Ask Seattle A Question
Whatever
20100727-tpcfrks6e1sk1psyyji8ikms9j

When it just doesn't fit anywhere else, this is where it goes.

Answers
  • What is going on with the tankers at the Manchester Fuel Depot?
    Wa_usa_small

    I suspect it may have to do with the State's largest refinery - BP Cherry Point - being completely shut down as a result of the Feb 17, 2012 explosion.

    I have a lot of friends who work there, and word around the water cooler is that the restart is not going well. I had dinner yesterday and breakfast today with guys who work/have worked there. This is the first time since it was constructed in 1971 that the refinery has been completely idled, and they are discovering problems they didn't know existed which must be fixed before it's brought online. They had anticipated that it would be up and running in early may, so it is highly likely that tanker traffic inbound to Puget Sound began resuming a normal pace in anticpation of this. 

    This April 19 Article that ran in the Bellingham Herald and Tacoma News Tribune quotes BP as saying the refinery should be back online in early May. It didn't happen, they have encountered unexpected problems and are still not back online. 

    So why are they off Manchester? There's only about a dozen places in Puget Sound where these guys can anchor up, and many of them have an extensive list of restrictions (Anacortes in particular) or are in exposed open water areas where you really don't want to moor (Cherry Point being high among them). 

    The waters off Manchester are demarcated as Anchorage Area 110.230 in the Federal Regulations, and constitute arguably Puget Sound's most protected and least restricted anchorage for tankers. You can see Anchorage 110.230 on NOAA Chart 18449. If you read the complete list off federally-approved Anchorages in Puget Sound under 33 CFR 110.230 - Puget Sound Area, Wash. you'll see that there are really only a few places they can stop and wait at anchor. I was on Bellingham Bay this morning, and this tanker was sitting in the Bellingham Bay Whiskey Anchorage, which is not unheard of, but is unusual. I can also report, anecdotally, that I was on the water in Skagit County the last two weekneds and saw several tankers - more than I am accustomed to seeing - stacked up in the Anacortes Anchorage 

    It is highly likely that those tankers headed to Puget Sound in anticipation of BP Cherry Point restarting in early May, and are now anchored off Manchester simply because it's just about the best place on Puget Sound to sit and wait. Whether they are waiting to get in to US Oil in Tacoma, or biding their time until Cherry Point comes back online, I have no way of knowing. But, I would say that one way or another it is highly likely that the fleet of tankers you see off Manchester is related to the fact that our state's largest refinery is offline, and way behind schedule in restarting. 

  • What is the cheapest way to get a decent computer?
    Dinolock_small

    I'm not clear on if you want the cheapest "computer" possible or the cheapest laptop possible or the cheapest desktop possible.

    The cheapest functional computer possible is probably something along the lines of a Picotux: http://www.picotux.com/ (99 EU for the 2MB version). There are very specialized versions of Linux (such as minix, or some BSDs) that can run entirely from a floppy (1.44MB), so 2MB of flash RAM is plenty of room.

    Oh, but you mentioned you wanted 4GB of RAM, and 1.44MB is only 0.00036% of that, so I'm going to assume you really want the cheapest desktop or laptop available.

    The cheapest of both is always free. RE-PC (or one of the several other electronic recycling places with a retail store in the Seattle area) won't give you stuff for free, but the people who give them stuff for free (or even pay them to come pick it up and get rid of it!) will.

    You have to find those people. Since I manage a large-ish amount of computers, I am occasionally one of those people and have given away dozens (hundreds?) of things that were put up for grabs before eventually ending up at RE-PC. Everything from USB cables to hard drives to monitors to desktops to (really old) laptops. Even a couple Macs! Unfortunately, right now the closets are clear at work and I don't really have anything for you. But someone out there might!

    Second to free, RE-PC (and similar stores, there is another one literally across the street) are worth checking out and do sell used, bare-bones machines, but to be totally honest I have always felt their prices are too high for me when I'm at RE-PC and feeling cheap.

    You could try to find a decent deal on craigslist (try not to get robbed), or maybe the QuestionLand marketplace, but there is a large demand for cheap/free computers that don't suck so I wouldn't expect a miracle.

    If you're going to buy a new laptop, my first advice is to see if you can afford a used Macbook. They start brand new at like $899 (I think) so you may find one 4-5 years old that is in your price range. Macbooks are the best laptops in existence and anyone who disagrees is simply wrong.

    As far as PC laptops go, netbooks are cheaper than laptops (especially since their market is disappearing to tablets), but they are also not very high quality. I've seen a lot of people blow through a lot of netbooks from all different makes. You can find netbooks as cheap as $199, but with 4GB of RAM you're in "good netbook" to "crappy laptop" territory (aka $400-500). I have no strong opinions on good PC laptops but I have seen Dells, Lenovos, HPs, and Sonys that seemed okay in the last year.

    PC desktops are much more interesting to build cheaply because you can build them part-by-part if you know how to build a computer, which really isn't very hard. There are lots of videos and articles online that take you through parting out a computer to purchase and build on Newegg. Only shop at Newegg or Amazon Prime -- every other site sucks for computer hardware (unless you need any sort of cable, then you go to monoprice.com).

    Since Newegg rules, they have a whole category of "bare bone" computers of varying levels of bareness. Here are all of them sorted by price: http://www.newegg.com/Store/SubCategory.aspx?SubCategory=3&name=Barebone-Systems&Order=PRICE

    At the end of the day your average "cheap but decent" (as you described) netbook should cost around $300, laptop around $500, and desktop (without monitor) probably closer to $400. Keep in mind Windows 7 costs $100 bare-minimum unless you pirate it or use a free OS (I'd try out Ubuntu). Reduce all prices by 20-30% if you go for used.

    I'd buy a used 3-5 year old Macbook for $400-600.

    Some people nerd out and try to build the cheapest functional computer possible. Here is an example:

    http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=1659798 ($210!)

    These are interesting and educational because you can get an overview of the specific components that make up a bare-bones system, and a functional system.

    Here are two other articles to help as well:

    http://lifehacker.com/5151369/the-first+timers-guide-to-building-a-computer-from-scratch

    http://lifehacker.com/5826509/how-to-build-a-computer-from-scratch-lesson-1-hardware-basics

    Good luck and feel free to comment if you have any specific questions.

  • USPS Parcel Post ?
    Img_5852_small

    Parcel Post is just standard ground package (or parcel) delivery through the United States Post Office. According to their website, it looks like 2-8 days is considered standard. https://www.usps.com/business/parcel-post-for-business.htm

    If customers are having issues with items taking weeks or months, the issue is probably with the person doing the shipping, and not the shipping method. I've shipped and received items through the post office very frequently for over a decade now, and almost never have a problem. Honestly, if there are reliability or consistency issues, I'm guessing it's the seller's issue. If they don't pack the item and get it to the post office in a timely manner than, obviously, that will delay things. There's an option to add delivery notification/tracking, but those are additional charges and would've had to have been negotiated/selected before the sale. You should be able to contact the seller and ask them specifically what day they sent it. That should give you a good indication of arrival time. Because Miami to Seattle are as far apart as possible in the states, I'm guessing it'll be closer to the 8 business days length of time.

    The size of the box shouldn't affect shipping time.

  • Would you contact your father, who went to jail for molesting you as a child, if you found out he was dying?
    Avatar_default_user_small

    Wow this is a really tough decision; I feel for you. I have had to make a similar choice around contacting a father who from a lot of perspectives didn't "deserve" to be contacted (it was a matter of neglect more than abuse for me). Here are some thoughts.

    1) The first answer that came to mind was: Only do it for you - not for him. Don't do it out of any sense of obligation or responsibility that you may still carry, or for what you think you're supposed to do for your father; "How can I leave him along, he's still my father," etc. (I don't know if that is relevant or not, but I thought I'd mention it.) Is this something you want? Do you feel it is important for you?

    2) I can see that you're already thinking about your motivations enough to recognize that you are looking for a parent, especially with your mom gone - that is understandable, and is not a reason NOT to contact him; but be aware that it's very unlikely you will get that need fulfilled - in other words, prepare to be disappointed.

    3) All that said, this actually has the potential to be a healing experience and an experience of growth for you. It's likely the situation will bring up some old, unresolved patterns around your relationship with your father, and how you see yourself. This may give you the chance to "digest" what happened, and "digest" your relationship with your father, in a way that you were not able to do in 6th grade.

    4) So, if you think you will be able to emotionally handle the experience, and if you want to, I would see him.

    5) I recommend enlisting the help of a therapist to help you work through this process. Our relationships with our parents cut very deep. You're likely to experience a range of contradictory emotions - anger, hatred, love, confusion, desire to be seen by him - its all okay, and it can be helpful to have some kind, objective support. Before you see him, a therapist can also help you understand what you want to get out of this contact, what is realistic, and what action/communication will be most likely to get you what you want. Then, afterwards, you can process the experience with your therapist.

    These are just my thoughts - I tend to be supportive of counseling for everyone. Regardless of whether you go that route, I encourage you to stay with your feelings, and be kind to yourself in this process.

  • Quick stop for gifts?
    Img_5852_small

    Obviously, this so depends upon the people and what they like. For over a decade, I've been pleasantly surprised by some of the fun stuff at the Zoostore at Woodland Park Zoo. You don't have to buy zoo admission, you can get into the store at the west gate, i believe. If not, just explain to the admissions person that you're looking to shop. Along with all the souvenirs you'd expect, there's some fun world art and crafts and jewelry, and notepads made from elephant dung paper.

    If you've got time to wait for shipping, etsy.com can be a great resource. Like all of the internet, you've got to wade through some real crap to find the good stuff. But there's a surprising amount of delightful handmade stuff at reasonable prices. If you're stumped, try entering some key words (this is how I found a much-beloved slow loris print, and an adorable sloth necklace). And while this won't help now, remember that the Urban Craft Uprising show is in July. It's great getting to touch and hold wonderful creations from many of our local etsy sellers.

    Third Place Books in Lake Forest Park has a really wonderful collection of "prizes." Lots of great and quirky finds, many in the $5 range. From housewares to stationary to finger puppets. I haven't been in their Ravenna store, but they probably also have good stuff. Independent bookstores, in general, often have some really great and unusual gift items.

    Portage Bay Goods has a great selection of gift items, cards, journals, and they try to stock stuff that is FUNCTIONAL as well as fun (some type of cool hammer, or hipster mug, or whatever). I appreciate that, as I prefer to gift items that have a purpose. http://www.portagebaygoods.com/page_info?pages_id=1

    If you're looking for gifts that are cute/adorable, CakeSpy has a pretty nice selection. http://www.cakespyshop.com/

    Not A Number was that wacky store in Wallingford that was similar to Archie McPhee's, but had more liberal bumperstickers everywhere. They're now on N 35th. So for the funny stuff, the quirky stuff (America vs Communist Unicorn action figures), and liberal political gifts, this is the place. http://notanumbergifts.com/

    City People's Mercantile in Laurelhurst is fantastic, as well. I've never gotten anything hardware related here, but it's a treasure trove for finding amazing gifts and things. And it's pretty big, so there's lots to check out. http://www.citypeoples.com/

    Lastly, while I haven't been there, Andaluz seems well loved on yelp, for having fun little items in addition to their clothing and jewelry. http://www.yelp.com/biz/andaluz-seattle

  • How can I ask a question to a specific person on Questionland?
    2008_0522stuff0016_small

    Hi MR,

    I've had my grinder for nearly 5 years now with no problems. So for $15 a year, I'm content.

    There used to be an "ask this person a question" button, but maybe no longer? This I cannot answer.

    Cheers,

    Griffin

  • #54 and the Vietnamese culture?
    Qlandav2ex_small

    Numbers that hold a significant lucky or unlucky status in many cultures seem to have commonality in the basic nature of being odd or even and are notably within single digit amounts (or sometimes certain multiples). You can read all sorts of things about numbers of gifts given or numbers of people in a photograph, but that tends to break down when the numbers are large.

    What I did find repeatedly mentioned was that the numbers of distinctly separate ethnic groups (sub-cultures) with separate languages, heritage, and cultural identities within Vietnam itself number 54.

    Here is a list:
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_ethnic_groups_in_Vietnam

  • Who are the Seattle Totems, and why are they in Minnesota?
    Qlandav2ex_small

    They play in the Northern Pacific Hockey League (NORPAC).

    Here is the story of their loss to the Oregon Spartans this year in the championship series (Cascade Cup).

    http://norpac.pointstreaksites.com/view/norpac/news-59/news_45277

    The last line reads:

    "The Southern Oregon Spartans and Seattle Totems will both be heading to the USA Hockey National Championship Tournament in Rochester, Minnesota which will be held March 30-April 3"

  • Does a deepening Tropical Cyclone near New Zealand mean great surfing off the coast of Seattle and Washington?
    Wa_usa_small

    My short answer for you is that I don't know, I'm not an oceanographer and I haven't the foggiest idea how cyclones and weather patterns around the Pacific affect the Washington Coast.

    I'll tell you this, however. Nobody is "surfing"-surfing in Seattle. There is a dedicated group of outdoorsy folks on the water at Surf Ballard, many of them are "Stand Up Paddleboard" or SUP enthusiasts. http://surfballard.com/ This form of surfing doesn't require any waves, which is good because there really aren't any on Puget Sound. The inland waters of Western Washington are too protected to allow any ocean breakers in through the Strait of Juan de Fuca and down Admiralty Inlet.

    Westport, Washington in Grays Harbor County is the surfing capital of the Evergreen State however. There are some killer waves out there, and you'll find hardy guys and gals in wetsuits year-round. I'm told by my boyfriend, a Westport native, that the waves in the winter aren't typically the best, but lots of people like winter surfing in Westport because it's less crowded. Westport is a great place to visit, it's one of the last places left of what I'd call "Old Washington," where lots of people still make their living off the land, and the tourists haven't ruined it yet. If you've never been, it's definitely worth a visit. http://www.westportgrayland-chamber.org/

    Also, Tofino, British Columbia on Vancouver Island is another nearby surfer's haven. Tofino is also a popular destination for storm watchers. I know Canadians who have travelled throughout Canada and swear that Tofino is the most beautiful place in their entire country. Might be worth a visit someday, http://www.gotofino.com/

  • What does it mean when an entire neighborhood has pairs of shoes dangling over the overhead lines by their shoestrings?
    Qlandav2ex_small

    The answer lies pretty much individually with each shoe thrower.

    http://www.snopes.com/crime/gangs/sneakers.asp

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shoe_tossing

    I did enjoy finding out that there is a term used by some for this: "shoefiti".

  • Will it eventually be too expensive for Americans to reproduce?
    Icon_small

    It won't be too expensive to have children; it may become too expensive to raise them well, but it seems like there are plenty of parents who don't give much of a shit about that (at least enough to keep the population up).

    In any event, birth rates decline the wealthier a society becomes. If we get poorer while everything gets more expensive, there's a good chance that birth rates will increase. The resulting undereducated, neglected population will lead to a decline in our society, but not necessarily a collapse.

  • Is skateboarder's wax the same as downhill ski wax?
    2008_0522stuff0016_small

    It's smeared on the edges of things (curbs, park benches, railings, etc.) so that you can grind smoothly on that edge. That's why many stone park benches and retaining walls have bumps glued on--you can't wax over large bumps, and they keep people from riding on them. It's a pain in the ass to clean wax off of rough surfaces like concrete, hence those little bumps to prevent riders.

    Go to a skate park and you'll see waxed edges everywhere. Ski wax is softer and thus works better, but I have seen broke-ass kids use candle wax for the same effect.

  • Who is your favorite US President, and why?
    Qlandav2ex_small

    I will speak up for Gerald Ford (no. 38).

    Here was a man that found a way to take a country from one of the darkest criminal periods of the Presidency with Nixon and move it on. Many of us were so angry at the pardon he gave to Nixon, but in retrospect, it was the one way to start the healing, instead of untold months of unpacking the ugliness that would have ensued.

    He was very aware of the unique position he held in history being a person who became President without ever being elected (by Electoral College) to either of the two top jobs of this nation. He was a respected honest and principled man, with an impeccable past, scholar, athlete, WWII Navy veteran, and 25 years as a representative of the State of Michigan.

    He served 10 months as Vice-President before taking on the remainder of Nixon's term, nearly 2 and 1/2 years of the Presidency. He had a full presidency even though he served a shortened term (it is worth reviewing). Betty Ford in her own right was a trailblazer and had a profound effect on promoting the open discussion of mental health, addiction and breast cancer issues for women.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerald_Ford

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Betty_Ford

  • How can I return this bag to its rightful owner?
    Qlandav2ex_small

    Without knowing the exact taxi company and the day of travel it may be pretty difficult to track back details to a particular trip. However, if you really suspect that this was the origin and then you may want to contact the appropriate office at Seatac airport to see if a lost property report was made there:
    http://www.portseattle.org/sea-tac/passenger-services/pages/lost-and-found.aspx
    Ask for advice there on finding other lost report lists through the various taxi companies.

    I assume you have been pretty thorough in looking through the contents of the bag for leads in tracking this person down. Look again and be very complete in searching for any addresses, phone numbers, business cards, receipts, references for appointments, mail. Even a serial numbered electronic device or other expensive item might be tracked back to the registered owner by contacting the manufacturer.

    Some thoughts:
    Prescription medications can be tracked back to the exact person by the pharmacy.

    If there is a library book, head there and have them look up the person's contact information and they can call him (without releasing the info to you).

    Perchance, if there is a laptop inside I would suggest making a sign to hold up in front of it (pin to your shirt while you use it) stating something like "I found your backpack and want to return it to you, call 555-1212", just in case there is a tracking program installed that uses the onboard camera when powered up. Then, of course, try locating the owner's email address by looking at incoming/outgoing mail. If not available then look at created files for leads.

    Here is the link for WA law concerning lost and found property which outlines the procedure for being within the law for claiming found property - which will give you the details for how to go about seeking the original owner under the law.

    http://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=63.21&full=true

    I would say you have no problems as far as how you came into possession of the bag, but the clock started on your efforts to find the owner in a timely manner once you figured out it did not belong in your home. There is no downside in going to the police and reporting it but I think you may be more motivated to seek the owner then they may be if you just turn it in.

    You could always GET JESSE:
    http://www.king5.com/on-tv/contact/64675492.html
    They might have some advice and contacts if they are not interested in the story.

  • Why were 7 military looking helicopters heading north from south Seattle at 9:30 this morning?
    Wa_usa_small

    Because the President of the United States is in town. The Secret Service and military don't f*** around when the Chief is here. Among other stops in the Seattle area, Air Force One will be landing at Paine Field for Mr. Obama to tour the Boeing factory where it was built, and talk to Boeing workers.

    Nothing to be alarmed about, just Presidential Security.

  • How to get behind-the-scenes in a post-9/11 world?
    Wa_usa_small

    I operate in high security zones on a fairly regular basis, and I can tell you that most high security areas in fact operate on a dual layer basis of scrutiny. People who are for one reason or another on the clock are typically subject to lower levels of scrutiny than your average interloping citizen.

    This is what has caused some security experts to decry the security model we have in this country as "security theater," that is, a series of measures that are designed to enhance the appearance and feeling of security without actually making us safer. Witness the fact that everybody working at a restaurant at SeaTac Airport gets to bypass the metal detector, but you as John Q. Traveler have to go through and get groped by the TSA.

    I don't want to get down into the weeds of whether or not this is sound policy (it isn't), but it is what it is. Contractors are often subject to even less scrutiny. Often in a high security environment there will be an unintended triple layer security approach. Security to keep the public out is very high, security to make sure regular "there every single day" workers are who they say they are is medium high, and security for contractors who have a legitimate reason to be there is, truth be told, usually just a quick look at an ID. "ID says Jones, you're Jones, go ahead"

    As far as specific advice on the two situations you describe, SeaTac Control tower and Washington State Ferry wheelhouse, in the interest of not having the feds kick in my door I'm not going to delve into specifics. I will tell you that these are both environments where everyone is required to have a TWIC card issued by DHS. If you don't have one, the chances of walking through the door are very slim.

    For airports, you might have better luck at a smaller airport that is not on quite as tight of lockdown, such as Boeing Field, Bellingham International or Grant County International. Things are still mellow enough there that I feel you would have better luck than at a major Intercontinental hub like SeaTac. Hint, hint.

    As far as a Washington State Ferry, you're not going to be able to get into the wheelhouse of an actively moving on-duty ferry. Those days are very much gone. But, you're in luck, Washington State Ferries oldest boat the MV Rhododendron retired yesterday, sailing her last voyage from Point Defiance home to Eagle Harbor for de-crewing.

    Shameless self-promotion, read my blog if you want to learn more about that http://www.soundslikepuget.com/2012/01/fair-winds-and-following-seas-mv.html

    The State Ferry system has promised that they will host a public event in February to say goodbye to the Rhododendron and celebrate her 59 years of safe service on Puget Sound. I'll bet dollars to donuts if you show up to that event on Bainbridge Island in February and ask nicely, they'll let you in the wheelhouse. The date will be announced by the Ferry System soon, so if you read my blog I'll make sure you know when it's going to be. You can also keep an eye on the WSF webpage.

  • Have You Ever Experienced the "Seattle Dump" ?
    Qlandav2ex_small

    Meet perceived adversity or even just poor manners with a smile, a kind word or compliment, wish them well and change that person's day. You could be the agent of change for everyone else that person meets all day!

  • Name five hollywood productions or media that depict WWII Prisoner of War camps.
    Kendo_20dog_small

    Here's a list of movies about POW camps. There are even a few about WWI, in case you'd like to make comparisons: http://www.imdb.com/list/Y0JzNFmc7LM/

    A list of 5 to get you started:

    The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957)
    The Way Back (2010)
    Paradise Road (1997)
    Colditz (2005)
    Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence (1983)

  • Surprise birthday party ideas?
    Cats_small

    Well, if you need a red colored cheese: Cheese made with port wine is red.

    Other than that a little more info about size and scope would be useful.

    Maybe ask everyone to wear red, it'd make photos fairly nostalgic if people dressed to a theme. Ladies in red, gentlemen in black w/ red accents?

  • Snowy music - what do you listen to?
    Cateyes_small

    Oooh, my favorite is the Stars' album, Heart.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heart_(Stars_album)

    I listened to it non-stop the year I was in grad school in a very snowy place, and it will always remind me of the snow.

  • Got any gift ideas for me, Rev?
    Sacri_ordines_by_charism_small

    Hey Griffin,

    Ok,
    Protestant is a hard one - (for me especially). Episc & Baptists; you can always get them music and make them happy ;). I take issue with the protestants' Sola Scriptura doctrine especially (as much as Catholics were wrong to sell salvation, protestantism hasn't really righted all the wrongs that the 5 Pillars are supposed to)- Sola Scripture is, roughly, the idea that holy books are to be the law of the religion, and interpretations are suspect. Yet Sola Fide, the other prime protesant rule, says faith alone saves you - not works. Sola Fide doesn't reconcile if you a) believe the bible is the only law or literal law, - and b) read Matthew 25:31 through about 46 to see that Doing Good Works is absolutely essential to performing the essence of 'good' and getting the fastpass to the Disneyland Heaven Adventure.

    Sorry, I digress, sorry... Gift! yes, well:

    Every pastor needs vestments. They are damn expensive and ,well, what good pastor is secretly a stock broker, right?? (A good alb alone runs about 100 bucks!) So vestments, or a gift certificate for Kaufers.com at the bare minimum are good. You could also get a liturgical book, like 'Pastoral Care of the Sick' (depressing but perhaps useful if she somehow doesn't already have one).
    But then you're in danger of just getting a gift for the sake of getting a gift. Give your sis something for HER, from the heart, and everybody wins.

    A thought: being as she's working the VA (damn hard job to do btw, send her kudos for that choice alone), a selection of warrior's prayers might be fitting... or even something like a piece of art with proper soldiers-in-mind inspiring words.

    The soldiers of old (I mean, like, Crusades-era old) used to inscribe Loricas on their shields - little songs/prayers/chants to recite before battle. Soldiers recovering in VA hospitals are in many ways 'battling' still, each day they try and heal: A lorica-inscribed shield for her office, (or even a customized plexi/clear clipboard? to take on rounds?) with a lorica printed on it would be a thoughtful way to go, if I were in your shoes.

    St Patric's Lorica was/is particularly well known as a soldier's incantation. http://www.ewtn.com/Devotionals/prayers/patrick.htm

    Note; some pastors will frown on it, as incantations are, to some eyes, spells/enchantments... To them I say: prayers are as well. So are Hymns. And no woman or man of the cloth should have shame in singing hymns. And besides, The Lorica of St Patrick was made into a hymn, conveniently enough.

    But go from the heart. It doesn't have to be a present catering to her profession/calling. It can just be something for Your Sis.

  • What was the name of the beloved Native American Chief who led (founded?) United Indians of All Tribes and was well-known around Seattle?
    Qlandav2ex_small
  • Where can you buy Christmas crackers in Seattle?
    Subcultureoftwo_small

    My first guess would be Cost Plus World Market. It might be worth calling one of their stores to check.

  • How do I ask a new neighbor to turn down that new light?
    Qlandav2ex_small

    Just so they know what you are dealing with, invite them over for a cup of coffee at night and be sure the lights are activated. You can then demonstrate what you are dealing with in your home from their lights. Experiencing it firsthand will go a long way to getting cooperation for adjusting the aiming of the lights.

  • What are the most naturally innuendo-laden place names in Washington?
    Rex_racer_small

    Hump-Two-Lips takes the cake - especially considering mcNutt road, big bottoms, flatbottom crk, humptulips valley dike road, and all the other fun names in that area.

    these are all WA towns of a sex or bodypart vein--
    Horlick
    Climax
    Mount Brook (okay, if she asks nicely)
    Hump-Free (Humphrey)
    Ryderwood
    Grand Mound (next to Es-sex)
    Blewitt
    Chumstick
    Longbranch
    Azwell
    Asotin ( down the road from buns o' steel?)
    Proebstel
    Chiwaukum (chew what, now?)
    Newuakum (from NJ)
    Ki-tit-ass
    Rimrock Retreat has always sounded dirty to me (Spiral Butte is 10 mi east of Rimrock)
    Surprise Valley
    perenneal favorite Cherry Valley
    and Coal Canyon -the flip side?

    substance abuse--
    Pysht
    Stoner
    High Rock - high point - highland
    Mushroom Corner
    Cokedale

    None of which are anything compared to-
    Wanker's Corner, Oregon
    and Maggie's Nipples, Wyoming.

  • What is the proper way to display an American flag hanging vertically alongside the flag of a branch of the armed forces?
    Qlandav2ex_small

    From the US Flag Code (United States Code Title 4 Chapter 1 — The Flag), Section 7, subheading K.

    "When used on a speaker's platform, the flag, if displayed flat, should be displayed above and behind the speaker. When displayed from a staff in a church or public auditorium, the flag of the United States of America should hold the position of superior prominence, in advance of the audience, and in the position of honor at the clergyman's or speaker's right as he faces the audience. Any other flag so displayed should be placed on the left of the clergyman or speaker or to the right of the audience."

    This appears to indicate the flag is on speaker's right (audience left) and the other flag to be displayed is then placed on speaker's left (audience right), presumably at the same height. When the US flag is displayed on a pole with other flags on separate poles they are all flown at the same height.

    I am sure you know this but will mention, that when the flag is on stage (pole or flat) it is to the speaker's right but when it is located on the floor level with the audience it is on the audience's right.

  • Do you think the Occupy movement will make positive changes, or quietly fade away?
    Min-wage_small

    When people shut down the streets of Seattle during the WTO, we succeeded in the goal of disrupting that meeting - I remember how awesome it felt to be a small part of that as an individual. But there was a least one year of serious organizing before the protests, both here and in other cities. Also there were people working within the WTO trying to reform the structure. Afterwards, everyone thought change was really going to happen because so many lefty groups had successfully worked together, and it blew up when people from different groups came together and tried to define more specific goals for future organizing.

    I guess I'm jaded, but I think Occupy Seattle is going down the same path with much less organization. It seems like a lot of people are on a "protest high" and are just totally focused on staying in Westlake to spite the mayor and the cops. I can't see how this is going to help bring about affordable health care, for example.

    I don't think I agree with anything the tea party believes in, but they have been successful in pressuring elected officials to make promises to never, ever raise taxes. I would like to see the Occupy movement hold our elected officials accountable, but it seems like a lot of Occupistas don't vote or want to work for reform within the system.

    I'm really hoping an established non-profit will start a related campaign I can do something with, because I don't have time or energy to go to a general assembly every day and bring these issues up.

  • Where can I buy this fireplace tool?
    Avatar_default

    I did a search online and found some ecommerce sites that carried them. I looked at the Sutter Home & Hearth site but it had no accessories displayed on its site.

    I would probably order online, or see if the manufacturer's website lists retailers.

  • Why don't online companies offer cheaper shipping options?
    Wa_usa_small

    This question reminds me of the question that was posed to Ford Motor CEO Alexander Trotman back in the 90's when asked why Ford was making a particular new car to sell in Europe. "We're doing it to make money," he said. The press, dumbfounded by the point blank response, struggled to come with a follow up question to that.

    I think you hit the nail on the head. They're doing it to make money. Charge $12 for shipping, pay FedEx $6 and pocket the difference. I'll tell you this much though, I once worked in the corporate HQ of a Seattle-area based company, and I learned something about shipping. Using the Post Office can cost a fortune for large organizations because it requires a tremendous amount of staff time to prepare, weigh, package, address and label mail and deliver it to the post office.

    For companies doing high volume, UPS and FedEx cut huge discounts, and provide pre-prepared (is that a word?) labels and shipping boxes or envelopes, plus they pick up at the office. When time is money, it makes way more sense for large organizations to pay higher postage and spend less staff time preparing shipments.

    So, there's that. But in short, yeah they're probably just screwing you. Your best option is to try and find a local retailer that has your product, or find a website that offers free shipping. http://www.freeshipping.org/ offers a searchable list of several thousand websites that ship for free.

  • What insulting or derogatory names do you have for local places you hate?
    Memstad2011_copy_small

    Bummertown is just a short ferry ride away but you'll have to go almost to the ocean if you want to see Scabberdean.

  • more answers in Whatever »
Questions
Recent Comments
  • Comment on Russ Campbell, NWEBS's answer…
    Qlandav2ex_small

    Time is approaching that three week window and I am wondering how things are going with your attic fledglings.

  • Comment on soundslikepuget's answer…
    0prr6_small

    That make sense. I had a hunch you would be the one to answer this. Thanks!

  • Comment on Lisa Andrew's answer…
    Qlandav2ex_small

    Unlikely it was the President of Bulgaria, as the question was asked five months ago.

  • Comment on protosaurus's answer…
    Qlandav2ex_small

    Take your broken (currently non-functioning) laptop to Norm at Empire Computer Center and see what he can do. He is a good guy, very skilled and reasonable.

    616 SW 152nd St.
    Burien, WA 98166

    (206) 244-5200

  • Comment on marymc's answer…
    Spaceship_small
  • Comment on protosaurus's answer…
    Yosemite_ariel_small

    Yeah...I'm with ya, but fans go out or have trouble all the time, and they're not expensive and should be easy to replace.

    I also have 2 screws left, and I followed the directions pretty much from start to finish, making sure that every piece was disassembled and reassembled in the right order and in the correct manner.

    But, it was the 1st laptop I've ever opened up, completely disassembled and put back together, and I think I fucked up the power button because now it won't turn on. (and, it was only 6 months old and never traveled out of my home, with few exceptions, but even then it was just to another person's home where it was used in a very gentle manner...I had troubles with it from the start, though...it was a value model, and I fully expected to throw it away after 2 years, or even 18 months, but not 6 months.)

    I actually went through the trouble of looking on Craigslist, but all the ones that I could get for super cheap only had chip sets that supported 2GB RAM (and even the ones that were a little more which supported 4GB of RAM did not do so in a Linux environment...there, it was only 3GB).

    I used to lease thousands of laptops for a field staff at an insurance company, so I know about their fragile nature (though, they become more fragile when you take them to auto shops and into a home's crawl space...especially when 80% of the user base are functionally illiterate). I'm pretty careful not to jostle and such, but I do use the bad boy quite a bit. It's why I switched to Linux...I don't know what it is about Windows, but it overtaxes the processor quite a bit, which triggers the fan to be on way more than it should.

    Oh well...I guess a friend of a friend is gonna give me a laptop for free and he's also a person who repairs PCs, both hardware and software-wise, for a living (usually for non-profits...he's a pretty cool dude), so he may also be able to figure out what I fucked up when I tried to fix my laptop and fix whatever I broke/re-assembled incorrectly.

    I always knew not fixing it correctly was a possibility, but the experience of taking it apart and learning how messed up the overall design is was an eye opener (and, I knew it was gonna be a bit of a pain, but if the bottom came off and the screws were reversed, it would have taken 5 minutes and been impossible to screw up).

    Whatever...whatever doesn't kill ya, makes ya stronger...or more aware of how stupid you are. Either way, it was a learning experience.

  • Comment on protosaurus's answer…
    Dinolock_small

    Ah but that's part of the hassle with trying to work on laptops: they aren't really meant to be worked on (like desktop PCs) so they aren't designed to be friendly.

    I hate opening laptops and don't think I've ever put one back together and not had screws left over.

    At the end of the day working on a laptop is like nailing jello to the wall and I don't advise it for anything but the most basic things (RAM and hard drives and possibly keyboards). Assumptions like "the most commonly replaced things should be the easiest to get to!" sound perfectly reasonable, but throw them all out the window when dealing with laptops (and smaller PCs).

    Besides, haven't you ever heard Honda can tell you within 1000 miles when your first major maintenance is going to be needed? Most laptops are built to be replaced every 2ish years -- not fixed. Macbooks hold their value so well because they don't fall apart after years of average to heavy use, but they are even harder to open up than PC laptops.

  • Comment on marymc's answer…
    Mr_small

    Sorry, "Phoenix Jones" people, but what marymc says here is exactly what I have always thought of them... And I think they've been doing their thing for like 4~5 years??

  • Comment on protosaurus's answer…
    Yosemite_ariel_small

    Thanks again. I'm in the process of fixing my laptop right now, and it is about as poorly designed from top to bottom as the hard drive connection that I mentioned is. The fan/heat sink, which is one of the few mechanical parts on the entire machine, requires every other part to be disassembled before it can be accessed and replaced.

    If any part of a machine is likely to break, it is a mechanical part (when we're not talking electrical surge, and even so, that is most likely to ruin everything beyond repair, anyway). If there are a limited number of mechanical parts on a PC, they should be the easiest to access (i.e. the hard drive).

    Anyway, what a friggin' scam (I assume it's this unnecessarily complicated so that the manufacturer can make additional money on repairs/retailers can make additional money on service contracts). Assholes...

    Thanks, though...I may not need the info, assuming I don't screw up the repairs too badly, but I very well may, and it's both nice to have and not anything I could have obtained myself with a single google search and not your esoteric knowledge of the overall industry.

    Awesome answer. Thanks again.

  • Comment on Tracy M's answer…
    Mr_small

    It arrived this morning without a problem. :-) As you said, it took exactly 8 days.

  • Comment on Malcolmxy's answer…
    Yosemite_ariel_small

    ...sexually gratify a women with a fish they had just caught out of the window of their hotel room?

    I have no idea, but the 1st was Jimmy Page at The Edgewater Hotel (the words used in the book were, "Roger her roundly with a Red Snapper...").

    The Beatles were simply the most popular band of the 1st British Rock N Roll Invasion, but there have been 5 distinctive British Invasions, and the one headed by Zep may not have quite the notoriety of The Beatles's, but it has much more debauchery and most certainly infinitely more infamy.

    I wouldn't test me on my rock knowledge...I may not know shit else, but I probably know more about your era of rock than you do, and I know an equal amount about every era, right up until the present, and in nearly every genre and sub genre to spawn from Ike Turner's invention we call Rock N Roll (You don't credit Ike? 1951 - Rocket 88...nothing like it before or since...until Ike started making popular music again, that is...)

    but, you were saying something about the 2nd person to do this or that???

    Continue.

  • Comment on Malcolmxy's answer…
    Qlandav2ex_small

    Beatles - August 21, 1964
    The rest were just followers in the history of the place.
    Now who was the second person to ...?

  • Comment on Malcolmxy's answer…
    Yosemite_ariel_small

    No...the story I'm thinking of was definitely Zep. If you'd read Hammer of the Gods, you'd know exactly what I'm talking about and why I've been vague in recalling the story in its entirety.

    In this case, it was Jimmy Page, specifically, around whom the story revolves, but I believe the rest were there, as was their road manager, who was the author of Hammer.

    All the Rock Stars of the 60s/70s stayed at The Edgewater, and that's because it's so dope. It's pretty much why I mentioned that hotel, in particular, when this question was asked along with Nevermore's other one.

    Now, go do your research and come back and retract your previous comment. I'll just hang out and wait for a moment while you do.

  • Comment on Russ Campbell, NWEBS's answer…
    Qlandav2ex_small

    I just and read my previous answer and find that much of it was education about starlings and their environmental impact on native bird species - not exactly what you probably wanted to read. Still the info about multiple nestings is supported in that case.

    Be sure to check all of the eaves vent hole coverings on your house to make sure you don't have other sites that are weak and likely to be exploited. If one cover or screen failed there may be others that are close to failure also. You can buy hardware cloth to staple to the inside or even buy round hole grids that can be applied to the outside.

  • Comment on Malcolmxy's answer…
    Qlandav2ex_small
  • Comment on Malcolmxy's answer…
    Yosemite_ariel_small

    You used to be able to fish out of your window at The Edgewater. There's a somewhat legendary story involving Led Zeppelin and this hotel and activity.

    I have no idea if the story is the reason that they quit allowing guests to fish out of their windows, but it would make sense if it is, or at least partially is.

    I suggested that hotel because of your other question, and because it's semi-famous that way.

    If you gotta save money, there's a Residence Inn in Queen Anne (close to the Space Needle/Seattle Center...not walking distance, exactly, but close). From there, you can hop that useless monorail to downtown, and downtown has the free bus zone, etc. It ain't the most convenient, but it's cheap (might be under $100/night, but might not...depends on time of year and days you're here), and it's not completely out of the way.

    There only difference between The Residence Inn and a regular joint is that they usually don't offer turn down service every night (because it's usually for long-term business travelers, and since no one cleans their own sheets each and every night...). Other than that, pretty much the same deal...and, if you can get up early enough, free breakfast (waffles, bacon/sausage, fruit, cereal, etc...if I remember right...it's been a while).

    Anyway, that's the cheapest decent place, I would think, in all the city. The Moore that the other guy suggested is cool as well (I've only walked through it, but it's pretty old school fancy), so that should be plenty to get you on your way...good luck.

  • Comment on Bion Satir's answer…
    Horse_ass2_small

    Don't let your family's opinions dictate what you feel you should or should not do. Don't let other people's opinions do so either. Trust what you feel, yourself. Things get messed up otherwise.

  • Comment on ozchick's answer…
    Horse_ass2_small

    I'd agree with the low expectations. People who treated you like shit never, ever, ever, ever,ever make good in any way. That's movies. That's feel good TV shows. I have never had the experience of attempting closure with anyone remotely like this go well. For me, it has always made it worse, and I have never known anyone of this caliber of bad. I am not you. You may be stronger than I am, very likely you are. If you truly believe you can see him and not have it hurt you, that's fine and do whichever. It might be nice to see him and feel absolutely nothing at all, prove that he truly doesn't matter. This seems a minor point though, compared to the potential for pain. If it were me involved, I just wouldn't put money on it going well. There is nothing of parent, of dad, in this man. Whatever echo there might be, whatever farce he is pretending might exist in his head, is a lie. I know it is not the same, but my dad was beaten bloody by his father for fifteen years. Had to have his ear sewn back on. His siblings went to see his dad on his deathbed. They talk about how nice it was to see him at the end, blah blah blah. They watched this man beat my dad unconscious weekly. Starve him. Throw him out of the house in winter. He beat them too. My dad did not go. I know he did not feel nothing at the news his father was dying. But I do not think he regrets in the least not seeing his dad one last time. Don't let your siblings experiences dictate what you choose to do or how you feel. They are not the same people as you are. You get to make your own choice.

  • Comment on Malcolmxy's answer…
    Imag3033_copy_small

    oh and definitely no hooker rate hotels lol

  • Comment on internet_jen's answer…
    Imag3033_copy_small

    I was just looking at this and the art work is amazing!

  • Comment on RM's answer…
    Imag3033_copy_small

    I appreciate everyone giving me their opinions and I'm going to be checking this out in a few. Thanks :)

  • Comment on internet_jen's answer…
    Imag3033_copy_small

    I'm going to check this our right now so thank you for the input :)

  • Comment on Malcolmxy's answer…
    Imag3033_copy_small

    Thanks so much for answering my question. I'm going to look into the places u mentioned and see what works best but thanks so much for sharing your opinion :)

  • Comment on Kiante D. Hines's answer…
    Dsc_2930sq300_small

    Was he using a Circa 1999 Nokia Phone to send that? wow...

    And all I had to read up to was "Jesus" and I know the comment is bogus. And I also can't vote him down or I would.

  • Comment on Kiante D. Hines's answer…
    Ava_small

    Can you not use all caps. That and your spelling make it really hard to decipher your response. I read it three times and I still can't understand the end. If people don't understand what you're saying it's not really doing the job of advice

  • Comment on protosaurus's answer…
    Yosemite_ariel_small

    So...um...that was about perfect. Because of the shape my laptop was in (this stupid SATA adapter cable went from the hard drive to the mother board, and as soon as I went to take the hard drive out, it was so delicate that it just broke), I was running Ubuntu off of a 4GB stick, and it worked just fine...'til I wanted to save anything (even though I had a "hard drive" hooked up via SATA to USB adapter (formatted and mounted to the appropriate Linux folder structures).

    Now, I have the cable, but the fan crapped out on me, so I can't really turn the PC on for more than a couple minutes without the thing getting so hot the motherboard might fry.

    The fan is gonna take 30 days to get here (though, I'm gonna try to see if a shop can get it more quickly for me today), and given that I bought the thing last Thanksgiving, I'm just ready to give up on the cheap (in terms of quality and design) POS.

    Re-PC is a pain to look though (though, I realize that this might be something I just have to do)

    Netbooks are too small, and I like to do photoshop/gimp (it's the reason I still run a mini-windows on my PC...still don't quite have the hang of GIMP, though I'm getting there).

    Anyway, I figure after I fix up my PC, I can probably get $200 for it, so I wanted to try to get something else for @$200 because I really have $0 money right now, but I don't actually have $0, so if I can replace the money I use to get something now in 30 days, then it's all good.

    Just in case someone else has an idea or two not covered in your answer, I'm not dropping "best answer" on you yet, but the operative word there is yet.

    Thanks.

    Sorry...it's a laptop and I prefer a laptop as well, though a slimmed down desktop, especially one I can throw together myself (like the articles you list suggest to do) is a possibility I wouldn't immediately eliminate on its face.

  • Comment on Bion Satir's answer…
    Avatar_default_user_small

    You're welcome. It can be hard to distance yourself from family pressure and strong ideas, so I understand why you want to ask here, anonymously. If you want any tips on finding a counselor, let me know.

  • Comment on Malcolmxy's answer…
    Yosemite_ariel_small

    Don't gotta be angry to not want to reward that behavior. Still, if I actually knew you, given what you've been through, I'd support you either way, but I'm tellin' ya, it'll do more harm than good for ya...take it from someone whose been there (not exactly, but close enough).

  • Comment on Malcolmxy's answer…
    1_small

    Thank you for your thoughts, it helps. I used to have lots of anger towards him, I think I'm just tired of being angry nowadays. Still not sure what I'm going to do, but wanted to say thanks.

  • Comment on Bauhaus's answer…
    1_small

    Oops that reply was meant for one of the other comments.