Archive for the ‘seattle’ Category

Oil Changes

June 23, 2008

While my mother was in town (she left on Friday), I was trying to make at least one jaunt out of the house per day in the car, just to build back up the sitting strength for that position. In trying to find errands to run, we decided it would be a good idea to get oil changes for Joelle and my car’s – it had been a while for both.

I knew we didn’t drive a lot, but after looking at our paper work to figure out when we last changed our oil, this is getting ridiculous:

  • My car: It had been 9.5 months since my last oil change, and I only went 1800 miles. My manufacturer (Saturn) recommends every 3 months/3000 miles. So on the mileage number, I still had a while to go.
  • Joelle’s car: It had been about 14 months, 3500 miles. Her manufacturer (Scion) recommends every 5 months/5000 miles. So she also had a ways to go, and it had been a year-plus (a little before we were married!)

How do we drive so little?

  • Both of us bus to work every day
  • Grocery shopping is mostly done around our neighborhood (Queen Anne, Seattle) – Trader Joe’s, Safeway, and Metropolitan Market (and 7-Eleven, while we are at it, though we never go there) are all within 4 blocks – so we walk to all of them
  • Most dinners, by ourselves or with friends/family, are on Queen Anne Ave or at our house
  • Even our doctors are either 5 blocks from home or right by work. Some of the specialists I saw were a little farther away, so for those, we did drive.
  • Given my back situation, I haven’t driven a car in 3 months! That helps keep things down :) Looking forward to getting back into the swing of things…

Needless to say, the rising gas and oil prices hasn’t had a major impact on our direct budget, thankfully. Chalk one up for the urban density crowd!

i’m the winner!

June 13, 2008

scanning is easier than typing – so here’s a nice surprise we got in the mail today (slightly redacted for privacy):

safeway01

Doggie-Friendly Dining

May 19, 2008

Greg, Joelle, Shay (woof!), Molly (woof!) and I spent some quality time at the dog park on Saturday – and then we got hungry for dinner. We spent a bit of time researching where to eat that would allow dogs to sit with us (since we had the dogs with us, and it was so hot out, we didn’t want to leave them in the car). We ended up back at Norm’s, the only place we know of that allows dogs both inside and out. Luckily, we were able to get an outdoor spot, so both us and the pooches were happy with the choice.

Rather than always going back there, I spent some time looking up additional places around Seattle that are dog-friendly. Found a couple of a articles with good links

  • http://www.chowhound.com/topics/520235 – recommends Norm’s, the Islander, Tutta Bella, and Volunteer Park Cafe (so far, more likely coming). (Note: Broksonic, who replied, is me – I use that name on some sites. I think it was the brand of a TV I had a while ago, or something like that – I’ve been using it forever)
  • http://community.livejournal.com/seattle/5202948.html – recommends White Horse Trading Company, Norm’s, Wayword Coffeehouse,  C+P Coffee, Lava Lounge, Tin Hat, Stumbling Monk, Summit Public House, Edmonds The Dining Dog Cafe & Bakery. But then digresses into arguments over dogs and food, also links to DogFriendly’s and Citysearches list, but I called a few of the places on there – I wouldn’t trust those lists.

Good to have options!

Seattle Dog Parks

May 5, 2008

On a follow-up to my last post, here’s a good link to a write-up of Seattle dog parks: http://www.nwsource.com/recreation/match-your-pup-right-local-leash-area

And a good map of all of them: http://www.coladog.org/olas/COLOR_MAP_MUDBAY07.pdf

We’ve tried Golden Gardens and Woodland Park, as I stated previously. Northgate’s is also really close. Once I can walk well again (more shortly), we’ll have to try that one out…

But more importantly: Come on Lower Kinnear Park – get the dog park built there already! (I just sent an email to Citizens for Off-leash Areas to find out more on the status of this – the last public info is circa 2006).

Washington: Looking up Contractor Licenses

March 31, 2008

(Aaron again)

Reminder to myself for the future: https://fortress.wa.gov/lni/bbip/search.aspx

Been looking into getting some electrical work done, so this is helpful to make sure the people I speak with are licensed (and for how long they’ve been doing their stuff…)

While I am at it: http://web1.seattle.gov/DPD/permitstatus/default.aspx – look up Seattle Permit History on a house or building

WUSTL vs. U-W: The War

March 31, 2008

We’re at war!

Washington University declares war against University of Washington

“On behalf of the student body, Student Union has declared war on the University of Washington,” said SU President Neil Patel. “We’re tired of being confused with the University of Washington. We’re in St. Louis, dammit.”

Read more….

Best line of this article (and no offense to my Husky friends is actually meant):

They are also distributing free T-shirts emblazoned with, “University of Washington wasn’t even on my list of safety schools.”

Looking for a few good devs

March 24, 2008

We’re Hiring! I am currently looking for a few openings for my team at Pure Networks and wanted to spread the word – we’re a great place to work, and are really making good traction. I’d love to hear from you if you are interested… let me know! (We also have non-dev positions open – checkout http://www.purenetworks.com/aboutus/careers.php for more)

Senior Software Design Engineer

Founded in 2002, Seattle-based Pure Networks leads the rapidly growing wireless home network management market by providing next generation networking software that is uncomplicated, powerful and flexible and ensures all members of the value chain benefit from a connected world.
• We empower consumers and small business owners with software like our award winning Network Magic that helps them setup, secure and troubleshoot network issues quickly and easily.
• We help OEMs deliver products that connect easily to a home or small office network and provide solutions that help them better understand and service their customers.
• We enable broadband providers to cost effectively support their customers and prove tools for developing and delivering new services into the home.
Just as an Internet connection is fundamental to a connected experience, so is a reliable home or small office network. Pure Networks plays a leading role in making the digital lifestyle a reality.
Pure Networks offers a competitive benefits package, including: medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k), life insurance, vacation, and paid holidays.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND REQUIREMENTS
As an experienced Software Engineer, you will design and implement advanced Windows-based components of Pure Networks’ product line. You will become intimately familiar with Home Networking devices such as gateways, wireless access points and switches – play with cool consumer electronic gadgets such as network attached storage and media adaptors.
Candidates must be proficient in C / C++ however, experience with C# or Objective-C is a plus. You must also have experience with Windows design principles and related API’s (Win32, ATL, etc). You will also be very familiar with TCP/IP and networking protocols.
• 5 plus years of experience in software development using C++, COM and Win32.
• Experience with the following is a strong plus: MSHTML DOM, TCP/IP, ATL, Object Model/API Design.
• Have been a key contributor in shipping one or more versions of a world-class software product.
• Strong background in Windows networking.
• Understand how to secure applications and network connections.
• Very strong design and implementation skills are critical.
• Strong self starter with a track record of success in the software industry.
• Prior startup experience highly desirable.
• Great interpersonal, team building, conflict resolution, organizational and motivational skills;
• Strong communication skills both written and verbal including strong presentation skills.
• BS in computer science, electrical engineering, math or physics; MS a significant plus.

Software Design Engineer – Entry Level

Pure Networks is looking for developer, devoted to building world-class software, and motivated to get real world experience in an exciting software environment. If you are passionate about writing high-quality, performant code and eager to learn from a team of industry veterans, then you’re the developer we want to talk to. As a Software Design Engineer you’ll be given huge responsibilities as you’ll be designing and implementing advanced Windows/Mac based components of Pure Networks product line by developing and building code.
Candidates should have strong experience using C++ and Windows design principles. You will also be very familiar with TCP/IP and networking protocols. You must be responsive, flexible and adapt easily to changing requirements and tight time frames. You have a desire to code and build features, while gaining experience and knowledge from our veteran staff of Software Engineers.

  • 1-3 years of industry experience
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to master new technologies quickly
  • Must be proficient in C, C++ and/or Objective-C
  • Good understanding of object oriented programming
  • Background in computer networking is desired
  • Have worked on a variety of school or personal projects that used your CS and coding skills
  • Strong self starter with a track record of success in academia with a BS in computer science or electrical engineering

Sample Photos

March 11, 2008

Eliza, our wedding photographer, just updated her website (and it looks great!), and she posted a few pictures of us up as samples:

http://elizatruitt.com/portfolio/portfolio.php?image=6&port=1

http://elizatruitt.com/portfolio/portfolio.php?image=8&port=1

Cool!

The Home Show

February 24, 2008

We’re heading to the Seattle Home Show later this afternoon with our friends Mike and Elisabeth, our usual partners in crime for this particular event. We haven’t always had a great need to visit the show, as it is mostly focused on remodeling, landscaping, building, etc… but it is always a great place to get ideas and advice (though often, the companies who can afford to participate charge more than I am willing to spend; it is the gotcha of these types of events). There are a few things I am looking for this time though:

  • Electricians to bid on replacing the remaining 25% of our house which is still Knob and Tube wiring (all safe, but insurance companies seem to want to get you to get rid of the stuff, plus, our light bulbs burn out quicker than they should, which is just plain annoying). We’ve received one bid from an electrician who I have worked with in the past, but for something of this magnitude, we’d want a couple more bids.
  • Insulation experts/weatherproofing. Our gas bill is higher than I would like, especially given that our basement is freezing. A bunch of this I can likely do myself, and it is on my list to learn, but some stuff (blowing in wall-insulation, for example), is clearly in need of professional assistance.
  • Roof cleaning (gutters/moss/etc…) We’re in pretty good shape up there, but before next fall, I’d like to get a good cleanup done. Seems like I could do this myself, but Joelle has no interest in me getting on the roof; frankly, she’s right – I don’t trust myself that much either!

I am sure there are other services out there as well; one nice thing is that even though these companies are expensive, they tend to have pretty good promotional deals offered if you book at the show. I assume this is even more so during the last few hours of the event (which is when we’ll be there). If they haven’t hit their numbers, I assume they might be a little more willing to play "let’s make a deal!" Let’s hope so!

The wheels on the SLUT go ’round and ’round

February 21, 2008

I tend not to drive too much (been big into bussing and walking), or head in towards South Lake Union’s direction much these days, so I almost never see the new South Lake Union Streetcar (it used to be called the South Lake Union Trolley or SLUT in the Seattle jargon until the politicians figured out the abbreviation).

This evening, on the way back from a friend’s Bachelor Party dinner, I happen to drive by the SLUT, not once, but twice (traffic was pretty bad, so I was stuck not moving in time for it do a back and forth).

Each time, there was exactly one rider on it – trust me, I looked closely to see if I could find anyone else on there. There was also no one waiting at the SLUT-stop.

Which further proves my thoughts on the whole thing to begin with. I love the idea of more mass-transit, and would love to get to a place where cars aren’t needed anymore. But for this mass-transit to make sense, it actually has to go places where people need it – and not between the mishmash of blocks they threw the current lines down on. Expand it to the U-District or Capitol Hill (or Eastlake), and I can see the lines being used. But as is – I don’t even understand why those single riders were even on it.

I know I am not alone among my friends and co-workers (most of whom are frequent bus riders) — no one seems to like the current rendition of the streetcar or understand it’s point. Though to be fair, most of them are secretly wanting to go for a spin, if only so they can scream out "I rode the SLUT and the city encouraged it!"

Actually, I want to be able to say that too! I should go for a ride soon :)

Maybe the name is how they’ve crossed the 100000 rider milestone (according to http://www.seattlestreetcar.org/)… people are so full of laughing about the system they actually want to ride it. Funny how these things turn out.


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