Month: March 2015

Long-Suffering RadioShack, My Geeky Youth Paradise

Carl Setzer
Radioshack Logo

It pains me a bit to see RadioShack suffering so (see No new bidders emerging in RadioShack’s bankruptcy as 2,000 stores face closure over at Geekwire). It doesn’t surprise me, just saddens me. As an electronics enthusiast growing up (back in the 70s and 80s) this was THE place to see stuff, to get your gear. I loved their electronics training kits, for instance.

There was one in Lynnwood right next to Wilcox Park off of 196th street; a rather quick jaunt from home. I would routinely ogle shortwave and HAM radio gear, various electronics kits, then the life-changing TRS 80. I coveted the affectionately titled “Trash 80” for some time. Well, until my father opted for one of the IBM clones on the market, which dwarfed the capabilities of the humble TRS. And my interest started to wane.

RadioShack lost their je ne sais quoi ages ago. I haven’t set foot in one in years. There were (and are) far better places to buy gear, especially computer gear. They failed to pivot at a crucial juncture and just can’t get their legs back under them. I fully expect this brand will die, whether a with a splendid crater or quietly vanishing into a sub-brand of Sprint remains to be seen. But I don’t see how it’s relevant anymore. Perhaps, just maybe, they can snap into the “maker” movement, but it’d need to happen NOW, as they’re behind. Thus, I doubt any such thing will materialize. So, in my heart-of-hearts, I bid this venerable icon adieu. May it rest in peace.

 

Ah, Life!

Carl Setzer

Woke this morning listening to birds punctuate the silence. Delightful and heart-warming, clearly reminding me how good my life is. Sometimes it’s easy to fill up on life’s negativity. Then it spills over and crafts a life of misery, despair, anger and fear. Taking time to focus on beauty, on love, absorb it, pull it into one’s marrow, creates a more joyful existence. A deliberate act with great value.

Emerald City Comicon Is Underway

Carl Setzer

Oh, dear geek friends, Emerald City Comicon fans, I know some folks felt slighted by this statement from Washington State’s DOT:

It’s easy to feel slighted when one has lived their lives as the butt of myriad jokes. Comicons are fantastic events, bringing together thousands of people who love comics, anime, science fiction and fantasy. They’re glorious and fun events. I’ve been to a couple cons here in Seattle, but it’s been a LONG time. Too long, I’m afraid. I do love these events. Besides simply being surrounded by like-minded people, there are all the amazing speakers, chances to meet writers and artists who’ve inspired you, and (my favorite) cosplay. Cosplay is fun to watch: such amazing displays of creativity and passion.
Sadly, I’ll miss this one myself. However, Cons are definitely on my list of events to add. Looking forward to getting back into this world. But it can be followed via Twitter:

So, let’s assume you’ve missed the Emerald City Comiccon and are now deep in regret. Fret not! There are other options, in Seattle and beyond. Here’s what’s coming up in Seattle. This is more than comicons, but includes other geek culture conferences.
April 2-5: Norwescon (Seatac)
April 3-5: Sakuracon
August 28-31: Pax Prime
Sept. 25-27: Stemposium
Oct. 30 – Nov. 1: Aki Con
This is hardly an all encompassing list. I’m working on that, but here’s a start. Looking the entire Pacific Northwest region. I’ll keep working on it, so make it a point to check back.

Buskers and Street Performers of All Stripes, Lynnwood Seeks Thee!

Carl Setzer

Oooh, summer time is sneaking up on us, and with that Farmer’s Market time! If you’re a performer, here’s a great opportunity to arrange a fun gig in the sun. Ok, it’ll be sunny some of the time…

Call for Performers

Seeking Singers, Musicians, Bands, Jugglers & Magicians

The City of Lynnwood would like to spotlight local musicians and performing artists this summer. Based on audition videos, the Lynnwood Arts Commission will select artists or groups to perform at the Lynnwood Farmers Market, a free community celebration expected to attract up to 2,000 visitors weekly. Performances will be scheduled on Thursdays, June 11 – September 10, 2015 between 3 – 7PM (set times vary) at Wilcox Park, 5215 196th St SW.

Singers, bands, instrumentalists, jugglers, magicians, and performance artists are invited to apply. Download and mail your application along with a CD or DVD of your performance or a similar performance -OR- email application along with a link to a Youtube video.

This is an opportunity for emerging artists to be seen by an audience in South Snohomish County. Performers will be allowed to busk and sell CDs and merchandise and will be promoted through the Market’s website and Facebook page.

Deadline for Performing Artist applications is Friday, May 1, 2015.

For more information, visit www.LynnwoodFarmersMarket.com or contact Sarah Olson at solson@ci.lynnwood.wa.us.

 

Admiring my neighbors

Carl Setzer

Due to my Fitbit’s constant presentation of my inactivity, I decided to walk in the evenings. Not every night, but several see me striding through these suburbs which I call home. A few nights ago, I hear a buzzing spatter, then see the brilliant blue of welding. A Boeing welder exploring their artistic side? Or perhaps simply repairing a car? Answers escape my view, blocked by a fence.

These sights and sounds, though, remind me of a young sailor. Yes, me, humbly requesting welding school, which aligned with my rate, my work designation. Then it felt perfect, I could see artistry within. Terrible at self-promotion and assertiveness, that path never manifested. How different would my life’s path turned out?

With that, I admire those who craft, who, at day’s end, look upon something physical. An amazingly wonderful thing! I lament nothing of my path or life, though; just a little wonder how things could be. And, mostly, delight at the talent and skill held by my community. It makes me happy, and proud.

Passion, Connection, Transportation

Carl Setzer

I’m often giving a lift to one of the teens at my taekwondo studio, and I’m often pinged for last minute rides, sometimes involving a fair amount of driving. A few friends question why I make myself that accessible for such. “Am I just being a sucker”? The short answer: “no”.

I deeply value helping people connect with their passions. The thought of someone not participating in a passion simply because of transportation issues bothers me greatly. Sometimes the easiest way to assist with that connection is simply facilitating presence. If my gift of a few minutes of driving helps connect passions, then it’s a glorious investment in the communities that I love.

Hey, Everett is hosting the Pacific Rim Gymnastics Championships

Carl Setzer

Everett’s Xfinity Arena hosts world class events all the time. Here’s another:


Pacific Rim Gymnastics Championships Return to XFINITY Arena
April 8-10, 2016 

XFINITY Arena at Everett will again play host to more than 300 of the world’s best gymnasts when they compete in the 2016 Pacific Rim Gymnastics Championships April 8-10, 2016.  In 2012, XFINITY Arena hosted the three-day international event that features the top gymnasts from the Pac Rim countries.

“The 2012 Pac Rim Championships in Everett was one of the most successful ever held,” said Steve Penny, president of USA Gymnastics.  “The way the local community, civic leaders, facilities and the gymnastics family worked together to stage a great event put Everett at the top of our potential site list when we were awarded the event for 2016.  We are looking forward to a repeat performance next year.”

The three-day event features athletes from more than 14 countries competing in men’s and women’s gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, and trampoline.

Held every two years, the Pacific Rim Championships traditionally feature gymnasts from Australia, Canada, China, Chinese Taipei, Colombia, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Philippines, Russia, Singapore and the United States.  NBC Sports will broadcasting onsite.

More about USA Gymnastics.  Based in Indianapolis, USA Gymnastics is the national governing body for gymnastics in the United States.  Its mission is to encourage participation and the pursuit of excellence in the sport. Its disciplines include men’s and women’s artistic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, trampoline and tumbling, acrobatic gymnastics and group gymnastics.  For more complete information, log on to www.usagym.org .

XFINITY Arena at Everett

Washington’s Premier Sports and Entertainment Venue
Edward D Hansen Conference Center (EDHCC)
2000 Hewitt Avenue – Suite 200, Everett, Washington 98201
p 425.322.2600 – f 425.322.2601 – www.xfinityarenaeverett.com

Congrats to the Lynnwood High Girls Basketball Team

Carl Setzer

Earlier this week, Lynnwood’s Mayor and City Council were able to give the most formal of congratulations to our local State Champs!  As a Meadowdale alum and long-time Lynnwood resident, just want to say how proud I am of our local kids doing great things.

It doesn’t seem that long ago that our local Pacific Little League boys were in the Little League World Series. This region has some good sports genes I guess.

Everett is building community one bad note at a time

Carl Setzer
One of the most clever fundraisers I’ve seen in some time. If nothing else, it shows the courage of your friends and neighbors.
_________________________________________________________________
EVERETT DOESN’T HAVE TALENT
(ACTUALLY SOME DO)
Annual YMCA of Snohomish County Campaign
Karaoke Night
Friday, March 27, 2015  –  7 PM
Kroakers Neighborhood Bar
3021 Rucker Avenue, Everett, WA

Come watch your friends get auctioned off to sing the worst karaoke this city has heard. Bid to choose their song and pay to strike the gong!

All proceeds benefit the Everett YMCA’s Annual Campaign.  Cash or ATM available.
Friday, March 27 | 7 pm
Ages 21 and over
Tickets $10 minimum cash donation at the door includes two beer tickets
98201YMCA OF SNOHOMISH COUNTY
Everett Family Branch
2720 Rockefeller Avenue Everett, WA 98201
P 425 258 9211 www.ymca-snoco.org/Ever ett

The Y is for everyone. Financial assistance is available.

New Edmonds Restaurants

Carl Setzer

According to this post (on My Edmonds News), we have a Spuds Fish & Chips AND a Top Pot Donuts coming to Salish Crossing (that’s what’s being built in the old (ancient?) Safeway building right next to the train station.

I can’t tell you how happy this makes me.

More about the Salish Crossing development and the official site’s site is here.