Search Results for 'ov'

[westwood]

The Little League fields are near Alki, the Pee Wee fields are in Highland Park. So if you live in Admiral or Alki, Little League is probably your better bet. If you live in the south end of WS, Pee Wee will be easier. Your son will be playing T-Ball at 5, so you can always switch later if you wish. My son loved Pee Wee. They play T-Ball, then two years of B ball, then two of A ball, then Bronco at Lincoln Park. Each level changes the rules. Coaches pitch most of the time in B-ball.

Good luck.

[JanS]

Kayleigh…I had a neighbor move out recently and she left me quite a few things, one of which is a nice hard plastic bottle that has lines…where to fill with vinegar, where to fill with oil…and then you can add your mustard, salt, pepper, whatever…it has a stopper, and is really handy. Not sure where it came from, but has recipes for Dijon Vinaigrette, Italian Vinaigrette, French Herb Vinaigrette,and Balsamic Vinaigrette on the bottle. You use olive oil, so it will harden in the fridge..you just nuke it for 30 second or so with the lid off, and it’s good to go. And NO HFCS :)

[Keith]

grr, Comcast recently dumped the Microsoft-created user interface for a new one. It’s definitely an improvement. And they do have HD channels, just added 5-6 new ones for a total of about 20.

I’ve never gone the dish/direct route because I don’t want to mess with it and I like having OnDemand. I do wish we could move into “a la carte” with cable where you could pick and choose the channels you want, as there are many (most!) that I never watch.

I’ve been pleasantly surprised with Comcast service, especially compared to other utilities and services.

[WSB]

Well, just to tamp the cynicism a tiny bit: As we posted here in finally belatedly introducing ourselves last month, I worked in “conventional media” for many years, including 14-plus years as a manager in TV news departments here in Seattle. The political coverage was always “my thing” because few people in the newsroom really took the time to pay attention to it, get passionate about it, learn about the people and the issues, much more a case of negligence than deliberate malfeasance. But — and this is part of the reason why I have left that business — it’s true, it doesn’t get much coverage any more till the last minute, hard to squeeze it in between the latest bursts of mayhem coverage, which is where most local tv news is hanging most of its hats right now. But thank heavens for this here medium that we are all using for communication right this moment … it makes it possible to learn as much as you want to know, provided it’s not too tough to find. Which is part of our mission here in this small corner of the Internet: make the hyperlocally relevant info easy to find. Going to add an election page before long. — TR @ WSB

[Ken]

If I remember correctly. The newspapers hold off until the state and county parties buy some ads.

Free milk vs cow and all that.

The last two weeks is when they will start using the press releases and manage to mangle the details in editing.

The tv stations will mash it up with some incomprehensible fake controversy and then run it on the weekend before or like some times in the past, not mention it until it is over at which point it becomes “news”.

It is an old game around here.

Even some of the liberal web sites think the “primary” is the relevant part of the process. It is if you’re a republican… They will choose half the GOP delegates at the caucus/straw poll and half via the primary.

[Kayleigh]

Loved the video, Jan.

Anybody considering voting for the genial and charming Mr. Huckabee, please read more about him. I realize Rolling Stone is not The Washington Post, but I go where I can to find provacative, interesting reporting (which is scarce now)…

http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/story/17324246/matt_taibbi_on_mike_huckabee_our_favorite_rightwing_nut_job

[WSB]

The other half of the team, who is up and reading the NY Times on Sundays hours before we creak to life, notes that Michael Kinsley (moving to WS or perhaps already here, as we reported last month:

https://westseattleblog.com/blog/?p=4809 )

has an item in today’s NYT about the presidential candidates and “change”:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/06/opinion/06kinsley.html

[Kayleigh]

Thanks Aim, Jan…I love the flavors of balsamic and dijon and don’t often have the time to measure out a homemmade dressing.

[Ken]

Anyone have questions about the process?

I have a few about the changes rumored for this year, but I probably know more about the process than most having chaired my precinct caucus in both presidential years and off years.

Basic info is

Feb 9th at 1 pm.

Registered voters can caucus but any resident can attend and take part in the discussions.

The sign in sheet is where you must affirm you are a Democrat (on that day)

So far the planning seems to indicate that there will be refreshments (coffee, pastries, etc) and the sign in sheet will be used to track both the initial choice as well as any changes in support during the caucus.

Each precinct will need a chair (usually the PCO if there is one) and a secretary and a tally clerk. Forms and checklists will be provided to aid those who are unfamiliar with the process.

Relatively heavy turnout is expected and efforts are underway to streamline the sign-in process as well as the choosing of delegates.

Speaking of turnout, here is an example. During the last presidential nominating process, my precinct had 48 people show up out of around 400 registered voters (approx 88% of those self identified as Democrats) so estimated 350 as Democrats.

During the off year caucus, there were 4 of us that showed so we could not even fill all the allowed delegates for the precinct.

This is where grass roots organizing has a chance to multiply their vote since the power defaults to those who show up.

So far the “primary” election will just be a popularity contest for those who are too lazy or unable to participate in the caucus for some reason. It does indeed exclude those working on Saturday, deployed, and ill from the process but remember this is a party function, paid for by the local districts (that is where our annual dues go) and donations collected at the caucus. (so bring a few bucks for the donations envelope)It is not meant to be a beauty contest for the public at large.

Also note, each precincts number of delegates it can send to the district and county conventions, is determined by voter turnout in the previous general elections. (I am trying to find the formula and exact method for delegate assignment but so far …)

Details for the 34th LD Democrats

http://www.34dems.org

King County Dems caucus page

http://www.kcdems.net/

WA State Democrats page

http://www.wa-democrats.org/

[credmond]

If you’re lucky, on a Comcast main trunk, in a popular area for them then you’ll do fine. If there’s a lot of Comcast folks in a single neighborhood, they respond fast if one of them has a problem, they don’t want to generate a serious customer migration. We’ve got two digital set boxes – now about 5 years old, and two equally ancient remotes. The Comcast software is only slightly less sucky than the AAT MotoRazr software on my cell phone – which is to say they both suck a lot. But they work, and like an old microwave, they do what you tell them to do even if it takes some weird contortion of the buttons to do it. If you’re in some isolated Comcast, single customer, zone, I’d expect your service would get pretty bad even if you had their latest set boxes and fancy, back-lit, remotes. Ask around, if other neighbors in your area have Comcast and are happy with it, then you in the right area for Comcast. If you see a lot of dish antennas on people’s houses or balcony’s, see which one has the most logos and ask a couple of folks what they think.

I personally think it totally depends on where you are in West Seattle. I think Highland Park/White Center is a dish network area. Gatewood Hill seems to be a fairly happy Comcast area. The Junction seems to be in love with their DSL (and why not, the freakin’ switch is about 100 yards from everyone).

[credmond]

Of course, a super-lightweight, super-strong and crash-absorbent vehicle which ran on solar or wind or rain would be cool, too. Maybe use your rain car in the winter and your solar car in the summer and your wind car in the spring and fall. What we need is about a thousand innovators and outside-of-the-box tinkerers and a community or region willing to experiment.

[credmond]

And anyone who’s seen “Who Killed the Electric Car, would have some thoughts for the 500-gallon coin and the thousand-gallon coin, too. Remember when “What was good for GM, was good for the Country.” Different era, different media, but – hey, we all got suckered in then. That was the heyday of the late 40’s and ’50’s when it was drive everywhere on gas so cheap it must have made your head spin. As a teenager in PA, I used to fill my mom’s car with Gulftane – I think it was 85 octane, but it was only 12 cents a gallon and her tank only held 13 gallons. All I needed to do after a date was make sure I had a dollar left in my pocket. We all fell for it then, too. And now we argue over how to replace the Viaduct. How ’bout electric cars? At least our electricity is “mostly” renewable and does a small amount of damage (fish) and its cost is pretty darned predictable.

[JayDee]

OK, my bad JT for not searching more — Of course I am not the only one searching for the right answer.

As to Acemotel, community service is great, but I currently pay $58/month for basic cable, and despite “competition” — promised so long ago when Cable was deregulated — The monthly cost has never decreased. The problem with Cable/Satellite is that while it is certainly not a public good like electricity or gas, it is certainly more valuable than when I when I grew up.

The differential costs add up, month after month, and I am not willing to pay $25-$40/month year after year, even if they provide community service projects. Comcast has never shown me that my business is worth anything to them, or gone out of their way. While Verizon is a similar type of company, I never hang the phone up wondering if I’ve gotten the worst part of the bargain.

Acemotel, I will check out the thread reccomended and if Comcast offers the best deal or PQ at a reasonable, if not the lowest price, I will go with them.

Thanks – JayDee

[acemotel]

I have had Comcast for many years, and have had great reception and service. I like the company because it’s locally managed, and they do a lot of community service projects in the city. I think Comcast gets a bad rap, because compared to dish companies, they provide many many local jobs and are involved with their communities. When was the last time you heard of any dish company contributing anything to the neighborhood?

[JayDee]

Todd:

You would be missing a great opportunity if you didn’t visit the West Seattle Farmer’s Market and talked with Wade of Rockridge Orchards, one of the vendors.

Rockridge sells Bamboo, and Wade is a great resource. Now, he may not have some with him right now, but he can bring them on the truck if this is the right time to plant. I’ve been sharing my bamboo stories with him for the last couple of years and with his advice about mulching, mine have reached their species height.

Secondly, look into “Clumping” rather than running bamboo. A great resource is a local distributor’s brochure “Discovering Bamboo” by Boo-Shoot Gardens. It is $16 ordered off their website, and it is a great, up-to-date reference if you are looking to buy (Well, in addition to Wade.).

Good luck – A Bamboo “Foamer” (rabid about them)- JayDee.

[credmond]

I love Peet’s in Fremont and forever rue the day that Starbucks bought Seattle’s Best since the Caffe Torrefazione (also at Fremont) was such a wonderful place to sit and sip and as soon as Starbucks completed the acquisition, that location and the other one in Occidental Square disappeared. One more reason I try diligently to never grace the threshold of a Starbucks store. Having said that, I would like to say that the only decent Starbucks in the entire city is the one at 23rd and Jackson – very cool and very hip baristas. But, that’s the ONLY Starbucks I ever enter.

[Julie]

The California alignment would be better for me personally, but I’d support the Fauntleroy alignment for speed improvement, depending on how much speed. credmond, do you know the differential? One of my concerns about this “rapid” ride is safety of pedestrians, bikes, and cars sharing the road with these buses. (That grade-separation problem, again!) Seems to me this need for safety will surely slow the buses down. How would the safety compare California vs. Fauntleroy? I have a hunch California has fewer accidents, and if that hunch is correct, I’d guess it has to do with the lower speed on California. How would the “rapid” (I plan to keep quoting it to remind everybody that this is NOT a Rapid Transit solution) buses affect both streets? Would it make less difference on Fauntleroy because it’s already faster?

[WSB]

Hi, Todd – before we moved RRRs here to the forums, we had a dentist discussion, with recommendations, here – if you haven’t seen it yet, maybe there are some ideas:

https://westseattleblog.com/blog/?p=3657

[eigenwijs]

I’d be interested in hearing more about All Star Fitness. I belong to 24 Hour Fitness and am considering a switch. I currently pay about $21/month at 24HF and was quoted $50/month by ASF. There are way more options at ASF, which makes the extra $$ almost worth it – pool, women’s only workout area, climbing wall, etc. The 24HF facility is small, and at peak times (5 PM – 7 PM) is VERY crowded – members are asked to limit their time on the cardio equipment to 20 minutes when it’s busy. I’m sorry – but if I am going through the effort to get to the gym, I want to work out for how long I want to work out and 20 minutes just isn’t worth it!

Some other things I am not satisfied with are the temperature – it’s very warm at 24HF. Often I am sweaty before I even get on a machine! They also don’t seem to have any cell phone policy, and I have had to listen to someone’s lengthy conversation about what they did last night a few too many times. With the demand on equipment, you can’t really just pick up and move to another machine, so you are held hostage listening to the phone call.

So any input on ASF and whether making the switch is worth it would be appreciated!

[JanS]

I just received this..thought maybe someone out there might be interested:

Greetings graduates and students!

I am hoping you can assist me in locating 20-22 women to be models for an upcoming Introduction to Pregnancy Massage class. Models will receive a one-hour full body massage from a current Cortiva Institute – Seattle student under supervision of an instructor. Massage will take place in a classroom setting. Clients will be draped at all times for modesty.

The massage will take place on Sunday, January 13, 2008 from 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM at the school – 425 Pontius Ave N., Seattle WA 98109.

All models must be at least 14 weeks pregnant and in good health. Women who are carrying multiple pregnancies, under 18 years of age, over 35 years of age or experiencing gestational diabetes may be considered with physician/midwife release.

If this description fits you or someone you know, please ask them to contact me at 206-282-1233, ext. 102 or khollowood@cortiva.com.

Thanks for your help!

Kelly Hollowood . Continuing Education Coordinator

Cortiva Institute – Seattle

425 Pontius Avenue North, Suite 100

Seattle , WA 98109

t 206-282-1233 x102 f 206-282-9183

khollowood@cortiva.com http://www.cortiva.com/locations/seattle/conted/

[Al]

We order from Luciano’s a couple times a month and only once had a problem (and that was with a teenage attitude taking the order). We’ve never been over-charged for anything there, ever. We’ve also always received a repeat word-for-word of our order and a price, with tax.

[JanS]

I used to live on Genesee Hill..54th near Charlestown…and we would periodically see Red Foxes running down our street in the wee hours of the morning. I assumed that they were going from the greenbelt above Me-Kwa-Mooks over to Schmitz park. They’ve been sighted at WS Golf Course, and Camp Long, too. They’ve been here a long time, and will probably be around for just as long…protect your pets…

[credmond]

Jan, – Ah yes, Tastykake – I think they were out of Philly and everyone I knew wanted the three-pack of caramel icing-covered cakes. You could eat the whole package in – like – six bites. Perfect for teenagers with no sense of diet (that was me, btw). I used to work in the Harrisburg Farmer’s Market and sold souse, scrapple and tons of other “exotic” items. Scrapple wasn’t that bad if you fried it and poured real maple syrup on top of it. But then, Spam wasn’t that bad either if you sliced it thin and fried the dickens out of it. Almost had a bacon (cheap, albeit) taste and with the addition of maple syrup was totally edible.

[moonflower]

Yesterday, on my walk around Lincoln Park I saw what at first I thought was a wolf. Right after the sighting I talked to a man with 2 dogs who said it was a fox. He said it was ‘the biggest fox I’ve ever seen’. I had seen a fox or two in Illinois and this one was different in that it was all brown and it looked like it was on steroids. (I had seen a red fox.) Has anyone else seen a fox at Lincoln Park? I saw him on the upper trail somewhere between where 2 nouthend trails start that take you down to the beach. I think it was around 2pm. It was the eeriest feeling. He moved very stealth-like, first he was there and then he was gone. Just had to share this. It was pretty cool!

[Sue]

Keith, that’s good to know about FT, doing the cardio on your own. I always thought it pointless to pay a trainer $70 an hour to hang out with their friends at the gym while I was on a cardio machine and periodically come over and say “how’s it going?” That’s what happened in another gym I used to go to.

If you have a package at FT for, lets say, 2 sessions a week, can you then go in another 4 days that week just to do cardio? And is that included in the package price you pay?

Maybe I’ll check them out after my never-ending stint in physical therapy.