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September 2009
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July 2008When I arranged to spend two weekends riding with the Seattle Police Gang Unit, I expected we would respond to shootings and patrol trouble spots where gang violence has been prevalent. But watching the detectives work gives me a new appreciation for the concept of "proactive policing." It's so rare to see a seaplane land on Lake Nahwatzel, John Acocks had to take a picture of it. He didn't know seconds later it would be in flames. It sounds strange at first, but yes, the Mariners created a "No-Peanut" zone for two games later this year. Day 3 brought a couple of excursions away from our neighborhood & workspace. One was a trip over to the IBC and MPC - the International Broadcast Center and the Main Press Center. These are BIG buildings that hold the core of the activity for broadcasters, print media and all sorts of journalists from all over the world. The other trip was a visit to Houhai area for dinner last night. ...We're getting a feel for the neighborhood near our workspace and hotel. Like I've mentioned, the people are very friendly and Beijing is feeling quite cosmopolitan. Here are a few of the tidbits and sights around us. ...An amazing amount of work has been done in preparation for the games here in Beijing, and the work continues. Here at the NBC News workspace things an amazing amount of work is being done by the advance crew including dozens of engineers & advance production staff from network news, the Today Show and affiliate services. Let me give you a little tour in pictures. ...There was a lot to soak in on day 1 here in Beijing. The people are very friendly and helpful. The city is stunning - when it's not hazy. But just like Beijing itself has rapdily changed and modernized, even the air has changed... in just 36 hours. ...I'm on the ground in Beijing after a smooth, but long flight. First impressions of Beijing, BIG and new airport. Efficient and, of course, business-like immigration & customs process. Lots of Olympic hospitality folks throughout the airport. Good signs. NBC transportation super-organized as usual & got me swiftly to my hotel, my home for nearly 6 weeks. Long flights sure make one think of interesting things... ...The Road to Beijing is looking very short as our coverage from China of the XXIX Olympiad starts this weekend, a full three weeks before the Opening Ceremonies. Can you hear the trumpets? Can you feel that Olympic spirit? In just 20 hours I'll be flying my way to Beijing, the advance person of our team. Once again, the City of Seattle is refusing to release a video that recorded the arrest of a current city councilmember. In one month, the City of Seattle has given KING5 News no less than four different explanations why it will not release the video. The reasons range from privacy concerns to the video was nowhere to be found.
These are always mildly irritating and mildly amusing days for us. Mix dozens of athletes with dozens of newspaper, radio, internet and television reporters, photographers and field producers, throw in a handful of coaches who actually want to get some serious training in and a gaggle of well-meaning, helpful and often overwhelmed USA Swimming public relations types and you have all the makings of a magnificent public scrum. >> Continue reading: Media day musings For years Celia Gorski helped others as a registered nurse. Now, friends say, it's Celia that needs the help. "If something's on the World Wide Web, the world can see it!" WSDOT has something pretty cool they've done connected with the opening of Artist's Point. They have attached a GPS device to the snow blower that's clearing the way. You can keep updated on the crew's progress by visiting: In homage to Seth Meyers and Amy Poehler of Saturday Night Live's Weekend Update - Click here to see what I'm referring to - I have some thoughts about the NBA's decision to intervene in the Howard Schultz lawsuit to rescind the 2006 sale of the Sonics to Clay Bennett. Kaye Baxter gave more than she ever really knew to Western Washington. She began by taking a handful of baby owls, displaced by a demolition project, into her Everett home. Nearly 30 years and an estimated 40,000 animals later, Baxter leaves behind a legacy that will live on, but the question is: For how long? ...9:00pm Update
Today, Canadian officials announced the escape of 30,000 salmon from a fish farm in British Columbia. Large escapes like this one set off a wave of concern among fish farming opponants and wildlife biologists. 6:15pm Update
I've often heard the argument. People have told me "No one cares about the Sonics" or "We shouldn't subsidize Professional Sports Teams." I won't debate the merits of those claims, but I'll ask you this. Would you care if Benaroya Hall suddenly went dark? While Sonics fans try to live with the consolation that the team's name will stay in Seattle, fans in Oklahoma City are wondering what their new NBA team will be called. We're inviting you to come up with a name for the new OKC franchise. Feel free to be creative, but please, keep it clean. Read our content submission rules ...Track & Field
A settlement has been reached between the Seattle SuperSonics and the City of Seattle, clearing the way for the Sonics to leave the Emerald City. The team's name and history stay here, along with the memories. 7:30pm Update
VISA has announced that it will provide a real-time clearing for purchasers using its debit cards. 5:40pm Update
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