"Skyfall" Review, By Paige Norman of Paige's Prattle Blog

“Skyfall” Review

****SPOILER ALERT****

Actors: Daniel Craig, Judi Dench, Javier Bardem, Naomie Harris, Ralph Fiennes

Rating: PG-13

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1074638/

I’ll get some Bond basics out of the way.

Over the years I have watched almost all of the Bond movies; not because I’m necessarily a fan, but because they are good movies and my husband loves the franchise. I’m not a Bond non-fan, either; it’s just not one of my movie picks.

My favorite Bond actors are (in order): Pierce Brosnan, Daniel Craig, Sean Connery. I like Timothy Dalton, but he just wasn’t “Bond” material. Roger Moore was okay. That listing and order likely disqualifies me for many people as a reliable reviewer of the Bond movies, but, it’s my blog.

My favorite Ian Fleming book is “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang”. Again, it’s my blog. Deal with it.
Read More >>

Netbooks in every home

Netbooks in every home

An essay by Paige Norman, Paige's Prattle
 

Recently LWSD made the decision to convert our schools from physical (paper) text books to net books for all students grades 6-12. Phased roll-out to the schools included Inglewood and Rose Hill Junior High schools (now Middle Schools) among others. Roll-out in phases was done to accommodate the learning curve for staff and to allow technical support to work out the bugs in a smaller test group before issuing the net books district-wide.

Netbooks are a small, lightweight laptop computer. There are no “traditional” (non-USB) ports; although there are USB ports for thumb or mini-drives, printer connections and other plug-ins (peripherals) needed by a user. The school netbooks will come pre-loaded with security and anti-virus software, online textbooks and are pretty “locked-down” as to things that could be uploaded by the user or accessed on the internet.

According to Kathryn Reith, Communications Director for Lake Washington School District, the “the funds for these machines come from the technology portion of the capital projects levy that was passed in the 2010 election. This program was part of the planned expenditures from that levy.” There were additional costs incurred for textbooks (physical) and online licensing, OS and security software, but those were also covered in the CP levy.  Read More >>

"Dear Bill", By Paige Norman

My daughter just got the new Windows 7.5 Nokia Lumina 900  and likes it.  Actually, it was mine and she took it from me.  I'm not sure what Windows phone model Paige was using when she wrote this prattle.. BY

Dear Bill

By Paige Normon
Paiges's Prattle

First of all, let me state that I *understand* that Bill Gates no longer “runs” Microsoft. I know that he’s passed his legacy on to other people and that he alone is not at fault in the defects and issues that Microsoft seems to possess.

But, let me also say that this is a post about Microsoft products; namely my Windows 7 phone, and the issues I’m having trouble understanding. And, I’m PRETTY SURE there’s a “Bill” somewhere on one of the Windows 7 / phone teams….   Read More >>

Mammogram Musings, By Paige Norman

Mammogram Musings, By Paige Norman

Paige's Prattle 

Who decided that there should be TV’s in the waiting room and ALL of the exam/procedure rooms?

Who decided that swimming fish and coral reefs was what people wanted to surround them while having their breasts flattened? And WHY is the sound off? How much noise can fish and coral reefs actually make?

For you men who complain about prostate exams, get a grip. Seriously. Try imagining your jewels laid on a slanted Lucite/metal slab while you hold your breath for what SEEMS like an eternity (but is really only about 10 seconds). While your jewels are on this slab, they are being pressed nearly flat by a second Lucite/metal slab. You must stand JUST SO (arm this way, shoulders relaxed, face this way, hold your breath, don’t move). And you must do this four times (at minimum) – two on the side and two top/bottom. You are completely exposed to the machine except for a lovely drape that really only pretends to guard your modesty.

I thought that women with larger breasts would experience less pain and discomfort than women with smaller (less than B) cup sizes; according to my technician, this is untrue. Go figure.

I have “dense” breasts. Do they offer classes for this? Can my breasts get smarter? (“dense” has several meanings, this is a JOKE!) But it’s worth a snicker every time the technician says the word.

I think that part of the mammogram service should be a full body massage. After all, you’re mostly naked anyways, lying there for the ultrasound with goopy stuff all over you and covered by a towel. What would it hurt to have a massage afterwards?

I can’t imagine a woman born before the 70’s considering having a mammogram without having embarrassment. Have I mentioned the mostly naked part?

After all is said and done, I still recommend that EVERY woman get a mammogram. I had my first one at 36 (after my last child had stopped nursing) and have had one almost every year since then. I pray I am one of the women who never has to hear the diagnosis of “breast cancer” or even a “lump”.

Embarrassment, discomfort and goopy stuff aside, do it. But ask for the massage afterwards!

By Paige Norman

Education Hill neighbor

excerpted from Paige's Prattle 

LETTER: Tree Sock Art installation intended to celebrate Redmond's Centennial. Exhibit expected to end June 3, 2012.



Tree Wrap Art looks attractive under night lights and during the dark, dreary days of the Northwest. We don't get  many colorful autumn leaves downtown.  Myers says the art is squirrel friendly but the ability of birds to forage for insects under the yarn isn't addressed.  Will they "unbutton" the wraps in the summer when we don't need "Artificial Light?"  The abundance of colors contrasts with bland Redmond Way strip malls  making the rest of the city look worse.  B.Y.

from the desk of Councilman Hank Myers....
LETTER:  You ask the most interesting questions, and I have completed some research with the help of Parks staff and assistance from a former Department of Natural Resources official.

On the issue of impact to the trees, an extensive answer is below.  These wraps have been around for years, with no apparent damage.  The only observed change was suppression of moss on the tree bark, which I am not sure is a negative. You also raised concerns about the impact on squirrels.  While it is true that the western gray squirrel is protected, it is because its habitat was overrun by the eastern gray squirrel, which is what populates Anderson Park.  The eastern gray squirrel is not protected.   Read More >>

8th Annual Cub Scout Derby at Redmond Town Center

Come have fun with us at the Sammamish Trails District Pinewood Derby!

Saturday May 5th, 2012

Racing starts at 11:00am

Northwest Scouters is pleased to sponsor the 8th Annual Sammamish Trails District Pinewood Derby races. Everyone had an outstanding time at last year's event and this year we are set to have very exciting and fun filled day for the Cub Scouts and their families. Come join us and watch the racing action!

Redmond Town Center will host this year's races. RTC is located in Redmond, WA, just east of intersection of 166th Ave. NE and Cleveland Street.  Read More >>

My experience and opinion of Redmond's "Neighborhood Budgeting Forum," By Paige Norman

Paige Norman

My experience and opinion of the City's  "Budgeting by Priorities"   Neighborhood Forum for Education Hill residents.

By Paige Norman
Education Hill Neighborhood

Irritated with the way our City government is run? Do you like the services and benefits our city has to offer? Let our City know!

On March 2, I attended one of the city’s “Budget By Priorities” neighborhood meetings held at Redmond City Hall, in the Bytes Café. Here’s how it works and what I think about it:  Read More >>

My First Caucus Experience, By Paige Norman

                              

Paige Norman

My First Caucus Experience, 2012

By Paige Norman
Education Hill

For the first time in my voting life, I attended the Precinct Caucus for the GOP (Republican Party). The King County Precinct was held at the Redmond VFW Hall on Saturday, March 03, 2012. I attended with Barbara Johnston, who attended in 2008 (and was the only representative of our voting precinct that year).

We arrived approximately at 8:45 to stand in line for our registration process. There were only about 10 people at this time and the doors weren't scheduled to open until 9 AM.  Read More >>

LETTER: Education Hill Shooting - What can we do?

The city is hosting a neighborhood meeting on Thursday evening, March 1, 6:30 p.m., Redmond City Hall.  Your questions and needs for public safety funding will be addressed.  425-556-2415

Paige with grandchildren

LETTER:  I live in what used to be a quiet family neighborhood. Kids played in the street, parents walked their kids to school, walked their dogs, chatted on street corners and waved hello as they passed. We knew the cars that belonged and the cars that didn’t. We watched out for neighbors and strangers and each other.

All those things still happen on a daily basis around here: kids and parents slide down a hill during snow storms, neighbors take each other dinner or call to check in, strange cars are noted, unknown faces are searched and memorized. But there’s an edge to all of it now. Our innocence has been lost, thrown away, departed.

Our quiet family street with children and pets and an occasional coyote or raccoon has transformed into an ongoing episode of COPS: Redmond. Car prowls and thefts; speeding cars with loud engines and louder music at all hours of the day and night, Police and aid cars at least once a month, and now, a gunshot and a fatality in our once peaceful neighborhood. Lives and peace and trust and families shattered.

A non-resident owner, underage inhabitants and visitors and questionable activities have taken place months, even years now. Neighbors have called regarding thefts, car break-ins and suspicious activities. What can we do?  Read More >>

LETTER: City council and mayor above the laws

LETTER:  I am frustrated by the constant disregard for the will of the citizens of Redmond which has been repeatedly shown by the current council and Mayor’s office over several issues. 

The most recent contempt shown over the petition and signatures submitted for Redmond Initiative 1, Red Light Cameras is inexcusable and without cause. RCW 35.21.005, which states: "Within three working days after the filing of a petition, the officer with whom the petition is filed shall transmit the petition to the county auditor for petitions signed by registered voters, or to the county assessor for petitions signed by property owners for determination of sufficiency."

The council and Mayor have determined that they are above the laws of the City of Redmond by not transmitting the petition to the county auditor for proper determination of validity. I have no faith that the council will consider the desires of the citizenry of this city upon their review and vote in the coming months regarding the Red Light Camera initiative.

It is this loss of faith that will carry many voters to their decisions to oust any current council members on the ballot and replace any remaining members in future elections. If the Mayor and the council are concerned enough to have everyone follow the law, they should begin with following the federal and state laws that are mandated regarding petitions and signatures.

Sincerely,
Paige Norman
Redmond, WA  98052

COUNTER POINT:   "Mr Harlan and Mr. Eyman should take their complaint and go home," 09/2011

Sammamish Trails District announce newest Eagle Scouts from Redmond, Sammamish and Woodinville

June 4, 2011

The Sammamish Trails District of Boy Scouts of America is proud to announce our newest Eagle Scouts. To earn the Eagle rank, a scout must complete a minimum of 21 merit badges demonstrating community service, leadership, and scouting values. Please join us in congratulating the following scouts in their remarkable achievement in earning the Eagle Scout rank.

Sammamish Trails Residence Troop

Griffin Conrad Chatterley Redmond Redmond Troop 550
Spiro Dimitri Diliani Woodinville Redmond Troop 591
Joseph Primo Domingo Redmond Redmond Troop 575
Connor Scott Everson Woodinville Redmond Troop 591
James Warren Salmon Sammamish Sammamish Troop 500
Samuel Reid Haruo Watanabe Redmond Redmond Troop 577

For more information about Boy Scouts contact the Sammamish Trails District Chair, Wally Kempe at 425-445-2564.

By Paige Norman

OPINION: What kind of Halloween decorations are these?

Opinion: What kind of Halloween decorations are these?

I’m not sure of the statement that is being made here, but I find it offensive to have this display on a very busy street in Redmond. Education Hill is home to several churches and schools with hundreds of children traveling by this address every day.

In speaking to some of my friends and neighbors, they find the display offensive and a bit scary. My friend’s daughter began crying when she saw the dolls hanging from the crosses.

The house has been reported to the Redmond Mayor’s office who reports that they have forwarded complaints to the Code Enforcement Officer. It may not be against the City code, but it ought to warrant a visit from local law enforcement to ask them to remove the dolls from the display.

One friend suggested that a knock on the door might be more appropriate than the publicity from the council, law enforcement and media agencies. I’m not sure I’d feel safe as a citizen making that request of a person who finds hanging baby dolls from crosses as an appropriate Halloween theme.

There are 21 crosses in this photo; 12 of them that have a baby doll figures attached to them.

Watch last night's KOMO 4 11pm News Report here. 

Opinion by Paige Norman

paige.norman@frontier.com
Photo Credit: Katie J. Redmond, Washington

Rebuttal by Brian Hansford, "Freedom of Speech and the "cross & doll" Holiday display"

LETTER: "Why does race matter?" By Paige Norman

Why does race matter?

Recently parents in the Lake Washington School District received a letter from Dr. Chip Kimball, Superintendant, asking them to report student(s) race and ethnic data through the Parent Access System or by completing the included questionnaire.

How many parents were surprised to find that the classifications for race and ethnicity included 57 racial categories, under the headings of 5 major groups: Hispanic/Latino, American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian, Black or African American, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander and White? I was even more surprised that there were no classifications for European or Middle-Eastern races, including Pakistan, India, Romania and other countries.

I contacted Kathryn Reith, Communications Director for LWSD to voice my objection regarding the study; however I realized this was not merely a district request, but was more likely required through State and Federal programs as well. My main concern was that, in addition to the lack of European, middle-eastern and other races, the classification of “white” excluded many other racial and ethnic families that live in our district boundaries. I was also interested in more in-depth rationale for the usage of such information.  Read More.... 

Letter: "Really, this was Derby Days Weekend"?

The 70th Annual Redmond Derby Days expands events, attracts 'larger turnout' (July 19th, 2010 "Redmond Reporter" edition)”

The parade was longer, had more entrants, and had a crowd along the streets present for viewing. However, I was amazed by the number of people I ran into after Derby Days that said “Really, this was Derby Day’s weekend? I had no idea!”

For weeks prior to the Ananda Mela Festival there were signs everywhere. Sandwich boards on streets, signs on cars, flyers in windows. Where were the signs, posters and advertisements regarding Derby Days -- A page on the back of the “Redmond Focus” magazine, a link on the website?

A town I lived in for several years as a teenager had a huge banner at the entrance to the city for everyone coming into the town to see. There was no doubt when our town celebration was held.

Walking around after the parade at the booths I was shocked at how few offerings there were to attract families. Many booth spots were empty. And the carnival on the other side of town (not the first year) was certainly not a draw for families to attend after the parade.

I have lived in Redmond for over 20 years. I am constantly amazed at what the city considers important. This is our town celebration, a SeaFair event, something people should look forward to all year. I’m sure they would if there were any advertising about it.

Once again, the City just doesn’t get “it”

Paige Norman
Education Hill
7/26

Photo:  Paige with grandchildren

8th-Grader Stephen Patterson wins Eagle Scout Rank

Stephen Patterson of the Boys Scout’s Sammamish District Troop 509 recently received his Eagle Scout award at an Eagle Scout Court of Honor held at Beaver Lake Lodge in Sammamish. In attendance were over 45 friends, neighbors, family and fellow scouts.

Stephen has been actively involved in scouting since he was 8 years old and quickly worked his way through the various scouting ranks earning 21 merit badges to date and has accumulated over 23 nights of camping – he is currently serving as his troop’s Senior Patrol Leader. His Eagle Project was coordinated with the City of Sammamish to reclaim and restore an area along the Illahee Trail in Sammamish with new trees, shrubs and mulch.

Stephen is currently in 8th grade attending Inglewood Jr. High School. His interests are aviation, model building, music, camping, and helping his younger brother, Joseph, an 11 yr. old scout, to become an Eagle Scout.

Congratulations to Stephen and all those who have helped him along the way in achieve this monumental goal in his life.  For more information about Scouting, please see the Chief Seattle Council website at http://www.seattlebsa.org/ .

Submitted by Paige Norman
Pictured are Mike Patterson, Scoutmaster and Stephen Patterson, New Eagle Scout

Test drive a Ford this Saturday and raise funds for Redmond High athletics!

The Redmond High School Football team has an event at the high school this Saturday, June 5 between 9:30 and 4:30, where Ford Motors will have cars there to test drive!

Ford will donate $20 for every test drive given!  There will be other prizes given away as well. If you are looking for a new car or interested in seeing the newest line of Ford cars, come to Redmond High School this Saturday and help benefit the football program by test driving a car!

The NW Mustang Club will be showing off their cars from 11:00 to 2:00 as an added attraction.

Joe Kirsch

President - Redmond Jr. Mustangs

facebook.com/driveone4urschool
Submitted By Paige Norman
Education Hill neighborhood

Redmond Scouts reforest Hartman woodlands in celebration of 100 years of Scouting

Redmond Scouts prepared Hartman woodlands for reforesting in celebration of 100 years of Scouting.  Redmond Boy Scouts from units 597, 612 and 613, sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, spent the morning of Saturday,  February 28th clearing invasive ground foliage from the bicycle trail south of Hartman park to prepare for reforesting the park. The scouts dug up and pulled blackberry bushes, removed ivy and cleaned up garbage to commemorate. This is one of 100 service projects planned by scouts in the Chief Seattle Council in 2010 to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of BSA. For more information on the 100th anniversary of scouting go to http://scouting.org/100years.

Top photo:  Spencer (left), Forest Steward Doug Schmidt (center) and Charlie holding blackberry root (right).

Middle photo:  Forest Stewards Doug Schmidt and Bob Yoder

Bottom photo:  Thirty scouts put in 60 hours of restoration work.  Two troops were from the local "Hartman building" and one was from the Novelty Hill LDS Church

By Nate Niederhausern, Scout Communications, LDS
Photos by Niederhausern
Nate is a long-time reader & FB friend. 

THANKS TO THE SCOUTS AND DADS FROM TROOPS 597, 612, 613!!   Special thanks to Paige Norman for informing us of the "100 years of Service Program."   And thanks to the GreenRedmond Partnership of  Citizen volunteers, City workers, and Cascade Conservancy administrators.   

#####

GreenRedmond be having an orientation for prospective new volunteer Forest Stewards on Saturday, March 13th.  Join our team of  dedicated volunteer Stewards and learn how you can adopt your own restoration project!  Email greenredmond@cascadeland.org  for more information.

To register and learn more:  http://www.cascadeland.org/stewardship/green-cities/green-redmond-partnership/Forest%20Steward%20Program

LETTER: Lake Washington School District needs to stay within budget.

January 26, 2010
Redmond Neighborhood Blog
Letter to the Editor

Every day, families residing in Lake Washington School District must make financial decisions regarding their lives. What do I prepare for meals? How do I dress my children? Can I fill my gas tank today or must I walk or ride the bus to work? Can we take a vacation? Will my children pass their classes?

This year alone I have been asked to pay for PTSA Membership, a recorder for my son’s music class, subscription to Scholastic News, school photos, yearbook fees, lab fees, band fees, not including the fundraisers, parties and gifts for school. In addition, there are sports fees, field trips, uniforms and school supplies. These amounts totaled well in excess of $1,500.00 (for two children).

As families, we are being asked to yet again provide more money for a School District that refuses to stay within a budget and make cuts where cuts are necessary, yet continues to charge parents and families for “necessities for the education of our children”. Necessities such as USB drives for transporting writing assignments, glue sticks, and a ream of 20# paper.

I recommend that the Lake Washington School District resolve to practice what many of their families are living day to day: living within their budget and cutting back on items that are privileges and not rights. It is not necessary for my child to learn to play the recorder; it is practical to teach my child music appreciation, history and rhythm. It is not necessary for my child to read about current events with their own personal newspaper subscription; they must learn to read using phonics and spelling.

I wonder how many of our schools in the district would actually meet or exceed their AYP ("average yearly progress") if the schools and districts returned to teaching the basics instead of concentrating on meeting the challenges of the future. There will be little future for our children who cannot read, write or compute basic math problems.

Live within a budget and stop spending money you don’t have; a worthwhile lesson for all of us to strive for – including our local school district.

Sincerely,

Paige A. Norman
Redmond Resident, parent
16714 NE 97th Street
Redmond, WA 98052-3164
Paige.norman@verizon.net

Information about the Lake Washington School District levies and bond are here.

Readers are invited to submit Letters with your name on this subject.  Letters should be no longer than 375 words and addressed to redmondblog@gmail.com .   You may also comment below this post.  My editorial policy strives to attract  fair and balanced reporting of reader opinion; all Letters are welcome and appreciated.  Bob Yoder, Editor.

Local Boys Scouts invite you to nominate community service projects.

“To celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America, the Chief Seattle Council invites YOU to nominate community service projects. The Boy Scouts have long been known for their service to others and we look forward to living up to our oath of helping others at all times. Please submit your request at our website: https://viecommunication.wufoo.com/forms/tell-us-how-the-boy-scouts-can-help-you/”

Earlier this year, the Scouts responded to several citizen requests to restore a section of the Sammamish River bank and install "no dump" buttons on street stormwater drains.  The Scouts are sincere!  Send them your application request today!  by

Paige Norman

Chief Seattle Council celebrates 100th Anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America

Tell Us How the Boy Scouts Can Help You!

OUR GOAL IS TO DO 100 PROJECTS TO CELEBRATE 100 YEARS OF SERVICE!

Dear Greater Redmond/Eastside Community -

“To celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America, the Chief Seattle Council invites YOU to nominate community service projects. The Boy Scouts have long been known for their service to others and we look forward to living up to our oath of helping others at all times. Please submit your request at our website: https://viecommunication.wufoo.com/forms/tell-us-how-the-boy-scouts-can-help-you/”

Thanks as always for supporting scouting.

by Paige Norman
Education Hill

SAMMAMISH TRAILS DISTRICT OF B.S.A. ANNOUNCE NEWEST EAGLE SCOUTS

The Sammamish Trails District of Boy Scouts of America is proud to announce our newest Eagle Scouts. To earn the Eagle rank, a scout must complete a minimum of 21 merit badges demonstrating community service, leadership, and scouting values. Please join us in congratulating the following scouts in their remarkable achievement in earning the Eagle Scout rank.

Spencer Wade Calvert, LDS Redmond Crew 611

Aaron Lewis, Good Kirkland Troop 577

Jonathan Paul Haas, Redmond Troop 423

Jory Leh-shun Hamilton, Kirkland Troop 565

Kyle David Koons, LDS Carnation Crew 533

Sean Michael Myers, Redmond Troop 550

Henry Piaskowski,Redmond Troop 423

Joseph Harley White, LDS Carnation Crew 533

by  Paige Norman
425 882 2177
Paige.norman@verizon.net
Sammamish Trails District, BSA
District website:  http://members.doubleknot.com/Sammamish_Trails_District/