Washington Politics News

We have not yet discussed the spiritual dimension of the lowly pothole. It is not something, but a lack of something, a void, an absence, an emptiness.

They certainly seem also to be kenotic, from the Greek, kenosis (κένωσις), meaning self-emptying, as in the theological choice to become entirely receptive, a vessel waiting to be filled with perfection. Hot, black, gooey perfection.

Is the homophonic coincidence between 'holy' and 'holey' merely that? Or can we read something more into 'holy's' Old English origins meaning that "which must be preserved whole or intact" and related to the word for health and happiness.

For some background on the concept, check this post from Michelle Malkin.  Go ahead, I’ll wait.
OK, so now that you understand the basic idea (summarized for those that didn’t follow the link):
It’s a reference to the famed Ayn Rand novel, “Atlas Shrugged,” in which protagonist John Galt leads the entrepreneur class to cease productive activities [...]

Here's what's on tap for the Tacoma City Council this week.

A Tuesday's study session, Council members will get an update form State Sen. Mike Carrell on the 2009 legislative session and homelessness.

On the agenda for Tuesday's regular Council meeting:

*A resolution setting a hearing for June 16 on proposed amendments to the Comprehensive Plan and Land Use Regulatory Code.

*A resolution accepting $321,221 in grant money to enhance preparedness for mass casualty events.

*Some purchasing resolutions including $1.9 million to rehab the East 34th Street Bridge; $118,000 for computer software licensing; $85,000 for car batteries; and $1 million to renew (and increase) the city contract (good through July 2012) for the rental and laundering of uniforms and linens. The garments are mainly for Public Works solid waste and wastewater management employees, and Public Utilities workers, which are provided under labor agreements.

=> Read more!

Gerry Collen took hundreds of pictures Saturday afternoon at The Swiss Pub, where a wake was held for Gayl Bertagni, the co-owner who died in an accident over the Memorial Day weekend.

I covered the wake and wrote a story for Sunday's paper.

Collen graciously provided some of the pictures. He posted 15 of them on our Web site, and provide a link to many more.

Here's a link to The News Tribune photo gallery.

And if I did this right, here is a link to Gerry's Gallery, where you'll find 155 more photos from the wake.

Here's the story that appeared in Sunday's paper.

Family, friends raise glasses to Swiss co-owner
Memorial: About 500 turn out to honor chef, mother who had ability 'to connect with anybody and everybody'

By Joseph Turner

Sunday,May 31, 2009
Edition: SOUTH SOUND, Section: Front Page, Page A01
Gayl Ann Bertagni, the Swiss Pub co-owner who died during Memorial Day weekend, still can hush a boisterous crowd of several hundred tavern patrons - at least, the mention of her name still can.