Normandy Park 'Geek' Don R. Crawley.

Normandy Park resident ‘Geek’ Don R. Crawley has co-written a new book, called ‘The Compassionate Geek: Mastering Customer Service for IT Professionals,’ aimed at helping IT professionals learn all-important customer service skills.

Crawley is quite accomplished as an author, speaker, musician and actor. He also is president/chief technologist of IT training firm soundtraining.net, has spoken before audiences in all 50 states, plus Canada, the U.K. and Australia, has appeared in numerous local films and plays (most recently in Burien Little Theatre’s production of ‘Unfound Fossils’), is an ensemble cast member in Seattle Theatre Readers, and plays the pipe organ at Southminster Presbyterian Church in Des Moines.

“In his spare time, he laughs with his family, howls with his dogs, and watches the ships on Puget Sound from his home in Normandy Park,” reads his bio.

He also wrote the ‘Accidental Administrator’ series of books for IT pros, and adds this about his ‘Geek’ role:

As a longtime IT author and trainer, I get phone calls and emails every week from C-level execs, business owners, and HR managers who are frustrated with their IT staff.  They tell me that their IT staff members are technically competent, but lack the necessary customer service skills to help end-users with their jobs.  That’s why my co-author Paul Senness and I wrote ‘The Compassionate Geek: Mastering Customer Service for I.T. Professionals.’  In this short (164 pages) book, you’ll find:

• The four intrinsic qualities of great customer service providers
• How to use emotional intelligence skills to deliver great tech support
• How to say “no” without alienating the end-user
• How to listen so you understand
• Ways to maintain your calm and manage job stress

Here are some links to info on Don:

• Don’s business website: www.soundtraining.net
• The Compassionate Geek book page on Amazon: http://amzn.com/145371278X
• Don’s Amazon author’s page: http://amazon.doncrawley.com

[EDITOR'S NOTE: We love to profile authors, artists, filmmakers, musicians, 'geeks' and other talented local folk, so if you know someone who lives in the general area you think is worthy of a story, please email us!]

The King Conservation District is testing out a seemingly-newfangled manner of online voting for its public election for the Board of Supervisors position #2.

“This election features new, convenient, and secure online voting,” reads a statement. “Voters may vote from their home, business, or other computer locations.”

(Not to be confused with the King Conversation District, which is a group of loud-mouthed, smart-alec wonks who espouse their political expertise in public places, the King Conservation District is “a natural resources assistance agency” whose mission is to “promote the sustainable use of natural resources through responsible stewardship.” A five-member Board of Supervisors is responsible for all District programs and activities.)

Online voting will run until 9pm March 15th. Old fashioned, in-person voting will be held at the King CD Renton office (1107 SW Grady Way, Suite 130, Renton, WA 98057) on Tuesday, March 15th, from 9am – 9pm (one day only).

To cast your ballot, you must be registered to vote in King County (includes Burien but excludes residents of cities that are not members of the King Conservation District: Enumclaw, Federal Way, Milton, Pacific and Skykomish) View voter eligibility map.

Far as we know, this is the very first public election in our area to allow this type of online voting (if we’re wrong, please correct us either via email or in the Comments below).

The process involves going to a website (http://www.kingcd.org/new_ele.htm), clicking through to another one, entering your name, date of birth and email, then filling out the usual “I am not a robot” security captcha thingamabob. Once that’s done, you’re re-directed to download a PDF, which you then fill out with your address, then sign and either snailmail back in, fax, or scan and email in. Then, once you’re authorized (takes up to 48 hours after receipt of application) you’re emailed a PIN and online voting instructions.

Sure, it’s still a little kludgy and a bit of a hassle, but we foresee this as a step in the right direction – pure, secure online voting.

And who knows, maybe the next online election will be for local city councilmembers?

Wondering what the King Conservation District is? Here are details from their “About Us” page:

The King Conservation District (King CD) is a natural resources assistance agency authorized by Washington State and guided by the Washington State Conservation Commission. Our mission is to promote the sustainable use of natural resources through responsible stewardship. A five-member Board of Supervisors is responsible for all District programs and activities.

Since 1949, the King CD has been helping the people of King County manage their natural resources. We educate landowners, schools, scientists, consultants and agencies in how to recognize problem situations and how to avoid creating them. We also provide technical assistance in solving their problems.

We promote conservation through demonstration projects, educational events, providing technical assistance and, in some cases, providing or pointing the way to funds which may be available for projects. The King CD has no regulatory or enforcement authority. We only work with those who choose to work with us.

Debbie Zemke, Recreation Manager for the City of Burien, tells us of two news nuggets out of Burien Parks – one good, and one not-so-good that involves a call for computer-related help – first, the good news:

Burien Parent Expresses Appreciation:
On Oct. 10th, the mother of a middle-aged, disabled adult stopped by the Burien Community Center to personally express her gratitude for the City’s “Sitting Fit” class.

Her son lives in a Burien group home, and prior to participation in the class, had been uncommunicative with fellow residents, lethargic, and showing little interest in life.

Over the last two months while participating in this exercise class, he’s become physically active and shows interest in others. He continually talks about the “Sitting Fit” class, especially how friendly everyone is, the beautiful community center, and how much he enjoys coming to class.

A few more residents from the group home have now also joined the program and are expressing the same excitement.

As a result of her gratitude to the City for providing this life-changing opportunity for her son, the participant’s mother made a major financial contribution to the senior recreation scholarship program so that low-income individuals could be assured access to these wonderful programs.

Burien Parks Instructor Alex Jones needs help retrieving "lost" info from his computer.

And now, the not-so-good news, which involves a call for computer-related help:

Class Instructor Needs Computer Assistance:
The acutla instructor of the “Sitting Fit” class, Alex Lewis, is also working on his doctorate degree while teaching.

However, his computer crashed and he lost all of his doctorate work.

We’re wondering if there’s ANYONE in the Burien community who’s knowledgeable on how to retrieve lost data and would be interested in helping Alex.

If you can help Alex, or know someone with computer experience who can (looks to us like he’s using a Windows PC), please contact Debbie Zemke directly at debbiez@burienwa.gov or (206) 988-3704.

For more information on Burien Parks, check out their website here.

We did a feature story on him June 2nd, and now he’s our latest Advertiser – please welcome local Author George Matthew Cole to The B-Town Blog!

Cole’s new novel “Colt O’Brien Sees the Light,” follows the trials and tribulations of a Highline High School senior, and is based on a certification program that Mr. Cole participated in, that taught students about computer networking.

Cole, a Burien resident, spent over 30 years in the computing field, with experience on mainframe computers as well as PCs and servers. “Flashmath for Windows 95″ is a flash card program that Cole wrote many years ago which is still in use today.

The idea for “Colt O’Brien Sees the Light” came from personal experience working with high school students over a two-year period.

Cole lives in Burien with his wife and dog, and this is his first novel.

Burien Author Goerge Matthew Cole wrote "Colt O’Brien Sees the Light" based on his experiences teaching at Highline High School.

Here’s Cole’s description of the book:

Colt O’brien doesn’t think that he has to prove anything. He is the most savvy computer technician at Highline High in Burien, Washington. When a PC needs fixing, Colt is called in to save the day. The short, energetic senior, with his bright, colorful attire and cocky attitude, knows that he is the best. He expects the respect that is showered upon him by peers and teachers. School will soon be over and freedom beckons. No more girl friend to tell him what to do. No more schoolwork to bore him to death. Colt is cruising through senior year, but his life is about to be turned upside down. Two freshman nerds start a computer class that will put Highline High on the map and challenge Colt’s credibility. Three women will show him the meaning of love. One will show him the meaning of hate. And, his hidden psychic powers will emerge when he least expects them to. Hang on Colt.

Here’s another excerpt from the book, which can be purchased online here:

Chapter XV

——Email——-
From: Strong, Amy[amystrong@aol.com]
To: Bower, Susan[sbower@hhs.edu]

Subject: I think he’s cute Sent: 12/07/1999

HI SUZY
I HEARD ABOUT THE FIGHT. I THINK COLT IS SO CUTE. I DON’T CARE IF HES SHORT. HE HELPS PEOPLE. HIS SISTER TALKED TO OUR SOCCER TEAM. WE ALL THINK SHES THE BEST. I WANT TO GET TO KNOW COLT BETTER

AMY

——Email——-

Colt and Bobbie had been working all afternoon fixing sick computers. The school day had ended two hours ago but they were only now walking toward the parking lot to leave for home. The young men felt a sense of satisfaction after helping many teachers and administrators become productive again. A virus had rampaged through Highline High’s computer network causing a variety of problems. The two young men had been up to the task and all of the infected devices were now working.

“Man that virus was bad. I am sure glad we had the right updates to fix them.” said Bobbie

“It’s great when it all goes right. I can sure remember a lot of times when we were drowning in tricky problems and we had no idea what was wrong. Maybe we have learned something over the years.”

As they walked around a corner near the baseball fields, they heard the rattling of a fence and someone yelling “No, no.” Bobbie could see that three teenagers had a much smaller boy surrounded against the fence. They were pushing him from side to side and slapping him up and down his thin, frail body. One of the assailants was yelling obscenities at the helpless victim. The boy had a look of utter terror on his reddened face.

Bobbie had only been watching for a few seconds but now saw someone running toward the group. At first he was so startled that he did not realize who it was. He turned to say something to his friend, but Colt was not there. Bobbie looked back just in time to see Colt hurtle into the three attackers with arms swinging. His loud shrieks sounded like battle cries to his friend. Colt hit one of the three attackers shoulder high and knocked him off of his feet. The other two were startled but soon recovered.

The tallest one said “He’s not that big Andy, we can get him.”

“You punks” yelled Colt, who was still swinging his arms like miniature pistons.

Colt looked at the victim and recognized him as a freshman that he had seen around campus. He motioned to him to get away. As he turned back to the fight, he felt his legs buckle as he we forced to the ground. He found himself being held down and beaten by numerous fists from above. Colt kicked one attacker between his legs and felt things ease up a little but his head was continued to taking a beating. Then he saw a large arm come between him and those cowering over him. One of his assailants was flung aside and slammed against the fence causing a high pitched rattling sound. Next, one large, strong arm clamped around the last attacker’s neck and he was thrown to the ground. As he hit the hard earth, air escaped from his chest with a whoosh. Colt was free and jumped up. For a moment, he felt like he would faint, as the pain of his injuries came pounding in. After a minute he regained his balance and managed to keep the pain at bay. All of three of the bullies were on the ground. One was curled up in a ball moaning and the other two were being held down in a choke hold by Bobbie Jones. Both bullies had panic in their bulging eyes. Colt kicked each of them in the side.

“You want more punks? You want more.” yelled Colt.

“No Colt, we didn’t know it was you.” whined one.

“Bobbie let them go before I kill one of them.”

Bobbie eased up a little and said “Just leave guys, don’t make me hurt you.”

The two de-fanged attackers got up and helped the boy who was curled up. All of them were hurting which brought a slight smile to Colt’s face.

They skulked away as fast as they could.

Bobbie looked at Colt who was sitting on a low wall now. His lower lip and nose were both bleeding and his right eye was beginning to swell.

“Hey, man, you should have waited for me. They pounded you pretty bad.” said Bobbie

“I just reacted. They pissed me off and all of a sudden I was going at them. Goddam punks! I hate guys like that.” yelled Colt

“That kid was about to be really messed up. You saved his ass.” said Bobbie

“Well, you saved me. Thanks Dude. I ended up taking the kid’s place. Do you know his name?”

“I think its Eddie Tate. I recognized him from the meeting at the Sweden’s house.“

“I’m glad we helped him, even if he is a freshman nerd. I hate guys that beat up weak kids.” said Colt

“Can you get home ok?”

“I can make it but I know I am going to be hurting soon.”

“Later man.” said Bobbie Jones

“I’ll save you next time.” smiled Colt through the pain.

Colt grimaced and slowly pulled himself out of the purple VW in front of his house. The pain was more noticeable now that the battle adrenaline had dissipated. Colt thought I must look like crap. I sure feel bad. He walked through the front door and tried to scurry by the kitchen so that he wouldn’t be seen. His condition slowed him down and it was obvious that he wasn’t himself as he dragged past his unsuspecting mother at the kitchen sink. She looked up with bright eyes knowing that her son had come home. A bright smile turned into horror when she saw the condition that Colt was in. Blood was still running from his lower lip and nose. His swollen eye was starting to turn blue and purple. Leona’s eyes glistened with tears at seeing her baby in pain.

“Oh no. Colt, what happened? Oh honey.” cried Leona

“I just had a little scuffle, Mom. I’ll be okay.”

“Go directly to the bathroom. I am going to clean you up.”

Colt moaned and angled toward the bathroom. He did not feel like explaining what happened. He knew his mother would try to be brave but that this would take an emotional toll on her.

Colt only said “I helped a kid that was getting beat up Mom.”

“You always did hate bullies.” Leona smiled behind the river of tears rolling down her cheeks.

After being nursed and taking some aspirin Colt hugged his mother and trudged to his bedroom. He opened his email to see if Bobbie had sent any notes about the fight. There were 23 emails in the in-box. All of the notes were about the incident at the school. Bobbie Jones sent a note with just a subject line, which said “News travels fast”. One email was from Mr. Sweden who thanked him for helping a fellow program member. Colt was surprised to see how fast word got around about an incident that had happened only a few hours ago. Some of the notes were from people he had never met. One was from a girl named Amy Strong. He remembered seeing her around school but had never talked to her. For some reason, when he saw her name, he forgot about his pain and felt a tingling sensation from head to toe. He sensed that there was something special, a mysterious quality, to that particular note. Rather than reading it, he lay down on his bed and wondered what a pretty girl might write to a boy who just got beat up. He only allowed himself to think wonderful, interesting and surprising thoughts through the haze of pain that was wracking his body. When his thoughts were wrapped in a pleasant package, Colt slipped into slumber. A peaceful smile illuminated his swollen face.

Support your local Writers (and B-Town Blog Advertisers) – buy George Matthew Cole’s “Colt O’Brien Sees the Light” by clicking here.

[Would you like to have a “Blogvertorial” story, Ad and/or Event Listing like this on a popular, fast-growing website seen by over 51,000 interested Local Readers every month? Email us for more info, or check out our Advertise page!]

We’ve featured numerous local authors lately (read previous coverage of the Three Tree Point history book, Shawn Underwood and Robert Dugoni), and now comes another one – Burien author George Matthew Cole’s new novel “Colt O’Brien Sees the Light,” which follows the trials and tribulations of a Highline High School senior.

The book is based on a certification program that Mr. Cole participated in, that taught students about computer networking.

Cole, a Burien resident, spent over 30 years in the computing field, with experience on mainframe computers as well as PCs and servers. “Flashmath for Windows 95″ is a flash card program that Cole wrote many years ago which is still in use today.

The idea for “Colt O’brien Sees the Light” came from personal experience working with high school students over a two-year period.

Cole lives in Burien with his wife and dog, and this is his first novel.

Here’s Cole’s description of the book:

Colt O’brien doesn’t think that he has to prove anything. He is the most savvy computer technician at Highline High in Burien, Washington. When a PC needs fixing, Colt is called in to save the day. The short, energetic senior, with his bright, colorful attire and cocky attitude, knows that he is the best. He expects the respect that is showered upon him by peers and teachers. School will soon be over and freedom beckons. No more girl friend to tell him what to do. No more schoolwork to bore him to death. Colt is cruising through senior year, but his life is about to be turned upside down. Two freshman nerds start a computer class that will put Highline High on the map and challenge Colt’s credibility. Three women will show him the meaning of love. One will show him the meaning of hate. And, his hidden psychic powers will emerge when he least expects them to. Hang on Colt.

Here’s an excerpt:

Sent: Sun 10/16/1994

_________________________

Yo

pcs r great am getting how they work.

we can start fixing them and make bucks

am done with sprts man Dude I stoppd growng@%$#%$#%^t$#^

later

Puddles of brown water pockmarked the soccer field reflecting the bright midday sun. The recently ended downpour had cleansed the air and the earth, leaving everything smelling fresh and pure. A large pond, about six inches deep, covered much of the center of the field. Parents, brothers, sisters and friends yelled encouragement as two teams of thirteen-year-old boys slogged up, down and across the swampy play area. All of the observers still wore ponchos, coats and other rain gear, even though the skies were clear. In the Northwest, a sunny sky did not guarantee that rain would stay away for long. The crimson and green, once shiny, uniforms of the respective teams were soaked and muddied. The players had difficulty handling the round, white and black ball in the sloppy conditions. Flying mud and water slowed the players as each tried to gain an advantage. Neither team was able to control the ball for a substantial length time. Mud holes, or the dreaded pond, created formidable barriers to forward progress. Goalies at each end of the field gazed off into the distance waiting for something to happen. It was near half-time and not one shot on goal had been attempted.

Once again, the elusive soccer ball was floating in the middle of the pond, daring any player to slap, splash, kick or cajole it into play. A tall lanky boy on the green team splashed through the water toward the soaked, leather globe, and kicked it out of the pond toward the sideline. Water splashed up, swirling around, as the saturated ball floated toward solid ground. A teammate received the pass and held the ball under his foot.

Here are some Amazon Reviews:

4.0 out of 5 stars New Author – Great Read!, April 5, 2010

By Lori Ann

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The Author does a great job of keeping the reader interested as the material flows smoothly throughout each chapter. Having worked in the IT industry for many years, I can relate to the day-to-day experiences the main character takes us through – especially the dreaded IT exams that many of us have experienced in our career. It is a great mix of fact and fiction as many of the places listed are those I have visited in the Northwest. The main character captures our heart as he struggles to fit in with the “nerds” and make a name for himself, and most of all his desire to make his father proud.

I’m ready for the sequel!

5.0 out of 5 stars Review of Colt O’Brien, April 13, 2010

By word junkie (Seattle, WA USA)

“Colt O’Brien Sees the Light” is a clever mix of information technology, teen sexuality, and the paranormal. While some content is geared toward a more mature audience, the main character’s journey from insecurity to self-awareness is a timeless theme that will resonate with teenaged readers.

You can buy the book online by clicking here.

For more information on George Matthew Cole: http://www.georgemcole.com.

Story & Photos by Michael Brunk

As data is displayed on a wall screen via a digital projector, participants sitting at tables provide input using wireless, hand-held devices. Nearby are racks of net books, available for projects or research. The leader is using a wireless pad to control the flow of information appearing on the screen.

You might think you’re in a high-tech corporate boardroom, but in fact this is just another day in Marianne Shibly’s 4th to 6th grade English Language Learners (ELL) classroom at Gregory Heights Elementary School right here in Burien.

On Thursday, April 29th, Gregory Heights principal Phil Robinson and teacher Marianne Shibly hosted an open house to demonstrate what is being called the “21st Century Classroom.” The purpose of the event was to share with representatives from other Highline School District schools, parents and members of the press how technology is being used to support teaching in a multi-language classroom.

The students in Mrs. Shibly’s classroom come from a variety of cultures, but are united by the fact that English is not their first language. In some cases, they also lack grounding in basic learning skills that would also put them at a disadvantage in a regular classroom setting. In the ELL class they receive the teaching they need to ultimately transition into classes with their peers at Gregory Heights.

The technology is a fundamental part of the learning experience for these students. Funding through several special grants has allowed this classroom to be equipped with a digital video projector, net books for each student and a Student Response System (SRS) that allows each student to interact with a central classroom computer using a small, hand-held “clicker.”

Using a wireless control pad, Mrs. Shibly can display a question on the screen. Students then key in the answer on their own hand-held. As responses come in, the screen shows the percentage of students responding, and which students still need to key in their answers.

When the teacher is ready, a touch of a button shows the correct answer and various displays of how the students answered. In just minutes, Mrs. Shibly can assess how the classroom as a whole is grasping the lesson and which students need additional instruction on the topic.

Compare this to current techniques that involve paper handouts, manual grading, and perhaps returned to students days later when the class has already moved on to new material, and you can begin to see how technology – properly applied – can lead to a more nimble classroom situation.

The SRS system being used at Gregory Heights is from Qwizdom, a Washington-based company that not only provides the hardware and software, but also curriculum that teachers can draw from that is geared to Washington State teaching standards. Teachers can also create their own custom content, and that new material can be shared over a network or via e-mail.

Currently, Mrs. Shibly’s classroom is the only class at Gregory Heights that is completely equipped with the new technology. Plans exist to roll out these teaching tools for additional classrooms, but the current budget crunch facing all schools has delayed implementation.

In the mean time, across the Highline School District teachers and administrators can visit Gregory Heights to learn how they can apply this technology within their own new and existing facilities as budgets allow.

The demonstration clearly showed that students are excited and engaged by these new teaching tools. You might even go so far as to say the children are having fun in class. In this case, that seems to be a very good thing.

Here’s a Photo Slideshow of the demo:

Click to Play Michael Brunk’s Photo Slideshow

We’re proud to announce that The B-Town Blog is the very first Local Blog in the entire Northwest to release its own iPhone/iPod Touch App for the iTunes Store!

This App is designed to provide the latest, most-up-to-date Local News, Events, Arts, Entertainment, Photos, Job Listings, Forums, Reader Comments and more from this here website – and all for FREE.

Here are some of the features of our brand spankin’ new App, which works on both the iPhone and iPod Touch:

• Live feed of the latest stories 24/7
  

  Click here to download our App.

• Thumbnail graphics for each story
• Separate listings for each Category
• Allows you to “Favorite” a Story
• Ability to Email Stories from within the App
• Ability to Tweet Stories
• Ability to post Stories to Facebook

We’re already working on adding additional features, so if you have any ideas, please let us know.

To download your Free “BurienNews” App, please click here.

Also, if you’re an Android user, we have an App for you as well – click here to download.

And as usual, we’re always looking for feedback on these new technologies, so please feel free to email us your thoughts!

The Washington State Department of Ecology awarded grants of $50,000 each to four South King County communities that will help them comply with federal regulations regarding toxic runoff from streets and other surfaces.

The grant money will be applied toward anything from equipment purchases and storm drain cleaning to public education and outreach.

Recipient cities include:

• Des Moines
• Kent
• Normandy Park
• SeaTac

Rep. Dave Upthegrove (D – Des Moines), who chairs the state House Ecology and Parks Committee, says the timing of the awards couldn’t be better.

Rep. Dave Upthegrove

“Toxic runoff is one of the major causes of pollution to Puget Sound,” Upthegrove said.  “Research clearly shows it is a threat both to drinking water and marine life.  These grants will help communities that are already operating on lean budgets still meet federal requirements to address this very serious environmental health issue.”

About 14 million pounds of toxic pollutants – including petroleum, pesticides, and heavy metals – enter Puget Sound each year.  This constant influx of hazardous substances kills fish, closes beaches to swimming, and threatens drinking water supplies.  It imperils the region’s economy, not only because of the state’s reliance on water resources, but because cash-strapped municipalities lack sufficient funding to pay for cleanup efforts.

All four cities plan to use part of the grant money for detection of pollutants within their stormwater systems.  By pinpointing the source sites where pollutants enter these systems, they can take the necessary steps to address the problem.  Public education efforts will also be undertaken, to help teach people how they can help prevent toxic runoff from their homes and businesses.

“The clock is ticking for us to save Puget Sound, and how cities deal with toxic runoff is going to determine whether or not we’ll be successful,” Upthegrove said.  “This extra boost in state funds will help these communities move forward with pollution prevention efforts.”

You can now get free wi-fi at Sea-Tac Airport, courtesy of Google, which announced Tuesday that it is now sponsoring free wireless access at 47 airports around the US.

Sea-Tac’s free offer (along with Burbank Airport), are considered “indefinite,” while the others are scheduled to expire Jan. 15, 2010.

According to the Google Free Wi-Fi website:

When you’re traveling this holiday season, you can enjoy free WiFi at 47 participating airports and on every Virgin America flight. Just bring a WiFi-enabled laptop or mobile device and stay connected to family and friends for free while you travel now through January 15, 2010.

The promotion, in cooperation with three wireless carriers, is clearly a marketing effort to use free Wi-Fi to boost the Google brand.

Just be careful when logging on though – many hackers have set up “Free Wi-Fi” networks in public places, so make sure you’re actually hopping on board the Google one.

This means that now you can watch HD footage not only of the beach, but from underwater as well!

Here are some pretty cool video clips ranging from time lapses that show the changing tides (fast-moving) passersby and sunsets, to clips of dogfish and more; as always, we feature these feeds on our Webcams page along with other local cams:

[display_podcast]

For video highlights from the Seahurst Beach Underwater camera, click here.

For an archive of Seahurst Beach HD clips, click here.

More info from their website:

The observatory is a collaboration between oceanographers and engineers at the University of Washington’s Applied Physics Laboratory and the Puget Sound Skills Center’s Environmental and Marine Science program. The Marine Science program has a wonderful shoreside facility located at the north end of Seahurst Park in Burien, Washington. To support the salmon hatchery located at the facility there are two saltwater intake pipes that run 850 feet from the building out to 25 feet of water. Those pipes provide an ideal means to run power and fiber optic ethernet cables for underwater instruments, providing a permanent, real-time, high bandwidth presence on the bottom of Puget Sound.

The observatory was installed through a combination of volunteer efforts and a science and engineering development project at APL-UW funded by the National Science Foundation. That project is working to install a cabled-to-shore profiling mooring at the MARS observatory in Monterey Bay, California. The installation at Seahurst provides a plug compatible observatory interface for testing that system in diver accessible depths right in our own backyard.

Data from the CTD is collected every 1.5 seconds. Time-lapse video frames are taken every 10 seconds. Daily time-lapse videos are archived. Full-rate video is captured and archived when motion is detected. For presentation on the front page of the web site a snapshot is taken once per minute and twenty seconds of full-rate (10 fps) video is taken every five minutes.