August 2010

In this missive, I thought I'd share with you how other well-qualified trainers weigh in on "The Biggest Loser," including yours truly. The letters below were taken from the "Fitness Forum" section of the IDEA Fitness Journal, November 2009 issue.

The IFJ is a respectable trade journal not available in stores and actually has decent information on personal training.

Do you watch the TV show? Most of America does. We trainers who take our clients' well being seriously can't stand what goes on in this show and here's why:

"I would like to commend author Amanda Vogel, MA, on her article "Weighing in on The Biggest Loser" [September IDEA Fitness Journal]. The article was informative, and she did a good job of presenting both sides of the story. I, on the other hand, don't need to be so diplomatic. I think there should be a disclaimer at the beginning of the show that states: "This show is for entertainment purposes only. Both the participants and the personal trainers depicted are not real."

Two films by Ballard High School Video Production students will be showcased during the Seattle International Film Festival's 1 Reel Film Festival during Bumbershoot 2010.

The Ballard High School short films – "The Crumb" by Emily Deerling, Karli Lafferty, Sarah Maloney and Taylor Rubright and "Reflection" by Sheridan Koehler and Blair Scott – will be part of a program dedicated to winners of the Northwest High School Film Festival.

By Bethany Overland

Des Moines Mayor Bob Sheckler's decision to fly to China for a green technology conference has drawn sharp criticism from at least one city council member.

This was the mayor's second trip to China, where he planned to be for one week, beginning Aug. 28.

The mayor was allotted $3,100 in city money for his flight to China's province of Jilin, as well as lodging and food while he is there.

Most of that money will be to cover the cost of the flight, the mayor said, and he will absorb whatever the trip costs beyond the $3,100 personally.

From the beginning, Councilman Dan Sherman strongly opposed the city's funding of any part of the mayor's trip. Sherman said the costly overseas trip comes at a time when the city should be spending less money, not handing it out in large chunks.

"In this period of economic recession, when the city has had to employ cutbacks in all departments, I believe the council needs to set an example by utilizing its resources more efficiently," said Sherman.

Man arrested for DUI with son in the vehicle
A Burien man was arrested after being caught driving while intoxicated with his three- year-old son in the back. The Washington State Patrol stopped the 57-year-old man on 1st Avenue for not wearing a seat belt. When the trooper approached the vehicle, he saw two 40-ounce beer bottles lying next to the man on the front seat. His son was in a car seat in the back. The man registered a BAC level of .102. He was arrested and taken to the King County Jail. He faces charges of DUI and Reckless Endangerment. Relatives picked up the boy.

Injured fighting dogs abandoned
Two pit bulls were found in the 13600 block of 18th Avenue South. Both dogs were severely injured and bleeding profusely. They appeared to be fighting dogs. Animal control came and took custody of both dogs. Witnesses saw a vehicle drop off one of the dogs but were not able to get a plate number.

Bride arrested for drunk driving

Too often, summer passes without a certain touchstone that makes it summer: a beach picnic or Wooden O Shakespeare. Raspberry season passes without a berry, or pesto doesn’t get frozen for the winter months.

Although there may have been gaps in this recent eventful summer, the gaps did not include strolling Ballard Avenue and eating gelato.

I like to designate a theme for each summer. This year’s theme is the summer of gelato.

Whenever someone suggested meeting, I proposed Ballard Avenue. On non-farmers market days, it seems quiet and quaint.

Every time another business applies for sidewalk seating on Market Street, I wonder who wants to sit next to the cars waiting for the light, engines running. It’s different on Ballard Avenue, without traffic lights or parking pay stations.

Throughout the summer, as various friends passed through Ballard from Manhattan, Palm Springs, Capitol Hill and more, I would meet them on Ballard Avenue to stroll before deciding where to eat.

By Sam Reed
Chief Sealth International High School Athletic Director

As the calendar flips toward September 8 and the first day of school at the new home of Chief Sealth International High School, students are gearing up not only for successes in the classroom, but on the athletic fields as well.

While many 14-18 year-olds have been reveling in these last few weeks of summer vacation, more than 150 Seahawks have been hitting the fields and courts hard since mid-August.

Football

In his 4th year as head coach of Chief Sealth, Asosa Sailiai is faced with a task he hasn’t had to think much about in recent years – finding a quarterback. That is because 4-year starter and graduating captain Daniel Davis has taken his game to the college level where he is now playing at Division III Bethel University.

Sailiai will turn to a trio of potential replacements to lead a team that figures to feature an offense heavy on the run. Seniors Tauofoga Sauni, Misioka Tupuola, and sophomore Max Sarver are all taking preseason snaps with the first unit as the team tries to find the right blend of talent and leadership.

Spirituality can take many paths because for each individual, life is unique. Only you can determine which belief works for you and come to your own terms with what you perceive to be reality beyond your five senses. At the Emerald Spiral Co-op 5910 California Avenue Southwest a group of people have come together to espouse their own beliefs but also to help you find yours.

The space is filled with crystals, stones, incense, art, jewelry, books, amulets, and in the back, a pyramid of copper tubing awaits those who would sit inside it.

TO SEE MORE IMAGES FROM THE EMERALD SPIRAL CLICK THE IMAGE ABOVE

According to West Seattle resident and radio personality Marty Riemer, who MCed the Northwest Hope and Healing's Alki Beach 5K Run & Walk for breast cancer support, one thousand runners officially registered with another 200 or more also participating. The run started on Alki Av. and 61st St. at 9:am. Sunday, Aug. 29.

TO SEE MORE IMAGES CLICK THE PHOTO ABOVE

Northwest Hope & Healing Directer Shari Sewell seemed to appear at more than two places at once readying the crowd while survivor Debbie Otto, armed with megaphone at the starting line, spoke of the importance of participation and the mission of NHH.

Sean Messiter of Bellingham was the first to cross the finish line, at 16:23, two minutes ahead of Jack Griffing, the second place male. Nancy Ellis of Tacoma crossed at 18:42, the first place woman. But, as they say, breast cancer awareness was the true winner.

From the SPD blotter:

On August 26th, shortly after 3:30 AM, Seattle Police officers responded to a 911 call of a “home invasion” type robbery in the 7900 Block of 4 Avenue Southwest. Officers arrived at the location and determined the following:

From the SPD blotter:

On August 26th, shortly after 3:30 AM, Seattle Police officers responded to a 911 call of a “home invasion” type robbery in the 7900 Block of 4 Avenue Southwest. Officers arrived at the location and determined the following: