I began charting stocks 50 years ago in April 1962.

Computers came along and made charting and calculations much easier.

I was a stock broker for seven years.

I am glad that I was; I am glad that I am no longer.

For 16 years I maintained the Abarim Snohomish County Stock Index; I ended it on June 30, 2010.

I can be found now repairing computers at Harbor Square in downtown Edmonds.

What I write combines my sense of history (ask me about my ghost town some time, but be prepared to listen a long time) and my sense of numbers.

How are we doing compared to 10 or 50 years ago?

Statistics are easy. Agreeing on what the statistics mean can be hard.

My view is seldom the popular one, not because I want to argue (those close to me know that I avoid arguments if at all possible), but because what the raw numbers say and what the spinmeisters say are often at odds.

I usually make the sources of the numbers I use available.

You can check on me; you should check on me, as you should check any other source.

Snohomish County is very much in the shadow of King County, and may always be.

King County is one of the top economic engines of the entire world.

Snohomish County, as the smaller sibling, often isn’t noticed much.

I try to pull Snohomish County business information out into the light.

Often that may be something bright that has been overlooked, but sometimes it comes from the dark side.

Don’t expect to agree with me all the time, but I hope you will consider what I have to say.