If you’re not happy with Light Rail now, you’ll have to wait 6 years (barring no setbacks) to be more unhappy, as the University Link will connect downtown with the UW campus in 2016. Construction of Light Rail between SEATAC and Tacoma is also being discussed, mainly to keep other Puget Sound residents happy.

So, why exactly is the cost so high (sometimes three times the cost per mile of other US Light Rail systems)? I believe there are two reasons:

1. It was built to use federal tax dollars. This led to trying to create a plan that made it appear it would be better than rapid bus transit and thus getting it federally funded. Unfortunately, the numbers were kind of fudged. It would have been more helpful than rapid bus transit if it was planned with the intent to help commuters.
2. Seattle is hilly. There’s no way around this. Drilling is expensive and time consuming.

I don’t intend to imply that Light Rail is unnecessary and that rapid bus transit, or promoting car pooling, is the wave of the future. Those are good ideas, but I do believe mass transit is necessary in the Sound, as between Seattle, Tacoma, and the Eastside, there are over three million people, many of which work in the three major urban centers. I also will admit to being a little biased when it comes to Seattle Light Rail as it has probably added a few minutes to my daily commute. This annoys me greatly.

But instead of ranting about the turd King County Metro dropped on the Sound in the form of Seattle Light Rail (sorry, had to let some frustration out), I will offer suggestions for improvements. These improvements are guided by what I think should have been the goals of Light Rail to begin with:

1. Cheap
2. Gets cars off the road
3. Useful to tax payers
4. Environmentally efficient

With those goals in mind, here are some suggestions:

1. Copy others. This is obvious. You know, the whole learn from others/don’t repeat history line. While I appreciate Seattle’s independent spirit, it pains me to think there’s a much better Light Rail system a few hours south in Portland, a town that has a comparable if smaller metropolitan population. While it’s probably too late, it’s also possible Light Rail wasn’t the answer for mass transit in Seattle.
2. Change the way fares are paid. So why exactly must random police officers and metro officials hop on trains and ask people for their passes? Not only is this annoying as a rider, it hopelessly inefficient, hard to understand (I get asked how you pay a couple times a week), will not scale with greater size, and is needlessly expensive. Seeing as how Light Rail doesn’t take or give transfers, stations should be pay to get in. Very simple, easy to understand, easy to implement, and more efficient. Also, the fact that many people get free rides only lessens the great investment by Puget Sound taxpayers.
3. Parking. This might be the biggest complaint and most necessary change. Why will people, who have never been interested in riding your buses, take your train if they can’t get to the station? While no one expects parking downtown, many of the outlying stations have no reason not to provide more parking, at economical costs, especially Tukwila. I have no doubts that building a few parking garages would increase ridership.
4. Make the tunnels light rail only. Why why why do buses share the tunnel with light rail. All they manage to do is back each other up. Why can’t Light Rail just operate between downtown stations, and use International District and Westlake as connection points for buses? If the problem is fares, just make the downtown tunnel free, all the time. Is there cost to this? Yes, unless you follow my next point of advice.
5. Automate cars where possible. Are operators necessary? This is supposed to be a futuristic town. One that was able to build the Monorail in a year for a couple million for the 1962 World’s fair. Unfortunately, it’s over 40 years later and mass transit is just being implemented. To be fair, it has its own share of problems, is less than a mile long, and is elevated. Why not spark the imagination of the world by implementing autonomous rail (okay, they exist, but not in the US)? Sure, it could be costly, but it could just operate in the downtown tunnel. Which brings me to my next point…
6. Service downtown areas independently and more frequently. People are constantly trying to get to, from, and around downtown. The free ride zone is helpful, but wouldn’t it be more cost effective to have constantly running autonomous trains in the downtown tunnel? There could be a train every minute at every stop during peak hours. No more 10 bus pile ups only to not see another bus/train for 10 minutes. Also, being autonomous allows the trains to run all day, even if at longer intervals.
7. Add express trains (hopefully not light rail). The fact is the majority of people use light rail to get to and from the airport from downtown Seattle. While I understand people live between those two locations and need to be serviced, waits at each stop take way too long considering the trains’ sluggishness. The 194 can take me from ID to SEATAC in 20 minutes. I often have to spend an extra five to ten minutes on Light Rail (longer when it was stopping at Tukwila). The answer? Add express trains between the tunnel and SEATAC. Yes, you’ll need an extra rail, but they can run less frequently, and you’re guaranteed they’ll be used. And please, don’t use light rail. There’s about 15 miles to cover, which could probably take 10 minutes on a modern train system.
8. Worry about Seattle. So I understand Sound Transit operates Light Rail, and you have to make all taxpayers happy. Unfortunately they’re failing, and if certain taxpayers don’t believe they need mass transit, that’s fine. Seattle should be sure it provides the world class transit its residents deserve. I don’t want to promote creating yet another separate transit system, but as long as you operate the same technology, integration can happen down the road.
9. Lay tracks on grass. This is more an aesthetic touch, but being Seattle, you’d think making mass transit nature friendly and visually appealing would be a priority. Why not lay tracks on grass? Making it more a natural part of life allows for better integration. And hey, if you’re worry about cutting the grass, I’m sure the goats want some larger territory than the park above I-5.

   

10. Expand quickly, even at cost. We’re in a rough economic situation where people are in need of jobs. While I’m not promoting New Deal era programs, I don’t see a reason why the University Link should take 6 more years. If you have workers, expanding quickly should be a priority. It creates jobs as well as promotes business and commerce and quickly connects much of the city. While gas is cheap, it will begin to rise as the economy gets better, and you’ll quickly see commuters garage their SUVs if they have valid mass transit options.

While I’m sure I’ve left a few key improvements out, I think this would be a good start.

After a recent discussion (read: potentially friendship ending argument) about which cartoon characters would dutifully serve as our Commander and Chief, a few things were learned:

1. Cartoon superheroes are out of the equation. They aren’t real, yo.
2. You don’t insult a man’s favorite childhood cartoon character. They have feelings about such things.
3. The best candidates are often children.
4. There really is a lack of viable female candidates.
5. Disney characters rarely make the cut. Looney Tunes characters often do.

On point 3, see:

• Lisa Simpson: 8 years old, an excellent musician, anti-war, maybe a bit emotional at times, but she’s 8. Also, she has experience in leadership during the tooth in soda experiment, although that ended badly…
• Stewie Griffin: 1 year old, a little flamboyant, probably would be a harsh, dictator like ruler, but he’s intelligent. The main fears here would mainly be his likely national budget busting military expenditures on destroying his mother. I think he’ll succeed quickly though, and will look for other hobbies soon thereafter. Healthcare reform, anyone? Maybe, but we’ll never know.
• Stan Marsh: A fourth grader who offers intellectual views on homosexuality, civil rights, immigration, and other serious national issues. While slightly foul mouthed, what fourth grader isn’t? The important thing is he isn’t bogged down by worthless partisan debates.

On point 5, see:

• Winnie the Pooh: Anyone see another Taft like bathtub incident in the future? While that isn’t a reason enough to put Pooh down, his track record of getting things done without his crew is disheartening. Take into account his general laggardness, its basically business as usual in Washington. No thank you.
• Porky the Pig: He’s like Gerald Ford: you know he existed, but you’re not really sure what he did. And you can see him tripping over things. And seriously, I think a requirement to being the President is wearing pants.
• Micky Mouse: Sounds like a good choice. Can’t really think of anything bad. Which is reason to believe he’s a pushover or a privately horrible person. I personally see him in the Tiger Woods mold.
• Elmer Fudd: He’d have the conservative vote with his stance on the second amendment, but too much 19th century thinking.
• Yosemite Sam: He’d make a solid president in the Andrew Jackson mold, but his track record is rather slim, and this is the 21st century. Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck do see him as a respectable adversary, so I will as well, but I just don’t think he’s the type that can adjust to this ever changing world.
• Marvin the Martian: Throwing in him in here because he’s a personal favorite. He’s a Martian though, so not eligible. Sadface.
• Aladdin: Hot girl, but Middle Eastern past will hurt him in popular vote. Rags to riches story is endearing, though.
• Woody from Toy Story: A natural leader, but needs Buzz around to keep him levelheaded. There’s no place for two alpha males in the white house.

Other potential candidates include:

• Spongebob: All I can say is: no. You’re not even a cartoon character in my eyes.
• Homer Simpson: He’s the common man, and he’s gotten more intelligent recently, but his past as an alcoholic and child abuser, and to a lesser extent, his idiocy, will hold him back.
• Pinky and the Brain: They come as a team. We’ve seen this administration recently, and it doesn’t turn out well (read: Bush and the Cheney).
• Peter Griffin: Like Homer, he’s the everyday guy, but also a complete moron. He does have a solid backing with Brian, but having Koolaid man crashing into the Whitehouse on occasion isn’t going to sit well with the public picking up the bill. That and his family literally destroying any respectability remaining in the Whitehouse makes this a no-go. Also, his daughter’s looks isn’t going to win him any votes.
• Fred Flintstone: Wilma or Barney would probably be better as they generally save him from his hardheadedness every episode. Still, he’s got some interesting ideas for a green lifestyle.
• Underdog: Cute and underestimated, but always comes up on top. Still, don’t think he’d want the Presidency, and he might look too ‘Street’ to capture the affluent vote.

So who makes the cut? While no conclusion was reached, I feel the following administration would be solid:

Secretary of Health: Popeye

Hear me out. He could be defense secretary, but he’ll make more inroads getting children to eat their vegetables. He did for me.

Secretary of Transportation: The Roadrunner

He keeps his head down, doesn’t talk much, and knows how to get around. Fast. I can’t think of any better qualifications.

Secretary of the Interior: Yosemite Sam

If he can get over his differences with Bugs and control his temper, he’d have our national parks’ best interests in mind.

Secretary of Defense: Elmer Fudd

Also will need to get over his differences with Bugs, but I think he will for this post that utilizes his strengths: Guns. Give the man credit when its due. He’s not the best strategist, but that guy is in the oval office.

Secretary of Agriculture: Rabbit from Winnie the Pooh

He’s respectable and will get the job done.

Secretary of Labor: Wiley E. Coyote

He’s your working man. Give him something for his toils.

Attorney General: Virgil from Mighty Max

This might be the only one I’m truly sure about.

Secretary of State: Porky the Pig

The thing people forget about him is he’s got some intelligence and is likeable. I think he’ll have a knack for foreign policy.

Vice President: Daffy Duck

I’m not personally a fan, but he’s the classic wingman, a second tier star. Vice presidents don’t do much anyways, and there is a fear that he is second in line to the Presidency, but I’ve never seen anyone leave a scratch on Bugs; he’s not going anywhere.

President: Bugs Bunny

He’s a smooth talker, gets along with almost everyone, and possibly the most cunning cartoon character of our time. He’s got his baggage, but no other candidate separates himself from the field as much as Bugs. All he needs to solve our most glaring problems is a carrot. We’ve got plenty of those.  He’s refreshingly straightforward and doesn’t take sides. He’s the perfect person to make clearheaded decisions about the country’s future. He’s a shoe-in any election, easily commanding votes from both sides with his charisma and name recognition. His position with the heartland might be hurt by his bachelorness (he’d be the first bachelor president since Buchanan), but maybe he and Lola might finally settle down and we’d have a couple as powerful as the Kennedy’s.

I need to adjust the recipe some to adjust for the additional (and uncompensated) cocoa, but basically take the Best Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe, split the result in half, add a couple tablespoons of cocoa powder to one, put strips of both dough together, and bake (I found for an additional minute, although I’m going to try to under-bake a bit).

To put the strips together, I found the easiest method was to create big flat slabs of both dough on a cutting board, make slivers with a knife, create a 3×3 stack of dark and light chocolate on some saran wrap, roll and twist a bit, unwrap, cut off half inch strips, and place on some parchment paper on a cookie sheet. After some practice, this process only takes about 3 minutes.

While super tasty (with still undiscovered potential!) they don’t have a high MDS, so don’t expect to0 much- they’re more of the cookies you can warm up and enjoy with milk. And if you don’t know what MDS is, well, you don’t know cookies.

Most people come to my blog for the following reasons:

While the intellectual discussion about goat and sheep sounds is stimulating and the most pathetic animal debate enthralling, I’d like to think I have more to offer.

Apparently I don’t.

So until I find something to offer, I probably won’t blog much. Unless its about food. Yeah, food…

Spoiler alert: there are a lot of pictures of ruins. I like ruins. They probably look the same or mean nothing to you, but bear with me.

Because it takes too long to insert images individually like I originally planned to, hopefully I can make picture captions meaningful enough…

Lima Part 1

After a long and tiring journey to Lima, I had a 15 hour layover until our Cuzco flight, and Leo and Jacob weren’t scheduled to arrive until 11 pm. Luckily the airport had lockers to store my baggage, and some tourism people found me some dinner with native Peruvian dancing near the Plaza de Armas. I met some locals there, ate some ridiculously tasty alpaca, and dropped way too much money on pisco sours, which aren’t very yummy.

Cuzco

After my short Lima expedition, Leo, Jacob and I hung out in the airport until our early morning flight. We proceeded to spend most of the next few days exploring Cuzco, eating food, and saying no gracias to the locals pawning off their goods. Also, in case you were wondering, and building larger than two stories in Cuzco is likely a Cathedral.

Inca Trail

The first day was a “practice” day, but was probably the second toughest day behind day 2, which was also the longest. Day 3 was fairly relaxing, and day 4 was a race against everyone else to get to Machu Picchu. Our days generally went: get up, have tea, breakfast, hike, lunch, hike, tea and snack, dinner, bed. Our porters afforded us the luxury of just walking, hiking, and sleeping, preparing everything and sometimes waiting on us.

Upon arrival at the Sun Gate, the place to get that iconic picture of Machu Picchu, we were greeted with cloudy skies. Fortunately, the clouds parted on our hike down and we were able to get some solid shots of Machu Picchu in the clouds.

Lima Part 2

Being fairly tired and picking up a cold after the trek, we mainly just hung out around Lima. I was tired of being a tourist, so I hardly took pictures of stuff.

Online literature pointed to the following symptoms (mostly taken from Wiki):

• Withdrawing from normal activities
• Tiredness
• Loss of appetite
• Exclaiming your hatred of work
• Feelings of nostalgia
• Whining and sighing
• Depression
• Threatening to quit your job

While I won’t mention my symptoms, I will say I fit the bill. To help deal with this disorder, one can (roadandtravel.com):

• Take a mini vacation to relax from your vacation
• Get healthy if sick
• Share your trip with others
• Plan your next adventure

While all are great ideas, the most influential piece of advice was to plan my next adventure. Applying the Amazon.com business model, the flywheel, to PVD, one can conceivably infinitely fight PVD while also increasing work efficiency by maximizing happiness. How does it work? Well, if you’re vacation goes smoothly and you’re happy and ready to work the minute you get back, great! But, if you’re suffering from PVD when you get back, planning your next adventure will get you back to work while also supplying the next vacation, feeding the flywheel until you run out of vacation days or manager patience (read: fired).

Now to find the destination of that next trip…

1. Feel like I’d offend people
2. Horrific color choices
3. Novelty would wear off after first use
4. Ugly T-Shirt
5. Shirt’s never available in my size

I also sometimes buy said shirts only to find out they fall into one of the aforementioned categories, leaving them sitting in my closet feeling neglected. Because I can’t get myself to buy art/decoration as it’s generally meaningless/expensive, I had an idea last fall to gallery wrap shirts, effectively turning them into prints.

While there are obvious questions as to the quality of the gallery wrapping t-shirts, I was pleasantly surprised with the outcome of my little experiment.

For only the cost of a $5 box frame (with tax- buyable at local arts/crafts store) and t-shirt, you can have a rather awesome piece of artwork.

Step 1: Get Materials

If you get a similar kind of box frame, I recommend keeping the cardboard support that comes with it. It provides holes for hanging, and more importantly, helps strech the “canvas”.

Step 2: Cut out front panel of shirt

I recommend centering the box frame underneath the shirt to figure out where to cut. Some shirts may not work well if the seams are visible.

Cut off the bottom so you have just enough cloth to work with.

Step 3: Tape the shirt to the box frame

Depending on where you want the folds of the shirt to be (I chose top/bottom), start taping the shirt to the frame with some heavy duty tape, keeping the shirt as tight and wrinkle free as possible.

Step 4: Put cardboard support back in

If you don’t have cardboard support, I suggest constructing something similar with cardboard, or just taping the shirt down. If you tape the shirt down directly, add another layer of canvas under the shirt to prevent light getting through.

And the finished product:

That’s it, and it takes about 15-20 minutes!

Some other box frames:

In my lame attempts at self surveillance, I came across this fairly intriguing (and unsurprising) tidbit: sleep greatly influences my life. While there are other conclusions I’ve drawn, the most glaring are:

1. I read more when I’ve slept. I only read on the bus, and generally only in the morning as I’m usually exhausted by the end of the day.
2. I talk to food more when I haven’t slept. Although less pronounced, it does seem there’s some causation there.

And, of course, the data to back up my claims:

I must note that little data exists on weekends, and I had to add some data points to smooth this out, but for the most part its accurate. Also, the talking to food count tallies complete conversations with food, but doesn’t include situations where I was talking to food for comedic effect.

Personally, these devices are important as they do provide a fun way to communicate the state of a project or problem. While something more conventional- say a status posted to a web page- may be easier, it’s far easier to understand a situation with simple visual/aural cues. To not waste time repeating people who can explain this better, please go here.

At Amazon, we have a ticketing system that’s used to file bugs/issues affecting the sites we manage. There are different levels of tickets that can come in, some of which, unfortunately, page us in the middle of the night. There are times that some of these issues become large scale events, initiating a control center like atmosphere. In the spirit of feedback devices, we felt these situations deserved a visual alarm system, so we bought a red strobe light.

With the help of X10, we’ve tied this to our ticketing system, and it turns on automatically during high severity events. In order to do this, I set up a simple daemon on my development box that listened to a port for commands. Being accessible anywhere on the network, anyone in the office can turn devices on and off by writing to that port. For more information on how to set up the X10 equipment and for a how to on automated build integration with lava lamps, see Pragmatic Automation. I’ll also post the code for my server/client setup soonish…

While I had my camera at work, I figured I’d include a small look at my desk after our recent total physical team room reorganization:

Actually these were pretty surprising. I was expecting good cookies, but these offered something more: a high Milk Dunkability Score (MDS). This isn’t as easy to earn as you might think. They won’t be keeping Oreos off my shopping list anytime soon, but they hold their share of milk while staying durable- and incredibly yummy.