Bill Gates adding hundreds of followers a minute on Twitter
"Yes, it's really him. Bill Gates joined Twitter today.
....Whether or not it's a watershed moment for the popular microblogging service remains to be seen. But apparently lots of folks are eager to read whatever Gates will have to say.... complete story
by Todd Bishop on Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Sammamish Slough Eagles, by Brian Byrne
photos and commentary by Brian Byrne
published in Facebook by Brian, 1/15/2010
posted by Bob Yoder with permission.
Redmond Cycle complains about the Downtown Park plan.
OPINION: The owner of Redmond Cycle, Ernie Estrin, paid the local Reporter to advertise his unhappiness (1/15) with the City's planned Downtown Park. Redmond Cycle will be demolished ~2012 according to Ernie's son. Quiznos Subs, Windermere-Redmond, a Vet. hospital, foot clinic, a medical clinic and Redmond Shopping Mall. will also be leveled. According to a business owner in Redmond Shopping Mall, the city gave the businesses 'generous walking papers.'
Ernie complained about the location for the Downtown Park. Redmond Cycle was established in 1968, one block east of it's present location. In 1972 the family purchased the gas station on 16205 Redmond Way and remodeled it into the present bicycle shop. Redmond Cycle was the first bicycle shop on the Eastside, according to Ernie's son. It played a big part in building Redmond's image as "Bicycle Capital of the Northwest". Don't you think so?
The shop is old at 38 years, but doesn't qualify as "historic". Across the street from the shop is a 77 year old building that is the original Redmond Library. It was built in 1933 and is presently the home of Greater Redmond Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber's historic building will not be impacted by the downtown park.
by Bob Yoder
Redmond Ranked Best Places to Raise Your Kids: 2010
http://images.businessweek.com/ss/09/11/1117_best_places_to_raise_kids/48.htm
Redmond is ranked one of the best places to raise your kid in 2010 by Business Week.
Affordability, safety*, and school test scores were given the greatest weight. The complete story on Redmond is here.
The selections were limited to towns that have at least 45,000 residents and a median income of between $40,000 and $125,000. The data we used included school performance, number of schools, household expenditures, crime rates, air quality, job growth, family income, museums, parks, theaters, other amenities, and diversity.
contributed by: Kathryn Reith, Communications Director, LWSD.
announced by: Councilmember Hank Margeson in recent Council meetings.
Redmond is ranked one of the best places to raise your kid in 2010 by Business Week.
Affordability, safety*, and school test scores were given the greatest weight. The complete story on Redmond is here.
The selections were limited to towns that have at least 45,000 residents and a median income of between $40,000 and $125,000. The data we used included school performance, number of schools, household expenditures, crime rates, air quality, job growth, family income, museums, parks, theaters, other amenities, and diversity.
contributed by: Kathryn Reith, Communications Director, LWSD.
announced by: Councilmember Hank Margeson in recent Council meetings.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Governor Gregoire wants to create 40,000 jobs
http://www.docstoc.com/docs/document-preview.aspx?doc_id=22305755
Democratic Gov. Chris Gregoire wants to combat the state's high unemployment rate by drawing new businesses to the state and creating up to 40,000 new jobs this year
In her State of the State address Tuesday, Gregoire told a joint session of the House and Senate that she wants to attract $2 billion in capital investments to fuel job growth in fields like biotechnology, software development and renewable energy. complete story as found on Seattle Times Online.
Governor's policy brief
By RACHEL LA CORTE
Associated Press Writer
OLYMPIA, Wash. —
January 12, 2010
Democratic Gov. Chris Gregoire wants to combat the state's high unemployment rate by drawing new businesses to the state and creating up to 40,000 new jobs this year
In her State of the State address Tuesday, Gregoire told a joint session of the House and Senate that she wants to attract $2 billion in capital investments to fuel job growth in fields like biotechnology, software development and renewable energy. complete story as found on Seattle Times Online.
Governor's policy brief
By RACHEL LA CORTE
Associated Press Writer
OLYMPIA, Wash. —
January 12, 2010
From blogging to drumming - teens will find classes at Redmond Teen Center
· Drumming 102: For Drummers with some experience and want to advance their skills. The class will review and strengthen standard rudiments. Will include Latin and Cuban rhythms as well as rock time signatures and introduction to syncopation.Ages 13-19
Tuesdays
Jan 19-Mar 9
6-7pm
R $28 / NR $31.
· Digital Audio Mixing 101: earn the basics on mixing your own tracks for diverse applications including electronic, hip-hop and gaming audio. Using the most accessible software Music Studio by Acid you will cover programming patterns, creating form and structure, editing for contrast and variation as well as an introduction to mixing standards in balance, EQ and panning. You will also cover an improvisational approach to building rhythm, bass, harmony, melody tracks and loops. Ages 13-19
Tuesdays
Feb 9-23
6 -7:30pm
R $35 / NR $42.
· DJ'ing 101: In this class you will learn the basics and get hands on training about DJ'ing on turntables, CD players and new technology like Final Scratch and Ableton Live. Also get a chance to make your own beats. This class will provide a unique opportunity to learn some of the history and culture behind DJ'ing. Whether you are an acclaimed DJ or new to electronic music we will touch on everything you need to known to pursue a brilliant career in DJ'ing and Producing. Ages 13-19
Tuesdays
Feb 2-23
6-7:30pm
R $25 / NR $30.
· Teen Toastmasters: It's certainly no secret that public speaking is a source of fear and stress for many. In this workshop we will discuss the essentials to creating an effective presentation, practice delivery techniques, and find ways to handle the jitters of standing in front of an audience, and being able to engage in the information you are trying to convey. Public speaking is an important form of communication, a key in getting jobs, and succeeding in academics. It certainly doesn't have to be scary and this workshop will help you make it fun. Ages 14-19
Mondays
Feb 8-Mar 8
6-7pm
R $15 / NR $18
· Get Started with Blogging: Learn to blog and impress the world with your brilliant thoughts, innovative ideas, and random musings! In this class, you'll learn how to setup and get started with blogging with your very own URL. We'll personalize your site with an awesome layout and cool features, learn how to promote your blog, and track your progress as the number of visitors to your website skyrockets! A collaboration of OFH and teen-run non-profit Student RND. Ages 13-19
Mondays
Feb 1-22 (no class Feb 15th)
6-8pm
R $25 / NR $30.
· VJ 101: Mixing Live Video: Get in on this amazing new performance technology. Northwest top Professional VJs (Video Jockeys) teach the art of manipulating video imagery on-the-spot to music like a DJ would mix music, just add the video. No video or DJ experience necessary for this class. Age: 13-19
Mon & Tue
Mar 22 & 23
6-8:30pm
R $85R / NR $99
From the desk of Mary Bourguignon, Editor of "Redmond Mustangs"
Eastlake scrapes by Redmond 64-57 - Video clip
Eastlake - Redmond Varsity Boys Basketball (game one)
64-57 Eastlake
opening tip
Redmond Mustang Boys Basketball Website
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Sunday Comics, Quizzes and Stories from "the Oatmeal", locally popular
Comics, Quizzes, and Stories by Matthew Inman. The Oatmeal fears nothing, save for scurvy and head lice." read more. Make sure you scroll down for all the entertainment.
I'm trying to get Redmond's Jeff Johnson to publish his local newspaper opinion cartoons online. The Oatmeal will keep you chuckling until Jeff tools up. I'll publish some Oatmeal on Sundays for a while, or longer, depending on your comments!
-- Discovered on a tweat from Tim McGrath - Redmond's locally famous Rugby player and outdoorsman from "the Hood".
by Bob Yoder
Wii sales soar in December; Playstation 3 edges out Xbox 360 for month
Wii sales soar in December; PS3 edges out Xbox 360 for month
Nintendo's Wii game console sold a record 3.81 million units in the U.S. in December, eclipsing Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Sony's Playstation 3 during the critical holiday shopping season...more
Nintendo's Wii game console sold a record 3.81 million units in the U.S. in December, eclipsing Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Sony's Playstation 3 during the critical holiday shopping season...more
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Over 620 turn out for Stinky Spoke mountain bike poker ride!
Bicycling Magazine listed "Stinky Spoke" one of the "best in cycling" events for January. It's a hilly16 mile mountain biking ride mostly on Puget Power and Tolt Water Line easements - starting and ending at Redhook Brewery. The only competition (besides yourself) is to end with a winning Poker hand from cards picked up along the way. Last year about 127 entered. This year, news of the event spread like a virus with well over 620 riding. PEMCO, REI, Overlake Hospital, Crystal Mountain, Chelan Vacation Rentals, and untold other vendors joined Redhook in this mud splattering good-time fundraiser.
All this bike'n in the stink'n weather for a poker hand was about raising funds for Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center - Check them out at this link: http://www.littlebit.org/ There will be a lot of happier and healthier kids from this event. Thanks for the good time! Keep the bikes tuned for Janurary 16, 2011!
by Bob Yoder
photos and story
Friday, January 15, 2010
Lake Washington School District has some really "choice" schools!
During this week's Lake Washington School Board meeting, Northstar Junior High was featured. Northstar is one of eleven alternative "CHOICE" schools within the district.
Principal Nell Ballard-Jones and staff gave a presentation of their progress to the Board. A few items of distinction were: 1) 97.3% of their 8th graders excelled in reading, 2) a third of the students in 8-9th grade attend high school to study math, music and world language. Northstar is a high achieving school with above average WASL scores in the district and state.
Northstar was founded in1981 and is located closed near Lake Washington High School. Students are not graded and classes are mixed in age with focus on the whole student. As with all CHOICE schools admission is selective and with enrollment limits. A lottery and/or wait list is not uncommon.
Each CHOICE school appears to have it's own niche.
- Family Learning Center (K-12) enriches home-schooled students. 175 students.
- Stella Scolla (6-8) requires two years of Latin and students have the same teacher all day.
- BEST (9-12) takes 175 students behind in graduation requirements, like state reading and writing.
- International Community (7-12) ranks 24 of top 100 high schools in nation by US News & World, with 380 students.
- Community School (1-6) is non competitive with 69 students.
- Discovery School (1-6) is safe and supportive with higher parent involvment.
- Explorer School (1-6) spend time on field trips with parent involvement. 72 students.
- Environmental Adventure (6-9) has 140 students.
Do you know about these schools? I didn't. Do you think you have a child who would want to apply? Many of them almost sound like "private schools" or "charter schools", but they are not. CHOICE schools are supported by property owners within the Lake Washington School District. For additional information contact: kreith@lwsd.org. and visit the district web site at http://lwsd.org/.
by Bob Yoder
Youth Eastside Services (YES!) is a Jewel.
Patti Skelton-McGougan, Executive Director of Youth Eastside Services (YES)
YES! Youth Eastside Services! Patti Skelton, the Executive Director of this incredible and caring nonprofit gave me a fascinating tour of their Crossroads facility yesterday. I don't know where to begin to tell you what an amazing resource Youth Eastside Services is for our community, our schools, our teen centers, our families, our children.
Patti has been the Executive Director for over 12 years, but the organization was founded 35 years ago and has grown to be the largest provider of youth and family mental health and social services in East King County! A few of YES! family services are: substance abuse treatment, sexual abuse counseling, depression and suicide counseling, mentoring school kids, and culturally-based assistance for immigrants.
Their commitment to our youth and parents is huge. No matter what their financial circumstances, YES is committed to providing help to any youth or family regardless of ability to pay. Counseling is offered on a sliding fee scale, based on family income. Services cover the economic spectrum from homeless to affluent. YES! has over 24,000 clients with offices in Redmond, Kirkland, Bellevue and Samammish. They have certified counselors in all Lake Washington School District Junior and Senior High schools, including the Old Redmond Firehouse Teen Center.
The organization's benevolence is made possible by passionate support from the community.
Every year YES holds an "Invest in Youth" breakfast to support the cost of uncompensated care. Last year over 550 guests attended and donated $290,000 to the "Lifeline Fund". This year, the breakfast will be on Wednesday, March 3rd, 7:30-8:30 at the Hyatt Regency Bellevue. The breakfast is spearheaded by Costco Wholesale and Microsoft, but you can start a table with your friends. More info. I'll be sharing the news on my FaceBook!
Factoid: As many one third of high school students experience violence in an intimate or dating relationship. YES! can help. Call 425-747-4937. Website
by Bob Yoder
by Bob Yoder
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