Political Fluff, Yet Misleading

We're getting into the season of the political TV ad. Talk about confusing and misleading. I'm not so sure that our Founding Fathers had these ads in mind when trying to find ways to guarantee the preservation of the Republic. There really should be a law that mandates more straightforward dialogue when debating the pros and cons of the proposed initiatives up for voting. How can the average joe even begin to understand the stakes involved when listening to truths that have already been half-baked and stretched? This blog post certainly can't even begin to formulate an answer, but I do find the problem annoying and possibly troublesome.

Not Nearly Enough

Attached is an article from The Tacoma News Tribune discussing the implementation of GPS devices to track sex offenders. Unfortunately, this is hardly the answer to this particularly horrible problem. Granted, it's a start in updating the monitoring and supervision of these criminals, but so much more is needed. I hope more people become aware of the situation and demand adequate justice to be served. I guess we'll have to see how this plays out for now...

The Tacoma News Tribune

Who Knows If It Will Work

Hilary Clinton is beginning to outline a plan for universal health care coverage for Americans. Who knows if the plan is viable or even realistic, but I’m happy that someone is bringing this very important issue to the forefront of politics. With so much debate over the war, there has been scarcely little debate over other pressing issues here domestically. It’s a start I guess. By the way, I saw a rerun of a skit where Kanye West runs into Mike Meyers before performing at Saturday Night Live. Hilarious, I tell you. And besides that, Kanye West really is a great rapper. I think we’ll be talking about how good he really has been years from now.

CNN.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.

So Close, But Two L's

Darn, the Dawgs and Hawks both choked up and lost. Just when we had a chance to get things rolling...well, there's always next weekend. By the way, if you turned off the Alabama/Arkansas game like I did (I did see the game winning TD however), you missed out on a hell of a game.

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

Cleaning Up an Old Mess

I remember growing up and watching the world whiz by while I sat in the back seat of my Mom and Dad’s cars. Once we began approaching Lakewood and Tacoma, you could see the ratty, run-down motels lining up along South Tacoma Way and parts of I-5. And now in 2007 it appears that some of those nasty old motels are going away. Honestly, I can’t say that I’m terribly upset to see some of those old motels get the old heave-ho. Actually, I’m relieved and happy. Attached is an article from the Tacoma News Tribune discussing this very issue. That’s not to say that everyone in those motels is a criminal or not deserving of something better, that’s not the case at all. It appears that some of those residents living in some of those motels just felt like they had no other option available to them. Hopefully there will be better housing options presented to them that will better serve their needs. But regardless, those motels were rife with crime, drugs, and sanitation issues. Hopefully the redevelopment of those areas does justice to the residents who have been roughing it nearby for all of those years. But besides all of the other side issues involving affordable housing, I’m just glad to see some of those old hellholes go away.

The Tacoma News Tribune

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

Stop by Capers

I went to Capers in downtown Tacoma recently. If you haven't been there, it's by Meconi's and close to The Matador. I was quite impressed by the simple layout and decor. Besides the decor, the food was quite good. You could tell that the staff takes their work seriously. The ingredients were all top notch and the meals were great. If you're looking for something a little different and nice, but still affordable, it's definitely worth a try.

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

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