en-us https://www.intensedebate.com/users/131283 Comments by SRMarzocco http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Motorcyclist-50-killed-in-Thurston-County-crash-161685835.html#IDComment398253896 Brutal there, OrcasThunder, but entertaining. :) Mon, 9 Jul 2012 05:29:50 +0000 http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Motorcyclist-50-killed-in-Thurston-County-crash-161685835.html#IDComment398253896 http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Motorcyclist-50-killed-in-Thurston-County-crash-161685835.html#IDComment398243211 I have well over 100,000 safe miles albeit with plenty of heart- stopping very close calls while motorcycling.  Mostly all across the western USA and western Canada, particularly the Sierras, Pacific Coast and all across the extended northwest, including the Beartooth and Jellystone at night and more.  This doesn't count many hundreds of thousands of additional miles over several decades of a fair bit of driving, in my other vehicles also the same places and more.   No question about it, no matter now great your "personal radar" might be, especially in watching for deer or elk and other animals easily large enough to kill you at speed (!) whether on a motorcycle or in a car (like one poster said, plenty of people die when deer end up through windshields), you really can dramatically increase your odds by focusing massively on conditions, time of day and year, plus your speed, your position on the roadway especially relative to which side a deer could most easily and quickly surprise you from, etc.  Other obvious things like really knowing your car and your own skills also make a huge difference.  Sometimes albeit happily more rarely, braking will kill you or another, instead of swerving and perhaps even accelerating, as well. Too many drivers of cars and also riders of motorcycles, too often find themselves immersed into other thoughts or activities that can take them well away from that split second extra edge they might otherwise have, in event of a surprise of many varieties, each of which can kill you.  No question luck ultimately plays a big part, too but no question also my paranoid radar while driving but especially riding, has helped save myself and others, countless times - a number of which I've witnesses including some rangers and law enforcement professionals (one young girl tried committing suicide on Hwy 101 one time and actually some deer almost leaping out prior reminded me to bump up my personal radar so that's why I didn't hit her).  One of my most recent breathtakingly close ones was a trotting, full grown Bison in Jellystone coming around a bend in the dark.  Due it's shaggy not light-reflecting fur and the position of it's eyes, even my extra lighting and care at the time, only allowed for that split second no time to even think just react, shift to the left, as the Bison trotted in the opposite direction down the middle of roadway,barely wide enough for two cars not coordinating closely.  I did spend the next 20 minutes on my motorcycle uttering Holy **** repeatedly to myself, however.  Full grown Bisons are awfully large when you can literally reach out and touch them as they barely miss running over you and you're riding on a cruiser.  The point of all this is, for you drivers and riders out there on your phone or even in conversation with someone with you,think really hard about that little bit of extra attention this is taking, in consideration of your setting and conditions.  I've told passengers since I was a teen, not to expect anywhere near the level of conversation with me, ever since at 15 a car full of my classmates had all died which made a huge, shaping impression on me forever after.  This was compounded by not one but a few carloads going over Southern California mountain cliffs, who were neighbors of mine.  I typically enjoy driving and riding far more than most, expressly since my personal paranoid radar has long since become second nature.I encourage those of you who might not do this or have loved ones who might learn from these examples, to discuss these topics.  The odds you will help save a life one day and potentially that of someone you love, is actually pretty good over enough time and miles. Mon, 9 Jul 2012 05:01:58 +0000 http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Motorcyclist-50-killed-in-Thurston-County-crash-161685835.html#IDComment398243211 http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Crowded-field-vying-for-Wash-secretary-of-state-161730795.html#IDComment398169007 True to his style, Reed quietly won accolades from his peers across this nation, when Congress enacted Elections Reform in response to the Bush-Gore Recounts mess in Florida. Those accolades came in the form of as material a vote of confidence as your colleagues could do, with their electing him to run their group, the National Association of Secretaries of State, as President to lead them nationally, through that critical task handed them by Congress.  As I recall, one key reason for this vote by his peers nationally; all Secretaries of State regardless of party, was expressly due the fact that in virtually every other State except Washington, the Secretary of State's Office had long before become one annointed as political thank you by the winning Governor,or other party operatives and leadership.  Consequently, Reed was one of the only,if not at the time, the only such Secretary of State anywhere in the country, with any real professional elections experience. So if I am indeed recalling correctly these very little known details about Reed, and little known due his low key style, certainly relative to what his responsibilities and consistent across-the-aisle approach and accomplishments might otherwise suggest...it seems prudent the voters of Washington State study closely the underlying motives and proven experience and pertinent endorsements of, each and every candidate.   For example, are any of those running largely to get themselves personally over the finish line for the state rules for retirement requiring enough years to qualify for same?  It does happen and surely is well earned when it is a consequence of actually running to Serve the Public, versus other obviously not stated reasons.  Incidentally I know this happens because I've had elected officials tell me this was their own primary driver for similar decisions but at least the public ended up in those cases with impressively over-qualified hence crazily under-priced genuine Public Servants in those "lesser" offices, so sometimes this calculation can work for everyone. But the Office of Secretary of State is an increasingly key and high profile office in more recent years so the genuinely best qualified candidate for the job really is what should be the over-arching key arbiter, as opposed to the political allegiance and party machine anointing. Mon, 9 Jul 2012 01:42:46 +0000 http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Crowded-field-vying-for-Wash-secretary-of-state-161730795.html#IDComment398169007 http://www.komonews.com/news/health/GlaxoSmithKline-to-pay-3B-for-health-fraud--161164175.html#IDComment394902624 Between GMO Frankenfoods, a Drugged Nation and much more, we Truly Have Realized the Dream; the Better Living through Chemistry One, from the Decades Ago Mantras & "Jingles," that Jumpstarted Our Nation Post Depression and WWII through the Power of Consumption, into the Then Leading Producer, of All That Was Good...See the TV Commercial Says So Wally! Tue, 3 Jul 2012 17:16:29 +0000 http://www.komonews.com/news/health/GlaxoSmithKline-to-pay-3B-for-health-fraud--161164175.html#IDComment394902624 http://www.komonews.com/news/health/GlaxoSmithKline-to-pay-3B-for-health-fraud--161164175.html#IDComment394894904 Healthcare is so tragically broken, and not even remotely today, a "Free Market" system, it needs a Fresh Piece of Paper, "Do Over" Restart!   It cannot be done properly overnight, even in a four year elected politicos, focused on nothing else, term.  Even if both parties really tried doing so, together. It is important enough, to warrant a Moonshot Like Mandate, like Going to the Moon in the 1960s, that Galvanized Our Fellow Countrymen, and Intoxicated very nearly the Entire World, with Enthusiasm.  It should be like the Successive Ten Year Plans, Rebuilding Post WWII Japan, largely from Dust and Debris, into a Global Economic Powerhouse stepping Up as a Team Player, with the Rest of the Growing Free World Leading Nations. Much of Healthcare today is a Cat and Mouse, Knowing Winks-Laden Web of Undercurrents, Richly Rewarding Even Supposed Foes, on Opposite Sides of the Tables, be they Malpractice Lawyers,Their Close Brethren Lawyers Elected to High Offices or Appointments, or Malpractice and Other Insurers, and More.  The Rich and Powerful, at The Top and In All Corners, are All Driven to Maintain the Status Quo; the Mess Serves them All Very Well, Thank You.  Lawyers might as well be right next to Every Doctor, much like they are with the Remote Controllers of Drones Killing those who would formerly have been detained, into detention centers and interrogation, to try and learn how best to stop, the Next Disgusting Attack on Western Civilization Itself, and not "just" America.  Okay sorry for diverging and Next Time I will say what I Really Feel, rather than Holding Back!  :) Tue, 3 Jul 2012 17:02:46 +0000 http://www.komonews.com/news/health/GlaxoSmithKline-to-pay-3B-for-health-fraud--161164175.html#IDComment394894904 http://www.komonews.com/weather/blogs/scott/What-was-with-the-spooky-sky-tornadoes-over-Seattle-161139525.html#IDComment394876738 Than You Open Forum Players, for My Morning Smile Break! Wonderful to Watch this "Spontaneous Combustive," "Collective-Wit Making...". So to speak. :) Tue, 3 Jul 2012 16:31:09 +0000 http://www.komonews.com/weather/blogs/scott/What-was-with-the-spooky-sky-tornadoes-over-Seattle-161139525.html#IDComment394876738 http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Motorcyclist-killed-in-crash-with-semi-on-rural-Wash-highway-160998685.html?clmob=y#IDComment393675701 I'm saddened but glad you made this clearly tough choice, wh344. Takes far more courage than what many and perhaps even most might otherwise say! We all need to be realistic about our own limits, realities to include balancing what pursuits we choose with the risks inherent to them. Like getting out of bed or into the tub since so many accidents as we all know, actually happen in the home. I hope I do as well as you on facing my own realities when it is time for me, as I'm behind you some in years. Good On Ya' as the Scots and some Irish say! Mon, 2 Jul 2012 02:34:35 +0000 http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Motorcyclist-killed-in-crash-with-semi-on-rural-Wash-highway-160998685.html?clmob=y#IDComment393675701 http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Motorcyclist-killed-in-crash-with-semi-on-rural-Wash-highway-160998685.html?clmob=y#IDComment393672488 One value of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation course, includes some stats you might be challenged to otherwise find not to mention the obvious of some riding practice and reminding/ training, etc.  So yes, the stats show that for whatever reason riders in our extended region, still manage to forget all those trees and much more like rain and usually cooler nights, etc...can sneak up on you around a corner with a very bad surprise!  So just because you are riding well within your own, your bike's and condition's "limits" the rest of the time, going from dry to wet and mossy, or leafy or gravel or oil slick or...anyway, people forget and they too often pay and despite the amazing strides in our gear,like costly but very sticky tires, ABS brakes increasingly available and even traction control gaining ground!  But like the SUV drivers I've seen overconfident due these gizmos and more on their machines, off the road plenty of times in snow and ice...they still only help "generally.". Which is why when I go around a bend I cannot see exceedingly well in lighting making it crystal clear, I never go faster than a family sedan might.  Hence one reason I'm not as fun to ride in a group with as many of my sport bike rider buddies, but also why by the time I was 30 and only via riding after hours and only as some of my hobby pursuits, I had over 100,000 safe miles of riding under my belt.  Luck in there, too of course, plus paranoid radar and more.  But after a while it all becomes second nature which is why the stats also make clear the safest drivers in cars, are motorcycle riders! Mon, 2 Jul 2012 02:27:04 +0000 http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Motorcyclist-killed-in-crash-with-semi-on-rural-Wash-highway-160998685.html?clmob=y#IDComment393672488 http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Seattle-set-to-build-first-downtown-playground-159649405.html#IDComment393641939 That's the idea, actually! It is a stealth plan to expand the tax rolls and more, beginning with the requirement, of course, for Minimum Wage and other pertinent rules, the parents will be obliged to apply that bottle of fortified wine price against, plus the appropriate required accounting and more. Soon, we see a multiplier effect of fully five or more employed as a result and with any luck, they are mostly more government workers who are required by law in our state to also be union members, so we can help to offset the hit that Governor Walker and the People of the Great State of Wisconsin clearly supported, in allowing state workers to actually choose if they want to be part of a union. Okay yes, I diverged, but wasn't it fun everyone?! Not yet? Well, your turn then; you'll see! Mon, 2 Jul 2012 01:19:04 +0000 http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Seattle-set-to-build-first-downtown-playground-159649405.html#IDComment393641939 http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Seattle-set-to-build-first-downtown-playground-159649405.html#IDComment393635541 NYC was in a dangerous downward spiral years ago and it took just one mayor, tapping into a deeply felt "silent majority" saying, "Enough!" Seattle needs look to NYC among some other vibrant downtown cores, so we don't repeat all the same mistakes before coming to our collective senses.  That is, as opposed to the same Nanny State mentality and more, that has helped wreck our Nation's Primary School System, with the Epidemic of fully 1/3rd not even graduating, etc. With any luck, a kids playground will have fathers nearby, not standing for crap from scum and juries will back them when said scum try to sue in a system well out of balance in so many ways.  But the pendulum swings so the days are numbered for those leaching off the current out of balance state.  So save your dollars from your largesse, as Collective Wisdom readies to prevail, one way or another. Okay, sorry...not enough rest with too much weekend work compounded by too much caffeine.  So perhaps a less "looming threat" tone better?  Happy to watch others write their version of same, Thank You!  Input good. Mon, 2 Jul 2012 01:04:38 +0000 http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Seattle-set-to-build-first-downtown-playground-159649405.html#IDComment393635541 http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Motorcyclist-killed-in-crash-with-semi-on-rural-Wash-highway-160998685.html?clmob=y#IDComment393562230 Thank You LNSeveN.  Happily I know the thoughtful or more directly stated, literate readers, can surely tell my comment did take some thought and it was not even remotely about grandstanding or showing off, in any way.  It was genuinely felt and based upon actually many decades of close attention to all the key topics pertinent here, from motorcycling, to roads to news and increasingly more than that as it defines too much of our news, "Pop Culture," and more.  It is also based upon very extensive trial ballooning with countless other also very observant, to ensure I never "drink my own Koolaid.". So for those of you who love the power of thumbs down, knee jerking, how about your also taking the time sharing your own, hopefully also very well informed thoughts and opinions, ideally with the also shared intent of perhaps helping save others lives, the unspeakable loss of someone they love, or pop culture or urban myths disproportionately driving policy much like has happened in Europe, with Big Brother setting all the rules, displacing any recognition that perhaps personal responsibility might be a better way?  Sorry for the rant, but I just happened to notice an uptick then downtick with no added commentary.  But hey, we should all have passions and not everyone else needs to appreciate them, but it would be nice if they at least respect them.  Likely someone who would prefer outlawing everything where we just might hurt ourselves, I suspect. Oh and incidentally, I even took the extra step copying my comment to my computer, reading it more closely to try and help the reader, believe it or not, then copying it back here. Sorry also if I still managed to offend the brother of the famed Soup Nazi from TV, otherwise known as Editor Nazi! :) Sun, 1 Jul 2012 22:12:28 +0000 http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Motorcyclist-killed-in-crash-with-semi-on-rural-Wash-highway-160998685.html?clmob=y#IDComment393562230 http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Motorcyclist-killed-in-crash-with-semi-on-rural-Wash-highway-160998685.html?clmob=y#IDComment393494424 Sunnysandiego, yes it is rainy or overcast an awful lot in Seattle.  But there's this cool rain shadow and convergent zone effect, among others, due our geography, that generally keeps the rain fairly localized to Seattle and a few other more rainy "zones.". There's a reason for all that Evergreen and lakes, often with snow capped mountain vistas behind.  I agree motorcycling places like PCH and Anza Borrego and plenty more, are great.  But if you leave Seattle area, like this OR rider started out doing, hence his being east of Portland in the Gorge region, there are countless world class rides both near and far, all across the extended NW.  Being a seasoned rider, I presume, you also know the stats of far too many riders killing themselves going "too hot" into a curve or corner, with the decades ago stats of young testosterone and "I'm immortal" infused riders no longer the sole owners of Death By Myself Biking!  The huge popularity of cruisers especially amongst older riders, with far too many riding a bigger bike far sooner than they should especially, when they "used to ride a lot for many years" typically 20 years prior as family got in the way between those stretches, regrettably sees more and more older riders, catching up with the young immortal ones, in driving up our insurance rates.  Tragic from so many perspectives and for far too many, left behind, missing another loved one.   We have the choice to get a big bike right away or work (back) up to it, plus do the Motorcycle Safety Foundation courses or Harley's own version, among others, as part of renewing our motorcycle license, or simply being smart for getting back to it, if we've maintained the license with no riding, all these years.  Just as I elected two years ago and very strongly and repeatedly recommended to a few of my, no longer young friends also getting back...or considering doing so, to the really great sport of motorcycle riding, done safe and smart.  Then it can be real fun and therapy, too!  Plus it is far less damaging and wearing to the roads, so WSDOT should like the Ferries, charge us less for the Toll Bridges.  But all you riders save far too few, don't get organized and tell Olympia what you also care about, in your spare time.  And this whether from your Venture Capital, lawyering, doctoring, or mechanic, public worker...whatevering...and that's part of the beauty of riding, as we all know.  It is a shared love cutting all across the socio-economic strata, "equalizing" us all as it brings us together, into a common pursuit and passion.  And like car drivers, sometimes we get hurt or die, but unlike car drivers, the news says it is bigger news when a motorcyclist dies, so we are told of these tragedies from far wider an area, than we ever are told, of those killed in their cars.  Please also think about this everyone! Sun, 1 Jul 2012 19:40:16 +0000 http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Motorcyclist-killed-in-crash-with-semi-on-rural-Wash-highway-160998685.html?clmob=y#IDComment393494424 http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Seattle-janitors-vote-to-authorize-strike-as-contract-talks-stall-160137745.html#IDComment388268166 Thank You Navidog; way to catch a good use of a great quote and build on it, by sharing the balance of the quote. Very artful of you and I'm serious. Now this said and I do agree also with the fact there is gross imbalance all across society...as there really always has been and the last thing I would want is the government (yes I know it isn't government here in this story, just framing my views generally) starting to tell anyone how much they can make, stealing from the makers or simply "born right" (and admittedly sometimes in most countries and much of the time in some countries, theives who get rich)...but a little levity able to poke fun at ourselves first then respectfully only,others as well, can be healthy so, ...this whole situation with the janitors really stinks! ...and I sure hope all those on both sides of the negotiating table, clean up their acts, ...otherwise there could be union busting and I wouldn't want to see any of those janitors get canned! Sorry,really couldn't help myself though you will be pleased to know I'm on the 12 Step Follow Program for Bad Puns. The Doctors remain very hopeful. Sun, 24 Jun 2012 02:59:30 +0000 http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Seattle-janitors-vote-to-authorize-strike-as-contract-talks-stall-160137745.html#IDComment388268166 http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Family-Girl-pierced-by-bloody-syringe-left-in-hotel-bed-157362125.html#IDComment375404987 Perhaps both KOMO and the police as well as the owner of the hotel and their insurance company, along with "The Truth," whatever it turns out to be, would all very much appreciate your own signed deposition as an independent witness Mommamea?  Mass hysteria has been caused by less, whether deliberate planting in media or simply, the nature of what it often takes, to get news coverage.  Would be a great shame for a hard working family or group of families who may have gathered and put themselves in serious debt, to realize their own and their childrens' dreams in buying and operating this hotel location, as most are independently owned, not to mention the workers and their families...to all take a big economic hit due a viral multiplier of what surely seems, not fully reported - thus far - "Urban Myth" perhaps? Wed, 6 Jun 2012 19:52:43 +0000 http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Family-Girl-pierced-by-bloody-syringe-left-in-hotel-bed-157362125.html#IDComment375404987 http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Family-Girl-pierced-by-bloody-syringe-left-in-hotel-bed-157362125.html#IDComment375392919 Definitely struck me as very strange, too. I do mean very strange; what could possibly be their affinity for remaining in that specific room, at that point? A better view? Really weird, frankly. Wed, 6 Jun 2012 19:30:01 +0000 http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Family-Girl-pierced-by-bloody-syringe-left-in-hotel-bed-157362125.html#IDComment375392919 http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Washington-Ferrari-driver-killed-in-Oregon-crash-153816885.html#IDComment367171091 Hey Matt: Thanks for sharing and of course, a trained investigator needs to do this and not remotely.  This is about sharing with the community information that may help some drivers to better appreciate how people often die in accidents and what very well may have happened here. What it appears you may be forgetting; speaking of "the obvious" as you make clear, is that race cars had crumple zones long before passenger cars, like Ferraris and other high performance vehicles have also led the way with.  So it is a great thing when a car gives up the ghost crushing like a can, to try and absorb impacts, expressly to save the lives of the occupants, or reduce injuries, etc.  Further and as already called out by an earlier poster, but reading all those can admittedly take more time than going quickly with "the obvious" from a set of pictures and the reporting inthestory, but the response team had to cut open the car which as  I'm sure you know, is not uncommon.  So yes, without being there, it would require even more guessing as to what was crumple zone response to the impact, and what was jaws of life cutting, etc. Again,thanks for sharing; enables even more detailed back and forth, respectful discussion that may very well help others appreciate the advances automobile makers have made, plus rescue technologies and techniques.  But perhaps most importantly, how to be sure and remind/ alert everyone we know and love, that even the best such protection and rescue capabilities, out on the road, can never replace a watchful, considerate eye, lots of safe driving experience and much more. Sent from my iPad Fri, 25 May 2012 18:12:35 +0000 http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Washington-Ferrari-driver-killed-in-Oregon-crash-153816885.html#IDComment367171091 http://www.komonews.com/news/national/Dragon-arrives-at-space-station-in-historic-1st--154078215.html#IDComment367137272 NASA is issuing contracts to companies like SpaceX for doing this work. SpaceX already has something north of $1B worth for same. A genuine win win for everyone. Well, except the Putin-ocracy Profiteers, sad to say (sarcasm for those too serious or fast to catch)... So a wonderful example of Public Private Partnering, which when it works can show a great strategy/path out of a lot of our current challenges, in space and also back here, too. And double benefit; good news to perhaps show our journalist friends, maybe they can try and "dig up" even more good instead of just the usual stream of only bad? Reinforcement, folks! Fri, 25 May 2012 16:59:45 +0000 http://www.komonews.com/news/national/Dragon-arrives-at-space-station-in-historic-1st--154078215.html#IDComment367137272 http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Washington-Ferrari-driver-killed-in-Oregon-crash-153816885.html#IDComment366802984 The Ferrari most likely found itself at this angle and facing in the direction it is, away from the point of impact, expressly due the combination of a glancing blow plus enough speed, to torque the Ferrari into a ferocious enough spin, that the driver would then easily die of massive internal bleeding. Simply, it doesn't take much speed to set up enough torque to do this; the blood wants to keep going in the original direction of travel while the body and it's organs, get torqued into another.    It also looks likely the Ford was spun perhaps "almost" once but only around 180 degrees, which supports the Ferrari severe spinning off the road theory, even if the most severe spinning didn't happen until it left the road, or even virtually all the spinning. If the Ferarri had been traveling at even the speed limit and hit the Ford straight on, the energy would blast through a lot more of the Ford; crumple zones, height or not, it's the way basic physics work. in fact, all things being equal if two exact vehicles weighing exactly the same hit head on, the one going the fastest "wins" as the slower one will absorb more of the impact. Regardless, a tragic ending to another young man and the elder Gent even if the most capable driver, comparable to a much younger man, will surely second guess himself, for his remaining years, as to what he may have done otherwise to not help cause this regrettable loss. Fri, 25 May 2012 04:40:14 +0000 http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Washington-Ferrari-driver-killed-in-Oregon-crash-153816885.html#IDComment366802984 http://www.komonews.com/news/entertainment/83118812.html#IDComment54698143 Okay, I can't resist; So which is it? The article says Bruce is a part time resident of the region. So presumably he considers his ski resort area interests rather than acting, his "Moonlighting" or is it (now?) the other way around? Maybe Cybill Shepherd can tell us? Or some Team of Private Eyes perhaps... ...or maybe just another Punster. Sun, 31 Jan 2010 19:29:09 +0000 http://www.komonews.com/news/entertainment/83118812.html#IDComment54698143 http://puyallup.komonews.com/content/kent-motorcyclist-killed-sr-512-after-crash-being-run-over#IDComment52582265 Perhaps a shift change at KOMO; "hey, sorry, gotta run. This story will simply have to wait..." So much for showing respect for the deceased? Or maybe the person in charge of posting tonight/ this story, had their own emergency? Mon, 18 Jan 2010 04:51:48 +0000 http://puyallup.komonews.com/content/kent-motorcyclist-killed-sr-512-after-crash-being-run-over#IDComment52582265