The Seattle Mariners sure know how to make a fool out of you don't they? Just look at this train wreck of a season. One that hits harder than usual given our raised hopes from all the pre-season chatter by practically everybody saying how great they looked, this could be the year, top contenders for the AL West, on and on and on. So right from the start everyone's getting all pumped up for this fantastic season that has turned out to be nothing short of complete and utter disappointment. And even as the losses piled up week after week, with multiple firings interspersed, I still continued to hold out the tiniest bit of hope that things could somehow turn around for this team (Just for the record, and probably needless to say at this point, I believe in miracles).
During all this I had dinner with some friends from California who are avid Angels fans. Naturally the conversation turned to baseball and although I had little support for my argument in favor of the M's, I persisted, convincing myself I was being a "loyal fan" sticking up for my boys in their time of need! I suddenly realized how utterly ridiculous I sounded. Pathetic even as my friends desperately tried to tell me otherwise.

It felt like I was in some kind of support group where my friends had all gathered to stage an intervention, hoping to wake me from this brainwashed state. Sticking with our theme around here lately, it reminded me of being in a bad relationship and everyone else can see it but you. When things are just getting started you've got high hopes for where this thing could go. You're all warm and fuzzy about the other person, and really think this could be the one! As things progress, he (or she) miserably fails to meet your expectations. Whether it's continued underperformance, or their attitude of  'I just don't give a damn' (ah hem Mariners…). And yet, you stay with him. Make up excuses for him. Defend him. Convince yourself that things will turn around. Much the way I sat at that lunch table defending the Mariners to my friends like a FOOL.

What an embarrassment it has been this season to be a Mariners fan. I have since then woken up to reality, around All Star break time. So for the past month or so I'd worked through it, gotten over the hope for this team. I was ready to pack it in and call it a season…until I spent my weekend in Seattle at the M's game. What a beautiful summer Sunday afternoon! And what better way to spend it than with friends at Safeco Field. Even if they do suck and are the worst team in baseball…still can't be beat for a fun afternoon. And then they go out and actually put together a decent performance! It was all there – the bats were able to come through at the right time, the pitching was consistent and when things got close they didn't back down. Unbelievable. Who was this team?

Next night same thing. The 7^th inning rally against Minnesota that is arguably the highlight of the entire season for this team. Raul Ibanez appears unstoppable, unexpected players step up to the plate and for once you see some excitement out of these guys. Again the next night. Raul gets after it, Lopez comes through with a clutch hit and the team rallies to turn in another noteworthy performance.

Now I'm not saying I'm stupid enough to think they still have time to make a run for the post-season. But I am just foolish enough to believe in the team again. To get excited again. And all it took was three simple games.
A season of 44-and-69, they play decently for a sequence of three games and I'm a believer again. Like I said, a baaad relationship. He throws one lousy apology your direction, flashes that smile at you and just like that you let him back in.

Nobody can make a fool out of you (or maybe it's just me) quite like the Seattle Mariners.

Mark it on the calendar - July 2^nd, 2008. That's the day the Sonics announced they would be leaving Seattle and the day they broke my heart.

We've all had our heart broken at some point.  There is no worse feeling.  You can't eat, you can't sleep. All you really want to do is put on sweats, watch Nick at Night sitcom reruns, cry and think about how it all fell apart (Maybe I've given out a little too much personal info).

My split with the Supes has been the same.  I went through the 5 stages of grief:
Denial – "The Sonics would never leave Seattle for a small market".
Anger – "That Clay Bennett is a &*#$%*^#" !
Bargaining – "After two years at the Key, both cities will get teams".
Depression – "I don't want to go to a Sonics game anymore".
Acceptance – "Welcome back to The Zone. Our top story, the Sonics are moving to Oklahoma City".

One of the worst parts of suffering a broken heart comes from the best of intentions. I'm talking about the sage advice from your friends. Such gems as "there are more fish in the sea", "It's his/her loss", "You're better off without that jerk" and "it's time to get back into the game".  The problem is there are no NBA franchises in the sea (at least not in Seattle), it's my loss, I don't feel better off and there is no game to get back into.

I am 41 years old and the Sonics are….er…..were 41 years old too. We have been forever linked.  I have never loved a sports franchise as much as the Supes, not even close.  Watching, listening  and going to Sonics games as a young kid (yes that is me in the sweet Sonics jersey above about to Nerf dunk) is one of the biggest reasons I got into sports radio. I will always remember exactly where I was when the Sonics won the NBA title in 1979. They even celebrated Sonics day in Seattle that year on my birthday!

So now I am left holding the bag. The Supes cheated on me with Oklahoma City for the past two years and now it's over. I don't care about the 45-to-75 million dollars the City of Seattle may get in the buyout.  I am wary of NBA commissioner David Stern now suddenly saying a renovated Key Arena would be a good home for a future NBA franchise in Seattle. I also am distrustful of our state politicians who no say they are going to come together and work to bring basketball back to the Emerald City. See once you get burned and your heart gets broken you get a little gun shy, especially with those involved in the breaking!

Hopefully this feeling of loss will pass, but I fear it will get a lot worse before it gets better. Seeing Kevin Durant wearing the new Oklahoma City team uniforms and hearing the name of their mascot (I suggest Robber Barons or Crap Weasels) won't help. Neither will hearing Key Arena solicit 3-on-3 slow break league tournaments in the middle of January.  

I wish I had something to write that could put an optimistic spin on this. I can't do it. Honestly, right now I just want to curl up in the fetal position and make this whole situation go away. So forgive me Slick Watts, Tom Burleson, Freddie Brown, Spencer Haywood, Gus Williams, the late Dennis Johnson, Jack Sikma, Xavier McDaniel, Tom Chambers, Nate MacMillan, Shawn Kemp, Sam Perkins, Gary Payton, Luke Ridnour, Rashard Lewis, Ray Allen, Kevin Durant and all the players who wore the green and gold, I need to grieve the loss in the only way I know how.  I'm off to put on my sweats, grab a box of Kleenex, thumb through my old Sonics photo albums and watch "Charles in Charge" for a loooooooooooooong time. It's worked before, I hope it will work again.

    So with the exception of having to take my shoes and belt off and being manhandled through U.S. Marshal security and the chance to see the proud Save Our Sonics supporters wearing Sonics colors in the courtroom, attending the City of Seattle v. Professional Basketball Club, LLC i.e. Sonics trial was very similar to what you would watch on any courtroom TV drama.  Both sides made their arguments sound very convincing, citing data either accumulated by a slew of attorneys, or from a source expert they spent way too much money for.  Below, I've highlighted some interesting notes concerning what I observed in the trial, but if you are really interested in getting down to the details I would check out Seattle P.I.'s sports reporter, Gary Washburn's Sonics Blog: http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/sonics/.

- The City of Seattle requested the Federal District Court to enforce "specific performance" and cited several Washington state court rulings the enabled the court to force conditions of similar lease contracts based that the contracts were complete and binding. 

- Judge Marscha Pechman questioned and made several statements of concern that Bennett will come back after the judgment to complain the City is undermining, or trying to under sell the team.  She wanted assurances that both parties would not be in court again after a ruling.  She essentially wanted them to "get along".

- Interesting note:  Mayor Greg Nickels and Clay Bennett met in July 2007 to discuss the team move.  Nickels was adamant about renovating Key Arena whereas Bennett would not want to discuss other possibilities other than soliciting Nickels' support to work with him on the team move to Oklahoma City.

- The City argued that the balance tips in favor of public interest, and is supported by case law and previous court rulings.  In this case, the City believes the trial favors the community and should therefore be forced to comply with the lease.  Another point brought up, was how the Sonics are considered "unique" and is supported by case law, which in turn should be enforced as "specific performance" as it is dictated by the Washington State Supreme Court.  There is a strong sentimental connection to people in the community and how can they not after being here for 41 years?  There are no back up teams, or any easy way to bring another franchise into Seattle.  It's not like a gas station that can come in to replace another.

-  In response to the City's take on sentimental value, Judge Pechman asked if she could continue to consider this type of value when there is no mention of fans, or its community in the lease.  If she were to enforce the lease, she must look at it as the corporate ownership it is.  I loved the retort on the judge's statement as the City's attorney said the city acts for its citizens, which includes considering this sentimental value.

- After the City closed their testimony and arguments, Bennett's lawyers made the case that there was case law to support remedies that were satisfactorily made in lieu of a breached contract.  This was with no need to enforce "specific performance".

- They continued to state that the City is using this trial to force the Sonic's owners to sell.  I heard a chilling quote from their lawyers, "This team is a business, not an Excel spreadsheet but a living, breathing entity."  How sad.  This is now the reality of sports teams are perceived above the level of us fans.

- There are several other agreements (such as concession and marketing agreements), that will suffer if forced to remain for two more seasons.  No one will want to advertise, spend money, or endorse activities with full knowledge that they will be leaving.  Another point I heard which I must agree with is how the "marriage is broken" and being forced to stay will create operational hardships and struggles. 

All in all both sides presented their cases well and argued strong points for staying and leaving.  It wasn't until the end that I made up my mind in hearing that last three minutes of the City's rebuttal.  I found that the City did a lot of homework and cited many cases and studies whereas Bennett's clan had few.  They took the stance that the City was conspiring against them and referenced Sen. Slade Gorton's actions many times.  At the end of the whole "poisonous well" issue and the famed PowerPoint presentation, I learned that at the end of that presentation it mentioned to "… get the city on board."  I take that to believe that the City was not involved, nor aware of this until it was brought up later in court.

Judge Pechman ended with the great anti-climax… "Is there anything else?"  With that both sides nodded "no" and she said there was much to think about and much to review.  Her decision will be posted and made available right here on www.kpug1170.com next Wednesday at 4:00pm.

I left the 18^th floor chuckling to myself about the ending quote presented by the City's attorneys taken from none other than Clay Bennett himself….

"The Sonics and the Storm are synonymous with Seattle…"  

...so now it's my turn.
Shall we power through the Top-14 in Thursday's NBA Draft?  Here goes:

1)  Bulls select Derrick Rose, PG, Memphis.  The worst-kept secret in the league.
2)  Heat select Michael Beasley, PF, Kansas St.  If I had any guts I'd put O.J. Mayo here.  But I don't.
3)  Timberwolves select O.J. Mayo, G, USC.  Talent makes the off-court drama worthwhile.
4)  SONICS select Russell Westbrook, PG, UCLA.  They've reportedly fallen in love with him.
5)  Grizzlies select Kevin Love, PF, UCLA.  Admittedly following the rumor mill with this one.
6)  Knicks select Jerryd Bayless, PG, Arizona.  Knick fans shouldn't boo this pick.
7)  Clippers select Eric Gordon, G, Indiana.  Is he an undersized 2-guard or a big point guard?
8)  Bucks select Joe Alexander, F, West Virginia.  Sounds like they've locked onto him at pick 8.
9)  Bobcats select Robin Lopez, C, Stanford.  He's the Lopez brother with the SHORTER hair.
10) Nets select Danilo Gallinari, F, Italy.  This year's Best European Guy available.
11) Pacers select D.J. Augustin, PG, Texas.  Only 5-11 but a true point guard.
12) Kings select Anthony Randolph, PF, LSU.  A new best friend for Spencer Hawes.
13) Blazers select Mario Chalmers, G, Kansas.  Made himself millions in the national title game.
14) Warriors select Donte Greene, PF, Syracuse.  Good young big guy with potential.

BONUS PICK...at #24 I want the Sonics to get Ryan Anderson from Cal.  Keep it in mind.

Hey Zoneheads!

Well, I haven't yet had the opportunity to introduce myself to most of you, although I'm sure by now you are wondering who the hell that new voice is butchering the newscasts and asking for your name when you call in during The Zone.

I'm Chris, the new, updated Producer 2.0!  Basically, my job is to make sure that Doug and Mark have everything they need to run their spectacular Show everyday with guests and show prep.  As most new jobs are, there can be a learning curve... so I appreciate your patience.  I'm fairly green to radio broadcasting, but dabbled for some years in the film, commercial, and print industries in Seattle and Los Angeles (oh yea, and throw in being a police officer for some of that time).  All these great experiences have helped me develop the skills needed for this demanding job... and let me tell ya, Doug is "cracking that whip" :)  So far I am loving getting to know all of you loyal listeners, and working for The Sports Leader.  Stay tuned, 'cause we have some great stuff planned for KPUG that'll make us bigger, better, and bolder than ever!

If you happen to be at the Bellingham Bulldogs game this Saturday (May 24th), I'll be hosting the pre-game tailgate party with a KPUG regular, Don Kurtis.  See ya out there!

/Chris

It's been a while since I've weighed in so here goes another diatribe.

NCAA - Let's begin with the recently completed NCAA tournament.  I totally bombed on my picks, with Georgetown and Stanford taking early exits and North Carolina and UCLA getting upset in the Final Four round.  Despite all that I was happy with the outcome of the championship game.

I'm not a big Kansas guy, but at least that snake oil salesman John Calipari didn't take home the trophy.  How's that free throw shooting now coach?????  How about a timeout and a foul at the end of regulation?  Kansas played smarter down the stretch, got an amazing shot at the end and had a deeper team for overtime.

Now that it's over for Memphis, one question remains: How good would Derrick Rose look in a Seattle Sonics uniform?

Sonics – Speaking of over, with another air-ball from the state legislature the Sonics appear to be out of options.  I'd like to thank the Governor and our other political leaders for looking a gift horse in the mouth and not doing a damn thing.  Way to not represent the people that put you in office.  Karma's a funny thing though; hopefully that lack of representation will result in those same people putting you out of office.  Its' sad when our leaders forget how they got there.

In a similar vein, shame on you Clay Bennett.  What you have put the average Sonics fan through since purchasing the Supes is despicable.  Bogus upfront claims, severing ties to the rich history of the franchise and gutting the current team has left even the most ardent Sonics supporter in a state of shock.  A non-responsive owner, crappy coach and sub-par players have made this year an embarrassment. Not just to Seattle, but to the NBA. Congratulations David Stern, you're right this game is FANTASTIC!

Owning a sport franchise is a public trust (words made famous by the ultimate Sonic criminal – Mr. Starbucks himself – Howard Schultz).  With at least two failing NBA franchises up for sale (Memphis & New Orleans) with no real NBA history, couldn't you target them instead of us.  Saying its' "just business" doesn't make it right and quite often the ends don't justify the means.  If the Bennett led Sonics had actually dealt in good faith with the state and city over the duration of the 3-year lease I would feel totally different. If they couldn't work out a fair deal at that point, then a move to Oklahoma City or Timbuktu would seem appropriate.   

Good Luck Slade and the City of Seattle in the lawsuit with the Supes. Go buy us two more years to try and get out of this wretched mess Sonics fans find themselves in now.  

Good sports news – Enough doom and gloom, there were some positives recently.  Tony Bennett is staying put at WSU.  Life in Pullman is looking up and can only get better with the boy wonder remaining at the helm.

Playoff hockey is here and the NBA post season is right around the corner.  Even without the Canucks (nice choke job boys) playoff hockey rocks!  Every game seems to go down to the wire so grab a Molson and enjoy.  As for the NBA, the Western Conference playoffs are going to be a war with the winner getting Ray Allen and the Celtics as a reward.  How good does Shaq and the Suns against Kobe and Lakers sound for a conference final!?!   

Mariner baseball is back! Ichiro adjusting everything at the plate, Beltre flashing that gold glove, Felix toying with hitters and Sexson whiffing time and time again, even with snow on opening day it's great to have the M's back.

And finally…only 5 more months until the NFL is back.  That one speaks for itself…time to get ready for the draft!

Although the NCAA tourney is just beginning, it's been four days since my own March Madness has come to a close. And what an emotional roller coaster it was! As I reflect on the past few months I can assure you nothing you do can prepare you for the utter chaos that ensues with the high school basketball season. Being my rookie year in the broadcast world, the rest of the crew joked with me all season long, taking great amusement in the various emotional states I passed during my journey.

The first (and most obvious if you ever listened to my first few games), was the nervousness! I was not prepared for what I would feel as I walked into the different high school gyms in Whatcom County that I played in just five years ago. It's hard to explain but I suddenly felt like an old, has-been athlete who used to play high school basketball "back in the day..." A very unsettling feeling. But one look at the girls huddled together as they head to the locker rooms to get ready and I felt like I, too should be headed to the trainer's room to get my ankle taped up before game time. Instead, I lugged the bags of broadcasting equipment up the bleachers to get set-up for a new kind of pre-game.

Once I got over the nervousness, which took an unbelievably frustrating long time, I finally reached a point where I could anticipate games without being anxious for the game. Not to say I was completely nerve-free, far from it. As dorky as it sounds I am almost more emotionally involved with the teams now than when I actually took up an active roster spot. I said almost. This, too brought on some great jokes from family and co-workers who thought it necessary on "game days" to remind me, "hey Jenn, you realize you aren't actually playing in the game tonight, right?" I laughed, but the reminders may not have been completely unnecessary :)

The hours are horrendous and the traveling here, there and everywhere sure wears on you as the broadcast scheduling is done in addition to our real jobs. But once the headphones go on and you see one of the local teams run out on the court, the exhaustion is replaced by joy and excitement to be part of the prep hoops world.

What a season for Whatcom County! I felt great pride and pleasure in watching the local basketball teams and their many successes this year. Two of the most memorable experiences for me were watching the Ferndale girls battle Meadowdale for the 3A District Title, and the Squalicum boys handle Seattle Prep for 3rd place in the 3A State Tournament. From a broadcasting standpoint I feel very fortunate to have been a part of that as both teams made history with those wins. I thank all the local teams for their hard work that allowed us to follow along and call their games. I thank the listeners for their patience and the KPUG broadcast & producer crew for their encouragement as I blindly jumped right in to this new arena. What a wonderful way to stay involved with a game I absolutely love.

Insomnia can lead to many things.  Tonight/this morning it wil lead to a random blog. I expect it to be quite rambling and that it will generate the usual "bash Doug" replies, so here goes!

"King of The Zone"  - Jack Duran won the title in 2006 at The Zone 10th Anniversary party.  Yankee Jim has called Jack out as a paper champion and has launched the "Yankee Jim Hard Times Tour" in a quest to get the crown.  The smack talk has been outstanding. Not only have Jim and Jack been in rare form, but other competitors have launched missives. We've heard from Stu-brah, Ken the Zone-aholic, Zonehead Brad, Chris and his Sumas write in campaign and many more. 

The question I have is this: How do we settle this issue?  I need to restore order to the Zoneworld (right next to Adventure Land at Disney by the way..).  Do I plan a "Dirty Dozen" Zone bash celebrating the 12th anniversary of the BIG SHOW and have the showdown for a new KING?  Or is this better than Hillary, McCain and Obama put together and we let the candidates vie for the Zone White House in November?  Should we have an olympic style competition in honor of the summer games this year in Beijing?  So many questions, so few answers.  Help me out here. Shoot back a comment. How should this "King of he Zone" situation be resolved?  All suggestions will be accepted and some will be ridiculed on the air (this isn't a "brain storming" session and yes there are dumb questions and comments).  By the way the Yankee Jim tour shirts are now available for purchase with proceeds going to the KPUG Sports Santa fund.  If your interested click here to get the e-bay purchase site.

On to other unimportant things....

Super Bowl 42 - Can't root for the Pats for so many reasons.  History, schmistory, there has already been an undefeated "perfect season" team in the NFL. Congrats 1972 Dolphins....again!  Belichick is just not an enjoyable coach.  From spygate to his robotic, anti-social press conferences it's a pain to watch this man in action.  Plus the hoodie belongs on your teenage sister at the mall not on the NFL sidelines coach.  In the imortal words of Barnibus Stinson - "suit up".   Finally there is the Tom Brady factor. Can't dislike him, he's too good and seemingly too nice.  It's the lifetime long winning streak that kills me.  He's been on a streak longer than Ray Stevens (the most dated reference I think I've ever made...just awful).  3 Super Bowl rings, matinee good looks and knocking up super models right and left, it's time karma kicked Mr. Brady in the butt!  Giants 27 Patriots 24!

Beer Pong (known as Ping Pong Beer in some circles) - Worst game ever! The hard part is you must be drunk enough to think you can play, but not too drunk so you end up throwing like Steve Sax or Rick Ankiel. Good luck finding that middle ground as the balls keep landing in your cups while you're distracted by the lovely ladies intent on kicking your ass and then telling the world about it!  Worst of all though is the addictive nature of this game from hell.  Say it with me, "One more game wont hurt....I think I've got it down now....Did we just lose again....I think I'm gonna hurl".  Stupid game! (poor sportsmanship is allowed in Beer Pong. Just check the official olympic rule book).

Random Thoughts
Great movie:  Check out "Gone Baby Gone".  Totally creepy for the first 45 minutes, but some great twists follow and there is a delicious moral dilemna at the end that really makes you wonder.

Getting Married: 06-07-08...save the date. Need I say more?!?

Writers strike:  Solve it now! We need our sitcoms and dramas on the boob tube pronto.  If I have to watch another "So you think you can dance like a survivor of a great race against big brother to win an american idol" show again I'm gonna hurl (...oops that was the beer pong again).  I'm jonesing for the return of a  good laugh track, a misunderstanding with hilarity ensuing and a happy ending all wrapped up in 21 minutes. God I'd even watch the return of "Cop Rock" right about now!

Resolutions: So far so good!  Take more pictures....check (just go to our photo gallery for proof).  Do "less with more"..too early to tell if my invented  useless work catch phrase will stick, but I'm getting it out there! Less hugs in 2008 (the less friendly campaign) ..totally failed on this one.  I just gotta press the flesh. I'm a hugger people and I don't care who knows it!!!  Finally, make more mix-tapes for everybody.  This one is a work in progress. Got a great deal on cassettes (why are these so cheap everywhere...suckers!), now I'm working on tape 1.  "Spring Fling" should be in your boom box by April!

Final Word - 2008 has started with some real promise.  Change is afoot and that's good. I won't go into any details for fear of messing things up, but lets hope for a nice run of good luck for yours truly this year.  Not gonna jinx anything with any big requests...but I sure would like to sleep at some point in 2008.....zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz!  

 I haven't blogged in quite some time and after the reaction I got from my "wide open movie" entry  I'm surprised I'm back for more abuse.  I don't have any one particular topic to rant about.  It's more like I have a bunch of weird non-connected, brain droppings that I need to share.

Football.  The Vikings, Cougars and Huskies have all had sub-par seasons, but the most disappointing football team in the northwest has to be the Seahawks.  They can't run the ball, can't beat teams like the Cardinals or the Browns and don't seem to have the same fire they had in their Super Bowl XL season.  I'm not an NFL coach (yet), but it seems to me that it's time for grumpy Mike Holmgren to come back. The kinder, gentler coach act the past 2 years doesn't work.  In fact the whole squad needs to get back the snarl. I love Matt Hasselbeck, but don't tell me "we're improving, we are a better team than when we beat the Rams", the day after you lose to Cleveland.  Say "we stunk in the 4^th quarter. I'm ticked off and we need a kick in the a@# right now to start winning.

South Dakota:  Yes, you heard correct. I have been to SD twice in the last 3 weeks.  Now before you envy my jet set life and ask for the phone number of my travel agent, realize the trips were work related.  I have taken some shots at South Dakota on the air, but I'm here to help you, should you ever have….er…get  to go to coyote country.  3 things you must bring with you:  a gun (hunter or not), thermal underwear (poop flap or not) and a hearty tolerance for Jaegger-bombs (spelled correctly or not).   Seriously, if you go, make sure to hit Carey's in Vermillion and Buck's in Sioux Falls. And if you happen to run into a guy named "Big Al" with the best John Deere dealership in town, don't ask questions just get ready to party it up.

Air Travel: United Airlines charges for extra leg room seats including the exit row. So in essence you get an opportunity to pay more money for the opportunity to save your fellow passengers from a certain death in the event of a catastrophe.  Attention stews everywhere, if you continue to charge for these seats, I will say whatever you need to hear from me during the safety training session, but beware when we have that water landing.  Not only will I be first out the door and down the slip and slide, I will make sure to lock the door behind me. Now give me some free legroom.

Current random likes:  Music- Fiest (the 1, 2, 3, 4 gal from the ipod commercials).  Literature – The Abstinence Teacher by Tom Perrotta.  TV-The  Sarah Silverman Show and Californication. 

Current random dislikes:  Movies- We Own the Night (crappy ending ruins an ok flick), Sports - talking about the New England Patriots. Beverage – Extreme soda (like Pepsi Max and fortified Diet Coke- isn't this all just Jolt Cola from back in the day?).

And finally Halloween: Best holiday ever! Put a mask on any and everybody and they let their guard down and have fun.  How much better would an uptight holiday like Thanksgiving be, if we all dressed like the pilgrims for the day? But be warned costume fans, there's a reason why Elvis died early and I think it's those damn tight jumpsuits.  Form fitting yes, form friendly no and there's no place to put your trick-or-treat candy.

Thank you very much….Elvis has left the building!

You've probably heard us talk about being "wide open" during Movie Preview Friday in The Zone before. It's not super secret code. It just means you have the weekend free with no possibility of a date for a movie.  That combined with my recent leper like existence with the opposite sex has forced me to clarify the proper way to hit a movie solo.

I've never had a problem with the movie for one.  At times I rather enjoy it.  Sometimes it's a great escape, but unless you want to bring pad and paper and pretend you're reviewing the most recent Hollywood release for the local rag, you have to know the tricks of the solo.  

First, arrive just before the movie begins and ask the ticket seller if it has already started.  Your single ticket purchase will look less lonely if it seems like you're just running late and meeting someone inside the theatre.   Get yourself a big enough popcorn and soda, one that could be shared by two.  You know the truth, but the only person worse off then you going by yourself to a movie is Billy, the pimply faced teenager behind the counter.  So who cares?

Hopefully the theatre is dark when you get inside.  Do not go for the back row. It's too pathetic and then you're just a raincoat away from being "creepy guy".  He's better suited for an adult movie house.   Grab an aisle seat (it will come in handy later) and use your jacket to claim the seat next to you.  You don't need it, but the personal space alone is worth the move.  If you must kill time before the trailers start, I suggest a circuit of moves.  Cell phone checking, re-checking and silencing is a good start. Snack food arrangement and eating as if you're just back from a deserted island is also a good time killer. If time starts to drag and you're feeling a little desperate you can always go for the watch check and faking the "I guess she couldn't get off work in time to meet me" move. 

You're on safe ground once the celluloid rolls.  For whatever reason as soon as a movie hits the screen, we stop worrying about our surroundings.  We un-wrap candy boxes like its' Christmas morning. We dive into that popcorn bin two hands at a time. Some of us even break out the cell phone for a quick high volume movie review for our friends.  "Yeah I'm at a movie……can you hear me…….Chris Tucker is hilarious…..you should see it.  See, he's a cop who's working with Jac…….blah, blah, blah".  How did this guy get a date to this flick?  

The big key is the exit.  2 plans work here.  Number 1- The Carl Lewis plan:  You want to hit the street before those seated in front have time to walk past you to the exit.  Having to see those looks of pity, the shameful glances that scream out "You are by yourself and all of us couples have noticed" is no way to go. This is a sad walk.  The morning after walk of shame and the perp walk are worse, but at least with those you either had sex or are preoccupied with the thought of having jailhouse sex soon.  You need to be in the cold night air before the credits roll. If you just have to know who played "pimp number 2", must get the identity of the gaffer or think the Burt Reynolds bloopers and outtakes at the end are funny (they aren't) this plan is not for you.

Plan number 2 – Introspective goodbye:  You will need to develop your stare down. When that movie ends you must make it look like the Dead Sea Scrolls are flashing on the screen.  You are so intent on finding out if the "shop owner" was indeed veteran character actor Charles Durning you don't even notice the sea of people walking two-by-two past you.  This will also help if you are going for the whole "art house, pretentious, I am smart in my tweed jacket with the elbow patches" kind of look.  Be warned, this look also guarantees more solo movie opportunities in the future.    

I think the fact that I referenced Burt Reynolds, Chris Tucker and Charles Durning lets you know what plan I use.  See you at the movies (hopefully not). 

     The Bellingham High School Class of '87 20-year reunion was held over the weekend, and they put our senior pictures on our name tags.  There's a 17-year old Scholten, but I can't take the blame for the baby blue shirt.  I let my mom choose what I should wear that day so it's her fault.  But as far as the hair goes, I remember distinctly being happy with the way it looked at this photo shoot so that one's on me.

     As for the reunion, it was VERY cool.  It started with the traditional Friday night gathering at a local watering hole for a couple cold ones.  In typical Class of '87 fashion the word didn't get out to everybody that it was happening so we only had about 40 or 50 there but it was a fun group.  The cheerleaders are still hot.  The cool guys are still cool.  Several of us went all the way back to Birchwood Elementary School together and swapped stories dating back to kindergarten and first grade.

     Saturday night was the actual reunion at the Country Club.  Attendance was much better. There was a social hour followed by a class picture to start.  We all gathered on the 1st tee box, looked up to the photographer on the deck, and smiled pretty. After dinner there were some awards given out.  I thought I had a good shot at winning "shortest distance travelled" but there was a girl who lived like a block away.  Dang. 

     Then there  was a film presentation with plenty of good pictures and video from our high school days.  I was only in one picture - it was a group shot of a bunch of us fans after we had just beaten Sehome in basketball in double overtime on their home floor.  Good memory. 

     Then it was off to the dance floor till the wee small hours.  Plenty of '80s radio hits and hair metal favorites.  And yes I did go out and shake my money maker.  There were a lot of pictures taken that I hope don't emerge until the 30-year reunion.

     A couple random observations...we actually had a "flash" happen during the awards.  The girl who beat me out for shortest distance travelled lifted her shirt to the crowd.  True story.  (Just a bra flash, by the way). I was also beaten out in another unofficial category, namely Coolest Job.  Your little Radio Boy here would've ranked right up there but not #1.  We had a documentary filmmaker who lives in the Phillipines.  Tough to beat that. 

     And yes, even at age 38, I was still intimidated by the group of hot girls.  I wasn't cool enough to talk to them back then and precious little has changed. 

     Maybe in another 10 years.

Growing up is overrated.

Sure, you get to run around and do what you want without your parents anywhere telling you what to do, no homework, tests to study for, anything like that. But I have found that the exhilarating thrill of gaining your freedom comes with unwanted responsibilities. They cloud over your life and soon make you wonder why the hell you so desperately wanted to be a part of this thing called the "real world."

Maybe it's the season. The summer sun has arrived sending everyone into a frenzy, desperately trying to make the most of the nice weather because as we all know, it doesn't last long here in Bellingham. Maybe it's just the season of my life. I just graduated from college, moved away from all my friends and am now working my first full time job. Or maybe it's the deadly combination of them both that has sent me into this funk that I just can't shake.

I had the time of my life in college, but still when it came down to the end even I couldn't wait to get out of there and join the "real world!" It all seemed so great - finally free from grouchy, high & mighty professors, pesky roommates and time-wasting homework. I could finally live on my own, work and actually bring in some money, and spend my free time doing whatever I wanted! Ya!

...So wait. When is free time? You mean naps aren't a regularly scheduled part of the work day? Bills? No more student discounts? Ouch.

I was having lunch with my mom on my parent's deck the other day contemplating all this as I looked over at the neighbors. Three kids somewhere between the ages of 8 and 12 (I'm terrible with age) were outside playing. The older brother chased the two girls around spraying them with the hose. He soaked one of the girls and she wailed like it was the end of the world.

Ordinarily the screaming child would have irritated my short fuse but not this time. I smiled and wished so badly that I was that little girl, that my biggest worry was being splashed with water when I didn't want to be.

I blame my head-on collision with reality for these recent longings for all things associated with my childhood. Everytime I see kids walking down the street or playing in the yard, I am overcome with envy.

I would do anything to have my childhood summers back. To wake up and not feel tired. Set out to morning swim practice, then off to basketball camp for 3-4 hours. Only to come home, grab dinner (all readily prepared by mom of course) and splash around in some plastic 3 foot deep pool in the backyard before heading out the door again to my evening softball game.

So you see I'm not lazy. It's not that I want to lay around all day, not work and do nothing. It's just...where's the free time? The endless energy? Ready-made meals when I get home? It appears all of the above are a thing of the past...

Welcome to the real world!! Isn't this fun?!

                  
                    (Future Sonic Kevin Durant meeting the media in NYC - Jay Allen KXL)

For those that want to keep tabs on KPUG.  Here is The Zone 2007 Mock Draft (lottery selections only).  Remember this mock draft was created on 6/26/07 without considering trade possibilities.  I think we are right on the money. If there are any mistakes, those were Scholten's selections.

1. Portland - Greg Oden, Ohio State - Center 
2. Seattle - Kevin Durant , Texas - Forward (wahoo!)
3. Atlanta - Al Horford, Florida - Forward
4. Memphis - Mike Conley Jr., Ohio State - Guard
5. Boston - Yi Jianlian, China - Forward  
6. Milwaukee - Cory Brewer, Florida - Forward
7. Minnesota - Brandan Wright, North Carolina - Forward
8. Charlotte - Jeff Green, Georgetown - Forward
9. Chicago - Joakim Noah, Florida - Forward
10. Sacramento - Spencer Hawes, Washington - Center
11. Atlanta - Acie Law, Texas A&M - Guard
12. Philadelphia - Al Thornton, Florida State - Forward
13. New Orleans - Rodney Stuckey, Eastern Washington - Guard
14. L.A. Clippers - Nick Young, USC - Guard

Make sure to check out KPUG's draft coverage today beginning at 3pm.  

Birthdays are funny. When you're a kid each of them seems huge. There are big parties and surprise presents. My mom went to great lengths to make them a ton of fun.  Once you get older though, birthdays become a little more pedestrian.  The focus switches to milestone birthdays (i.e. old enough to drive, be considered an adult, drink etc.).   After that they just become a decade marker (look who's turning 30, 40, 50 etc..) complete with black balloons and terrible "you're old" jokes.

I am not a birthday guy.  Here's why:

Milestone birthdays: When I turned 16, I celebrated by flunking my driving test the next day and was forced to wait for three car-less weeks to finally get my driver's license.  At 18, I became an adult….Wahoo! The big thing associated with that age is the ability to write notes that get you out of attending high school. Since the next day was graduation from good old Edmonds High, It didn't seem like such a good idea (considering how surprised I was to be getting a diploma at all).  My 21-run flopped as well. We had to put my 13-year old dog to sleep that day.  Needless to say, it wasn't a rip-roaring good time.  Don't even ask about my 35^th birthday. I finally was eligible to become president.  In the name of William Howard Taft, do you see me in the oval office?  I don't think so.

Since then I've had birthdays just like everyone else.  Good, bad and all places in between. The best was a decade ago.  I was truly surprised by the party itself. I was surrounded by loads of friends and family.  Best of all though, was the feeling of opportunity and excitement for what was ahead (The only down side to 30 was Scholten blowing off the party to play softball…but I'm over it now….the big jerk!). That was then, this is now.

You've probably heard the popular saying "forty is the new thirty".  It refers to aging and since today is my 40th birthday I thought I'd clear up that myth right now.  While it sounds good (and the phrase is usually associated with women) it does not apply here. I don't feel, look or act like I'm 30.  I creak when I wake up in the morning, it takes way too long to recover from a softball double-header these days and opportunity and excitement are on hiatus right now.  Sorry Hollywood and Madison Avenue….forty is the new fifty!

I don't want this to be a downer and I've always been described as a "glass half-full" guy (or was it "glass half full of bile and venom" guy?) so I'm trying to look at the upside.  I've changed my position on Roger Clemens, am rooting for the proposed Scottie Pippen comeback and have a new appreciation for NFL kicker Morten Anderson.  Us fabulous at forty guys gotta stick together! 

I'm not looking for sympathy from you youngsters or any of those "you're just a kid" stories from those older than me. I'm just looking for a little help around the bases tonight, 40 spankings from a scantily clad "dancer" and that Back to the Future time machine.

It was a spring day in 2002 when I first heard the Zone on KPUG. I had just started a new job as News Director at KPUG'S sister station KGMI. I became very nervous - I thought to myself – 'if this is the kind of quality that's expected of broadcasters in this market, I could be in real trouble.' I also thought – 'man I would love to be able to work at that station someday.'

In December of 1992, I started broadcast school. I wanted to be either a famous morning D.J. or a sports broadcaster. After a few years in the radio business I realized that achieving my dream was going to be more difficult than I had anticipated. After I got married, a news position opened up at my hometown radio station – I took it and the rest is history.

I was able to do a little bit of sports broadcasting over the years, including a Sunday evening talk show from a tavern (I got paid with beer – really – I'm not lying!) But, I never thought I would have an opportunity to work at a "real" sports radio station.

I had been at KGMI for a little more than a year when my wife and I decided to buy a house, even though we couldn't quite afford the renovations it required. I was looking for ways to make a little extra money when Doug Lange offered me a part-time job at KPUG.  I jumped at the opportunity.

In the three years I've worked at KPUG I've witnessed the station grow into more than just a great sports station; it's become a community sports station for Whatcom County.  I'm proud to say that I helped plan and put on things like the Chuck & Duck Dodge Ball Tournament, The Zone 10^th Birthday Party, and Sports Santa. Seeing those events succeed was as fulfilling as winning the Marconi and Murrow awards at KGMI.

New commitments at KGMI are forcing me to leave KPUG. I'll still listen to the station daily and possibly fill-in from time to time, but I won't be here every weekend. I'll miss the other weekend people  – Brian, Alden, Rob, Jessica, and Annie. I'll miss the games and events, but mostly, I'll miss being a part of KPUG – the station that made my dream come true.