Don't you miss the days when you received a trophy just for participating? Awards seem harder to come by as an adult, which is why I'll toot my horn for this one. It's signed by the two guys who are in charge of all Microsoft practices worldwide for my PR agency.

I must be doing something right, or at least I talk about the band enough for them to notice.

I have decided that I will be going to Italy in September or October. I don't have a plane ticket yet, but the idea is cemented in my mind. I asked Scott if he wanted to come, like I did when I went to Greece last year and, like last year, he declined. So, I will fly solo, which I'm actually excited about.

Scott simply does not find a whole lot of value in exploring foreign countries. It doesn't interest him. That's fine. His sister Caitlin, also known as "The Spoiled One" will be attending Gonzaga's infamous study abroad program in Florence, and Scott's parents invited him to join them when they visit her. His reply and travel manifesto (edited for grammar and spelling):

Well, I want to first start off by saying that I 110 percent appreciate the significant offer of accompanying you guys to Europe. I really liked going to Austria, but only for the skiing, and I wasn't that fond of Ireland or England. I am not saying I wouldn't go back to Europe, but I would only for the skiing and definitely not for any cultural experiences.

For many people out there get a huge satisfaction to see things like the Coliseum or Vatican. Unfortunately, I am not one of them. I am much, much happier at Camp Muir on Rainer or on the top of St. Helens, or in Yellowstone then I will ever be in Europe. I am not, nor will I ever be, a person overly impressed with cultural types of things (In fact, it is safe to say I hate anything culturally associated. I am the anti-tourist). On that same note, I have to say that I can guarantee you that it would be a waste of your money and my time for me to go on this trip.

I know you guys are seeing this as a once-in-a-lifetime experience but I can't see it that way because I wouldn't be happy or enjoy it in the least. Paolo asked me to go with him when he went to Europe last summer and I had to decline; now he is going back this coming up fall and I once again declined. Europe for me simply holds absolutely no, zero appeal…

There is nothing closer to hell for me than being in an overcrowded European street surrounded by people that don't speak English and trapped in a concrete and brick jungle. I know I should try to expand my horizons and embrace new things but I have done the Europe thing twice now and I know what makes me happy in this life and what does not, and going to Europe in the summer is exactly what I despise most in this world. For people like Caitlin this will be a great opportunity and she will love every second of it.

I do want to thank you for the incredible opportunity I am sorry I am just not a person who can embrace or appreciate it to the full extent possible. I know you guys will be angry at me for having this decision, but, if at all possible, just try to completely flip your perspective to mine for a second and see how your outlook on Europe changes. Caitlin and you guys would be in hell living in Montana just as I would be in hell in Europe. My personal experience already tells me this.

Sincere thanks,
Scott

Yesterday I had a good day at work. We had a suprise "off-site meeting," which turned out to be a wine tasting tour.

Wasting no time, we got on the Party Bus and started drinking.

We started at the classy Chateau Ste Michelle. Then we went to Columbia. We made our final stop at Silver Lake. After all that drinking, this group of innocent PR professionals got back on the Party Bus... to continue drinking and head back to the office. With 8 or 9 glasses of Washington's finest wines in our systems, we decided it was best to afterparty at The Elysian.Hooray for photo essays! More pictures are here.

Huge news for local music: The Blue Scholars are releasing their highly anticpated new album "Bayani" June 12 under the Rawkus label. Rawkus is best known for putting out albums by Talib Kweli, Mos Def and the two rapper's duo effort as Blackstar.

Rawkus gave Blue Scholars mucho props in its press release:

Rawkus sees Seattle group Blue Scholars (MC Geologic and DJ/ Producer Sabzi) and their label MASSLINE being a huge part of this new movement. The momentum behind this group and the scene they come out of in Seattle is undeniable. Armed with a purpose beyond creating music for music's sake, Blue Scholars take the classic form of the emcee/DJ duo perfected by groups such as Gangstarr, Pete Rock & CL Smooth, Eric B. & Rakim while carrying the essence of militant, yet personal struggle shown by hip-hop luminaries such as Public Enemy and KRS-One.

This "Bayani" album is going to put Seattle back on the hip hop map. Sergio and I got to preview the record and it is cooler than a polar bear's toenails.

I just received an email from Carol Brach, WWU journalism department manager. It reads:

Something funny happened here last week -- I would have taken a picture if I'd had a camera. The walls of Wright's Triangle, the sculpture just south of the art building were covered in snow. On each of the three outside faces, someone had traced the name PAOLO in the snow in letters five feet high. I thought of you and wished you could have seen it.

Well, well, well... It seems I still have some secret admirers on my old stomping grounds. Coincidentally, the wives are spending today in Bellingham.