Search Results for 'nA'

[Ken]

Damn that was painful…

:)

It could have been interesting but the recording was so mangled my woofer rattled the china cabinet so bad I had to flee.

[Sue]

Personally, when I come to an unmarked intersection, I will yield until I’m sure I won’t get hit. I’ve seen too many people blow through those intersections without a second glance, and also plowing into the traffic circles without noticing you’re there already, so for my own safety I treat them like yields or stop signs always. I figure it doesn’t matter what you’re “supposed” to do if someone does something else and hits you.

[flowerpetal]

Its not in West Seattle, but we found the best classes at Family Dog Center in Kent (but nearer to South Center). There website is familydogonline.com

I would shy away from having your pups fraternize with other naughty dogs. Perhaps well mannered dogs would give a better example. I know that Family Dog Center recommends doing individualized training with dogs when a household has more than one. The other should be kenneled up, or in the house and not a distraction.

[JanS]

Ken…with all due respect…what in God’s name are you talking about? My suggestion…e-mail WSB…ask them about this in private, since it seems that you are the only one that’s really, really concerned about this? It will open a line of communication to help you understand what WSB does or doesn’t do technically. Us simple folks out here simply post..if it works, it works, if it doesn’t , it doesn’t…Geez….

[JoB]

ken, my apologies. i didn’t realize your were having fun.

my hubby would also see this as fun but i am afraid i get irritated by all the details.

those of you who see in binary really do view life differently than the rest of us you know:)

have great fun.

[Ken]

JoB:

I have tested several html and XML markups already. I wanted to give WSB a chance to delineate what he intended the various filters, edit modules and security features to actually do so I would know when to just use what I found or notify him privately if I find something that does not seem to work as intended.

I have already found code that works on the main comments page if the preview is bypassed but gets filtered when using the preview mod. Not anything serious but kinda annoying since paragraph breaks seem to work … whimsically.

Besides docs are available for most of the mods available for WordPress and I am an RTFM kinda guy. I made a living in the old days deciphering the nearly impenetrable Dos 3 documentation (Dos 5 was even worse, rumor has it that the early Microsoft millionaires that were too young to feel they could retire, wrote the docs).

I don’t think of them as “regs” since the complex codebase of wordpress is littered with mods and plugins that generate odd bugs depending on which list of features your trying to install. Every CMS platform either closed or open source, has similar issues.

[Jack]

I would like to commend the DPD for stepping up and taking further action on this matter in the face of NUMEROUS other valid complaints all over the city. I was contacted personally by the DPD investigator assigned to this case. The DPD is in the process of resolving this complaint by the means they have available to them. I would like to say that the DPD has the authority to cite but is not given the authority to take any further action against the person in violation. The DPD is taking this matter very seriously, and has been all this time. They are, for the first time, taking a NEW tactic on this kind of violator. I did not tell the DPD about my post on this blog, however they were aware of it. I believe this post is what propelled this case. I would like to thank the WSB for making this forum available to the public. I, for the first time, feel like I have affected change in a very complicated, overwhelmed, bureaucratic agency. I believe this would not have been possible if it were not for this blog. There is power in numbers. If you have an issue that is stuck in a governmental quagmire, I encourage you to speak up and make your challenge public. Thank you again. –Jack

[JoB]

hey guys.. how about the good old fashioned test method.

you post it. if it doesn’t show up or gets deleted.. it didn’t work.

nothing personal… just a line crossed.

maybe if something is deleted, they send you a quick note explaining why. :) sometimes my humor is a bit to dry to always read as humor…

As someone who has tried to moderate before, posting “policies and rules” only encouraged people to find ways to get around them.. it didn’t add clarity.

but maybe this webmaster is far more prescient than i and can navigate the shoals of “regs” more easily… whatever… i am just a passenger on this one.

[Pat]

I’m the General Manager for Northwest Botanicals, Inc. located in West Seattle. We design, build and maintain sustainable gardens. Our website, http://www.NorthwestBotanicals.com has more information and pictures of our work. Call me at 206-932-1850 if you’d like to set up an appointment for me to stop by and meet with you to discuss your landscaping needs.

[Justan]

Burien Natural Gas got the nod. They came out on Monday, provided a reasonable quote and did the install Tuesday.

FWIW, I called Washington Energy services. They were supposed to come out Monday at 9 AM. The sales guy called at 9:15 saying that he was going to be a few minutes late for our 9:15 appointment. After 9:30 and still no show, I gave up on the company. You know it isn’t going to go well when the sales guy starts lying before he shows up.

I found from previous research that there are a lot of scam artists in the furnace install business….

[cruiser]

My contribution to your day,enjoy:)

A Minneapolis couple decided to go to Florida to thaw out during a particularly icy winter. They planned to stay at the same hotel where they spent their honeymoon 20 years before. Because of hectic schedules, it was difficult to co-ordinate their travel arrangements, so the husband flew to Florida ahead of his wife, who planned to fly down the following day.

The husband checked into the hotel and, unlike years ago, there was a computer in his room, so he decided to send an email to his wife. However, he accidentally left out one letter in her email address and, without noticing his error, sent the message.

Meanwhile, somewhere in Houston, a widow had just returned home from her husband’s funeral, and was reading her emails – expecting messages from relatives and friends. After opening the first message, she screamed and fainted. Her son rushed into the room, found his mother on the floor, and then glanced up and saw the computer screen, which read as follows:

To: My Loving Wife

Date: Thursday 15th November 2007

Subject: I Have Arrived!!!!

Dearest Love,

I know you are surprised to hear from me. They have computers here now, and you are allowed to send emails to your loved ones. I have just arrived and been checked in. I see that everything has been prepared for your arrival tomorrow, and look forward to seeing you then.

PS It sure is hot down here!!!

[Ken]

In light of the lessons taught in that video, here is a little Irony to wash it down with.

---

Republicans Speak Out on War

The following quotes were made by Republicans during the Kosovo campaign.

“You can support the troops but not the president.” –

Representative Tom Delay (R-TX)

“[The] president is once again releasing American military might on a foreign country with an ill-defined objective and no exit strategy. He has yet to tell the Congress how much this operation will cost. And he has not informed our nation’s armed forces about how long they will be away from home. These strikes do not make for a sound foreign policy.” –

Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA)

“American foreign policy is now one huge big mystery. Simply put, the administration is trying to lead the world with a feel-good foreign policy.” –

Representative Tom Delay (R-TX)

“If we are going to commit American troops, we must be certain they have a clear mission, an achievable goal and an exit strategy.” –

Karen Hughes, speaking on behalf of George W. Bush

“I had doubts about the bombing campaign from the beginning. I didn’t think we had done enough in the diplomatic area.” –

Senator Trent Lott (R-MS)

“Well, I just think it’s a bad idea. What’s going to happen is they’re going to be over there for 10, 15, maybe 20 years.” –

Joe Scarborough (R-FL)

“I cannot support a failed foreign policy. History teaches us that it is often easier to make war than peace. This administration is just learning that lesson right now. The president began this mission with very vague objectives and lots of unanswered questions. A month later, these questions are still unanswered. There are no clarified rules of engagement. There is no timetable. There is no legitimate definition of victory. There is no contingency plan for mission creep. There is no clear funding program. There is no agenda to bolster our overextended military. There is no explanation defining what vital national interests are at stake. There was no strategic plan for war when the president started this thing, and there still is no plan today.” –

Representative Tom Delay (R-TX)

“Explain to the mothers and fathers of American servicemen that may come home in body bags why their son or daughter have to give up their life.” –

Sean Hannity, Fox News, 4/6/99

“Victory means exit strategy, and it’s important for the president to explain to us what the exit strategy is.” –

Governor George W. Bush (R-TX)

“This is President Clinton’s war, and when he falls flat on his face, that’s his problem.” –

Senator Richard Lugar (R-IN)

“Bombing a sovereign nation for ill-defined reasons with vague objectives undermines the American stature in the world. The international respect and trust for America has diminished every time we casually let the bombs fly.” –

Representative Tom Delay (R-TX)

“I think it’s also important for the president to lay out a timetable as to how long they will be involved and when they will be withdrawn.”

-George W. Bush, 6/5/99

“It doesn’t make any sense to have a timetable. You know, if you give a timetable, you’re conceding too much to the enemy.”

-George W. Bush, 6/24/05

[Bonnie]

There are some parents of 18 mo. old kids who you could connect with on my Mom’s group. Here is the link.

http://moms.meetup.com/1357/

Unfortunately many of the events get filled very quickly but if someone was willing to host…

[Erik]

Last year on a sailing trip up into Canada I noticed that the captain had switched over the heads to pump overboard once we hit the border. He said “It’s legal.” Perhaps not moral, but he was the captain and I didn’t want to swim.

[Julie]

Sounds like many of you share my frustration, judging from comments today in “Let’s hear it for…” It’s so frustrating at every caucus to be forced to choose a candidate who is not the candidate I want to choose; instead, I have to choose which candidate of the remaining field is most likely to beat the opposing party’s candidate. Essentially, either I am prevented from voting my true choice, or I risk not having my voter preference count.

This is not true democracy. So let’s do something about it!

I’m introducing a resolution at my precinct caucus to support instant runoff voting (sometimes known as ranked choice voting). Under this system, I can rank all my preferences, and if my first choice is defeated, my vote can go to my next choice�and so on, until only two candidates are left. My choice between those two candidates will count, even if neither was my first choice.

Pierce County will be using this system for county and local elections starting this year. King County’s charter is being reviewed this year; with enough support, King County could also use this system for county and local elections. Resolutions introduced at the precinct level will be considered at the County Convention; I figure it’s worth a try to get an IRV resolution introduced at as many precinct caucuses as I can.

If you’re interested in introducing such a resolution at your precinct caucus, please feel free to copy the one I’ve posted at:

http://www.moreperfect.org/wiki/index.php?title=Resolution_supporting_Instant_Runoff_Voting

Scroll down: the resolution for Washington State is below that for Minnesota.

If you log in, you can even edit the resolution (I’m sure it could use improvement!) Please share it with anyone you think might be interested! This version is geared for Democrats, but there’s no reason Republicans couldn’t suitably adjust it and introduce it at Republican caucuses. (One prominent Republican IRV supporter: McCain.)

If you’re unfamiliar with IRV/RCV, you’ll find quite a lot of discussion on the web. Much of it generates more heat than light; voting systems discussion tends to bring out passionate supporters of alternatives. One place you can go for more information on IRV, amongst other election reforms, is http://www.fairvote.org.

The Democratic Party traditionalists (Hi, Ivan!) are skeptical about IRV. Many of them downright hate it; they’re concerned it will erode the power of the party. I have at least two answers to this: 1. Many powerful Democrats do see the need for it; (Chairman of the Democratic National Committee) Howard Dean, and Barack Obama all support IRV, and, 2. the parties still retain control over who runs with the party label–and how many can run with that label. The parties can still caucus to select those candidates. Democrats aren’t using the Washington primary, anyway–so they can hardly claim it’s needed. Furthermore, if the power of the party isn’t serving democracy well, it deserves eroding.

I don’t think IRV alone will fix our broken election system; we also need to change the way we conduct and finance campaigns, and we need proportional representation. We need a press that actually educates voters. But IRV is one helpful step, and it addresses my repeated frustration with not getting to vote for MY candidate, election after election.

[credmond]

Ken, Al

–

One thing which may not have been mentioned at the RR meetings is that in two years, after the present alignment issues are resolved, KCM will hold a second round of community meetings to gather input for the redirection of existing WS bus resources. At that time it’s entirely probable that the 22, 21, 51, 37, 57 and other local routes will be re-routed more efficiently. There’s additional discussion internally at Metro – based on WS feedback on the possible Westwood Village end-of-line, that the 125 and 60 lines could be extended from White Center to Westwood. That would make Westwood a real transit center and would provide an end-of-line stop for the RR system. Delridge corridor already has nearly-RR like service. The 120 was an early beneficiary of the Transit Now funding and that line was increased in service to every 15 minutes, Monday through Saturday and 30 minute service on Sundays, for a daytime duration of 20 hours service (5:30 am through 1:30 am). Metro is also looking for ways to link the 120 with the RR, maybe looping the 120 through Westwood also.

–

Anyway, the point is that Metro is thinking ahead, does realize that WS needs and wants more service, are themselves somewhat stuck with “how” to get to downtown because the whole Viaduct issue has yet to be resolved. And, they are well aware that the spoke system of downtown-oriented buses which worked so well during the 70’s, 80’s, and part-way through the 90’s is now seriously out-of-date. There is a slow evolution within Metro that downtown isn’t the same destination point it once was.

–

And, keep writing and commenting to Metro because opinions do count and we’re pretty aware of our transportation options here in WS and Metro knows that.

[Sue]

Based on this website, I’m assuming no: http://www.poopvictoria.ca/

[JoB]

Call them..

and you may not have to. I hear that the party is calling around trying to get people to donate. my friend had a long talk with the person who called her and was given a “special” number to call to voice her concerns.

i don’t now if the caucus is a good place to talk about platform issues, ken could tell us… but if so, that’s a great reason to attend. At the very least, you would have an opportunity to meet someone who you could talk with about platform issues.

and even if your candidate is no longer viable, the reasons you supported that candidate are… so keep talking to anyone who will listen to you about what matters to you. talking with people and actually listening to what they say is the most subversive act possible. that’s why i like it so much:)

and of course, vote. even if the democratic candidate was not the candidate of your choice… vote. and encourage everyone you meet to vote.

we need to pull out a landslide vote. regardless of who gets the nomination, the election of the democratic candidate is not a given and as democrats, we need to send a clear message to those democrats currently holding office that we care about our issues and we expect them to care too.

and you might want to come to support obabma if that is your second choice. We only get to choose out of those left standing when we make our choices clear. you wouldn’t want to end up stuck with hillary because you didn’t stand up for obama when you had the chance:)

yup, you read that right.. i encouraged you to come out and support obama even though i am a hillary supporter.

I think it is important for all of us to make ourselves heard. Investing in the process is the greatest gift we can give to our children/grandchildren/nieces/nephews/neighborhood kids/ourselves.

[WSMom]

Can anyone tell me if Victoria, Canada has added a sewage treatment plant or is the cities sewage dumped pretty much untreated into the Strait of Juan de Fuca to float directly over to Washington. I’d love to visit Victoria this spring to see the gardens and have tea, but I’ve been waiting (for 20 years) for the city to clean up it’s act. Have they and I just missed it? I’d like to end my own little personal boycott :)

[Ken]

Some good points AL.

The 21 has severe problems and peak ridership should be one of the stats available for planners from the fare-box. Why it seems to be ignored is anyone’s guess. We will leave that one alone for the moment…

But looking at the entire West Seattle transit issue, it seems some straight forward ideas are also being ignored.

If we follow the concepts developed in larger cities for efficient mass transit, (substituting RR for those less backward cities above or below grade cores) the feeder collector model seems to be way more efficient than the express flyby system.

In Boston for example, buses spider out from subway stations or arc across between the red, green, blue and orange lines.

A realistic RR could have three stations in WS including the ferry dock, if metro were capable of thinking in circles instead of their tunnel and long spokes system designed to move people from the outer burbs into the city and back out again. This would require that all current bus routes (even the White Center/Burien bound) connect with two of the stations, (pick any two), and maximize the frequency of the RR to the tunnel. Dedicated bus lanes through some of the known bottle necks could make this a system that could cut down on cars going to the downtown core, make restaurants in the junction as accessible as those in the international district to business lunch patrons, and put the hurt on Diamond parking and the parking enforcement legions.

The reasons why this basic approach has escaped current metro and city planners can only be left to conspiracy theorist.

[Al]

Interesting links Ken & credmond. Let’s see if I can summarize…

The Transit Now tax that was passed does indeed single out RapidRide. However, the stress is on providing “unique…branding, frequency and quality of service to customers…will result in a significant improvement in the customer’s transit experience, and make the transit system easier to understand and use.” RR in the West Seattle corridor is described as “West Seattle/Downtown Seattle via West Seattle Bridge.” This does not limit RR to the route 54 only – it’s for the entire West Seattle corridor.

Now, as for the other links, it seems to me that Transit Now and RR are focused on REGIONAL transit, not city transite. Metro wants to get people from outlying areas in and out of the city quickly, “…keep pace with regional growth by expanding service.” So the focus on Vashon as a main service point is valid. They are looking to move that region, not the residents of West Seattle.

But they shouldn’t REPLACE an already existing route that functions very well (the regular 54). In fact, RR could very well use the resources to add an additional route through West Seattle or to “fix” the route 21 since Metro’s own site states the Transit Now initiative would “…increase sales tax to keep pace with growth and free up resources to address over crowding…” This is an exemplary problem on the 21 route (High Point, full buses, lack of express service, etc).

One last thing – in spite of Metro’s statements (to me directly) that this is not to be a solution to the viaduct problem, RR certainly seems to be a “solution”, “…when the…viaduct is closed for reconstruction, RapidRide service to West Seattle will maintain reliable access and provide other benefits as well.” Not without dedicated lanes not only in West Seattle, but over the bridge and down 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th, whatever they end up using, in both directions.

RR could be designed better and the funds used smarter.

[JoB]

I am genuinely disappointed. i had hoped that Edwards would realize he had nothing to lose by really speaking his mind and that his inclusion in the debates would finally move this out of political rhetoric and into the exchange of actual policy ideas.

I don’t think anyone wins on this one… except perhaps his family.

I am so sorry. I don’t think narrowing the field at this point is a good thing.

[JoB]

i am really struck with the sensible analysis parents have given to this question. It depends on the kid, on how far, on how safe, on how well you have prepared them and most of all… on your own comfort level.

My grandkids walk to school… the younger are walked by the older and the older are in middle school and high school. The older have phones. someone is home to notice whether or not they get home. they have been well prepared. And … both families live in “safe” communities.

And every day a grandmother’s heart worries about the sickness that lurks even in safe places. But i also remember that they have to grow up and this is part of growing more independent.

We can’t raise our children in fear and expect them to become fearless adults… so we take calculated risks and pray for the best… for all our children.

[JoB]

corporate greed monkey? well i suppose that’s one way to characterize working on WalMart’s board years ago…while she was supporting a political husband and a daughter.

I like Billary better with the implication that she too will run after interns and lie.

Or, we could call her the screecher after what ken and others say is her voice.

or we could follow the press and label a misty eyed moment when she talked about her ideals as an emotional breakdown.

or we could talk about nepotism ignoring the fact that a politician’s wife certainly gets a political education and that she has used hers to work tirelessly for the Democratic party and has successfully (on her state’s terms) carried out her responsibilities as a senator.

or we could simply comment that she should have gotten bill a puppy sooner and should get him another to occupy him now.

Good grief!

How about we talk about policies and what we hope our candidate will or won’t do once elected?

Or let’s talk about the sex thing. Why is America more comfortable with it’s first viable black candidate than with a woman? (Probably for the same reasons that black men got the vote before women.)That would make a great conversation.

ok, so today i’m feeling a bit frustrated, but i have already stated that i am not in favor of combative politics (i think she should send bill home unless he can find something positive to say)…

and if the only way to support your candidate is to dig for the opponents weaknesses then i think that you have to re-examine why you support your candidate.

i could and have found good things to say about the other two democratic contenders… i just don’t think their good points trump hillary’s good points.

Ken disagrees with me.

That makes for discussion that actually uncovers some of the issues…

as for folding your tents and going home if your candidate isn’t our nominee… that’s one sure way to get a republican elected… and have you looked at their “corporate greed monkey” credentials lately?

Have you checked your house’s current market value? are you sure that you or your spouse are immune from the economic downturn that is headed our way? Do you like where your tax dollars are being spent? Are you in favor of corporate immunity and bailouts? I could go on and on.

Anger, bitterness and disappointment… along with a little graft and fraud… have put us where we are today. If we are stupid enough to fall for it again, we deserve what we get.

Regardless of who is the democratic nominee, it is out best interests to support them fully. And it might be a good idea to start remembering that now before we have blown bridges we can’t repair.

LOL… if we can be this divisive with the quality of candidates we have for nomination… imagine what we would be as republicans;-) no wonder they still feel confident that they can and will win.

[Bernicki]

If I HAD to stand on a table in a restaurant, I would take off my shoes, and then lay a napkin or two on the table to stand on. But I can’t imagine standing on a table in a restaurant. Dancing, yes.