Author: Carl Setzer

My quote of the day

Carl Setzer

I came across this line by inimitable Seth Godin, who I admire greatly.

“Our job is to make change. Our job is to connect to people, to interact with them in a way that leaves them better than we found them, more able to get where they’d like to go. Every time we waste that opportunity, every page or sentence that doesn’t do enough to advance the cause is waste.”
from Linchpin

I’ve long seen this as a strength of mine, and one I long to continue to develop. I sincerely hope that at least some of the connections I’ve made have resulted in something wonderful.

 

Thinking about mortality 

Carl Setzer

This weekend I helped out at a memorial service. This was sobering for me. A young woman, a few weeks younger than me. Technically, I guess, middle-aged.

Buried a friend’s teenaged son earlier this year. Other kids, one degree of sepration from me, lost to violence. An acquaintance, who’s son is my son’s age, has a massive heart attack. Some friends fighting cancer. Powerful reminders of how fragile we actually are. How tenuous is this thing, life? So terribly precious.

Guard it well, but don’t let it squander, buried in fear. Find that blend of a well lived life and a long, joyous one. For we all end up in the box.

Make these days count!

A Vlog Update: Talking Elections, Government and Society

Carl Setzer

Just posted a vlog where I consider the current state of politics and governance.

Watch, subscribe, consider.

A quick list of area Halloween events

Carl Setzer

Wow, it’s Halloween already. Here’s a fast list of things to help you organize some spooky fun.

First, start with this great list of Halloween Safety Tips, provided by the Snohomish County Fire District and Mountlake Terrace News.

And here’s a smattering of the Halloween events in Snohomish County:

October 30th, 2016

October 31st, 2016

Seattle has too many events to list. The Seattle Times has a comprehensive list. And, boy, is it long!

As for other events in Snohomish County, Click Here to see What’s Happening in Snohomish County This Weekend

Let me know what I’ve missed/what I need to add in the comments.

Halloween Approaches Lynnwood

Carl Setzer

Ah, a lovely Saturday in Lynnwood! Nary a cloud, and rather warm.

Besides the basic logistical efforts of weekend life (laundry, decluttering, groceries…), today was the day to costume shop. Well, for the kid, who’s losing his kid-like qualities quickly.

We made our way to Lynnwood’s Spirit Halloween. Even as I’m walking in, I can here the gang from Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas singing “This Is Halloween”. For me, at least, this was delightful.

https://youtu.be/xpvdAJYvofI

Looking around this store, that looks like the wardrobe department for a B horror flick. Rather impressive, really, especially considering the glorified trash bags I wore as “costumes” when I was a kid. Things looked like these:

costumes_black

 

And I had this one several times (I heart Spiderman):

1970s-costume-spiderman

The world has changed. And kid’s expectations have grown. Makes sense, I guess. And, though I’d love things to become dirt-cheap again, I’ll take the greater fun.

 

Spirit’s over in Lynnwood Square, I believe in the same spot as the old (ancient?) CompUSA. It’s next to where Sport’s Authority used to be. In the lot is a rather large sign admonishing non-patrons about this being a private lot. I found it amusing. Mainly since there’s a lot of vacant space in this strip-mall. I’m sure it’s from better times, when parking was more of a premium. Anyway, if you’re looking for a large retail space, they’ve got plenty for you. In case you didn’t know, within a 5-mile radius, we have a population in excess of 300,000 with an average household income of nearly $88,000. Not a bad neighborhood, huh?

In the parking lot is the old Chevy’s. I’ve been watching the building for some time.

chevys-lynnwood

I think the building’s been vacant more than it’s been occupied. I’m not sure how long the space has been vacant, but I’m sure you can lease it for a reasonable price. I know it’s been closed for at least 10 years I can speak of. I wonder why it’s still vacant? I don’t imagine there’s a good business case to made for a rotting, vacant building. I’m used to these situations have some kind of legal issue, whether insurance, probate, taxes, criminal…there’s some kind of issue.

I’ve been meaning to dive deeper within, but I’ve been busy. Soon, though.

Stay well, do great things!

Vlog update: October 19, 2016

Carl Setzer

A few rambles, plus I’m working on a post about Seattle’s food truck scene.

Here’s some research so far: https://twitter.com/CarlSetzer/lists/food1

 

 

A Look At Bellevue

Carl Setzer

The city of Bellevue put this video together highlighting what Bellevue has to offer as a city, as a business community and as a region.

So, love it? Hate it? Good use of time and effort? Let me know in the comments.

A Storify for the October Windstorm

Carl Setzer

I’ve put together a Storify for the storms making their way through Washington and Oregon. You might need to refresh the page to see updates.

Autumn 2016’s First Storm Of The Season – Refresh to See Updates

https://storify.com/carlsetzer/washington-windstorm-october-2016

Rough weather heading our way tomorrow

Carl Setzer

Just saw this over at Cliff Mass’ site. Looks like, starting tomorrow, our weather is going to be rough. Dig out the rain gear Seattle peeps!

Warning: Major Storms Threaten the Pacific Northwest

Starting Thursday, we will enter a period of extraordinarily active weather with the potential for heavy rain, flooding, and a highly dangerous windstorm with the potential to be an historic event. The coastal waters and shoreline areas could well experience hurricane-force gusts, with a lesser but serious threat for strong winds over the interior.  Keep in mind that there is still uncertainty in the forecasts, more so for the wind than the rain.
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