Washington Democrats Meet At Tulalip

The Washington State Democratic Central Committee made history this weekend with it's choice of meeting places. The brand new Tulalip Resort and Casino was the site, marking the first time that the committee has met at a tribal hotel.

Democratic National Chair Howard Dean, on a campaign swing through the Northwest spoke at the meeting. The committee also voted to keep it's sole endorsement of Randy Dorn for the Non-Partisan position of State Superintendent of Public Instruction. Washington's Newest Democratic National Committee Representative Lona Wilbur, a member of the Sinomish Tribe, also received special recognition.

A Moment Of Silence

We pay tribute to Skagit County Deputy Anne Jackson--an American Hero.

The 1977 song "Baracuda" by Heart has created controversy. Lead singer Ann Wilson and sister Nancy, were angry that the song was used at the Republican Convention without the permission of the group. However, in an interview on Seattle's KZOK with morning talk show host Bob Rivers, former Heart guitarist
Roger Fisher did not seem to mind the GOP's taking liberties with the song.

Seinfeld And Gates In Windows Commercial

It's getting bad reviews but I like it. Reminds me of when we saw Bill at a movie theatre in Bellevue many years ago.

Walla Walla V--One For The Road At Cougar Crest

We left Walla Walla on Labor Day, but first we had a Picnic at old Fort Walla Walla Park. Fort Walla Walla probably the city's crown jewel as far as parks go. It has a Military Cemetery, a Viet Nam Memorial and a museum. It is spacious and very rural, being on the outer west edge of town.

On the way out of town we stopped at the Cougar Crest Winery. They are putting the finishing touches on a brand new tasting room on Highway 12 (a designated driver is suggested). It is a very strategic location as it is the first Winery you see coming in from Seattle, except for the two in nearby Lowden. Cougar Crest was started by a couple of WSU graduates, one a pharmacist and the other, a veterinarian. No telling on whether they will change the name after the Coug's embarrassing 66-3 loss to the California Golden Bears this last weekend.

Seahawks Start 2008 Season With Thud

In what certainly can be described as a nightmare year in the Seattle sport scene, the Seattle Seahawks provided no relief losing to the Buffalo Bills 34-10 in the season opener. With Matt Hasselbeck returning after missing two weeks of practice and wide receivers Bobby Engram and Deion Branch out with injuries, the Seahawk's offence was not able to get off of the ground. Marshawn Lynch lead Buffalo with 76 yards and one touchdown.

Palin Video Should Be Sign Of Concern

I can respect Sarah Palin for holding to her religious beliefs, but this video shows that she has no trouble blending them into her political agenda and visa versa. Thank you to Tod Goldberg for this video.

Walla Walla IV--Walking Wine Tour

My cousins checked in to the Whitman Hotel for their last 2 nights in Walla Walla, Kevin and I began a walking tour of the wineries. Our first stop was the Hiney Winery on 2nd Street. It was based on a radio bit by renown DJ Rick Dees 25 years ago. The winemaker, Tom Hodgins, actually has owned radio stations in Walla Walla and had acquired the rights to name his product after Dees's

fictitious winery.

We met up with the girls (my wife and cousin C) at the Hiney and walked to the Spring Valley Winery, which was owned by the Derby family. Before the days of Drew Bledsoe (whom I have read also owns a winery in Walla Walla) Dean Derby was one of the few Walla Wallans who played in the NFL. Derby went to the University Of Washington and played professionally for the Minnesota Vikings and the Pittsburgh Steelers. There is quite a presentation at the tasting room where they give the winerie's entire history.

Still on foot, we turned the corner onto Main Street and went to the Waterbrook, which was one of Walla Walla's older wineries. We looked around, but did not participate in the tasting.

Our final tour stop was the Sapolil cellars. We sat with some other people at a piano bar where the owner was talking about all sorts of area history. We enjoyed the wine there although noone played the piano, we decided that it was a delightful place.

Walla Walla III--Bergevin-Lane Winery

We began wine tasting Saturday afternoon at the Bergevin-Lane Winery, west of downtown Walla Walla. It is run by Walla Walla native Annette Bergevin and Amber Lane. Bergevin made her mark in area high school athletics and is a Washington State graduate. Their Calico Red is one of my favorite wines and I try buy a bottle whenever I'm down there.

Walla Walla Part II

We arrived in Walla Walla Saturday night and went to the fair with Cherie, Kevin, Steve and Dawn. The Walla Walla Fair, formerly the Southeastern Washington Fair And Frontier Days, takes place over the Labor Day Weekend.

You can't help but love this song, it also has a special place in Washington politics.

Labor Day Weekend In Walla Walla

We are looking at Walla Walla's number one landmark--the Whitman Hotel. When I was born in Walla Walla, it was the tallest building in town. 51 years later, it still is. It has been through many incarnations, originally known as "The Marcus Whitman" it evolved in the early 70s into the Eddie Mays Inn. When that ran it's course, Stewart Anderson ran it as the Black Angus, with a remodeled look. The latest addition of "The Whitman" is part of a remodeling effort by Walla Walla entrepreneur Kyle Mussman.
I touched a little about the changes Walla Walla has gone through in the last ten years, what I would like to talk about in the next few posts is a look at some of those changes. Deb and I made the five hour drive last weekend and met up with my cousin and her husband who also journeyed down from Seattle. My brother Steve and his girlfriend Dawn still live there.

New Banner Picture

Lake Wilderness is in the center of Maple Valley. The park surrounding it is the hub of summer activities in the area. It has become the banner picture for this blog.

Racist Obama Three Dollar Bills Distributed At Monroe Fair

After complaining, rightfully so, about an advertisement for Governor Gregoire using the Sopranos theme to smear Dino Rossi, who is of Italian heritage, the Republicans have shown hypocracy by distributing phony 3 dollar bills showing Barack Obama in an African headdress with a racist caption at the Evergreen State Fair in Monroe. The chair of the Snohomish County Republicans has apologized.

McCain Choses Sarah Palin

John McCain, desperate to steal thunder from Barack Obama, has picked Alaska Governor Sarah Palin to be his running mate. Obama delivered arguably one of the best speeches in American history, however, McCain aparently is trying to woo Democrats angered over Hilary Clinton being skipped. Palin is Pro-Life, so it is doubtful that many Hilary supporters will crossover, in fact some may stay home altogether. Remember, George W. Bush did not win much support from the Black community after picking Colin Powell to be the first black Secretary Of State.

Seahawks Finish Exhibition Season With Win

The Seattle Seahawks finished their pre season on a winning note, beating old AFC Nemesis Oakland 23-16. The victory, just 4 days after the loss to San Diego, was costly as the 'Hawks lost
Ben Obomanu. T.J. Duckett(pictured above), a first year Seahawk and designated short yard specialist, ran for 71 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Move Over, Hilary!

Michelle Obama is a force to be reckoned with.

Chargers Edge Seahawks

Deb and I watched the third Seahawk exhibition game at The Joker. The Joker is a Beer Joint (or Sportsbar as they're now called) on the Sammamish Plateau. It was an exciting game but the Chargers beat the 'Hawks by one point.

Ted Kennedy Addresses The Democratic Convention

Senator Kennedy's endorsement of Barack Obama earlier this year was a turning point in the race.

We Will Be In Walla Walla This Weekend