5 things you didn't know about Issac Hayes

Long before artist such as L.L.Cool J, Ice T and Will Smith had successful crossover careers music, television and movies there was Issac Hayes. In 1968 Issac Hayes burst on to the music scene with his second album Hot Buttered Soul. Over the net 40 years he took that success and went on to not only have a great recording career but also acting in more than 60 T.V. Show and movies.

Outside his music and acting there are several things you may not know about Mr. Hayes. The following is just five of those:

South Park

Issac Hayes was the voice of Chef for 136 from 1997-2006 when he quit the show over religious differences. It was that year that the producers of South Park came up with the idea of doing an episode that poked fun at Scientology. The script did not go over well with Mr. Hayes who had been a member of Scientology since 1993.

Academy & Grammy Awards

In 1971 Mr. Hayes won an Academy Award for best original song for the Theme from Shaft. The award made Mr. Hayes one of the first African-Americans to win an Oscar. That same year the soundtrack also garnered him 3 Grammies and a Golden Globe Awards.

Scholarships

Issac Hayes was offered 7 music scholarships after high school. He turned down all of them and opted to join Floyd Newman's band where he played both piano and saxophone.

Hall of fame

At the age of 60 Issac Hayes was inducted into the Rock & Roll hall of fame. At his induction he was recognized for his contributions to disco, urban-contemporary music and rap.

Food

Issac Hayes opened a soul food restaurant in his hometown of Memphis, Tennessee. On the menu for his restaurant he had a platter named for the album that started his career. Mr. Hayes also had his own BBQ sauce and wrote a cookbook.

5 things you didn't know about Celtic Woman

In the late 1990's the Celtic culture hit the international stage with the sounds of Eyna and the stage shows Riverdance and Lord of the Dance. With the success of those acts the time was right for even more of the Celtic richness.

Shortly after the turn of the 21^st century David Downe, musical director of Riverdance, joined forces with Sharron Browne and the two of them put together the Celtic Woman. Even though the group has been around for over a decade there is still plenty things most people don't know. The following is five of those little known facts:

Misleading Name

Even though the name is Celtic Woman it is actually a group composed of five women. The original group consisted of Chloe Agnew, Orla Falton, Lisa Kelly, Meav Ni Mhaolchatha and Mairead Nesbitt. There have been several changes with some of the women leaving and new women joining the group but they maintain five in the group. The current group consist of Mairead Nesbitt, Mairead Carlin, Lynn Hilary, Susan McFadden and Lisa Lambe. Other women that have been members are Alex Shape and Hayley Westenra.

PBS specials

On March 1 of this year marked 10 years since their first PBS special. Since that day in 2004 the Celtic Woman has become a staple of the public broadcasting system

Political connection?

One of the original members of Celtic Woman, Chloe Agnew had the same last name as former United States Vice President Spiro Agnew. Despite having the same last name there is no direct relationship between the two.

Maireadd Nesbitt

Mairead Nesbitt, The only original member left, studied under world renowned violinist Emanuel Hurwitz. She was later a member of the youth orchestra of Ireland and an all-Ireland fiddle champion.

Lisa Lambe

Before becoming a member of Celtic Woman Lisa Lambe was a featured soloist both with Ireland’s RTE Concert Orchestra and Ireland’s popular TV program “The Late Late Show” leading to collaborations with RTE affiliated musicians Shay Healy and Frank McNamara.

Best places to see the Easter Bunny in Seattle-Tacoma

With a little over a week to go until Easter children all over the Seattle-Tacoma metropolitann area are on the lookout for the Easter Bunny. They are keeping their eyes open trying to spot the big furry guy, say hello and have a picture taken to commemorate the encounter. To help the children out the following are a few places around the greater metropolitan area there is a high likely-hood that they will see and meet the Bunny.

Southcenter

Just follow the bunny trail down southcenter parkway in Seattle to the Westfield Southcenter Mall. Once there travel to the children's section where you will find the Easter Bunny in his hutch. While your there why not have the kids take a photo with the big furry guy. You better hurry though because he will only be there until next Saturday before he hops away. Photograph packages start at $22 and for an additional $7 you can get a photo download so you can share your memento with friends and family. The hours the Bunny will be available are 10 am – 9 pm on Monday- Saturday and 11 am-7 pm on Sunday.

Bunny bounce & Easter enrichment for the animals

The day before Easter bring the family to Woodland park zoo and join the animals as they dine on a special Easter breakfast. While you are there the children will be able to join in on an Easter egg hunt, crafts and bunny encounter throughout the day. The April 4 event starts at 9:30 am and last until 3 that afternoon. The cost of attending range from $9.25 to $13.75 with children 2 & under admitted free.

Sunrise Village

A credible source has told us that the Easter Bunny can be found at 10507 156^th street in Puyallup on Saturday April 4. There will be an Easter egg hunt for the 6 and under crowd, a scavenger hunt for 7-12 year-olds, a petting zoo, face panting and the Easter Bunny. The event runs from 2 pm-5 pm. If you want a photo with the Easter Bunny you will need to bring your own camera. Admittance is free. 

Happy 87th birthday James Lovell

Today we celebrate the 87^th birthday of one of the most famous astronauts of the Gemini and Apollo programs. A man that flew on four mission (Gemini 7 & 12, Apollo 8, &13) and survived the most infamous missions in NASA history. A man that would go on to be enshrined in both the United States Astronauts hall of fame and the National Aviation hall of fame. That man is James A. Lovell Jr.

On this date in 1928 James Arthur Lovell Jr. was born in Cleveland, Ohio. Shortly after he was born hi parents moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin where he grew up building model rockets and dreaming of one day traveling into space. As many other children did of that era he went into scouting where he reached the level of eagle scout. He went on to go to the University of Wisconsin-Madison before transferring to the United States Naval Academy where he graduated in 1952.

In 1952 Mr. Lovell started his naval career where he flew F2H Banshee fighters. After 6 years he enter a 6-month long test pilot training course. The same year that he became a test pilot Mr. Lovell applied to NASA to become one of the astronauts for the upcoming Mercury program. He was not selected in that group but later re-applied when there was a second call for astronauts for the Gemini program. In 1962 he became one of the second group of astronauts.

Not long after he started his career at NASA he was chosen to be part of the backup crew for Gemini 4. He later made his first flight when he was paired with Frank Borman to be the crew on Gemini 7. That flight made the first space rendezvous when it docked with Gemini 6A. Mr. Lovell's next flight was as part of the crew of Gemini 12 where he was teamed with Buzz Aldren, who later became the second man on the moon. His third mission was Apollo 8 where he was once again teamed with Frank Borman where along with William Ander became the first men to orbit the Moon. On that flight Mr. Lovell did a famous Christmas Eve reading of the first 10 verses of Genesis. His fourth flight was the infamous Apollo 13 where an explosion endangered the mission and crew. On that flight with the courageous work, of the crew (James Lovell, Jack Swigert and Fred Haise) and mission control, Apollo 13 made it back to Earth.

Gemini 3 was full of first

It was 9:23 am (EST) the morning of March 23, 1965 in Cape Canaveral, Florida that a Titan II rocket set on launch complex 19. On top of that rocket was the Gemini 3 capsule containing astronauts Virgal “Gus” Grissom and John W. Young. The two were strapped in tight as they listened to the countdown and knowing that in on minute they would be launched into orbit around the Earth. The Launch would mark the first manned mission for the Gemini program. It was to be a flight full of first including using the Houston mission control center, using the OAMS (orbital attitude maneuvering system), the first astronaut to fly twice and the first corned beef sandwich.

In 1965 NASA (national aeronautics and space administration) replaced the Mercury mission control center, at Cape Canaveral in Florida, with the mission control center in Houston, Texas. Gemini 3 was the irst manned flight that would be monitored by that control center. The Houston center would continue to be mission control through not only the Gemini program but Apollo, Skylab, the space shuttle and still used today.

The Gemini program introduce the use of the OAMS (orbital attitude maneuvering system) that controlled the 16 thrusters during re-entry and splashdown. The OAMS system has been intergrated into all space vehicles since that time to assist in docking, stage separations and repair maneuvering.

When Gemini III lifted off astronaut Virgal “Gus” Grissom went into orbit for the second time. The first was when he flew the Mercury 7 mission. Mr. Grissom later was on a third mission, Apollo I, that tragically burned up with Grissom and two other astronauts aboard.

As a joke fellow astronaut Wally Schirra purchased a corned beef sandwich that he gave to John Young to smuggle onto Gemini 3. After they achieved orbit Mr. Young showed the sandwich to Mr. Grissom. Mr. Grissom took the sandwich and ate it causing crumbs to float throughout the capsule creating a safety risk. The incident caused NASA to be more strict on enforcing their rule on what food item can and can not be taken on space missions.

"Where did that come from?" Gus Grissom, the mission's commander, asked his crewmate.

"I brought it with me," Young replied, somewhat matter of factly. "Let's see how it tastes. Smells, doesn't it?"

5 things you didn't know about Jimi Hendrix

Jimi Hendrix was well-known for his masterful guitar, his onstage antics and psychedelic sounds. His guitar and music were so influential that even 45 years after his death there are still several fans listening to his music, writing books about him and even built a museum dedicated to him. With all the knowledge they have gained about Mr. Hendrix here are 5 things they might still not know about him.

One hit wonder

Jimi Hendrix was one of the highest paid musicians, won several awards and had three albums. Despite all of the success in those areas he was “a one hit wonder”. His only top 40 hit came in 1968 with the song All along the Watchtower that was written by Bob Dylan.

Overlooked

While playing backup guitar at a nightclub in May of 1966 he caught the eye of Linda Keith, who at the time was the girlfriend of Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones. Ms. Keith was impress with Mr. Hendrix and introduced him to both Andrew Long Oldman, manager of the Rolling Stones, and Seymour Stein, the producer for the Rolling Stones, but they didn't see any talent in the guitar player and decided to pass on Mr. Hendrix.

Military Service

In 1961 Jimi Hendrix had a run in with the law where he was given the choice of either two years in jail or two years in the military. He took military service and signed up for a 3-year stint with the United States Army were he was assigned to the 101^st Airborne “screaming eagles” division. Whether it was over disciplinary problems or actual medical reasons he was discharged after 17 months.

Early Career

Before he rocketing to fame Jimi Hendrix played backup guitar for some of the biggest names of the 1960 rhythm & blues scene. There was Ike & Tina Turner, Little Richard and the Isley Brothers just to name a few.

Death

There has been plenty of debate surrounding the untimely death of Jimi Hendrix in 1970. According to the official report Mr. Hendrix choked on his own vomit after he accidentally took several times the dosage of a sleeping pill. Mr. Hendrix was hoping for a good night sleep and borrowed the sleeping pills from his girlfriend. Not knowing that half a pill was a normal dose he took 9 of them.

5 things you didn't know about the Beach Boys

 In 1961 brothers Brian, Carl and Dennis Wilson joined force with cousin Mike Love and friend Al Jadine to form the Beach Boys. The group created the California surf sound that became part of the American culture of the 1960's.

That culture blossomed with other groups like Jan & Dean and the Ventures among others. The beach sound also inspired the beach movie craze that made household names of Annette Funicello and Frankie Avalon. After 5 decades the rest of that beach culture is gone but the Beach Boys still remain as an icon American band.

There has been plenty written about the Beach Boys in their 5+ decades. The following are a few things that are not so widely know about the award winning group.

Murders among them

A year before the rest of the nation heard of the murderous Manson family they had an encounter with the Beach Boys. In the summer of 1968 Dennis Wilson, the Beach Boys' drummer, met and befriended Charles Manson. He allow Manson and his “family” live with him at his Sunset Boulevard house. After awhile Mr. Wilson came aware of how unstable Manson was but afraid to ask him to leave. So, Mr. Wilson just walked away from the house letting the lease expire.

Captain & Tennille

Before they became a husband and wife singing team the Beach Boys played a part in getting the Captain & Tennille together. In the early 1970's Daryl Dragon was a part-time keyboard player with the band. In 1971 Daryl “Captain keyboard” Dragon met Toni Tennille. The two of worked on a play that Ms. Tennille wrote before she also joined the Beach Boys on tour.

Pet Sounds

49 years after the Beach Boys released the album Pet Sounds, in 1966, it is still considered the number 2 greatest rock albums of all-time. The album introduced us to such icon songs as Wouldn't it be nice, God only know and Sloop John B. Paul McCartney of Beatles said of the album that it was a direct influence behind Sgt. Pepper.

Kissing Cousins

Among the 6 times that Dennis Wilson married one of them to the Shawn Love, the daughter of cousin Mike Love. The marriage drove a wedge between the cousins and that took out mutual restraining orders.

What is in a name?

Before they were known as the Beach the group recorded under the name Pendletones. They had also considered the names Carl and the Passions or Kenny and the cadets.  

Best Easter egg hunts in Seattle

 Easter is a celebration of resurrection of Jesus and the the re-birth of the Christian spirit. The main symbol of this re-birth has always been the egg that is the beginning of a new life. A big part of any Easter celebration is the hunting of these eggs that is usually done by children.

In the greater Seattle area there are plenty of places that provide Easter egg hunts along with other fun activities for the whole family. The following is just a few of these events.

Cha!Cha!

At the Rainforest cafe in Westfield's Southcenter mall is sponsoring 3 Easter breakfast & egg hunts. You can choose either March 28, 29 or April 4 dates to attend ne of the events. No matter which of the 3 events you choose to attend the admission is free but there is a charge for the breakfast buffet. At each of the events there will be goodie bags for all the children, a free Easter basket raffle, egg hunt and appearances by the Easter Bunny. The hours for all 3 events is from 8 am to 10 am.

Bunny bounce & Easter enrichment for the animals

The day before Easter bring the family to Woodland park zoo and join the animals as they dine on a special Easter breakfast. While you are there the children will be able to join in on an Easter egg hunt, crafts and bunny encounter throughout the day. The April 4 event starts at 9:30 am and last until 3 that afternoon. The cost of attending range from $9.25 to $13.75 with children 2 & under admitted free.

Kiwanis Easter egg hunt

If you in the city of Kirkland and looking for a place to take the children on Easter then Peter Kirk park is the place to go. Starting at 1:30 pm the Kirkland Kiwanis will be hosting an Easter eggs hunt for children aged 1-12. There will be approximately 15,000 chocolate eggs hidden among 3 separate areas, each designated for a different age group, of the park.

Lil' ones egg hunt

At Mercersdale park on Mercer Island you can sleep in and still take the kids on an Easter egg hunt. It is an evening hunt that starts at 5:00 pm and last until 6:00 pm. There will actually be two hunts one for the 1-3 age bracket and one for ages 4-6. Both will have plenty of eggs, candy, prizes and a special golden egg. If you have older children from 7-10 there will be a flashlight Easter egg hunt at 8:30 pm. All of this fun will be held on April 4.

Taijuan Walker does great in his second spring start for the Mariners

Taijuan Walker made his second start of spring training by pitching three scoreless inning with 4 strikeouts, 1 hit and a double play. This outing gives him 5 scoreless innings in his two outing. If he continues pitching the way he did in these two outing Mr. Walker will most likely take the final spot in the starting rotation.

In the bottom of the 3^rd inning Brad Miller gave the Mariners a 1-0 lead. Chris Taylor came to the plate right after Mr. Miller and had a base hit but was caught stealing.

Tyler Olson bolstered his chances of getting into the bullpin when he took over from Mr. Walker in the 4^th and strikes out the batters in order.

In the bottom of the 4^th the Mariners didn't see much offense as Rickie Weeks walks only to be left on the base pads.

David Rollins takes over pitching for the Mariners in the 5^th and retires the batters in order with one strikeout.

In the bottom of the 5^th inning Mike Zunino and Brad Miller hit homeruns to give the Mariners a 3-0 lead. Chris Taylor adds a double but is left at second.

Carson Smith takes over the pitching in the 6^th inning and gives up 2 runs to make it a 1 run game.

Lucas Luetge takes over pitching in the 7^th inning. Brandon Moss homers to tie the game in the 7^th. Richard Vargas takes over the pitching with 2 outs in the top of the 7^th and he gets a strikeout to end the inning.

Richard Vargas stays in the game and pitches a scoreless 8^th giving up only one hit.

Mark Lowe takes over the piching in the 9^th where he strikes out the side. In th3e bottom of the 9^th inning the Mariners get a leadoff triple and a sacrifice fly to win with a score of 4-3.