Slog
News & ArtsFriday, January 7, 2011
Politics Is Will in Seattle About to Lose His Power Base?
Posted by Eli Sanders on Fri, Jan 7, 2011 at 4:42 PM
- Will in Seattle: In political trouble?
Will in Seattle, aka Will Affleck-Asch, is not just one of Slog's most prolific commenters. He's also (by his own account) a player at all levels of politics in this state and (indisputably) a member of the executive board of the 43rd District Democrats, where he serves as—put on your wonk spelunking helmet—a board representative to the King County Democratic Central Committee.
For now.
On Jan. 18, the 43rd District Dems will be reorganizing their board via a vote of the district's precinct committee officers, and Will in Seattle will be facing a challenge for his board seat—his political power base—from another prolific Slog commenter, michaelp. (Aka Michael Maddux, 29, the current vice chair for events for the 43rd.)
"Will has been there for a while," Maddux said, explaining his decision to try to take Affleck-Asch's seat on the board. "And I do believe that when it comes to moving forward within the party, it's imperative to have new ideas, new people in various leadership positions... I think it is also a good idea that they represent the district itself. We have the youngest district and the gayest district in the state of Washington, and so having a young homosexual, I think, would be a good fit."
- michaelp: The change the 43rd needs?
What's wrong with Affleck-Asch's leadership on the board?
"Generally what people say is that they think the 43rd District could be much better represented," Maddux told me. "There's a sense that Will's approach to things is counterproductive to actually achieving the goals that are necessary. Some of the people that I talk to have indicated that they believe that Will's method—the hard left way or no way at all, and his unwillingness to compromise—is counterproductive."
Will in Seattle has not yet responded to an e-mailed request for comment on these charges, but I'll do a post as soon as he gets back to me about this defining political contest of our time.
"I believe that the position should be more than just showing up to meetings," Maddux continued. "If we're really going to be the Fighting 43rd we need to not just go to meetings, but also work with other districts to pass platform positions, policy positions, and resolutions... I've been working on get out the vote efforts for our candidates the last two years. I'm unsure what Will has been doing to get his feet on the ground, other than commenting on Slog."
4
Guess he won't be needing that underwear, gus...and just a wee little bit snarky, that alone would get him my vote, you know, if I lived in Seattle...
5
What? What? What? Will actually was involved in politics somehow? I thought he was just some internet blowhard with poor social skills like me, but dumber.
8
I'd like to endorse Fnarf for the (alt) position.
Sadly, only elected PCOs get to vote in this race.
And if you think that's my power base, you're sadly mistaken, no matter how misinformed michaelp and others might be.
Sadly, only elected PCOs get to vote in this race.
And if you think that's my power base, you're sadly mistaken, no matter how misinformed michaelp and others might be.
12
fnarf, this is defintely your moment. Where are you? This post has been up for more than 20 minutes.
13
Um, I haven't been commenting on Slog for a few weeks because of work insanity and the holidays... but... this is seriously 17 kinds of awesome.
AND for whatever reason, the fact that WiS holds that position in the party makes him make so much more sense to me.
AND for whatever reason, the fact that WiS holds that position in the party makes him make so much more sense to me.
14
Too right, Canuck. I love how he tries to poke awake the district's hard left by reminding them Will claims their values every chance he gets.
15
@ 11: I sent this email today to both candidates:
Mr. Maddux replied that next week would work for him. I have yet to hear back from Mr. Affleck-Asch.
@8: If you're reading this, please reply to my email. We intend to issue an endorsement next week and we want a full airing of all the important issues in this race before ballots are cast.
As you are both running for a seat on the 43rd District Dems executive board and we're considering our endorsement in the race, we'd like to have you appear in person before the Stranger Election Control Board.
Mr. Maddux replied that next week would work for him. I have yet to hear back from Mr. Affleck-Asch.
@8: If you're reading this, please reply to my email. We intend to issue an endorsement next week and we want a full airing of all the important issues in this race before ballots are cast.
16
@11 - yes! Interviews, endorsements... oh my. This is striking me as hilarious right now for a variety of reasons. Thank you Slog!
18
I'm pretty wonky, but michaelp blew me away with his political knowledge a few slog happies ago. Don't forget he won the Murray/Rossi prediction spread here on slog.
20
@9 and 19: Um. Will, I would still love to talk to you and hear more about your re-election campaign and your platform.
Meantime, I just want to show you the time stamp that I have on the e-mail I sent you today. It's not 5 p.m.
It's 2:45 p.m., about two hours before this post went up.
Looking forward to speaking with you.
Meantime, I just want to show you the time stamp that I have on the e-mail I sent you today. It's not 5 p.m.
It's 2:45 p.m., about two hours before this post went up.
From: Eli Sanders
Date: January 7, 2011 2:24:45 PM PST
To: willXXXXXXXXX@XXXX.com
Subject: 43rd Dems Re-org
Hey Will,
Hear you're being challenged for the KCDCC Rep position in the upcoming 43rd District Dems re-org, and wanted to talk to you about the campaign. You available this afternoon? What's your number?
Eli
Eli Sanders
Associate Editor
The Stranger
http://elisanders.net
Looking forward to speaking with you.
23
I really have nothing to say here. Best of luck, Michael.
Well, I will add just this: I think it's interesting how Will gets the "hard-left" tag considering the amount of shocking racist vitriol he likes to drop here on Slog. He's anti-Asian and anti-Arab to an extreme that few in the 43rd would countenance if they knew about it. He's repeatedly called for the US to "nuke Saudi Arabia", for instance, and has made it explicitly clear that he's absolutely serious, not trying to be funny and not exaggerating for effect: he means "drop nuclear weapons on Saudi Arabia". His leftism is as phony as every other part of his intellectual makeup.
Well, I will add just this: I think it's interesting how Will gets the "hard-left" tag considering the amount of shocking racist vitriol he likes to drop here on Slog. He's anti-Asian and anti-Arab to an extreme that few in the 43rd would countenance if they knew about it. He's repeatedly called for the US to "nuke Saudi Arabia", for instance, and has made it explicitly clear that he's absolutely serious, not trying to be funny and not exaggerating for effect: he means "drop nuclear weapons on Saudi Arabia". His leftism is as phony as every other part of his intellectual makeup.
24
Wait, Will's an uncompromising lefty? Then why did he walk past me all dolled up in his finest Democratic regalia to cheer on Obama at Husky Stadium in October, instead of joining us anti-DADT protesters? The man's a filthy Obama apologist, and since all Obama does is compromise, I'm pretty sure by the sycophant transitive property of politics he is too.
28
and then,We have the youngest district and the gayest district in the state of Washington, and so having a young homosexual, I think, would be a good fit.
Will in Seattle has not yet responded to an e-mailed request for comment on these charges
Eli and Dominic - grow up.
Will - quit commenting on this here. It brings you down to their level.
33
Remember when Will claimed the White House Chief of Staff follows his tweets? Or when he said, in reference to the McGinn campaign, which he more or less ran, even though no one in the McGinn campaign would recognize him if they ran into him on their bicycles, that he was "pre-meming the thought stream of public opinion"?
See, he goes around to bars and listens to what people are saying, and then incorporates the will of the people. Except he always gets it wrong; I hear his campaign slogan is going to be "let's punt on first down".
See, he goes around to bars and listens to what people are saying, and then incorporates the will of the people. Except he always gets it wrong; I hear his campaign slogan is going to be "let's punt on first down".
34
All I can say reading this is that every other year when I get vaguest of itches to become fully Political, rather than just sometimes volunteering, is thank God my loonier views and mouth would make it impossible.
35
Fnarf, yay for the new avatar! Love the glasses *under* the gold catsuit. If you run for anything, please promise to wear it during your campaign.
(gus, I think I've figured out who'd be driving a Lotus in a catsuit...)
(gus, I think I've figured out who'd be driving a Lotus in a catsuit...)
36
Opened up full headers and I get 4:47pm - but the received is 5:00pm (high volume delay)
Bus time!
Fnarf, you'd be surprised who knows me.
@30, since I was a Shop Steward for USWA Local 480 and originally a 32nd Labor nominee, I have worked with Labor quite a bit.
Good points, YeahMeToo, don't want to be late for dinner. Have a 5k to do tomorrow.
Bus time!
Fnarf, you'd be surprised who knows me.
@30, since I was a Shop Steward for USWA Local 480 and originally a 32nd Labor nominee, I have worked with Labor quite a bit.
Good points, YeahMeToo, don't want to be late for dinner. Have a 5k to do tomorrow.
38
Bit of a dick move to put up this post just 2 hours after sending out the email. I think that's a big part of the reason why I find this all so wonderfully amusing.
39
UWs big pipes to the internets failed WiS, so sad. He was blindsided.
But, will WiS see the SECB? Stay tuned...
(will someone please get some more popcorn?)
But, will WiS see the SECB? Stay tuned...
(will someone please get some more popcorn?)
40
@35: Fnarf might be too modest to say it's an old avatar. He is awfully fetching in gold, isn't he?
43
Canuck, I'm sorry to say that the gold suit bit the dust a while back. It had a hard life, and it was encrusted with brown goo that looked unfortunately like poo -- it was ARTIFICIAL POO, damn it -- and the gold was flaking off in sheets. I looked like an obese Oscar statuette with a terrible case of eczema.
@36, drop some names, Will. Come on. I'll show you mine if you show me yours. Here, I'll start: Iggy Pop has seen me empty a full ashtray into my mouth and chew it. That's probably not going to help me get elected to anything, though.
Now, what's yours? "I sent an angry email to Tim Ceis once"?
@36, drop some names, Will. Come on. I'll show you mine if you show me yours. Here, I'll start: Iggy Pop has seen me empty a full ashtray into my mouth and chew it. That's probably not going to help me get elected to anything, though.
Now, what's yours? "I sent an angry email to Tim Ceis once"?
44
michaelp strongly supports the deeply boring millionaire's tunnel, just like Dino Rossi, Tim Eyman, Kemper Freeman, and the Seattle Times.
Vote progressive. Vote for hope. Vote for reason. Vote for Will in Seattle.
Vote progressive. Vote for hope. Vote for reason. Vote for Will in Seattle.
45
I don't actually want to see what any of you all look like in real life. It's ruining the images I have in my head!
46
Oh Fnarf, I'm sorry to hear that, I hope you gave it a worthy burial. (see, I'm not even asking about the "artificial" poo...)
Ooo, can I play the name dropping game?!? One time when I was 15, Mel Brooks yelled at me from his deck that he found some sunglasses on the boardwalk and were they mine? It's been downhill ever since. (They weren't mine.)
Ooo, can I play the name dropping game?!? One time when I was 15, Mel Brooks yelled at me from his deck that he found some sunglasses on the boardwalk and were they mine? It's been downhill ever since. (They weren't mine.)
47
I asked whether the SECB is going to endorse in the race for Chair of the 43rd, but was told they're only considering races of national importance.
48
Rob Reiner and his family ate dinner at the table next to my party in a restaurant recently.
Mel Brooks is more impressive.
Mel Brooks is more impressive.
49
Wasnt aware he had any form of power at all, most of what he does is parrot the same anti-tunnel talking points over and over again.
51
@50, I've offered to let anyone who wants to wear my underwear on their head, but no one's ever taken me up on it. All the ever say is "no, thanks" or "I'm sorry, sir, but we're going to have to ask you to leave".
52
Ooh, Canuck, now you mention it I'd love to see Fnarf in a fresh gold catsuit gunning a forest-green Lotus Elan back and forth over Will in Seattle.
I have no big names to drop. I once unknowingly blew the most deservedly unpopular drag queen in Seattle.
I have no big names to drop. I once unknowingly blew the most deservedly unpopular drag queen in Seattle.
53
I once checked in Gary Locke for a flight at SeaTac without realizing until he left the counter that was talking to the (then) governor.
54
Much as I like young blood (figure of speech) in politics in *most* eras (before idealism and vision are replaced by craftiness and entrenchment), in times of trial like these (complete lunacy) I'm tempted to support tough old (but suitably guarded) dogs *if* they have the requisite experience and drive and negotiating spells to ward off the loonies. (No, not the gold coins.)
That's the question for me, and I'd never let M&M's meltiness subconsciously sway me from doing my civic duty. Would I?
That's the question for me, and I'd never let M&M's meltiness subconsciously sway me from doing my civic duty. Would I?
56
@36: I'd love to see the actual time-stamps on Will's email.
Because one thing he's demonstrated time after time is that when he's called on his bullshit his MO is to prevaricate and try to change the subject.
Because one thing he's demonstrated time after time is that when he's called on his bullshit his MO is to prevaricate and try to change the subject.
57
I'm actually kinda glad I'm not a PCO right now. Lord knows Will's willful ignorance and blowhardiness is a for sure dealbreaker. But supporting the tunnel is pretty close to a dealbreaker also.
58
gus, unpopular drag queen or no, it was undoubtedly a step up from Richard Manuel-esque? Someday, my dear, you are going to write a book about your youthful days in Seattle, and I am going to buy it. I will expect a signed copy, of course...
60
@59: I've never been able to figure out how he's managed to stay employed, given the vast amount of time he spends regaling the web with his drivel.
66
Will in Seattle doesn't support the tunnel...he has actually long advocated for A NEW ELEVATED VIADUCT! Now that is just plain stupid. I don't know Micheal, but he has to be more thoughtful on any issue.
67
Well, michaelp, it's Friday night, I have half of a "Carib" beer at my elbow, and 42 pages of editing left to do, so I, for one, will do my part to contribute random trivia and TMI personal stories, cheers!
68
And how many members of the electorate are on Slog and thus susceptible to the SECB's influence? Even in the ever-so-young, ever-so-gay 43rd, I'd say that PCOs are few and far between in the readership here.
Lessee now, there's Will and Michael. And I see that 43rd Chair candidate forbes made an appearance in this thread. And there's me. Any others?
I'd suggest that there will be a few more than 4 votes cast in the KCDCC race.
For the record, I haven't endorsed in the race. However, I will announce right here in (semi)public that I'll vote for forbes to be the next Chair of the 43rd.
Lessee now, there's Will and Michael. And I see that 43rd Chair candidate forbes made an appearance in this thread. And there's me. Any others?
I'd suggest that there will be a few more than 4 votes cast in the KCDCC race.
For the record, I haven't endorsed in the race. However, I will announce right here in (semi)public that I'll vote for forbes to be the next Chair of the 43rd.
70
I and the Wild Turkey are taking a break from the guitars, so I'll play "drop a name".
Tim Minchin and I were at the Tate Modern on the same afternoon in October 2008. We were two gingers, watching a choppy film of a naked man being sprayed with some liquid, but he wore his eyeliner better.
Tim Minchin and I were at the Tate Modern on the same afternoon in October 2008. We were two gingers, watching a choppy film of a naked man being sprayed with some liquid, but he wore his eyeliner better.
71
Oh Kim, Dan is going to wet his pants, for sure...Tim Minchin! So, tell us about the hair??? Real or Clairol?
72
I'd say real, strawberry blondish, because of the eyebrows and complexion. He looks just like he does on stage, but with shoes on.
73
So either Will is going to have even more time to post on the Slog, or he will have just as much time as always? Seems pretty bad no matter what.
75
@65,
Oh, not to worry... I predict this post will hit number one in no time and sit there for a while too.
Oh, not to worry... I predict this post will hit number one in no time and sit there for a while too.
76
So long as it knocks Dan out of the top ten, that's a good thing, @75.
The chair's race is the interesting one, actually.
The chair's race is the interesting one, actually.
77
@68 Make it five. Wait, are we counting PCOs or 43rd Dist. Board candidates in the thread? Are there any PCOs not running for the board?
How 'bout an endorsement for the female King County rep candidates, too? (For the non-wonks: that's right, the position Michael and Will are running for is KCDCC Representative--Male. There must be one male and one female, like Noah's ark. Except they don't have to be breeders.)
@61--Harlan Ellison once criticized my table manners. Guy gets around.
How 'bout an endorsement for the female King County rep candidates, too? (For the non-wonks: that's right, the position Michael and Will are running for is KCDCC Representative--Male. There must be one male and one female, like Noah's ark. Except they don't have to be breeders.)
@61--Harlan Ellison once criticized my table manners. Guy gets around.
78
I shared a flat in San Francisco with a woman who was dating Harlan Ellison. Sadly, he never came over to spend the night at our place.
79
I want to play this name dropping game:
Dana Goldberg, famouse comedian, was the officiant at my wedding.
Dan Savage touched my butt at a SlogHappy, although it was an accident as he was passing behind me and my ass sticks out.
I sat next to one of the Jonas brothers on a plane 4 weeks ago. I had to look him up on the internet to figure out which one he was. Joe.
Dana Goldberg, famouse comedian, was the officiant at my wedding.
Dan Savage touched my butt at a SlogHappy, although it was an accident as he was passing behind me and my ass sticks out.
I sat next to one of the Jonas brothers on a plane 4 weeks ago. I had to look him up on the internet to figure out which one he was. Joe.
80
@79 Dan Savage touched your butt??? Sheesh, I have got to get myself to one of these Sloghappys...don't feel bad about the Jonas brothers, I would have had to look them up, too. Aren't they all supposed to be virgins or something?
81
i sold molly ringwald a pizza once. and i used to babysit for the guy who voiced the little boy in the original animated 'charlotte's web.' his last name was white, and he was related somehow to e.b. white.
regarding this, and WIS, i have no comment.
regarding this, and WIS, i have no comment.
82
So with michaelp's leadership we can become the Fighting Compromisers of the 43rd? Has he been hiding in Sally "Stop The Bickering" Bagshaw's skirts?
83
@77 Well, I'm not running for anything.
Are you? Is someone ahead of you stepping down, or is this another competitive race?
Are you? Is someone ahead of you stepping down, or is this another competitive race?
85
30 years ago Tom Smothers handed me his half-gone Miller Beer and said, "here, I got a show to do". He went on, I exited the theater with his beer.
For some reason I expected a photo of Will to have faint silver or bronze paint around his mouth and nose.
Oh well, the world is rarely how we imagine it.
For some reason I expected a photo of Will to have faint silver or bronze paint around his mouth and nose.
Oh well, the world is rarely how we imagine it.
86
guy picciotto gave me a bag of apples once after a show. that totally beats out the molly ringwald pizza sale! i don't know why i didn't think of it first.
87
I helped Gary Hart find some books he was looking for at the Tattered Cover book store when I worked there in the 90s. And I just missed getting locked in the store when then-president Bill Clinton showed up with then-governor Roy Romer one day (Secret Service security measure - no one could enter or leave while they were there). But working the Arnold Schwarzenegger book signing was the craziest thing that ever happened to me - my god, what a mad scene that was.
Speaking of Harlan Ellison, my sister interviewed him for a sci fi newsletter - he called one of her questions "dumb" even though it was pretty good, but he later apologized for it and praised the interview to the sky. Dude must be bipolar...
Speaking of Harlan Ellison, my sister interviewed him for a sci fi newsletter - he called one of her questions "dumb" even though it was pretty good, but he later apologized for it and praised the interview to the sky. Dude must be bipolar...
88
@ 86, I brought an orange to a Mr. T Experience show and gave a piece to the singer. And I saw Nirvana at a coffee shop in Boulder in 1989 - I had to leave before they were completely finished, they were feeding back and stuff, and I waved goodbye through the window and Kurt waved back. No big deal at the time, but I can impress kids left and right with that story.
89
My best friend's sister's boyfriend's brother's girlfriend heard from this guy who knows this kid who's going with the girl who saw Ferris pass out at 31 Flavors last night. I guess it's pretty serious.
91
I love that totally inadvertently this has turned into a parody of Will thread.
For years we've been treated to his boasting of who he knows, who he's slept with, who he's related to, who follows his blog posts/tweets and on and on. And now we are doing the same.
For years we've been treated to his boasting of who he knows, who he's slept with, who he's related to, who follows his blog posts/tweets and on and on. And now we are doing the same.
92
I was directed by David Lynch once. He was filming Fire Walk With me in my neighborhood in Everett and he saw my friends and I riding our bikes around as we were watching them do the filming. He asked us to to ride our bikes in front of Laura Palmer's house three or four times right as Leland palmer was walking out the front door.
I thought he was just a crazy looking guy who smelled like cigarettes.
I thought he was just a crazy looking guy who smelled like cigarettes.
93
Question for Will:
As a large section of the 37th has just lost all respect for Sharon Tomiko-Santos (myself included), would you consider moving to the CD and running against her in the primary for state house rep? She's been unopposed in the past, but there's no way I can vote for her anymore.
As a large section of the 37th has just lost all respect for Sharon Tomiko-Santos (myself included), would you consider moving to the CD and running against her in the primary for state house rep? She's been unopposed in the past, but there's no way I can vote for her anymore.
96
I was impressed by MichaelP at a sloghappy so he would have my vote.
On the time-stamp issue I think someone has a email account set to the wrong time zone.
I once sat next to Werner Herzog at a screening of one of his movies. I am a huge fan but it was one of his earlier weaker films so I was kind of bored. I felt awkward sitting next someone who I was in awe of and being bored by his movie.
It's kind of like having a major crush on someone and then find out they're deal breakingly bad in bed. What do you say afterward?
On the time-stamp issue I think someone has a email account set to the wrong time zone.
I once sat next to Werner Herzog at a screening of one of his movies. I am a huge fan but it was one of his earlier weaker films so I was kind of bored. I felt awkward sitting next someone who I was in awe of and being bored by his movie.
It's kind of like having a major crush on someone and then find out they're deal breakingly bad in bed. What do you say afterward?
97
By anyones time stamp, a lot of time hase passed and I don't see a revised Slog story. If Will spent as much time compsing a pitch for himself as he did whining about an irrelevent time stamp issue I think Eli would have posted his side on the main article. I think this speaks volumes for WIS's ability to think on his feet. Life is not always fair, I'll never get a second chance to ask Werner Herzog about Fitzcaraldo, one of my all time favorite movies.
99
@97 I feel your pain. I saw John Lithgow once, and it was days later that I thought "Buckaroo Bonsai!" (Laugh-a while you can, monkey boy!) my favourite-movie-to-watch-while-stoned of all time, and I missed the opportunity to tackle him and tell him so.
102
I met Jesse Ventura.
It was right before he was considering running for MN Governor and he was at a U of MN computer store answering questions and signing autographs. I asked him about his little cameo role as a Man in Black (along with Alex Trebek) on an episode of the X-Files and he said it was fun but tough because it had a lot of sciencey jargon to memorize.
I also saw Keanu Reeves and his sister at a chinese restaurant in LA. It was right after the first Matrix came out. They ordered a ton of appetizers, picked at a few of them, and left.
I also also caught a brief glimpse of Rudy Giuliani when I was at Times Square for New Year's Eve 2001/2002. Of course, it was a huge deal as it was the first one after 9/11 and lower Manhattan was still a mess and everyone loved Rudy. On a side note, doing the Times Square New Year's Eve thing isn't very fun.
I also also also saw Carson Daly outside the MTV building once and snapped a quick picture of him. All the tv people came out and hustled him away to whatever he was doing, but the pic is funny, like a deer in the headlights.
It was right before he was considering running for MN Governor and he was at a U of MN computer store answering questions and signing autographs. I asked him about his little cameo role as a Man in Black (along with Alex Trebek) on an episode of the X-Files and he said it was fun but tough because it had a lot of sciencey jargon to memorize.
I also saw Keanu Reeves and his sister at a chinese restaurant in LA. It was right after the first Matrix came out. They ordered a ton of appetizers, picked at a few of them, and left.
I also also caught a brief glimpse of Rudy Giuliani when I was at Times Square for New Year's Eve 2001/2002. Of course, it was a huge deal as it was the first one after 9/11 and lower Manhattan was still a mess and everyone loved Rudy. On a side note, doing the Times Square New Year's Eve thing isn't very fun.
I also also also saw Carson Daly outside the MTV building once and snapped a quick picture of him. All the tv people came out and hustled him away to whatever he was doing, but the pic is funny, like a deer in the headlights.
103
For a period of about three years, I regularly ran into Richard Belzer in New York City: several times at restaurants, passed him on the street a few times, and once in Penn Station as we were both waiting for a train. I'm sure he thought I was stalking him; I suspect my job was just close to his apartment.
He's even odder-looking in person.
He's even odder-looking in person.
104
Oh, and speaking of odd-looking people, I once had dinner seated next to Willem Dafoe. Who, in person, is tiny, and very, very strange-looking.
105
I think almost all of my "celebrity" sightings are probably politics-related. Except for that one time I saw Mike Ditka talking to a cop in Chicago (the mustaches... the accents...it felt like I was in an SNL skit).
A friend of mine got us a tour of the West Wing at the White House a few months ago... Jon Favreau (the speechwriter) passed by me walking down one of the hallways, smiled and said hello. I managed to keep my jaw off the floor, which was impressive, because (1) I am a politics nerd and (2) he is...... very handsome. To say the least.
A friend of mine got us a tour of the West Wing at the White House a few months ago... Jon Favreau (the speechwriter) passed by me walking down one of the hallways, smiled and said hello. I managed to keep my jaw off the floor, which was impressive, because (1) I am a politics nerd and (2) he is...... very handsome. To say the least.
107
I've only had three close encounters with someone famous. The first time was in the late '80s when some friends and I were at Mamma Melina's to celebrate a birthday. Someone in our group said, "that guy at the table over there sure looks a lot like Paul Newman" and he did because, of course, he was Paul Newman. I was tempted to go over there, not to request an autograph, but to tell him how much I loved his roles but I (and the rest of us) decided to let him be.
In 1994, my then-girlfriend and I scored these fantastic roundtrip tickets from Seattle to Paris on Northwest Airlines ($199 RT and, no, I am not making that up) so we decided to go there over Thanksgiving weekend. We stayed in a cool hotel near Saint Germain-des-Prés and, on the day we were leaving to catch the Metro to the airport we passed by Allen Ginsberg.
My favorite time was when another girlfriend & I were in Ketchum, Idaho over Christmas, about ten years ago. While walking on the main north-south street, we passed by Arnold Schwarzenegger & Maria Shriver. About a half-hour later, we were inside a little shopping mall, on a second floor skybridge and we saw the two of them walk in on the main floor and head into a store. A few seconds later, Arnold appeared at the entrance and said to Maria, in that distinctive voice, "I'll be right back," and we both cracked up.
In 1994, my then-girlfriend and I scored these fantastic roundtrip tickets from Seattle to Paris on Northwest Airlines ($199 RT and, no, I am not making that up) so we decided to go there over Thanksgiving weekend. We stayed in a cool hotel near Saint Germain-des-Prés and, on the day we were leaving to catch the Metro to the airport we passed by Allen Ginsberg.
My favorite time was when another girlfriend & I were in Ketchum, Idaho over Christmas, about ten years ago. While walking on the main north-south street, we passed by Arnold Schwarzenegger & Maria Shriver. About a half-hour later, we were inside a little shopping mall, on a second floor skybridge and we saw the two of them walk in on the main floor and head into a store. A few seconds later, Arnold appeared at the entrance and said to Maria, in that distinctive voice, "I'll be right back," and we both cracked up.
108
I had drinks and cigars with Richard Roundtree a few years ago at a restaurant he co-owns in Chicago.
Samuel L. Jackson's daughter went to my summer school the same year as me, so the school got him to come down and give a talk. Got a pic with him, and he's a cool dude. His daughter was kinda stuck up though.
I shook President Clinton's hand in '96. I was covering the event for our school paper so I had a primo standing area.
Oh, and I was a McGinn staffer during the election and I don't think I ever saw WiS on the staff lists.
Samuel L. Jackson's daughter went to my summer school the same year as me, so the school got him to come down and give a talk. Got a pic with him, and he's a cool dude. His daughter was kinda stuck up though.
I shook President Clinton's hand in '96. I was covering the event for our school paper so I had a primo standing area.
Oh, and I was a McGinn staffer during the election and I don't think I ever saw WiS on the staff lists.
109
Oh yeah! One of my very good friends teaches elementary school here in Eugene. She used to have Frank Black's kid in her class. He used to volunteer and would come in and vacuum her classroom. This cracked me up for some reason...
110
@103, 104 holy cow - I combined Belzer and Dafoe in one day last time I was in New York: Belzer walked past as I was on my way to the Guggenheim, and when I got to the museum Dafoe came and stood next to me in front of Picasso's Absinthe Drinker (the 1901). You are right, he is so wee.
112
@83--I'm just running for my alt. position. It usually ends up contested, because it looks like an easy entry position. Um, maybe I should re-phrase that.
113
@ 107, since Allen Ginsburg was one of the founders of the Naropa Institute in Boulder, you could find Ginsburg stuff around town. My favorite - a guy I knew (then a proto-gutter punk, now a sommelier with his own wine shop) had some risqué photos of a young (16 or 17, maybe slightly older), mop-headed boy in the nude Ginsburg had shot - you could see his reflection in the mirror behind the boy. (He was seated so you couldn't see the kid's junk, and I don't think Ginsburg was nude but he was at least shirtless.) This was about 20 years ago.
114
@111 - it was following that tour. Melvins were on tour and Jones was playing synths for them. It was the first of two shows that day (I came back later for the Groovie Ghoulies with Meow and Saverna Park), and the next day was the last show ever at the Elvis.
115
Thanks Matt. I'm guessing that Ginsberg had a home in Paris, in that neighborhood, but he may have just been visiting a friend. The funny (to me) part about that sighting was that my then-girlfriend was a writer and she loved writers. But she didn't notice Ginsberg. I did because, although I'm not into poetry or poets, I've always been very good with faces.
110/Gus, this doesn't qualify as a sighting since it was a performance but I saw Richard Belzer open for Warren Zevon at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis back in the late '70s. First time I'd ever seen a comedian open for a musician, and I remember my friend and both enjoying his style of humor. (Zevon was very drunk during that performance and I believe he ended up falling off the stage while drunk during a subsequent performance on the tour.)
110/Gus, this doesn't qualify as a sighting since it was a performance but I saw Richard Belzer open for Warren Zevon at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis back in the late '70s. First time I'd ever seen a comedian open for a musician, and I remember my friend and both enjoying his style of humor. (Zevon was very drunk during that performance and I believe he ended up falling off the stage while drunk during a subsequent performance on the tour.)
120
@22
Typical 5280. Though he doesn't live in the district, the city of which it's part, the state it's in or even the same geographical region of the country, he gives a shit about Seattle insider politics because...he's has anger problems and WiS has been trolling him since forever. And, trolls win every time with 5280.
Typical 5280. Though he doesn't live in the district, the city of which it's part, the state it's in or even the same geographical region of the country, he gives a shit about Seattle insider politics because...he's has anger problems and WiS has been trolling him since forever. And, trolls win every time with 5280.
122
Oh, and just because I can -
This isn't about me, and it isn't about Will. This is about who can best carry the banner of the 43rd District Democrats to the County Party, while also being an effective and active member of the Executive Board.
In order to be effective at the County, one has to have the ability to work well with others of all different ideologies. There is a reason I'm supported by the majority of the current Executive Board of the 43rd, as well as leaders from the 36th, 34th, 37th, 11th and 5th District Democratic Organizations. These folks recognize my willingness and ability to work effectively across District boundaries for the good of my District and the Party as a whole.
Let's face it - being a progressive is pointless if you cannot get anything done. Aside from my current E-Board position (as one of our Vice Chairs), I also have served on the Elections Committee of the 43rd, Endorsements Committee for KCDCC, as a delegate to the Snohomish County Labor Council from UFCW 1001 (now 21), the Rules Committee for the Washington State Democrats 2010 Convention, the Bylaws Committee for the 43rd District Democrats, and have been active with various other Boards and nonprofit organizations - from Planned Parenthood to GLOBE (a gay and lesbian youth organization in Snohomish County).
Throughout all of this, I have cultivated relationships across the County and State, relationships that matter when it comes to being able to influence internal Party policy and stances on the issues.
In the end, this is the ultimate insider baseball business. I understand why the Stranger folks would have an interest in this over the Chair's race - Scott, once the White House follows and makes decisions based on your Twitter feed, then your race will matter. But, as previously pointed out, this is limited to PCO's, and our PCO's will make their decision on who they believe better represents the 43rd.
But what a fun ride.
More...
This isn't about me, and it isn't about Will. This is about who can best carry the banner of the 43rd District Democrats to the County Party, while also being an effective and active member of the Executive Board.
In order to be effective at the County, one has to have the ability to work well with others of all different ideologies. There is a reason I'm supported by the majority of the current Executive Board of the 43rd, as well as leaders from the 36th, 34th, 37th, 11th and 5th District Democratic Organizations. These folks recognize my willingness and ability to work effectively across District boundaries for the good of my District and the Party as a whole.
Let's face it - being a progressive is pointless if you cannot get anything done. Aside from my current E-Board position (as one of our Vice Chairs), I also have served on the Elections Committee of the 43rd, Endorsements Committee for KCDCC, as a delegate to the Snohomish County Labor Council from UFCW 1001 (now 21), the Rules Committee for the Washington State Democrats 2010 Convention, the Bylaws Committee for the 43rd District Democrats, and have been active with various other Boards and nonprofit organizations - from Planned Parenthood to GLOBE (a gay and lesbian youth organization in Snohomish County).
Throughout all of this, I have cultivated relationships across the County and State, relationships that matter when it comes to being able to influence internal Party policy and stances on the issues.
In the end, this is the ultimate insider baseball business. I understand why the Stranger folks would have an interest in this over the Chair's race - Scott, once the White House follows and makes decisions based on your Twitter feed, then your race will matter. But, as previously pointed out, this is limited to PCO's, and our PCO's will make their decision on who they believe better represents the 43rd.
But what a fun ride.
123
"Hard left"??? I think of WiS more as an oblique left into oncoming traffic, while turning around in his seat to give somebody the finger.
125
Let's see - when I was working for Bobby Kennedy in 1960, I took a piss next to future Supreme Court Justice Arthur Goldberg, later forced to resign that position by LBJ. Speaking of which, I'd sure rather take a piss next to Michaelp than (s)Will in Seattle. When and where may I vote for you, Michael?
126
I used to play Dungeons and Dragons with Brian "Dexter" Holland of the Offspring (he would have been my high school class co-valedictorian, but I moved back to Seattle at the beginning of my senior year and actually graduated here). The Offspring's original drummer was a friend of mine named James who quit because he figured the whole music thing wouldn't amount to anything, and is now an oncologist who specializes in cervical cancer, last I heard. I also used to hang out a lot with a lesser-known dude named Bill Coyne who played the protagonist "Evan" in the punk-rock movie classic "Suburbia" by Penelope Spheeris.
(I could drop a lot of other names, but since I'm not running for anything at the moment I'm gonna keep the rest of my powder dry for now.....)
Oh yeah, there was originally a topic to the original post here, huh? Sorry, my bad.
(I could drop a lot of other names, but since I'm not running for anything at the moment I'm gonna keep the rest of my powder dry for now.....)
Oh yeah, there was originally a topic to the original post here, huh? Sorry, my bad.
127
As exciting and important (Nationally!) as this is, I would encourage everyone that can to join with our community as we mourn the loss of life, and unite against democracy by gun, this Thursday, at Westlake Park.
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/even…
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/even…
128
@61/77- Every Harlan Ellison story I've ever heard has been along the lines of "I met Harlan Ellison and he was a dick." I suppose you don't write "I Have No Mouth But I Must Scream" because you're in a happy place.
129
In another anecdote that shows why you should never believe gullible Fnarf and trust teh Internetz - they have me showing a 1 hour 1 minute 24 sec run for a 10.4 mile run on Saturday - which I dearly would have enjoyed, but given the hills and mud on the Bridle Trails park, I only ran a 5 mile run in 1 hour 4 minute 28 sec.
Never trust the Internets. They lie to you.
Even the Wayback Machine.
I don't recall Harlan being that much of a dick. He did have anger issues when he drank, but a lot of his reactions seemed to me to be over-compensation. Not that I've met him very often.
Never trust the Internets. They lie to you.
Even the Wayback Machine.
I don't recall Harlan being that much of a dick. He did have anger issues when he drank, but a lot of his reactions seemed to me to be over-compensation. Not that I've met him very often.
130
My favorite encounter was our 1st wedding anniversary. I took my wife down to NYC for the weekend for some Broadway, and got us into Patsy's. It was the first weekend in November and snowy, and I come back from the coat check as we're leaving to find my wife in a conversation with Tony Bennett, who then chatted with both of us briefly as they finished prepping his table. Incredibly nice guy, and having him tell us a heartfelt happy anniversary was surreal.
131
When I was a delegate to the 2004 Democratic National Convention, and then when I foolishly ran for office in 2005, I met pretty much every Democrat on my ballot, all the way from PCO to Presidential candidate. I have photos of myself with our two Senators. I met a whole raft of celebrities, including Cynthia Nixon, Ben Affleck, John Cusack, James Cromwell, Jerry Springer (who I did not recognize). I, at one point or another, sat at dinner or breakfast with pretty much all the county Democratic leadership, and most of our state Democratic legislators. I met Dennis Kucinich and Howard Dean.
I pretty much guarantee none of them remember anything at all about me. ;-)
I pretty much guarantee none of them remember anything at all about me. ;-)
132
...oh, and I got to go to Obama's party the night he gave the speech at the 2004 Convention that made him a sudden rock star. Jeanne Kohl-Welles and Jan Drago got me in. That was a tough party to get in, the music was very loud, and Obama walked in the room right behind me. I did not actually meet him, though.
Mark Mothersbaugh (Devo) once stood on the arms of my chair at the Paramount before rappeling to the stage.
Such are my claims to have touched celebrity. I have a very nice postcard from Stephen King, in reply to a fan letter. Signed, even.
Mark Mothersbaugh (Devo) once stood on the arms of my chair at the Paramount before rappeling to the stage.
Such are my claims to have touched celebrity. I have a very nice postcard from Stephen King, in reply to a fan letter. Signed, even.
133
@117- That's _hilarious_. Slog commenters (or maybe you only meant what's being posted here...) have nothing to say that matters and yet you were keeping an eye on those 116 pointless comments... and respond. Only to say they're pointless. Ha!
135
@130,
I picked up a copy of "Tony Sings the Great Hits of Today" yesterday for a buck and it's amazing - Bennett really is an incredible singer, yet managed to stink up "Eleanor Rigby" almost as badly as William Shatner would have.
Oh yeah, and the cartoon picture of him on the cover shows him in striped bell-bottom pants, saddle shoes, and an ascot. Wow.
I picked up a copy of "Tony Sings the Great Hits of Today" yesterday for a buck and it's amazing - Bennett really is an incredible singer, yet managed to stink up "Eleanor Rigby" almost as badly as William Shatner would have.
Oh yeah, and the cartoon picture of him on the cover shows him in striped bell-bottom pants, saddle shoes, and an ascot. Wow.
Advertisement
Most Commented on Slog
-
Portland Voters Are Stoopid by Goldy
-
An I-5 Bridge Over the Skagit River Has Collapsed by Paul Constant
-
Rightwing Anti-Gay French Activist Commits Suicide at Notre Dame Cathedral by Dan Savage
-
Why They Break Windows by Unpaid Intern
-
Usually When I'm Sent a Photoshopped Image of a Gun Pointed At Me... by Dan Savage
-
Spoiled Rotten: Star Trek Into Darkness by Paul Constant
-
Tornado Truthers by Dan Savage
-
There Are No Atheists In Foxholes by Dan Savage
-
SL Letter of the Day: Did You Think I Was Going To Tell You Not To Come Out? (PLUS: Help Free Kate!) by Dan Savage
-
The Only Thing More Tragic than a Bridge Collapse Would Be a 10 Cent a Gallon Increase in the Gas Tax by Goldy
Stranger Personals
The Stranger
RSSSeattle Art & Performance Quarterly
A complete guide to Seattle's current art, film, dance, and theater season.
Facebook
Twitter
Comments (135) RSS