Olympia Time

History, politics, people of Oly WA

Month: October 2007 (Page 7 of 7)

Stupid Evergreen State College question

October 2, 2007 / / 0 Comments

I can be dense sometimes, so I have no idea whether this guy is serious. I hope not:

What is the deal with feminists…
…pronouncing the work harass like “hair-ess” and not “her-ass”? I mean, I thought it was just my mother and now I am watching a show on The Hertory Channel and I am confused.

From the wikipedia List of words of disputed pronunciation:

The debate is whether stress should occur on the first or second syllable. Most dictionaries list both pronunciations. AHD has this usage note: “Educated usage appears to be evenly divided on the pronunciation of harass. In a recent survey 50 percent of the Usage Panel preferred stressing the first syllable, while 50 percent preferred stressing the second. Curiously, the Panelists’ comments appear to indicate that each side regards itself as an embattled minority.” Even as early as K&K (published 1953) it was noted that the newer pronunciation (1) “appears to be on the increase”. According to LPD, (2) is the traditional educated and RP pronunciation, with (1) being introduced to Britain from America in the 1970s (see Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em); a poll among British speakers cited in LPD revealed 68% for (2) against 32% for (1).

So, obviously this guy would prefer the new version of harass, but is surrounded by women that prefer the older, British version.

Public transporting: Ocean Shores to downtown Seattle

October 2, 2007 / / 0 Comments

You’re in Ocean Shores on a Monday morning, its just after 8:30 in the morning and you’re going to Seattle.

The 50 Bus of Grays Harbor Transite picks you up at 8:35 a.m. and takes you into Aberdeen.

You get into Aberdeen about an hour later and then wait for the bus into Olympia, which leaves at about 11:00. The Aberdeen Library opens at about 10:30 on Monday, so you can get a quick visit there. Pick up a book or something.

You get into Olympia at 1:00 in the afternoon. You can drop off your book from the Aberdeen library at the Olympia Library and then catch the express to Tacoma at 1:30 at the Olympia transit center.

The Olympia Express gets into Tacoma at 10th and Commerce at 2:40 p.m. Quick turn around in the City of Destiny, so you get on a 2:45 bus into Seattle which drops you off at almost 4 p.m. on the north side of downtown Seattle.

Overall seven hours over three different transportation agencies. Eventually I’ll get down to calculating the cost of this trip.

This is my first time doing this sort of thing, so I think there were some kinks in the system. I’m pretty sure I could have saved some time

I’m somewhat curious about how the various schedules of local public transport agencies can work to get you from one place to another in Washington. Specifically I was inspired by the first chapter in Archie Binns’ The Roaring Land, and I’ll explain that later.


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Why is Fred Finn running for the state legislature in the 35th LD?

October 1, 2007 / / 0 Comments

Oh, so glad you asked:

It is now time to bring to bear the experience I have gained in government, nonprofit, military and business, for the benefit of all the citizens of the 35th District. I hope to ensure for the next generation the educational and health care opportunities I have had, to safeguard the precious environment that brought us here and to promote a business climate that provides family wage jobs so that all our children and grandchildren may enjoy this wonderful place.

Read the entire thing, its pretty good. Also at the blog of the 35th LD, read about the man he hopes to replace, Bill Eickmeyer.

How the Huskies are different from the Sonics (or how professional sports should be)

October 1, 2007 / / 0 Comments

There are two discussions going on in Washington about building new sports facilities.

One, we’ve all pretty much heard about. The out-of-town owners of the Sonics have asked for $300 million of public money for a new $400 million arena outside of downtown Seattle. Seems like an impossible request, so now they’re working on packing up the team to some other location.

The other, we’ve just now started hearing about it, and unless you pay very close attention, you probably won’t. The University of Washington athletic department is starting the drum beat for major renovations of Husky Stadium. The cost may rise to around $600 million.

Here’s the irony of the situation. In no way imaginable are the Sonics a public entity, yet they were seeking mostly public money for their venture. The Husky football team can only be considered part of a public entity, yet I’d expect that the renovation of Husky Stadium will be mostly funded through private donations.

While the conversation on funding is only getting started for Husky Stadium, the one list of possible funding sources includes:

Officials aren’t ruling out any method of fundraising, including premium seating, ticket surcharges and possibly even selling corporate naming rights to the stadium.

I’ve also heard the term “passing the hat.” Even though the University of Washington is a public entity, what you aren’t seeing is an automitic expectation of a request for public funds.

The difference being is that the Huskies have hundreds of well-off boosters who under the right circumstances would be willing to donate money to the cause. While the Sonics would need to find investors, people who’d want a return on their money, to find private money for an arena, the Huskies just need people who are willing to donate, the only expectation is winning.

There are answers though:
Sports Stadium Madness: Why It Started, How to Stop It
Tottenham Hotspur Supporters Trust: Funding and Investment
…supporter involvement in clubs is good for clubs as well as fans.

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