildlife & Nature, has disappeared. I does still show up in cache’d search. I vaguely remember reading something last week about … Continue reading →

Posted in Facebook, Pinterest, Wildlife | Leave a comment

Microsoft Jumpin’ Jive Orchestra

Posted on January 13, 2013 by Gandalfe

“Talking about music is like dancing about architecture.” ~ Thelonious Monk Here is one of the videos we made of the Microsoft Jumpin’ Jive Orchestra last year. Enjoy.

Posted in Band, Big Band, Microsoft, MJJO, YouTube | 1 Comment

In Search of Star-Studded Skies

Posted on January 6, 2013 by Gandalfe

“No pessimist ever discovered the secret of the stars, or sailed to an uncharted land, or opened a new doorway for the human spirit.” ~ Helen Keller The Architizer starts this very interesting conversation: “Cities have got a lot of … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Everyday Science, Photograph, teachers | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Lesson One: Fronting a band at a Bar

Posted on January 5, 2013 by Gandalfe

“People don’t dance to brilliant guitar solos or heady changes, they dance to the hook lyrics of a simple chorus.” This was posted in Miami craigslist by a club owner about the bands he encounters, and also the realities of … Continue reading →

Posted in Band, Band Management, Big Band, FAQ, Gigs, Guides, Music, My World | Tagged , | 4 Comments

2013 Resolutions a la Commitments

Posted on January 1, 2013 by Gandalfe

“New Year’s Day now is the accepted time to make your regular annual good resolutions. Next week you can begin paving hell with them as usual.” ~ Mark Twain With all the talk and jokes about New Year resolutions going … Continue reading →

Posted in Bucket List, Family, Guides, Health and wellness, Man stuff, My World, Tips and Tricks | Tagged , , | 1 Comment