Teen columnist Kyra-lin Hom reveals what she and her friends do during down time, especially in he summer. They hang out in dark basements and eschew many activities because of their poverty stricken lifestyles.

But she - and her mom - come via different ways to the same conclusion: "get off your lazy bum and do something!" See he column on Page Three.

In most issues, physical trainer Annette Herrick makes similar suggestions. They both note the growing number of people of all ages who bulge rather disgustingly through life. We all are tempted by huge portions, foods that taste good that are bad for us and the common gatherings of summer around outdoor grills, sidewalk cafes where the sun shines and the views are gorgeous.

But this is the time of years where there are tons of things to do outside.

Next week is the 24th annual event that has been recently renamed the West Seattle Summer Fest for 2006. Booths, the inevitable food and liquid refreshments and about everything you could want to buy are there. You are asked to leave the famly dog(s) at home so they don't get scared or unintentionally bother the kids and revellers.

We have a plethora of parks in West Seattle all with walking paths, grassy areas for fun and frolic with Fido or Rover.

Go take a walk on Alki, but watch out for the rollerbladers and skateboarders who often go faster than the cars on the street as their drivers scan the curbs for the rare parking place. The beach is sometimes a place for fun, too, with beach volleyball and game of catch. Of course, there are the seekers of rays who too often wear too little and use too little sun block.

So, take Kyra-lin's advice and remove the weight from the posterior and use the feet for a change this summer. We will join you if we can get done with putting out a newspaper.