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.

Merry Whatever

Posted on January 1, 2010 by Gandalfe

In the spirit of the season as well as the both ecumenical and controversy-doting spirit of this office, I offer the following: Please accept with no obligation, expressed or implied, my best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low … Continue reading →

Posted in Humor | 2 Comments

Slate: Fix Your Terrible, Insecure Passwords in Five Minutes

Posted on December 31, 2009 by Gandalfe

This is for my friends and family and something that can easily be done to protect you from unscrupulous hackers. Slate provides some ideas including using a mnemonic to make it near impossible to guess your password. “Start with an … Continue reading →

Posted in Security | 1 Comment

Red Underwear means Happy New Year

Posted on December 30, 2009 by Gandalfe

Want to celebrate New Year’s Eve the Italian way? Prepare cotechino (pork sausage) and lenticchie (lentils – which symbolize money), a dish that stands for prosperity on La Festa di San Silvestro (New Year’s Eve). And don’t forget to wear … Continue reading →

Posted in Holiday, Panties, romantic, Too Spicy for some, Xmas | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

Surviving the Vicious Cycle of Making & Breaking New Year’s Resolutions

Posted on December 30, 2009 by Gandalfe

Chris Dunmire (CoachingYourCreativity.com) has designed a tool to help you get a list of New Year’s resolutions that may actually work. I really don’t make too many resolutions and this approach makes a lot of sense to me. List your … Continue reading →

Posted in Health and wellness | Leave a comment

Forbes Magazine: America’s 25 Best-Paying Jobs for 2009

Posted on December 29, 2009 by Gandalfe

"Doing what you like is freedom. Liking what you do is happiness." -Frank Tyger Forbes Magazine: America’s 25 Best-Paying Jobs 2009 Listed with average annual pay 1. Surgeons: $206,770 2. Anesthesiologists: $197,570 3. Orthodontists: $194,930 4. Obstetrician and Gynecologists: $192,780 … Continue reading →

Posted in Health and wellness | Leave a comment

CagleCartoons.com: Peace on Earth

Posted on December 28, 2009 by Gandalfe
Posted in Humor | Leave a comment

Catching Up via NetFlix

Posted on December 27, 2009 by Gandalfe

Suzy recently decided to try NetFlix and I seem to be the primary beneficiary of the service. Since we purchased a subscription I have probably seen 20 new movies (in three months). We purchase a ROKU box ($79) so that … Continue reading →

Posted in Too Spicy for some | Tagged | 2 Comments

Pete Thomas’ Sax-o-glue and My Flying Fingers

Posted on December 27, 2009 by Gandalfe

I have a habit when I get into some great music of just letting my fingers fly. It is a bad habit and one, of the many, that all my instructors have suggested I work on. And it doesn’t matter … Continue reading →

Posted in Saxophone | Leave a comment

Introducing Count Saxula, a vun and a two…

Posted on December 25, 2009 by Gandalfe

When I was a kid, I loved a puppet called Klinker who was modeled after a blond cocker spaniel. I delighted in telling stories with the help of “my little friend”. It was as fun for me as it was … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Collectable, Hobbies, Saxophone, soprillo, Toys | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Santa Baby, in an F Mezzo style

Posted on December 24, 2009 by Gandalfe

This has been a very festive season indeed in many ways. So many friends, family, and lots of music. First Matt (aka QuinnTheEskimo on eBay) found me a pristine 1928 Conn F Mezzo soprano sax. What can I say, the … Continue reading →

Posted in Holiday | Leave a comment