Al Gore in Seattle on Monday June 4th

Al Gore will be at the Seattle Town Hall to discuss his new book "Assault on Reason"

Here is the Description from the Townhall Website
Description
Al Gore's fiercely-argued new book, The Assault on Reason, is an indictment of current policy making–especially the President's use of power and his handling of the war. But in Gore's view, the real problems lie deeper. Gore argues that the marketplace of reasoned debate on which our country was founded is being endangered by a variety of things: the use of fear and the misuse of faith, the distractions of our entertainment culture, and the concentration of power in the national media and the executive branch. He believes the American people must rise to the challenge of reinvigorating self-government and restoring the rule of reason. Presented by the Town Hall Center for Civic Life with Elliott Bay Book Company. Book signing of Assault on Reason and/or the children’s book An Inconvenient Truth: The Crisis of Global Warming only, follows Gore's talk.

Tickets are only 5 Dollars
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/

Seattle is looking for Summer Lifeguards

Seattle Press Release - Seattle Parks and Recreation will hold an intensive lifeguard training class beginning Tuesday, June 5 and ending Friday, June 15, and following the class will conduct a hiring process for summer lifeguard positions.

The training takes place in late afternoons and evenings at Colman Pool in West Seattle and at Queen Anne Pool. The cost is $90 plus the costs of a book, Lifeguard Training Manual, available for purchase from the Red Cross, 206-323-2345) and pocket mask; the course is free participants who are between the ages of 16 and 18.

This American Red Cross training entails a pretest and 10 lessons, and participants must attend all sessions in order to be eligible for certification.

The hiring process begins on Thursday, June 14 and entails paperwork, a practice test, "rookie camp," a pre-employment physical examination, beach orientation, and the Northwest Lifeguard Test. Parks' nine beaches open to the public for swimming on Saturday, June 23.

Prerequisites for certification are:

* Applicants must be 15 years old before the end date of the class.
* Applicants must pass the pre-course swim test on June 5, and must be 16 years old before the end date of the class in order to be hired by Seattle Parks and Recreation.

For more information, please call instructor Rachel Leitner at 206-684-4078.

A look back in time..Pike Place Market 1920

Here is a look at Pike Place Market courtesy of one of my favorite blogs.

www.vintageseattle.org

Huge! One Bedroom Condo in Queen Anne

Unit: 102 654 W Olympic Pl Seattle
Listing# 27093997
List Price $349,950
Beds 1 / Baths 1 / Fireplaces 1
Parking 1 Carport
Appx. SQFT 1120

Unique 1120 sq. ft. Queen Anne condo one of a kind city retreat. Very spacious living/dining/great room overlooks the patio, perfect for entertaining. Dining room easily seats 10. New remodeled kitchen, cabinets & granite. New engineered hardwoods(refinishable). Custom made Maple built-in cabinets in living room -holds entertainment center. Great room w/Maple built-in that converts to a full size desk/work station. Private patio. Main floor Handicap access and much more! (Listed by Bunny Parker of Keller Williams)

Email me if you would like to see it

Seattle Downtown Summer Events and Festivals

Courtesy of www.seattle-downtown.com/events


June Events ...
Seattle International Film Festival
Through June 17, 2007 - Various Locations throughout Seattle Washington

The 32nd Annual Seattle Film Festival promises to be an exciting Viewing Event. Experience 25 Days of intense film viewing, where you can indulge in every type of cinema from the US & around the world. From famous Directors to Independent Filmmakers, more than 300 Works will showcase this popular screening event.

Screenings, Panels and Workshops will be held at several different venues including; Egyptian, Harvard Exit, AMC Pacific Place 11 Theatres, Broadway Performance Hall, Cinerama and Paramount Theatre.

Seattle Pride Festival
June 22-24, 2007 - Seattle Center - Downtown Seattle Washington

On June 22,23 & 24, 2007... over 120,000 people will gather in Seattle, for the annual Seattle Pride Celebration.

Over the years, the Seattle Pride Celebration has become one of the city's ' largest ' Annual Events. In 2006, nearly 150 Contingents Marched, as Seattle Pride drew an estimated 120,000 Spectators to the Parade ... Rally and fun vendor areas at Seattle Center. Participants come from the greater Seattle area, around the State and beyond.
July Events ...

Seattle Chamber Music Society Summer Festival
July 3 - 27, 2007 - Lakeside School, 14050 First Avenue

The Seattle Chamber Music Society presents its 26th Summer Festival, held July 3rd - 27th. The main Summer Season consists of Twelve Concerts each Monday... Wednesday... and Friday evenings... beginning at 8:00 PM.

July 4th Celebrations
July 4, 2007 - Various Locations throughout the Seattle Washington Area

Anywhere you are in Seattle, you'll find birthday parties for the good old U.S.A. Local newspapers carry all the particulars... so you can find anything from 'huge' fireworks displays ... to small-town parades and picnics.

Myrtle Edwards Park ... near Pier 70 at the Waterfront is home to Seattle's day-long Fourth of Jul-Ivar's celebration. Live music & entertainment begins at 12:30 and ends with a great Fireworks Display at 10 PM. 300,000 People have attended this popular 43rd annual event in the past ... plus it's free.

Hosting the largest Fireworks Show in the Seattle area, Gasworks Park will light up the beautiful Lake Union district with a 'huge' Pyrotechnic Extravaganza at 10 PM.

Seafair 2007
July 7 - August 5, 2007 - throughout the Seattle area

For over a 1/2 Century in Seattle ... Seafair Seattle has been an annual tradition for both locals & visitors alike. Celebrated for just about a month ... usually until the first Sun in August, Seafair Seattle is the largest Festival in the Northwest and is rated one of the Top 10 Events in the Country.

There's always something for everyone at Seafair Seattle, from Arts & Crafts to live Music... huge Parades... Triathalons... Festivals and more!. Major Events include the Milk Carton Derby, Torchlight Run & Parade, the KeyBank Air Show featuring the famous Blue Angels, and General Motors Cup Unlimited Hydroplane Races held on beautiful Lake Washington.

Chinatown-International District Summer Festival
July 14-15, 2007 - Hing Hay Park - Downtown Seattle WA

Known to be the largest Asian-American Streetfair in Washington, the International District Summer Festival offers a variety of Asian-inspired Entertainment including... Japanese Drumming, Chinese Martial Arts, Filipino Dancing, Lion and Dragon dances plus ... live concerts featuring Jazz, New Age and Pop music.

You'll find lots of hand-made Arts & Crafts, authentic Asian Cuisine, even a Karaoke Stage for those that feel inspired to showcase their vocal talents.

Chinatown-International District Summer Festival hours are: Saturday, 11 AM - 8 PM; Sunday, 11 AM - 6 PM. Admission is Free.

Bite of Seattle
July 20-22, 2007 - Seattle Center - Downtown Seattle Washington

First introduced to the Seattle area in 1982 at Greenlake with 26 Restaurants and 1 Entertainment Stage, the ` Bite of Seattle ' has grown into one of Seattle's largest Summer Festivals, with more than 50 of Seattle's finest Restaurants... 30 Food Product Companies... 5 Beer Gardens... live Entertainment... a Comedy Club... Piano Bar... Wine Tasting... and more!

Festival Hours: Friday & Saturday 11 AM - 9 PM; Sunday 11 AM - 8 PM.

Torchlight Parade at Seafair
July 28, 2007 - Seattle Center - Downtown Seattle Washington

Come celebrate the Northwest's largest lighted parade in Downtown Seattle! The famous Torchlight Parade at Seafair is one of Seattle's biggest nights for family tradition, so you won't want to miss the Macy's-style helium balloons, local bands, drill teams, beautifully illuminated floats, and naturally the Seafair Clowns and Pirates.

The parade begins at 7:30 PM at Seattle Center, and continues south down Fourth Ave. to Second Ave. and King Street. Over 300,000 people lined the parade route last year... so we suggest you get here early for the best viewing spots.
August Events ...

Seattle Music Fest
August 10-12, 2007 - Alki Beach - West Seattle Washington

Seattle Music Fest is now celebrating it's 11th Year and has become one of Seattle's most-famous Alternative Rock Festivals ... which has now grown to become a Huge Showcase of emerging Musical Talent, attracting Thousands of People to beautiful Alki Beach every year.

Seattle Music Fest 2006 runs from August 10th through 12th at Alki Beach in West Seattle. Proceeds benefit Northwest Programs for the Arts, which supports developing music and visual artists from the region.

Past performances include Willis, Red Velvet Relief, Adam Sheridan and Glimmer. This year's Seattle Music Festival will feature over 17 Regional & National emerging artists.

Seattle Music Fest Hours are Friday 4 PM - 9:30 PM; Saturday 11 AM - 9:30 PM; Sunday 11 AM - 9:30 PM.

Tibet Fest
August 25-26, 2007 - Seattle Center - Downtown Seattle Washington

Ritual and tradition are the heart of Seattle's annual TibetFest... where the modern and ancient combine in an effort to preserve Tibet's unique cultural identity. This free festival of performing groups share centuries old stories and legends through song and rhythmic movements, wearing symbolic masks and authentic costumes. A Tibetan-style bazaar with handmade crafts, prayer flags and more. Children's activities and food are available all weekend.

Seattle Pike Place Market Street Festival June 2nd & 3rd

Event Schedule Available Here
http://www.pikeplacemarketstreetfestival.coml

Seattle Implements the "Green Factor"

New Seattle building codes will bring more green roofs, rain gardens, green walls, trees and other vegetation to commercial zones.

Urban landScaping: Not Just an Aesthetic Amenity
(from http://www.seattle.gov)

Increases property values

Cools buildings with shade

Cools cities – urban heat island effect

Insulates buildings

Green roofs increase the life of roof membrane

Green walls increase life of building cladding

Increases evapo-transpiration due to increase of surface area

Increases tree canopy

Absorbs carbon, releases oxygen

Captures urban dust, helps clean air

Muffles sound reflectivity

Provides habitat for birds and bees

Seattle's Water Taxis to the Rescue

Matt talks about the possibilities of expanding the Seattle Water Taxis.
Read About It Here

Summer Solstice Celebration at Volunteer Park Conservatory

Join Friends of the Conservatory on Thursday, June 21 from 6 to 8 p.m. as they celebrate "Homage in Green" - the splendid architectural glass installation artist Richard Spaulding created just over 25 years ago. The event takes place at the Conservatory, 1400 E Galer St. in Volunteer Park.

The Friends chose June 21, the eve of the solstice, as a fitting time to celebrate and re-dedicate "Homage in Green," the Conservatory's own celebration of light and life.

The Friends of the Conservatory is a nonprofit organization established in 1980 to advocate for the Volunteer Park Conservatory and its collections and to encourage public participation and education. For more information on the Friends of the Conservatory, please visit the FOC website: www.volunteerparkconservatory.org.

2 new editions to Capitol Hill & First Hill

Walgreens is now open on the corner of Broadway and Pine on Capitol Hill




First Hill welcomes M-Street Grocery, located on the corner of 8th & Madison
(from the website)
"M Street Grocery is a full-scale grocery store features a superb fresh food selection with a organic and natural variety, specialty meats and cheeses and top Produce, M Street Cafe and M Street Coffee, centrally located in the heart of First Hill."

M-Street also includes free one hour parking and Wi-Fi in the cafe.

Upcoming Summer Events in West Seattle

Seafair Pirates Landing - July 7
www.seafairpirates.com

West Seattle Street Fair - July 13-15
www.westseattlefestival.com

Concert in the Park - July 17
www.westseattlebigband.com

West Seattle Parade - July 21
www.westseattlebigband.com

Sidewalk Cinema - July 21-Aug 25
4400 California Ave SW (courtyard at dusk)

Capitol Hill Studio for Under 250k in the Braeburn

(Unit: w210) 1410 E. Pine St. Seattle 98122
List Price $229,000
Listing# 27042659
Studio with One Bath
Appx. SQFT 559

Here is your chance to live on Capitol Hill for under 250k in the Braeburn. The Braeburn includes 2 rooftop decks w/gas grills, yoga studio, free wi-fi, surround sound movie theater, full gym, dog run, zen garden, gourmet kitchen pea patch, library & separate guest unit. (posted via permission of Mark Collord of Signature Properties NW)

Seattle Free Wi-Fi Hotspots

Did you know the City of Seattle had some free Wi-Fi Hotspots? I just learned about it myself this weekend via Yelp. You can find the City Wi-Fi spots at four Seattle downtown parks(Occidental, Freeway, Westlake and Victor Steinbrueck) and the business districts of University District and Columbia City.

More information available at the Seattle.Gov

In other news Wi-Fi rental cars coming to Seattle (Read More)

The Seattle Animal Shelter’s 8th Annual Furry 5k Fun Run and Walk!

Join the thousands of animal lovers and outdoor enthusiasts who are expected to run and walk with their pets in the Seattle Animal Shelter’s eighth annual Furry 5K Fun Run & Walk on Sunday, June 10, 10 a.m. in Seward Park. Pre-register by May 25 and receive a race T-shirt. All proceeds benefit the Help the Animals Fund.

Last year, the Furry 5K raised more than $100,000, with more than 2,700 runners and walkers, 1,500 dogs and one courageous cat taking part. This year’s goal is to exceed $110,000. To register for this year’s race or find out more about sponsorship opportunities, visit: www.furry5k.com

2 new tv shows I want to see

2006 Fall TV Line Up is looking pretty good so far
Here are two shows I am looking forward to.

The Sarah Connor Chronicles (Fox) is a new show based on the adventures of John Connor and Sarah Connor, occuring between the events of Terminator 2 and Terminator 3


The Bionic Woman (NBC Remake)

Contrary to popular belief Seattle is not the rainiest city

Seattle didn't even make the top 40.

Annual Top 10 Rainy Cities
Average Rainfall
(in inches)
1. Mobile, AL 66.9
2. Pensacola, FL 64.6
3. New Orleans, LA 63.9
4. West Palm Beach, FL 62.5
5. Lafayette, LA 61.8
6. Baton Rouge, LA 61.7
7. Miami, FL 61.5
8. Port Arthur, TX 60.8
9. Tallahassee, FL 60.5
10. Lake Charles, LA 58.2

U.S. Average 34.5

http://www.weatherbill.com/static/content/rainfall_study_2007.pdf

What Seattle will look like in 2010

From the Seattlepi
"Image from CityScape 2010 - a new virtual reality depiction of downtown Seattle, including buildings planned to rise over the next few years. The project is a collaboration of UrbanCondomimiums.com, Seattle architecture firm Weber + Thompson and Parsons Brinckerhoff. It will be featured at this weekend's Greater Seattle Condo Expo and on UrbanCondominiums.com."
Read The Article Here

Tour the Seattle Link Light Rail construction area

This Saturday take the Sound Transit Lunch Bus Tour.

-----Email I received-----
We still have space available for this weekend's Lunch Bus tour on Saturday May 19, 2007. This is the perfect opportunity to show your family and friends who were busy during the work week Link light rail's construction in our area. We will be giving a tour of SODO, Beacon Hill and Rainier Valley and stopping at Thai Recipe for lunch.
The cost of the lunch is $10.00 which includes a meal, drink and tax. The tour departs and returns at the southwest corner of 5th Ave S & S King Street in the International District. Tours depart at 11:30 a.m. sharp and return by 2 p.m. If you are interested please let me know at my cell number below. Thank you!

Best Regards

Wilbert Santos
Sound Transit
Link Light Rail
Community Outreach
Cell 206-510-1305
email: santosw@soundtransit.org

Get involved with Seattle neighborhood planning

Public meeting/forum will be held this Saturday 9am till noon at Seattle City Hall. Here is your chance to give feedback and input housing, job growth, streets and more.

City Hall is located at 601 Fifth Ave Seattle

Seattle's Unemployment rate lowest in 24 years

from the Seattle Times
"For the first time in nearly a decade, Washington's unemployment rate was below the national level, which was 4.5 percent last month.

In the fourth year of Washington's economic expansion, the Seattle metro area has reclaimed its status as the state's job-growth engine, according to another set of data released Tuesday. Payroll-jobs data show that most of the state's employment gains occurred in King and Snohomish counties, where 4,300 jobs were added, mostly in fields such as software, education, health care and professional services."

Seattle Portage Bay Condo

2524 Boyer Ave E #446 Seattle, WA 98102
List Price $329,950
Listing# 27055976
Beds 2 / Baths 1 / Fireplaces 1
Appx. SQFT 769

"This condo is nicely nestled between the neighborhoods of Montlake, U-District, Eastlake and Capitol Hill. Close to great dining and cafes. Mere minutes from the Arboretum & Burke Gilman Trail. Easy access to I-5 & 520. Experience the mid-century charm, solid architecture, gleaming hardwood floors, wood-burning fireplace, lanai (with territorial views of the lake and UW). Recently updated bathroom and kitchen. W/D in unit. Bring your kayak & mountain bike & enjoy what makes Seattle so livable." (Posted with permission from Didi Law of Keller Williams)

Seattle ’s Drinking Water Among the Nation’s Finest

Seattle continues to enjoy some of the best drinking water in the nation and is prepared to meet water supply challenges posed by global warming, according to Seattle Public Utilities’ (SPU) annual drinking water quality report.

The federally mandated report, “Drinking Water Quality: A Report to the Community,” concludes that in 2006 Seattle’s water was among the best in any major city in North America. SPU regularly tests the water for 177 compounds, including metals, chemical contaminants and disease-causing organisms. All monitored compounds were below limits set by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Read More

A-boards and Coffee Cups (What do you think?)

Matt and I had a discussion the other day about Seattle streets and all the trash and signs that clutter them.
We talked about some ideas that might help contribute to cleaning up the streets.

Check out the idea here http://mattbuchan.blogspot.com

Help Choose the Hillary Campaign Song

Hillary is leaving it up to her supporters to choose her campaign song. Check out this video of Hillary asking her supporters for help choosing a song.



I say vote for Shania Twain "Rock This Country" or U2 "Beautiful Day"
VOTE HERE

Bike-friendly streets planned for West Seattle

From the westseattleherald.com

The city of Seattle released a plan to make West Seattle streets more inviting for bicyclists, with painted bike lanes, hill-climbing lanes and stretches of road for bicyclists to share with motorists.

The Seattle bicycle master plan recommends 5-foot-wide bike lanes be painted on the sides of arterial streets throughout the city to designate they are "for preferential use by bicyclists." That includes many West Seattle "ways:" Admiral, Fauntleroy, Delridge, Avalon and Sylvan.

Other candidates for bike lanes are 16h, 35th and 48th avenues, plus Roxbury and Barton streets.

Designated climbing lanes would be painted on uphill sections of Barton Street, 48th Avenue, Lincoln Park Way and Marine View Drive.

The plan also recommends 34th Avenue Southwest be designated a "bicycle boulevard," from Roxbury Street north to Holly Street. The slower pace bike route would continue through High Point, head east on Brandon Street to run north on 26th Avenue.
Read More

Music Monday - Random Song from my iPod Playlist

Klaxons - Golden Skan

Upcoming Events - NORTHWEST FOLKLIFE FESTIVAL 2007

From the website
NORTHWEST FOLKLIFE FESTIVAL 2007
Seattle Center • May 25-28, 2007 • Rain or shine!
FREE ADMISSION
Suggested donation:
$10 per person each day
$20 per family with children each day
www.nwfolklife.org/

Upcoming Events - The 2007 Seattle International Film Festival

from the website
The 2007 Seattle International Film Festival
May 24th through June 17th
The SIFF 2007 Box Office is now Open!. Click here to see films, events, schedule and ticketing information or pick up a copy of the SIFF 2007 Seattle Times Guide at Tully’s Coffee.
http://www.seattlefilm.com/

Pictures from Seattle's Gay Bingo (May)

Check out what you missed from last weeks Gay Bingo.
The theme was "Come As Your Mother"








Pictures courtesy of Brian Westbrook & Matt Browning of seattlepaparazzi.com

Time Magazine recently did an article on Seattle's Gay Bingo
How Drag Queens Took Over Bingo (Time Magazine)
More Information on Gay Bingo - Here

Blake Lewis in Seattle May 11, 2007 (Pictures & Videos)

Blake Lewis of American Idol was in town today. I was heavily debating on whether or not I should go down and see the show. I didn't want to be there with all the 14 year old girls screaming for Blake but in the end my gayness got the best of me and I headed down to watch him perform. (Hey it's a free show!)

The sound wasn't the best and I could tell he was having trouble hearing himself in the monitor, but the crowd didn't seem to care. He performed all the American Idols songs except the Bon Jovi one, which I would have loved to have seen. I left a few minutes early so maybe he played it last. The highlight of the event was when he performed a song with Common Market and then performed "Baby Got Back" with Sir-Mix-Alot.

Here are some pictures and videos

Blake Lewis - Common Market - Sir-Mix-Alot


The Crowd that showed up to watch Blake Lewis



The Monstrousity that Blake showed up in


Much better pictures available Here and Here


Blake Performing with Sir-Mix-Alot


Blake Lewis performing 311's All Mixed Up


Sir-Mix-Alot endorsing Blake Lewis in Seattle


Blake Performing Somewhere Only We Know by Keane

Seattle 3rd Most Livable city

from the Post-Gazette
Almanac published a list of the Most Livable Cities in the United States.
The top ten are:
1. Pittsburgh, PA
2. San Francisco, CA
3. Seattle, WA
4. Portland, OR
5. Philadelphia, PA
6. Rochester, NY
7. Washington, DC
8. San Jose-Sunnyvale, CA
9. Boston, MA
10. Madison, WI

Seatte came in at number 3.
Nine Factors are considered in the ranking:

Housing affordability (cost of living)

Transportation

Jobs

Education

Climate

Crime

Health care

Recreation

Ambience (museums, performing arts, restaurants and historical districts)

Cinema On The Lawn Returns

Summers Movie Schedule:

BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY’S JUNE 29

KEXP DJ PICK JULY 13

ELECTION JULY 27

LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE AUGUST 10

More Information Available Here
http://www.cinemaonthelawn.com/

Capitol Hill Seattle's "Broadway Spring Sweep"

Here is your chance to help clean up Broadway on Capitol Hill.
From Broadwaybia.org
BROADWAY SPRING SWEEP

Sunday, May 13, 2007, 9:00 am - 11:00 am Capitol Hill, Seattle

Volunteers are needed for the Broadway Spring Sweep on Capitol Hill in Seattle on Sunday morning, May 13, 2007 (Mother¹s Day), from 9:00 am until 11:00 am. The volunteers will sweep in front of Broadway¹s storefronts and from the north end of Broadway to the entrance of the Sunday Farmer¹s Market at E. Thomas Street.

Check-in for the sweep begins at 9:00 am. Special guests will welcome the volunteers. There will be coffee and treats from Starbucks, and each volunteer will get a free t-shirt along with their assignment. The sweep will be from 10:00am until 11:00am, ending at the Broadway Sunday Farmer¹s Market where volunteers will be honored for their participation in the project.

The Sunday Farmer¹s Market on Capitol Hill will kick off its third season at 11:00am, with live music by the Lee Strippling Trio, tastings, cooking demos, and other festivities. Seattle City Councilmember Sally Clark will make a special visit. The market takes place every Sunday, 11:00am 3:00 pm, from May 13 through November 18, in the lot behind the Bank of America at Broadway and E. Thomas.

Please contact the office to sign up for the clean up. Thanks for your participation.

Mary Klein
Administrator
Broadway BIA
206-367-8704
Fax: 206-367-8777
info@broadwaybia.org

Live in the heart of the Seattle International District

I talked this morning to the Pacific Center Condominiums in the International District. They are 80% sold out and have only a few units left.
Here is whats left:
4 two bed 2 bath units around 1200 sq ft priced from $387,900- 400k
3 two bed plus den/ 2 bath starting at $400k – they are over 1300 sq ft
1 two bed 2 bath corner unit that is 934 sq ft priced at $344,900

Pacific Center Condos is located at 321 10th Ave S Seattle, WA 98104

Here are some pictures






From the MLS
"This concrete & steel building completed in 2002 has 3 levels of residential condominiums w/ exciting views + easy access to Downtown, freeways, Stadiums, & all amenities. All units include assigned parking & storage, as well as in-unit washer/dryer. Elevators for your convenience, & pet-friendly, too."

Posted with permission from Renee Ingram of Prudential Northwest Realty

If anyone would like to go see these, don't hesitate to contact me