When Hollywood really wants someone to be considered bad ...

When Hollywood really wants someone to be considered bad ...

... they have them kill the pet ...

Glenn Close in Fatal Attraction kills the rabbit and her character goes from a little nutty and obsessed to unforgivable ...

Mark Wahlberg comments in Shooter ... "You don't understand how serious this is. They killed my dog."

In The Road Warrior, 'Mad' Max Rockatansky is humanized by his continuing to have a pet despite his living conditions ... and then that pet is killed by crossbow bolt in order to show how far the others have fallen in contrast ...

There is a clear difference between killing animals for sport as opposed to for food ...

There is clearly something wrong with executing an animal by hanging or electrocution when that animal isn't bloodthirsty enough ...

Also remember that every state in the union has taken the necessary legal steps to make dog fighting and other blood sports illegal ... there isn’t an "Arkansas Exception", or "West Virginia Exclusion" ... across the country barbaric blood sports like dog fights to the death have been specifically made illegal ...

So ... to those now commenting to talk shows and on the Internet that “they’re only dogs” or “it should not even be illegal” in defense of Michael Vick ... or to Clinton Portis and his "It can't be too bad of a crime" comments ...

They hid this operation with black paint and by dumping the bodies of dead dogs in graves throughout the woods ... because they knew it was illegal.

They scramble to distance themselves from this by claiming that they weren't involved ... because they know it is illegal.

And ... with one of the Vick co-defendants already pleading and cooperating ... they are already turning on each other like cornered dogs will do ...

What $10 will buy you in Everett ...

What $10 will buy you in Everett ...

The same seats in Seattle?

Everett Aquasox 5
Vancouver Canadians 2
Everett Memorial Stadium
07.24.2007

First Pitch ...

Aquasox 72407

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Recent Fortunes ...

Recent Fortunes ...



These can't have been in my wallet long ... it isn't that old of a wallet ...

Still ... a mostly favorable collection of recent fortunes ...



I guess I have October 25th to look forward to ...

XL ... for real ....

XL ... for real ....

Today, I turn 40 ...

... on the bright side ... a whole new age group for the marathon and I can play O40 soccer ...

Who would you rather be this week ???

Who would you rather be this week ???

A) Bud Selig dealing with the Barry Bonds home run and steroids issue …
B) Roger Goodell dealing with the Michael Vick dog fight indictment …
C) David Stern having to address whether refs were fixing games, including the playoffs this year …
D) Don Garber having to deal with expansion and the media crush from David Beckham …
E) Gary Bettman having to deal with cable TV ratings lower than soccer for the Stanley Cup …

The CORRECT answer is D) Don Garber … MLS expansion and David Beckham's arrival …

San Jose and the Bay Area are now back in the fold with a stadium plan. David Beckham's arrival has paid for his contract with the free advertising and legitimate discussions about how MLS has worked hard to improve the play and infrastructure of the league (an NPR commentator on their business program referred to MLS as a "growth stock" last week). Cities like Philadelphia and Seattle have groups discussing stadium plans in order to secure expansion (note expansion - not relocation - of Kansas City with its new owners and stadium plans).

If you chose A) remember that ARod will eventually pass Bonds and he is generally regarded as clean, even if a wuss …

If you chose B) remember that the Vick situation is outside the game itself …

If you chose C) remember that Rose and the Black Sox are still not in the Hall in baseball because of the same issues … it will be years and years until this is resolved. There needs to be a comprehensive overhaul of NBA officiating, including some real backbone on the part of the league to address the star system and how the officiating directly affects the games.

If you chose E) remember that the USA vs. Mexico CONCACAF Gold Cup Final had higher ratings than the Stanley Cup finals … but his problems do seem like small change compared to the other three.

The last day of my 30's ...

The last day of my 30's ...

I can remember the first day of my 30's ...

I was working as a teller at WSECU in Pullman and subbing part-time. Jacob was a baby ...

Today is the last day of my 30's ...

Ampco Parking is an honorable company ...

Ampco Parking is an honorable company ...

It is far easier to complain about a situation than it is to give kudos. Case in point, a recent problem I had with Ampco Parking. Instead of going off in a huff, I took a moment, composed a polite letter, and gave them the opportunity to respond.

*********** (excerpt from letter dated June 29, 2007)

Dear Ampco:

I occasionally park in your lots. It does not happen often. I always park in your lot since it is a seven dollar special for working in the building. However, on Wednesday I was informed it was eleven dollars since I had come in later than previously. I had grabbed seven dollars and did not have other payment with me, surprised by the difference, but understanding that the early special was the seven dollars. My error. I offered to go and get the money, but the man at the booth said it was no problem and said I could mail it in, he would just give me an envelope. He handed me back my seven dollars with the envelope.

When I went to write the check last night I discovered that there was an additional charge that is a significant amount compared to my offer to go back inside to get the four dollars difference. I do not believe that he intentionally deceived me, but had I known that it was not just an envelope I would not have accepted the other to take it with me. I would have backed up, parked, and came back in a few minutes.

Your envelope indicates that I have APPEAL RIGHTS. I am asserting those appeal rights here and now.

I figure that your company is honorable and only wishes to fine those who truly commit violations and not those who thought someone was doing them a favor.

Should Ampco System Parking have any further questions toward what is certainly a mere misunderstanding and clearly not a violation please contact my attorney (XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX). However, as this is clearly a miscommunication and not an actual violation, I am certain that it will not be necessary.

Thank you,

Jeff

***********

It has been a couple of weeks since the incident in question and when I checked with my credit union the check has cleared. I cannot imagine them cashing the check and still continuing to dispute the charge and I have not received anything in the mail in the several days since the check cleared to indicate they're pursuing this. So, barring something unfortunate requiring me to rescind and alter this post, I have to go on the record as saying that it appears that Ampco Parking is indeed an honorable company.

Seattle Sounders 3 vs. CD Chivas USA 1 - 07.18.07

Seattle Sounders vs. CD Chivas USA - 07.18.07
US Open Cup - Round of Sixteen - Seattle WA - Qwest Field



Open Cup Notes

I like the US Open Cup. I like the format. I like the point of the tournament. I like that it is growing in status and popularity. I also like that the Sounders are developing a bit of a history in the tournament and a reputation for being able to stand toe to toe with MLS clubs and show that the top USL teams and MLS are not that far apart. The 2002 extra time loss to San Jose at Interbay is one of the best atmospheres for a match I have ever been to (guys holding “need tickets” signs at Sounders games is just cool on general principle). The 2003 win over San Jose at Husky Field was also an amazing atmosphere. The 2003 Quarterfinal loss to LA had the chance to have that atmosphere, but the early PK to LA took the steam right out of the crowd. Although smaller than I would have hoped, the crowd for the Chivas match was still louder than for a regular match. It felt like there was more on the line, as an elimination game should feel. The Sounders played a very good game, not overtly going into a defensive shell until after the game was 3-1 and there were only a handful of minutes left.

I sat up a smidge higher than I would have, even though I prefer to generally sit at about the level I was at. Had it not been raining I would have, but so be it. It was irritating to have the sections above me closed off so that I could completely avoid the rain though when those sections are normally open. The rain did not last long at least and were I was was not getting it quite as badly as a few rows lower.

This is now an entry into the top ten of Sounders wins that I have attended in person. That list will be a future entry ...

Game Notes
- First 15. It appears that the Sounders are going to go at Chivas, which is encouraging. Even without a couple starters, Chivas looks solid. However, it appears that the Sounders can play with these guys.
- 4th. Oh look, Jones Soda has taken over from Coke and Pepsi already. Thanks for the Green Apple Soda Tim!
- 16th. Counter leads to shot, deflection, and unlucky goal. I feel bad for Jackson, but he made a good play to try and get a piece of it. Eylander had already started going the other way.
- 26th. Jackson leaves, limping and visibly ticked about it. Even with Taylor Graham back, this is not good. Scott off the bench.
- 33rd. Nice save by Eylander on breakaway.
- 34. Another nice save. Chivas pressing and Sounders adjusting to loss of captain.

- 43rd. A nice goal by the Frenchman. Burpo yells at his D. It is not good for the keeper to scold his D here, it was more a good play by the O than a let down on the D.
- Half. 1-1.
- 46th - 50th. Teams both playing a bit cautious. Tim comments on the slower play.
- 50th. O’Brien with a great shot just wide Tim might still be convinced went in.
- 51st. The Frenchman strikes again. Viva La France! 2-1!

- 53rd. Chivas starts to use subs. I think they should quickly get fresh legs all over and use up some subs. Tying this up is essential. They don’t.
- 60th. Sounders keep pressuring, defending by attacking. I like this, take it at them.
- 62nd. ADVANTAGE! Do not stop an advantage unless there is an obvious injury or you are going to book the defender! And frankly, both of those things can wait a minute for the advantage … no booking … no injury … grrrrrrrrrr …..
- 65th. Howes on. An offensive sub? Wow. Also, Tim and I discuss that this could be looking ahead for PK’s just in case.
- 69th. Header by Roger just misses ….
- 73rd. Sounders manage to screw up a subbing situation and appear to play a man down a couple minutes before getting the defensive sub on. This is not how to play to hold a lead in the final 20 minutes of a match.
- 75th. Save Eylander. He has really matured from the happy feet he had early last season that made me nervous. It was obvious by late last season he had settled in and now it is clear he is very comfortable in his role back there. The tradition of Sounders goalkeeping is safe. A solid goalkeeper.
- 81st. Chivas fans try to start The Wave. It doesn’t work. Apparently, the death of the wave memo did not get out to them.
- 82nd. How many subs do they get in the Open Cup anyways?
- 82nd. 3-1! The guy with the French name this time, not the Frenchman himself.
- 83rd. I start chanting “Atlas! Atlas!” to the Chivas fan two rows in front of me. His friends are America fans and find this to be very humorous.
- 90th. Chivas pressing, but with only 3 minutes of stoppage, a good Sounders D, and 2 goals to make up, it is not going to happen.
- 93rd. Whistle blows. Bring on the Rapids!


Pre-Game, Post-Game and Other Random Thoughts …

- With the MLS All Star Game the next night and Bornstein missing from the Chivas Defense, that can’t hurt. If only Galindo or Suarez was also there. Where is Razov?
- I need to look up and see if Schmetzer and Preki were on the Tacoma Stars at the same time. (It appears they were in 88-89.)
- The big Sounders intro with the classical music just is way too much for a mostly vacant stadium when it is not dark.
- 15 minutes late starting for a game already scheduled to take place 30 minutes later than usual to accommodate walk up is ridiculous, Mariners game next door or not. Start on time. I paid a couple bucks extra for this game, you can start on time.
- It appears Preki knows someone in the crowd behind the Chivas bench as he holds a very friendly conversation with someone. He is still well regarded here.
- Oh look, Kieran Barton.
- Fans still like Preston Burpo.
- Claudio Suarez got the biggest cheer.
- Bilingual announcers might help boost attendance. I am not opposed, the Mexican fans are fun. I felt the same way at a Galaxy game in LA in 01.
- Nice to go to a game with Tim again.
- There are a lot of various Chivas jerseys and hats and the like.
- Aside from local youth teams (good to see kids wearing their own colors proudly) and Chivas or Sounders stuff … I noticed Arsenal, Italy, Brasil, USA, San Jose Earthquakes, Mexico, Inter, and a Maradona (Che style) tee or jersey … The SJE guy must have been wearing it since the MLS announcement was imminent.
- A smaller crowd than I would have thought, but with Chivas having just been here and the rain, it is hardly surprising. The M’s are under 30K for Baltimore and the Sounders drew around 8K for the Beckham-less Galaxy four years ago on a night Lou returned next door, so it is not the M’s.
- Cruising past The Safe with Tim listening to the M’s was fun, but I think some of the security thought we were bailing early on an M’s game. But, at least we made it to the car before that traffic hit. In the process, we missed out on Krispy Kreme though, and the red light was on and the place appeared nearly empty. The M’s win on a walk with the bases loaded. And critics of soccer say our game lacks excitement?

A Sliver of Moonlight ...

A Sliver of Moonlight ...

Through the woods from my back porch .... two nights ago ...

Sporting Events I Have Yet To Experience ... (Ephemera Project)

Sporting Events I Have Yet To Experience ... (Ephemera Project)

Actually, this is more the end result of the Ephemera Project.

Ten Sporting events I have yet to attend - in no particular order ...

1) A professional tennis match. I would settle for an exhibition even since there aren’t any tour stops around here.
2) A PGA Tour stop. I have been to the final round of a Senior PGA event - even saw Arnie - but not to a regular PGA Tour stop. I am really kicking myself for missing the PGA a few years back.
3) A NASCAR Cup race. I would like to see a full-blown Cup race at a major track. Having watched a NASCAR 3D IMAX film I have to imagine that it would be a fun day to see the real big name drivers in a real top-flight race. There are those that don’t really consider this to be a sport, but so be it for my purposes.
4) A World Series game. I would settle for a Divisional or ALCS, because I have never seen post-season baseball in person.
5) A Rose Bowl. I have been to a minor college bowl game and it was cool, but I missed both Coug appearances over the past decade. I need to do this. I also need to see the Cougs play a road game somewhere other than just in Seattle (This goes for Hoops too).
6) A Super Bowl. Again, I have not seen a post-season NFL game and would settle for a Wild Card game at this point.
7) A Stanley Cup game. Given that I haven’t even been to a regular or pre-season NHL game, this is a bit of a reach. Vancouver games are brutal to try and get tickets to, but I have not expended nearly enough effort in order to accomplish this. A trip to Boston or New York at the right time of year could also make this happen.
8) A Liverpool match. I would love to see a regular season match at Anfield. I would love to see any match at Anfield for that matter. I would love to see Liverpool in a friendly here in the states.
9) An AFL game. I have watched minor league arena football – which seems redundant on its face – but not an Arena Football League game.
10) Summer Olympics. I have been to the winter games, but not the summer games. Seattle should have bid for a winter games, not tried to host a summer event it doesn’t have nearly the infrastructure to support. I really don’t care what the event would be.
11) Boston (or New York) Marathon. I would run this (these) and not simply watch.
12) WWE Monday Night RAW. If NASCAR can be on this list, so can the WWE. I have seen shows, but never been to a live Monday Night RAW.
13) College World Series. A trip with my brother to watch baseball for several days would be fun.
14) Spring Training. The games themselves really aren’t much, but it would be cool to go to Arizona (or Florida) and hang out a few days.
15) NFL Training Camp. I would actually find it really interesting to attend and watch for a day. How I have never made it to Cheney or Kirkland is beyond me.
16) A CFL game. Given that Vancouver has a hugemongous stadium and is so close, this is kind of unforgivable.
17) Fenway Park or Wrigley Field (or both). It would also be an excuse to check out Boston or Chicago. I have managed to witness a game at Yankee Stadium and would not mind seeing a game at Dodger Stadium either.

There are others that come to mind. However, I have been fortunate enough to have been to four World Cups, a Winter Olympics, a Final Four, a Yankees game, Opening Day two times, and Wrestlemania XIX so I have little room to complain.

David Beckham (Oxymoron Project ongoing) ...

David Beckham (Oxymoron Project ongoing) ...

Pele came to the US in 1975 and left in 1977. So, it has been thirty years since he played his final real game against my Seattle Sounders. The tide was very high in 1977, but the water rushed back out of the bay very quickly. I have watched the depths of the mid-80s and the steady rise over the past twenty years of the sport I most enjoy.

David Beckham’s arrival in the US to play for the Los Angeles Galaxy in Major League Soccer is a huge litmus test for a variety entities.

It is a litmus test for the general sports media that generally loathes covering soccer.

It is a litmus test for the casual sports fan that has grown to watch more soccer than they used to if World Cup TV numbers are an indication.

It is a litmus test for the soccer fan in the US to see if they are more willing to embrace MLS as so many of them remain “Eurosnobs” willing to watch the EPL on cable but not MLS games.

It is a litmus test for the entertainment media given the profile of Posh and Becks and so many of their celebrity friends as so much glitz should lead to more high profile celebrities at the matches there to be photographed.

It is a litmus test for the Los Angeles Galaxy and Major League Soccer to see if their slow and steady growth and “infrastructure” of stadiums can truly maximize the benefits of all of the above.

Major League Soccer and US soccer fans; you’ve got what you asked for. Now it is time to put up.

Does the MLS and soccer “need” Beckham? I say no to the need issue. The steady growth of the sport should continue with or without his presence. But, it is nice to be viable enough to lead to genuinely interesting discussions of the level of play in the US and have there be an actual case to be made for the level being pretty good.

The initial coverage is a win in and of itself, but so was the initial spike of interest when Pele came to the US a little over three decades ago.

A Letter To Myself Of Ten Years From Now ...

A Letter To Myself Of Ten Years From Now ...

While flying to Europe in June of 1990 I wrote myself a letter.

The letter was a hello to myself with a list of goals and the like set to be opened ten years hence, in 2000. I am known as a fairly goal oriented guy, one that does not function well without a clear set of goals or something fairly specific to work for. This letter was sort of like a time capsule of goals.

I managed to save the letter over the years and in fact had it ready to be opened on June 16, 2000 and did so.

For the most part I remembered writing the letter, but without going into too much detail it was still kind of an interesting read. A couple things actually surprised me. In retrospect, it was kind of fun to do.

Given that this is the last week of my thirties it seems like a good idea to do this again. So, I am penning myself a letter to open the last week of my forties.

It is hot because of the cat ...

It is hot because of the cat ...

I have lived in my apt for the past couple summers without having any problems from the summer heat we periodically get.

Until this year.

All I have had to do is leave open the bedroom window with the screen in place on one side of the house and open the sliding glass door with the screen door closed and house remains comfortable. (The shade from the trees in back doesn't hurt either.)

And then a couple weeks ago that little gray haired bundle of joy known as tiger discovered that he could open the screen. Now, he won’t stay away from it.

Lock it? Can’t.

Block it off? Hasn’t worked yet.

Throw stuff at him when he goes near it? Works as long as I am paying attention to the door, but not while watching movies or if I should need to leave the room for any reason.

And so, it is sweltering in my apartment lately.

Yes Tiger, I am pointing the finger at you.

Picture Frame Project Photos ...

Picture Frame Project Photos ...

I have started making picture frames for art and photos out of wood and glass found at Picnic Point ...

There but for the grace ...

There but for the grace ...

I am not a real believer in things like fate.

I am not a real believer that things happen for a reason.

I believe in chance.

I believe in choices.

And then there are days like today where I drive past the spot where I flipped the van this Winter and see a cross, a new display for someone who has apparently lost there life or lives in an accident on the same stretch of road.

And I believe in luck.

Ozzfest 2k7 part two - notes and review ...

Ozzfest 2k7 part two - notes and review ...

Ozzfest - July 12, 2007 - Auburn WA
White River Amphitheater

From the top down ...

1 - Band Listing and Times
2 - Ozzy on the Main Stage
3 - Ozzy on screen on the Main Stage
4 - Ozzy on the Main Stage
5 - Zakk Wylde on the Main Stage with Ozzy
6 - Behemoth at the Autograph Tent
7 - Bro with 3 Inches of Blood at the Autograph Tent
8 - Bro with Nile at the Autograph Tent
9 - Chtonic on the 2nd Stage
10 - Jefferson with Jolene at the KISW Booth
11 - Sword Swallowing in the Freak Show Tent

Back in Junior High the Alderwood Mall opened. I remember and note this for a variety of reasons. A movie theatre opened across the street from it that had five screens. On one of, if not the first trip I ever took there I bought Blizzard Of Ozz. I loved Ozzy in Black Sabbath and have noted that in an entry that can be read at www.paulsbasement.org or elsewhere in this blog. The guy at The Wherehouse looked at me like I was kidding when I asked for and purchased said cassette, since I don't think he knew who it was and it had just come out that week. It would be 2006 before I finally saw Ozzy perform solo anything from Blizzard Of Ozz. This year, I would get to hear those songs again.











Zakk Wylde is a fantastic guitarist. Ron and I had a long discussion lamenting the loss of the Guitar God in rock and metal. Since Zakk joined Ozzy it seems that there have only been a handful of guitarists whose sound so clearly defined their bands’ style that one riff would tell you it was them. We came up with Darrell Abbot and Jerry Cantrell and basically no one since.








Headline Ideas
- "Lose Weight The Ozzy Osbourne Way"
- "Ozzy Loves Us All"
- "I Am Not Getting Too Old For This"
- "Freefest Got Freer By The Minute"
- "The Tradition Continues"
- "Why Don’t Pasty White People Use Sunscreen?"
- "Ron’s Knowledge Of Obscure Swedish Metal Trivia Earns Jefferson 50 bucks"

Ron knows his obscure Swedish metal trivia. Why is this important? Well, since things like pit passes had to be won Ron got a trivia question correct at one of the vendor booths winning us a pair of pit passes which we promptly sold having no intention of spending more hours standing than we already were. A guy turned to me and offered me 50 bucks on the spot, peeling off a fifty and handing it to me while Ron sold his for twenty to another guy. For the record, Arch Enemy was founded by guitarist Michael Amott.

General
- The F word must be mandatory as there is almost a quota like quality in its use.
- Do they pay people by the f bomb volume?
- I have been twice with Ron and twice alone in an alternating pattern.
- It would have been nice to have Jason, Lorrie, etc ... but the extra tickets got me extra CD's ...
- I missed Jerry and the Philbillys that night at The Little Red Hen ...
- I had never had a seat before --- nice to not be on lawn and twice as close, but the sun crept onto us longer there – scalps were sunburned ….
- Sunscreen and water – did well, but never enough, barely any sunburn though
- The pics are mostly in order and id’d and many are on this blog and in a previous entry ...
- I took everything free I could get – JIB T and wrist bands, Lovers package water bottle and gloves – phone sock – windshield guard – 3 monsters + calendar – 2 old cds – 3 new cds – flyers ...
- Why do gloves blow up so huge? No wonder they don’t tear easy ...
- Everything vibrated from the sound; pants, seats, bottles, bag ...
- At work in the office a number of people had curiosity questions since they would not have been able to bring themselves to go.
- The parking lot is easy to get in and a nightmare to get out. I moved lanes and it worked as it turned out there was an accident that was stopping traffic, not incompetence (one guy did not take Ozzy’s advice and was cuffed).
- I got home after 1 and was at work by about 745 ...

In Line
- Early = on time / On Time = late / Late = no 2nd stage
- We spent an hour talking smack in line with a dad and his 13 year old son about other concert stories. We were the loud people that irritated the quiet ones in line, oh well.
- Being organized makes you popular. See, I had the set list printed off and a seating chart …
- Random drug testing for employees? - There was this one screaming guy in line from security that was actually trying to rev up the crowd while we stood in line, which was really weird and led to speculation that there was an actual security guy unconscious somewhere while this guy partied in his security shirt.
- Being older is actually good sometimes: they did not want to search us even though we had out bags open which was kind of strange.
- Even though we were prepared for the heat, it sprinkled ever so briefly a little before noon and then burned off fast.

People Watching-
- Monster Energy Drink Girls Desiree and Melissa were good sports.
- Some people just don’t understand the true importance and value of sunscreen.
- I found cat eye girl later and she explained how to see through the contacts.
- KISW Rock Girl photo tradition was continued of course ...
- Jolene was a good sport for another photo.
- A number of good sport parents, which was nice to see.
- MILF alert a couple times, especially the red girl mom ...
- Two really big guys got into what was like a Sumo fight at the 2nd stage that went to ground very hard and looked bad – and then it appeared that they high fived?
- Ozzfest is actually better behaved than other crowds according to security.
- The free tickets meant a different crowd, as in fewer tattoos ...
- Ron was in line for autographs and was one of four people in a row in camo shorts, plus 2 others near them in line , that is a lot of camo.
- The Tesla Guy – this one guy was trying very hard to look the rocker part, as in trying very hard by wearing camo, a hat, a new button up flaming designed shirt, and a concert tee underneath - but Tesla?
- There was a horrified look from blonde kid from the alternative school I sometimes work at. I apologized for speaking to him.

2nd Stage- Early = on time
- We stood for 6 hours of heat on concrete, but less than in the past since the show started at noon instead of nine.
- We missed a few; had to eat, stand in autograph lines, and use facilities.
- I went to the freak show tent since I had extra cash. It was not what I expected and didn’t stay long.

Main Stage- The crowd booed down a Green Day song between sets, then it stopped and restarted and played in its entirety, which was funny to us both.
- I looked through photos and decided I am in worse shape than I thought, maybe upon further review later.
- There was this one little psycho bird that came flying through low and at top speed and nearly took out a number of people before flying off.
- Our row was mostly empty it seemed. Sold out? All given away?
- I could have saved the wrist band and gone down close for a while, but the 50 was worth it given the circumstances.
- The seats we had are the closest I have been in the 4 years I have attended Ozzfest at White River, which was nice since it was free. I normally just get lawn seats and save the cash.

Bands
Lamb of God – They ran ten minutes less than announced, but were clearly a deserving main stage band. No politics this time … ??? (compared to the last time especially)
Static-X – They are just hyper fast. They were actually pretty good, but it looks like they have Don King’s son up front. We also had their biggest fan dancing at an absolutely frenetic pace in our aisle while they played.
Lordi – “Who’s Your Daddy?” sounded like a Winger song. Ron made a Celine joke that almost seemed true with one of their intros. Entertaining, but not the sound you would expect from their look. In fact, they are very “poppish”. The “Monster Energy” sponsorship logos were interestingly placed for Lordi – but like Dimmu Borgir in 2004- they looked out of place during daylight.
Hatebreed – Jamey is so thankful it seemed like a Thursday in November. They are better on the 2nd stage as it suits them better. But 3 times in 4 shows is enough for a while.
Behemoth – The corpse paint actually worked during daylight because they didn’t overdo the stage show during daylight and had their music to fall back on. Their singer likes the picture I took of him singing in a mask and had me zoom it in to give him a better look at it in the autograph line. But, one of their guitarists is this poor Polish speaking guy that got stuck at the front of the line and should have been at the end since he didn’t speak English. However, I did find out he was from Gdansk. A couple of the guys speak English and were really very cool about talking about the show.
Mondo Generator – Missed seeing much of it, heard some of it.
Ankla – Missed seeing much of it, heard some of it.
Nile – I actually liked them. Ron really liked them.
The Showdown – Missed seeing much of it, heard some of it.
Circus Diablo - Some bands try too hard. A nice cover of Sex Pistols’ Pretty Vacant.
3 Inches Of Blood – There is always a band that takes you by surprise on the 2nd stage and they did. I bought the CD and met them and they were very cool about it.
Daath – Missed seeing much of it, heard some of it.
In This Moment – They are very good and will go far commercially. They were the only woman fronted band and when they were done, no more women were on stage the rest of the day.
Chtonic – The “cello” player did not move. The band was half female and had the only women instrumentalistson the tour this year.

Ozzy-Was it really Ozzy that came down our aisle? I think so – the security presence seemed to authenticate it . One kid was “I touched him!” excited and “People look different in person” questioning it within moments, while another kid was certain it was a hoax …
- I considered doing an F Bomb count, but no way … So, I went with an “I Love You All!” count which came to 10, plus he used the “I want a wild crowd!” line and “God bless you!” all phrases a bunch too, and used his “Don’t drink and drive because the cops are out there to bust you!” at the end of the show speech.
- His set still ends with Paranoid.
- He played one other Black Sabbath song War Pigs.
- Ron came up with “Ozzy Jacks” to stay in shape line, then that was all I could think of whenever Ozzy would flap his arms the rest of the show.
- It was an interesting set which included, Bark At The Moon to open … Mama I’m Coming Home, Mister Crowley, Crazy Train, I Don’t Wanna Change the World, I Don’t Know, and about 3 new ones, but not the single (I Don’t Wanna Stop) …
- The opening video montage was 8 minutes, with Ozzy "Forrest Gumped" into Pirates 3, Lost, The Queen, The Office, Dancing With the Stars, The Sopranos, and others …
- Ozzy’s obsession with dousing his crowd with water continues – the traditional buckets were of course quickly in use, as was a hose of suds, then falling water a bunch of times until Ron pointed out “Black Rain” title … oops, my bad.
- The set ran 80 minutes, not 70.
- I got an opening video of about 20 seconds.
- You can hear the age in his voice like Johnny Cash had.
- The continued use of the teleprompter was painful on the new songs.
- Zakk is the last of the great guitar gods that can still pull off a ten minute solo and enjoys being the guitar god.

2007 Sampler
- It always is a little weird that there are bands not performing this year on the sampler. It must be that some of them are on the fence at one point and get included for production deadline reasons or something.
- It was nice to get the In This Moment single.
- It would have been nice to get I Don’t Wanna Stop on it.

Ozzfest 2K7 part one ... some pics

Ozzfest 2K7 part one ... some pics

Ozzfest - July 12, 2007 - Auburn WA
White River Amphitheater

From the top down ...

1 - Lamb of God on the Main Stage
2 - In This Moment at the Autograph Tent
3 - Hatebreed on the 2nd Stage
4 - Lordi on the Main Stage
5 - Static-X on the Main Stage
6 - Sunset over Ozzfest
7 - 3 Inches of Blood on the 2nd Stage
8 - Jefferson with 3 Inches of Blood at the Autograph Tent
9 - Jamey Jasta at the Autograph Tent
10 - Jefferson at the KISW Booth
11 - Ozzy on the Main Stage
12 - Ozzy?
13 - Jefferson in the Monster Energy Drink Garden with Desiree and Melissa
14 - Behemoth on the 2nd Stage

There is no inside latch to the back door of my minivan ...

There is no inside latch to the back door of my minivan ...

All right … I tend to go to this one park and ride because of its general location for a variety of purposes. It is not the largest of lots, but it seems big enough. However, with no real predictable pattern, it sometimes is completely overflowing. People park in creative ways on those days, but not in ways in which traffic flow through the lot should be dangerously affected. Even with that kind of extra parking option, sometimes there just is not a spot. Now, if I am running late, it really is my fault. But, on days when I am not running late, but am in fact running early, this really (!$$#$ me off …

To top it off, the transit authorities have started posting warning signs about the extra parking spots people create and are threatening to tow the offenders. They don’t seem to think a re-striping or new layout to maximize the space given is their best option, apparently.

So, since with my luck in these matters I know I would get towed, I try and make sure that I either park in a real spot or go to a different park and ride.

Today, I needed to be at that park and ride. I was actually a little earlier than normal and thought that there were bound to be spots. Nope. People were already creatively parking. In fact, the radio traffic report guy was expressing puzzlement over the volume of traffic today. My luck.

And then I saw it. There was a spot. My van should fit right inside it cleanly with a couple inches to spare on each side so that the tires would clearly be in the spot. Slowly and carefully, so as to not damage my pristine vehicle I eased into the spot. It fit in. I was clearly inside the lines. Success!

And then I realized it. I could not open the door on either side more than a few inches. Nope. Drat! I actually expressed a different word at this point than drat.

Given that I really didn’t want to go to another park and ride …
Given that I really didn’t want to be late for work …
Given that I really didn’t want to give up my spot …

I did the logical thing …

I backed up enough to get out of the van and popped open the rear hatch since it only opens from the outside (I just realized this today, the first thing I did was to climb back and realize there was no latch.).

So, I then pulled back into the spot, climbed out the back, and missed my bus.

Twenty minutes later the bus that is supposed to come by every eleven minutes or so finally showed up.

I wasn't late. I just wasn't early ...

Jefferson's 20 Questions ...

Jefferson’s 20 Questions

There are regular postings on Myspace by people answering all sorts of basic questions. I generally peruse these, but few of them really tell you about the tastes and interests of your friends in something other than a surface way. I have answered a couple of them, but they usually aren't any fun and are often way too long. So, these are my 20 questions and answers.

1) T/F Did you have a mullet?
2) What are your 3 favorite places around your home?
3) What are the 3 most interesting things on your walls?
4) What are (and where do you get) your 3 favorite donuts?
5) Name 3 Guilty Pleasures that you are willing to admit to online.
6) What are the last 3 movies you saw in a theatre?
7) What are the three most exciting autographs you have?
8) What are your3 favorite websites?
9) Who are your 3 favorite columnists that you read?
10) Do you have a library card?
11) If Seattle gets an MLS team, should they keep the name and color of the Sounders?
12) Is it true what they say about a man who can dance?
13) Is Daniel Craig a good James Bond?
14) Should Junior have been cheered or booed by M’s fans upon his return in a Reds uniform?
15) Which local TV news program is the worst?
16) Video Only or The Shane Company; which commercials make you change the radio channel quicker?
17) McDonald’s or Dick’s; which fries are better?
18) Who would be scarier to wake up next to: Paris or Hilary?
19) Name the last three books you read.
20) Have you ever attended a pro wrestling event?

Jefferson’s answers:

1) True
2) Picnic Point Park, The orangutan overlook at WPZ, running the various paved trails
3) Dave Sim original penciled Cerebus art, my 3rd grade soccer team banner, a stainless steel SLC 02 Olympic torch (error item tossed away)
4) The free hot Krispy Kreme, a twist from Henry’s Donuts in Mukilteo, and a Top Pot Doughnuts maple bar
5) Frosted Flakes, Duran Duran, pro wrestling
6) Pirates 3, Shrek 3, Fantastic Four: The Rise of the Silver Surfer
7) Lacuna Coil, Brandi Chastain,
8) imdb, youtube, badastronomy
9) Bill Simmons (ESPN Page 2), Bob Berman (Astronomy), Bill Moyers
10) 3 – King County, Seattle, Sno-Isle
11) yes
12) I certainly hope so
13) Yes, the last couple were too pretty to be believable
14) I am happy to say I stood and cheered with the vast majority of fans when he launched 2 home runs in the game I attended
15) None are worth watching, if I hear the phrase “Coverage you can count on” I change the channel
16) I can deal with the nasally voice of Tom Shane a bit longer than the smarmy smugness of Video Only ads
17) Dick’s fries are better
18) Hilary. She would want to make certain you were kept quiet about it.
19) Caught Inside by Daniel Duane, How Soccer Explains the World by Franklin Foer, and Fragile Things by Neil Gaiman
20) Yes, about 7 times (Wrestlemania 19 even)

I Don't Sign Inititative Petitions Any More ...

I Don't Sign Initiative Petitions Any More ...

There was a time where my feelings about democracy required me (in my own mind anyway) to sign all initiative petitions. I thought it was important to get these issues before the voters. Now, I won't sign any.

The initiative process in Washington is so corporate, so profit oriented, and so Eymanized and corrupt that I simply will not sign any of them.

The initiative process is something that in principle I believe in and want to see succeed. However, it has become a cottage industry for those who want to make profitable changes to the government and tax structure without having to do the hard work of being in government and working to achieve these results the right way. No, today we have amateur legislators like Tim Eyman who have used a system designed for the disenfranchised to have a voice that instead has become a job. Tim Eyman is now as much of a politician as those he criticizes. What is worse, is the jaded and disingenuous way he continues to try and make himself out to be a populist while profiting from his so called grass roots work.

I was at Wazzu the same time as Tim Eyman in the 1980's. I do not remember meeting him. I do not know him personally. He might be a good guy, other than how he has adversely affected politics in this state. This commentary is strictly about the impact his political actions have made.

On July 4th I saw a woman gathering signatures for a petition. She could have cared less about what she was having people sign, she was getting paid for it, apparently by each valid signature. She commented to a man passing by how she had made 194 or so dollars recently at a big event. Was she a believer in what she was having signed? Apparently, no. Did this matter to her? Not at all.

Signature gatherers were once volunteers of a true grass roots group that was working to get signatures so that voters could vote on a measure that was genuinely important to them and that the volunteers thought the state was ignoring. It was hard work. It was supposed to be.

Democracy and enacting change in a republic is supposed to be hard work in order to get people on board to create the compromises necessary to govern effectively. There are all sorts of flaws in that system. But, with hard work and effort and good people giving their time and energy it is possible to make things happen. Instead, the Eymanization of our state has made the legislature that much less responsive, as every year it is forced to confront sometimes contradictory or unconstitutional measures coming out of left field.

According to recent news reports it appears only one initiative has a chance to be on the ballot. Again, it is a measure that has some good intentions, but basically has serious constitutional issues. Again, Eyman dismisses the critics of his measure; playing the populist message no one but his most ardent supporters buy any more. Again, the courts will have to rule on the constitutionality of the measure should it pass. Again, circumventing the legitimate and difficult path to a constitutional amendment is part of the plan. Again, instead of channeling all of the energy and resources at his disposal into something potentially lasting and constructive he has pushed an initiative.

The single initiative with potential ballot access screams a message that I am not the only one with Eymanization fatigue.

I look forward to being asked to sign an initiative one day by someone not profiting from the question.

I saw a Kevin Durant replica jersey ...

I saw a Kevinn Durant replica jersey tee shirt this weekend for the first time. All things considered, that is pretty darn quick and I am impressed.

I am also impressed by some of the moves the Sonics have made this off season. It is clear that they have decided to quite trying to remain competitively mediocre after a decade of trying to do the NBA impossible … rebuild and contend at the same time …

It appears that there is a lot more talk about the Sonics now as a result of their clear decision to blow things up and start from scratch. A lot of the talk is that all too familiar, "Too bad they are leaving, that's when they will be good …" stuff that has tended to follow the general sense of futility at even caring whether or not they were going to be good or not since they are leaving anyway …

To be fair, the Sonics at least tried to stay good in the past decade, but they have mostly hovered in that middle ground of being basically around five hundred and contending for a playoff spot, but not bad enough when they miss the playoffs to really get a good lottery pick. Well, once they got the big lottery pick this year I think the impetus to get bad in order to get good simply had to take precedence over other concerns. The notion that they had to win now to get an arena simply hasn't proven to be true; a couple years ago they won 50 game, their division, and almost pushed the Spurs to a 7th game, and yet the previous ownership group got no love at all when it came time to push for an arena. I will acknowledge that the previous ownership group had many other problems, but the momentum from winning proved to be irrelevant.

I am not a huge fan of the way arenas and stadiums are funded over the past several decades and have been on record in print on this subject. However, I also believe that a region like the Puget Sound needs to have first class venues for arts, entertainment, and sports, and if the way it gets done is the way the Safeco Fields and Qwest Fields of the world were funded, then perhaps I should just say so be it. There should be a truly first class arena in this region. Key Arena has some good points, but it clearly is not the arena this region needs.

I argue that the new direction might prove to be more beneficial than contending for the 8th seed and losing in the first round would be for the Sonics. There is a clear big picture of building a new team around a group of very talented young players.

The possibility of previous minority owners attempting to purchase the Sonics gives me hope.

The possibility of an arena in Auburn near Emerald Downs gives me hope. I still believe that a downtown location on the site of the current Key Arena makes the most sense and that in 20 years there will be a clamor for a new downtown arena, but that is just the way things are around here.

Now, if I could only bring myself to believe that the current Sonics ownership group actually wants to stay here and get an arena here … I am just not there yet.

Thank You Thomas Jefferson For Writing This ...

Thank You Thomas Jefferson For Writing This ...

***********************************************

IN CONGRESS, JULY 4, 1776
The Unanimous Declaration of the Thirteen United States of America

When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. — Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.

He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.

He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.

He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their Public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.

He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.

He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected, whereby the Legislative Powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.

He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.

He has obstructed the Administration of Justice by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary Powers.

He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.

He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people and eat out their substance.

He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.

He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil Power.

He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:

For quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:

For protecting them, by a mock Trial from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:

For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:

For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:

For depriving us in many cases, of the benefit of Trial by Jury:

For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences:

For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies

For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:

For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.

He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.

He has plundered our seas, ravaged our coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.

He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation, and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & Perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.

He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.

He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.

In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.

Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our British brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.

We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these united Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States, that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. — And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.

— John Hancock

New Hampshire:
Josiah Bartlett, William Whipple, Matthew Thornton

Massachusetts:
John Hancock, Samuel Adams, John Adams, Robert Treat Paine, Elbridge Gerry

Rhode Island:
Stephen Hopkins, William Ellery

Connecticut:
Roger Sherman, Samuel Huntington, William Williams, Oliver Wolcott

New York:
William Floyd, Philip Livingston, Francis Lewis, Lewis Morris

New Jersey:
Richard Stockton, John Witherspoon, Francis Hopkinson, John Hart, Abraham Clark

Pennsylvania:
Robert Morris, Benjamin Rush, Benjamin Franklin, John Morton, George Clymer, James Smith, George Taylor, James Wilson, George Ross

Delaware:
Caesar Rodney, George Read, Thomas McKean

Maryland:
Samuel Chase, William Paca, Thomas Stone, Charles Carroll of Carrollton

Virginia:
George Wythe, Richard Henry Lee, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Harrison, Thomas Nelson, Jr., Francis Lightfoot Lee, Carter Braxton

North Carolina:
William Hooper, Joseph Hewes, John Penn

South Carolina:
Edward Rutledge, Thomas Heyward, Jr., Thomas Lynch, Jr., Arthur Middleton

Georgia:
Button Gwinnett, Lyman Hall, George Walton