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

Construction Slowdown in Tacoma

Attached is a good follow up article from The Tacoma News Tribune on different construction projects throughout Tacoma. Unfortunately, it appears some of the previously proposed construction plans and projects are feeling some heat due to the housing slowdown. I had a worry that something like this could happen, especially in regards to the condominium projects. It really felt like there were an awful lot of new condo projects being built without much consideration for saturation or overbuilding. I guess if you’re currently in the market for a condo, you should be courted with enthusiasm from those looking to sell. Despite some projects hitting bumps, I do think Tacoma is still moving in the right direction (albeit a little more slowly now).

The Tacoma News Tribune

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

Politics-McCain Dumps a Couple of Advisors

Does it really matter? Does dumping a couple of political advisors give McCain a shot at The White House? I doubt it. As a matter of fact, I think McCain is one of the least inspiring candidates out there. What is he going to bring that’s different than what he’s already done? And to make matters worse, I think he lost a lot of his value as soon as he began to side with the President on numerous issues and ceased being the conservative outside voice to his own party. There really isn’t much that he does that separates him from the other average conservative politicians. As it looks now, I’d say Mitt Romney gives the conservatives something to be interested in for the time being. Most of the other conservative guys just seem like the same usual fare (and that’s not a good thing).

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?

Politics-Big Money for the Democrats

After reading various news reports of Barak Obama'a monstrous fundraising efforts, it appears that the Democrats really have some moneymaking potential. Barak raised approximately 32 million dollars in the last quarter. The Democrats are working hard to stuff their war chests full of cash before the mudslinging begins. Unfortunately, this appears to be the way that politics works in the modern era. Nevermind a platform where the candidate can express their views and plans, it's all about the money for a good portion of the campaign. Somehow I don't think democracy was supposed to be about making the most money to then spend on defaming your opponents. How does this continue? And who's solving our current problems while these people are out stumping for dollars? The last time I checked, we still had unfinished business and serious issues that needed to be resolved.

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?

The World Is Ending-Crazy Wrestler Goes Crazier

You know the world is ending when a professional wrestler goes wacky and then kills his family and finally, himself. Man, I grew up watching Chris Benoit so this story is all a little strange. Sadly, professional wrestlers seem to have shorter lifespans than canines. If you grew up watching professional wrestling or even know a few names of professional wrestlers, chances are that most of those names belong to people who are deceased. And chances are they didn’t die of natural causes. It’s too bad, many of these wrestlers are great athletes and performers. Something should be done to help clean up professional wrestling. It’s like watching Superman die every few years. If you want to know a little more about what I’m talking about, click the link below.

CNN.com

Politics-Bloomberg is Crowding the Field a Little More

I think it’s interesting that Michael Bloomberg is possibly looking into making a run at the presidency. He’s an intriguing person. As a big time businessman, he’s left an unmistakable mark on the financial services industry. For all intents and purposes, it appears that New York City is doing fine under his leadership as mayor. Oddly enough, I find it strange that another former NYC mayor is running for the same office. Maybe Mayor of NYC is becoming one of the premier political jobs (similar to Governor of California). But anyways, I’m intrigued by Bloomberg. I think he may be able to bring a more straightforward, common sense approach to the presidential race. I like the fact that he has backed up his words with successful action. He knows how to run a business and make it profitable. That’s a hugely underestimated skill lacking in many politicians today. Most politicians know how to blow money, speak rhetoric, and get very little done. Maybe Bloomberg can bring some of his valuable insight to the forefront when discussing issues affecting the country. What the country needs is someone who can get results. Regardless of party (or lack thereof), the time for real action and decisiveness is long overdue. Currently, we have poor planning, poor execution, and an ability to divide where consensus is needed. We need change in a bad way.

Burn, Baby! Burn!

Attached is a link o' good news. The motel mentioned has been a persistent issue for residents in Tacoma and Fife. Sorry if you have to look further for your crack. Read on!

Tacoma Daily Index

What’s Up? Sports, Tacoma, Etc.

Well, things have been pretty quiet recently. With summer, there’s not a lot going on in sports other than the Mariners. And unfortunately, it looks like our division is pretty tough this year. Anaheim and Oakland are looking pretty good. It’ll be a tough race all year long. In Hilltopia, not much else happening other than it appears that construction is still full steam ahead. On Yakima and Tacoma Avenues, the condos and townhouses are popping up almost instantaneously it seems. If you’re looking for a new home in an urban area, it may be worthwhile checking out what’s available in our end of town. With the previously vacant blocks filling up with new construction, I can’t imagine if it will be much more than another year or two before major commercial construction begins to pop up in our former ghetto. So, don’t say I didn’t tell you so, but take a look around Hilltop on Yakima and Tacoma Avenues. Things are going to be drastically different fairly soon.

Tacoma Misc.

Just when you think you’re up on things in Tacoma, poof!, another condo project appears before your very eyes. It really is beginning to look like Stadium is about to see some new, large additions to its landscape. I like Stadium, I just hope the new developments add something worthy to the scene. Also, The Swiss continues to be a fun time. I was there last Saturday and it seems like I have a blast every time I go there (which isn’t very often). If you haven’t been to The Swiss in a while, you should go back; it’s as fun as you remember it. Rock on!