Category: Personal Thoughts

Thoughts on Boeing and the 737 Max

Carl Setzer
Boeing 737 Max

Boeing Deception Alleged in Scathing Report on Max Crashes

Article via Bloomberg

As a fan of all things Seattle and Boeing, this was painful to read. I’m hopeful that Boeing can fix this, but also recognize that it’s a monumental task of attempting to reboot a corporate culture against decades of history. Crises tend to provide solid energy to overcome social inertia. I hope Boeing is able to pull this off. 

Boeing is still a company I love and admire. Sure, as a fan of things Seattle, and a lover of aviation, I hold a bias. Many, many of my friends and family have held Boeing badges. I deeply want the company to succeed. Yet in a sustainable manner. Erosions of trust at this level are very hard to overcome, and it can’t be done with a model solely focused on maximized profit.

What I’m Reading, May 25, 2020

Carl Setzer

I spent my Memorial Day morning catching up on email and reading. The scope of “keeping up” overwhelms me at times. The only solution I found to not letting this stress me? Accepting the lack of a solution, and that I must choose my focus. So, most of the stuff that comes into my inbox gets deleted.

Here are a few things that caught my eye today:

That’s where I find myself this morning. How about you? Anything inspiring and insightful come into view for you?

Skagit choir suffers devastating losses

Carl Setzer

So, a choir gathered for their regular rehearsal. Before the more draconian restrictions were set. They limited physical contact, practiced limited social distancing. Covid 19 is quite cruel. We’re seeing that it may be able to transmit through the air between people who showed no symptoms, which makes it that much scarier.  

Anyway, I feel it’s important to point out the choir was following the promulgated protocols at the time of their last rehearsal. 

The story had gone national. This link is to the local paper, The Skagit Valley Herald. 

Watch “Robin Williams on Carson w/ Jonathan Winters 1991” on YouTube

Carl Setzer

I’ve been fighting a sinus infection for most of the past week. At one point I turned on YouTube, then fell asleep for I-don’t-know-how-long. I woke to see this video going. Memories of seeing Robin Williams filled me with joy, amongst other feelings. So much joy and laughter, balanced against so much sadness and pain. No other person made me laugh harder than Robin. Which makes the fact he took his own life so much more heartbreaking.

I’d never seen this combo of Williams and Jonathan Winters on the old Tonight Show. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Kombi Converse

Carl Setzer

I’m sure its way too late to add this to my Christmas list. But as I love Kombis and Converse, I can’t imagine a better combo. Hmm…a kombi combo? Ah….

Watch “I Just Want To Ride – Lael Wilcox and the 2019 Tour Divide” on YouTube

Carl Setzer

I adore cycling. Its been key part of my life since my mid-tweens. I’ve ridden in many states (Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Florida amongst others). For most of my twenties I refused to own a car. At one point my bike was the most important thing in my life. Now, things have changed. But I still love life with two wheels.

As a younger chap, a two week ride from Canada to Mexico would’ve seemed awesome. So, discovering Tour Divide captivated me. Discovering Lael Wilcox, the star of the video below, also delights me. I’m looking forward to exploring more of her riding life.

So, this is a great story and ride. I recommend the video below. And I’ll have more to say I’ve watched her other stuff. But go ahead and started. Don’t wait for me! Oh, and let me know what you think, any other riders out there you think I should check out, any suggestions would be very welcome.

Views From The Road In Kirkland

Carl Setzer

The brutality of traffic: my journey home impacted. Made my way through Kirkland, though extremely slowly. The upside? These great photos taken from my car. Right off Lake Washington, the light felt perfect. The cold air, though, presented another challenge. One solved with rolled up windows, I suppose.

Some Music I Found On YouTube

Carl Setzer

I’ve been exploring music on YouTube for years. I’ve found the YouTube Music feature pretty lackluster, but that’s probably mostly due to my eclectic musical tastes and interests.

Lately, I’ve been obsessing about a couple musical things. First, the Hang Drum. Imagine a steel drum that’s much more portable. I find them rather ethereal and lovely. I particularly like the video below. The music is delightful, and the imagery stunning. My favorite combo on the platform. Here’s a playlist I’ve started, and will add to as I go forward.

 

Another recent musical obsession: these long playing live streams. I’ve been bopping in and out of the one below for months…maybe years. I wonder if this is an element of the future? What do you think?