Nice Timing, Draining the Blood from Seattle and Gunner of the Month!

So, Tuesday I post a little testimonial to the great work the Washington Dept. of Transportation is doing with us on the SR 167 Highway Project. That evening Proposition 1, which would partially fund that project and 3 million others, goes down in flames at the polls, losing 56% against. Next time, I'll wait until after the election to tout a highway project!

Losing It's Vanilla
In the P-I, reporter Mike Lewis documents the ongoing blandulation (new word alert!) of Seattle. Considering Seattle was pretty darned bland in the first place, that's an achievement. Former Seattle Times writer famously characterized Seattle as "like a quaker town...only without the fun."

The city has lost its oddball manner and its regional distinction, he said, in ways that have muted much of "Live's" local flavor. Former "Live" cast member Nancy Guppy agreed.

"I don't know if it could exist now," she said.

Everything is becoming more homogeneous, with condos stacked on Subways, luxury markets, Pottery Barns. Said Guppy: "I'm not sure who cares about the local thing -- the Seattle thing."

Without all of the neighborhood quirkiness of old, an Almost Live show, were it to be aired today, would have to rely on taking potshots at South County Towns like the F-Dub.

Gunner of the Month!!
While we pine for the Seattle of old, or at least some do, it's time to lift our spirits with our Arsenal player of November, Captain William Gallas. The French international player scored in stoppage time Saturday to earn a thrilling tie for Arsenal against its fiercest rival, Manchester United, to stay top of the table in the English Premiership. Gallas was slowed by injuries last season after his arrival from Chelsea. This season, the versatile defender is gelling with his talented teammates on the backline, forming one of the strongest defensive units Arsenal has had in years.