Gov. Christine Gregoire faced a sea of blank stares at Arthur B. Ness Elementary Monday, while touting the many benefits of Washington's trade with China.

The governor's question: What does China buy from us?

"Starbucks coffee" was one of the answers she was fishing for.

No dice. The students -- who'd already come up with apples, airplanes and software -- were at a loss.

Gregoire gave the puzzled students a hint.

"What really gets your parents going...What really gets them revved up?" she prompted. "Maybe first thing in the morning?"

Aha! A girl in the front row was sure she had the answer. She blurted it out.

"Beer!" she said.

(Thanks to S-R reporter Tom Lutey.)

---

---