January 2008

The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and its variants cause the majority of cervical cancer cases among women, including teenagers.

HPV is sexually transmitted, and a girl can be infected even after a single act of sexual intimacy.

Early in 2007, the new Gardasil vaccine for HPV became available to girls and women, making cervical cancer a disease that can be prevented by a vaccination.

The Gardasil vaccine protects girls against two of the cancer-causing HPV types, as well as the two types that cause genital warts.

Justice delayed is justice denied.

William Gladstone

British Prime Minister

1868-1894

A travesty within the criminal justice system, which had its tragic origin in Des Moines almost seven years ago, drags on in King County Superior Court.

On March 8, 2001, Richard and Jane Larson, their grandson Taelor Marks and his girlfriend Josie Peterson, an Evergreen High School cheerleader, were brutally slain at their home in Des Moines.

This is the time of year when millions of Americans try to put their New Year's resolutions into action.

As we all know, one of the most common resolutions is to maintain a regular exercise schedule. Then, before you know it, it's February. Where has the resolution gone?

Research shows that making - and following through with - resolutions together as a family or with a supportive group greatly improves success.

Despite concerns about parking at a local mosque, SeaTac City Council members voted 4-2 on Jan.

Faith, hope and love.

These three themes radiated from the halls of the Decatur High School Performing Arts Center last Monday, paying homage to the life and teachings of Dr.

Pete Spalding, one of two West Seattle community representatives on the Alaskan Way Viaduct Stakeholders Advisory Committee, regards himself as a "neighborhood activist."

"I have a deep interest in what happens in my neighborhood," he says with a slight Louisiana drawl. "I like to stick my nose in stuff."

Spalding, who lives in the North Delridge neighborhood of Pigeon Point, is president of the Southwest District Council. He served on the board of the University District Food Bank for six years, leaving only because of their term limits.

To the Editor:

I think it's important that voters in Federal Way know what they're voting for next month when they are asked to vote on having a strong Mayor in Federal Way.

We now have seven City Council members who select one of their members to be mayor.

That mayor chairs council meetings and performs ceremonial duties.

He has a vote on the council just like any other member.

If the proposal passes, then the voters will elect a mayor who will also chair council meetings and handle ceremonial duties but will not be a council member.

To the Editor:

During the January 16 mayor debate, the Hardisons didn't exhibit much credibility. They acknowledged that they came to Federal Way in 2000. Therefore, their first-hand knowledge of community history is limited to the last seven years.

To the Editor:

Let me see if I have this right. With two months advance notice, Roy Parke, Dave McKenzie, Norma Blanchard, Tara Talley, Diana Parke or Clara MacArthur, all Board of Directors Members of Accountability Comes to Town (ACT) could not be available to represent ACT at the January 16th debate?

If the sponsors knew this in advance, they had a responsibility to tell the audience ACT was not represented before the start of the debate.