Polling Update

When you look at polling numbers for the Presidential election...take a close look at numbers in battleground states. Here is the latest from RCP.

Colorado -- Obama +5.4
Ohio -- McCain +1.2
Florida -- McCain +0.8
Pennsylvania -- Obama +4.8
Missouri -- McCain +3.2
Virginia -- Obama +1.8

Was It Just a Dream?

Sometimes my trip to the Middle East seems to be more of a dream than reality. I look through my pictures and think "did I really do that?" The reality is: I did. The reality is also: I want to go back. I am craving falafel. Israel, my friends is the place to go for that.

My Backyard

It's funny the things that remind us of childhood. This picture reminds me of mine. It's actually a picture of my parent's backyard in Gig Harbor. It reminds me of playing with dogs, kicking the soccer ball, lighting off fireworks on the 4th of July, and family gatherings. I really loved growing up in Gig Harbor and especially at my house. We had green grass for sports, woods for building tree forts, and the Puget Sound to play in. Even the gazebo has memories. My middle brother and I would gather a bunch of blankets, pillows, and air mattresses to sleep outside during the warm summer months. When I was talking with friends on the phone late at night, I would walk out to the gazebo to avoid waking up my parents. The most amazing thing about the gazebo and the backyard in general is its still the same today. Nothing has changed.

I Miss These People

Pictures from Priest Lake

Another Day...Another Hike

I ventured once again to the Cascade Mountains today. I went on a hike with a good friend right near Snoqualmie Pass. The hike to Snow Lake is about three miles in each direction. It starts in the woods and then concludes with switchbacks made of rock. You end up at about 5-thousand feet. It has a BEAUTIFUL view and hiking down to the shore of Snow Lake is amazing (and cold!). I'm a pretty avid hiker and found this to be "moderate" in its difficulty. There were A LOT of people on the trail though, which for me is a bummer. But nonetheless, I would recommend this trail if you're looking for a quick getaway from the city.

I Have Proof

Some of my more recent friends have a hard time believing I actually used to have long-hair. But I have a picture to prove it. This is a random one from when I want backpacking on the Olympic coast a few years ago. To be honest, I kind of miss the long hair. Right now my hair is the longest its been in about a year, but still nothing like it used to be 'back in the day.' Enjoy!

I Have a Question. Do You Have an Answer?

I like posting questions on my blog. I think it’s interesting to hear different perspectives—whether the topic be politics, food, movies, or music. I hope at least a few of you will take time to respond.

Today’s Question: How much influence does the President of the United States have on the economy?

I’m not asking this question so much because of the current economic meltdown, but rather in a general sense. If the economy is doing well, should we tip our hats to the man in charge? If it falters, should we immediately blame the White House? I am not an economist and do not pretend to be. I’m assuming you are the same. But from what you do know about the way our world works, what do you think?

The Time Has Come

Why do all of my posts seem to revolve around food? I'm not sure, but here is another one. I am about to make a tuna fish sandwich. I know, I've already blogged on my love for the fish, but I get so excited I have to share it with the world. As Ron Burgandy says in my favorite movie Anchorman, "I wanted to shout it from the mountaintops, but I didn't have a mountain. All I had was a newsroom and a camera." Unfortunately, I have none of these things, so I use my blog instead. So for lunch I will have a tuna fish sandwich on whole wheat bread, salt and vinegar potato chips, snapped peas, and carrots. Yum! I love it.

Cafe Fiore and Seattle Coffee Culture

I just returned from spending a couple of hours with a friend reading and journaling at Cafe Fiore in Ballard. It's located along Leary in Old Ballard. It was my first time going, and it will certainly not be my last. It has one of the best atmospheres of any coffee shop I've been to. Its walls are made of brick, floors of dark wood, chairs of leather, and has awesome lighting and paintings on the wall. I got a vanilla latte and I have to say it was one of the better I've ever had. Even better than Zoka which is my favorite coffee shop (at least until now). Speaking of coffee, I think coffee culture in Seattle is quite depressing. Everyone sits alone, typing away at their laptops, with their iPods blaring in their ears. I always seem to go with friends and get "the look" for being too loud. Seattleites seem to have a want for community, so they go to coffee shops. Yet they fall short when it comes to communication, eye contact, and a friendly smile. It's always seemed odd to me and I seem to be noticing it more and more. So the next time you're at a coffee shop and you hear a loud laugh from the corner, it's probably me.

Thoughts I'm Thinking...

1. I'm excited to go on a hike this morning. I'm heading up to the Snoqualmie Pass area and am climbing a mountain with my buddy Kyle. We'll be back tonight.

2. I'm very hungry right now. Luckily I went grocery shopping yesterday and have a brand new box of Kashi cereal (which is my favorite).

3. I realize that I constantly crave tuna fish. I'm not sure why, but I think I could eat a tuna fish sandwich every day and be completly happy.

4. I love looking out my window and watching the Ballard Bridge go up and down. I don't have to be IN the traffic, I just get to look AT it.

5. I am very content with my life and do not regret taking the summer off to travel the world and be with the people I love.

Life's a Campaign

I admit it: I don't really like Chris Matthews all that much. I know he's a smart guy, has worked for some of the most famous American politicians in history, and is widely successful. But I can never seem to get past his bloviating, arrogant, interrupting-type attitude that is displayed on his show Hardball. None the less, I decided to pick up his book on campaigns. Once I picked it up, I literally never put it down. I read the whole thing in one setting. It's GREAT! Matthews chronicles his rise to fame and dishes secrets as to how to get there. The book is separated into chapters that will teach you how to win elections, sucker money from supporters, and get along with people from across the aisle. Even if you have no interest in running for politics, I recommend it.

A Woman In Charge

I'm about half way through with Carl Bernstein's book. I've had the book for several years, but didnt start reading it until two weeks ago. It is a fascinating read about Senator Clinton and how she grew up. For instance, she had a verbally abusive father and was president of the Young Republican's club at her college. No surprise, but Bernstein spends an awful lot of time talking about her husband, Bill. It chronicles their marriage (the ups and MANY downs) and takes a special focus to Bill's relationship with other women. It also shows how much influence Hillary has on Bill. No matter what you might think of Hillary, reading this book helps you to understand how she thinks the way she does and why she thinks the way she does. I reccomend it!

News Ratings

Being a self-confessed news junkie, I always find ratings interesting. Now of course there is more to ratings than just the total amount of people who watch (i.e. who is watching and how long they watch). However, I find the overall picture quite fasciating. Most interesting is the high numbers for Rachel Maddow's new show. I have never seen it, nor have I ever heard her speak. But it appears she is doing something right. Here are the numbers for the cable news race on Thursday.

Hannity and Colmes 4,589,000
The O'Reilly Factor 4,092,000
On the Record 3,286,000
The Fox Report 1,986,000
Rachel Maddow 1,971,000
Countdown 1,947,000
Special Report 1,903,000
Larry King 1,855,000
Anderson Cooper 1,852,000
Lou Dobbs Tonight 1,204,000
Hardball 944,000

Meet Gracie

My parents have a black lab puppie named Gracie. Her favorite activities include sleeping, eating, jumping off docks, and swimming for sticks. Unfortunately she also is a dog with ADHD. So when she goes on the boat, she has to wear a life jacket in case she jumps off mid-cruise. What's that you say? They make life jackets for dogs? Yes they do and I have a picture of her to prove it!

I Love the Northwest

I was once told by a mentor of mine that living in Washington is like marrying the most beautiful woman in the world who is sick 75 percent of the time. I happen to agree. Sometimes the rain seems like its never going to end, but once it does, you see all the glory that is the Northwest. Today I happened to experience life "above the clouds" first hand. I went on a hike in the Cascade mountains with one of my best friends Jackson. The trail-head started at a little less than two thousand feet and seven miles later, ended at five thousand feet. It's a pretty good trek up that mountain, but the view is beautiful. Where do you like to hike?

Don't Worry Folks...

We've arrived safely in Priest Lake. Expect silence for a couple days as I wakeboard, jet ski, and eat into kingdom come.

The All-American Roadtrip

I feel ten years old right now. I am helping my dad pack up the car to get ready for our trip to Priest Lake, Idaho. I've been to Priest Lake quite a few times since I was ten years old, but most of the time since then we've flown into Spokane. Today, I'm driving. Even though its been years since my last car trip to Priest Lake, its funny how things HAVENT changed. Dad gets up early, starts packing. Mom gets stuff ready in the kitchen. I wait for my name to be yelled and I come running to help. The dog freaks out and starts running around the house - thinking she'll be left behind. It's the same as it used to be. Pretty soon, we'll be on our way for donuts in Tacoma. Then we'll probably stop at the same rest stops, restaurants, and gas stations - all the way to the Idaho panhandle. It's a long trip to the lake, but I enjoy it - especially around the Vantage area of the Columbia River. Seven-and-a-half hours....here we come.

My Place For Politics...

Since I know most of us are political junkies around here, I want to share some of my favorite places for political news. First and foremost, I reccomend "The Note." This political guide is published each morning by ABC NEWS . It has a great mix of political news, garnished with a large side of humor. Second, I love going to Real Clear Politics. This is far and away the best site for comprehensive polling numbers as well as links to articles on politics from around the nation. Third, I really do enjoy the Drudge Report. Some thigns need to be taken with a grain of salt (including sometimes misleading headlines), but he does a really good job finding random political articles that would be hard to find elsewhere. Anyway..just a few ideas. Where do you look?

Good Morning Seattle

This has to be the most beautiful photograph I've ever seen of Seattle. I love sunshine and warm days.

I Have A Craving...

And its for Nachos from the Matador in Ballard (and several other locations around Seattle). If you have never checked it out, you should. It has a good atmosphere and amazing food. Too bad I'm down in Gig Harbor. Oh man they would be good right now. P.S. you can check out Julien Perry's "Go Eat" feature to learn more about the Matador.

http://www.komonews.com/entertainment/dining/goeat/16675086.html

Well..Whaddyya Think?

The moment I've been waiting for is over. Governor Sarah Palin delivered her speech in front of the RNC tonight. Regardless of my opinion of her policy ideas, she did an amazing job for it being the first time before a national audience. She came off as smart, funny, and professional. It is also interesting to note her constant reference to Ohio. I learned today on CNN that it is virtually impossible for a Republican campaign to win an election without Ohio (right now things are in a dead heat). But the real questions is: will her speech fly with the voters? Will her attacks against Senator Barack Obama (many which are probably subtle to the average American) poll well? As an analyst for PBS said today, "I cant remember the last time I actually heard a bad acceptance speech at a convention." So it should be no surprise that's what we got tonight. But what will happen in the future? Time will tell

Can You Say 31?

That's how many days it is until Governor Sarah Palin and Senator Joe Biden go at it during the Vice Presidential Debate at Washington University. I, for one, am more excited about this debate than the presidential debates between Obama/McCain. I understand Palin is taking a three-week intesive crash-course on everything foreign relations. I've also heard that she is incredibly quick on her feet in such circumstances. Even if that is true, can she compete with Washington insider Biden? Time will tell. One thing I know for sure: I'm excited to watch.

To The Panhandle We Go!

Every year since I was born, I have spent at least part of the summer at Priest Lake, Idaho. Some years I stay longer than others, but it is always a staple of summer for me. This year I'm heading over for almost two weeks (think recently graduated college student with no job). During that time I will alternate between hiking, sleeping, jet-skiing, eating, wakeboarding, reading, swimming, and watching movies. I will be traveling there with my parents. I also get to make a few stops in Spokane and visit some friends (yes that includes COB). I'm very excited to go and spend quality time with my family--which includes our black lab puppy, named Gracie. I leave on Thursday and will be back on September 15th.

Tied Once Again..

On the eve of the Republican convention, a new national poll suggests the race for the White House remains dead even.

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/08/31/cnn-poll-obama-49-mccain-48/

No News Like Good News...

By MICHAEL KUNZELMAN and MARY FOSTER

NEW ORLEANS (AP) - A weakened Hurricane Gustav crashed Monday into the flood-prone but nearly deserted coast of Louisiana, making landfall west of New Orleans as a Category 2 storm. Water was splashing over some floodwalls, but city officials were optimistic the levees protecting the city would hold.

The National Hurricane Center in Miami said Gustav hit just before 10 a.m. Monday near the community of Cocodrie, the heart of the state's fishing and oil industry. Forecasters once feared the storm would arrive as a devastating Category 4 with much more powerful winds.

The city's levee system has been only partially rebuilt since Hurricane Katrina struck three years ago. Wind-driven water was topping the Industrial Canal floodwall, but it had not breached.

"We are seeing some overtopping waves," said Col. Jeff Bedey, commander of the Army Corps of Engineers' hurricane protection office. "We are cautiously optimistic and confident that we won't see catastrophic wall failure."

As a nervous nation watched to see if Gustav would deliver another Katrina-style hit on the partially rebuilt city, officials steadfastly insisted three years of planning and infrastructure upgrades had prepared them for whatever was to come.

For all their seeming similarities, Hurricanes Gustav and Katrina were different in one critical respect: Katrina smashed the Gulf Coast with an epic storm surge that topped 27 feet, a far higher wall of water than Gustav hauled ashore.

"We don't expect the loss of life, certainly, that we saw in Katrina," Federal Emergency Management Agency Deputy Director Harvey E. Johnson told The Associated Press. "But we are expecting a lot of homes to be damaged, a lot of infrastructure to be flooded, and damaged severely."

Gusts snapped large branches from the majestic oak trees that form a canopy over St. Charles Avenue. Tens of thousands were without power in New Orleans and other low-lying parishes, but officials said backup generators were keeping city drainage pumps in service. Nearly 2 million had evacuated the coast, and only a few holdouts and those that refused to abandon Bourbon Street remained.

Katrina was a bigger storm when it made landfall in August 2005, and it made a direct hit on the Mississippi coast. Gustav skirted along Louisiana's shoreline at "a more gentle angle," said National Weather Service storm surge specialist Will Shaffer.

Initial reports indicated storm surge from Gust of about 8 feet above normal tides, but forecasts indicated up to 14 feet in surge was possible.