I didn't always want to be a reporter/columnist. The first occupation I clearly recall planning for was future center fielder of the hometown Cincinnati Reds.I did what I could to encourage my own dreams. I had a huge poster of Willie Mays on my bedroom wall. For those too young to remember, Mays was the greatest center fielder who ever played the game.
Yes, we know it's summer and you'd rather be picnicking on the beach. But there's an important local election coming up. Five City Council seats are up for grabs. In fact, with the recent decision to move the primaries back to August, it's less than a month away - Aug. 21. You'd never know it, though, given the lack of media coverage of these races. Normally we'd decry such a lack of attention. But after following the candidates around, reviewing their websites and literature and talking with some of them... well perhaps there's a reason for such a blackout. With only a few exceptions, it's all rather boring and the choices are limited. Incumbents and challengers seem too prone to mouthing platitudes rather than offering real substance.
Please click here for the names of the graduates.
It's about the music, stupid.And, despite its phenomenal popularity and growth since its inception nine years ago, the Capitol Hill Block Party-a two-day outdoor/indoor lollapalooza in the Pike/Pine corridor this weekend, Friday and Saturday, July 27-28-remains a staunch supporter and faithful showcase for established and upcoming Northwest bands.This year's show, which will take place on three stages, will feature a solid lineup of rock, emo and hip-hop, including such worthies as The Blood Brothers, Blue Scholars, Silversun Pickups, D. Black, The Whore Moans, Against Me! and, perhaps the festival highlight, Portland outfit Spoon.
They say an army travels on its stomach. Well, its not just the army - so did Pop and I as we made our way around the country on our Lap of America. One of the things I learned a long time ago about traveling with Pop is that the journey is the prime factor. You don't pull over for much, unless the road is going right past some scenic diversion, and road food is usually consumed at fuel stops.
On Aug. 4, operagoers and dedicated Wagner enthusiasts will descend on our fair city to attend the opening of Seattle Opera's 2007 production of Richard Wagner's "The Flying Dutchman." They will come from four continents, 19 countries and 49 states.Seattle Opera's Wagner tradition began under the leadership of the company's founding general director, Glynn Ross, and has continued since 1983 under Speight Jenkins.
Michael Kenny, son of Jerry and Pat Kenny of Magnolia, has been named to the dean's list at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. His grade-point average for the most recent semester was 3.798 (on a 4.0 system); in order to make the list, a student must have completed the semester with full-time registration and achieved a GPA of 3.5 or better.
Corbin Reid Anderson, graduate of Franklin High School and the School of Business at the University of Washington, recently received his doctorate in physical therapy from Eastern Washington University. The son of Mark and Carol Anderson of Magnolia, Corbin grew up in Magnolia and attended Lawton Elementary and McClure Middle schools. He will be practicing in Spokane where he currently resides with his wife, elementary school teacher Jennifer Anderson.
JOHN EGGLESTON "I think that it's great. I run by there, and now on Thursdays I stop there, pick up fruit and walk the rest of the way home."
Martha Ware and Jack Ware passed away within three weeks of each other to be united forever in heaven. They were members of Queen Anne Lutheran Church. Jack Ware was retired NMU Merchant Marine, Chief Cook. Martha Ware retired from Seattle Public Library, Queen Anne Branch, in 1977.
The Greater Queen Anne Chamber of Commerce presents its Second Annual "Sounds of Summer (S.O.S.)" cruise on Friday evening, Aug. 24. The cruise benefits three worthy local charities: Queen Anne Helpline, Sacred Heart Shelter and CityTeam Ministries, which provide gifts of housing, medical care, food, and support for families and single men and women when they need it most.
The Greater Queen Anne Chamber of Commerce has announced the nomination of three member businesses for Mayor Greg Nickels' Small Business Awards for 2007. Video Isle, Queen Anne Books and Queen Anne Gardens were all nominated as excellent examples of successful locally owned businesses that "provide services, jobs, job training, gathering places, products, innovations and add a distinctive character to the communities they serve."
Under clouds and flat-out rain on Sunday, July 22, the Third Annual Uptown Sunday in the Park took place in Counterbalance Park with die-hards such as the Greater Queen Anne Chamber of Commerce, the Crafty Ladies, Bayview Manor, Queen Anne Historical Society and neighbors in attendance. Sponsored by the Uptown Alliance and put together and emceed by John Gessner, Uptown Alliance VP for Special Events, the event had refreshments, a band, booths on community activities and special awards for very deserving individuals and organizations serving the Uptown area.
The sign affixed to a front porch on Fifth Avenue West leaves little doubt as to the identity of the occupants.To those who know them, the electric neon sign bearing the names "Stan & Olive" must spark a few smiles.The loud marker seems appropriate for a young, hip couple in their 20s who recently moved into the area - perhaps wanting to spice up their house and put a personal stamp on the property. But Olive Larsen and her husband Stan bought the house just a bit too long ago to call it recently. Try 60 years.
Joe Wolf, 8, serves himself some magic punch offered up during the release party on Friday night at the Bookworm Exchange for J.K. Rowling's final installment of the Harry Potter series, "The Deathly Hallows." Above, a magician entertains the young crowd at the Bookworm's "Wizard's Wingding" on the evening of July 20.