Mt. Baker Bits

Incredible time-elapsed photography

Steven Wayne — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 15:51:00 GMT

This one is of the night sky over the Alps.

Another good one here is a time-elapse movie of the Icelandic eruption (altho the music bed on that one sucks pretty bad...)

http://www.bing.com/videos/watch/video/night-in-the-alps-time-lapse/20goi7i2

enjoy!

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Attention aging boomers:

Steven Wayne — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 13:15:00 GMT

It's not "just you".... we are all sharing the pain :-)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7aGYigvHU4

and listen to the singer sing our lament.

Have a good week!

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Almost a month since my last entry?

Steven Wayne — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 12:29:00 GMT

I must be flogged with a blog!

Been traveling quite a bit visiting elderly parents, but came back to this grim slideshow of our TV's past.

The photo of Billy Crystal with Pamela Anderson was especially distrubing.

http://tv.yahoo.com/slideshow/548/photos/1

I didn't even know that some of these "stars" were still alive!!

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Global Warming is a Hoax!

Steven Wayne — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 14:48:00 GMT

... NOT!

Visit the Seychelles and your favorite low-lying seaside communities soon. They probably won't exist by the time your children are your age!

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100324/ap_on_sc/as_india_disappearing_island/print

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A political note (for a change :-)

Steven Wayne — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 15:19:00 GMT

Health care reform is utterly critical to our Nation's vitality. The trendlines of cost, to the Government and all tax payers, is simply unsustainable.

It is clearly impossible to keep going the way we've been going in delivering and paying for health care for our citizens and neighbors.

We stand at an imperfect but necessary step forward to save our Nation.

Reconciliation is one of those important tools to move the debate, however "some" paint current legislative tactics as "signs of the apocalype".

My Congressman, Jim McDermott- Wa. 7th explains:

"Though the reconciliation process is extremely detailed, I anticipate the passage of comprehensive health care reform in the next several weeks. Republicans contend that the use of reconciliation to pass health care reform represents the apocalypse. This is not the case; Republicans have used the reconciliation process numerous times in the last few years. In fact, the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy were passed using reconciliation. I support the use of reconciliation to ensure that we can pass comprehensive health care reform and ensure that everyone has access to comprehensive, quality health care. To read more about reconciliation, please visit the website of the Rules Committee at http://www.rules.house.gov/archives/bud_rec_proc.htm.

Please ask your US Member of Congress or Senate to vote in support of reform. Now.

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Need an old legal document?

Steven Wayne — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 16:21:00 GMT

It seems that the more we get computerized, the more "old school" is coming back into vogue.

Just yesterday, my daughter was asked by a potential employer for a copy of her Social Security CARD.

Seems the number alone wasn't sufficient.

Well, old birth & death certificates, divorce decrees, and the like are usually required when you have only the vaguest idea where they might be.

My friend Sally Prangley just turned me on to this superb online company that Can Get Those Documents For You!.

http://www.vitalchek.com/ is a lexisnexis company, and they delivered her old decree via FedEx, in a matter of days!

You can thank Sally for simplifiying your life :-)

(I wonder if they can help my daughter out....)

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On your mark, get set... GO!

Steven Wayne — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 18:16:00 GMT

First, Southwest Airlines (gotta "luv" those guys :-) has another contest! Hope you win! and if you don't I hope I do.

http://www.southwest.com/contest/stpatty/contest_entry.html?RMID=L_100313_IAN&RRID=c3dheW5lQHdpbmRlcm1lcmUuY29t&src=MAILIANWKND000000100313

Winner gets 2 roundtrip anywhere! Drawing on April 1, so hurry!

... and did you notice the earlier "Mt. Baker Bits" blog entry about "cash for appliance clunkers"? Well, "game on" readers! Make sure you consider replacing your old refrigerator or washer/dryer with special Federal energy/stimulus bonus's offered thru local merchant, and parlay that with Puget Sound Energy's (or your local energy provider's) appliance removal program. PSE's throwing $30 bucks to me, and hauling my old set away for free. These are limited-time deals, so snooze or lose.

Hmmm.... Free travel, Federal stimulus, rebates and free haulaway's... there seems to be a theme to today's Blog entry.

BTW, does anyone know of someone who needs assistance with purchasing or selling real property, in Greater Seattle, or anywhere in the USA @ www.AmericasFineHomes.com. or in the WORLD (Transnational Referral Certificate holder, and Certified International Real Estate Specialist <CIPS> designee).

Drop me a line, make a comment to this blog, call, text, email, or "beam" me (actually, Treo pda owners can beam me :-)

206.947.9000

swayne@windermere.com

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Vice-President Joe Biden...

Steven Wayne — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 13:31:00 GMT

... visited Seattle today in support of the re-election campaign for our senior U.S. Senator Patty Murray.

Also speaking from the podium were our King County chief executive, one of our Congressmen Jay Inslee, and of course Senator Murray. Veep Biden gave a stirring speech, speaking in the first person about families with loved ones serving overseas (his son just returned from a tour of duty in Afghanistan). He also spoke eloquently about the need for national health care by citing a single mother he met, who had fallen ill, lost her job, lost her health insurance, and later died due to the late diagnosis and treatment.

And most touching was his personal history of his own father losing a job, of his family having to move in with grandparents while his dad looked for work in another state. Because of this experience, he personally felt compassion for the "thousands of Washington families, and millions of Americans" who have lost jobs, homes, and communites in this terrible recession.

An inspired & eloquent speech unquestionably. But the best part of this morning was when Biden departed the podium and walked up to the "rope line" where I had to just walk 3 steps (we had AWESOME seats at Evangeline Anderson's table) and be the first one in the ballroom to SHAKE THE VICE PRESIDENT'S HAND!

Pictures to come soon (I haven't had time to get them off of my phone). Watch this blog or hey, visit me on Facebook! The photo's will probably be there first.

A very thrilling morning.

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Real talent is "on the streets".

Steven Wayne — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 16:56:00 GMT

Gold dust at your feet, she's available, she's tanned, she's rested and ready to help YOU thrive!

My dear friend Nancy Locke, whom I've known over 30 years, is reinventing herself!

In her own words:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
NANCY LOCKE TO REINVENT HERSELF IN 2010

Looks like a new era for film publicist Nancy Locke as the economy and business structures change. After two of her primary companies went out of business and a third moved to a national public relations agency, Locke will be looking for a new source of revenue to supplement her scaled-back business.

At a press conference on Friday, Locke said she is open to new and
interesting work in 2010. “I’m eager to explore new opportunities! Most people see me only in the film and PR business, but I have a diverse background of experiences and interests. I have been a community festival coordinator,
treasurer for a city council campaign, a research assistant and an urban director at a youth agency. I am completely open to new experiences and confident that, with my skills and strong work ethic, something exciting will appear in 2010!”

“Nancy is a very talented individual,” said City Councilman Nick Licata, with whom she has worked on political campaigns. “I know she will be successful at any endeavor she chooses.” Marcie Sillman from NPR’s KUOW-FM said, “Nancy Locke is one of the best in the business. Any organization would be lucky to have her.”

Locke currently has two small film accounts and will continue working with them into the new year. If you have job possibilities or project work available, she can be reached at 206-632-5820 or nlocke5820@aol.com
=======================================================

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Alltime Personal Best...

Steven Wayne — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 15:37:00 GMT

... Deal.

I've been travelling extensively for most of my adult life. I usually "shop" pretty well, rarely sacrificing comfort for price, and usually not paying "top of the market" prices.

Travel deals depend on luck, advance planning, and local intelligence. Finding the occasional superb travel website
can also help.

(** Hint: when booking hotel travel, foreign or domestic, always take a second and see if you can find better pricing at www.venere.com. Venere is a European company that competes favorably with many of the best prices. Desiree and I got a screaming deal at San Francisco's Mark Hopkins a couple years ago, thanks to Venere!)

So, back to today's blog subject- My All Time Best Travel Deal. This fall I'm celebrating Oktoberfest in Munich with my Croatian friend Jack Dooley. I'm adding 5 days to see Berlin.
I've always wanted to visit Berlin!

The "base airfare" (exclusive of fuel surcharge, taxes, fees) is a shocking TWO EURO ROUNDTRIP. Even with all fees included, this 1200 mile trip is only 58 Euro!

And not some "fly by nite, chewing gum, and tape" airline. This is BerlinAir we're talking about.

And my Berlin hotel, newly built this coming Spring 2010, and well-located, is EasyHotel's 10 square meter room for 125 Euro for FIVE NIGHTS!

Getting a great deal makes travelling that much more fun, wouldn't you agree ?!

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It's HERE! Cash for Clunkers- refrigerator style!

Steven Wayne — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 16:55:00 GMT

Yes, maybe I'm the last to know, but according to Jim Freedman of Metropolitan Appliance, you will be able to replace that aging major home appliance, with a federal stimulus/energy efficiency credit on the purchase of a new, energy efficient refrigerator, or clothes washer.....

Contact your local appliance dealer and part of your tax dollars will come back to you when you purchase during the Cash for Clunkers- Major Appliances going on NOW. New York went thru their cash in days. Ours should last a month or two.

For a great deal on your purchase, just contact Jim, a friend for over 30 years.

http://www.metropolitanappliance.com/

(He's on the left of their irritating video on entry to the website)

<< Anyone see a major resemblance in that video with Jim's profile and mine??>>

Lotsa rules, including owner occupied and EnergyStar only. See Jim or your trusted dealer soon!

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Beware Debit Card Users

Steven Wayne — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 10:13:00 GMT

I basically just use my debit card at the bank to get cash like in the days of yore...

but I guess most of us use them just about everywhere!

This from Yahoo! that basically says ANY ATM can be "rigged" to steal your financial info.

One important hint is to use the debit card as a "credit" card, and not use your PIN number at any gas stations.

Full story is here:

http://finance.yahoo.com/banking-budgeting/article/108583/debit-card-skimming-scams?mod=bb-checking_savings

I was recently in Austin, Texas and noticed ATM's all over the place, sometimes 5 in a single block! This article might shed some light on why....

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The Year in Pictures- Seattle style

Steven Wayne — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 10:45:00 GMT

The Seattle Times newspaper company (remember newspapers?) is hosting their annual "Year in Pictures" this year at our architectural wonderous Seattle Public Library.

This free event is on Thursday, January 14 at 7pm in the Auditorium.

For more information, visit www.spl.org

Merry Christmas everyone!

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The Health Care Debate

Steven Wayne — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 16:32:00 GMT

A good friend and Realtor Michael Cornell recently asked me about my propensity to "wear my politics on my sleeve", and how that plays out wih my business goals of assisting as many people as possible with their home purchasing and selling.

Basically, I don't talk politics "on the street", but I am true to myself here on the Blog or in discussions generally.

Most Realtors (who aren't married to a spouse with health benefits), either have private (expensive!) insurance or have no insurance whatsoever.

While the current status of health care reform is certainly controversial, it is clear that our current health spending will bankrupt us faster than we can imagine. Reform is long overdue.

My personal belief is that whatever comes out of the Senate and Congressional conference committee will be a VAST improvement over the status-quo, and will be a good basis to continue to refine and tune future health care reforms.

The Realtors have studied the legislation from our perspective, and I offer this link so you can see how our "stakeholder" group feels about this landmark and historic reform.

www.realtor.org/healthreform.

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Seattle small business needs our help

Steven Wayne — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 15:51:00 GMT

A long time Seattle merchant is struggling
and could use our support.

First Hill Optical on Bolyston Ave, just north of Madison has been

in business and part of the community for over 20 years.

They’ve been really hit by the economy.

BIG SALE now thru the end of the month. They work with insurance plans.

FIRST HILL OPTICAL

1101 Boylston Ave 98101

206.324.2005

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Hot Diggity Dog!

Steven Wayne — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 09:52:00 GMT

Those of you who've known me well, know of my fondness for a good hot dog! Yes, the average citizen "relishes" their Costco dogs... and some move their "buns" over to the Kosher section of their local grocery store.. and some even "catch up" with the current trend of vegetarian and go for meat-less dogs.

There are hot dogs all over town and even sold by street vendors. But here's "YOUR" chance to sound off on YOUR favorite sausages in town (whatever town you're in!). Let me know the hot (dog) spot I've been missing!

http://www.podogs.com/ is the home of Po Dog hot dogs on Capitol Hill, Seattle. Happy Hour on cheap beer, a nice selection of wieners, and even little wiener sliders!

another favorite of mine is Matt's

http://www.mattshotdogs.com/ Matt used to have locations all around Puget Sound. He's now back to his original store near the base of S. Michigan St. GREAT dogs... and superb (and cholesterol loaded) East Coast tamales slathered in chili.

I'm headed down to Texas this weekend where they call their sausages "rings". Smoked meats, world-class ribs, mind-blowing brisket... where are my expando-pants???

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VERY cool stuff out there on the 'Net

Steven Wayne — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 14:30:00 GMT

BIG thanks to my cousin Gina Cole for this one!

Whether you are a Billy Joel fan or not, you probably remember his great song, 'We Didn't Start the Fire.' Here it is, set to pictures... very, very cool. Had to share this one. It's a neat flashback through the past half century. I never did know the words. Turn up volume, sit back and enjoy a review of 50 years of history in less than 3 minutes! Thanks to Billy Joel and some guy from the Universityof Chicago with a lot of spare time and Google. Top left gives you full screen....top right lets you pause. Bottom left shows the year. The older you are, the more pictures you will recognize. Anyone over age 65 should remember over 90% of what they see. But it's great at any age.

http://yeli.us/Flash/Fire.html

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The new Tax Credit for Homebuyers- Explained!

Steven Wayne — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:04:00 GMT

The previous attempts by Congress and the President to kickstart the housing market each expired after creating a modicum of success. The newest piece of legislation helps First Time Homebuyers AND Existing Homeowners who are "moving up, down or even across" price ranges. This expanded housing stimulus means more and more buyers will see significant tax savings and actual "housing rebate checks"!

This new, expanded plan really puts the focus on a key industry that puts America back to work: Housing. When each home is bought or sold, dozens of people and companies get hired and purchased from: home improvement & hardware stores, escrow & title companies, inspectors & appraisers, and many more.

When a property changes hands, taxes are paid, back-taxes are paid, utility companies have new customers, and future tax revenue is assured.

Realtors get a job, as do roofers, contractors, and attorneys.

Watch this short Youtube video that provides an excellent summary on the new Homebuyers' Tax Credit with some valuable details. It was produced by our Washington State Housing Finance Commission, but it explains a nation-wide program:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CyB72M0ae4I

... and of course, please call on me for residential real estate assistance anywhere in America and anywhere in the world!

http://www.americasfinehomes.com

http://www.seattlefinehomes.com

http://www.realestateseattle.com

... or just pick up the phone and give me a call: 206.947.9000

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A HUGE victory for the housing market!

Steven Wayne — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:49:00 GMT

As you might know, I have been very active with the Realtors on a local and national level. 9 years ago I served as local Association of Realtors President, and I have continued a 10 year appointment acting as a "citizen lobbyist" to my Congressman Jim McDermott. Every U.S. congressman and senator has an appointed Federal District Coordinator from the National Association of Realtors, and I'm my congressman's man!

Well, this week we are celebrating a victory for homeownership. Every home sale produces many more transactions, taxes and fees- all sorely needed in this economy. Every home sale means drapes, carpet, and paint get purchased. Inspectors and contractors get hired, and basically the sale provides a jumpstart to economic recovery.

The Realtors led the successful fight to extend and expand the Homebuyer's Relief Act, as part of the national extension of jobless benefits.

Here's a good PDF provided by the Realtors in answer to many commonly asked questions:

http://www.warealtor.org/media/tax_credit/FAQ-Tax-Credit-changes.pdf

And if I can every assist you, or anyone you know, in Greater Seattle, or anywhere in America or anywhere in the world, I can find the perfect Real Estate professional to assist!

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Thanks Linda for reminding me to post

Steven Wayne — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:06:00 GMT

A BIG thanks to Linda Bookey who reminded me that I hadn't yet commented on the passing of comedian Soupy Sales.

Soupy was the "pie in the face" recepient, kiddies' television entertainer, game show celebrity judge and all around sweet man on stage from the 1960's-90's. He was born the same year as my father, and for much of my Dad's life people commented on the facial similarities of the two men.

Among the last of his generation, as he joins George Carlin, Richard Pryor, Flip Wilson, Andy Kauffman and dozens of other US comic genius's in heaven's Comedy Stage in the Sky.

Here's an excellent link displaying the comedy of the late great Soupy Sales. Make sure to stay tuned a few minutes, and hear Soupy sing his television theme song. Brought back a lot of old memories.

http://hayleymills.com/soupy/index.html

Definately a Legend in His Time!

http://www.thewho.info/wfc/SoupySales.html

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Snafu on many Washington State ballots

Steven Wayne — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 09:36:00 GMT

Mt. Baker Bits blog readers beware:

One of the most important ballot measures I-1033 is apparently ill-placed on many ballots!

Fuse.com and reader Jef Jaisun alerted the Bits to this fascinating bit of bureacratic bungling:

http://www.fusewashington.org/page/-/VotersGuide/king_county_ballot.png

Please remember to vote.. completely!!

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An all-time classic!

Steven Wayne — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 16:22:00 GMT

HOW SMART IS YOUR RIGHT FOOT?

This is hysterical. You have to try this.
I guess there are some things that the brain can't handle.

This is guaranteed to confuse your mind. No matter how much you try, you can't outsmart your foot. It is pre-programmed in your brain!

1. While sitting at your desk in front of your computer,
lift your right foot off the floor and make clockwise circles.

2. Now, while doing this, draw the number '6' in the air with your right hand.
Your foot will change direction!

Wierd, huh??!!

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Don't get drunk and fly!

Steven Wayne — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 08:11:00 GMT

... and this includes passengers, too!

A good friend was recently denied boarding by ground crew after fumbling his boarding pass, loose change, and other assorted detris from his pockets. He and his wife had been enjoying (a few?) cocktails at the airport lounge before the flight, and probably didn't "smell" all that fresh.

Between the fumes and fumbling, airport personnel thought he was too inebriated and could pose a safety hazard in the event of an in-flight emergency.

It could have been much worse! Check out this article from a Scottish newspaper:

http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/scotland/Drunk-passenger-faces-40000-bill.5705495.jp

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Interest Rates are still down!

Steven Wayne — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 12:13:00 GMT

This from one of my best friends, and one of Seattle's most honest and honorable lenders, Jon Mastrude, Seattle Preferred Mortgage:

"Rates have dropped to 4.5% on 30 year fixed-rate loans. At the moment the loan fee is about 1.5% depending on loan-to-value, credit score, etc. Also, 4.625% is available with 1% fee."

Lots of choices of homes and condo's. These ARE the "good old days".

Call Jon for your residential real estate loan needs at 206.948.7000 or by email jpm@siteconnect.com

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A Legend

Steven Wayne — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 09:13:00 GMT

This story is part of a modern prayerbook used in our Reform Jewish synagogue.

It is actually non-religious, but highly spritiual.

In this season of New Year, Ramadan, Rosh Hashona, I offer you this Legend:

"When The Most High decided to create human beings, the angels were jealous, for angels had not been created in the Divine Image. The angels plotted to hide the Divine Image from human beings. One suggested burying it in the depths of the sea; another in the crag of a jagged mountain peak. But the most clever of the angels suggested: "No, Let us hide the Divine Image within each individual person. It's the last place they'll look."

Peace to each one of you in this holiday season.

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