Tukwila Blog Advertiser Integrity Coaching & Training Systems is offering a new weight loss course; here’s more info:

Why feel guilty over Holiday indulgences? You can gain control of your impulses now and still enjoy the festivities!

Integrity Coaching & Training Systems is offering a timely way to head off those extra pounds in the coming weeks:

Have you had it with diets that only work for a little while? Have you tried everything and nothing seems to work? Losing weight can be one of the most challenging experiences in your life… if you let it.

Now, not only will you remove the barriers that hold you back, you will also learn to reprogram your mind and create the success you have longed for.

Using innovative and proven methods from Hypnosis, Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Life Coaching and Personal Fitness Training, you will discover that weight loss can be far easier than you ever imagined.

Wear comfortable clothing; bring a mat or blanket and pillow and pen and paper.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Weight Loss Course

WHERE: Tukwila Parks & Recreation Center: Call To Register!

12424 42nd Avenue South, Tukwila, 98168 (206) 768-2311

WHEN: Nov. 23, 30, and Dec 7 from 6-8 p.m.

Story by Mark Neuman
Photos by Scott Schaefer

Three astronauts, orbiting Earth in the International Space Station, turned on a camera, popped open some microphones, and spoke with several local high school students assembled Monday morning (Aug. 29) at the Museum of Flight at Boeing Field.

When the question and answer session began, the astronauts, floating inside the $100 billion dollar space station, which is long enough to fit snugly on an American football field, end zones included, were over the Pacific Ocean.

Twenty minutes later, when the audio-video feed concluded, they and their three Russian cosmonaut colleagues were above the Atlantic Ocean, after flying over Central America and the Eastern seaboard of the United States, approximately 240 statute miles above Earth.

Students submitted their questions weeks earlier. NASA contacted students whose questions were selected and invited them to ask their questions live from the Museum’s William M. Allen Theater. One interesting technological tidbit noticed at the event was the lag time between the students’ speaking into a microphone and the astronauts hearing the questions. Not surprising given the distance between the two.

Gina O’Kelley was one of about a half dozen Highline School District’s Aviation High School students who quizzed the astronauts.

“It was absolutely incredible,” Gina said, describing what talking directly to orbiting astronauts was like. “You’re talking to someone miles in space. That’s one heck of a long distance call! I’m still absorbing it all right now.”

Gina’s question:

“How has your perspective of Earth and life on Earth changed since you have been on the International Space Station?”

Japanese astronaut Satoshi Furukawa, a medical doctor, spoke:

“When I looked out of a window of the International Space Station, I was touched (at seeing) the thin blue layer of atmosphere that rings our Earth. I understood that the beautiful atmospheric layer protects us and Earth from (a) harsh environment in space. And I realize that we need to preserve our Mother planet Earth’s natural splendor.”

Aviation High School’s Alex Wencel asked:

“How does the crew from such diverse backgrounds cope with their differences in language and culture?”

American astronaut Ron Garan, on his second spaceflight, responded to Alex’s question:

“For us it’s that we have a common goal. When you have a common goal you can overcome anything, language difficulties, differences in culture.

We had 15 nations that came together to build this incredible, wonderful research facility that we presently call home. We did that with these different and diverse nations because we all share that common goal.”

Will Mueser, who is considering a future as an engineer or a pilot, asked:

“What are the roles of astronauts and pilots in a field that increasingly depends upon unmanned or remote-control missions?”

American astronaut Mike Fossum, whose official position on this crew is Flight Engineer 4, answered:

“The whole field and concept of remote control robotic kinds of missions is changing and it certainly is in the world of aviation in the last ten or fifteen years where Remotely Piloted Vehicles are taking on a bigger and bigger role.

Just outside this window behind us right now is a Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator, a very complicated and wonderful tool. Over the course of two days it’s changing out a power switch, a complicated little power control box. It’s very slow and tedious.

Ron (Garan) and I are both spacewalkers. We’ve done four space walks together and that task as a spacewalk for us is about 35 to 45 minutes.

The human in the loop can really understand, feel (the problem), make decisions and adjust very rapidly. Our ability to give the robots (the ability) to control that way is still in process.”

Surbhi Ghadia, a student at Aviation, asked the briefest question – seven words – and traveled further than anyone to be present at the Museum of Flight Monday.

She was in India when “my Dad called me to tell me I’d been selected to asked a question. I was really excited. This is really cool.”

Surbhi’s question:

“How often do experiments give unexpected results?”

Ron Garan:

“Unexpected results are usually the best results. That’s why we do the experiment in the first place. Because if you already knew the answer we wouldn’t be doing the experiments.

We’ve had some fluids experiments that basically are going to change our understanding of the way fluids react and we’ve had some other experiments where we discovered things that we didn’t know existed. So whenever we have these experiments that give us something a little different, it’s exciting for us up here and exciting for everybody on the ground.

It’s one of the joys of being up here in this very, very unique environment.”

Karan Singh, who also attends Aviation, asked a question regarding performing duties in space.

Afterwards Karan said “It was a really good experience. Not everybody can say they’ve been able to talk to an astronaut in space.

“It’s a life changing experience. There’s more than just what we see on Earth,” Karan said. “The sky is not the limit, which is our school’s motto.”

The International Space Station has been continuously occupied for over a decade.

Assuming clear skies, you may be able to see the station fly overhead. To find dates and times for your spot on Earth, go to:

http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/realdata/sightings/index.html

For the Museum of Flight, see: www.museumofflight.org.

For more information on Aviation High School, see: www.aviationhs.org

The crew of the International Space Station will talk live and direct with area high school students assembled at The Museum of Flight during a video downlink from space at 10:35 a.m. this Monday, Aug. 29.

During the 20-minute broadcast, members of the International Space Station Expedition 28 crew will answer questions from students representing Highline School District’s Aviation High School, the Washington Wing Civil Air Patrol and students enrolled in the Museum’s Apprentice and Washington Aerospace Scholars Programs.

Admission-paying members of the earthbound public are welcome to attend (admission prices below).

Expedition 28 to the International Space Station is composed of two American NASA astronauts, three Russian cosmonauts and a Japanese JAXA astronaut. The crew is commanded by cosmonaut Andrey Borisenko.

Monday’s downlink is coordinated by NASA’s Teaching From Space program and The Museum of Flight Education Department.

Teaching From Space offers students resources from NASA missions and research, access to NASA experts, and the use of NASA equipment.

The non-profit Museum of Flight is one of the largest independent air and space museums in the world.

The Museum of Flight is located at 9404 E. Marginal Way S., Seattle, Exit 158 off Interstate 5 on Boeing Field half way between downtown Seattle and Sea-Tac Airport.

The Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission is $16 for adults, $14 for seniors 65 and older, $13 for active military, $9 for youth 5 to 17, and free for children under 5.

For general Museum information, please call 206-764-5720 or visit www.museumofflight.org.

Ranging in experience from the “seasoned old guy to the new and new gals on the team,” these agents have the shared opinion that at “Prudential we’re like family, we want to help other agents (with the language) and to see everyone succeed.” They are available to all agents who need assistance with the language! Let’s meet them.

Marco De Oliveira: Marco is the ‘seasoned old guy’, which is fair to call a guy who’s been in real estate so long he couldn’t give us an answer. He knows it’s been over 20 years, all in SW King County! He was one of the original agents in the Olde Burien office. Moving here as a teenager from Brazil, Marco actually speaks Portuguese as his first language, Spanish as his second, English as his third and has a smattering of French. With a son headed (hopefully) into professional soccer, Marco’s community volunteerism has paid off. He’s been very active in the development, coaching of local youth and adult soccer leagues and continues to play in over 40+ (age) soccer leagues. Marco was in international business, travelling and living all over the world prior to settling down into real estate and Normandy Park to raise his son.

Mari Lopez: Mari left a job in a downtown law firm and joined PNW in Federal Way seven years ago. She moved closer to home a year ago when she transferred to their Burien office. “I love working together with the different cultures. We are here to serve and inform in the process.” Mari moved to the states with her family from Mexico when she was three. When not selling or buying houses, Mari is visiting her two young granddaughters (1-1/2 years and 2 months) who live in nearby Tukwila and volunteering Gospel Mission in South Seattle and collecting mass quantities of food for Prudential’s “Give Back” Food Drive. Mari’s bi-lingual business card provides her mission with PNW: “In the business of home ownership, purchasing or selling/En el negocio de compra o venta de propiedades.”

Norbelle Suazo: Norbelle is the new kid on Prudential’s block after five years in the business, she moved her license to PNW’s Burien Office in November 2010. When asked why PNW, Norbelle said “I love it. I’ve already learned alot. They’ve got great tools.” Besides that, she and her husband and their three young kids live only two blocks from the office. She’s been known to walk to work in nice weather. Norbelle has recently started a blog to educate and inform the Latino buyers and sellers. You’ll find this information at bienesraicesenseattle.blogspot.com. (Real Estate in Seattle). Norbelle’s originally from Guatemala and has been in Seattle since she was a teenager.

Adriana Gonzalez: Adriana started her career in real estate in 2004 and has just recently joined the Prudential Northwest realty team. She has never been more excited, about all the tools, services and support that they have provided. With her experience she is planning to live by “We are all about People” Prudential’s famous slogan. She is also a well know radio host of the “Las Como Son” radio program every weekday at 10:00AM 1540 AM and KXPA. com. Her goal is to inform, educate and make a difference bringing to her audience a valuable lesson and sources how to improve their life style. Her charisma and witty personality captures to listeners and viewers of all ages. Her passion, is to make a positive influence in the Hispanic Community showing that everything is possible if you really want it, “If you say you can, or if you say you can’t either way you are right” she says.

Imagine completing the complicated real estate process in a foreign language. That’s what buyers and sellers who do not speak English must do every day. These agents agree that it’s especially tough on the first time home buyers. “Families need help. We are here to navigate through the process. Our clients rely on us to have a smooth and pleasant transaction,” explained Mari.

This Saturday, March 26, Agents Norbelle Suazo and Adriana Gonzalez will be hosting a special seminar in Spanish to answer the very important question facing many homebuyers: Short Sale (Venta Corta) versus Foreclosure (Ejecucion Hipotecaria). Both have financial implications that could effect the rest of your financial life.

This seminar will take place at Prudential Northwest’s Burien office at 127 SW 156th from 12-2 PM. Enjoy some light refreshments as you quiz the experts on other real estate questions you have.

There is no charge for this seminar. Call or text Norbelle at the following numbers for more information: 425-780-9631 or 206-228-8828.

The City of Tukwila will be hosting its 11th annual Backyard Wildlife Festival on Saturday, May 14th, featuring garden tours, arts and crafts and guest speakers including local gardener and host of KING5’s “Gardening with Ciscoe,” Ciscoe Morris.

The festival, which will be held at Tukwila Community Center (located at 12424 42nd Ave South) is FREE to attend.

Here are the details:

WHAT: The City of Tukwila and the Tukwila Community Center present the 11th Annual Backyard Wildlife Festival

WHEN: Saturday, May 14, 2011; 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

WHERE: Tukwila Community Center, located at 12424 42nd Ave South; Tukwila, WA 98168.

INFO: From a press release:

The City of Tukwila announces the 11th Annual Backyard Wildlife Festival taking place on Saturday, May 14, 2011 at the Tukwila Community Center.  Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about native wildlife and how to create an environmentally-friendly backyard habitat and enjoy fun activities throughout the day. Festival highlights include: Hummingbird Madness Talk with Ciscoe Morris, Guided Bird Tour along the Duwamish River, Certified Backyard Habitat Garden Tour, Arts & Crafts Marketplace, Pancake Breakfast, and more.

Popular highlights of the festival include the Guided Bird Tour along the Duwamish River and the Certified Backyard Habitat Garden Tour.  The bird tour is led by a Rainier Audubon expert and meanders along the banks of the Duwamish River – where bird sightings are numerous.  The garden tour takes you on an adventure through backyards and gardens in the area, including Tukwila and SeaTac, which have been certified as backyard habitats by the National Wildlife Federation.

A complete schedule of activities, speakers and tours is as follows:

• All Day – Art & Crafts Marketplace, Educational Booths, Native Plant Sale by Tadpole Haven Native Plants, Recycled Art Show and Tukwila Days Fine Art Show
• 8:30 a.m. – Pancake Breakfast provided by Tukwila Sister Cities Committee
• 9 a.m. – “Managing Invasive Plants and Using Native Plants to Benefit Wildlife” with Sandra Whiting, Urban Environmentalist, City of Tukwila
• 10 a.m. – “Creating a Wildlife Friendly Garden and Yard” with Courtney Sullivan, Education Manager, National Wildlife Federation PW Region
• 10 a.m. – Guided Bird Tour along the Duwamish River with Carol Shulz, Rainier Audubon Society
• 11 a.m. – “Bats of the World and the Pacific Northwest:  How You Can Help” with Michelle Noe, President, Bats Northwest
• 12 p.m. – “Easy Steps for Attracting Pollinators to Your Garden” with Colleen Miko, Landscape Artist and Garden Designer
• 1:30 p.m.  – “Hummingbird Madness:  How to Attract Hummingbirds to Your Yard and Garden” with Ciscoe Morris, Master Gardener, Certified Arborist and Teacher at the University of Washington’s Center for Urban Horticulture
• 3-6 p.m. – Certified Backyard Habitat Garden Tour

For additional information on the Backyard Wildlife Festival, please visit www.backyardwildlifefair.org. Stay close to the action by booking a nearby Backyard Wildlife Hotel and receive a complimentary bag filled with goodies.

Some local hotels that are offering special deals include:

• Courtyard by Marriott Southcenter:  Rates start at $99 and include complimentary parking and access to the indoor pool.  For reservations call 800-321-2211.
• Doubletree Guest Suites:  Rates start at $119 and include complimentary parking, indoor pool.  For reservations call 888-235-4411.
• Embassy Suites by Hilton:  Rates start at $119 and include complimentary Manager’s Reception, full cooked to order breakfast and access to the indoor pool.  For reservations call 800-362-2779.
• Homewood Suites:  Rates start at $129 and include complimentary continental breakfast, parking and access to the outdoor pool.  For reservations call (800) CALL-HOME.

Each of these hotels offer complimentary courtesy shuttle service to and from the Festival based on availability.  Rates are subject to availability, payable in US Funds and do not include applicable taxes.

FREE computer classes are being offered at the Tukwila Community Center, including “Safe Surfing” and Excel basics.

The community center is located at 12424 42nd Avenue South in Tukwila.

Pre-registration is preferred.

Here are the details:

Check out one of our free computer classes at TCC! Pre-registration is preferred!

Safe Surfing
Learn to surf the web safely without risking someone gaining access to your personal information. Learn to keep those nasty viruses at bay, especially when it comes to social media! If you have a lap top please bring it, but one is not required.

For ages 16 and up Enrollment: Min. = 4, Max. = 20

Instructor: Completer Computer Care Location: TCC Youth Room

Date Day Time Fee Res Item#

2/16 Wednesday 7:00–8:00PM FREE 12466

MS Excel basics
Learn about MS Excel and brush up your skills for the job market? If you have a lap top please bring it, but one is not required.

For ages 6 and up Enrollment: Min. = 5, Max. = 30

Instructor: Completer Computer Care Location: TCC Youth Room

Date Day Time Fee Res Item#

3/16 Wednesday 7:00 – 8:00pm FREE 12467

Coming in the Spring – How to Spring Clean your computer……………:)

For more information, contact Marlus Francis, Recreation Coordinator at (206) 768-2822.

Have you driven down SW 160th Street and wondered what was going on behind those whimsical columns? That warm ochre and brick colored building is the home of Three Tree Montessori School, a rich and vibrant community that supports the fundamentally unique education principals of Maria Montessori. Montessori is a time-tested, science based approach to education, designed to nurture the whole child.

Come view the beautiful classrooms, gardens and playgrounds, meet the teachers, and learn about Montessori programs for children ages one through twelve.

Thousands of MLK Day celebrants strolled through Seattle’s streets Monday afternoon. Following a route from Garfield High School down to the Federal Building at 2nd Avenue and Madison Street, marchers carried signs and chanted for equality and justice.

Prior to the march, a rally was held in Garfield’s gymnasium. The rally featured performances by the Leschi Elementary Choir, El Centro Children’s Choir and the PNW Drum line. Keynote speaker Rev. Dr. Robert Jeffrey Sr. delivered a powerful speech, bringing the audience to their feet and motivating them for the long march.

Below are scenes from both the rally and march, accompanied by an audio compilation from the day. Enjoy, and be sure to turn up your speakers.

Click to Play the Slideshow

Professional actress and Chautauqua scholar Joan Wolfberg will take audience members on Eleanor’s transformative journey from a shy, awkward childhood, to the White House, and later to the United Nations. Roosevelt emerged as one of the most influential civil rights advocates of the 20th century.

Wolfberg’s presentation includes discussions of evolving attitudes toward the equality of women, civil rights, human rights, politics and freedom. This program is suitable for middle school students and up. It is made possible with the sponsorship of Humanities Washington and its Inquiring Mind program.

The presentation takes place at SeaTac City Hall, 4800 S 188th Street, in SeaTac. Free admission and free parking. (Donations always welcome.)

Visit www.highlinehistory.org for more information about the Highline Historical Society.