August 2017 Vuecrest View Newsletter
August 2017 Vuecrest View Newsletter
Board of Directors Meeting
The September Board Meeting will be held on Thursday, September 21st at the offices of Mark von der Burg at Caldwell Banker Bain, 150 Bellevue Way SE. It will begin at 7 pm, and as usual, everyone is invited. If you would like to host a Board Meeting at your home in the future, please send an email to secretary@vuecrest.net<mailto:secretary@vuecrest.net> or directors@vuecrest.net<mailto:directors@vuecrest.net>.
VUECREST ANNUAL NEIGHBORHOOD PICNIC
Sunday, August 27, 4:30 – 7:30
Welcome, all Vuecrest residents!! Join your neighbors, as we eat, talk, dance, listen, visit. Come and enjoy delicious Mexican food, sweet treats, balloon artist, repeat visit by Animal Encounters’ petting zoo, time with our Bellevue Fire Department trucks…..all while humming and dancing along to Mike Faast and The Archtops, playing oldies, pop favorites, and jazz standards! To take advantage of the late summer sunshine, please note the earlier time. Remember, this event is restricted to residents of Vuecrest ONLY.
Set-up will begin at 3:30; PLEASE turn out, to help get ready for the picnic! All volunteers greatly appreciated! And….when the party is over, many hands make a quick job of cleaning up. SO…..come early to help set-up, and stick around to tidy up. Questions?? mhambleton@comcast.netmailto:mhambleton@comcast.net BE THERE!!!!!!!
Compass Construction/Sumiyoshi
For the month of August expect wood framing for the 4th floor. Mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire sprinkler will take place on the 3rd and 4th floors. Window installation has begun on the 3rd floor and will continue to the 4th floor. Wood framing will continue to the 5th floor and roof towards the middle/end of the month.
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TID-BITS!
Here comes August! This is when summer really, really, really shows up in the NW, and when way too many out-of-state folks decide THIS is the place to live; only to find out in November that it ain’t quite what they thought it would be! August is the 8th month of the year and its weather in the northern hemisphere is analogous to February in the southern hemisphere. In the original Roman calendar, it was called “Sextilis” because it was the 6th month of the year. Later when January and February were added, it became the 8th month of the year and had 28 days. When Julius Caesar created the Julian calendar in 45 BC, two more days were added. It was later renamed August in honor of Augustus, the first emperor of Rome, who was said to have had many triumphs during this month. (Like WHAT??? Was some major aqueduct actually completed ahead of schedule? Did they run out of lions so the gladiators got the month off? Was a superb pinot noir – full bodied and balanced, great complexity of flavors with a heathen-like finish on the palate – uncorked for the weekly Bacchanalian feast? None of that could ever happen in our little old Seattle – certainly not any major road-work completed early!)
August has no holidays, at least none that we get paid to stay home for, but that doesn’t mean it’s without deep meaning. And who better to put that meaning into words, and on a piece of paper with a heart and a flower and a profound bit of prosaic schmaltz on the inside than…ta-da… Joyce Hall of…you guessed it! Hallmark cards! This savvy woman had already perused the calendar, noting clearly, that there was no major holiday or observance that necessitated a particular style of greeting, so she introduced …and why not?...“Friendship Day”! After a considerable lobbying effort on her part (ie, speaking softly in gentle rhyme with just a hint of warm inflection and solicitude while wearing a short skirt), the U.S. Congress, in 1935, declared that Friendship Day was to be officially observed on the first Sunday of the month. Hallmark has never looked back, nor has the price of their cards-
What else can I share about August – it is the month with the highest birth rate AND it is National Hair Loss Awareness Month (think: bald babies of all ages)! The Anglo-Saxons called it “weod-monath”, which means “weed month” – not sure if they were referring to the smoking or the pulling variety, but, of the latter, I have plenty! And way back when…when music had actual words and lyrics, the top hit-parade song of August 1950 was “Good-Night Irene” (The Weavers), August 1960 – “The Twist” (Chubby Checker), August 1970 – “Close to You” (The Carpenters), 1980 – “Magic” (Olivia Newton-John), 1990 – “Vision of Love” (Mariah Carey), 2000 – “Doesn’t Really Matter” (Janet Jackson). As I see it, since then, songs have pretty much gone out of tune and off-key.
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Day-oh, Day-a-a-oh!
Daylight come and me wan' go home.
Come, Mister tally man, tally me banana
Daylight come and me wan' go home
Come, Mister tally man, tally me banana
Daylight come and me wan' go home.
A beautiful bunch o' ripe banana
Daylight come and me wan' go home
Hide the deadly black tarantula
Daylight come and me wan' go home (The Banana Boat Song/ Harry Belafonte/ 1956)
Not too long ago I heard about Amazon’s “Great Banana Give-Away”. There were 2 good reasons why it intrigued me. First, I love bananas (deep yellow with a gentle smattering of brown speckles) and I eat ½ a banana daily and save the remaining half in my uni-purpose banana-saver for the following day. Second, I really perk up when I hear the word “free”. I’m quite an ace at doing “free” – like just grabbing a few extra FREE rubberbands at Kinkos, or FREE sugar packets at Starbucks, or even those FREE kiddie cookies at Freddies. To me, it’s all good; I’m not discerning. So, this Banana-rama sounded like the perfect deal for me - I couldn’t pass it up! All I needed was a chauffeur who would wait in the car while I got my FREE banana… hmmm… Bingo!...that job description happens to match the guy I married!
The Banana Give-away (formally known as the “Community Banana Stand”) was the brain child of Jeff Bezoz, who loves our community and likes to do good (yes, I know, who’s kidding whom - it’s also part of the modern-world quasi-altruistic business model). Bezos thought he would do his part to keep Seattle pedestrians well-fed, and what food could be more perfect than a banana! It’s a great carb with a low-glycemic index, it’s loaded with vitamins and potassium as it fills the tum-tum, and it’s even “self-contained” in its own nifty porta-package. So he hired several “banana-istas” and started his initial free-for-all with 1,200 bananas a day from his stand in South Lake Union. Imagine- it was a HIT! WHODATHUNK??! Those banannies were flying off the shelves! “We want more bananas” was the ban-attle cry and now an average of 4,500 are handed out daily...to anyone who shows up (See what I mean? They really are F-R-E-E!). The people spoke and Jeff Bezoz listened: he set up an additional give-away location next to Amazon’s new towers in the Denny Regrade; upping the total hand-out count to about 1.17 million ‘nanas a year.
Have I piqued your interest enough to ask: Did I score? You bet- and how! My less-than-pleased driver waited in the get-away car across the street (parking’s pretty tough next to Amazon, and those bananas wouldn’t be so free if I had to pay 8 bucks for 20 minutes.) I approach the stand, ready to banana-up. I see the pretty blonde in a smock with lots of bananas everywhere and ask her if I can have one from the open crate on the table – oh, please, I add, I’d really prefer the darker one with freckles, over there, on the right, under those fresh-off-the-boat dudes. She pulls out a large bunch and starts to break one off. My eagerness is starting to show. It’s almost lunch time and I feel compelled to tell her that I eat 182½ bananas a year, except leap year, when it rounds up. She laughs and hands me the whole bunch! Now I feel like we’re really bonding so I tell her about my banana saver and how I treasure it almost as much as my great-aunt’s bronzed baby bootie. She hands me another bunch and then even a third! I’m giddy with banana-joy but start to feel guilty about all those poor souls who might have to do without. She points to the right of the stand and I see enormous cartons, 2 to 3 deep, and piled up at least 8’ high. “I’ve got plenty”, she says, “it’s Friday, a slow-banana day and whatever is left goes to the homeless shelter”. I say my quick thank-you’s, eager to make my get-away before guilt sets in. My husband/driver moans as I load my cache into the car. We “peel” out of there and all the way home I sing “Yes, we have no bananas, we have no bananas today…” (Louis Prima/1922). Well, I have bananas today, maybe it’s everyone else who has no bananas. Sorry, sort of-
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Quirkles!
Remember the “Ice Bucket” Challenge from a couple years ago when everybody got cubed/drenched? Now, there’s a new craze – it’s called the “Squat Your Dog” Challenge and it’s all in the pursuit of ultimate fitness, but with your very own best 4-pawed friend! “You Tube” is filling up with cuteness overload as pups everywhere are providing their adiposity to their masters, and mistresses as they do exercise squats. So, grab your pooch and let’s get going! 1 and-a 2 and-a 3 and-a 4 and-a…can you get to 10? 30? 50 squats?? (This is the moment you wish you’d fallen for the itsy-bitsy rat-tailed chihua-doodle at the shelter instead of the brindled Great Dane whose food bill rivals your property taxes). I’m all for good health, but due to the fact that I’m a hard-core feline-o-phile, I’ll just have to hoist my 14# long-haired purr-machine instead. ***But wait! Hold the pussy-squats! How am I expected to keep up with all these new trends???!! …Now, I read in the N.Y. Times, it’s all about “Yoga with your Cat”. Can these furr-balls really enhance relaxation? It seems yoga mats are a cat-magnet and now some yoga studios around the country are teaming up with animal shelters so that a generous “sprinkle” of available kitties will keep you company as you do your “downward dog”. The goal of yoga is to be “in the moment”, and cats certainly have that all figured out. As for the “savasana” (final resting pose of every yoga class), how could I complain about a cat asleep on my chest- it would be just like home. *** Speaking of felines (my fave subject), when kitties remove their food from the dish and eat it on the floor, they may be suffering from a feline form of PTSD, known as “whisker fatigue”. It seems kitty whiskers are hyper-sensitive, and a narrow food dish forces the little puss’ face to smush in, causing great stress to these delicate “antennae”. To combat this, “Nom-Nom” bowls are exploding on the market, featuring 1” depth, 4”x 5” width in stainless steel (said to also avoid feline chin-acne, which no doubt can cause great embarrassment and low self-esteem). Price $39.99. It’s all a little hoity-toity for my taste – think I’ll forget about that fancy-shmancy bowl and just put the stupid food on the stupid floor for the stupid cat. E-z, p-z… *** I just read that families who garden, grow an average of $677 worth of fruits and vegetables a year! (I remember years ago when my husband and I planted several rows of corn. Once we bought the “Honey and Pearl” corn seeds, turned the soil, added amendments, fertilized, watered, sprayed for bugs and finally harvested our scant dozen ears, they weren’t just Honey and Pearl but GOLDEN as well!…Ka-ching! Ka-ching!) 86% of these home gardeners plant tomatoes, and for that, you only need sun! (“I like toMAY-to and you like toMAH-to… toMAYto, toMAHto, poTAYto…”/George and Ira Gershwin/ 1937) ***** Don’t forget you are made of 65% water, so stay hydrated in this hot weather! Signs of dehydration may include fatigue and a lower level of concentration (sounds like just a routine day for this old gal-). Best foods for hydration include lettuce- 95% water, broccoli -92%, carrots -87%, and an apple -84%. No matter what the season or temperature, we still need the same amount of water every day – 9-13 cups, and 20%-30% of that amount should come from high water-content foods. And there’s always watermelon – red and sweet and juicy and nowadays, even seedless! YUM! Buy a baby-one today!
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Book Club News & Reviews
Our next meeting will be on August 7th at the home of Vonne Soriano, 9829 Hilltop. We will be discussing Oxygen by Carol Cassella, a local (Seattle) anesthesiologist. “It is an intimate story of relationships and family that collides with a high-stakes medical drama.” Some sources list it as a murder mystery… hmmm. Please come and join in the camaraderie of friends and neighbors. And if you haven’t read the book – our discussion may help you decide if you even want to-
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A Fine Mess: A Global Quest for a Simpler, Fairer, and More Efficient Tax System by T. R. Reid
This could well be considered a companion to an earlier book by T. R. Reid published in 2009, titled The Healing of America: A Global Quest for Better, Cheaper and Fairer Health Care. In my opinion, these are both excellent books; well researched, contemporary, and thought-provoking.
I have been a fan of J. R. Reid for many years. My first exposure was listening to his radio broadcasts on NPR during the years he lived in Japan. This book on our tax system is typical of his penchant for in-depth investigation into difficult government problems, for which he then offers a variety of reasonable solutions.
As most of us realize, our tax system truly is “A Fine Mess”. Every year Congress adds more exemptions, loopholes and deductions that advantage a small group (often, even just one person or one company). These congressional tactics, aided and abetted by a phalanx of lobbyists and special interest groups, cost us $1.3 trillion in available revenue last year, and every year it increases, as more “pork” is inserted into the budget. Many citizens blame the IRS, but keep in mind, it is our Congress that writes tax law. Reid also makes the well-known point that tax subsidies favor the rich, disadvantage the poor, and horrendously drive up our national debt.
T. R. Reid has traveled to many countries around the world to study their tax systems - what works and what does not. It is clear that he is a proponent of BBLR (Broad Base Lower Rates). In simple terms, BBLR eliminates ALL tax subsidies. This includes many deductions which are near and dear to the hearts of us Americans, e.g. mortgage, charitable giving, property tax, business costs and medical expenses. Elimination of these tax benefits would increase revenue to the government by 37%. The government could then use these savings to establish a graduated tax scale which would lower the income tax rate for all, and particularly, those of low and middle income.
The author also provides us with a brilliant and learned analysis of VAT (Value-Added Tax), FAT (Financial Activities Tax), flat tax, and the problem of large company’s tax dodge of moving assets off shore to avoid corporate taxes.
As with most of his writings, T. R. Reid is able to tackle complex issues, and convert them into a style of writing that is cogent, simple, and enjoyable to read. I highly recommend this book and it is available at our Bellevue Public Library. David Pitkethly
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Melissa’s Book Notes
I always think that summer will bring lots of reading time, but these long days and busy activities make it tricky to get some good, quality time with books. Good problem to have, actually! However, I am never without a book in progress. Right now, I’m re-reading Oxygen, by Carol Cassella, the book for our Vuecrest Book Club. Once again, I’m caught up in the medical mystery, the wonderfully ‘real’ main character, and, of course, the Seattle setting. Our neighborhood book club will be discussing Oxygen at the next meeting, August 7. Join us!
Next in my reading pile (yes, for a different book club) is Fredrik Backman’s My Grandmother Asked Me To Tell You She’s Sorry. Intriguing title, and I expect to enjoy the book, since Backman wrote A Man Called Ove, which is such a good read. And, after that, Timothy Egan’s A Good Rain, about the Pacific Northwest, is the selection for my THIRD book club. I think that Egan is SUCH a good writer (he also writes a column for the New York Times), and have mentioned other works by him (for instance, Short Nights of the Shadow-Catcher, which is incredible!). Frankly, perhaps I should move Good Rain to the top of my list - we could use a nice drenching!
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Joke of the Month
A couple in their 90’s are both having problems remembering things. During a check-up, the doctor tells them they are physically okay but they might want to start writing things down to help them remember. Later that evening while watching TV, the old man gets up from his chair. “Want anything while I’m in the kitchen?” he asks.
“Will you get me a bowl of ice cream?”
“Sure”
“Don’t you think you should write it down so you remember?” she asks.
“No, I can remember it.
“Well, I’d like some strawberries on top, you’d better write that down so you don’t forget”.
He says, “I can remember that. You want a bowl of ice cream with strawberries.”
“I’d also like whipped cream. I’m sure you’ll forget that, so just write it down!”
Irritated, he says “I don’t need to write it down, I can remember it! Ice cream with strawberries and whipped cream – I got it, for goodness sake!”
Then he toddles off to the kitchen. About 15 minutes later, the old man returns and hands his wife a plate of bacon and eggs.
She stares at the plate for a moment.
“So, where’s my toast?”
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Volunteering: “Without volunteers, we’d be a nation without a soul”. Rosalynn Carter
Let me tell you about a terrific place to volunteer: Bloodworks NW and they certainly could use your help! Here is some information about the volunteer positions that are available immediately at the Bellevue (and nearby) Centers and mobile blood dri
Donor Monitor (Centers and Mobile Blood Drives): Requires one 60~90 minute training.
• Monitor donors in canteen for reactions after they donate
• Offer beverages, cookies, snacks
• Encourage donors to stay in the canteen for 10 minutes
• Notify collections staff when donors exhibit signs of reactions
This position is great for people who want to socialize with donors after they donate!
Registrar (Centers and Mobile Blood Drives): Requires three, 2~3 hour training sessions.
• Greet donors when they walk in, and verify their appointments
• Register donors using our Blood Bank Computer Software and instruct them to answer health history questions on a tablet
• Ensure accuracy when pulling up donor files and updating demographic information
This position is ideal for anyone who is willing to learn a simple computer program and has some basic computer experience.
Dual (Mobile Blood Drives Only):
• Some blood drives are smaller in donor volume and both volunteer roles are combined as a “dual” role. If you enjoy a variety of settings, and don’t mind a little multi-tasking, this is for you!
Hours:
• Mobile blood drives typically run from 9 AM to 3 PM on weekdays. These are in downtown Bellevue and surrounding areas, as well as further east. Volunteers can choose which mobiles they sign up for and have an option of volunteering on just mobiles, both mobiles and centers, or just centers. Our Bellevue Center is located at 1807 132nd Ave NE.
• There are weekday center shifts at the Bellevue Center from 8 AM to noon and also noon to 5 PM.
• There are also a variety of volunteer opportunities further east (Sammamish, Issaquah) for anyone wanting to venture out further.
Some things for potential volunteers to consider:
In general, what days and times are you available and what location(s) do you prefer?
Are you able to commit to the minimum of 2 volunteer shifts per month?
The first step in becoming a volunteer: Anyone interested in becoming a Bloodworks Volunteer can follow this link to apply: https://www.shiftboard.com/psbc/ and select “New Registration”.
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New to the Vue!
Vuecrest welcomes Rick and Tammy Locke to 1000 Belfair Lane. Their 26 year old son, Alexander, is an engineer with Fit-Bit and works in San Francisco, and 24 year old William is a recent WSU graduate, with a degree in computer & technology. Buddy is the family pooch, with seemingly minimal household duties. Both Rick and Tammy hail from eastern Washington. Having lived 16 years in Clyde Hill, the Lockes have a home in Palm Springs and are renting here in Vuecrest until January 2018 as they search for their new “pied a terre” in Bellevue. They are owners of “Windows, Doors and More” in south Seattle, selling high-end merchandise to developers. They’re a delightful family and let’s hope they find their forever home right here in Vuecrest, so we can keep them close-by.
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Attention!
“Don’t know much about history, don’t know much geography, don’t know much about a science book, don’t know much about the French I took…but I do know…” (Sam Cooke/1960)
… You’d BETTER know this! TWO big things a’happenin’, so LISTEN UP! On July 28 a new law, the DUIE (“Driving Under the Influence of Electronics” will go into effect) and you’d better be careful or you may find yourself making a $136 donation to our local police force. Over 6,000 people died unnecessarily due to such distracted driving. Under this law you MAY NOT hold any cell phone type apparatus in your hand, EVEN if you are at a dead standstill in a line of traffic. As long as you are in a lane, whether you are moving or not, you are open to citation. And this “distracted driver” law holds true for noshing on that Big Mac, or flossing your teeth (yes…some people do take advantage of this time for “personal grooming”). If this describes you – then STOP! You need to take the time to pull off the highway for talking, chomping or primping. (I guess a little smooch is okay, just keep both hands on the wheel!) The Dept. of Transportation understands we are all slow-learners (they’ve known that since our first drivers license test at age 16), so they will give us until Jan 31 to get this figured out before they ask us to open our wallets. But that doesn’t mean they won’t pull you over before then…and who knows WHAT they might find! Better to obey the law starting NOW! What you ARE allowed is called “one swipe/one touch”, that is, your mobile device must NOT be in your hands and if you can make one single swipe (as on an Android phone to open it) or make a single touch (as on a GPS to rouse it), and the rest of your commands will be verbal, then you’ll be okay. But the cops will be w-a-t-c-h-i-n-g…. Don’t say I didn’t warn you! (FYI: In the case of an emergency, you will be allowed to dial “911”…but please, don’t waste time looking for the “11” button, it’s just not there!). The way I see it, if they’re going to ticket distracted drivers, they really should think about ticketing distracted walkers! ***** Okay, now that understand the deal about driving, here’s what else you need to know, it’s about dialing: Does “564” mean anything to you? Well, IT WILL! On July 31, it became a new area code for Washington state, given to the ever-expanding 360 region. So, what does that have to do with you? PLENTY! Although the 206/253/425 area codes are nearing exhaustion (so, who isn’t??!), the new 564 area code will make it mandatory for EVERYONE to dial the appropriate 3 number prefix for ALL calls! Even if you’re calling a Vuecrest neighbor just 2 doors down, it is necessary for you to dial all 10 digits in order for the call to go through. The irony of all this doesn’t escape me: the Dept of Transportation wants us to dial less, and the telephone company wants us to dial more! Frankly…I’d just as soon not dial AT ALL! (“Hey, I just met you and this is crazy but here’s my number, so call me maybe…”/ Carly Rae Jepson / 2012)
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Seafair Fleet Weekhttp://www.seafair.com/p/schedule/294 (August 1-6) begins Tuesday at 1 p.m. with a Parade of Ships in Elliott Bay, followed by ship tours Wednesday to Sunday on the Seattle waterfront for ages 8 and older wearing flat-heeled shoes. Free *****August 4- 6 - Seafair Air Show and Hydroplane Races. Watch the hydroplane races on Lake Washington as the Blue Angels entertain you overhead with their outstanding air show. Don’t forget to plan for closures on the I-90 bridge! ***** August 11-13 Kirkland Summer Festival. Enjoy this popular festival of the arts with live music, entertainment, beer, food and family fun, on the shores of Lake Washington. Free! ***** 11th Annual Jazz Walk in Shoreline – August 15, starting at 6PM. Stroll along 15th Ave NE to hear jazz in 10 venues using just one ticket! Five blocks will be closed off for a “pedestrian only” evening. Each jazz band and their singers will perform four 45-minute sets at their respective venues. A unique selection of “jazz-bites” will be prepared for the event for your noshing pleasure. Tix available on-line. ***** August 17-19: Auction of Washington Wines at the Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery in Woodinville. This annual charity event offers a picnic and barrel auction, a fun run, winemaker dinners and a multi-course wine gala. Learn more at: www.auctionofwashingtonwines.orghttp://www.auctionofwashingtonwines.org ***** August 19: Kids ages 5 – 16 get ready to get down and dirty!!! Sign up for the Kids Obstacle Challenge on Lake Sammamish State Park. This is the largest kids touring adventure in the nation. It’s a family event, so, get ready for this: 1-2 mile course where participants can rope-swing into a giant mud pit, army crawl thru tough terrain, scale up rugged cargo nets, and slide into muddy paradise. And you, dear parents, can JOIN them for free! Fun package includes free event photos, finish line snack pack, 2017 race medal, and goodie bag. It sure sounds like Hog-Heaven to me! ***** August 19, 4-8PM: ChowDown(town), The Bellevue Food-Truck Round-Up. If you missed the first one in mid-July, make sure you catch this one! More than a dozen assorted-style food trucks with lots of fun food, live music, and it’s all just a short walk from your door in Ashwood Park, by the library. You and the kids will love it! It’s like a BIG picnic, except you don’t have to prepare anything, and NO ANTS! (There are tables-) Free admission. ***** Monday, August 21, 9:30 -11AM: Launching and Engineering Science Fair at the Bellevue Library. All ages welcome. Use your designs to create paper airplanes and utilize KidsQuest airplane launcher to test out your creations. Enjoy rocket design and knock your rocket out of its socket, into an air pocket! ***** August 21-25, Summer Music Camp for ages 5-12. Classes are held at Bellevue NW Pianos on Bel-Red Road, and includes daily lessons, practice sessions, performances, as well as music theory and history. More info at: www.musicinseattle.comhttp://www.musicinseattle.com ***** August 24- Sept 4, it’s time again for the Evergreen State Fair in Monroe. There will be lots of farm animals, pig races, lumberjack show, pie eating contests (followed by “Belching Contests”!) and that once-a year diet buster of “famous fair food”: Funnel cakes! Corn dogs! Deep Fried Oreos! Kettle Corn! Chocolate-covered Bacon!... (Please, no more…my arteries just exploded!!!) ***** August 25: Kirkland Wine-a-Palooza! 6PM. Drink local wines during this “Beat the Heat in Kirkland Wine Walk”, starting at 6PM at the Heathman Hotel. Must be 21 and over. *****
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Don’t forget about the fresh flower and fruit and food and fanciful nonsense you are sure to find at our local summer Farmers Markets! Open at Crossroads on 156th & NE 8th every Tuesday, 12-6PM thru September. In Bellevue, the open market is at 1717 Bellevue Way NE, Thursdays, 3-7PM.
Don’t forget about Bicycle Sundays, August 13, 20, 27! Lake Washington Blvd. will be closed to motorized vehicles so community members may bike, jog or stroll. 10AM – 6PM.
Don’t forget that those amazing, once-in-a-lifetime viewing of the Terra Cotta Warriors from Xi’an, China will remain at the Pacific Science Center only thru Sept.4, then they leave for the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia for their only other stop on this exclusive tour.
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TOOB-TIME!
Here are a few ideas about some honestly educational and worthwhile programming on KCTS, Ch.9. If you aren’t already a subscriber, please consider making a small donation and you will automatically receive their monthly viewing guide (and besides that, it will make you FEEL good!). Tuesday, Aug. 1, 8PM – this is a MUST SEE! If you haven’t read the superb book “The Boys in the Boat” by Daniel James Brown, detailing the UW rowing team and their ultimate success at the Berlin Olympics, then you must tune-in to watch this documentary on American Experience: “The Boys of ‘36”. *** Wednesday, Aug. 2, 8PM: Ireland’s Wild Coast. *** Monday, Aug. 7, 8PM: Ken Burns “American Storyteller – American Sampler” *** Thursday, Aug 10, 7PM: “Folk Legends” *** Wednesday, Aug. 16, 7-9PM: India, Nature’s Wonderland. *** Friday, Aug. 18, 9PM:“Vienna Philharmonic Summer Night Concert 2017” with Renee Fleming, filmed at the Schonbrunn Palace in Austria. *** Monday, Aug 21, 9PM: “Eclipse Over America”, *** Tuesday, Aug 22, 8PM: “Diana”, 20 years after her death, stories from her closest confidantes.*** Wednesday, Aug 30, 7PM: “Saving Sea Turtles, Preventing Extinction”. *** I’ve just GOT to remind you of this great show on Wednesday evenings, 10PM, on CNBC/ Channel 658. It’s called Jay Leno’s Garage and you do NOT have to be a car-person to enjoy it – I promise! Jay Leno is always a funny guy, and though some of these vehicles may be his own (notice, I did not say “cars” because sometimes what he presents are NOT cars), the show is a fast-paced, thrilling hour of solid old-fashioned entertainment. It’s fun, it’s fast, it’s loud, and it’s terrific. Just watch it once – I’m sure you’ll want to tune in again! (“Take me for a ride in your car, car, take me for a ride in your car, car, take me for a ride, take me for a ride…” Woodie Guthrie/ 1964)
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Coming Soon to a Sky Near You!
“You are my sunshine, my only sunshine, you make me happy when skies are gray. You’ll never know dear, how much I love you, so please don’t take my sunshine away…” (Jimmie Davis & Charles Mitchell/1939) Well, listen up, people! Your sunshine WILL go away and be ready to GO OUTSIDE AND LOOK FOR IT!!! On August 21, the biggest and best solar eclipse in American history is coming to a sky near you! It will be the first total eclipse visible only in America since 1776. Eclipses occur due to the special coincidence of the moon passing between the sun and the earth. Even though the sun is 400 times wider than the moon, it is also 400 times farther away, so they appear to be the same size in the sky. Regular sunglasses are not safe for viewing - disposable eclipse glasses are absolutely essential and can be purchased locally and are very inexpensive. You are welcome to join a “Viewing” group at the Bellevue Library on Monday, August 21, 9:45 – 11AM. Free eclipse glasses will be handed out, as long as supplies last, and a take-home guide will be provided. The eclipse is expected to be at its peak at approx. 10:20AM.
The Ancients interpreted eclipses as the sun or the moon being eaten up by a hungry monster and would bang drums to chase him away. Some Hindu cultures felt it was the head of the demon, Raju, who had been slayed, and was now wandering thru the skies, ready to seek revenge. The Navaho regard it as a balancing act between the sun and the moon who are fighting for power, and they view this as a time to settle old disputes and come together in harmony. Then there was the Welsh chanteuse Bonnie Tyler who, in 1983, equated it with heart-break (“Once upon a time there was light in my life, now there’s only love in the dark. Nothing I can say, a total eclipse of the heart”) But no need to feel too sorry for her – she bounced back just fine. With her husband of many years and a wealth of approximately $185 million, she owns farmland in Portugal and New Zealand, 22 homes in North Berkshire and London, 65 horse stables...oh, and a quarry. Seems like just the heart was eclipsed, not the wallet-
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Well, friends and neighbors – that’s whazza – goin’- on for August! Be sure to come to our magnificent Vuecrest summer party – great food, a very fine live band playing songs you know and love, a sweet little petting zoo with soft, furry creatures, a magical balloon-lady and YOU! YOU! YOU! (…there’s no one like you, you, you, no one else will do, do, do… /The Ames Brothers/ 1953)
Hasta soon! Mara