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.

RATstands: The Jazz Stand

Posted on August 25, 2009 by Gandalfe

Suzy splurged a couple of years ago and bought us both this RATstand. It was the 6th or 7th in a line of attempts to find the perfect stand. This stand is it. There’s a video on the Web site … Continue reading →

Posted in Music | 2 Comments

Tips & Tricks: Windows Live Movie Maker

Posted on August 20, 2009 by Gandalfe

I have been using Windows Live Movie Maker for a while now. It was free and just works. You can see an example of the result here in the Uploads window. Every one of these 49 movies were made with … Continue reading →

Posted in Computers and Internet | Leave a comment

Wired: 7 Good Reasons to Switch to Windows 7

Posted on August 19, 2009 by Gandalfe

Don’t just take my word for it, many of your favorite tech sites are recommending you move to Microsoft Windows 7. I’ve been using the pre-release of Win7 for months now (yes I work at *that* company) and I fully … Continue reading →

Posted in Technology | 2 Comments

The Dissonance buys a Upright Bass

Posted on August 17, 2009 by Gandalfe

As most of you know I have a music studio on the first floor of my house. So far I have sound molded it (with various foam, curtain, and such devices), had a drummer friend of mine help me purchase … Continue reading →

Posted in Music | 2 Comments

Gigs du Jour

Posted on August 16, 2009 by Gandalfe

Here, mostly for my own use, is my schedule for the rest of the year… so far. PCBB: Sept 13 – Eastside Swing Dance, 7 – 10 PM Nov 13 – Annual Arthur Murray Swing Dance, Seattle Center House 8 … Continue reading →

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FujiFilm F200 EXR

Posted on August 14, 2009 by Gandalfe

How is it possible that I haven’t bought a camera since Nov 2007? My new camera is as cool as the old and larger one which I use for both video and stills. Dad gets my old and trusty Lumix … Continue reading →

Posted in Hobbies | 1 Comment

Uptown Lowdown Jazz Band

Posted on August 11, 2009 by Gandalfe

Anytime I can catch these guys in town, we go to hear the Uptown Lowdown Jazz Band. My friend Paul Woltz is on soprano and bass sax and is jointed by a very relaxed Bert Barr who makes playing trumpet … Continue reading →

Posted in Music | 3 Comments

Seattle Symphony Fund Drive 2009

Posted on August 6, 2009 by Gandalfe

Your Gift Matched through August 31 – Give $25, Symphony Gets $50! An anonymous donor has pledged a Matching Gift Challenge to help us close the gap on our 2008–2009 fiscal year, and we need your help! With only a … Continue reading →

Posted in Music | Leave a comment

Blue Bottle Cappuccino

Posted on August 4, 2009 by Gandalfe

Sometimes I find beauty and joy in the simplest of things. Last night it was a waxing, almost full moon. Today it’s a cup of coffee and well presented in my friend Menno te Koppele;s picture on Facebook today. The … Continue reading →

Posted in Health and wellness | 2 Comments

Monday Funnies – Hit the Couch

Posted on August 3, 2009 by Gandalfe

This is a video of David Hyde Pierce at the Festival of Fun performing a very funny song "The Therapy Song" as his "Frasier" character Niles Crane. Enjoy.

Posted in Humor | Leave a comment