Lifestyle Stories - East King County

New Mormon president to oversee many south Bellevue congregations

Robert Johnson had heard the words spoken so vividly that he looked up because he thought somebody was in the room. He has heard smaller voices before. They have told him to do something, or go to someone’s house because they were in trouble - but nothing as distinct as the time he was called to be bishop for the Newport Ward of more than 350 people.

Bellevue teenager sheds 'Jewish-style afro' for Locks of Love

Wherever 15-year-old Robby Weltman goes, the bushy brown ball of hair nested on the top of his head has raised eyebrows. While in London with his family last summer, a tour bus pulled up alongside Robby and stopped. Tourists stared. “The tour guide said, ‘If you look to the left, you’ll see an example of London hair,” recalled Robby, an Interlake High School junior. “I’m the example of local flavor - no matter where I go.” Besides evoking curiosity, the curly 12-inch mass that Robby refers to as a “Jewish-style afro” also has been a source of annoyance.

There ought to be a law - or maybe lots of them There ought to be a law - or maybe lots of them

The other day, I thought of a new law that ought to be enacted.

Don’t burn extra electrons on that new TV

Thinking of buying a new television? Well, apparently you are not alone if a new jumbo-tronic video monster is calling your name. According to a consumer survey taken this May, more Americans than ever are thinking of getting a new TV.

Wildlife on display at Bellevue Sympony of Gardens tour | Photo

Among the sights I have yet to see is that of a protester marching in front of the corporate headquarters of Raid, carrying a placard that says, “End the killing of spiders, fleas, houseflies, chiggers, mealworms and cockroaches!” As far as I know, there is no PETA-like group that speaks out in defense of stinkbugs, snout beetles and termites. It’s not only insects that receive a lack of support. Everybody loves a baby bunny; fewer love baby nematodes. Ugly creatures don’t have a lobby. So it’s no surprise that plenty of folks in Texas – especially ranchers – have little regard for buzzards.

A wagging tail beats good looks every time | Pat Cashman

Hot temps. Cool cars.

When people in Spokane say “I’ll meet you at the fireplace,” they mean the one at the Davenport Hotel in the heart of the city. Lit by hotelier Louis Davenport in 1914 when the hotel first opened, the fireplace had been constantly kept burning until the hotel closed in 1985.

Spokane a hidden gem on the other side of the mountains

Passwords, multimedia and e-mail — we show you how to maintain your balance after these pitfalls try to trip you up!

Food, fun and festivities highlight Highlands Day

Atmosphere: On the day we went to Marcela’s, the sun was actually shining and we were able to sit outside in the sun, which was actually warm. (Sadly, I got a sunburn from just 45 minutes outside. Thanks, Washington.) There was Spanish music playing over speakers and the restaurant was clean, bright and very traditional.

A celebration of culture

Tips on retrieving passwords, video and spellcheck

For great Mexican food, head to the Highlands

A taste of Tastin’ n Racin’ on Lake Sammamish

All ages leap into Kirkland's Peter Kirk pool | Photo

Talking to people about the importance of dietary matters is not always easy. More often than not, health counselors are perceived by their own patients as puritans, naggers, task masters and spoilers of fun – especially when the need for significant lifestyle changes is involved. I’m sure I’ve been called some less than flattering names by my own clientele.

Healthy eating includes mental makeover | Timi Gustafson

(Note: This week’s column is an excerpt from my forthcoming book, Relative Discomfort: The Family Survival Guide. I simply couldn’t wait to share it with you. Enjoy, and look for the book in stores this fall. I will also be doing some book and stand-up events across the country -- with special attention paid to Kirkland, Redmond and my homeys of the greater Eastside. Hope to see you there!)

Survive July 4 with the family’s other side

Juanita Bay Park is a gem, I declare. It is one of King County’s most diverse and complete wetlands.

Preserving Juanita Bay, the gem of Kirkland’s wildlife habitats

Sitting at his digital keyboard, Oliver Hu isn’t just thinking about playing the notes. He’s thinking about violins, violas, drums and other instruments that make up his latest musical composition, “Liberation of France.”

Kirkland 6th-grader ‘builds his own stories’ through music

“Anybody can play,” Mary Ballantine says.

Bump. Set. Paddle.

The Recreation Calendar lists recreational and participation sports submitted by nonprofit organizations. Mail to: Recreation Calendar, Reporter Newspapers, 18080 NE 68th St. #A150 Redmond, WA 98052, fax to 425-867-0784 or e-mail to sports@reporternewspapers.com.

Recreation Calendar

First off, I won’t be endorsing either of the presidential candidates. I made myself a promise long ago to only vote for famous ex-athletes and movie stars. But I do think that we should consider which one will best serve the suburbs. The candidates plan on touring the country and holding “town hall-style” debates, which I guess are like regular debates, except afterward Shriners serve punch. Should they come here, forget the typical questions about healthcare or NAFTA — they’ll have prepared answers for those. Here are a few questions that, if posed, should tell us in suburbia all we need to know:

Ocain or McBama? An election primer for the suburbs | Jeremy Greenberg

Warm weather tips for cats and dogs

Hot weather means more time spent outdoors with pets, but it also brings along some hazards for our loyal companions. Dr. Craig Miller, a family veterinarian who owns Loyal Companion Animal Care in Redmond Ridge, offers some advice for pet owners for a safe, healthy summer. Loyal Companion Animal Care opened in January and offers medical services to dogs and cats.

Macy's seeks applicants for Better With Time model competition

Macy’s announced it will hold a Better With Time model competition, providing women ages 50 and up the opportunity to walk the runway and serve as a model during the 2008 Better With Time Fashion Show.

Redmond residents share favorite parts of summer

Summer is here — at least according to the calendar. We queried an assortment of Redmond residents and business people about what makes summer special for them and how they plan to make the most of 2008’s short-but-sweet season of longer days and warmer weather. We asked about:

BRIEFLY

Maris wins award at National History Day

Redmond resident marks 98th birthday with tree planting | Photo

With a new baby, hitting the gym may seem like an exercise in futility. Sleep deprivation and trying to find a sitter often stand in the way. But most moms are permitted to work out about six to eight weeks after giving birth — and there are good reasons to make the effort, beyond fitting back into your jeans. Moderate exercise such as yoga strengthens core muscles, relieves neck or back pain, eases stress and more, said Melissa Valentine, instructor for the “Yoga for Parents: Infant and Me” course at Discover Yoga, 16651 Redmond Way, Suite 201.

Redmond High graduates at Qwest Field | Photo

Redmond's Deborah Whitmore lost her battle with her cancer and passed away on the night of Thursday, June 12 at the Evergreen Hospice in Kirkland. There is a concert and craft/gift basket sale being planned for the benefit of the Whitmore family, which includes dad Mike and children Alexis, James and Gabby. The Whitmore Family Concert will go on as planned, at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 24 at the Meydenbauer Center, 11100 NE 6th St.

Redmond yoga gym helps new moms, babies get in shape

Redmond resident Deborah Whitmore passes away, benefit concert still planned

Hot temps. Cool cars.

Discover a hidden gem just over the mountains

Passwords, multimedia and e-mail — we show you how to maintain your balance after these pitfalls try to trip you up!

Food, fun and festivities highlight Highlands Day

A celebration of culture

Principal Paula Phelps and student speakers described the Issaquah High School class of 2008 as a compassionate, considerate and generous group. They were challenged in countless ways and met those challenges brilliantly, the speakers said during graduation at Safeco Field in Seattle.

Tips on retrieving passwords, video and spellcheck

With a little ‘pomp and circumstance,’ Liberty seniors achieved what they had waited 13 years for — they graduated.

For great Mexican food, head to the Highlands

This weekend, two vintage unlimited hydroplanes will run on Lake Sammamish for the first time, as part of the Tastin’ n Racin’ festival. “In the ‘60s, the hydroplanes and their drivers were the sports heroes of the kids in Seattle. There weren’t any Mariners, Seahawks or Sonics, so we idolized (the hydroplane drivers),” said John O’Brien, one of five organizers of the festival.

Issaquah High seniors graduate at Safeco Field

Liberty students bring a little flair to their graduation

Vintage hydros to run at Lake Sammamish festival