Tech Talk: Windows 10: Should I or Shouldn’t I: Part 4

Friday, August 14, 2015

By Brian Boston

Over the last three parts of this series (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3), we have covered a lot of ground in how Windows 10 is different, and what it offers. 

To Upgrade or Not to Upgrade, Is that the Question?

Whether it is relevant to you depends on your reactions to the changes the new operating system brings, the features it promises, and opportunities it offers you to be productive, creative, connected, or entertained.

While many may be intrigued, perhaps even excited about Windows 10, there are also many dreading changes to their computer’s way of working. Change is hard as we noted earlier in this series.

Avoiding Technical Obsolescence


I asked my 89-year old mother whether she wanted to upgrade. She said “Yes! I don’t want to become obsolete.”

While I assured her that she will never become obsolete with me around, this is a legitimate concern for many. “Being connected” 25 years ago meant you had a telephone land line. Today it’s more likely you mean constant Internet access to the world on your mobile device. One of reasons that Windows 10 exists is because Microsoft wants desktop and laptop PCs to continue to be relevant in a technological world where smartphones have become the dominant computing device.

Upgrading to Windows 10 doesn’t have to be a major step forward in features or capabilities. It just needs to help you stay current and connected with the world around you as painlessly as possible. Hopefully with the information offered here in these tech talks, you can determine whether that goal is achieved on your behalf. My personal observation is that not upgrading just postpones the pain and increases its intensity next time.

That’s why my initial answer to the “upgrade or not” question was and continues to be:

Upgrade …. it’s free to do so at least until July 2016 and avoids the unpleasantness of being technically obsolete.


I will continue exploring Windows 10 on September 27 when Computer Q/A at the Commons starts its fall sessions at Town Center at Lake Forest Park .See the Third Place Commons Calendar or Boston LegacyWorks.com for more information.



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Evening Death Café Monday

Evening Death Café on Monday, August 17, 6:30 pm - 8:30pm, Lake Forest Park Library meeting room.

Join us for cake and easy conversation around death and dying.
“We are all terminal, and getting comfortable with this, allows you to make the most of the present. Talking about death won't kill you."


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Shoreline Farmers Market Saturday

Photo by Wayne Pridemore

As the summer moves forward, the Shoreline Farmer's Market local produce selection continues to expand! Come join on Saturday from 10am to 3pm at Aurora Square, 15300 Westminster Way N. For a full vendor list and event calendar, visit our website.



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Driftwood Players Take a Kid to The Theatre

By Emily Hill

It’s been a couple of years since My Edmonds News checked in with Kathleen Huston, program director of Driftwood’s Take a Kid to The Theatre program for homeless children.

The program service area has grown over the past three years to include Everett, Lynnwood and the surrounding Edmonds area. With over 400 Edmonds School District students living unsheltered, concern for how to manage the summers of these children is ongoing.

Photo courtesy My Edmonds News

My Edmonds News received a progress report from Huston this week – and the generosity of the Driftwood Players organization toward our community’s children is laudable.
According to Huston, “The program goal is to expand to include interactive creative workshops on site at local shelters. 
“Exposure to the arts is an important part of a well-rounded education. Most sheltered(ed) kids have never see a live play. The TKTT program helps fill the gap that parents might not be able to provide.”

So how is the program doing?
“The program has really taken off this year,” Huston revealed in a phone interview, admitting that the increased need actually reflects the growing homeless population and need for activities for children at shelters. 
“Our workshops are in such demand at three shelter locations (two in Lynnwood and one in Everett), that our educator, Jenny Price is constantly on the go. 
“Our original workshop plan was to offer quarterly creative workshops for kids at the shelter locations. Then, we were asked by Pathways in Lynnwood to do an icebreaker exercise for their monthly mom meetings.”

Soon the Everett shelter served by the TKTT program asked if they could have mom creative workshops too. Driftwood Players answered the call.

Now the program is doing weekly workshops throughout the summer and trying to fill all the requests for mother and kid workshops.
Huston observed, “This program has a life of its own. We keep adding to it and massaging it to fit the needs of our target audience.”

On Tuesday, Huston heard from Everett’s Interfaith Association of Northwest Washington’s children’s advocate, Desmond Pullen: 
“Thank you very much for taking the time to do the theatre workshops this summer. The children and adults had a great time learning theatre techniques. You certainly have great talent for what you do. We thank you for sharing your time and gift with us.”

Huston says, “At the end of the day, the delight and smiles we get make it all worthwhile!”

Providing programs for underprivileged kids requires ongoing funding. Driftwood Players invites the community to participate in the Take a Kid to The Theatre program at their online giving location.

Driftwood Players perform at the Wade James Theatre, 950 Main St., Edmonds.



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Waffles for Wonderland Sept 12



Join Wonderland in one month for their annual benefit breakfast, which includes great food, fun activities, exciting raffle prizes, and their annual Spirit of Wonderland awards.

September 12, 9:30 to 11am.

The event is free, but consider registering here so that they know how much food to prepare.

Wonderland Developmental Center is located in the North City School, 816 NE 190th St, Shoreline 98155.



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Angel Medium to Speak at Unity in Lynnwood

Steffany Barton, R.N. will discuss “Angels Among Us”  at 7pm Friday, Sept. 25 at Unity Church in Lynnwood.

“Each of us has personal angels and spirit guides reaching out to us,” Barton says. “They seek to help further our growth, answer questions, and guide us on our path.”

A psychic medium who communicates with the angelic realm, Barton is also a Reiki master and author. She concludes Unity’s Last Fridays Summer Speaker Series titled “The Vibrant Life: Redefining the Aging Process.”

Some audience members will be able to contact their personal angels during the event. Tickets are $25 and may be purchased by calling 425-741-7172 or visiting Unity Church, 16727 Alderwood Mall Parkway, Lynnwood, WA 98307. Ask about Assisted Living/Retirement Home/Hospice pricing.



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Rained out

Several Friday events have been rained out: the Skateboard competition, Fiddler on the Roof, and Friday night at Central Market with Hot Box band.

Fiddler has three remaining shows and tonight's Brown Paper Tickets and Goldstar tickets can be used for any remaining show.

Next door, the Taste of Edmonds was cancelled.





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Shoreline man is a winner in the 2015 Bulwer-Lytton contest for bad writing

From the 2015 Bulwer-Lytton announcement

Conceived to honor the memory of Victorian novelist Edward George Earl Bulwer-Lytton and to encourage unpublished authors who do not have the time to actually write books, the contest challenges entrants to compose bad opening sentences to imaginary novels.

Bulwer was selected as patron of the competition because he opened his novel "Paul Clifford" (1830) with the immortal words, "It was a dark and stormy night." Lytton’s sentence actually parodied the line and went on to make a real sentence of it, but he originated the line "The pen is mightier than the sword," and the expression "the great unwashed." His best known work is "The Last Day's of Pompeii" (1834), an historical novel that has been adapted for film multiple times.

As has happened every year since the contest went public in 1983, thousands of entries poured in not just from the United States and Canada but from such countries as England, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, Germany, Japan, Ireland, and Indonesia.

Winners are selected in many categories, including Grand Panjandrum’s Special Award, Adventure, Crime/Detective, and Children's Literature. Each category has a winner, a runner-up, and a dishonorable mention.

Dan Leyde of Shoreline was the winner in Historical Fiction with this entry:

click to enlarge

Here's the website for those of you who might like to start writing for the 2016 contest.

The Bulwer-Lytton Fiction Contest - Where “WWW” means “Wretched Writers Welcome”



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Sound Shooters: The most powerful pictures of atomic bomb victims in Nagasaki

By Hitomi Dames

At 11:05 A.M. on August 9, 1945, an atomic (plutonium based) bomb was dropped on Nagasaki.

On August 9, 2007, American photojournalist Joe O’Donnell passed away at the age of 85. He was in Nagasaki a month after bombing.

“The cause [of his death] was complications of a stroke, said his wife, Kimiko Sakai. She said that he had had more than 50 operations, among them surgery on his colon and his heart, and that he had attributed his poor health to radiation exposure resulting from his visits to Nagasaki and Hiroshima. ” (New York Times)

It’s been seventy years since the World War II ended on August 15, 1945.

"Brothers at Cremation Site"


You can see this image "Brothers at Cremation Site” at Tyge O'Donnell's (Joe's son) flickr site.

This reminds of the anime "Grave of the Fireflies” one of best movies that I've ever seen, that I never wish to see again.

"I saw a boy about ten years old walking by. He was carrying a baby on his back. In those days in Japan, we often saw children playing with their little brothers or sisters on their backs, but this boy was clearly different. I could see that he had come to this place for a serious reason. He was wearing no shoes. His face was hard. The little head was tipped back as if the baby were fast asleep. The boy stood there for five or ten minutes.” 
"The men in white masks walked over to him and quietly began to take off the rope that was holding the baby. That is when I saw that the baby was already dead. The men held the body by the hands and feet and placed it on the fire. The boy stood there straight without moving, watching the flames. He was biting his lower lip so hard that it shone with blood. The flame burned low like the sun going down. The boy turned around and walked silently away.” Joe O’Donnell.

23-year-old O'Donnell was sent to Nagasaki and Hiroshima for seven months as a US Marine photographer, one month after the atomic bombs dropped in Japan. His duty was to document the destruction caused by the atomic bombs. However, he was not supposed to take pictures like these. So he had to use his own camera, too, in secret. He kept them in secret for 43 years, even from his family.

"A Girl in a Kimono"

The deaf girl in kimono


This girl in a kimono became deaf from the sound caused by atomic bomb, the mother of the girl said to O'Donnell after he shot this image. (I wonder if this was on November 15, 7-5-3 festival, as it would explain her formal kimono.)

"Burned Back of Young Boy"


Framed image of “Burned Back of Young Boy [Taniguchi]” is right on wall. 

This screenshot above is at the O’Donnell photography exhibition in Nagasakin in 2008. The man showing his back to Tyge O’Donnell (who continues his father's mission) is Sumiteru Taniguchi. 

While Joe O'Donnell was photographing wounded people at a hospital -- one of whom was Mr.Taniguchi -- he saw a person who had no hair, no eyebrows and ears, and was just a lump of flesh. "You are enemy, aren't you," said the person, "please kill me." O'Donnell only escaped from this person to face another patient. But when he was leaving the room he saw the first shapeless person again, and who once more begged "Please kill me." He saw tears in the eyes of the shapeless face.

Mr. Taniguchi was in the documentary film "Dark Circle” In the film he said (which I can never forget) and this is my own Japanese-to-English translation):

I hated my parents.
I hated all grownups.
Not only was a war hateful,
but every parent 
who didn't oppose the war was hateful.

Later on in life, O’Donnell had backbone pain and he had skin cancer that spread throughout his entire body. He knew it was caused by radiation exposure, as he was present in Ground Zero just a month after the atomic bomb. The military didn't give any information about radiation when he was sent to Nagasaki and Hiroshima. Joe O'Donnell himself was one of the atomic bombs’ victims.



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Shoreline Fire honors Costco employee who saved customer's life with CPR

Eric Lachaussee saved a customer in
cardiac arrest
Photo courtesy Shoreline Fire


Shoreline Fire honored everday hero Eric Lachaussee, a Costco employee, saved a customer in cardiac arrest -- with quick thinking and good CPR.

Shoreline Fire salutes CPR-trained citizens who are a vital link in the chain of survival!



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Visit Master Gardeners this weekend at Shoreline and LFP Farmers Markets

Got garden questions?

  • What is the difference between an annual and a perennial?
  • Is there anything I can do about the powdery mildew on my zinnias?
  • What vegetables can I plant now?
  • My squash keeps wilting on hot days even though I water it well--it seems ok the next morning though. What am I doing wrong?
  • Is there anything I can do about the squirrels that are climbing my sunflowers and eating the seeds?
What's happening to this tomato?

Do the blossom ends (opposite the end where the stem is) of your tomatoes look something like this? You may have blossom end rot, caused by a calcium deficiency.

The WSU Extension Master Gardeners of King County staff weekly clinics all over King County from April through November (dates vary by location) to answer questions just like these that were asked at last week's clinics.

Master Gardeners are folks who have gone through an intensive training and internship and share their passion for gardening by addressing your landscaping and gardening challenges. This service is free!! If you have a plant problem you would like diagnosed, bring a photo or better yet, a sample. 

This weeks clinics are:

Saturday, August 15
Shoreline Farmer's Market
Aurora Square at 155th and Aurora
(near Central Market and Sears)
10am -- 3pm

Sunday, August 16
Ace Hardware and Lake Forest Park Farmers Market
17171 Bothell Way NE (Town Center at LFP)
11am -- 3pm

A complete list of clinics in King County here.



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Police action in Shoreline week of 8-3-15

Some out of the ordinary items from the 8-3-15 Shoreline police blotter:

7-26  Someone (gender not mentioned) was booked for assaulting two strangers in the QFC parking lot at 4-Corners. No weapons involved.

7-27  A would-be burglar tried (unsuccessfully) to break into a house in the 190xx block of 12th NE by climbing a ladder to try to get in a second story bathroom. Most burglars just break the slider with a rock, like the burglar who got into a house in the 166xx block of 15th NE the day before.

7-28  A concerned citizen called for a police check of two males parked on the side of the road, moving items from another car. Police arrived and discovered the items were stolen goods.

7-30  Police removed an unauthorized homeless camp from upper Sears lot.

7-31  Police and school security interrupted a joy ride at Shoreline High School. An unauthorized person drove a dump truck 50 feet, then got out and ran.

8-1  Dog owner and park patron in verbal altercation at Richmond Beach Park on NW 190th over off leash dog.

There were half a dozen incidents of people under the influence of drugs or alcohol either passed out in public places or acting out. Some were driving cars when they were stopped by police for other reasons.



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Doing business in Lake Forest Park: The Chocolate Man

Thursday, August 13, 2015


Text and photos by Jerry Pickard

Bill Fredericks, owner of " Chocolate Man" shop in Lake Forest Park's Towne Center shopping mall has been in that location for the last four years.

A cooler full of chocolates
His shop is a Chocolate Lovers Heaven! If you are a dedicated Chocoholic this is the shop for you. 

Bill Fredericks with a tray of truffles
Bill has been producing high quality chocolates and instructing chocolate-making for twenty years. He currently instructs at North Seattle Community College, South Seattle Community College, and Blue Ribbon Cooking School when not in his shop.

Finished products

He carries a full line of supplies for those who want to make their own chocolate delicacies.

Chocolate-making supplies

"Chocolate Man" is located in Towne Center's upper mall next door to "The Everest Kitchen". Their phone number is 206-365-2025. Their hours are Monday - Friday 10-8, Saturday 10-6 and Sunday 11-5.



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Benefit yard sale for Seattle Threshold Singers in Shoreline

The women of Seattle Threshold Singers are having a benefit yard sale to raise money to help send singers to their upcoming regional Choir gathering in Portland.

We've been gathering stuff for quite some time and we guarantee there is something that wants to go home with you!! Things are priced to move.

Saturday, August 15, from 10am to 4pm
18809 Wallingford Ave N, Shoreline 98133

Seattle Threshold Singers is one of 140 chapters of the Threshold Choir, an all-volunteer group of women (and now men in some choirs) who sing in groups of three, upon request, at the bedsides of people who are on hospice.

We honor all spiritual paths and have no religious affiliation: our songs are simple messages of love and kindness and through this gentle music, we seek to create moments of grace in difficult times. Our service is our gift; there is no charge.

Request our services or find out about singing with us here



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Introductory statements from Shoreline Council candidates Cafferty and Scully

By Evan Smith

Shoreline City Council candidates Jessica Cafferty and Keith Scully will meet in the November 3 general election for the position that Councilmember Chris Eggen is giving up.

Cafferty and Scully recently sent statements introducing themselves to voters. Here are their statements:

Shoreline City Council Position No. 2

Keith Scully

As Shoreline’s planning commission chair, I’ve worked hard to make sure that we listen to Shoreline residents. I’m proud that people know we’re actually paying attention and responding to citizen concerns.

Growth is on everyone’s mind. We can have growth and preserve neighborhoods. Not by freezing Shoreline in place and preventing anything new: that just won’t work. But as we consider how much and where we allow new growth we should do it carefully and slowly. We need basic protections like transition areas between multifamily and single-family residences. Our growth areas should be right-sized and not overwhelm our roads and infrastructure. We also need to fight bad ideas like Point Wells. Shoreline isn’t powerless even though Point Wells is in Snohomish County.

Growth isn’t the only issue. As a parent, I’m intimately familiar with the need for sidewalks and safe road crossings. We need to first focus our budget and our efforts on basics: safe streets and sidewalks.

I’m also concerned about property crime. As a former prosecutor, I know that what works is getting the police solid information through enough patrol officers and a robust neighborhood watch system.

I’m running for retiring councilmember Chris Eggen’s seat and am honored to have his endorsement along with many other organizations and individuals, including Shoreline’s firefighters and police guilds.

If I haven’t knocked on your door yet, I look forward to meeting each of you. My personal phone number is on my campaign website—www.keithscully.org—and I encourage you to call.


Jessica Cafferty

I have always been committed to my community and to being a voice for those who needed it most. I began my career as an early childhood educator, received my Master’s Degree in Public Administration and now work to build leadership opportunities for women and girls at Women’s Funding Alliance in Seattle.

I am running because I believe we have a responsibility to ensure everyone in Shoreline is able not just to get by, but to thrive.

I moved here with my husband to raise our family because Shoreline is a wonderful place to live. I want to protect what we love about our community, while also planning for a strong future as we grow and change.

As City Councilmember, I will stand up for 1) smart and sustainable growth that responds to the needs of current and future residents, 2) safe, walkable neighborhoods with access to affordable housing, and 3) transit solutions that help us get to and from work safely and on time.

Not only that, but I will also be a strong voice for economic equity and a champion for all Shoreline families.

I am proud to be endorsed by Mayor Shari Winstead, Councilmember Will Hall, Rep. Ruth Kagi, King County Young Democrats, NARAL Pro-Choice Washington, the National Women's Political Caucus of Washington State, Planned Parenthood Votes Northwest, the International Association of Aerospace Machinists and many more!



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Auditions open for Avenue Q musical at Shoreline Community College


Winner of the Tony® “Triple Crown” for Best Musical, Best Score and Best Book, Avenue Q is part flesh, part felt, and packed with heart.

Avenue Q is a laugh-out-loud musical that tells the timeless story of a recent college grad named Princeton who moves into a shabby New York apartment all the way out on Avenue Q. There, he meets Kate (the girl next door), Rod (the Republican), Trekkie (the internet sexpert), Lucy The Slut (need we say more?), and other colorful types who help Princeton finally discover his purpose in life!
Filled with gut-busting humor and a delightfully catchy score, not to mention puppets, Avenue Q is a truly unique show that has quickly become a favorite for audiences everywhere. Although the show addresses humorous adult issues, it is similar to a beloved children's show; a place where puppets are friends, monsters are good and life lessons are learned.
 Audition Dates:
  • Monday, August 24th, 6:30 – 9:30pm
  • Friday, August 28th, 6:30 – 9:30pm
  • Callback Dates:
 Saturday, August 29th, 1 – 4:30pm

Audition Requirements:  
Please come prepared with a 16 to 32 bar musical theater song to perform (pianist provided). Those auditioning for a major role also need to prepare a 1- to 2 minute monologue. 

Audition Location:  Auditions will be held in the campus theater (1600 building) at Shoreline Community College. 16101 Greenwood Ave North, Shoreline, WA  98133.


Audition times here. After choosing an audition time, email for your requested audition time slot. (Can be done from the page with the times available.) The closest available time will be secured for you and you will receive a confirmation email shortly thereafter.

Avenue Q performances run October 23, 24, 25, 30, 31, Nov 1. Friday and Saturdays at 7:30pm, Sunday Matinees at 3pm.  

Character Breakdown:

Princeton: A fresh-faced kid just out of college and the protagonist. Puppet. 
Male, 20-25 yrs old
Range: Bb2 - G4

Kate Monster: A Kindergarten teaching assistant, who is a bit older than Princeton. Puppet. 
Female, 25-30 yrs old
Range: F#3 - F5 

Nicky: A slacker who lives with Rod. Puppet. 
Male, 20-30 yrs old
Range: B2 - B4 

Rod: An investment banker who is Republican and a closeted homosexual. Puppet. 
Male, 25-30 yrs old
Range: A2 - G4 

Trekkie Monster: A reclusive creature obsessed with the Internet and all it has to offer. Puppet. 
Male, 30-40 yrs old
Range: Bb2 - Eb4

Lucy: A vixenish vamp with a dangerous edge. Puppet. 
Female, 25-30 yrs old
Range: F3 - F5

The Bad Idea Bears Two snuggly, cute teddy-bear types. Puppets.
1 Male, 20-40 yrs old; 1 Female, 20-40 yrs old
Male Range: Bb3 - G4; Female Range: Bb3 - C5

Mrs. Thistletwat:  Crabby and ancient. Kate's boss. Puppet. 
Female, 50-65 yrs old
Speaking Role

Brian: A laid-back guy married to Christmas Eve. 
Male, 30-45 yrs old
Range: B2 - F#4

Christmas Eve: A therapist who recently moved to Avenue Q from Japan. 
Female, 30-45 yrs old
Range: B3 - F#5

Gary Coleman: Yes, that Gary Coleman. Lives on the Avenue and is superintendent of the apartment buildings. 
Female, 30-40 yrs old
Range: D3 - Bb5

Boy Bear:  a cute and charming little boy bear
Male: A mezzo-soprano / belt who can comfortably sing up to a D in a pop voice.

Girl Bear:  a cute and charming little girl bear
Female: A mezzo-soprano/belt who can comfortably sing up to a D in a pop voice.
Male or Female: A mezzo-soprano / belt who can comfortably sing up to a D in a pop voice.



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Children's theater at Celebrate Shoreline Saturday



On Saturday, Aug 15, Friends of the Shoreline Library is sponsoring Last Leaf Theater Productions at Celebrate Shoreline in Cromwell Park.

They will do two performances of "The Brave Little Tailor." The first is scheduled for 1pm and the second at 2:30pm. The Friends will have a booth at the festival and invite you to stop by and see them.

For younger children, The Brave Little Tailor features the adventures of an ambitious and confident tailor who uses his cleverness and negotiation skills to find peaceful ways to advance his position.



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Letter to Shoreline residents from Fire Chief Matt Cowan


Citizens of Shoreline, 

It is with a very happy and humble heart that I write this letter today. As you know, we recently had two ballot measures in front of our voters, a Fire Benefit Charge (FBC) and a Capital Bond. I am overwhelmed by the support this Community has shown for its fire department. The FBC is certainly a more complicated mechanism to understand, and it was difficult to get adequate information out to everyone so that they could make an informed vote. To receive a nearly 75% approval for a measure such as this is humbling. And to follow that with an approval of over 80% for the bond almost seems surreal. I cannot thank you enough for your support!

As we started to emerge from the recession, the Fire Department was confronted with a dire situation on some of our equipment and apparatus, but as equally important we were faced with a budget that would rapidly become unsustainable. We now have diversified our revenue sources, and made it more appropriate and commensurate with the needs of our Community. We will use the relief this provides to proactively address future needs and hopefully eliminate the need for capital bonds in the future.  

The Department plans to initiate some of our projects as soon as it is feasible; i.e., construction of a replacement Station 63, purchasing a replacement ladder truck, and constructing a new storage building at Station 61, our Headquarters. The Department wants to take advantage of the current lower interest and construction rates, both of which are projected to increase in the near future. We will also be looking at the timing of future purchases to determine the most fiscally responsible schedule to maximize purchasing power. As these purchases are made our plan will be to let everyone know so that they understand where their tax dollars are going.  

Finally, I cannot overstate how thankful we all are for the support that you have shown Shoreline Fire Department. It is very exciting to know that we will be able to meet the needs of our Community now and into the future. Hopefully, we will run into you at an upcoming public event so that we can thank you in person and show you what that support means to us. Please let us know if there is anything that we can do for you and thank you, thank you, thank you again!    

Sincerely,

Matt Cowan, Fire Chief
Shoreline Fire Department



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Celebrate Shoreline car show at Aurora Square Saturday


Celebrate Shoreline car show, Saturday, Aug. 15, 10:00am to 3:00pm, NEW LOCATION at Aurora Square, 155th and Aurora Avenue N.

The Shoreline Historical Museum and the City of Shoreline present the annual Celebrate Shoreline Car Show. Vintage, Custom, Stock, Muscle, Street Rod, Projects, and more.

Enter your car in the competition or just come to check out the vehicles. Entry form 



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Skateboard competition Friday at Paramount School Park

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Celebrate Shoreline continues with a skateboard competition Friday at the Connie King Skate Park at the Paramount School Park, 835 NE 155th in Shoreline.

Noon to 5pm

The best skateboarders from around the area will compete at this 13th Annual Youth Skate Competition.

There will be different competitions for all age levels. A free barbecue will take place by the skate park.

Waivers are required for all competitors under 18 years of age.



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Shoreline Councilman Salomon continues to hold big primary lead over Richey

By Evan Smith

Incumbent Shoreline City Councilman Jesse Salomon continues to hold a big primary lead over challenger Lorn Richey.

Salomon and Richey apparently are headed for a runoff in November.

Salomon holds 64 percent of the votes from the Aug. 4 primary counted through Wednesday afternoon to 26 percent for Richey and 9 percent for Michael Bachety.

King County elections officials had counted ballots from 28.05 percent of Shoreline city voters, compared to 24.41 percent countywide.

The county vote count represents 99.96 percent of ballots on hand and 81.30 percent of the predicted voter turnout.



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Shoreline resident displays Native American artifacts at Richmond Beach Library

Native American artifacts at Richmond Beach Library
Photo by Terry Bayless


Corky Barenz, a Montana farmer, owned and operated a huge rock shop in Minnesota. He collected Native American artifacts for many years, bartering and trading for items from around the world.

He passed the collection on to his daughter, Shoreline resident Terry Bayless, when he died.

Terry says, "My intention for sharing items in the display case at the Richmond Beach library was mostly to encourage folks to read books by and about Native Americans:
  • Sherman Alexie's books
  • Timothy Egan's book Short Nights of the Shadow Catcher: The Epic Life and Immortal Photographs of Edward Curtis
  • the young reader survival books by Gary Paulsen, Hatchet and Brian's Winter
  • plus books about Native American Heritage, arts, and contemporary culture"
The library is located at 19601 21st Ave NW, Shoreline 98177.



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Pacifica Children’s Chorus is looking for young and enthusiastic singers

Pacifica looking for young and enthusiastic singers

Pacifica Children’s Chorus is looking for young and enthusiastic singers ages 5 – 18 years of age. 

Rehearsals are held once a week for four different age-appropriate levels. A short and simple child-friendly audition is required for the upper 3 levels (no audition required for Kindergarten / 1st grade group). No experience necessary up to 6th grade.

Sliding scale and scholarships available.

Teaching: voice training, written theory program (starts in 3rd grade), sight singing / ear training, and performance practice.

World folk music is emphasized in the younger choirs, but also includes classical, contemporary, jazz and popular literature.  

For more information, email or call 206-527-9095.  

Audition deadlines for seasonal entries are October 15 and March 15.



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Amateur radio license courses starting September 21

Shoreline ACS volunteers in the Communications Van
Photo copyright Marc Weinberg

Amateur or “ham” radio Technician course will be offered by the Emergency Services Coordinating Agency (ESCA) Monday evenings starting September 21st and will run for seven consecutive Monday evenings (It is not required to attend every class).

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) exam is scheduled on Monday, November 9th.

The beginner level Technician license is required for entry into the fascinating hobby of “ham” radio. It’s all about getting on the air and communicating with a region-wide network of ham radio operators for fun or community service.

The course is held at the Brier City Hall from 7:00pm to 9:00pm at 2901 228th Street, SW, Brier, WA 98036.

There is no charge for the course with the exception of the Technician class book available through ESCA at a discounted price of $25 if ordered at least two weeks before the class begins (September 7th). The Federal Communication Commission’s fee for Technician and Extra exam is $15.00 paid to the examiners on the night of the exam.

For more information and/or to register contact Course Manager Vickie Fontaine, at 425-776-3722,

The Emergency Services Coordinating Agency was created by the cities of Brier, Edmonds, Kenmore, Lake Forest Park, Lynnwood, Mill Creek, Mountlake Terrace, Mukilteo, Woodinville, and the Town of Woodway to provide city government disaster planning, mitigation, response, and recovery services.



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Tech Talk: Windows 10: Should I or Shouldn’t I: Part 3


By Brian Boston

In Parts 1 and 2, we talked about restrictions to upgrading and how things are changing for both Windows 7 and 8.1 users in Windows 10. Start Menu aside, it’s time to tackle a couple of the bigger additions and changes in the new operating system.

Where’s Internet Explorer?

Windows’ venerable web browser, Internet Explorer (currently IE 11), is still in Windows 10 but hidden away in the Start menu under All Apps, Windows Accessories. The Modern version of IE, introduced in Windows 8, is gone. It sported a very different User Interface and was received with confusion even when revamped in Windows 8.1


Taking center stage is Microsoft Edge, a lighter, faster web browser.

Microsoft took Internet Explorer and stripped out all its old obsolete code to make Edge. That code goes back at least a decade and was retained to allow internal web-based applications developed for use in various companies to continue functioning. Today’s Web standards don’t use this code at all. As a result, Edge is pretty nimble at loading web pages.


Edge mirrors its lean operation with a spare look and feel. It inherited Reading Mode from Modern IE, a nifty way to read articles on web pages without all the distractions that also come with the page. If a web page supports Reading Mode, the book icon in the address bar shifts from its grayed out state and will display a clean page of text when pressed.


The hub icon, consisting of three uneven horizontal lines, stores items like Favorites, History, and Downloads. A pen-with-paper icon allows you to create and save “Web Notes” associated with and displayed on a particular web page and share it with others. Rounding out the options are a star icon for adding favorites or Reading List items, and the Share button to format links to the app designed for sharing.

Edge is probably the least “finished” of Windows 10 apps at this point with more updates due this fall. Among those will be the ability to use extensions from other web browsers.

As for IE, it’s still in Windows for compatibility reasons but it’s clear that Microsoft wants you to use Edge. Its startup page even asks you to try Microsoft Edge..

Upgraders to Windows 10 who are using another web browser as their default will be surprised to see Microsoft Edge starting up instead of their favorite browser. This led to some strong words from the CEO of Mozilla, which makes the Firefox web browser. Fortunately this setting can be changed back a couple of ways.

Cortana can inform and help you organize your life.


The ability for search “everything” has been augmented by the presence of Cortana, a “digital assistant” that first appeared in Windows Phones last year. Cortana combines the power of Google Now’s search capabilities with the personal approach pioneered by Apple’s “Siri” and then takes it up a notch. While these other tools can tell you about the day’s weather, Cortana will respond to the question “Will I need a coat tomorrow?”


Cortana’s “personality” and ability to anticipate your needs can be surprising as it learns your preferences and interests. This information is kept and can be updated by you in Contana’s Notebook. Privacy advocates have expressed concern about the level of information that Cortana can collect. Fortunately, you can control this flow of information through privacy settings and, frankly, by not telling Cortana as much. However, the more it knows, the better it can serve your needs.

Cortana was released on Window Phone 8.1 in preview form in the US in April of last year. Though the Windows 10 desktop version is only available in USA, UK, France, Spain, Germany, Italy, and China at Windows 10 launch, it continues to roll out over time to other countries, with preview versions due in Australia, Brazil, Canada, India, Japan, and Mexico by the end of 2015.

The reason for the slow roll out is that Cortana not only needs to speak and understand the language of the region, but also use the appropriate tone, idioms, and track local and national interests of the area. The level of formality and awareness of items like local sports and customs are as important as information that Cortana shares.

While people wonder how useful a digital assistant is, the best way to determine it for yourself is to try it out. As most laptops and tablets these days are equipped with a built-in microphone and speakers, this is a simple affair. If you have a desktop system, you can simply type in your questions to Cortana, but I recommend you set the system up with microphone and speakers to make the best use of the assistant’s capabilities.

For example, I love the fact that while I am engrossed in another activity, I can simply say “Hey Cortana, remind me to get the chicken stock out of the freezer in 45 minutes.” Cortana will set an alarm reminder to alert me at the appropriate time while I continue my activity.


Cortana can also tell jokes, identify music playing, and remind you of things when you leave or arrive at a location. You can tell it to launch apps, dictate email, do web searches, give directions, estimate travel times and more. With the evolving nature of Windows 10, this probably is just the beginning of its capabilities.

Decision Time…Almost!

Enough of feature details and analysis! It’s clear that there are a lot of little changes and some big changes moving to Windows 10. Is it worth your time? That depends not just on the kind of operating system you currently have and new directions Windows 10 is going. It also depends on you and your reaction to all this information.

If it helps, I have some final thoughts in Part 4

Till then…

~~~
Boston LegacyWorks, LLC offers talks and individual help on technology topics, troubleshooting and tutoring on PC usage, and services so you can manage and maintain your computer, your network of computers, or how they connect with the world. Contact us for information on how we can help you.

Updated 08-13-2015 9:44am



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Free concert at Cromwell Park Saturday as part of Celebrate Shoreline

Pickwick performs at free concert
in Cromwell Park Saturday

Pickwick and guests perform at a FREE concert on Saturday, August 15, 4pm to 9pm.

All ages, food trucks and 21+ beer garden. Cromwell Park, 18030 Meridian Ave N, Shoreline 98133.



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Richmond Beach house fire

Richmond Beach house fire
Photo courtesy Shoreline Fire

According to Shoreline Fire, a house fire caused by a clothing pile too close to baseboard heater that was turned on in the chilly hours of the morning forced a Richmond Beach family out of their home Wednesday morning.

The two adults and two teenagers evacuated safely and no one was hurt.



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Tent City 3 Open House at St. Dunstan Saturday

Tent City 3
Photo courtesy St. Dunstan Episcopal Church

TC3 Open House will be this Saturday August 15 from 11am to 5pm.

The camp will be giving tours, answering questions about how Tent City works, and giving testimonials on a day in the life at TC3.

There will be food (hot dogs, salads, chips, etc.), music, and a scavenger hunt as part of the afternoon festivities.

TC3 is located at St. Dunstan Episcopal Church 722 N 145th Street in Shoreline. The camp is in the rear parking lot of the church adjacent to the Interurban trail.



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Camp Shoreline Arcade Day

Camp Shoreline portable bowling lane
Photo courtesy City of Shoreline

The Spartan Recreation Center was turned into a giant arcade on Wednesday for the City of Shoreline’s Camp Shoreline program.

Campers got to play a variety of old and new video games and other fun activities like bowling and bingo while enjoying root beer floats.

The City of Shoreline would like to send a big thank you to Spin Alley for lending their portable bowling lanes and helping make “Arcade Day” a huge success.



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Four nights of jazz at North City Bistro

Tuesday, August 11, 2015

Meridienne at the North City Bistro

If Jazz Walk just whetted your appetite for jazz, fear not. The North City Bistro and Wine Shop will fill the void. 1520 NE 177th, Shoreline 98155. 206-365-4447. 

Starting Wednesday, they have staged four consecutive nights of jazz at their bistro in North City. 


Wednesday Meridienne is back in the house for their 2nd Wednesday of the month show. They will play from 7:00-9:30 and they never charge a cover, but they do appreciate your tips.

Thursday the Ryan Leppich Trio, a young and very talented group of musicians, play jazz standards and some really cool arrangements.
They play from 7:00-9:30 for $5 Cover.

Danny Godinez

Friday, Danny Godinez is coming back in for another epic performance!
This guy never ceases to amaze the audience, and he has such a great time he keeps wanting to come back, so, Good for Us :)! Danny plays from 8ish to 10:30ish, and cover charge is $10, so come in and hear one of the most unique and talented (not to mention incredibly sweet) people you will ever meet.
Please call for reservations, as Danny normally fills the house, and we already have about 1/2 of the tables reserved.

And to round out an incredible week of music, on Saturday The Ellis Brothers. Three brothers, who have played together for years, and have been taught by some of the Best of the Best musicians in the NW. They play classic jazz like the veterans, and then they break out some amazing originals, Blues, Funk and many more styles. This time, Jack, Luke, and Ben will be joined by Jake Ranson, a fine young vocalist, doing some Al Green, Stevie Wonder and other great songs. They will play from 8:00-10:30pm and cover charge will be $5, so come in and support this amazing talented family and their singer.

Reservations are highly recommended, as these guys already have a good following.


Hours
  • Wine Shop: Tues-Sat 2pm 
  • Kitchen: Tues-Thur 4:30-9:30pm, Fri Sat 4:30-10:30pm



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