By Erin McCallum & Betty Nokes Many people are calling this an “off election year” and not thinking about politics…
The state is facing a $5+ billion budget shortfall for the next two years and House and Senate members have been trying to decide what to cut – or not – from state agencies and organizations to get the numbers to match. Not surprisingly, as each budget version has been trotted out wails could be heard from – well almost everyone – saying how much cuts will hurt – well almost everyone. There’s one word for this. Tough.
Please, Grandmother? Just one story about Jesus?” The children loved to hear their grandmother tell the story about the mysterious man, Jesus of Nazareth.
I am very fortunate to be able to teach at a local high school. For the past few years, dealing…
James W. ‘Rusty’ Gates James W. Gates died March 30, 2011 in Bellevue. He was 88. Mr. Gates was born…
The newest children’s film, “Hop,” is about a bunny and a man struggling to find their place in the…
I’m writing this on April 4. Got up this morning, grabbed the paper off the porch and filled a teakettle with water. When it boiled, I conjoined it with a tea bag of Earl Grey in a big mug and let it steep. Why am I telling you about this utterly ordinary day in my life? Because today is the 25th anniversary of my mom’s death.
It’s the ugly season in Olympia. Legislators are attempting to write a budget that must close an anticipated $5 billion gap. Expect a lot of oxen to get gored in the process.
So many of the women in our lives should be looked up to and admired. In honoring them, we too, become role models.
Happiness is something like Justice Potter Stewart’s famous definition of pornography: “I know it when I see it.” Happiness, on the other hand, is something you’ll know when you have it.
But how do you get it?
In my dad’s day, he seemed to know a number of people with nicknames – and they were often nicknames that connoted the exact opposite of who the person really was. There were bald-headed guys named Curly. Gigantic fellows named Tiny. Slow-footed chaps named Speedy.
When catastrophes strike and are covered widely by the news media, the barrage of tragic and disturbing images can overwhelm many adults. But for kids — from the very young to teenagers — it can be especially confusing and frightening.
I could hear his five year old voice as soon as he walked in with his father. “Dad? Dad? Dad?” he asked, tugging on Dad’s jacket with each word.
Over the last several weeks the events in Wisconsin have seized the nation’s attention. Newly elected Gov. Scott Walker pushed aggressive legislation to plug the state’s massive $3.5 billion budget gap, cutting state worker pay and removing most of their collective bargaining rights. State Senate Democrats fled to Illinois to prevent Republicans from obtaining a quorum. Unlike the Midwest, we in King County have made tremendous progress on financial stability without the divisive rhetoric. Democrats, Republicans, labor and management have successfully worked together.
Public employees often are the target of the public’s bashing. Maybe it’s because they are so, well, public. We interact with them on a daily basis.
However, not only do they often have a thankless job, but also they are the targets of criticism when it’s not deserved.
Here’s one case in point.
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation campus in Seattle lit us the sky last month to promote the worldwide battle to eradicate polio. “End Polio Now” was projected on the unfinished northeast side of the campus and numerous other buildings around the world.
As a parent I see no discernable vision for school improvement beyond endless community meetings. I support community input as long as it informs a vision and does not take the place of one. Is our achievement gap shrinking? Are our students learning to be purposeful participants in our democratic society? Do we educate the whole child? We were once considered one of the most socially just and innovative school districts in the country. Are we still? How would we know?
Bill Gates is no longer the richest man in the world. That calls for a cheer.
it is mind-boggling to think of how different the world is today than it was 25 years ago. Or should I say mind-googling?
I’ve been trying really hard to think of something liltingly Irish to lucky-charm you into the spirit of St. Patrick’s…
Most of us are guilty of needing a little pick-me-up to start our day or a caffeine charge to temporarily fix lack of sleep or a tiring afternoon. But when does this habit become harmful or an addiction? And what about when it comes to our children?
