Search Results for 'lD'

[Sue]

Jan, I have a cat, and I’ve been told by landlords that cats are generally more destructive than dogs. I was surprised, but I guess if that was their experience, then they’d know better than me. :) My pet peeve about “pet deposits” though is that they’re not really a “deposit” if you don’t get it back. I’ve lived in 3 rentals with this cat and have paid a total of about $1,000 in “deposits.”

[WSB]

Gingersnap, we haven’t been to BOW in a while but can certainly vouch for the folks there – before they moved around the corner a couple years back, my son and I had a regular walking route for a while that took us past the old location, and we would stop in to have a drink and see the fish (he was in a fish-fan phase back then) – proprietress Heidi always fielded his fish questions with her trademark dry wit. These days, we tend to walk more in the opposite direction, down to, and through, Morgan Junction. But while we’re on the subject of coffeehouses, and sort of apropos to a theme that Chas R keeps sounding, WE WANT A 24-HOUR COFFEEHOUSE! Or at least one that’s open as late as the bars.

[WSB]

We’ll check on it when we go to the Southwest Precinct tomorrow to go through reports. Appears from 911 that the callout was around 6 am — only one unit and not a medic so here’s hoping it wasn’t too horrific (if it had been a fatality, word of it would have emerged by now). No other major callouts in WS per the 911 log.

[CMP]

I wouldn’t recommend All Star Fitness, but I’m basing that on their pool only. The lifeguards are awful and the pool lanes are not organized by speed, which is really annoying for faster swimmers. And there always seemed to be a problem with something breaking, whether it was the pool heater, hot tub or sauna. As far as the classes offered, I liked some of the Spin instructors and there was a large variety, which was nice. Overall, it seemed like a cheesy place and I’m glad that I quit, but other members seemed quite satisfied with ASF. 24 Hour Fitness doesn’t seem too bad and at least it has great hours!

[Trick]

I noticed that too coming home.

I flew by it before I could get my camera out

to take a snap.

Looked pretty messy.

[pabloa3]

I generally go to Ladro – good coffee and lattes. The baristas at the new starbucks at jefferson square are annoying…way to jolly and happy for me.

I would love to have a peets around here – they have excellent coffee.

Reading this list, I now know I am missing out on trying many of the places…I need to try some variety – thanks for the recommendations.

[credmond]

Jan..

Work, I worked for NASA. It was adventurous, to say the least. Almost got my head shot off once by a guy who flipped me the bird and then stopped his truck and pulled the rifle off the gun rack in the back of his cab and almost got run over by another guy gunning his car out of a parking lot and just couldn’t believe that someone was actually on the sidewalk in front of him. Yeah, Houston – Don’t Mess with Texas. Oh, you got to love the 100 percent humidity there, too. That and the average height above sea level – 12 feet. Lots of flooding in the storms. One house we owned had a yard which regularly turned into a lake when it rained.

[credmond]

The Metro RapidRide group is having a series of public meetings here in WS for the WS RapidRide. Jan 24 at the Hall at Fauntleroy, 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Jan 29 at the WS Senior Center (Oregon@California) also 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm. And, on Jan 30 noon to 3:00 pm at the Senior Center.

Presently they want the route to come up from the ferry dock on Fauntleroy and turn north on California and then right at Alaska. The stations would be rather large (though nice) and would be on California basically right in the block with ArtsWest and Elliott Bay Brewery – sort of blocking the street view in both directions.

An alternative routing would be straight on Fauntleroy to Alaska and then right. Both routes would go down Alaska to 35th to Avalon and then onto the causeway ramp at Spokane.

The Fauntleroy routing would probably be faster, wouldn’t disrupt the landscape along California, and would take advantage of whatever new construction goes in at the corner of Fauntleroy and Alaska (old Huling/Gee lots). The disadvantage is that folks would have to walk a few blocks from the current 54 routing on California.

Any preferences? If you have them, by all means show up at these meetings. I’d also be interested in a poll (WSB?) which offered the two options. The service is supposed to begin either late 2010 or early 2011 – about the time the Viaduct is closed for work. It’s also supposed to run 18 hours a day on no less frequent headways than 15 minutes – maybe even 12 or 10.

Thoughts?

[JohnM]

While waiting like forever at 42nd and Fauntleroy, I’ve always wondered why there isn’t a light here, especially since it’s where two busy arterials meet. It’s so bad I’ll go Thistle/California from Westwood just to avoid it.

Got me thinking about where else we could bug the city for a light or better traffic flow at existing lights (16th and henderson maybe?, better cycling of the lights along 35th?)

[credmond]

Just for the coffee, you know, regular 16 ounce drip, I’d say Ladro with its shade-grown, fair-trade, organic beans (don’t know who does the roasting), Bird-on-a-Wire for its shade-grown, fair-trade, organic beans roasted by Raven’s Brew (Alaska and now also Fife), and Bakery Nouveau for its LIghthouse Roasters french roast drip – and its croissants. Wish William would do something about the seating and cash-out process. In a pinch, any of the other ones mentioned will do, but the three I mentioned have the best, day-to-day, consistently strong, fresh and tasty brew. IMHO, of course. Espressos and cappuccinos are another matter.

[Sue]

Jan, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a gym that posts its prices on a website, so for that particular service, I wouldn’t necessarily be suspect. But I do find it annoying. If I’ve got $X available for a membership, I don’t care what kind of glitz and song & dance you show me when I get in, I can still only afford $X, even if I think it’s worth more. So I do wish gyms would post a price and just not waste either of our time with the hard-sell nonsense.

The main reason I haven’t checked out Fitness Together is the fact that it’s up a flight of stairs. (It’s over near where the 8 Limbs Yoga is, with alley access.) With my knees, I just can’t walk up a flight of stairs easily (especially since my surgery), yet I can work out for an hour with no problem. I had to leave another gym downtown for the same reason. I guess they figure that if you work out, you won’t mind a flight of stairs, but it’s a purely structural issue that doesn’t keep me from working out, just from doing stairs.

I tried googling to see if anybody had prices listed. A FT in Miami charges $70/hr. Another site (location unknown) said it ranges $65-$85/session. Based on what I paid for personal training downtown, I would think those prices are probably similar to what it would be here, but that’s just my assumption. I would also assume that they have packages where you pay less if you buy more sessions.

I used to use a trainer downtown, but I made a deal with her to only see her 1/2 hour at a time, so I saved money that way. I don’t need a trainer to watch me on the bike or elliptical, so I did that before my 1/2 hour started. Somehow I doubt that FT would allow that, and you’d probably have to spend the whole hour with them.

[granted]

I’ve been both a driver and a pedestrian and have felt the frustration from both sides of the issue. What I have to remind myself as a driver though is that I have the greater power over the pedestrians, therefore I also have the greater responsibility. A mistake I make as a driver has a much greater impact given that my vehicle weighs thousands of pounds and is typically traveling at speeds of 30mph or more. If I need to pay greater attention or slow down a little in order to spot and wait for pedestrians, then that’s a responsibility I have to accept. It’s the tradeoff I should be willing to make for the speed and convenience of personal motorized transportation.

That said, in practical terms everybody’s got a lot on their minds and sometimes people do forget to check every corner at all times for a pedestrian. One idea that could help is speed bumps. A well-placed speed bump can be just the thing to remind the distracted driver that they need to check their speed and watch for pedestrians. In areas such as 35th where people tend to drive faster (although the speed limit is 35mph), a series of the rumble bumps — not sure of the correct name for them — might be in order.

To me it seems like the least we could do when people are quite literally being killed in the streets.

[Sue]

There is a personal training studio in the Junction called Fitness Together. I have not tried it out, but was interested in doing so at some point. From what I understand, you work one on one with trainers in your own private workout room. I am not sure if you can go in and use the aerobic machines when you’re not doing training though. They do offer a free first session, so you could check it out. there are reviews on Citysearch for a different area location that were positive. I have no idea about the price though. Their website is http://www.ftwestseattle.com

[JanS]

amy, most all massage therapists take a class in pregnancy massage. There are some that specialize in it, though, and they are out there, but sometimes hard to find. I went to school with a woman in lower Wallingford/Fremont (40th and Stone Way, who is train as doula in addition to being a massage therapist. Her name is Heather Owens. She’s not in WS, but easy to get to. I’m sure if you looked on the AMTA website, you could find her number. Or try one of us in the area. Mostly we work with you side-lying…lots of support pillows.If you want your insurance to pay for it you need a doc’s referral…

[WSB]

Data point, even pizza places are diversifying. WSB sponsor Garlic Jim’s, for example, has decent salads, as well as wings. But overall, the dearth of delivery is indeed kind of surprising. In some other Western cities, even non-pizza franchises offer delivery – visiting family in Las Vegas some years back, we noticed delivery numbers on the windows of places such as El Pollo Loco (which we wish would come to this state).

[san]

Thanks for the responses and advice. I found out today that it was/is termites :(

The inspector found a few spots and we are on the road to repair. I am so bummed, because we had a thorough inspection prior to purchase, and nothing was even noted. The termite company that was out today seems to think this was a problem long before we closed. It just put me in a terrible mood. I guess we ( my hubby and I ) should be grateful we were smart enough to ( or able to! ) start a “House Crisis” savings account before buying. These little turds aren’t cheap to remedy. Honestly, we didn’t even realize how prevalent they are in Washington state. So, homeowners— add this to your list of things to sweat over! Thanks for all your good words and thoughts.

[Katherine]

Are you sure it’s termites and not carpenter ants? A good pest control company should be able to tell you. Either way, much sympathy. As an inexperienced home owner, you might consider joining Home Owners Club. They recommend contractors who’ve done good work for other members. And contractors are more likely to make good any problems so they don’t get taken off the recommended list.

[westwood]

The ID is packed with great Chinese restaurants. It all depends on what you like.

Here are a few of my favorites:

House of Hong, China Gate, O’Asian for dim sum–although most Chinese restaurants do a pretty good job with dim sum in the ID, avoid Ocean City.

For a great Chinese cheap lunch–Shanghai Garden, HoHo Seafood Restaurant, Hing Loon all come to mind.

As for WS–HoWin is about the quality of the Safeway steam table. Don’t worry about labels, just go to Lee’s and order the chinese dishes there on the menu. The chef used to be the lead chef at Wild Ginger for the first several years.

[JanS]

hehehe…House…I’m afraid our prison system couldn’t handle them all. And I totally agree with you. I, too, am both. As a pedestrian I walk with a cane, hopefully temporarily. I’m a little slower than the average person, so really have to be heads up about where and when I cross. As a driver I try to pay attention, but we have to remember that we have a big hunk of metal (erm…sometimes plastic…hehe) around us, and it’s not always able to stop on a dime. There are times when drivers are damned if they do, and damned if they don’t.

[Elliott]

I would not recommend QFC for sharpening. They have a machine they will pull your knives through, it is nothing special. I saw an ad at the West Seattle nursery – at the checkout counter – that advertised sharpening services. Failing that, I’d ask the local groomer shops, or your hair person.

[acemotel]

Tully’s on Alki is the best interior space, for sure. And I’m with ya, MissK, I would rather drive to Spokane and back for a latte than go to Java Bean.

[Sue]

As a frequent pedestrian, I sometimes have a driver stop for me on Fauntleroy, and then get upset that I don’t go. The problem is, I appreciate that they stopped, but usually it’s the other side of the street, and the car on the side I will first cross is racing towards me and I am not sure they will stop, so I cannot safely cross. Meanwhile, the nice person who did stop is pissed off at me because I’m not crossing. I can’t assume that everyone will stop, so I need to be safe. I may have right of way, but that doesn’t mean I should just start walking in front of oncoming traffic!

Then one time they did all stop, I started crossing, and someone decided to drive *around* the stopped traffic (in the parking lane) to blow through the intersection and almost hit me in the crosswalk.

I, and a few neighbors, were in touch with people about putting in a crosswalk or traffic light or at the very least some pedestrian crossing signs, but they gave us the runaround for a very long time and then didn’t get back to us. Then I tried contacting the SW Precinct, telling them what’s been going on here with no one yielding to us, and they emailed back saying that pedestrian safety was very important, and they were going to come out and take a look and start ticketing people who don’t yield. That never happened. I’ve never seen a cop car yet during my morning commute, nor has the situation changed. I don’t know what else I can do to get the rules enforced, other than praying I don’t get hit someday.

[BlairJohnson]

The way I understand the law, drivers must stop for pedestrians if they step off the curb in a crosswalk (marked OR unmarked). If the pedestrian is standing up on the curb or sidewalk, drivers can legally drive in front of them.

So I wish more pedestrians understood that if they intend to wait for all the traffic to clear, they would stay up on the sidewalk, back from the curb. Sometimes I see a pedestrian up ahead standing off the curb in the crosswalk, so I come to a stop, only to have them just stand there. Finally, I have to gesture “oh well” with my hands and drive in front of them, risking a ticket.

When I am a pedestrian (and I walk frequently) I make sure I communicate my intentions clearly to motorists.

[nyx]

I don’t like the current forums at all, although I am glad you’re adding this feature. The layout and typography isn’t particularly nice compared to other forums, and the user interface is sort of clumsy. You should improve that tiny little >> you have to click on to reply, for example! That’s just making it unnecessarily hard for us. Also, remove the line at the bottom of every page “Put code in between backticks“. We aren’t posting formatted code here and “backtick” isn’t a word any real person uses anyway.

You don’t need to use the regular WSB sidebar on this part of the site, either, it’s just wasting space. Ditch the links to the monthly archives (no one’s clicking on those anyway, folks…) and category links. Those things point to content that’s separate from the forums, so it’s irrelevant here. Once that’s gone, use the full width of the content area for the forums.

Given the homespun feel of this thing, I suspect you don’t have the admin tools necessary to handle these forums if they see any real growth. I expect it will get out of hand quickly if there are lots of people posting often on lots of threads. I would encourage you not to try to build your own here, just go with a free hosted site like Proboards (http://www.proboards.com/index.html).

[pabloa3]

Here is the site for pedestrian laws:

http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/walk/Laws.htm

I know I’ve been guilty of not yielding to peds at unmarked intersections on 35th…quite honestly, I’m sure everyone has been guilty of this. Drive down 35th at almost anytime and there is always going to be someone waiting to cross at some intersection…most of the time cars don’t stop. Not exactly the safest street for a car to just stop on. However, it is not always obvious that the ped is there to cross – many times I’ve seen cars stop only to have the ped just stand there.

My big beef are peds that cross against their light or in the middle of the block…I see this issue much more frequently as a driver. As a ped, I’m not often bothered by crossing fauntleroy, California, or 35th…there are always breaks in the cars (even by the ferry dock – I’ve crossed there many times)…no use risking your life attempting to get traffic to stop both ways when you can just wait for a break in traffic.