Are you settling into 2024 yet? I hope you are and that this year will be a fruitful one for you. Let’s get started with the five topics that encompass my latest Thursday Rundown…

Zags Game With Dad – The hottest ticket in Spokane is no doubt Gonzaga basketball. People do some pretty wild things to secure a seat inside McCarthey Center. Luckily for me, I got inside this past weekend simply because someone asked me to go. My dad scored seats from a lady he used to work with and was beyond kind to take me with him. Prior to the game we went out for dinner and drinks and then moseyed over to “The MAC” for Gonzaga vs. San Diego. What a thrill it was to watch a game in that setting with the Zags notching a decisive victory. Thanks, dad!

My dad and I at the Gonzaga game inside the McCarthy Center on Jan. 6, 2024.

Juggling Act – You never know what you are going to get when you stumble onto a street act, but this juggler outside River Park Square in downtown Spokane was pretty good. I gave Sloan and Beau each a dollar (cheapskate, I know) as they watched the entertainer do his thing while he interacted with them. Just a small thing to make a fun trip downtown even more memorable.

Beau and Sloan watch a juggler perform outside of River Park Square in downtown Spokane.

Papa Murphy’s Deal – I love this! When scrolling Instagram I came across the below offering from Papa Murphy’s. Of course I used my info (October + Blue) to discover what pizza I would qualify for and it is a good thing I like cheese because my combo is mozzarella cheese and feta cheese. It might not surprise you that I sought out more information and found that the $10.99 price is for a large pizza and all pies begin with red sauce, mozzarella cheese base, and cheddar/mozzarella top mix. Obviously if I make good on my combo it will end up being a quadruple extra cheese pizza 😂. What is your combo?

This is kind of fun! What is your combo? You can get a large for $10.99.

Pete Carroll – Yesterday it was announced that Pete Carroll would not return as head coach of the Seattle Seahawks. I am a Pete fan and really admired the infectious enthusiasm he brought to the organization. You won’t find a cooler 72-year-old (including you, Mr. Saban) and I remain amazed at the through-the-roof energy level he seemingly sustained at all times. Pete Carroll deserves the sincere gratitude from all Seahawks fans and he definitely has it from this blogger.

Thank you, Pete Carroll, for all you did for the Seattle Seahawks (photo courtesy of Fox News).

Those Who Wish Me Dead – Recently, Sidney and I watched “Those Who Wish Me Dead” starring Angelina Jolie. The film contains multiple plots but the gist is that assassins are trying to end the life of a boy on the run who has incriminating information with worldwide ramifications (but it is never revealed what that info is). The bad guys start a massive forest fire that creates a diversion away from the search and rescue operation. Jolie plays a smokejumper who is battling past demons while trying to protect the boy. Although my mom recommended the movie to us, I didn’t think it was that great. I felt it lacked focus and even with a superstar like Jolie the acting was a little corny. One funny thing happened when the movie ended: Sidney told me it was made by “Yellowstone” creators. It made so much sense! The vibe, effects, make up, and more all had me thinking about the Kevin Costner series in the back of my head. If you are a “Yellowstone” fanatic you might appreciate “Those Who Wish Me Dead.”

I wasn’t a big fan of “Those Who Wish Me Dead.”

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That will conclude things for tonight, I hope everyone is staying healthy and optimistic. Have a fantastic weekend and I will be back on Monday. Don’t Blink.