Good Day for the Cougs @ Qwest Field

After a slow and scary start, the WSU Cougs emerged victorious against the San Diego State Sp(a)ztecs. (Someone who went there said that's what they themselves call the team.) The WSU receiving corp & the quarterback were phenomenal once they found their rhythm. In my many years of cursorily keeping track of this team, I have never noticed such a well-coordinated offense. Usually it's the defense saving every one's behind but this time the defense looked um, slightly overwhelmed. Shannon and I lamented that the Jaws theme + the ridiculous vertical clap that has become synonymous with Cougar defense is a confusing message to both the players & fans and should be retired as soon as possible. Anyway, it was a beautiful day in Seattle, perfect temperature and not a cloud in the sky. To kick things off, a six-member Navy SEAL parachute jumping team LANDED on the field. Amazing. More pics of that in the album and this guy barely made it around the roof edge. But these are experts--I'm sure it was not as close as it seemed. Dad secured some excellent seats down low on the 50-yd line. Among other friends of Dad's, Sean & Shannon joined us for their first Coug football game in a long while. They visited WSU West and got some new Coug Gear. They look very stylish just in time for the game and for Fashion Week. The pretzel completes the ensemble, don't you think? And let it be said that the Huskies had a good day yesterday as well, (surprisingly) beating the #22 team Boise State. Since that game ended prior to the start of ours, I can only surmise that this death-wish prone Husky fan strutted through the student section due to sheer boredom and abject stupidity. He attracted a lot of attention as cups, food and other things hurdled toward his head. Overall, a fabulous day all around. Maybe next year we'll make arrangements to do some tailgating since this game brought a bunch of other friends out. So put it on your calendar: Cougar Gridiron Classic 2008 (what they call this annual exhibition game now) is on August 30 versus Oklahoma State. Can't wait! Full album HERE.

Don't Get Chumpatized

Wanna see a movie that will thoroughly entertain and inspire you? Wanna understand what that title means? Go see "King of Kong: Fistful of Quarters." It's likely playing at an art house or independent theater in your area. First of all it's a documentary about guys who play arcade video games for world record titles. Okay, I know that sounds boring and freakishly nerd-tastic. But this is a story of David and Goliath proportions.
What happens when a sensitive, likable family-man dreams of being the best at Donkey Kong but comes up against the calculating mullet-clad defending world champion? A damn good movie, that's what. Don't just take my word for it, critics love it too.

Growing Stuff: It's Not Just For Looks

Our neighbors Ian & Christina were featured by KPLU because they have a "farm" in their Ballard backyard--sans chickens. It's very impressive and with the whole movement of eating local and organic produce, they seem to have found the answer. We were treated to quite an array of beans & other veggies at their recent dinner party. Fabulous! We, on the other hand, will need to keep going to the farmers' market. Because I don't see our patch of yard turning over anytime soon. Though we do have one ridiculously large fennel plant sprung from the area formerly an herb garden for the previous owners. But it's plotting to take over Seattle. We are afraid of it.

Flight of the Conchords Fix

Tonight is the last installment of The Flight of the Conchords Series on HBO. Because we only have basic cable, I have to depend on YouTube or HBO.com to see the episodes. I'm hoping they'll just release it on DVD.
Even if this is the only season of the Flight of the Conchords show, they've shown their versatility and amazing talent at comedy/songwriting. So without further ado, here's some of my recent favorite bits & songs.

Frodo


David Bowie Dream


You're So Beautiful


Not Crying