Author Archives: Jim deMaine

The slopes of Dog Mountain

SW Washington, Columbia Gorge: — Length 6.0 miles, roundtrip —  Elevation Gain 2,800 feet —  Highest Point 2,948 feet (thanks to Sharon L.) The slopes of Dog Mountain rise steep and rocky above the Columbia Gorge, exposed to hard wind, summer … Continue reading

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Jaguars were pushed to the brink of extinction in Argentina 70 years ago. Now conservationists are celebrating their return

from GoodGoodGood — thanks to Pam P. Iberá National Park and Iberá Provincial Park are home to sweeping grasslands, marshlands, forests, and 4,000 species of flora and fauna. Together, they form the largest park in Argentina.  In early May, tour … Continue reading

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Keep Washington emergency medicine local

Ed note: This article highlights the dangers and pitfalls of the corporate takeover of healthcare. There are perverse incentives when medical care may be compromised by preference being giving to stockholder’s interests. However, there is no perfect set of incentives. … Continue reading

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Colbert & Letterman on the theater’s rooftop

Thanks to Mary Jane F.

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Bellevue Arts Museum Evolves as Arts-Focused Nonprofit, Sells Downtown Bellevue Building to KidsQuest Children’s Museum

Thanks to Mary M. The organization will continue to lead the Bellevue Arts Fair and expand its role, bringing the arts to spaces and events throughout the city. BELLEVUE, Wash. — May 18, 2026 — Bellevue Arts Museum (BAM) today … Continue reading

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“I really didn’t say everything I said.”

Quote attributed to both Yogi Berra and Donald Trump

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Hallucinations

Thanks to Pam P.

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Are you discombobulated? Maybe it’s time to recombobulate!

Thanks to Janet M. The famous “Recombobulation Area” signs are located at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) in Wisconsin. These signs are placed immediately following the security checkpoints to provide a designated space for travelers to get “recombobulated”—put their shoes … Continue reading

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Golden Paintbrush

From US Fish and Wildlife Service – notes & picture Golden paintbrush adds splashes of bright yellow to the prairies of the Pacific Northwest when it flowers in late spring. This vibrant perennial plant is native to the prairies of … Continue reading

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Dog Walker Bought A School Bus To Take Dogs To Recess Every Day | The Dodo

Thanks to Bob P.

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The Homelessness Blame Game: Let’s Challenge That

By Walter Hatch and Mark W. Garrett in Post Alley (thanks to Mary M) Just about everyone in Seattle knows why we have a homelessness crisis. Or they seem to. In fact, these confident observers don’t just have vague ideas; … Continue reading

Posted in Advocacy, Homeless, Housing | 1 Comment

The Special Mother by Erma Bombeck

Ed note: Motherhood: The Second Oldest Profession is a humorous and heartwarming book by Erma Bombeck, first published in 1983, that uses witty anecdotes to explore the joys, frustrations, and challenges of motherhood. A New York Times bestseller, the book is a … Continue reading

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They all said Happy Birthday!

Thanks to Mary M.

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Spanish Language Classes – Interest & Input Welcome!

Lifestyles is exploring the addition of Spanish language classes at Skyline, with a prospective instructor from Colombia offering a welcoming, real-world approach to learning. The proposed program would blend practical vocabulary, pronunciation, listening, and guided conversation within a supportive, beginner-friendly … Continue reading

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Ghosts are more believable than…

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Orchids! In Skyline Gardens!

(Thanks to Mike Co.) Bletilla striata (Chinese Ground Orchid) is a terrestrial orchid currently growing in profusion in the Olympic Tower garden. Seattle’s mild climate can match the native locales for the orchid: Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Okinawa and many … Continue reading

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The Swiss Guard’s surprise for the pope: the sound of “Sweet Caroline” fills the Vatican

Thanks to Bob P. During a swearing-in ceremony for 28 new Papal recruits in Vatican City, the musicians of the Swiss Guard surprised everyone with a swingy rendition of the classic Neil Diamond song “Sweet Caroline”. This song was specifically chosen to celebrate Pope Leo XIV, the … Continue reading

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Message to the Mayor and City Council

Let’s get that already approved ordinance signed!

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To all you singers out there

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The Noble Art of Being Non-Profit

Selfless Institutions That Pay Their Executives Like Royalty Denis Benjamin Thanks to Ed M. Ed note: This article must make one think about what a tax exemptnon-profit really is. I checked with ChatGPT to ask about the incomes in our … Continue reading

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Speed Kills

Learning to live at the speed of soul, not the speed of sound… PARKER J. PALMER (thanks to Mary M.)I. Last week, one of our computers went kaflooey, so Saturday morning found us in a nearby store named after the … Continue reading

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What is love?

“The essence of love is that what is ours should belong to someone else. Feeling the joy of someone else as joy within ourselves–that is loving.” by Swedenborg in Divine Love and Wisdom

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Historical Horses

Commentary by Heather Cox Richardson Ed note: Also, for honorable mention don’t we all remember Champion, Silver, Scout, Topper and more ….. (click here to “trigger” your memory)? Today was the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby, which was launched … Continue reading

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If you want something less exciting than the news

Thanks to Diana C.

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97 Things From Around The World That Will Make Americans Realize They’re Living In The Stone Age

Thanks to Bob P. for this amazing list. Click here to view!

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