w Jan issue of Eastside Business and Eastside Life newspapers 'in the can', heading out for some errands and a little exercise

Watching old Scooby Doo movies with Jackie Kennedy.

There has to be someone in Bellevue more prolific on Twitter than me? http://ping.fm/6qdZ4

just booted back up after 45 minute power outage just south of downtown Bellevue.

Fireworks in a Snowing Bellevue

WARNING: This video contains objectionable language.

wondering if anyone knows how to get a deal on a season's pass at Snoqualmie Summit? That would be cool ...

It started snowing here in Bellevue a couple of hours ago. I think I’m going to have a little drink and then walk up to main street http://deluz.com/?p=5

Scrooge at Group Health's Magic Season Ice Skating Rink

Last night I wanted to show my brother, back in town after 4 years, the ice skating rink in Bellevue's downtown park for "The Magic Season". This guy came out (from his nap?) and demanded that we leave - or he'd call the cops. I told him to do it - after all, the last time I checked, it is not against the law to look at the ice in a public park ... Some people just have to be nasty.

The silver lining is that this guy still has the opportunity to look for a job that he likes - and to do better than give someone grief for looking at ice ...

Garden D'Lites in Bellevue Botanical Garden

My daughter Jackie and I went to visit Garden D'Lites at the Bellevue Botanical Garden the night that it opened. Even bigger and better this year - there were hundreds of people there too. It did seem a little strange that the weather was so warm ...

Jackie Kennedy from iPhone 102708

Hookers in Bellevue?

Got this interesting set of Google alerts last night.

Apparently if there is prostitution in Bellevue, the police don't have to look too hard.

Probably not something to advertise on a website.

Greg Maddux Happy to be back with Dodgers

I cannot believe it - but I think I just saw Greg Maddux smile. Perhaps he was happy to get a save in LA's first playoff game against the Cubbies, but I'm pretty sure he's just happy to be with a team that has a chance to win it all.

The World of Joe - My Blog for Personal Ramblings

The World of Joe is all new and under my personal domain - and it's not about coffee. I'm planning on posting there mostly for awhile to see how The Eastside Life Community Blog does without my ramblings. I'm hoping that activity and traffic will go up ...

Wines from Week 1 at WSET Wine Foundation Course

Last Monday was the first class of James Cluer's Fine Vintage WSET Wine Foundation class held in Kirkland in the Bay Shore room at the Yarrow Bay Grill. We tasted 8 different wines - many of which I probably wouldn't normally taste elsewhere:

1999 Dom Perignon Champagne from Champagne France was the first tasting for the class, followed by a 2005 Cuvee Caroline Gewurztraminer from Schoffit in Alsace, France, a 2007 Viccar's Choice Sauvignon Blanc from Saint Clair in Malborough, NZ, a 2006 1er Cuvee Les Pargues Chardonnay from Domaine Servin in Chablis, France, a 2007 Carneros Chardonnay from Rombauer in California, a 2006 Block 5 Felton Road Pinot Noir from Central Otago, NZ, a 2001 Montestafano Nebbiolo from Producttori del Barbaresco and we finished the evening with a 1er Cru Classe Sauternes from Chateau Coutet in Sauternes, France.

Preferring red wines to whites, I especially enjoyed the Pinot from Felton Road and the Nebbiolo from Produttori del Barbaresco - but it was interesting to taste them all.

James is really a fantastic teacher and has great experience in the wine industry and I highly recommend his classes for anyone wanting wine certifications or simply wanting to learn techniques for wine tasting. I believe there are still a couple seats available in the class and that James is also offering a full day version of the class in the near future.

I Now Take Zune with Me Whenever I want a Tune, Pic or Vid

I just got a really cool gift the other day - an 8 gig Microsoft Zune. I really love that it's so small, yet still so functional. I still need to buy a protector for it, as I'm sure it will get dropped and want to make sure it lives. Both the software and hardware have easy to use user interfaces - so it's really easy to add files. I also like that it comes with a radio that sounds great!

Still Trying to Give Brian Tracy Away

A month and a half ago, shortly after I moved, I was starting to think about getting rid of a lot of possessions and lightening my load. I offered to give away a brand new, never been read copy of Brian Tracy's book Speak to Win. Judging by the title, the subject matter is good, but from my past experience with Mr. Tracy, I have found his actions to be very incongruent with his message.

Still the same, I'm sure there's some good information in the book. Does anybody here on the Eastside want this book? FREE!

What's in a name - Penny or Benjamin?

While signing up for a Windows Live ID to share files with the Board of Advisors for Eastside Entrepreneurs, I was asked for a "secret question. I chose "Name of First Pet".

The first pet I remember was a great dog named Penny. She was a mutt, but she was my pal and I loved her a lot. I'm pretty sure my parents named her - probably because it was sometimes hard to find a Penny while raising a family.

I was thinking about other dog names - I once had a best friend named Apollo, and then Esmerelda and Hans and Inga (all Rottweilers and some of the finest dogs that ever lived).

The next dog I get if he or she arrives without a name, will probably be named according to its personality, but I will strongly consider naming it Benjamin - short for Benjamin Franklin and his most famous portrait.

I Want to Go to EndFest!

I'd really love to go to 107.7 the End's EndFest tonight at the Sky Church at the Experience Music Project. So far I haven't been able to get anyone to respond to my requests for media passes - but we have banner ads for the event at Eastside Business and Eastside Business Online, so there's still a chance!

If you can help, please give me a call on my cell 425-213-4176. Thank you VERY much!

I'd love to see Seattle's own Presidents of the USA rock the house with all the other great bands!

Cool Pics from Bumbershoot 2008

My new friend, photographer Jim Bennett, took some awesome photos at Bumbershoot a couple of weeks ago ...

Here Comes The Sun

Talk about an all-star band, playing a great feel good song! I sure miss George ...

Apparently Nobody Wants Me to Sleep ...

This morning after dealing with the neighbor's barking dog all last night, I was rudely awaken before 6:30 am, by the garbage truck backing up the road next to my house - beep, beep, beep. (add in roar of truck). Here is the letter than I faxed to Allied Waste (of course there is nobody there to answer their phones before 8am):

September 12, 2008

Allied Waste

425-646-2451 FAX

Attn: General Manager

Dear Allied Waste:

It is now 6:39AM and I just tried to call your offices to reach someone to complain. Of course, I “reached your offices after normal business hours”, but did leave a message.

About 15 minutes ago, I was awaken by the sound of a very loud truck backing up our private cul-de-sac. Despite the fact that I sleep with ear plugs, the loud revving of the truck engine to get up the hill and the beep-beep-beep of the back up safety system has really given me a “wonderful” start to my day – that should not have started until after 9am (after working past 2am last night). I looked out the window and saw a Rabanco/Allied Waste Truck. It was white.

I live at 1138 Bellevue Way SE in Bellevue. The trash and recycling are picked up each Friday. I realize that your drivers may want to start extra early so they can start their weekends early, but this is not acceptable in our residential neighborhood. Perhaps (?) they can get away with it in commercial zones, but not here.

I would like you to make sure this does not happen again. Trash should not be picked up in our area outside of “normal business hours” – after 8 am at the earliest and the later in the day the better. I’m sure you would not appreciate this happening to you.

Thank you for your consideration and quick action.

Joe Kennedy

11xx Bellevue Way SE

Bellevue, WA 98004

425-213-xxxx cell

Promote@EastsideBusinessJournal.com

More Propaganda from The Bellevue Teachers

I really hate it that I am so emotional about the Bellevue Teachers Strike. I normally wouldn't care, but since Jackie Kennedy has been so negatively affected and the teachers have been so incredibly selfish - I find myself getting extra pissed off on a daily basis. I was fine this morning until I received the following propaganda from the teachers pr guy:
Bellevue teachers rally 11 a.m. Schedule update for Friday

Bellevue teachers will gather for a short rally Friday at 11 a.m. to noon at Crossroads Park in Bellevue.

We will not have regular picketing today. The rally is intended as an upbeat send-off to mark the conclusion of our second week of pickets and the start of a weekend that we hope will bring a resolution to this strike. The park, located near 164th Avenue N.E. on N.E. 8th Street, is just a few blocks east of the Crossroads Shopping Center

The district took a major step forward late last night on curriculum language, agreeing in substance to a proposal submitted by BEA about a week ago. The district also took another step ahead on compensation, sweetening its offer to 3 percent over two years, or 5 percent if BEA members agree to a three-year contract. Health insurance remained the same as in the offer voted down by members Monday, with a modest gain in year 1, but no additional change in years 2 or 3.

Our bargaining team is encouraged that the new offer signals movement in the right direction. Team members planned to study details of the district’s offer overnight before responding at the bargaining table today. Talks are scheduled to resume at noon.

This was my response:

Kindly remove me from your propaganda list. 2^nd and last nice request.

It does not surprise me at all that the teachers would take yet another day off. “But they work so hard, get so little and are entitled to so much. And they care so very much about our children.”

I’m sick of the BS from Bellevue teachers and am glad that my daughter’s mother withdrew her from BSD.

You should all be ashamed of yourselves.

Joe Kennedy

Eastside Business and Eastside Life newspapers and online news site

Joe@EastsideBusinessJournal.com , Joe@TheEastsideLife.com

Discourteous Neighbor, Excessive Barking, Noise Polution and (possible) Animal Abuse

This is what I just got done posting on the website at Bellecrest.org:

Discourteous Neighbor, Excessive Barking, Noise Polution and (possible) Animal Abuse

Since I moved back into the neighborhood about two months ago, there has been an ongoing problem of a large, loud, barking dog during the day and late into the night - many times after midnight.

On July 16th at about 11pm, I hunted down the location of the offending dog (11XX SE 107th Ave SE here in Bellevue) and left a nice note (with my cell phone number) for the owner, along with a 1/2 box of dog biscuits (I love animals and feel sorry for this dog). The barking was less frequent, but still very excessive for the next month.

On August 13th, the dog was barking for 3 hours straight. I could not get to sleep even with ear plugs. At 11:30pm, I went and knocked on the door. No answer. I left another note pleaded for the owner to take care of the dog and have some consideration for the neighbors and neighborhood.

For the past month, there has been ongoing excessive barking early in the morning (I’ve been waken up at 7am even with earplugs and all windows closed) and late at night (I’ve been kept up past midnight by this barking dog multiple times).

After getting no response or consideration, I am at my wits end. Tomorrow 9/12/08 (tonight 9/11/08?) I will be filing a noise complaint with King County Animal Care and Control Board. I’ve tried nice with no results, now I’m being forced to go through the complaint process.

According to the process, my complaint will be assigned a case number and I will be sent a petition form. As soon as I receive it, I will be looking for other affected neighbors to sign the petition.

If you have been affected by this barking dog, and its discourteous owner I would like to hear from you. I love animals and feel very sorry for this dog, but its owner has shown blatant and constant disregard for the animal and the neighborhood.

Let’s make sure our neighborhood is a decent place to live.

Thank you!

Joe Kennedy
eastsidebusiness(at)gmail.com

The silver lining in this story is that the neighbor came home, was there when I went to leave another note and now understands how her actions and her dog's barking has been affecting me. She has a chance to remedy the situation before I file the complaint. I hope she does.

"Live" plays Live at Microsoft Vitualization Launch After Party

On September 8th at Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue, Microsoft held a great Virtualization Launch event. An intimate crowd of about 300 people were treated to a live performance by the band "Live" at the after party.

Microsoft always holds first class events - the entire day was full of great information, but the after party was awesome!

2nd Week of Bellevue Teacher's Strike

As predicted, the striking Bellevue teachers are obviously getting tired of walking the line. Very few smiles today, the pace is slower, more teachers sitting rather than walking and noticeably fewer teachers present (are some play hookey?).

According to some reports, many of the issues have been agreed upon, leaving dollars as the only issue. I suspect this was the case all along ...

My bet is that the teachers are realizing that it's more enjoyable to teach than to walk a picket line all day. I hope that they have figured out if they get their way, a good number of them will lose their jobs and have to find a new way.

I fully expect that Jackie Kennedy will finally have her first day of school this week.

Live to Play at Microsoft Virtualization Launch Tomorrow!

I've been looking forward to tomorrow's Microsoft Virtualization Launch for some time now, but didn't realize that they are going to have the band "Live" to play at their post event party! How cool!

Seattle Area Football Fans Face Tough Season

After watching the Huskies lose again (although it was a good game decided by a penalty) and the Seahawks sleep through an entire game this weekend, I don't think I'll be wasting any more of my time watching the home teams (probably will a little, but definitely won't plan around them).

The silver lining is that I don't have to worry about wasting my entire fall weekends, like I did as a kid growing up here in the Pacific Northwest.

Now is Not the Time - What Are Strikers Thinking?

With all the 'great news' in the headlines these days, I'm wondering what makes the teachers in Bellevue and the Boeing workers to think that the best thing to do is strike - especially at this time?

Jobless rate jumps to 5-year high of 6.1 percent

• Home loan troubles break record again
• Stocks end mixed after 'ugly' jobs report

King County budget shortfall rises to $90 million

These are headlines right next to each other on the Seattle Times website. Why would anyone choose to strike when unemployment is at a 5 year high? If they were going to do it, shouldn't they have done it a couple years ago when things were good and raises might have been more feasible.

As it is funding and budgets are down, expenses are up all across the board in good part due to high energy costs.

I am the first to admit that I know very little about the actual strike issues - and the current status of any negotiations, but I'm not sure I would be putting my job at risk in this economy - those that are employed are lucky to have the work.

STP Rocks Bumbershoot

Scott Weiland and STP rocked Bumbershoot in Seattle on August 31st, 2008.

Hair Farmer Joe August 30, 2008

Here's a picture of Hair Farmer Joe on August 30, 2008. Can you say "The Frizzies"?

Just about 13 months since my last haircut.

Jackie Kennedy Was a Computer User

I miss the days when Jackie Kennedy was a computer user ...

Jackie Kennedy with Hair Farmer Joe at Cannon Beach, OR

USC Looking Tough Early in Season Opener

With over 4 minutes left in the first quarter of their football season opener against Virginia, USC is kicking butt at 21-0. I'd hate to see through another 3 quarters of that if I was a VA fan.

(I wonder how the Barber brothers are feeling right about now - if how long they'll stick around).

Changes in Store for Personal Website?

Since I am not looking for a ‘job’ (but always open to new opportunities), I’m thinking about changing my personal website from a static resume, into more of a directory for most of my websites and projects. I’ll add that to my ever growing list of things to do.

Test Post About The Hair Farmer in Bellevue

This is just a test post to see which google alerts will show up after this is posted. Joe Kennedy is The Hair Farmer in Bellevue, recruiting other hair farmers to grow hair for the benefit of Locks of Love and children in need.

Eastside Business newspaper
Eastside Entrepreneurs
Eastside GreenDrinks

skidoodleski

Chinese Athletes Compete with Brain As Well As Brawn - Shown in Gold Medal Column

Despite the home field advantage, I've been amazed at how bad China is kicking everyone's butt at the Olympics - including the good, ol US of A. It may be a sign of the times and I'm more than a little embarrassed.

One thing that I noticed is that many of the Chinese athletes use very smart strategy in competition. The first time I witnessed it was in the women's semi final. The Chinese player was losing and wanted to change momentum, so she stalled .. went to change her racket and stalled some more. It worked to her advantage for some time (I believe she came back to win the set), but wasn't enough to defeat the Russian player.

Tonight I was just watching the women's gold medal beach volleyball game between the US and China. The US players (Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh) and have not lost in a long time and the last time they did was to the same Chinese team Wang Jie and Tian Jia. The US was in control one set and a couple of points up, when one of the Chinese players obviously feigned injury to attempt to change the momentum. It didn't work either, but in reality, was probably their only chance today.

I cannot remember seeing US athletes applying the same strategies - am I blinded to it, is it something we shouldn't be doing or something we should apply to remain competitive?

BTW - Congratulations to Misty and Kerri - a great win! (I don't care if I ever see another volleyball match again - I've seen at least 20 in the last couple weeks, but only one basketball game - what gives? NBC coverage has been terrible and has a lot of room for improvement in 4 years. I hope they don't have the contract for the winter olympics in 2010 Vancouver ...

This is the Type of Plastic Surgery Their Having in the UK?

I thought that a lot of companies play on the securities of many men by telling them they need to increase the size of their little richards.... Do you know what the (apparently) most asked for plastic surgery is in the UK???? Can you believe this?


And I've gone through live thinking they were all pretty much perfect ....

Those whacky brits ... guess they just don't have enough to do. I'm wondering how many of the women have this surgery and then actually use them ... or do they just show them off?

Some of What Joe "The Connector" Kennedy is Up To

Here are a few of the things that I'm either doing, leading, helping to plan or planning on my own:

Eastside Business newspaper
Eastside Life newspaper
The Eastside Life Community Blog
Eastside Entrepreneurs
Eastside GreenDrinks

Just the newspapers have keep me working all waking hours, but it looks like I may soon be looking for another challenge - and form of income. I'm ready to throw all in to something new and if you have any suggestions or proposals, I would love to hear from you.

Joe Kennedy's Online Resume

Guess I'm Back to Posting Here ...

As you may have read in an earlier post, I've been working to add bloggers and build up the rather new Eastside Life Community Blog. Traffic is up there and participation is improving tremendously, but it seems that I have posted there more than all the other bloggers combined.

As I wrote in a recent post,

C’mon Man! This is NOT Joe Kennedy’s Blog

- but a blogging community for the entire Eastside. In that spirit, I will begin to limit my posts there and start to blog here (and a few other places) to take care of my writing jones - and help publicize some of the great things going on locally.

What's With The TV Scheduling of the Olympics?

Has anyone else been frustrated with the television scheduling of the Olympics? Yesterday I watched Michael Phelps win yet another gold medal on the Canadian station, and then a couple of hours later watched the same race on one of the US stations that claimed it was "live".

Almost every night the tv guide says that they will be showing USA basketball, but I still have yet to see a game ...

What gives? Is there a place to find out the 'real' television airing schedule? I can only watch so much fencing ...

Eastside Bloggers Wanted

The Eastside Life Community Blog is looking for bloggers from all backgrounds to blog about what interests you. A fantastic opportunity to reach a great audience and enjoy fantastic exposure.

We are especially looking for people to write about their cities and neighborhoods (including Beaux Arts, Bellevue, Bothell, Issaquah, Kirkland, Medina, Mercer Island, Newcastle, Sammamish, Snoqualmie, Woodinville and more) or about their businesses or hobbies. Other topics of interest are wine, relationships, entrepreneurism, small business, networking, women in business, health and wellness, Microsoft, technology, and sports – high school, college and/or professional. You write about what interests you!

Join for FREE at http://blog.theeastsidelife.com/wordpress or write to blog@TheEastsideLife.com

Jackie Kennedy is a 4-wheelin' kind of girl.

Jackie Kennedy is a a 4-wheelin' kind of girl and recently enjoyed driving this rig during a recent trip to Chuck E Cheese's in Bellevue

Jackie Kennedy Had Fun at the Bellevue Family 4th

Jackie Kennedy had a great time at the Bellevue Family 4th of July Celebration in Downtown Bellevue Park, as she has for the past 4 years.

Silver Lining in Being Stacked Up in Paperwork

Every once in awhile, I get down on my self for getting so behind in paperwork. Even though I have a good accounting background, I don't like bookkeeping very much.

Holiday weekends like this are usually a good time for me to spend a bunch of time to try to get caught up. Going through a couple stacks of paperwork this morning, I found a DMV renewal form for Eastside Business's mobile warehouse (it's an old Dodge RAM minivan). By sheer luck (?) I found that today was the expiration date.

This van does not go on the road more than every other month or so and doesn't get a lot of attention. I didn't know if it was going to pass the smog test, but took it out, got a little petrol and drove a few miles up I-90 towards Snoqualmie. I then turned around and drove to the Emissions station in the Eastgate area. To my surprise, there was no line at all and I drove right up. It was a minor miracle, but the van actually passed emissions! (despite the fact that is was overheating and water was spewing out of the radiator). I'm just glad I don't have to spend a bunch more money on the van and hope that it holds together to get me moved in about 10 days or so. (I'm looking forward to being back close to downtown Bellevue!)

Another great thing about working on paperwork today is that I am realizing that I am involved in a lot of great things and it's no wonder I'm busy and behind on lots of stuff. Among the current projects I've worked on in the past week are $500 Flat Fee Listings by AAA Properties (just got a new listing last week), Eastside Business and Eastside Life newspapers and online news sites, helping to reorganize Eastside GreenDrinks, The Hair Farmer project, helping on the board for Overlake Service League's upcoming wine event, helping to organize the Eastside Small Business Partner Net-Partying Event at The Village Bellevue. I almost forgot the all-new The Eastside Life Community Blog (where are all the Eastside bloggers?)

All of those things are great to work on, but don't include the biggest priority and brightest light in my life: Jackie Kennedy.

All in all, I guess it's ok to be behind, considering how extremely busy I keep myself. I am a VERY VERY lucky guy.

Skidoodleski - The Eastside is THE Best Side

Since Last Post, MacLaren was fired and M's are still in last place

I knew I hadn't been blogging here much (mostly at the Eastside Life blog), but just realized that MacLaren was still the manager of the M's on my last post (I hope I didn't get him fired ...). He's a nice guy, but given an impossible task of making the M's contend. He's gone, but so far the result seems to be about the same - cellar dwellars.

The good news is that they are still located in Seattle, unlike the lowly 'team' formerly known as the Sonics. There is a chance for them to field a much more competitive team in the future, but they must rethink some of their past personnel decisions. It's time to cut your losses, bite the bullet, pay some guaranteed salaries and get rid of the big holes in the lineup.

Mariners with MacLaren at Helm Find Another Way to Blow It

I'm past the days when I used to plan my evenings around watching the Seattle Mariners - either in person or on television. I much more prefer comedy these days. Lucky for me, watching the M's these days is some of the best comedy available on tv.

Tonight they found a way to lose in the late innings for at least the 2nd day in a row (most of the other five losses in their current 7 day losing streak they have been blown out). It is true that Mac does not hit or pitch, but apparently he's chosing not to manage either. Tonight he left Felix Hernandez in an inning too long - and at least should have been smart enough to take him out after he gave up the lead before the BoSox blew the game open in the 8th.

I've met Mac and he is a hell of a nice guy. You know what they say about nice guys ... they finish LAST. I feel like he lied to us before the season started when he told us that things were going to change and that the M's would be running and doing whatever it takes to manufacture runs. The only thing they've been able to produce is losses.

The silver lining of this situation for the lowly Mariners is that it is a great opportunity for someone to show some balls and make the tough decisions that need to be made. Get a manager with winning major league experience, cut Richie "Richie the K" Sexton and all the other old, dead weight. It's going to cost some money, but these owners have shown that they are not afraid to spend it. It has to be done and it is long over due.

Divorce Proceeding Takes Less Than 10 Minutes

On Friday afternoon, I picked up Olena and we drove to the King County Courthouse in downtown Seattle. Despite being right before rush hour and much of the street parking not available from 4-6pm, I found a parking space less than two blocks away. We walked into the courthouse and waited about 3 minutes for Lena's attorney. After she showed up, we waited about another 3 minutes for a judge to be available and another three minutes later and the marriage was declared dissolved.

It was a sad time and I was really glad that it didn't take too long. I had to choke back tears as I wished that things had worked out differently. (If wishes were fishes, nobody would starve).

Afterwards, I took Lena to Trader Vic's in Bellevue to celebrate with some great drinks and tasty food. I have to admit that I continued to try to drown my sorrows after I got home and off the road. I paid the price for it yesterday - but it didn't stop me from going to the Hopscotch Festival at the Fremont Studios last night. (I guess that is another post).

The silver lining for my divorce experience is that it didn't take very long in court, that Jackie Kennedy's mom and I are still friends and that I am once again single and ready to explore new opportunities.

A Great Opportunity to Help a Family in Need

The following information was taken from a flier from Shirley and Fox Henderson, the founders and leaders of REIA Washington (Real Estate Investors Association). Please do what you can to help:

Mike Carrier

March 19, 1952 – March 17, 2008

Mike Carrier was a Tacoma area real estate agent, investor and investment group leader who was a friend to many of us. Mike had a big heart and just as big a sense of humor that will be missed by many.

Mike was diagnosed with lung cancer at Christmas 2007. He put up a formidable fight but lost his battle on Monday, March 17th. Mike Carrier was put to rest on March 21, 2008.

The battle for Mike Carrier’s family is far from over. As is the case for too many of us who are self-employed, Mike had no medical insurance. Mike’s wife, Suzie, is left with thousands of dollars of medical bills as she grieves for her late husband.

REIA has established a bank account for the benefit of Mike’s family. Please make your contributions to any Wells Fargo branch. Deposit your contribution to “The Family of Mike Carrier”. The branch will look up the account.

You can also mail your check, payable to The Family of Mike Carrier, in care of REIA, 227 Bellevue Way NE, #486, Bellevue WA 98004 OR to Wells Fargo, attention John McGinnity, FBO The Family of Mike Carrier, 13505 NE 175^th St, Woodinville WA 98072.

ANY amount will be appreciated and will be a help to Mike’s family.

THANK YOU

Lines At Post Office Reveal Great Opportunity for Improvement

What's wrong with this picture?

It's 2:45 pm and there are at least 11 people in line at the US Post Office on 112th Ave NE in Bellevue. That doesn't even include the part of the line standing outside the door. What's worse is there is only two clerks working.

Why does the US Post Office feel like it is ok to make people wait EVERY day? There is almost always a line at this post office and although there is plenty of counter space for five or most agents, there is never more than 2 or 3 working. Sure they can raise postage rates whenever they'd like to pay for their advertising, but perhaps that money would be better spent on better (and more) service....?

The silver lining here is that this is a great opportunity for improvement. I'm sure that better service and more help would translate into more sales and higher revenue for the post office. Any Post Master listening? I'd definitely like to hear your side of the story.

Happy St Patty's Day!

Happy Saint Patty's Day - and Happy Birthday to my good friend (and aunty to Jackie Kennedy), Patty Yamashiro-Hironaka in Kaneohe Bay, Oahu, Hawaii - sorry we won't get to see you on your birthday this year.

Here's a video of an advertisement that I think is pretty funny. I first saw it on Patrick Byer's Responsible Marketing Blog.

She's A Mixed Up S.O.B.

This video was created by a YouTube user, using a song from the Presidents of the United States of America (possibly my favorite band) - and actually mirrors my views of Billary Clinton. Check it out and let me know what you think. (it may take a minute to load - but it is worth it if you want a laugh). Guess it isn't working - perhaps it is too popular? Here's the link on YouTube. Apparently YT is having a little challenge, perhaps it will be working a little later?

Divorce Can Be Difficult, But Can Be a Very Positive Thing

Going through divorce can be a very hard thing. I am especially fortunate that my ex is a good person and we are amicably working towards a mutually agreeable end. There are still a couple things to work out, but all signs are pointing in the right direction. We have a beautiful and intelligent daughter, who is the priority in both our lives - and that makes all the difference.

One of the best things so far about divorce is that Jackie no longer has to hear me screaming in frustration in her house - and since moving out my frustration levels have dropped tremendously. Unfortunately, she seems to be hearing even more screaming at times from her mother and babushka - I had to witness it tonight and it was heart wrenching. Most of it was in Russian, so I could not understand a lot - but unfortunately for Jackie I think they were taking their frustrations with me out on her. It really hurts me to not be able to do anything to help her in that situation, but I know that they both love her very much and really just want the best for her.

It's taken some time, but I've just recently realized how miserable I've been for some time now. I've been frustrated in so many ways (not just the way you are thinking right now), but am taking positive steps to get happy again. I've got a lot of work ahead of me to improve myself, but for now it feels real good to feel good again.

One of the things that the big D has forced me to do is start really thinking about what I really want out of life - and to realize that I have A LOT of options - and a lot to offer other people. I'm getting closer, but still not to a point where I have it all figured out - guess that never happens for everyone.

Boycott CompUSave in Lynnwood

Not that I have a lot of time on my hands, but when I really like a company, or in this case, when I am wronged by a company, I want to let people know. This particular case is incredibly stupid. I have built 4 pc computers in the last couple of years with parts I have purchased at CompUSave in Lynnwood, WA. I tend to build pretty good machines, so I've spent some money.

A month or so ago I made the drive up to Lynnwood to purchase components for a new pc. While there, I also asked for a stick of RAM to replace one in my mother's Dell computer - and showed them the dead one. It turns out they sold me the wrong one (and are trying to blame it on Dell), so I sent them back the one they sold me for a refund. Yesterday a guy calls up and says that they will only issue store credit - and that they want to charge me a restocking fee of 15%.

I sent them an email telling them that they would be sorry if they don't give me a 100% refund, because I will be filing a complaint with the Better Business Bureau, protesting the credit card charge - and blogging about this experience. Now they are threatening to report me to the police! I should probably talk to their owner and let them know about how their employee is mishandling the situation - but I don't want to spend any more effort on them - and I'm sure they will find out soon enough.

Now this is hardly worth my time - but I want to make sure that it doesn't happen to anyone else. If you are buying a computer or pc parts, my advice is to be sure to Boycott CompUSave.

Does anyone know of a good place to purchase computer parts in Bellevue, the Eastside or anywhere in the greater Seattle area?

Update - this just in: Now they are claiming to be blocking my domain from receiving email. Man, are they whacked!

Wow - these guys pissed me off so much that I almost forgot the silver lining: I never have to drive to Lynnwood to get hosed by CompUSave again.

Little Girl Wants A Pony - You Can Help!

My 4 year old daughter Jackie has loved horses for over two years. She has ridden ponies many times and even more times I have taken her to feed carrots to horses in Bridle Trails. She even has her favorites she feeds regularly - Tiffany and two others she calls White Berry and Blackie.

Tonight she called me and told me that she decided she wants a horse and a place to keep it - for her fifth birthday. I will do anything I can for her - including getting her a horse and place to keep it. My father once told me that when someone really wants something, they should ask for it. Jackie asked - well, she's been asking for two years, but now she is very serious.

I'm sure there are many more of you out there who have shared this story at some point in your life. Here's your chance to make the dream of a little princess come true: You can send contributions in any amount to: Pony for Jackie, PO Box 50262, Bellevue, WA 98015.

Once the dream comes true (on or before her birthday in November), contributors will get pony rides for free.

This may be another hair-brained idea from Hair Farmer Joe, but I am serious - I will do anything I need to help my daughter achieve her dream.

Thank you for any contributions, help, advice or comments you can give.

A Real Angel Needed: The Investment of a Lifetime

Over on the Eastside Business Blog, Kim Condrin writes about the story of Marin Morrison, a young girl battling brain cancer who is working to get to the Olympics!

Marin and her family need a real angel - an individual or corporation that can write a check to allow her to continue her medical treatment, training and travel in order for her to get there.

Please check out Marin's page at: http://www.caringbridge.org/ga/marin/

This is an opportunity of a lifetime for the right person.

This post first appeared at www.TheHairFarmer.com

Today I was at the gym about an hour or so into my workout and a woman was saying something to me. I couldn't hear her with my headphones on, so I took them off and asked her to repeat herself. She told me that she worked in a beauty salon and that she thought I had very beautiful hair.

I should disclose that woman is 87 years old and I have actually known her for over 35 years (although she did not remember me). Yetta Brenner is one of the nicest, kindest people I have ever known. Her family used to own Brenner Brothers Bakery in Bellevue (the current site of Barrier Porsche) and my family would stop in for doughnuts after church (I think that's how my parents convinced us kids to go to church at all). It was nice to see and talk to her again - I think I will be seeing her quite a bit in the future - she's been going to the same gym off Bel-Red Rd, (currently 24 Hour Fitness) for over 25 years and I've recently rejoined.

I did tell her about my hair farming project, but am not sure she understood. I will give her a Hair Farmer card next time I see her so she can check out this site.

Yetta was always very nice to everyone in my family - especially my sister Jen, the baby of the family, who she always made sure got a special cookie. We all remember Yetta as being very kind - and very flamboyant. She has always worn lots of colorful jewelry, clothes and accessories and has not changed that a bit. I realized today how very friendly and outgoing she is. She has many, many friends at the gym and I'm sure everywhere else she goes. She is a very special person, who is very non-judgmental of people - she accepts people as they are.

She did tell me a story which was both very amusing and upsetting at the same time: She ran into an old friend she had not seen in awhile and asked her how she was. "Not too good" her friend replied. Yetta said "I'm sorry to hear that - what is the trouble?" Her 'friend' said "my daughter married a god damn Jew!". Yetta said, "well, you like me, don't you?"

Her 'friend' apparently did not know that Yetta is Jewish. Brenner Brothers Bakery was probably the first and most successful Jewish Bakery and Delicatessen in Bellevue. Gosh Darn, I miss that place - but am glad to have bumped into Yetta again.

Not sure how this fits in with hair farming yet, but I'd be willing to bet that Yetta helps me to recruit some more hair farmers .... Regardless, it was very nice of her to say something about my hair - perhaps it doesn't look as bad as I sometimes feel it does. Maybe I shouldn't be wearing hats all the time ...

Sonics Earn Big Win vs The Crybaby and San Antonio

The Seattle Super Sonics came up big down the stretch tonight vs a less than full strength San Antonio Spurs, to break a team history leading 14 game losing streak. Both Kurt Thomas and Chris Wilcox came up big for the hometeam, each making a couple of baskets in the last couple of minutes.

PJ must be very happy to beat his old team - and I always love to see Timmy "The Crybaby" Duncan lose. He is a great player, but treated far better by the refs than most players.

The Spurs were without both Tony Parker and Brent Barry, but a win is a win and the Supes needed this one.

Sunny Skies and Clear Slopes at Snoqualmie Summit

The last couple of days have made for some great skiing at the Summit at Snoqualmie. Yesterday I went to Alpental and today I was at Central.

It was cold, but the sun did a good job in softening up the snow and there weren't many people there at all. I never waited for a chair.

Today I was very impressed at how the Snow Park was groomed out for all the snow boarders. I was surprised there weren't a lot more people there to tear it up.

Whistler Village from Gondola

The skiing today here at Whistler was really good overall and I'm hoping for some fresh snow in the morning.

View of Whistler Village and Lake Whistler

This is a view down to Whistler Village and Lake Whistler from Blackcomb. It's a little hard to see from the clouds.

More 7th Heaven

Another photo from 7th Heaven. It's really nice to be at the top of the mountain, above the clouds and skiing in the sun ...


skidoodleski, The Hair Farmer, Eastside Business

Hair Farmer Joe in Whistler

This may be the only photo of Hair Farmer Joe on the mountain at Whistler/Blackcomb.

Garibaldi Lift Company Hops in Whistler

Last night I made the rounds of a few of the many night time hotspots here in Whistler. One of my stops was the Garibaldi Lift Company (aka GLC), which featured a live band from Vancouver. It was hopping!

Today I Found 7th Heaven

No new snow today up here at Whistler, but I did find 7th Heaven - on Blackcomb. It was sunny all morning up at the top.

Whistler Village Looking Good

Whistler Village is a great place. It looks really good at night and has a huge number of great pubs and clubs. Nightlife at Whistler is amazing.

Hair Farmer Joe's First Gondola Ride

Today I experienced my first gondola ride - well, rides. Even though there wasn't as much fresh snow as I've been hoping for, the skiing is great and I am very happy with the vertical. It's nice to be able to ski such long runs.