Author Archives: Jim deMaine

In Praise of California

Paul Krugman in Krugman Wonks Out (thanks to Kate B.) One of the unwritten rules of American politics is that it’s OK to sneer at and smear our big cities and the people who live in them, while it’s an … Continue reading

Posted in Economics, environment, Government, Politics | Leave a comment

How Trump “Won”

Michael Podhorzer (thanks to Kate B.) With all the ballots counted and all the races decided, in today’s post, I want to unpack what we already know about how Trump “won” the popular vote.1 I use quotes around the word “won” … Continue reading

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Notre Dame’s Marcus Freeman wants attention on Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy and not his own trailblazing

Freeman will be the first Black head coach in an FBS national championship, which occurs Jan. 20 on Martin Luther King Jr. Day By Shehan Jeyarajah (thanks to Pam P.) Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman is set to become the first Black head coach … Continue reading

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Two great presidents’ masterful inaugural speeches

By David Adler in the Seattle Times Special to The Idaho Statesman When Donald Trump assumes office Monday, as the 47th president of the United States, he will mark the solemn occasion with an inaugural address. While not required by the … Continue reading

Posted in Government, History | Leave a comment

Yes, there are heroes

Commentary by Heather Cox Richardson You hear sometimes, now that we know the sordid details of the lives of some of our leading figures, that America has no heroes left. When I was writing a book about the Wounded Knee … Continue reading

Posted in History, Race | Leave a comment

Advent Calendar

Thanks to Ed M. Just 97 Mondays until Mid Term Elections…

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Protecting friends and neighbors from illegal searches

Thanks to Linda T. Dear Friend, You may have seen the reports that the Trump Administration is planning a large-scale deportation of immigrants from blue “sanctuary cities.” We must be prepared to protect our friends and neighbors from illegal searches … Continue reading

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Quelle bouquet!

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When the Retirement Community Goes Bankrupt

Ed note: There is a natural tension between Leading Age, the industry lobby group for CCRC’s, and WaCCRA, the residents voice for the state of Washington (NaCCRA is the national organization). Years ago when I was unsuccessfully trying to have … Continue reading

Posted in CCRC Info, Finance | Leave a comment

An American tragedy: how Biden paved the way for Trump’s White House return

From The Guardian by David Smith – Thanks to Frank C. To admirers, Biden will remain one of the most consequential one-term presidents in US history – to detractors, he was undone by a fatal flaw His back straight, his … Continue reading

Posted in Essays, Government, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Dick’s Drive-In begins serving Seattle hamburgers on January 28, 1954.

In History Link – thanks to Pam P. On January 28, 1954, Dick’s Drive-In opens to begin serving hamburgers, french fries, and milkshakes on NE 45th Street in Seattle’s Wallingford neighborhood. Dick’s comes to represent the quintessential 1950s, a cross … Continue reading

Posted in Food, History, In the Neighborhood | Leave a comment

The Santa Claus Stages of Life

THE FOUR STAGES OF LIFE  1) You believe in Santa Claus. 2) You don’t believe in Santa Claus. 3) You are Santa Claus. 4) You look like Santa Claus 🙂

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Sorry I’m booked

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How Jimmy Carter’s love of music helped launch his presidential campaign

By Abi Inman (thanks to Pam P.) July 21, 1978: President Jimmy Carter greets Willie Nelson, left, after watching the star country and western music singer perform in a concert at the Merriweather Post Pavillion at Columbia, Md. Charles Tasnadi/Associated Press … Continue reading

Posted in Government, Music | 1 Comment

The National Zoo’s giant pandas make the most of D.C.’s snow

Thanks to Pam P. The National Zoo’s latest giant panda residents basked in the downpour of snow that blanketed Washington, D.C., on Monday, giving onlookers a view into the playtime of the two furry bears ahead of their Jan. 24 public debut. … Continue reading

Posted in Animals | Leave a comment

Canadian dolphin

Thanks to Cyndi W.

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A picture tells the story

Thanks to Mike C.

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The peaks from the Cascade Tower’s rooftop

Taken and labeled by friend and mountain climber John Roper.

Posted in Architecture, In the Neighborhood | Leave a comment

Can you read cursive? It’s a superpower the National Archives is looking for.

Elizabeth Weise, USA TODAY If you can read cursive, the National Archives would like a word. Or a few million. More than 200 years worth of U.S. documents are in need of transcribing (or at least classifying) and the vast … Continue reading

Posted in artificial intelligence, Communication, History | Leave a comment

Friendly fight

Thanks to Cyndi W.

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Quixotic quest query quite questionable

Thanks to Mary Jane F.

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The Art of Condolence

“Offering a written expression of condolence (from the Latin word condolere, to grieve or to suffer with someone) used to be a staple of polite society. ‘A letter of condolence may be abrupt, badly constructed, ungrammatical — never mind,’ advised the … Continue reading

Posted in Grief | Leave a comment

Dawn Walk

At times it’s comforting to realize that, yes, we are still here. Death may loom but we can take moments to remember, to be in the present, and to enjoy the reality knowing loved ones are nearby. Dawn Walk creates … Continue reading

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Oh, the possibilities!

Thanks to Pam P.

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Patient focused?

Thanks to Pam P.

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