Not only is it the year of the Pig but supposedly the year of the Golden Pig which comes around every 60 years (or the earthen pig as the full cycle won't be complete until 2031). In any case, it's causing Chinese couples around the world to try to get pregnant this year. Beijing hospital officials predict a 20 percent increase in births for this year alone (which is about 3 million more births than normal!).

My people are crazy superstitious.

Quoted: BEIJING, Feb. 28 The Year of the Pig has turned into the year of the baby.

Quoted: The Democratic-controlled House issued a symbolic rejection of President Bush's plan to deploy more troops to Iraq on Friday, opening an epic confrontation between Congress and commander in chief over an unpopular war that has taken the lives of more than 3,100 U.S. troops.

Sheesh. It took this group 15 hours to drive from Seattle to Portland after the game last night.

Quoted: "I think we went a couple of miles at about 55 miles per hour and then from there it was blow," he told KING5 News. "I called my wife at 3 (a.m.) and we were in Federal Way."

Money Magazine just published their list of best places to retire. Their top town for retirement in the whole United States? [drumroll......................] Walla Walla, Washington!

I went on a hike yesterday with Matt and friends on the Lennox Creek trail, which is just outside of North Bend. It was a really beautiful trail but technically pretty difficult as much of it is in mud and within a creekbed...and there's a huge part where you feel like you need a machete to get through the massive vegetation. The trail supposedly leads to Lake Anderson, which was our goal...but we stopped shortly before, where the huge granite slabs are. Heads up: the road to the trailhead has been washed out, so you have to park your car about 2 miles before the trail even begins.

Thinking about checking out the Tulip Festival this year. Never been...

Quoted: The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is a tourist destination in Northwest Washington State. Each year more than 1 million visitors come to see over 300 acres of brightly colored tulips. This site provids information about festival events, places to stay, places to eat, transportation and tour information as well as providing a map to the various attractions.

An article on a proposal that would allow pharmacists to refuse to fill prescriptions on moral, religious or ethical grounds.

Pot edges cherries in value as a state agricultural product