Category: Seattle and Beyond

A PNW Gem: Morten Lauridsen

Carl Setzer

Morten Lauridsen is one of the great musical products of the Pacific Northwest. Born in Colfax (roughly 1/2 way between Spokane and Pullman), he then grew up in Portland, went to Whitman in Walla Walla, then landed at USC. I’m sad to say I only discovered his music quite recently, as he has been helping the good folks at King FM raise money for their abrupt and mandatory relocation. I’ve been exploring his work throughout the week. Spotify has a nice collection of his work.

I also discovered this interview where he discusses his Magnum Mysterium. Listening to him talk reminds me of the joy I felt when I studied music. I have many moments where I regret stopping those studies. I expect I should write about that at some point.

What do you think of his music? Is there anyone you like? That you would recommend? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

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Lynnwood Police Free Vacation House Check Program 

Carl Setzer

A key thing to help you relax on your vacation? Knowing that your house and valuables are safe.

House Check

LYNNWOOD, WA (May 2, 2019) – Going on vacation anytime this year? Don’t forget to sign up at the Lynnwood Police Department for your FREE Vacation House Check.

Two easy ways to sign up:

1. Come to the clerks’ office at the station on the corner of 44th Ave. W and 194th (Veterans Way); we’re open from 8 am to 5 pm daily. When you’re there you’ll fill out some brief information for your house check and we will take care of the rest.

2. Download and complete the application located on the Lynnwood Police Department’s website, then return it by email to LWellington@LynnwoodWA.gov, drop it off at the clerks’ office or return by mail to the Police Department.

The Volunteers in Public Safety (VIPS) check on all houses in the city limits of Lynnwood registered for vacation house checks. The VIPS are trained on the police radio to call an officer if they hear or see anything suspicious.

For questions on Free Vacation House Check or how to learn more about volunteering with the Lynnwood Police Department call the Lynnwood Police Crime Prevention Section at 425-670-5635.

Photos from Easter Weekend

Carl Setzer

Here are some shots from Easter weekend, where we drove up to Bellingham. Now, I love Bellingham, but the traffic through Everett, Arlington and Mt. Vernon was ludicrous. It took over two hours to get up there and neatly three to get home. Normal conditions would make it about 70 minutes. Our region’s growth is making for California-esque traffic, of which I’m not a fan. It is a part of life around here anymore, I’m afraid.

Some Thoughts On The Traveling Wilburys

Carl Setzer

Traveling Wilburys

The Traveling Wilburys just popped through my Spotify feed. I loved their music from the get-go. It was sobering, though, to see this photo. 3/5 of them have passed on. Fortunately, Jeff Lynne and Bob Dylan seem to be in good health.

I guess there’s a certain immortality here. Photos, videos, and music give these artists a voice long after they’ve died. Recorded audio has transformed so much of how we life, and how we relate to each other. Seeing connections to them that are indistinguishable from when they were alive is a big one. I’m pretty sure there are people who would be shocked to here a band where every member has been dead for years. And not because of some tragedy, but just life.

Well, enough sober reality for one day.

Stuck in I5 Southbound Traffic In Everett This Morning? Check Out Why

Carl Setzer

I drive from Lynnwood to Marysville on I5 each morning. This accident had me gawking. I hope everyone was ok. It looks truly horrible.

UPDATE: looks like no one was killed. Thank goodness! Shout out to twitter friend NoSpandexRequired for forwarding the update below to me.

 

Dinner got me thinking burgers

Carl Setzer

Our dinner plans this evening include going to Edmonds’ El Puerto. They’ve been a part of our lives for over a decade. And, now, the restaurant is at the end. The owners plan to retire after this weekend. We can hope it’s an April Fools prank, but I doubt it’ll do any good.

Anyway, the place was packed and we decided to head up the hill and half-block to another favorite eatery: Taki Tiki.

I had a BBQ Burger Dip; very yummy! My wife had the mahi mahi fish tacos and was quite happy. We’ve eaten there many times over the years, and tried many of their options. I’ve never been disappointed.

This got me thinking. I think it would be fun to explore different burger places in the region. In south Snohomish County, I’ve eaten at, besides Taki Tiki, Red Onion in Mountlake Terrace, Dick’s, Blazing Onion at Alderwood Mall, Hop Jack’s in Lynnwood (and up in Smokey Pointe), and Hamburger Harry’s (Edmonds). Heading north theres Bob’s Burgers and Brews, and also Ray’s in Everett, Marysville’s AJ’s, Burger Mill, Zeke’s in Gold Bat, Nutty’s Junkyard Grill in Arlington…these are what comes rolling out readily. I’m sure I’d think of others if I gave it time. This is just Snohomish County.

And I already have a bit of a list of places I want to try.

  • Country Burger by Lake Ki
  • Dave’s Burgers in Lynnwood
  • Charley’s in Snohomish

What’s your favorite that’s missing from this list? Tell me which of the above you love, or dislike. I am open to all kinds of ideas. I’d really love to hear your favorites.

Light Fading To Dreams: A #Haiku

Carl Setzer

The sun’s nearly down

And darkness’ grasp nearby

Light fading to dreams

Evening walks in Edmonds are always delightful. Where’s your favorite place to walk?

A Few Random Thoughts This Saturday

Carl Setzer

It was a stunning day, one delightfully free of any hint of snow. After some morning meetings, we went to Alderwood Mall this evening for a few errands. A few observations: First, I like the renovated Apple Store. Doubling the space, as well as the high ceilings make the space feel huge. I got a reminder that I need to get my old Macbook Pro over there for the geniuses to commence voodoo. The poor thing failed to boot for several months. I’m pretty sure it’s simply a failed charger, but am not sure. Could be a failed battery, too.

Also, I noticed the increased presence of uniformed security officers in Nordstroms. I didn’t notice them that much at the mall before, but today they were very present, up front and obvious in Nordy’s. Makes me wonder why. Or if I was just remarkably unaware before.

Tomorrow we’re going to see Captain Marvel. Quite possibly at Alderwood Mall, but maybe we’ll make a bigger trip of it and head to Seattle. I do enjoy Cinerama, but it might also be fun to see it at the Pacific Science Center’s Imax theatre. I’ll post a review tomorrow. With that, I’ve been watching too many gents lamenting that Marvel hates men now, so I’m sure the internet dialog will be charming.

I had a couple of meetings this week that gave me pause about regional development. We have this intersection between the desire to maintain our pristine wild spaces, most powerfully manifested by the Growth Management Act, with the economic forces that bring 1,000s of people into our region every year. As we crash up against those barriers, I see growth getting vertical. Anyway, I will write  a bit more in depth about this soon.

How’s your weekend going? Did you get out and enjoy the gorgeous day here in Seattle? I certainly hope so.

 

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The Next Season Of Kombi Life Is On Youtube

Carl Setzer2 Comments

I’ve written about the Youtube series Kombi Life before. I’m fond of these folks, love the show’s concept and delight in the way Ben and Leah are using all the tools this internet age is giving them to live out a dream.

The first series took them from south America to the Arctic Ocean. Now they’re heading for a global tour. They just posted their first season on Youtube, which starts with a west coast search the right VW Kombi to loading it on a ship in New York (and them into an airplane).

Go watch their current series (below). If you’re as charmed and delighted as I am, consider joining the “Kombi Crew” on Patreon, as us supporters are called. I hope to see you there!

 

Snow and Sidewalks: Thinking About Accessibility

Carl Setzer

As i eject you’re aware, the Seattle region is recovering from a significant snowfall. It’s been years since we’ve had anything of this magnitude. These are strains on our infrastructure, as this weather is so infrequent it’s not economically rational to invest in the equipment (and associated maintenance). So we suffer through a few days of impassable roads. 

This round noticed we got the roads plowed fairly quickly. However, the plowing moved all the road’s snow into the sidewalks. As an avid walker, this was deeply frustrating. Today, though, it hit me that for many it’s a calamity. Wheel chair users withhold have no choice but to use the roads. If you’re able to walk, but have balance issues, you’re quite trapped. 

We’ve developed into a society that prioritizes the car over all else. I don’t believe this is healthy for myriad reasons (I’ll blog more about that soon). Ensuring our public infrastructure is available to all of us is critical . Sitting back snugly after ONLY clearing the roads is unacceptable. It’s isolates so many. The fix is straightforward: clear the sidewalks.