Blogroll

May 8 – Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Jay Inslee spent today in Spokane reminding Eastern Washington voters that he’s the only candidate with political and professional experience on both sides of the state’s Cascade Curtain.

“Every race needs one candidate who knows how to buck hay,” Inslee joked during a break at Chairs Coffee in north Spokane, explaining that he grew hay on part of his property while living and working in the Yakima area for nearly 20 years.

It’s both a figurative and literal description of what Inslee is bringing to a tough race pitting him against Attorney General Rob McKenna, a Republican with two successful statewide campaigns under his belt.

May 7 – On a day like this, it feels like summer is quickly approaching and I can’t think of a better way to start the season than Summer Parkways, which kicks off on June 3. The idea is based off ciclovías – Spanish for “cycle way” or “bike path” – an event in Bogotá where 70 miles of streets close for automobiles and open for people-powered transit on Sundays.

Summer Parkways involves the closure of Spokane streets to vehicular traffic for a portion of a day in favor of walking, bicycling, rolling and other non-motorized forms of transportation. It connects neighborhoods and people: Walkers, runners, bikers, seniors, adults and children can enjoy car-free streets filled with a variety of activities along the route. And it’s all free.

Mark your calendars: Sunday, June 3, noon-3 p.m. in the Chief Garry/Logan Neighborhood; Wednesday, June 20, 6-9 p.m. in the Comstock/Manito Neighborhood.

May 10 – Sometimes it’s good to be open about your emotions.

And there’s certainly nothing inherently wrong with crying.

But I’m told there’s a woman employed at a Spokane TV station who likes to get on Twitter and report that she has been reduced to tears by this or that television show.

Apparently this happens to her a lot.

Fine. But reportedly she is unaware that the present participle she seeks is “bawling,” not a verb that sounds like that but is spelled differently and is burdened with a vulgar slang meaning.

But who knows. Maybe she is saying exactly what she means and these ribald romps are how she processes feelings.

Whatever gets you through the night.