Seahawks Cut Ties With Darrell Jackson

Darrell Jackson has been traded to the San Francisco 49ers for a future 4th round draft choice. The talented but inconsistent Jackson has seen the 'Hawks go from perienial disappointment to Superbowl runner-up. Word has it that Jackson has been unhappy since the Seahawks acquired Deion Branch. The Seahawks acquired Branch, an ex Patriot at the beginning of last season. The Patriots just acquired Randy Moss. The Patriots can have Randy Moss.

Apprentice Wannabe Michelle

Michelle Sorro, who earned Donald Trumps scorn for quitting the Apprentice, is in the process of writing a book telling her side of what happened. Her blog makes for interesting reading.

Primary Decision This Weekend

I'm heading to Bellingham this weekend, I am part of the Washington State Democratic Central Committee, meeting each quarter to determine election strategy and party policy. It is indeed a terrific honor to help represent the 5th legislative district in such a gathering. In today's Seattle Times, the editorial page called upon our body, to use the statewide primary as a factor in determining which presidential candidate's delegates are chosen to go to the national convention.
I think this idea has merit. It's easier to vote in the Primary, you can use an absentee ballot. It plays better in the media and as such, brings more presidential candidates to the area. In the past, I have wondered why Washington does not have such a system. However, I believe and I will vote to retain the caucus system
The Times says "Other Democrats now must lean on the party decision-makers, who will convene Saturday in Bellingham. Activists within the party are trying to reverse its habit of elitist decision-making." In reality, nothing could be further from the truth. The caucus is the true grassroots form of policy. They empower neighborhoods and give voice to the many concerns around the region. Having lead the caucus in Maple Valley, I can attest that that it was very well attended, a joint effort to talk about the issues with our neighbors.
If we go to the primary, I think Seattle will drown out the rest of the state, dark horse candidates will have less of a chance and politics will be a game for only the powerful.

The Appretice Finale: Stefani Schaeffer Last Apprentice?

She was a surprise but by no means a long shot. Stefani Schaeffer (a California attorney) did not serve as project manager during the entire season and yet she was hired by Donald Trump. Seattle's James Sun who's high voltage style charmed some and annoyed many others was runner up. Sun had directed the Arrow team to 2 victories. Usually the final show involves the last two standing contestants, this year, there were 4 finalists, although Frank and Nicole, both visibly nervous, were gone fast.
Stefani, usually under the radar, served the team as "den mother" quietly filling team needs. She seemed to compliment the hard charging James in several tasks. Stefani, much more animated and outgoing last night than she had been most of the season, told Trump she could see herself hiring James to work for her someday.
Because of this year's format change that allows PMs to work until the team loses, Stefani, as mentioned above did not get her chance to serve . She will be working on a Trump resort project in the Dominican Republic.
The show which made "your fired" a pop culture catch phrase has been rapidly declining in ratings and no mention was made of future programs. This season, shot in LA, was the first to be done anywhere but New York. The final was broadcast live from the Hollywood Bowl.

Book Review: Rear View Mirror

Tacoma native Cindy Callinsky shares her triumphs and tragedies in this moving autobiography. Cindy was talked into going to a party with a friend when she met the love of her life--a soldier from Fort Lewis. What continues is a growing up pattern through laughing crying, playing and self discovery, moving across the country and abroad. Meeting friends who will find a place in your heart.
Cindy is a likable, but not humble hipster who enjoys football, rock music and the night life. This book has a subtle way of wrapping you in to where you are saying "Cindy, don't", or "way to go, Cindy". There is something in this book that everyone can relate to. Rear View Mirror is available on Amazon.

Walla Walla Sweet Is Now State Vegetable

Walla Walla, home to three college, the state pen, dozens of wineries has something new to hang it's hat on, Washington Governor Gregoire has signed a bill making the Walla Walla Sweet Onion the state vegetable. The idea was conceived in a Kirkland Jr. High classroom across the state from Walla Walla a couple years ago. The idea snowballed into it reached Olympia and met resistance from the state potato lobby. This year, the bill was revived by Walla Walla Republican Maureen Walsh of Walla Walla. With bi-partisan support, it passed the house unanimously and the senate by a 45-3 vote. In my opinion, it shows that there is now a reason that people from Walla Walla to vote for a Democrat. Walla Walla is considered a very Conservative town. Both houses of the legislature have a Democratic majority.

Here is a recipe using the Walla Walla Onion

Tod Goldberg's Take On The Writings Of The VT Killer

Cousin Tod Goldberg, a published author and literary teacher, wrote an interesting piece on his blog dealing with talk of the disturbing writings of Virginia Tech gunman Cho Sueng Hui and the effect it may have on future creativity, etc. Quoting from Tod

"It's always dangerous to assume one's fictional creations are somehow manifestations of their inner most desires -- there's no ethical responsibility in writers to only create pleasant characters, nor to create characters that are in any way decent humans whatsoever or who have any emotional nuance. They might have a creative responsibility if they actually want their work to be readable -- and after having read Cho Seung-Hui's two plays I can report that his work was unreadable in the most base way, which is to say it doesn't appear he had much in the way of talent -- but in the end people's art is their own. They can make it as awful as they want, provided they don't want to actually earn a living from it."

Sam Barer: Obey The Laws You Make, Politicians!

In 4 Wheel Drift, Sam Barer slams New Jersey Governor John Corzine, who was recently seriously injured in an automobile accident. Reports say the the governor was not wearing a safety belt.

>Democrats, Republicans and Independents alike are all sick of politicians exhibiting “do what I say, not what I do” behavior. It’s often hard to catch them in the act, but there’s no hiding the situation New Jersey Governor John Corzine put himself into.
With all the protections offered to high-profile politicians, it’s unusual that one can so instantly punish himself for a stupid action…but good old Corzine found one of the few ways.

A Moment Of Silence

Tragedy strikes Blackburg, Virginia.

The Apprentice: The Final Task

The last four contestants are talking in the kitchen. All are members of the old team Arrow, a late starter, whom at the the beginning of this season, had spent weeks in the tents before they earned their first victory. They are surprised when Donald Trump and his son Donald, Jr walk in to the mansion (without knocking) telling them to get dressed up because they have a cocktail party to attend to in Beverly Hills with the 5 previous winners of the show. When they arrive at the party, they learn that Bill Rancik, the first winner and show mouthpiece, was unable to attend because of a last minute business meeting. Randall, Sean, Kelly, and Kendra are there and dispatch what seems to be useless wisdom to the candidates. Kelly informs them of one final task. Both teams can pick 2 fired candidates. James and Stefani pick Aaron and Kinetic's Angela , a smart choice because she had a big fan in Trump. Frank and Nicole pick Suryea and Tim.
The candidates are split into 2 teams and are to meet Donald Trump at the backlot of Universal Studios. Teams will make a one minute movie (commercial) for Renuzit.Trump mentioned that was one of his mother's favorite products. They will show their commercial to a popcorn chomping audience at an AMC theatre.
After watching the real commercial for Renuzit, neither ad is terribly inspiring, but the audience seems to like both and Trump does not fire any candidates. On to next week when Trump will pick the winner from the final four.

We Salute Jackie Robinson

Many baseball players wore number 42 today to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking into Major League baseball. Robinson became the first African American to play in the bigs. His struggles are well documented. Robinson's persistence paved the way for some of my old favorite players like Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, and Lou Brock. It was the charisma and talent of these players that drew my interest in the sport.

Felix Hernandez Tames The Red Sox

Congratulations to Felix Hernandez, who threw a one hitter in Fenway Park as the Seattle Mariners shut out the Boston Red Sox 3-0.

Drew Bledsoe Hangs Up Pads For Good

After 14 years in the National Football League, Dallas Cowboy quarterback Drew Bledsoe is calling it quits. Bledsoe was the number one pick overall by the New England Patriots and saw them go from one of the worst organizations in the NFL to one of the best. Bledsoe guided the Patriots to the AFC championship in 1996, but lost the Super Bowl to the Green Bay Packers. He was knocked out of the starting job by a chest injury in 2001 by Tom Brady who lead the Patriots that season to their first Superbowl victory.

He then played 3 seasons with the Buffalo Bills, setting 10 team passing records. He finished his last two seasons with the Cowboys, losing his starting job halfway through last season to Tony Romo.

Bledsoe finishes his career 7th in alltime passing yards, 13th in touchdowns passes, and 5 in completions for NFL quarterbacks.

Bledsoe graduated from Walla Walla High School where he excelled in both football and basketball. He was the state's top recruit when went to Washington State University, becoming the starting quarterback in his freshman season.

The Apprentice: Three Is A Crowd

On this episode, we are down to the last 6 players, Trump brings Arrow back into the mansion, there will be no more backyard camping.

The candidates meet the next morning in the boardroom, Trump has dissolved the teams and have split themselves into three teams of two players each. Kristine is tired of working in Heidi's shadow and pairs off with Nicole, Heidi is left to work with Frank. The most solid group is James and Stefani who have worked together the whole time.

Candidates will fly to Las Vegas where Trump Tower's condos have filled so fast that a second tower will be built. The task was to begin create a promotional campaign for the new tower.

Nicole and Kristine cannot seem to get on the same page. Heidi by herself does not seem as strong as in the past and finds out that Frank is abrasive and impossible to work with. James and Stefani are a "well oiled machine" and have their presentation ideas started before the even arrive.

James and Stefani have a great presentation, while the two other teams are shockingly bad. Four people are on the chopping block, but Trump mercifully fires only two, Kristine and Heidi.

Bon Voyage Mel!

Saturday night TV will never be the same as quiz show host Mel Peachey will no longer host Playmania. Available to the viewers on the Game Show Network, Playmania is unique in that viewers are the contestants. Filling the screen with her British charm, Mel was a joy to watch. She will be going back to her native London, where she is already a well known personality.

Mariners Are Still Idle

Baseball is definitely a 4 season sport as the Mariners had their third consecutive game postponed by snow. The Mariners came within a pitch of their second straight loss Friday when Manager Mike Hargrove was able to delay the game long enough to have it called on account of snow. Two makeup double headers have now also been postponed. Meanwhile the weather here in the Puget Sound area continues to be seasonably pleasant.

Ventrella May Sit Out Race

Sources now tell me that Tony Ventrella will not be a candidate for the 8th district seat. The feeling is that the family oriented Ventrella has found that a campaign would be very taxing as far as time and effort. Ventrella seems to be very civic minded and may feel that he can find other ways to benefit his community. What remains to be seen is whether this means clear sledding for Darcy Burner or if the move to draft Ross Hunter will take on a new life.

Mariners Win Second Straight

Fresh off an opening day victory, the Seattle Mariners won their second straight victory over arch rival Oakland. Richie Sexson hit a 2-run homer, his second in as many games and Yuniesky Bentancourt also hit one over the fence. Pitcher Julio Mateo earned his first victory of the season. Although the season is very young, 2 quick victories show that this team could turn things around.

Lady Vols From Tennessee Rule

Legendary Coach Pat Summit won her 7th National Women's Basketball title as the Tennessee Lady Vols beat the Rutgers Scarlett Knights 59-46. My wife is a graduate of Tennessee, and since my Cougar Basketball team was stopped in the Men's Tournament, we can celebrate a Tennessee championship.

The Apprentice: Tim Goes From Bad To Worst

Last week, after Arrow PM James sent Nicole to the opposing team, breaking up the couple, Tim angered his girlfriend with his competitive drive. This week while Tim, worked hard to make up with Nicole, he angered his own team by sticking his nose where it doesn't belong. Over the hedge talking too much to the members of Kinetic.

The teams met at the publishing headquarters of the Los Angeles Times. Trump tells them that it is the nation's largest suburban newspaper. He is accompanied by Ivanka and executives from Smartmouth, a new mouthwash. The project will be to create a Sunday insert supplement for Smartmouth which would run in the LA Times.

Kinetic, down to three finally seems to be able to work well together, probably because Heidi is PM again, in spite of the fact that Nicole has not ever been. Arrow on the other hand is out of sync, there concepts seemed good, but made error like forgetting their phones and not streamlining their presentation. They lose the task. Anyone on the team could have been fired, but the team turned it's wrath toward Tim, who Trump was already a bit angry with. Tim was fired.

Good Luck M's

The 2007 Seattle Mariners begin the regular season tomorrow with Felix Hernandez on the mound. Starting his second full season in the bigs, the 20 year old Hernandez is expected to be ace of the pitching staff. The Mariners will take on arch nemesis Oakland Athletics in Safeco Field.