In spite of the fact that there are a couple of errors in the first paragraph, you should read this article in the NY Times about privacy and the government, and not just because my father is featured heavily. It calls in to question requiring all Department of Education contractors to submit not only to fingerprinting but to background checks and investigations into criminal, medical and financial history all without regard for the type of work to be done. This policy costs taxpayers millions, erodes the privacy of the contractors, and accomplishes nothing.
[ The article says that Dr. Zucker was “willing to be fingerprinted and provide an employment history,” but this is not true. He was not and is not willing to be fingerprinted or answer personal questions to do contract research that has no security implications. ]
posted February 11, 2007 – 10:54 am
I had a great experience on Friday at Elliott Bay Bikes down near the Market when the bottom bracket on my bike finally gave out. They let me use their shop & tools, and talked me through removing the old BB and installing the new, and then only charged me for the parts. Nice folks who really know their craft – I’ll definitely be going back.
Also on Friday, I found the Seattle equivalent of Zoe’s in Sichuanese Cuisine Restaurant in the ID. I’d suggest takeout ’cause the fluorescent lighting and folding chairs don’t offer too much in the way of atmosphere, but the food was excellent and cheap. Good Chinese food does exist in Seattle!
posted February 5, 2007 – 1:09 pm
In early January I hosted a Craft Day, at which a friend made some props for Annex Theatre’s current offering, Small Town. When I saw the show on Tuesday (you should go, too – it’s running through the 21st of February), I was delighted to see craft day got a shout-out in the program. It’s famous! There were quite a few attendees at the last one, and with Craft Day’s newfound fame, I’m wondering if I need to find a bigger venue. Any ideas?
Last weekend, Jared & I went up to the Skagit River to see the bald eagles (the eagles come to feed on the spawned out salmon). We saw quite a few even though it was the tail end of the season – pictures soon.
In other eagle-related news, I also went last weekend to check out the new sculpture park along the waterfront in Seattle. I’d give it a mixed review. There are some nice works there, made even more impressive by the backdrop of Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains, but the layout is awkward at best, and the management needs work. Unfortunately, parts of the park had yet to open, so there were fenced off areas and large crowds, making navigation difficult. On the plus side, the park offers some great views. I will admit that I was wary of moving Calder’s Eagle, but its new home on the water is spectacular.
posted February 4, 2007 – 7:53 pm
