Ron Sims, King County Executive

Seattle area leads the world in big new tech office leases
July 29, 2024 at 6:00 am Updated July 29, 2024 at 6:10 am

The Seattle Mariners won. Go Mariners.

$1.3 million for 6 miles of top-tier trails: The newest county park in Washington is only open to mountain bikers

"These trails have saved my life." Through a rare private-to-public land swap, the residents at Tehaleh have access to an incredible bike-only trail system.
By Greg Heil
June 14, 2024

$1.3 million for 6 miles of top-tier trails: The newest county park in Washington is only open to mountain bikers "These trails have saved my life." Through a rare private-to-public land swap, the residents at Tehaleh have access to an incredible bike-only trail system.

r the State Department, on May 22. (Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters)�By Karen DeYoung�May 25, 2024 at 4:21 p.m. PT�
The United States, which prides itself as a global leader on human rights and international law, was conspicuously silent Friday after the International Court of Justice ordered Israel to comply with its “obligations” under the Genocide Convention and “immediately halt its offensive” in Rafah.�The absence of any public statement from the Biden administration was a stark contrast to an almost identical ruling by the ICJ in March 2022, ordering Russia to “immediately suspend the military operations” it had just begun in Ukraine. Noting that the court “plays a vital role in the peaceful settlement of disputes under the U.N. Charter,” the State Department effusively welcomed the order and called on Moscow to comply.�The administration has sharply rejected any comparison between the two situations, noting that one began with attack on Israel by a terrorist group and the other with an unprovoked invasion by one U.N. member state into another.�Instead of issuing a statement on the Israel ruling, the National Security Council authorized spokespeople to respond to any questions with a single sentence: “We’ve been clear and consistent on our position on Rafah.”��That position — that Israel’s invasion of Rafah has been a “limited” incursion to root out remaining Hamas fighters while avoiding undue civilian harm, and to free around 100 living and dead Israeli hostages that remain captives — conflicts with the ICJ conclusion that Rafah is a “change in the situation” since its last warning earlier this year that Israeli actions in Gaza risk genocide.�The court, a branch of the United Nations, has no mechanism to enforce its orders, which must be voted on by the U.N. Security Council, where the United States has veto power. Some international law experts have described the ICJ order as less than binding in any case, since under the court’s own rules the finding remains “provisional” until there is an evidentiary hearing on the merits of the charges brought before it by South Africa. That process could be at least a year away.�But even without a substantive effect, the ruling serves to further isolate Israel — and the United States, as its principal military and diplomatic backer — from world opinion.�“We should all recognize that this is a turning in a very negative direction, and the United States is becoming very isolated because people are starting to equate its support with aiding and abetting illegal action,” said Harold Hongju Koh, the Sterling professor of international law at Yale Law School and former State Department legal adviser in the Obama administration.�“Remember that the 13 countries in the majority” decision of the 15-member court “include major European Union countries, as well as the Middle East and Africa,” Koh said. The White House “can’t ignore the political message this is sending.”�“It threatens to put the United States on the wrong side of international law,” he said.�The two dissenting votes on the court came from Julia Sebutinde, a Ugandan jurist, and from Israel’s Aharon Barak, the former head of Israel’s Supreme Court. Barak argued, according to a court-written summary, that the order was a “qualified” one that does not prevent Israel from continuing its offensive because, among other things, there is “no evidence of intent” to commit genocide. He also argued, as the court has acknowledged, that it was Hamas that began the war with its Oct. 7 attack against Israel. “Against this background,” he said, the court “cannot order one party to stop, while the other is free to continue.”�But much of the rest of the world does not see it that way. Even before the ICJ ruling, the E.U. had urged Israel to stop the Rafah offensive, warning that its continuance “would inevitably put a heavy strain on the E.U.’s relationship with Israel,” the group’s foreign policy chief said on May 15.�The ruling came at the end of a week in which international criticism of Israel reached a crescendo. The prosecutor for the International Criminal Court — a treaty tribunal to which neither the United States nor Israel belongs — called on that court to issue warrants for the arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant if they set foot in any of its 124 member countries. Three European countries — Norway, Spain and Ireland — said they would join the 140 nations that already recognize Palestine as a state.�Meanwhile, as the ICJ called on Israel to provide “unhindered provision … of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance,” aid organizations used increasingly alarmist terms to describe how the Rafah offensive has worsened the situation inside Gaza.�“As feared, it has been a tragedy beyond words,” Martin Griffiths, the U.N. undersecretary general for humanitarian affairs, said in a statement Friday. It has “displaced more than 800,000 people … cut off the flow of aid into southern Gaza and crippled a humanitarian operation already stretched beyond its breaking point.”�“Though Israel dismissed the international community’s appeals to spare Rafah, the global clamor for an immediate stop to this offensive has grown too loud to ignore,” Griffiths said. “This is a moment of clarity. It is a moment to demand respect for the rules of war to which all are bound.”�Even as it has continued to describe the Rafah offensive as “limited,” the administration has reflected rising worries. “We had two concerns about a Rafah operation,” said David Satterfield, who served the first six months of the war as the administration’s on-the-ground envoy for humanitarian concerns and remains a State Department adviser.�“The first was the consequences” of displacing up to 1.5 million people who had crowded in and around Rafah, Gaza’s southernmost city, most of them fleeing from fighting further north. Once Israel shifted the war there, “where would they go? How would they receive humanitarian support, shelter, water, food, medical support,” Satterfield said, speaking Friday at a conversation hosted by the Council on Foreign Relations.�“The second concern was that the act of a kinetic operation, limited or not” would see the mass evacuation of Gazans and “all of this would conflict with the logistical, physical ability to move assistance. Regrettably, all of those concerns, which we had outlined to the government of Israel at the highest levels of state, have come to pass.”�Israel’s seizure of the critical Rafah crossing has seen aid to southern Gaza virtually cease. Growing U.S. concern about the humanitarian situation led President Biden on Friday to call Egyptian President Abdel Fatah El-Sisi to ask for help. Sisi agreed to allow aid transiting Egypt to travel to Israel’s nearby Kerem Shalom crossing and extracted a promise from Biden to try to negotiate an agreement on reopening Rafah.�But that stopgap measure, along with the U.S. military’s construction of a temporary pier to deliver assistance directly along the central Gaza coast, is unlikely to change the international politics or the reality on the ground, absent a halt in the Israeli offensive that started in eastern Rafah and has progressed steadily westward.�“My sense is that they’re operating a bit further west in the evacuation zones right now and more evacuation orders are probably coming,” Scott Anderson, the deputy director in Gaza of UNRWA, the main U.N. aid agency, said in an interview Friday. “And I think that perhaps the fighting is going to take place in the western half of the city proper.”�In the absence of an immediate solution, the administration has returned to what has long been its preferred effort to halt the fighting — a temporary truce with Hamas that would allow the release of hostages and a massive increase in humanitarian aid. That effort, which began months ago, largely collapsed earlier this month when Hamas and Israel rejected each other’s amendments to a deal negotiated under the auspices of the United States, Egypt and Qatar.�This weekend, CIA Director William J. Burns, who has been the chief U.S. negotiator, met in Paris with his Israeli counterpart and Qatar’s prime minister in an effort to revive the initiative. No results of the meeting were immediately released.

U.S. silent as global condemnation of Israel’s Rafah offensive grows The Biden administration maintains that Israel’s invasion of the southern Gazan city is “limited,” despite an International Court of Justice order and a worsening humanitarian crisis.

I walked quite a bit today. My feet after an ache or two are now in recovery. Take care of yourself. Please remember that exercise is beneficial to your heart and lungs. Peace Be With You

The Sunday morning Mass at Seattle’s Saint James Cathedral always fills your Spirit. Father Ryan is an exceptional priest, teacher, and minister. His homilies are always superb. I also enjoy the music, organist and choir. Peace Be With You

I walked 6,020 steps and 2.8 miles today. Yup, I am finished for today. Peace Be With You

Jan. 29, 2024, 6:09 p.m. ET
The Department of Defense on Monday identified three Army Reserve soldiers who were killed at a U.S. base in Jordan on Sunday in what the Biden administration said was a drone attack from an Iran-backed militia. The department said at least 34 other service members were wounded in the attack.

Those killed were Sgt. William Jerome Rivers, 46, of Carrollton, Ga.; Specialist Kennedy Ladon Sanders, 24, of Waycross, Ga.; and Specialist Breonna Alexsondria Moffett, 23, of Savannah, Ga.

The soldiers, two of them women, were assigned to the 718th Engineer Company, based at Fort Moore, Ga. — a team of soldiers trained to deploy at short notice to build roads, landing fields and protective earthen berms for U.S. forces.

“On behalf of the Army Reserve, I share in the sorrow felt by their friends, family and loved ones,” said the chief of the Army Reserve, Lt. Gen. Jody Daniels. “Their service and sacrifice will not be forgotten, and we are committed to supporting those left behind in the wake of this tragedy.”

I was hoping that the 49ers would defeat the Packers. But, I can’t give you a reason. Tomorrow I hope that Kansas City beats the Buffalo Bills. Please, don’t ask me why.

Recent research using the MUSE instrument shows that galactic winds, vital for galaxy evolution, are a common occurrence in the universe, challenging previous assumptions about their rarity.

Under certain circumstances galaxies release huge quantities of matter into their environment, triggered by a large number of explosions of massive stars. The MUSE instrument of the Very Large Telescope of the European Southern Observatory (ESO) has now demonstrated for the first time that such “galactic winds” are by no means rare, but actually occur frequently.

Discovery of Double-Cone Structures

An international research team, led by the Centre national de la recherche scientifique (CNRS), found the double-cone-shaped structures characteristic of galactic winds when examining a sample of around 100 galaxies. However, these are only visible in specific spectral lines of light and only if the sensitivity of the measurement is extremely high. Previously only very few such cases were known, most of which were discovered also with the MUSE instrument.

My Friends, I am Wishing You a Happy Winter Solstice.

Dec. 1 marked Hartman’s final day on the job. During her last week of work, wearing a white, furry Santa hat and red, Christmas-themed tennis shoes, Hartman sat down with The Seattle Times to reflect on what she's seen and what her many years in homelessness has to say about the current crisis we face.

1999: $32,000 and a carton of eggs

When Hartman was hired as Mary's Place's first employee, she would boil eggs at home and bring them in to work with her. The protein paired well with the pot of soup that she paid a woman at an adjacent senior center to make every day.

It was a modest beginning. She remembers women bringing in a loaf of bread so that if someone needed a snack, they could always make a piece of toast.

Before the day center opened, Hartman said she called around to every homeless service provider to see how they could work together. And she asked women staying at Seattle's few overnight shelters what they wanted in a new day center.

"I can remember conversations like, 'We want real caffeine. The other places don't serve caffeinated coffee. I want a place to sit and not be bothered. I want a place to be called by my name,'” Hartman said. “ ‘ I want a place where I can have access to a phone to call my family. ‘ "

Whew! I have taken 15,116 steps today in my neighborhood. As a result I have walked 7.04 miles. It is good to find something that will keep you fit and healthy. Peace Be With You

This morning I was so exhausted from Holiday Festivities that I watched the Saint James Cathedral mass of Seattle on my home computer. Today wil be a day of rest.

FYI

Upcoming Construction & Events - Transportation | seattle.gov Weekly updated list of current and future construction projects around Seattle

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — The San Francisco 49ers find themselves in a familiar spot after posting a dominant victory against a fellow NFC powerhouse with last week's big win at Philadelphia.

Now the hope for the Niners is they avoid falling into a familiar trap after that win and avoid the three-game losing streak they endured in October after a similar victory over the Dallas Cowboys.

San Francisco (9-3) hosts the Seattle Seahawks (6-6) on Sunday with a chance to clinch a playoff berth this week with a win and a loss by either Minnesota or Green Bay.

Running vs. walking: Which is better for lasting health?

Cindy Kuzma
The New York Times

Walking is among the world's most popular forms of exercise, and far and away the most favored in the United States. And for good reason: It's simple, accessible and effective. Taking regular walks lowers the risk of many health problems including anxiety, depression, diabetes and some cancers.

However, once your body becomes accustomed to walking, you might want to pick up the pace, said Alyssa Olenick, an exercise physiologist and postdoctoral research fellow in the energy metabolism lab at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus.

If you can nudge even part of your walk into a run, it offers many of the same physical and mental benefits in far less time. But just how much better is running? And how can you turn your walk into a run?

Why walking is good for you

When considering the health benefits of an activity like walking or running, there are two connected factors to keep in mind. One is the workout's effect on your fitness — that is, how it improves the efficiency of your heart and lungs. The second is the ultimate positive outcome: Does it help you live a longer life?

The gold standard for assessing fitness is VO2 max, a measure of how much oxygen your body uses when you're exercising vigorously. It's also a strong predictor of life span, said Dr. Allison Zielinski, a sports cardiologist at Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute.

I have been putting leaves that were floating in our street’s gutter collector into our green bin. They had gathered in sufficient quantity to push the water onto our sidewalk. They also created mini dams. So, with shovel in my hand they are now residing in our green-bin. One thing was certain, the air was being cleansed. It was good for the plants and me. Peace Be With You

I am taking a rest. I have walked 4.28 miles today. My step count for today was 9,177 steps. I have been wandering around my neighborhood and various retail outlets. At the moment my feet are in recovery mode. The rainy weather sped up and got me home rather quickly. Tomorrow will be a day of physical rest and recovery. I also have friends and family who like me seek help from the Highest Authority of our faith. I will pray for them as well.

Today was the first day of November. The Holiday Season is three weeks away. The turkeys are organizing their protest. 😂.

My feet want an early gift of pain free days. My waistline needs holiday repairs Wishing everyone days of Joy and Peace. Oops, the turkey never runs or flies fast enough for weight control. You’ll need to save space for the weeks ahead. Peace Be With You

I enjoy news on public radio or those that are the outlets for jazz, and sports. I also listen to classical music and R&B. I wear a listening device. I think it is a habit I learned from my Dad, Mom, and brothers. Santa put it under the tree last year.

The morning moon.

Please don’t forget to get your updated vaccinations that may include Flu and COVID shots. Your health and the health of your family and colleagues is important.

Today came, went and zoomed away at lightning speed. It took me awhile to believe this was Thursday. Tomorrow will hopefully be a restful Friday. Peace Be With You

I believe that every Sunday is a gift. It is the beginning of a new week. As I reflected on last Sunday I realized that life has many surprises. I smiled in this Sunday’s Mass knowing that each day will be a unique gift. I wish everyone seven days full of life’s surprises and happiness. Peace Be With You.

Father Ryan once again gave an exemplary homily at Seattle’s Saint James Cathedral. I am now at home following the Love Of My Life’s instructions on an array of items. The sun is shining and the vegetables are growing. Life is Joyous. Peace Be With You

The Seattle Mariners beat the Kansas City Royals by a score of 15-2. The Mariners hit seven home runs. Go Mariners!!!

I have just finished my morning chores. The green, blue and black bins are now at curbside. It is the day for their contents to be emptied into the garbage or recycling trucks. I have watered the garden much to the delight of the vegetables that are still growing. The flowers baskets are watered and their bouquet of beauty remains.

The sky is an absolutely clear blue. My morning meditations were completed a short while ago. Life is Wondrous. Peace Be With You