May 2006

We have a delightful small fountain in our yard with a boy on two dolphins spouting water. It is not only a pleasure to gaze at but numerous birds use it to not only to drink each day but they also freshen up by doing a canary flutter. We have robins, starlings, swallows and once even a flicker.

This is okay with me but Elsbeth can't stand it when big honking crows use it.

So she decided to put cubes of chlorine we bought for the hot tub in the fountain to discourage the cawky nest robbers.

It worked.

2,900 miles and not a single pound gained

By Annette Herrick

I recently flew down to the southern most tip of Arizona and RV-ed home with mom and dad (I'm in my mid thirties and own my own home with my husband in case some of you are wondering). I new I had a difficult task ahead - not to put on a single pound.

For me, it was a game of strategy as I zig-zagged my way down and then back up the country. I was to look for places where I would find the least sugar, mayonnaise and the most veggies.

Here's how it turned out.

We applaud the decision by West Seattle High School Principal Susan Ders/ to continue honors programs for the 2006-2007 school year.

Not only was the decision made too late to permit parents and students to decide to either accept the program's loss or make other arrangements, it seems to have been based on a misunderstanding of the guidelines for accepting a federal grant.

Unfortunately, too many grants from this federal administration have requirements attached, often forcing school managers to make decisions based on considerations not necessarily consistent with lo

Thanks for your fair article and editorial on the WSHS freshman class honors program (May 10). You did a good job representing both sides and showed great leadership in the editorial.

Tuesday afternoon, just after your paper hit the streets, I was contacted by the superintendent's office announcing a reversal of the honors house direction for 2006-2007 freshman only. The 2007-2008 freshman class will not be offered honors and, though previously committed to, it's unclear if the sophomore class that year will have honors. Ms.

Simply put, when Principal Ders/ comments, "Its hard to promote honors sections to instructors who don't believe in the honors program," there's nothing else to be said.

I read with interest your article about the new Talarico's Pizzeria & Lounge in the Junction. It sounded like a great new place to eat.

As a full-time wheelchair user, I'm always excited to hear about new restaurants because new usually translates into accessible. I couldn't have been more disappointed by what I found. First, the "ramp" into the place was so steep and uneven that my husband had to push me into the restaurant. I normally sail up most ramps under my own power easily.

Coming back out was even more precarious.

I was appalled to read Annette Herrick's article about Gypsie Goss being struck by a car while riding her bicycle. What shocked me most was the way the article was written. I'm sure that Ms. Herrick did not intend to do so, but she makes it sound like the accident was Gypsie's fault. Perhaps she was inattentive, poorly dressed, or maybe just because she was a cyclist in the wrong place at the wrong time. None of these things were true. The accident happened because some jerk was behind the wheel.

The accident occurred in the early evening.

It has always worked for me. And recently, at a time when, should I turn around? I'd be a pillar of salt - there he was: Nils at Quid-nunc. And so I wish to publicly thank him and wish that he becomes the recipient of the next pay-it-forward. Thanks again Nils for your kindness.

Andy Helman

Arbor Heights

I enjoyed your recent West Seattle Herald article about the various stairways around West Seattle. I have been coming over to the new High Point to walk down the Graham St. staircase, and then to Longfellow Creek, where I then turn north and follow the creek all the way to Brandon St, turn west and walk back up to High Point.

I thought you might be interested in case you want to add that to your list.

Also, the city of Pittsburgh has an annual stairway celebration, called "Step Trek," where they put out a map of the different steps around Pittsburgh.

Hooray, a park for our children to play in right next to a tavern. I'm sure all the parents out there can hardly wait.

Andrew McLaughlin

Admiral