Olympia is Cool!

This past weekend was spent with my old lady and a couple of nieces down in Olympia. We got a hotel room downtown and did the downtown/state capitol touristy thing. It was all pretty fun. I forget how much I really like the South Sound area. Anyways, a weekend away from the grind was really nice. It's easy to get caught up in everything and forget that you need to get away sometimes. So, my advice to you is to get out of dodge every once in a while. I'd suggest Olympia.

Wildfires in California

I really feel bad about those California residents dealing with the wildfires. I couldn't even imagine what it's like to lose your home and all of your belongings in it. Hopefully the effort to help these people is adequate and effective. I don't really know of any outreach program to help these people yet, but I'm sure we'll hear of something soon.

An End to Poverty?

Attached is an interesting article about a possible answer to the question of helping the world's poor. With the gap between the world's wealthy and poor growing at an increasing rate, more should be done to consider the living conditions of the poor around the globe. Could this guy have a viable answer?

The Seattle Times

Fan of Tim Ferriss

I'm a fan of Tim Ferriss. I think he's a great writer and is quite original. And trust me, originality is quite rare in our copycat society. Check him out below, maybe you'll learn something.

fourhourworkweek.com

Britney Wreck

Man, I'm not a celeb gossip kind of guy, but this whole Britney Spears thing is like watching a train wreck in slow-mo. Really, can't someone pull her aside and talk some sense into this girl? Doesn't this girl still have some sensible parents, family, friends, managers, etc.? VH1 needs to film a celeb boot camp where they smack some sense into some of these fools... Danny Bonaduce, Kirstie Alley, Lindsey Lohan, and Flavor Flav would all be good contestants. That guy who trains the Dallas cheerleaders would be good for the show too.

Good Football

Man, this last weekend was a really good one for Washington State football. First, the Huskies put a whoopin’ on Boise State. Then, the Seahawks beat up the Bucs. To knock a quarterback and running back out of the same game is a beat down and then some. It’s been a while since both teams have dominated their respective opponents during the same weekend. And to top it off, the weather was absolutely perfect. I was at the Husky game and Montlake could not have been any nicer. By the way, did anyone see Rampage Jackson’s post fight interview Saturday night? That was one of the funniest interviews I have ever seen.

There’s a Smarter Way to Fight Terrorism

As it becomes painfully evident that our efforts in Iraq are becoming more ineffective on the war on terror, here we are presented with a story on how fighting terrorism can happen in a very intelligent manner. That is, by using intelligence and adequate policing. Unfortunately, it appears that the departure from effective intelligence gathering, covert operations and policing have left our current administration no other means to fight terrorism other than the use of the blunt instrument of war. But again, read the article below and imagine what could happen if we reexamined how we apprehend and confront this terror issue as it fights to make its way to Americans either here or overseas. A renewed emphasis on strong intelligence, cooperative international policing and covert operations may make more sense in this not-so-common time.

The Seattle Times

Another “Decent and Upright” Politician Caught with His Pants Down

What’s up with these conservatives who fight for one ideal and practice something completely different? This guy deserves to be out of a job. Here we have someone actively lobbying to restrict the rights of a group of people but then he goes and acts in a manner completely inconsistent with his supposed beliefs and political affiliations. Really, this is ridiculous. If I didn’t know any better, I would’ve mistaken him for a homophobic conservative pastor (oh wait, that happened just a little while ago). Well, with the exception that the homophobic pastor is gay and does meth.

CNN.com

Hey! Could You Be a Child of James Brown?

Read below and see.

www.komotv.com

Growing Pains in Tacoma

As more people discuss how Tacoma is changing, more is being said about unwanted changes happening here as well. I can certainly understand that some things will possibly get worse. I’m guessing traffic, street noise, street parking and some other minor issues. But really, do we want to revert back to the past (especially Tacoma’s)? And as for 6th Ave., it’s a major thoroughfare for that area. C’mon folks, at least recognize that busier streets are prime locations for businesses and yes, more nightlife and attractions. Again, I don’t think that this is the end of Tacoma, but it is a sign of more to come.

Blessing in Disguise?

With construction projects underway on I-5, many commuters are finding different ways to work. Maybe all of the road construction is allowing people to take a second look at how they get to work. And maybe, commuters will realize that there really is a great importance and need for alternative ways of getting to work (and everywhere else for that matter). Western Washington is still far behind when it comes to alternative means of travel. Maybe this construction hiccup will get voters interested and energized about funding more alternatives for public transportation. Below is a link from The Tacoma News Tribune about the current commute into Seattle.

The Tacoma News Tribune

Tacoma North

I was up in Everett this past weekend. The town has cleaned up nicely. When I was younger, you were only in Everett if it was somehow necessary. The Everett Events Center is a nice venue and the restaurants and bars in the area all seem like fun places to visit. The few places that I did visit were cool. Add some newfound nightlife and you’ve got something worth doing. Overall, a good trip. It was funny how much the place reminded me of Tacoma. By the way, the Hell’s Belles at Tulalip Casino rocked. They sound just like AC/DC. Rock on!

About Time?

Hey lookie there, the Republicans are possibly doing something that I can appreciate. They’re taking a hard look at what is done to manage sexual offenders after their release from prison. That’s something that is long overdue. I’m certainly not an expert on the subject, but it does appear that there are gaping holes in the current system responsible for overseeing these criminals. Let’s hope that this isn’t purely a publicity stunt but a true intention for further action. It would be a sad thing to use a little girl’s death as a backdrop for more press. Let’s hope these guys are taking the high road on this one.

The Tacoma News Tribune

The Mandolin Cafe Revisited

I went to The Mandolin Cafe today for some time with a book and coffee. I still really like the place. You can get some pretty decent food, good coffee, cold beer, and listen to some live music depending on the time that you go. The place seems to always be fairly busy when I'm there, but there's usually space to set up a laptop and get some work done if necessary. Plus, they have a good size deck to use if the weather permits (the wi-fi works out there too). There aren't a whole lot of coffee shops in Tacoma to really relax and kick back in that match the atmosphere of the Mandolin. If you ever get chance, check it out, it's a good time.

The Mandolin Cafe

Great News for Downtown Tacoma!

Attached is a link to an article, “Businesses Clear Out for South Park Plaza Development” from the Tacoma Daily Index. This is encouraging news for those of us who frequently go downtown. In case you don’t know, this parking garage is a huge eyesore and it isn’t the best addition to a reinvigorated downtown. Some good businesses have unfortunately been affected by the change. But overall, a greater good will come about if the redevelopment of this property goes well. What I’m personally hoping for is something that is much more attractive and pedestrian friendly. We’re well on our way Tacoma!

Tacoma Daily Index

Apple Really Is Pretty Cool

So my wife and I both got some new pc laptops for work, sutff, etc. this past weekend. Mind you, I also have a Mac at home (which I adore). And as background info, I work on a pc all day at work. So I really know pc's is my main point. With that being said, the honeymoon with the laptops is effectively over according to my wife. She's over it in a big way. The funny thing is, she was the one that pushed for the new laptops to begin with. Well, after setup, continuous troubleshooting, more required purchases (which no salespeople disclosed as we were buying the laptops), more impromptu trips to numerous computer stores to buy stuff that we didn't know that we needed during setup, and yet more time wasted, we have come to the conclusion that if you can avoid going the pc route, by all means, do it! When we factored in all of the hidden costs of discs, upgrades, programs, etc., the Apples are not that much more expensive. Apple does a better job of bundling software and hardware up front so the cost appears greater at face value. But with new pcs only coming with trial versions of the software that you really need, well, as I said, it's a pretty close game of cost. And to top it all off, the Apples just have no setup or maintenance required. The Apple practically climbs out of the box and plugs itself in and begins working for you from the moment it comes home. Not so with the new pc. This must be what a parent feels like with a good kid and a bad kid. Now I can relate. Trust me, after today, as soon as I can go all Apple and pc-free, I'm doing it. Yes, I have a favorite child and it's name is Apple iMac G5.

What The?!?!

Drinking and stumbling around downtown Seattle has changed dramatically…read on.

The Seattle PI

Week Ahead-Get Out the Sunscreen

It’s going to be toasty this week. Temperatures in the 80’s and 90’s are predicted. For all of you that don’t live in Washington, that’s hot for us. Also, since the temperatures are usually much milder, few homes have central air conditioning. So when it gets anywhere close to warm, the houses get really hot. This will be no exception. I’m getting sweaty just thinking about it. Good thing I did my lawn work this past weekend. It was probably in the mid-70’s when I was wacking the heck out of my lawn. With much of the country suffering from high temps and wildfires, where are all the cynics of global warming now? Hopefully they’re getting sunburned. Maybe experiencing some discomfort due to the weather will get people thinking of how much worse things can get if we don’t get our act together.

Worthy Goal-Read More, Learn More, Do More

Here’s something we need more of-continuous learning. It’ so important to constantly force more growth and understanding. Whether it be a greater knowledge of finances, goal setting, career/professional skills, life, etc., we need to keep pushing forward. One thing I’ve noticed of people that seem to be stuck in a rut is this. They somehow got stuck somewhere and forgot to keep moving forward. In other words, they stopped learning new things and probably stopped acting on the things that got them to some level of success in the past. Most Americans are notoriously bad at reading useful information after their formal education ends. I once heard finance guru Dave Ramsey say that the average millionaire reads one non-fiction book a month. Is it the book that makes the person a millionaire or the desire to continually learn, improve and act? I believe it’s the latter. Not that money is the most important thing in the world, but experiencing success is vital to people for so many different reasons. So the question is, what are you doing to get better?

Weekend Events

This weekend should prove eventful. The Taste of Tacoma is going on and that’s always a good time. Also, the Mariners are making things interesting enough to continue to follow them during the baseball season. Even if you’re not a baseball fan, everyone should go to a game at Safeco Field at least once. The bar area in left/center field is one of the funnest places to hang out in Seattle. You won’t be bored, trust me. Speaking of summer sports, I’m playing some softball and man, my body aches. Workouts can’t quite prep you for the actual practices and games. Needless to say, my defense needs some work. I need to get to a batting cage as well. I hear there’s a good one in Puyallup that’s pretty cheap. Also, it sounds like Capers in downtown Tacoma is a pretty good new restaurant. I may have to stop by. Do they allow cleats I wonder?