http://www.pemconorthwest.com/ en-us Thu, 29 Jul 2010 09:15:12 PDT Thu, 29 Jul 2010 09:15:12 PDT S http://www.pemconorthwest.com/giants-in-mountains-sasquatch-sighting/ It stands upwards of 14 feet tall and is covered head-to-toe in a thick, mangy mane of hair. Its origins have been traced back over 10,000 years to the far away lands of Asia but no one can say for certain whether or not it exists. Yet, it has found a way to solidify itself in cultures all over the world - and depending on where you're from it's called the Yeti, Sasquatch, Bigfoot, Skunk Ape or any other number of endearing terms. This Thursday, Steven and I headed south to Tacoma for the "Giants in the Mountains" exhibit at the Washington State History Museum. Amidst its dimly lit hallways and corridors, one can find all sorts of evidence to prove the existence of this elusive and seldom-seen giant. The exhibit features foot castings, native artwork, skull recreations and the world famous Patterson-Gimlin film. However, despite all the uncertainty surrounding this almost-mythical creature, people here in the Northwest really do know their stuff. While we were at the entrance to the museum with our Sasquatch trivia prize wheel we met Amy from Tacoma. Amy went a perfect five for five on the trivia wheel and even nailed down the ancient ancestor to our modern day nomad: Gigantopithecus. Try to say that five times fast! "I've seen an episode or two of Monster Quest," she said. Sure thing Amy, whatever you say.   Amy shows off her new "Desperately Seeking Sasquatch" t-shirt with her Bigfoot-believing friends. But Amy isn't the only believer. Check out this data we gathered from visitors of the museum regarding the existence of our too-tall, too-furry friend. - 77% of visitors believe that Sasquatch does exist- 17% of visitors have seen or know someone who has seen a living Sasquatch- 43% of visitors prefer to call the creature "Bigfoot" Let's just say you don't want to run into Sasquatch on your next camping trip. Well if you missed us on our hunt for Sasquatch, just be sure to keep your eyes peeled. After all he's been sighted in all 50 states! But if you grow weary of chasing "Giants in the Mountains," you can kick off your shoes, adorn your flower power buttons and come down to the Fremont Fair this Saturday and Sunday. We'll be there with our trivia prize wheel yet again. Who knows, we might even see a Skunk Ape or two. ... Fri, 18 Jun 2010 12:52:00 PDT http://www.pemconorthwest.com/sounders-vs-dc-united-world-1/ Will Seattle have the chance to host the World Cup some day? It was the talk of the town at this week's Sounders FC match. Will I-5 traffic come to a standstill with so many football fans in the Northwest? Will the new light rail be completed in time? Where will our international guests stay? What if it rains? Do we have that many blue tarps? There are a lot questions to address before that happens but one thing is for sure - Sounders FC fans are already World Cup worthy. On Thursday, Sounders FC fans gave their full 90 right up to the World Cup break as our local lads took on D.C. United at Qwest Field. Safely anchored to our big green WALLY1 van, Danielle, Peter and I snapped souvenir photos as World Cup fervor swept "I Know I Am, I'm Sure I Am Sounders FC Fans" into Qwest Field for the last chance to cheer for the team until July 11. They made the most of it as the roaring blue and green roused spectacular back-to-back goals in the last minutes of the game. Check out these photos of Sounders FC fans who came to see us before settling in for a month of flag-waving, DVR-programming, caffeine-drinking World Cup fun: Meet four generations of the most dedicated Sounders fans around: great-grandmother, Patricia; grandmother, Dixie; daughter, Ryan; and her niece, Divinity. Not a match goes by without this spirited quadruplet in attendance and they have the photos to prove it! Fanatical facial hair will always have a place at Sounders matches. Here's Don with a look that's been four years in the making. Caffeine can be a Sounders FC fan's best friend! Keep Old Glory looking its best and brightest for the World Cup by stopping by PEMCO's main Seattle office this Monday, June 14, for our Flag Day Ceremony and free flag exchange with the American Legion Post 1. Go USA! ... Fri, 11 Jun 2010 13:59:00 PDT http://www.pemconorthwest.com/taste-washington-wining-dining-in/ The sound of glasses toasting, the smell of exquisite local cuisine wafting through the air, and the taste of hundreds of varieties of the best wine our region has to offer were all a part of the experience last Sunday at Taste Washington in Spokane. Regular people became walking NW Profiles as they made their way through Taste Washington, sampling many different wines and turning into "Walla Walla Wine Wine Women Women" (and Men Men).  The popular event was held at the Davenport Hotel in Spokane, squeezing at least 25 local restaurants, 100 Washington wineries and over 500 ticketholders into the fabulous hotel's main ballrooms. While hundreds of people were sampling, tasting and mingling, we were pretty busy at the PEMCO booth creating and designing wine charms for all the guests.  As people stopped by our booth they were able to choose beads and charms to adorn and distinguish their glasses.  These unique wine charms proved to be quite the hit, considering everyone was given the same wine glass at the door and confusing them with someone else's was almost inevitable.  The Davenport was an excellent setting for a fantastic evening of wine sampling. When we were crafting away, Cheryl stopped by our booth, and while designing her own charms we got to talking.  Cheryl and her husband are the owners of Skylite Cellars in Walla Walla and have been in the business now for over 10 years.  Cheryl told us that she loves the wine industry and is finally doing what she is most passionate about.  Talk about the definition of a "Walla Walla Wine Wine Woman Woman!"  I also had the pleasure of speaking with Cynthia, the executive director of Woodinville Wine Country, which contains over 60 wineries itself.  This non-profit which was founded in 2002, aims to create fine wines, but also to educate the community and drive tourism in the area.  Having moved from California, Cynthia said she has found everything she was looking for and more in Washington.  "I have a wonderful family, and a great career that keeps me extremely busy, allows me to love what I do, and sends me to wonderful events such as Taste Washington in Spokane," she explained. Cynthia shows off what Woodinville Wine Country has to offer. Though the event flew by fast, I am certain that its effects will last.  It seemed as if almost every attendant left the Davenport Sunday night with names and numbers of local wineries, full bellies, and of course, PEMCO wine charms.  We certainly do live the "charmed" life so we'll see you again this Thursday as the Sounders square-off against D.C. United. ... Wed, 09 Jun 2010 13:14:00 PDT http://www.pemconorthwest.com/new-flags-worn-flags/ What:PEMCO Insurance celebrates this Flag Day with an opportunity for Puget Sound residents to exchange worn-out U.S. flags for new flags, free of charge.  As part of PEMCO's ongoing commitment to community service, PEMCO's team of Brand Ambassadors will give away 3' by 5' American flags to anyone who shows up at two flag exchanges with a worn-out flag of equal or larger size on a first-come, first-served basis.  The flag exchange is limited to the supply of flags on hand at each location. The flag exchange takes place at the Queen Anne Metropolitan Market (1908 Queen Anne Ave. N.) on June 8 and June 9 from 3 – 7 p.m.  On Monday, June 14, PEMCO will hold one final flag exchange and collection at its headquarters from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. before formally presenting the flags to The American Legion.  The American Legion will then transport the flags for proper disposal.   Members of the news media are invited to the presentation of the flags to The American Legion at PEMCO headquarters in the north lobby on June 14 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Visuals will include folded stacks of worn American flags and American Legion volunteers in full uniform gathering folded flags for proper disposal. Who: PEMCO Insurance and The American Legion When: Flag exchange opportunities: June 8, 3 – 7 p.m. at Queen Anne Metropolitan Market; June 9, 3 – 7 p.m. at Queen Anne Metropolitan Market; June 14, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at PEMCO headquarters  Media photo opportunity: Monday, June 14, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.  Where: FOR FLAG EXCHANGE: June 8 and June 9 Metropolitan Market1908 Queen Anne Ave. N. Seattle, WA 98109 June 14 PEMCO headquarters – Seattle 325 Eastlake Ave. E.Seattle, WA 98109 FOR PHOTO OPPORTUNITY: June 14 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. PEMCO headquarters – Seattle 325 Eastlake Ave. E. Seattle, WA 98109 ... Tue, 08 Jun 2010 10:50:00 PDT http://www.pemconorthwest.com/ski-to-sea-scenic-showcase/ It requires mental fortitude, physical stamina, group cohesion, and most importantly a clever team name. For over 40 years the Ski to Sea relay has been sending "NW Male and Female Action Figures" scrambling 90 miles from the slopes of Mt. Baker to the Puget Sound. Through mud, snow, rivers and winding mountain roads, the scenic route showcases the diverse assembly of recreational activities in the Northwest. This past Sunday, Peter, Danielle and I drove the WALLY1 van to the village of Fairhaven on the edge of Bellingham Bay to celebrate the finish of the epic race at Marine Park Throughout the afternoon, neoprene racers, doing their best to represent the accumulated exhaustion of their teammates, beached their kayaks and sprinted up the shore to ring the finish bell. We had a chance to meet a few of the ruddy-cheeked adventurers, like Anna and Brad, who stopped for a photo at our Northwest Profiles Photo Program. Anna roped Brad into paddling the kayak section for their team, The Hustle, just two days prior. "He was the only one with kayaking experience," Anna said. "Yeah, but I've only kayaked twice," Brad quipped. With team names like Nooksackulous, Grub's Pain Brigade, and Solar Powered Chainsaw, the distinctive flair of the Northwest was on full display at Ski to Sea. See for yourself in our favorite photos from the event: Craig, from Tri-Cities, wants to start the Ski to Sea's first recumbent bike leg. "There's just enough mud on the course to make you look good. It only takes a little," says Rob from team Nitro Paced. Tom, Captain of team Grub's Pain Brigade, had this to say about group cohesion: "Just make sure you're not in the bathroom when the other guy shows up." Anna, posing with Brad, braved a pack of 464 cross-country skiers in the crowded race start. Yikes, that's 928 ski poles! Relentless recyclers lent their artistic vision to one-of-a-kind trophies made from recycled sports equipment. The trophies were given to the top finishers in each leg of the race. Look for us next on June 4th as we join Stan McNaughton, President and CEO of PEMCO Insurance, at Relay for Life in Arlington. ... Tue, 01 Jun 2010 13:28:00 PDT http://www.pemconorthwest.com/sounders-vs-boca-juniors-friendly/ Billowing winds raced through the Qwest Field alley and menacing rain clouds threatened to open their floodgates over downtown Seattle as thousands of people made their way towards the stadium.  Dressed from head to toe in bright green and electricity yellow, the Sounders FC fans came ready for anything, even if that meant wind, rain or plunging temperatures. On Wednesday night, the Sounders FC took on Boca Juniors of Argentina for an international friendly match. Peter, Steven and I braved the wind and joined over 40,000 fans to support our home team.  Though the conditions were not optimal, Sounders fans proved that, rain or shine, their loyalty and dedication will always remain. True to the "friendly match" theme, Seattle's finest Sounders fans showed up at our booth to get their photos taken with smiles on their faces and pleasant attitudes to match.  While mingling with the gregarious fans, we ran into Jimmy, Romero and Jessica of Yakima who made the trek through the mountains to cheer on their favorite sports team.  "We don't get over here often, but when we do, we have to go all out," Romero said, sporting his Sounders jersey proudly and ignoring the goose bumps rising on his bare arms.  Jimmy, Romero and Jessica traveled all the way from Yakima and were rewarded with a Sounders victory Sounders matches always bring out a colorful crowd! Later in the evening, we also spoke with some friendly coaches from Bothell who were having a guys' night out as a final farewell to one of their fellow coaches who is leaving the Northwest for a job opportunity in Dallas.  Though the guys may have to say goodbye to their friend in a few days, we informed them that our new PEMCO "Overly Fanatical Sounders FC Fan" contest could send them to Houston to meet their friend for the last Sounders match of the season. Talk about a reunion! These Bothell residents chose an excellent farewell match for their friend Even though Wednesday's match was dubbed a "friendly" and doesn't count against either team's record, the Sounders fans came out in full force.  With positive attitudes, friendly faces, and booming voices, they cheered their home team to a 3-0 victory over the visiting Boca Juniors. If the harsh weather conditions kept you inside on Wednesday night, you can catch us at this weekend's Ski to Sea event in Bellingham.  Don't forget to pack your smiles - along with your raincoats. ... Thu, 27 May 2010 14:48:00 PDT http://www.pemconorthwest.com/sounders-vs-earthquakes-fans-reach-1/ They came in all shapes and sizes and wore everything from rave green scarves to customized jerseys. They covered themselves in face paint and cheered on the Sounders FC with homemade pom-poms. Adorned in their brightest green, these soccer fans were ready to will their team to victory, ole indeed. This Saturday, Brad, Steven and I all headed down to Qwest Field as the Sounders FC took on the San Jose Earthquakes. Despite the Emerald City's best efforts, Seattle's fans were dealt another loss. However, not all success is measured on the scoreboard. As we were snapping souvenir photos and mingling with Seattle's brightest and least disheartened fans, we came across a family that is replacing their writing on the wall with photos. Meet Lisa, Thor and Kallista: Like any family with multiple children, the tallest sibling usually holds the bragging rights. Many families mark their height progress by writing on the wall, but Lisa, Thor and Kallista don't want to ruin the family's favorite doorframe. So instead, they use their Sounders match-day photos to track their progress. Talk about measuring success and growth! Lisa, Thor and Kallista could not contain their excitement before the match. The weather was ideal, but these little guys came prepared for the elements. Many fans sported the new Sounders uniform that will make its debut against Boca Juniors on Wednesday. If you missed us at the Sounders match, don't worry; we'll be back again this Wednesday as the local squad takes on Boca Juniors. And if that's not enough we'll be up north for the annual Ski to Sea race in Bellingham this upcoming weekend. In the mean time, hold tight Seattle sports fans. I'm sure the caffeine from all those lattés will be kicking in soon. ... Mon, 24 May 2010 11:58:00 PDT http://www.pemconorthwest.com/bike-to-work-day-2010/ Waterproof rain-booties? Check. Panniers and padded spandex? Check. Miles of heart-pumping cardio ahead? Check. Leave the lattes to the I-5 crowd; these commuters wakeup with a cup of Burke Gilman Trail! Washington was just named the most bicycle-friendly state in the country, and on Friday the devoted community that made it possible hit the road for Bike to Work Day 2010. With commitment shining in their highlighter yellow vests, families, professionals and the mayor himself, pedaled through Seattle streets during the culminating event of Bike Month. Peter and I met these wheeled enthusiasts at the Fremont Bike to Work Commute Station, where riders visiting the PEMCO booth were able to get their photograph on a cyclist emergency ID card. During their brief stop, commuters shared with us the joys and hazards of human powered travel. Les, a Ballard resident, shared with us a practical benefit of cycling. "It makes you more aware of things close by," he says, "It's even improved my defensive driving." We even met an inspiring "NW Male Action Figure" from Sand Point named Bob. He has been pedaling 12-miles to work for 25 years, even after celebrating his 71st birthday. With a shrug he commented, "I used to run my morning commute to get in shape for marathons. Biking is easier on my joints these days." Bob and his wife, Evette, truly enjoy their morning commute. "Many feet make light work" is the motto of these mother-daughter duos. There is an old adage that says, "Kindness begets kindness." Judging from the friendly faces we met on Bike to Work Day 2010, Washington's bicycle-friendly status is here to stay. ... Mon, 24 May 2010 11:07:00 PDT http://www.pemconorthwest.com/an-overly-fanatical-sounders-fc/ Ole- Ole - Ole - Ole - Ole - Ole -O-lah! Your neon green and blue Mohawk is perfectly coiffed. You roar with excitement as the Seattle Sounders take the pitch. The echoes of your chants fill the air while you hoist up your Sounders scarf wildly in anticipation of soccer in the Northwest.  You rise to your feet and don’t intend to sit down anytime soon, as the stadium cameras pan throughout Qwest Field to capture the fans’ rabid enthusiasm.  Now, PEMCO says it’s about time the fans did the capturing themselves! No need to wait for the stadium camera guys to spot you in the throngs of supporters -- now you have the opportunity to show the world that you are an “Overly Fanatical Sounders FC Fan" by submitting your own fanatical videos and photos to www.werealotlikeyou.com in a contest hosted by PEMCO Insurance. Before every home match, PEMCO will be in search of those who exemplify Sounders fanatical fandom and wants to reward the most zealous fans with some pretty sweet swag.  The best video and photo submissions will be broadcast on Sounder Vision at each home match and each weekly winner will also receive either an official Sounders jersey or an autographed soccer ball.  We’ll even give you a coupon to the Sounders store just for entering.  But, here’s the best part. Mark your calendar for October 23rd.  At the end of the season, the fan deemed to be the most “Overly Fanatical Sounders FC Fan" will receive a grand prize all-expense paid trip for two to Houston for the final match against the Dynamo.  Runner up gets four club-seat tickets to the October 15th match against Chivas USA.   Like the sound of that? Then get in front of that camera and start honing your “Overly Fanatical Sounders FC Fan" poses.  Winners are determined by votes, so send your friends to www.werealotlikeyou.com to vote for your submission!  ... Fri, 21 May 2010 16:01:00 PDT http://www.pemconorthwest.com/norwegian-constitution-day-peek-norwegian/ On Monday, Steven, Peter, and I headed to Ballard to take part in the festivities, enjoy the parade, and mingle with our Northwest neighbors in celebration of Norwegian Constitution Day.  Upon our arrival at Market Street it was clear that the parade would be nothing short of spectacular as hundreds of people carrying Norwegian flags filled the streets with anticipation. The three of us watched anxiously as over 100 units organized themselves and lined up to begin the procession. During the pre-parade excitement, we had the pleasure of speaking with the Mesler family. They let us in on a little secret: the parade in Ballard is actually the third largest Norwegian parade in the entire world!  The Meslers also told us a little bit about their traditional Norwegian garments, which were over forty years old and made entirely of wool.   "These dresses are very beautiful, but they can get pretty hot, especially on an afternoon like today when the sun is this bright," stated Angela Mesler, the current Bothell Lodge Norwegian Princess.   The Meslers couldn't have had more fun despite enduring the heat in their traditional Norwegian clothing. Before the parade began, we also got the chance to speak with a few students from the University of Washington who are active Norwegian Club members.  They explained that they are all enrolled in Norwegian language classes and plan to study abroad in Oslo, Norway this summer.  The parade definitely gave them a peek into Norwegian culture. Everywhere you looked there were red and blue flags proudly being waved, the smell of fine fish cuisine permeated the air, and the beautiful Norwegian language could be heard throughout the Ballard streets.     U.W. Norwegian Club members soak in as much culture as they can before embarking to Norway for six weeks this summer. Steven made some new friends as he shared authentic Norwegian food. For most, this parade was a time to celebrate heritage and ancestry or to be with friends and fellow club members; however for us, it was an educational glimpse into an amazing culture and I know I speak for all three of us when I say that Norway has definitely been added to my "places I want to visit" list!As always, we hope to visit with many more of you as we continue our road-trip across the Northwest. ... Tue, 18 May 2010 13:06:00 PDT http://www.pemconorthwest.com/rainier-dragon-boat-festival-making/ Its origins can be traced back over 2,500 years to the shores of the Yangtze River in China. Its purpose: to celebrate the planting of the summer rice fields and pay homage to the Dragon Deity, one of the most sacred and revered in the Chinese mythological tradition. Today the custom is alive and well and is continuing to thrive thousands of miles away from its place of origin as the Rainier Dragon Boat Festival. On Saturday, Danielle, Steven and I all headed south to Tacoma to take part in the historic tradition. The event is held every year and features over 32 teams from around Washington and Oregon and over 1,000 competitors. Among the days activities were races, music and traditional Chinese song and dance. However the most compelling story wasn't some ancient rivalry between boats; instead it was the story of a woman simply being able to do the thing she loves. We met up with Dee from Kent, an avid dragon boat racer who recently won her battle with breast cancer. Before being diagnosed with cancer she raced as a paddler, but now continues to be a part of the action as the "Caller" for her team, the Dragon Tails. She remarked, "It's the aspect of strength through community that I love about this sport, I'm so glad that I can continue to be a part of it today." Dee was all smiles and couldn't wait to get out on the water. Dee was absolutely right about the community strength at the Rainier Dragon Boat Festival. Check out our footage from the event to see firsthand.If this is something you think you might want to try, check out the Washington Dragon Boat Association website at www.washingtondragonboat.com/ for information on how to get involved in your community. And if you missed us on the water, don't worry; we'll be back in action this Monday the 17th for Norwegian Constitution day in Ballard.  ... Mon, 17 May 2010 12:44:00 PDT http://www.pemconorthwest.com/sounders-vs-galaxy-lose-or-1/ Who is the one person you can always count on to cheer for you, even when the score doesn't end up in your favor?  Your mom of course! This past Saturday, as we watched 36,273 fans enter Qwest Field to cheer for our own Seattle Sounders against the fierce L.A. Galaxy, we could feel a little more excitement in the air than usual.  It could have been the sunshine or the West Coast rivalry, but I'd like to think it was the fact that there were a few extra moms in attendance, ready to cheer on our Sounders no matter the outcome of the match.    In honor of Mother's Day, the guys and I saw many families out at the match, spending quality time together while supporting the Sounders.  One mother and son duo that stopped by the PEMCO photo booth left a rather lasting impression.  Ben from Bellingham treated his mom, Lindsay, to an afternoon at the Sounders FC match but we quickly learned that Ben had a much more permanent gift for his mom -- a freshly inked tattoo on his right arm reading, "Mummy."  Ben showed us his new ink while Lindsay laughed and shared that she was just thrilled to be spending time with her son!  Ben and Lindsay of Bellingham show off their Sounders pride...and his "Mummy" tattoo. Now that's dedication!  Though slightly less permanent, but with an equal amount of passion, we met many other families who showed their moms some love with a souvenir photo that doubled as a Mother's Day gift.  And though the final score didn't quite end up in the Sounders' favor, the influx of unconditional motherly love at the game reminded us that at the end of the day moms love and support us either way!  Giving thanks to their number one fan - Mom! As always, we had a great time sharing Saturday's match experience with all of you!  Be sure to swing by the PEMCO booth before every Sounders game to say hi and get your free souvenir photo.  And even though Mother's Day has come and gone, we're pretty sure Mom would still love to get a photo of you… either that, or tickets to a Sounders game! ... Mon, 10 May 2010 15:15:00 PDT http://www.pemconorthwest.com/pike-place-market-fresh-way/ What do you get when you mix a gaggle of friends, delicious Mexican cuisine and a sprinkling of May showers? Cinco de Mayo, Seattle-style of course!  This Wednesday Steven and I headed down to Pike Place Market in search of a NW twist to this uniquely SW holiday. As we explored the market, we didn't come upon any mariachi bands or radiant displays of Mexican heritage; instead we found business as usual but with a subtle twist sure to delight your taste buds. We've found a guaranteed way to both freshen up your party and your palate just in time for your next springtime get-together with these tasty Cinco de Mayo-inspired recipes: Smoked Salmon Quesadillas with Home Made Sunrise Guacamole Sunrise Guacamole: 6 Avocadoes 3 Habanera Peppers (optional) 1 Yellow Bell Pepper 1 Red Bell Pepper 3 Cloves Garlic 1/2 Walla Walla Sweet Onion 1/2 cup Cilantro 2 Diced Tomatoes Lime Juice to seasoning Simply dice up your ingredients into a large mixing bowl, mix in fresh avocadoes and presto! You have a zesty guacamole that's guaranteed to tickle your taste buds. Smoked Salmon Quesadillas: 1 package of Flour Tortillas 2 Cups shredded Pepper Jack Cheese 3/4lb Smoked Salmon 1 Cup Diced Onions 2 Cloves Diced Garlic To begin, place your tortilla into an oiled frying pan over medium-high heat. With the tortilla flat in the pan, add cheese, salmon, onions and garlic. Add one more layer of cheese on top and fold tortilla in half. Lightly brown both sides and serve with Sunrise Guacamole. The best part of these mouth-watering recipes? All the ingredients can be found right here in Seattle at the Pike Place Market. So give them a try, and be sure to let us know what you think in the comments section!  If you missed us at the market, join us on our next stop this Saturday at Qwest Field as the Sounders take on the LA Galaxy. Adios! ... Thu, 06 May 2010 15:03:00 PDT http://www.pemconorthwest.com/sounders-vs-columbus-crew-match/ This Saturday, Brad, Caity and I joined the 36,210 soccer fans who came out to cheer on the Sounders as they faced the Columbus Crew at Qwest Field. We never tire of the jubilant pre-game atmosphere outside the stadium or of the fans who stop by the PEMCO booth to get their souvenir photo snapped before they head into the match. But just what is it about Sounders matches that are so exciting? To answer this question, we came up with the top 5 reasons we love match-day in Seattle: 1. It's the only time it's considered cool to coordinate matching outfits with your best friend outside of grade school.  2. You have the chance to sing in public without attracting odd looks from passersby. 3. It's a perfectly masculine setting for men to do each other's makeup.  4. You can wear a scarf no matter how high the temperatures may rise. 5. Two words: Confetti cannons  Of course, Sounders fashion is another highlight of the match-day experience. At the PEMCO booth, we get the chance to meet Sounders fans of all walks of life who take their fandom to the next level. Take a look at a few fans who displayed their serious Sounders spirit on Saturday:Custom jerseys are a must for "Sir William" and "Ryno" from TacomaAlex and friends with their Autograph Alley wristbands. Each game we'll be giving out passes to ten lucky young fans 14 and under. They go fast so be sure to show up early!We had a great time meeting our fellow Sounders fans this weekend and can't wait to be back at Qwest Field next Saturday when the Sounders take on LA Galaxy. Be sure to stop by the PEMCO booth before the match to say hello and snag your free souvenir photo. We'll see you then! ... Mon, 03 May 2010 09:59:00 PDT http://www.pemconorthwest.com/columbia-city-farmers-market-eating/ Tired of navigating through congested grocery store isles and waiting in line while that bottle of orange juice just won't scan? Looking for a way to eat fresh, save money and support your local economy? Then I have just the thing for you - and you won't have to go far to get there. On Wednesday Steven and I headed to South Seattle for the opening day of the Columbia City Farmers Market. The CCFM is one of seven farmers markets in Seattle that makes up The Neighborhood Farmers Market Alliance, an organization with the goal to support local farmers by providing them with a venue to sell their produce as well as to educate our communities about the benefits of buying local. At the market you can find NW delicacies like fresh salmon, dandelions, wine, fresh baked bread, peppers, kambucha colonies and more. However, our favorite find of the day was a pair of fresh faces new here to the NW: Meet Heather and John, two of Seattle's newest residents. Hailing all the way from Minnesota and South Carolina, they are each excited about their new homes in Columbia City. "I love it here! Back in South Carolina you either live by the mountains or by the ocean, but here you get both," said John. If you want to learn more about the Columbia City Farmers Market or find a farmers market in your community, head over to http://www.seattlefarmersmarkets.org/. And be sure to come out and support the Sounders this Saturday, May 1 as they take on the Columbus Crew. We'll see you there! ... Thu, 29 Apr 2010 10:51:00 PDT http://www.pemconorthwest.com/fun-fuzz-5k-running-law/ We've all heard of running from the law, but a new Northwest tradition promotes running for the law!  This weekend, Peter, Steven and I visited Bellingham to help local police in their effort to kick-start the first annual "Fun With The Fuzz 5K Race."    Police officers from Bellingham, working in conjunction with the Behind The Badge Foundation, created this distinctive road race to raise money and offer support to families of fallen officers.  The race organizers were astounded by the turnout and expressed heartfelt gratitude for the community support.  It certainly made us proud to say "We're a lot like you." Event organizer Kyle Nelson welcomes all the participants by the PEMCO registration booth We parked WALLY1 squarely next to the starting line and conducted race registration, while offering racers shelter from the sprinkling, gray skies.  As soon as the runners lined up at the starting gate though, the sun peeked out behind the clouds and offered racers a refreshing glimpse of sunshine as they heard "On your mark, get set, go!" An astounding number of officers came out for the race, and many even strapped on their running shoes and ran beside their civilian neighbors.  A father-son duo of officers from Bellingham chatted with us before the race.  Rich and Chad both exclaimed that they had been looking forward to this for weeks.  They said that despite their police officer backgrounds, their goal was to "just finish the race!"  They both accomplished their goal, and completed the course in under 30 minutes.   Rich and Chad show off their official 5K running shirts The race was an overwhelming success with over $13,000 raised for the Behind The Badge Foundation.  It's apparent that "Fun With The Fuzz" will become a Northwest staple with its commitment to such a worthy cause.  We can't wait until next year's event, so we can have even more "Fun With The Fuzz!"   ... Mon, 26 Apr 2010 17:41:00 PDT http://www.pemconorthwest.com/king-county-earth-day-exhibition-1/ With so many Relentless Recyclers, Smug Hybrid Drivers and P-Patch People in the Northwest, it's no wonder the we boast one of the most pristine environments in the nation. In fact, it might be hard to imagine that just fifty years ago our beautiful Lake Washington was too polluted for swimming. In celebration of the Northwest and the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day, Brad, Peter and I carpooled to Westlake Center for the King County Earth Day Exhibition, and picked up a few tips from the people who help make Lake Washington one of the cleanest urban lakes in the world. Here are our top five tips to keeping King County green, from our friends at the Earth Day Expo:Take a look at the list of ingredients in your household cleaners and always avoid using products with phthalates. Keep in mind that cleaners with the shortest list of ingredients are probably the most environmentally responsible choice.  High-grade vinegar or boiling water can be safe alternatives to harmful weed killers. You can test the grade of vinegar by putting it in the freezer. High-grade vinegar will not freeze.  Greasy pizza boxes and other soiled paper food containers can be placed in your King County yard waste bin for composting. They should not be recycled. The public land between your sidewalk and street can be used to plant a vegetable garden under 3 feet tall without a permit.  Protect local fauna by not planting invasive species in your garden. Check out the Washington Native Plant Society for stunning, uniquely Northwest landscaping ideas.  Check out a few of our favorite moments from the Expo: The addition of 94 electric-hybrid buses in King County will reduce emissions by 30% when they are deployed in 2012. County Executive Dow Constantine proclaims April 22 as King County Environmental Action Day. Baking soda can be used to eliminate odor in your food scrap container. Allison from Wastewater Treatment shows how it also makes a fun science experiment when combined with a handy weed killer, vinegar. A laptop bag made from used tires and seatbelt straps was one of the many environmentally friendly products on display at the Expo.Miss us at the Expo? This Saturday come join us in Bellingham as we have Fun with the Fuzz! ... Fri, 23 Apr 2010 14:16:00 PDT http://www.pemconorthwest.com/bradner-gardens-fresh-perspective/ It's a place of tranquility, where stewardship and community take root. It has breathtaking views of the Olympic Mountains, decorative gardens and winding paths, and fortunately for us, it's located right here in Seattle. On Monday Brad, Steven and I headed to South Seattle to check out the Bradner Park Community Garden. Nestled atop the hill in the Mt. Baker neighborhood, this 1.6 acre plot of land is doing much more than just soaking up the sun.  Among its many Master Gardens, which include Butterfly & Hummingbird, Fragrance, Sensory and Shade to name a few, you'll discover the secrets to why this place is so green year round. The park features a rainwater capture and irrigation system and maintains 100 percent pesticide-free sustainable gardening practices. However, it's the fruits of its keepers' labor that truly stand out in this P-Patch. Bradner Park is a part of The Department of Neighborhoods P-Patch Program here in Seattle. A program aimed at helping those less fortunate in our communities, it provides local food banks with fresh, locally grown, sustainable organic food.  "It's a real joy to be able to do what you love and help others by doing it," said Liz, who is a longtime member of the Bradner Park counsel and has been overseeing the garden since its inception.  It was a pleasure talking with Liz and learning more about the P-Patch Program as we soaked up the rare April sun. Take a look at our favorite shots of the day: The gazebo marks the central gathering spot in the 1.6 acre garden Visitors can borrow wheelbarrows & other gardening supplies as they work in the P-Patch The garden is filled with tips for sustainable gardening practices This home-made scarecrow keeps unwanted critters away from the delicious harvest Liz has been a dedicated Bradner Gardens "P-Patch Person" for over 10 years If you'd like to learn more about Bradner Park or the P-Patch program, you can visit the website at: http://www.cityofseattle.net/neighborhoods/ppatch/. If you missed us at the garden, don't worry, we'll be back in action this weekend in Bellingham as we prepare to have a little Fun with the Fuzz. Join us! ... Thu, 22 Apr 2010 13:10:00 PDT http://www.pemconorthwest.com/sounders-vs-kansas-city-wizards/ What does it take to be a Seattle Sounders fan?  Do you have to be decked out head-to-toe in rave green?  Should you decorate your face with paint and temporary tattoos?  Or do you have to play a vuvuzela and march alongside the Sound Wave Band?   Peter, Steven and I visited Qwest Field on Saturday morning to find answers to these difficult questions and to mingle with our favorite "I Know I am, I'm Sure I am, Sounders FC Fans." The responses we received were resounding, and we quickly learned that to be a true Sounders fan means staying a supporter no matter what.  Sure, being decked out in rave green is a bonus, but it's not essential. Face paint and temporary tattoos are an excellent addition to any fan's face, but they don't make the fan.  And lastly, the vuvuzela is certainly music to a supporter's ears, but you can be heard in many other ways.  What truly makes a Sounders fan unique, we've found, is their unrivaled support and complete commitment to the team. As the Seattle skies unleashed flurries of rain throughout Saturday's match, the fans never wavered, and it became clear that there is no such thing as a fair weather fan in this city! As always, the best part of Sounders matches for us is the chance to interact with some of the team's finest supporters.  Take a look at a few of our favorite snapshots of the day: Ross, Christine, Andrew and Trevor enjoy the "atmosphere of the stadium on match day."  Trevor was at his first match and couldn't wait to see Kasey Keller live! Kathy says, "We absolutely love this tradition before every match because it helps us record the occasion." The PEMCO booth was a popular spot before kick-off, where fans snagged a free souvenir photo and stayed dry in the pre-match drizzle!  The Sounders needed every bit of that fan support they could muster, and all that cheering paid off as Michael Fucito scored an exhilarating game-winning goal in the 92nd minute.  We had a blast at the game, and with such boisterous energy from the local supporters, we're sure to experience a similar feeling all season long.   ... Mon, 19 Apr 2010 13:40:00 PDT http://www.pemconorthwest.com/elliott-bay-book-co-block/ Like a tree in search of sunlight, the beloved Seattle landmark Elliott Bay Book Company has pulled up its Pioneer Square roots and sprouted anew on Capitol Hill. On Thursday Brad, Peter and I joined hundreds of joyful residents, loyal customers, and local business owners as they filled the iconic bookstore to celebrate the opening of the spacious, yet charming new location at 1521 10th Ave. The sound of trumpeters playing in the street serenaded us as we mingled with the local literati and browsed the sea of books lining the familiar handcrafted shelves. We met book lovers galore who shared their fond memories of the original store and their excitement over the new location. We even had the chance to chat with the founding owner of the Elliott Bay Book Company, Walter Carr. "It was the water and the humus of the West Coast forests that brought me back from college in Colorado to start a bookstore," the self-proclaimed "Sandals and Socks Guy" explained. "Call it webbed-feet, I guess," he added with a laugh. Elliott Bay Book Company is clearly an institution woven deep into the fabric that makes up Seattle's literary scene. We asked our fellow attendees what made this particular bookstore so important to them, and here's what they had to say: ... Mon, 19 Apr 2010 13:12:00 PDT http://www.pemconorthwest.com/skagit-valley-tulip-run-colorful/ They come in more than 3,000 different varieties and can grow to be 70 centimeters tall. They bloom in a rainbow of colors, and if you're lucky enough to find yourself in Skagit Valley in April, you'll see a display unlike any other in Washington. It's that time of year again, when the madness of March gives way to the breathtaking sights of the annual Skagit Valley Tulip Festival!This weekend Brad, Steven and I headed north to Burlington to join in the celebration – and what better way to welcome spring than by dashing through a field of blooming tulips? We joined the more than 1,000 runners in the 25th annual Skagit Valley Tulip Run and captured some beautiful photos of Washington's most colorful season:On your mark, get set...Go!A beautiful way to welcome spring!Steven, Brad and I soak up the April sun While cheering breathless runners through to the finish line, we met a friendly couple who hail all the way from Colorado. Chad and Annie are recent transplants from the Mile High City and have quickly fallen in love with the Northwest. "We love the 'NW Male Action Figure' profile," Annie explained. "Only, in Colorado we call them the 'Rocky Mountain Gear-heads,' and every once in a while they play a round of golf!" They may be from Colorado, but we think Chad and Annie fit right in with our Northwest neighbors! Chad and Annie embrace their inner "NW Action Figures"If spring is your thing and you feel like adding a little color to your day, be sure to head north and check out the Tulip Festival. And if you missed us amongst the fields of flowers, don't worry, we'll be back in action this Thursday, April 15 at the grand opening of the Elliot Bay Book Store. ... Mon, 12 Apr 2010 11:12:00 PDT