Monday, July 23, 2007

I Am Become Media

Yesterday marked my debut in The Seattle Times with an article about my search for the soul of Federal Way. It's a lot of the same smart-alecky jokes I've been making since I lived there but with hopefully some coherent writing. I especially love the stock photo they found of the "Federal Shopping Way" sign being taken apart. I have kind of a giddy thrill about being in The Seattle Times since it was the paper we used to get when I was a kid and so it really feels like I've accomplished something. I'm going to be writing for them some more.

Torch-wielding Federal Waynians should be arriving at my door by the end of the day.

Also, I hosted this past weekend's Weekend America and did a fun story about how Hillary Clinton can be more likeable and then I use that advice on my own life by trying to get KUOW folks to like me. To no avail.

6 comments:

Scott the Organfreak said...

John,
Dunno how I wound up in the comment area for Monkey Disaster; I actually wanted to comment on your highly-entertaining Federal (Shopping) Way piece.

It occurred to me as I read your article that we have at last found the "soul of Federal Way." And it is you. It's one of the Miracles of Life that that, er, "area" could have produced a sprightly mind such as yours.

On a personal note, my first girlfriend (in 1966) lived in Federal Way, and though she was a delightful girl, I broke up with her simply because I hated how I felt every time I went to that, uh, "place."

-Scott

Anonymous said...

First of all, John, I have to say I am very fond of your writing. I am an aspiring journalist and creative writer, and am very appreciative of your humor."Conservatize Me" got me through a very long flight to Tennessee last fall, and the sideways looks I got were priceless. I actually live in West Seattle, but am a Federal Way refugee (and FWHS alum, c/o 2002). While reading your article, I realized you must have gone to school with at least one of my older cousins. Does the name Gunderson ring a bell? Just curious; I realize you are a big star now and may not have the time to respond :-). Good luck as your career continues!

Anonymous said...

First of all, John, I have to say I am very fond of your writing. I am an aspiring journalist and creative writer, and am very appreciative of your humor."Conservatize Me" got me through a very long flight to Tennessee last fall, and the sideways looks I got were priceless. I actually live in West Seattle, but am a Federal Way refugee (and FWHS alum, c/o 2002). While reading your article, I realized you must have gone to school with at least one of my older cousins. Does the name Gunderson ring a bell? Just curious; I realize you are a big star now and may not have the time to respond :-). Good luck as your career continues!

Anonymous said...

I think your "Dear Indy Hipster Coffee Shop Near Where I Work" story would be great in the newspaper. :-)

john said...

Such kindness! Thanks Scott.

And Sarah, I'm delighted my book caused funny looks on an airplane. And even more delighted you enjoyed the book. I don't recall any Gundersons in Fed Way. Did they go to FWHS? And yes, I'm a HUGE star. That's me. Famous, abusive, drunk with power. And drunk with Thunderbird.

And that's a good call on the paper, Anonymous. I'll look into that.

Anonymous said...

Yes, Mike and Matt Gunderson both went to FWHS, but maybe just a little before/after when you were there. You were definitely right on in your assessment of the current state of the school - designed by someone with a Lego set and no attention span. I graduated before they started that remodel, so I had the privilege of attending when the school was a real mess. It's sad that the piecemeal renovation is better than what was there before. All I can say is that if and when I have children, we will avoid the F.W. School District like the plague. That school board is insane - when I was on the school paper, I covered the controversy of one particular candidate (Diane ??) whose platform consisted of banning multiple books. She was a complete idiot, and was not elected, but she's appealing compared with the current dictators. It's embarrassing, really!