We had a great time Wednesday night at the second TechFlash Live, and we’re glad so many of you could join us. Lots of great people, conversations, food and drinks. Thanks to Ben Huh of I Can Has Cheezburger for sharing insights into one of Seattle’s more unusual startups. And thanks to event sponsors SolutionsIQ, Seattle University and Microsoft BizSpark.

Stay tuned for details on the next TechFlash Live, scheduled for this summer. In the meantime, here are a series of photos from tonight’s event, taken by photographer Matt Hagen.

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and Does experience at Microsoft make for a good politician?  

State Rep. Ross Hunter, a former Microsoft general manager, announced today that he’s running for King County Executive, competing against four other candidates for the position. He’s one of many former Microsofties now in the political arena — and he’s pointing to his experience at the Redmond company as a major selling point 

"I think I bring something that those other guys don’t have a lot of, which is private-sector management experience," Hunter said during a radio interview with KUOW-FM’s Ross Reynolds today.

"I was a general manager at Microsoft. I was there 20 years — 17 years. We changed the world there. Learned how to do management there. Microsoft brings something to the table that our region is short of, I think, which is impatience. I’ve had to temper my personality in order to be effective in the Legislature, but I have a level of impatience for solving problems that I think is not as evident in the other candidates."

Other former Microsoft managers in politics include Suzan DelBene, the former Windows Mobile executive now challenging Rep. Dave Reichert — who previously fought off two challenges from another former Microsoftie, Darcy Burner.

At any rate, it will be interesting to hear what people — particularly Microsoft employees — think of Hunter’s comments. Does management experience at Microsoft really help someone become a good political or government leader?

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and ZymoGenetics to cut third of staff  

ZymoGenetics today announced plans to cut 32 percent of its workforce, yet another blow for Seattle’s struggling biotechnology industry. As part of the restructuring, the company is cutting 161 jobs. It is also discontinuing research efforts in oncology. 

“We’re taking steps to reduce our costs, align our spending with our highest corporate priorities and conserve our financial resources,” said Douglas Williams, chief executive officer of ZymoGenetics in a statement. “While it is very difficult taking these actions, they are necessary given challenging market conditions and the changing focus of our business plan. Going forward, we believe that ZymoGenetics will be a stronger, more sustainable company with substantially reduced dependence on the capital markets for funding."

The money-losing biotech company — which will record a charge of $8.5 million as part of the restructuring — said that the cuts will occur in research, manufacturing and other development-related functions. The layoffs will reduce operating expenses by as much about $30 million.

ZymoGenetics reported a net loss of $116 million last year. It finished last year with $90 million in cash, though a partnership with Bristol-Myers Squibb was to bolster its cash position.

The Zymo layoffs are the latest bit of bad news in the biotech community. Last fall, Merck announced plans to shut down its Rosetta research facility, which like Zymo operates in Seattle’s South Lake Union neighborhood.

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