January 2021

Pat's View: What's the downside?

By Patrick Robinson

In any negotiation or venture you normally weigh the risks and benefits. From getting married, to buying a car, to having a medical procedure done, there are things that can go wrong. A downside. 

But in Donald Trump’s efforts to overturn the election he can see no downside, because for him, there isn’t one. At least not as far as making the effort. No charges will be filed, no monetary penalties will be levied. That’s true for Ted Cruz and Ron Johnson as well. Lodging serious charges of fraud ought to carry some downside for those making the charge if they are proven wrong. But in this case they don’t. They won’t lose any money, they won’t face a perilous political future, they won’t be charged with libel or slander. In short, why not? The upside is huge. He stays in office.

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Empty Bowls goes virtual Jan. 15 -29 in support of local food banks

The annual Empty Bowls Event, supporting the Highline and White Center Food Banks has to take a different path this year due to the pandemic. Like so many other events, Empty Bowls is going virtual.

Join us for two weeks of virtual activities to help fight hunger in our community! 

Empty Bowls events can be found around the country raising money to combat hunger in our communities. Due to COVID-19, our foodbanks are experiencing a sharp increase in need from our community.

The Facebook event invitation is here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1112652452527340/

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Wind Advisory from National Weather Service notes 45 mph gusts

The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory for today from 10am to 7pm.

WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THIS MORNING TO 7 PM PST THIS EVENING...

* WHAT...South winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph expected. Strongest winds expected to be near the water.

* WHERE...Southwest Interior, Everett and Vicinity, Tacoma Area, Hood Canal Area, Seattle and Vicinity and Bremerton and Vicinity.

* WHEN...From 10 AM this morning to 7 PM PST this evening.

* IMPACTS...Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.

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Polar bear swimmers plunged more safely for 2021 New Years Day tradition

It wasn't quite the same on Alki Beach New Years Day. The annual Polar Bear Swim, organized by community activist Mark Ufkes is normally attended by more than 700 people, all running at top speed into Puget Sound for a frigid dip to shock the system and start the new year off with a bang. 

But given the pandemic, it just wasn't to be. So, Ufkes, in an announcement made in advance, said he would still be there but this time stakes with pink ribbons would designate individual spots where smaller groups could take the plunge and practice social distancing. 

The result was still funny, and full of shrieks and laughs, just on a smaller scale.

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