Picture a small boy in India, in the early 1940s, his family’s home being personally visited by Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru themselves.

Imagine that same boy, just a few years later, on August 15, 1947, being held lovingly by his family atop the hood of a car as they and millions of others celebrate India’s independence from British rule.

Visualize a young graduate student in Amherst, Massachusetts, being utterly moved by the words and visions of a young U.S. President, “full of energy, strong in his views and personality,” delivering a 1962 commencement speech, a mere 15 rows away.

See a trim and vibrant gentleman recently sipping decaffeinated coffee in Olde Burien, who keeps in shape by swimming several laps every day, and tending to his garden at the same house he and his wife have lived in for almost forty years.

Conjure all of that, and you will see Dr. Arun Jhaveri, the first mayor of Burien.

“Our whole family crammed into our little car, including all the kids,” he said with a smile during an interview last week with the B-Town Blog, referring to that August 1947, day. “They put me on top because I was the youngest and I remember going around the city the whole evening, fireworks going. People were just jubilant.”

When asked if politics was part of his upbringing, Dr. Jhaveri’s answer is more than a mere Yes.

“My uncle was a very active member of the Congress Party, before the independence, against the British Crown,” Dr. Jhaveri said. The Congress Party was the political party of Mahatma Gandhi and future Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.

“My uncle looked very much like Nehru in his personality. He wore the white cap and the long white coat and everything. My grandfather, my father and my uncle had just gone to a political rally in Bombay. And after the rally they were coming back in a horse-drawn carriage. A fanatic saw my uncle and mistook him for Nehru. The fanatic came from behind and killed my uncle with a dagger.”

The Jhaveri family was soon visited by Gandhi and Nehru, who came to express their condolences.

Young Jhaveri eventually moved to the U.S., earning his Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Washington, before moving on to earn his Masters in Physics from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst.

On that “beautiful day” 46 years ago, “President Kennedy was such a charismatic leader, the way he spoke to the students. I was extremely inspired,” Dr. Jhaveri recalled. “It was an excellent opportunity for me to see a real president just a few feet from me speak about educational and political issues.”

Dr. Jhaveri, a physicist and mechanical engineer, earned his Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Seattle University, and, early on, worked for Boeing on the development of the 727, 737 and 747 aircrafts prior to their FAA certification.

Dr. Jhaveri worked in 1992 to help earn Burien a little independence of its own, so to speak. The voters said Yes that year to Burien becoming a city in its own right, and the new City Council elected him Mayor. He served from 1992 to 1998.

In 1997, Dr. Jhaveri was one of eleven mayors from the United States to participate in the Global Climate Conference in Kyoto, Japan.

Jhaveri is co-authoring a book, titled “Carbon Reduction – Policies, Strategies and Technologies.” It is scheduled for release later this year.

He is currently an Adjunct Professor at the Argosy University, teaching two Doctoral courses, one on Educational Leadership and the other on Program Evaluation.

“I am an eternal optimist,” Dr. Jhaveri says. “The key is to educate the young people of today – about the care of the world’s environment.

“The earth’s future is truly in their hands.”

Mark Neuman is a Writer as well as Marketing Dude for The B-Town (Burien) Blog.

He has interviewed two US Presidents, cops, cooks and cartoonists, authors and artists, senators, scholars and senior citizens, and the B-Town Blog is proud to have him on our team.

Mark can be reached at mark@b-townblog.com.

Well, here’s a note from BTB Advertiser Amy Driscoll at Vision Collision Auto Body Repair:

Come on in!

Amy and husband Michael have years of experience in the auto body repair business, and they are happy to help you out in speedy fashion.

They are conveniently located just west of Ambaum at 803 SW 154th (see map below).

Call them at 206-244-2758, or visit their website at www.visioncollision.net.

And remember their slogan: “See? You’re Dent Free!”

View Larger Map

This is also a first for our blogs (which were launched almost a year ago): Marisa is our first ever Classified Advertiser!

“I came upon Herbalife products in August,” Marisa reports. “I endorse them highly and I am excited about being in business for myself.”

“Proper nutrition leads to being happy and experiencing a greater sense of well being.”

“One of my friends started utilizing Herbalife products this past summer,” Marisa said recently. “Coupled with exercise and a healthy diet, she lost nineteen pounds in the first month. She is feeling better inside and out.”

Marisa has products for maintaining and even gaining weight. They are called Bulk and Muscle Formula.

“We also have a powdered aloe concentrate. Drink it to soothe the stomach.”

Also available are facial and body washes, as well as an aloe spray product which provides a “refreshing mist.”

“We have a product called Lift Off. It helps with mental clarity and energy,” Marisa advises. “Mix it with Best Defense, which is an immunity booster.

“I can even work with your local Parent Teacher Association, where a portion of the total sales goes back to your school.”

Opportunities exist for people to start their business career with Herbalife. For more information on opportunities and products, call Marisa at 206-250-6791

Her email address is MarisaRddck@LeadingIncome.com.

Ask about her 30/30 program. “Lose up to thirty pounds in thirty days for thirty dollars.”

More information can also be found by going to www.health-4-life.com or www.LifeWithout9to5.com.

For information on how you can economically advertise your products or service on our blogs through Classified Advertising, call us anytime at 206-248-2565 or email marketing@b-townblog.com.

“When machines and computers, profit motives and property rights are considered more important than people, the giant triplets of racism, militarism and economic exploitation are incapable of being conquered.”

– Dr. Martin Luther King,
from a speech delivered in 1967

by Mark Neuman

Contemplating the Giant Triplets
I am embarrassed to admit that, at age nine, I knew more about Forrest Tucker and Larry Storch and a TV situation comedy called “F Troop” than I did about the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

I know this because I was watching a syndicated repeat of that silly show on the afternoon of April 4, 1968, when a news bulletin cut into regular programming to announce that Dr. King had been shot and killed earlier that day.

I did not know who he was.

I quickly got to know, in part, on the strength of my third and fourth grade teachers at Holy Rosary Elementary School in West Seattle, and then I never forgot.

Our recent handful of years
With an over half-trillion dollar burden set firmly on the backs of Americans not yet born, the powers-that-be recently bailed out the powerful who failed us.

And some number of millions of everyday Americans participated as well, in the pursuit of a piece of the glittering illusion: unbelievably rapidly appreciating equity.

Any number of common desk working brokers and agents just “did what the boss told us” to earn fast, fat commissions.

Regulators, overseers are somewhat difficult to blame. They, too, like the profits, were largely imaginary, nonexistent. Those who existed sat by, quite silent.

Today, a Senator from Illinois engenders, through no fault of his own, racist sentiments from various pockets all about our country.

And this is seven score and three years after the end of the Civil War.

And meanwhile another chunk of trillion has been thrown at a conflagration, a quagmire, in the Middle East that, inarguably, Dr. King would have opposed.

A great speech
And so I bring to you today words earnestly delivered by Dr. King, less than a year before he died. Officially it is titled: “Why I Am Opposed to the War in Vietnam.”

It could quite well be subtitled: “The Giant Triplets Speech.”

It could also be called: “Please Don’t Make Our Country Look Like This in the First Decade of the 21st Century.”

If only all we Americans had recited or read, daily, his powerful words, spoken forty-one years ago:

“When machines and computers, profit motives and property rights are considered more important than people, the giant triplets of racism, militarism and economic exploitation are incapable of being conquered.”

In our modest blog offices it was suggested: Should we post and highlight this speech two days before Election Day?

We “Woodwarded and Bernsteined and Bradleed” this about. Would some be offended? Might some misunderstand?

Perhaps some will.

Some always do.

Any complaints? Send them to me.

Any credit or compliments? They go to Dr. King.

Here is a recording of, in my opinion, a stunning and timeless speech from the greatest and most courageous leader of my lifetime.

Click here to view the embedded video.

When you hear Dr. King’s words, spoken less than a year before he passed, does your heart beat fast?

I should expect and hope it would.

Perhaps your eyes water at certain points.

You’re in good company if they do, I assure.

Never heard this speech before? You are not to blame. We live in a “forget the past” society. Additionally, Dr. King’s other stunning and courageous works, including “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” happen to overshadow his own genius, literary and oratory greatness and prescience displayed at other times in his life.

Does the speech seem familiar? Please give it a listen again, in the relative stillness of this, the day most often set aside for meaningful thought, then send a note to that Social Studies teacher from grade six, your History professor from college, your Speech Coach and thank her or him for the initial introduction.

Send the links to your nephew in the Navy, your sisters from the old sorority, your Aunt in Auburn or Alabama, your boss in Bellevue, your kid in college.

Move it along the internet line to your favorite State Rep or least favorite Congressman, the most ethical attorney you know, or maybe even the least trustworthy scumbag Wall Street suit you are glad you never met, or, perhaps, are sorry you ever did.

Print out Dr. King’s words (we’ll get that link to you soon), fold it up and send them along with warmth in your Holiday greetings later this Autumn.

And so, on this Contemplative Sunday
No matter for whom you wish to loft into office with the fuel of your ballot this Tuesday, I am sure we can all agree, today, on this Contemplative Sunday, the following goal: Let us all, now and in these crucial near years, stare down those Giant and Ugly Triplets and knock them off their high perch for good.

Thanks.

–Mark Neuman
mark@b-townblog.com

Read the full story here.

The White Center Food Bank serves not only the community of White Center, but parts of Burien as well.

If you’re so inclined to help out a neighbor or two, you can donate easily, directly and securely to the White Center Food Bank by clicking here.

If elected this Nov. 4, Tina will replace retiring State Representative Shay Schual-Berke.

Literally dozens of groups and elected officials have endorsed Tina.

She has been rated “Outstanding” by the Municipal League of King County.

“I’ve spent my life helping people – developing award winning housing programs, assisting families in crisis, and serving our schools as a PTSA leader,” Tina said. “I will put my commitment and experience to work in Olympia to strengthen our economy, invest in our schools and protect our quality of life.”

She is challenged by Republican Todd Gibson, a teacher and advertising executive.

Here is a link to a map of the 33rd Legislative District:

http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/results.aspx?District=33

For more information, here is Tina’s official campaign website:

www.electtinaorwall.com

“The Kennedy High School Lancers whooped Tyee High School 42-6 in football at Highline Stadium tonight.

Highlight of the game was the first quarter, when #2, a guy named Trey, scored not one, not two, but three touchdowns.

In one quarter.

Himself.”

We’ll be reporting more high school Sports scores soon, so stay tuned for more info and details.

And if you’re interested in becoming a Contributor for said local subjects, please email us!

Yo’s Bistro is located at 205 SW 152nd Street, Burien, in the space formerly occupied by The Daily Perk.

Owner Sriyong Brashear, better known as “Yo,” has delivered a marvelous transformation of the venerable Perk, on the levels of both its interior design as well as the presentation of a stunning and generous menu, which includes a weekend brunch.

While the morning coffees and pastries are always available (Yo’s opens at 7am Monday through Friday),  the introduction of the knowledge, skill, talent and passion of Yo’s life and professional career is immediately evident.

The theme for his bistro is “American Cuisine With a Touch of Thai.”

Yo was born in a small town in northern Thailand. He learned cooking from his mother and sisters, later working in Bangkok restaurants.

He came to the US in the 1980s, studied and worked more. He was the General Manager of Dilettante Chocolates’ retail store in Seattle, mastering the fine art of pastry making and Eastern European cuisine.

Yo branched out on his own this past fall, finding his perfect spot in Burien. His “Yo’s Bistro” sign was raised and installed this summer.

Yo says that his secret, if you will, is to “always start with fresh ingredients, including the spices, cooked very, very rapidly at hot temperatures. The timing is important.”

Whether your pleasure is Classic Phad Thai…or Classic Cobb Salad…enjoy!

Yo’s Bistro
205 SW 152nd Street, Burien
Phone 206-244-4084

Breakfast:  Mon-Fri, 7-noon
Lunch:  Mon-Fri, 11-3
Dinner:  Wed-Sat, 5-9
Weekend Brunch:  Sat-Sun, 8:30-3

So, stop by and say “yo” to Yo at Yo’s Bistro, and be sure to tell him you heard about it on the B-Town Blog!

View Larger Map

A refreshing phone call came in to the B-Town Blog offices from Burien fire victim David Baggott.

You may recall that David, along with his wife Elizabeth, are among the more than two dozen survivors of the fatal June 29th arson fire which destroyed the Tara and Jenny Marie apartment buildings on SW 155th Street in Burien.

Their roommate, Lindy Kunimoto, age 49, died in the fire. Two other people, tenants on the floor above them (including an 8-year old boy), also died tragically, and as of today, the arsonist still remains at large despite a $10,000 reward.

David is now back at work. He and Elizabeth have settled in to a new apartment near Highline High School.

“I just want to say how very much we appreciate all the help that everyone has provided,” David said. “We are overwhelmed with what the community has done for all of us.”

David says his parents, who lived with them at the Tara, are doing much better now, too.

David and Elizabeth, along with his parents and about a ten other survivors, attended the Fire Victim’s Fundraiser (co-sponsored by the B-Town Blog along with Discover Burien) held at Mick Kelly’s July 16th.

“We loved it,” he said. “Thank you very, very much to everyone for the turnout.”

The Fundraiser, featuring silent, live auctions and a 50/50 raffle, raised over $10,500, which went directly to a fire victims fund set up at Sterling Savings Bank.

David says he will stay in touch and keep B-Town Blog readers informed as to how life is going.

Meanwhile, David is a strong advocate for planning and rehearsing a fire drill in the home.

“Knowing exactly how you are going to get out in case of a fire is a very, very good thing to know.”

Matt Hale has been starting early and thinking big since his early days here in Burien, and he’s still tackling early and big things today.

The 1998 graduate of Highline High School, who was already taking college courses at age 17, is running for a seat on the King County Superior Court.

He’s wasting little time pursing his longtime dream.

“I’ve always wanted to serve on the bench. I was talking with a friend about my goals and he said ‘Well, why don’t you run now?’ And I decided ‘I’ll do it.’”

You may have seen his orange and blue yard signs around town recently.

He’s taking on two-term incumbent Laura Gene Middaugh, wife of State Senator Adam Kline.

Matt is currently an attorney at Wiener, Lambka & Deutscher, a Seattle-based personal injury firm.

He earned an academic scholarship that helped pay his tuition at Gonzaga University Law School. He earned his BA in Political Science at Gonzaga. Before that, he pursued writing and public speaking while earning his AA at Highline Community College.

His work experience has included employment at local hardware stores. In Spokane, Matt helped counsel people in crisis, answering an emergency telephone hotline.

He feels one change the court might look at is the role played by the citizen juror.

“A friend of mine was called and he told the judge that to serve might literally cost him his house. He was living from check to check,” Matt says.

“Perhaps there might be a way in the future for the court system to ease the burden of jury duty.”

The mere process of running for office has been a learning experience.

“Campaigning has helped me more fully realize how wonderful not only Burien is, but what great people the residents of King County really are.”

“I am moved by the importance of the service to the community that judges provide from the bench. That knowledge and awareness, in itself, is humbling,” he said.

You can meet Matt, his wife Nicole, and his team at a campaign fundraiser this Sunday afternoon, July 20, at HiLine Lanes, 15733 Ambaum Blvd SW, in Burien. It runs from 1 to 4pm.

Find more info go to: www.peopleformatthewrhale.com

View Larger Map