Politics: Edwards, Florida & Patty Murray

Here's a Democrat Rundown:

Hillary Wins Florida


Some Kid has a Crush on Hillary

Sen. Patty Murray Endorses Hillary (link)

Edwards Drops Out of the Race

Seattle Chinatown Gate Dedication

from flickr (patricio3)

Seattle's Chinatown finally has a gate. Dedication ceremony details:

A 10 a.m. ceremony to unveil the Chinatown Gate at South King Street and Fifth Avenue South will be held Saturday, Feb. 9. Lunar New Year events will be held the same day starting at noon at Union Station, 401 S. Jackson St. (SeattlePI)

Oscar Nominees Movie Marathon

AMC Theaters in Kent is offering a movie marathon for the Best Picture Oscar Nominees.
The Marathon is on Feb. 23 at the AMC Kent Station
$30 Dollars and starts at 11 am
Trailers of the Best Picture Oscar Nominees

Michael Clayton


There Will Be Blood


Atonement


Juno


No Country for Old Men

Crime in Seattle hits 40 year low

Seattle Press Release: Mayor Greg Nickels and Police Chief Gil Kerlikowske announced today Seattle’s crime rate hit a 40 year low in 2007 with major crimes down by 14 percent compared to 2006. The crime rate per 1,000 people for 2007 was 64, the lowest it has been since 1968 when it was 62 crimes per 1,000.

All major crimes have decreased as follows:

• Murder down 20 percent
• Rape down 28 percent
• Robbery down 9 percent
• Aggravated Assault down 12 percent
• Burglary down 20 percent
• Larceny/theft down 7 percent
• Vehicle theft down 29 percent

Read the 2007 City of Seattle Crime Statistics Overview - Acrobat PDF

Waterfront Property on Capitol Hill?

New UW study shows that sea levels could rise 6 inches by 2050 and 14 inches by the end of the century and in worst case "scenario could raise sea levels in some places as much as 22 inches by 2050 and 50 inches -- more than 4 feet -- by 2100."

Bad for Belltown and good for Capitol Hill

Classic Almost Live Clip "Roscoe's Rug Emporium"

Help Save Scrabulous

Hasbro is trying to shut down the popular Facebook game Scrabulous. Scrabulous is the most popular game on Facebook and gets over 500,000 daily users a day. I'm sure it's had a huge positive impact on game sales. It's the perfect viral marketing campaign for Scrabble. Instead of shutting them down, Hasbro should buy Scrabulous, work out a deal with them, or release their own Facebook App.

Here is how you can help:

• Sign the Online Petition (currently has 759 signatures)
• Join the Save Scrabulou Facebook Group (11,700 members)
• Send an email to Hasbro and ask them to work something out with Scrabulous: (Email)

The declaration from the online petition
"Stop the makers of Scrabble, 'Hasbro' and 'Mattel' from removing the Scrabulous application from Facebook. It is a popular application, with over 600,000 hits per day and has revitalised the World's interest in Scrabble, as well as improving vocabulary and uniting people from all over the world!"

Vancouver Commits To What Seattle Wouldn't

Vancouver BC essentially commits itself to the future and to clean energy, something that Seattle and King County residents have been unwilling to do when it comes to Mass Transit. Vancouver is already a friendlier city when it comes to carless transportation than Seattle is, and with their new transit announcement they move in hopes of competing with such cities as Boston, New York and London.

From The National on the 14 Billion Transit Announcement

"Warren Gill, a transportation-studies professor at Simon Fraser University who has focused on transportation policy for more than 30 years, called the program "infrastructure for the ages.""

""It means Vancouver will be a functional city long into the future. People who come to Vancouver will be able to get around in the city just as they would in some of the world's great cities - New York, London, Chicago," Prof. Gill said."

Vancouver already has "the longest automated transit system in the world" and this announcement will add an additional "30 kilometres of new SkyTrain," "1,500 new clean-technology buses," and "subway-style line running 12 kilometres across central Vancouver into the booming University of British Columbia."

I am extremely jealous..

Brian Westbrook - Hands on with the new Macbook Air

My friend and local Tech Expert blogged live today from Macworld 2008. Check out some of his coverage and pictures on his blog http://tech.brianwestbrook.com

Brian can be heard Fridays at 6:40am and 8:40am as part of Portland's Morning News on Newsradio 750 KXL or online from anywhere at KXL.com!

The X Box Boys

I never heard of this local band until I came across this video. Not to terribly bad, they just need to lose the campy'ness and get a new name that isn't trademarked.

Mars Hill Starts Vlogging

This is random, Mars Hill started a video blog. Keywords they used to tag the video include "Jesus, Seattle, West." I wonder how many people search "Jesus, Seattle" on youtube.

Is there room for culture & entertainment on Capitol Hill?

Culture on Capitol Hill Panel Discussion

presented by the Capitol Hill Chamber of Commerce and featuring panelists from the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs, 4Culture (King County Cultural Development Authority), the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development, and the Seattle Arts Commission.

Panel Discussion: Call to Action! Is there room for culture & entertainment on Capitol Hill?

PANELISTS CURRENTLY CONFIRMED:
Susan Shannon, Director, Mayor’s Office of Economic Development
Michael Killoren, Director, Mayor’s Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs
Charlie Rathbun, 4Culture: King County ’s Cultural Development Authority (a PDA)
Randy Engstrom, Seattle Arts Commission and Director, Youngstown Arts Center

WHERE AND WHEN:
5:30p – 7:00p
Showroom Theatre (Main Floor)
Capitol Hill Arts Center
1621 – 12th Ave (@ Pine)

Video: 3 Cars Stuck In The Ice On First Hill

The Opera is now streaming online 24 hours a day

"Seattle Opera and KING-FM have launched an opera program online at www.king.org that will feature a five-hour program available 24 hours a day, seven days a week." (Seattlepi)

Washington Online Voter Registration

Washington can now register to Vote online.
http://secstate.wa.gov/elections/register.aspx

Washington joins Arizona as the only 2 States to offer online registration

The Microsoft 520 Bridge Live

Forget tolling, the real solution is to have Microsoft build the bridge, make it free for it's employees and then it can toll all non Microsoft employees who need to cross the bridge, it can even be ad supported.

Fundraiser for the Lambert House gay youth center

The benefit will be held on February 20th at 8 pm at the Broadway Grill restaurant. The event features dinner and a professional cabaret drag show with some of Seattle’s best known performers! Including, host Mark “Mom” Finley, DJ Kyler from C89.5, and Mr. and Mrs. Gay Seattle!

Proceeds will be donated to the Lambert House. The Lambert House is a center designed to assist and provide a safe place for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and questioning youth. A vital part of our community!

Tickets are $30 per person. Admission includes a delicious buffet dinner and the cabaret show. Tickets can be purchased in person at the Broadway Grill in advance or online at

Buy Tickets

Click image to see the flyer

Governor Gregoire talks about her plan for replacing the 520

Gov. Gregoire on the KUOW radio show "The Conversation"
Listen

RealAudio

MP3: High Low

Gold hits a record high of $900 an ounce

Gold hits record $900 an ounce (link)

Damn! I should have listened to that Monex Lady

Seattle Symphony Orchestra to perform free concert at City Hall, Jan. 25

SEATTLE — City Hall will ring with the sounds of the Seattle Symphony Orchestra in a free performance, noon to 1 p.m., Friday, Jan. 25. The symphony performance is a bonus concert of Seattle Presents, a year-round, free lunchtime concert series presented by the Mayor's Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs. City Hall is located at 600 Fourth Ave.

Enjoy an all-Mozart program as Associate Conductor Carolyn Kuan conducts a performance featuring violinist Quinton I. Morris, a Renton native who launched an international solo career and recently returned to home to join the music faculty of Seattle University.

Stay after the performance to meet Kuan, Morris and symphony musicians, and enjoy light refreshments at a post-performance mingle.

The all-Mozart program will include:

• Allegro from Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, K. 525
• Symphony No. 1 in E-flat major, K. 16
• Allegro from Concerto No. 3 in G major for Violin and Orchestra, K. 216, featuring violinist Quinton I. Morris
• Symphony No. 40 in G minor, K. 550

More information available here

H&M To Open 3 Stores In Seattle

Last year I posted about how if there was one thing I really wanted to see in Seattle in 2008, it was an H&M Store. Not only did I get my wish, but I got it times 3.

H&M has announced 3 stores for Seattle to be open by this fall.

"The planned stores include: a 19,000 square foot, two-story location in University Village, a 25,000-square-foot location at Westfield Southcenter, and a 16,000-square-foot location at 520 Pike St. in downtown Seattle." (PSBizJournal)

2 Bedroom 1.75 Bath Condo in West Seattle

3221 SW Avalon Way Seattle 98126 #Unit 110
Listing# 27206423
List Price $324,650
Beds 2 / Baths 1.75 / Fireplaces 1
Year Built 1997
Style 30-Condo 1Level Unit
Parking 2 Common Garage
Space# 50, 51
Project Luna Court
Appx. SQFT 1150
listed by Team Rich Bianchi
rich@therichbianchiteam.com
http://therichbianchiteam.com

Great opportunity to live at a location that's convenient to everything-shopping, restaurants, transportation and freeways. Security building with penthouse fitness center and social room for gatheriings. Light and sunny unit with 2 bedrooms, with 3/4 bath in master bedroom,cozy gas fireplace, kit. with tile floor and plenty of cabinets. Walk in closets, wall to wall carpeting and handicap access. Unit comes with 2 parking stalls and large storage locker. See agent remarks for entry.

If you would like to see this property you can contact Me, your agent or Rich Bianchi

West Seattle Art Walk - Thursday Jan 10th

Here are the participating businesses & artists

• 1. Hotwire Online Coffeehouse Marty Gordon, collage


• 2. Ginomai Featured Artists:


• 1. Patricia Ann Wilson: Watercolors, collage prints, photography,


• 2. Rajaa Gharb in the community room


• 3. Marc Yeager - intricate wood carving


• 4. Keller Williams . Edna Bishop presents: "Beyond Angkor Wat" Photographs of her recent trip to Southeast Asia. In addition, beautiful handmade silver jewelry from Cambodia. Cara and Jason Astorquia: "New works by West Seattle artists"


• 5. Windermere Real Estate along with Kim Tingley,Realtor are proud to present artist Bernie Mitchum. Bernie's acrylic on canvas is a mix of realism using transportation as a theme for his whimsical art!


• 6. Coffee to a Tea with Sugar James Bailey, photographs


• 7. Cupcake Royale Presents House of Sharon—Faces 1 Acrylic on Canvas"embrace amateurism, reject mediocrity"


• 8. Twilight in the Junction Artwork by Todd Karam, Justin Hillgrove, Kelly Rae Cunningham, Eric Osborne, Debbie Bianchi, Brad Straine, Soule and OneSevenNine.


• 9. Georgia Blu SAL (Sam and Tal) Georgia Blu is proud to display the art of SAL (Sam and Talese Heckler), a collaborative mother and son artist team.They have been painting together since 2001. The freshness of Sam’s early drawings gave Talese the idea of incorporating them into her paintings.


• 10. Arts West ArtsWest Gallery presents Nancy Bogni, Graham Fracha, Chris Kopet, and Inge Roberts for the exhibition Fragmented Moments which runs January 6 – February 9, 2008. Using diverse mediums, these artists contemplate the inclusion of the past with the present. Artist Reception 6-7:30 for ArtWalk attendees.


• 11. M3 Bodyworks Open House and reception with Photographer and Artist, Nancy Swigger. M3 Bodyworks Massage Clinic is offering $20.00 off all services when you mention the Art Walk


• 12. C&P Coffee On display at C & P Coffee Company for the month of January, paintings by Sarah Browning. She works with acrylics, watercolors, pen/ink and mixed media. Her work includes landscapes and water scenes, personal portraits, illustration, graphics, and symbolic artwork
  

Art Walk starts at 6pm till 9pm
More information at http://westseattleartwalk.blogspot.com/

6 Bedroom House in West Seattle $749,650

5203 45 Ave SW Seattle 98136
List Price $749,650
Listing# 27170788
Beds 6 / Baths 2.50 / Fireplaces 2
Year Built 1968
Bldg Type. Built On Lot
Covd Prkg. 2 Garage-Attached
Appx. SQFT 4800
Lot Size 6300
Listed by Rich Bianchi
rich@therichbianchiteam.com
http://therichbianchiteam.com

6 BEDROOMS AND 4800 sq. ft. including garage. Great views of the sound, Olympics and territory. Slate entry, separate dining room, family room with fireplace off kitchen and 3/4 bath in large master suite. Finished basement with view, 3 bedrooms and rec room. Large double garage. Deck that's great for sunset view and BBQ's. Patio area and nicely landscaped yard. The spaciouness is deceiving! Great for ADU with level lower floor entrance.

If you would like to see this property you can contact Me, your agent or Rich Bianchi

3 Bedroom Home in West Seattle $259,650

6332-A 26 Ave SW Seattle 98106
Listing# 27106036
List Price 259,650
Beds 3 / Baths 1.50 / Fireplaces 1
Year Built 1980
Bldg Type. Built On Lot
Covd Prkg. 1 Garage-Attached
Appx. SQFT 1040
listed by Team Rich Bianchi
rich@therichbianchiteam.com
http://therichbianchiteam.com

Delightful rambler with freshly painted interior,1/2 bath in master bedroom, big deck off the dining area and wheel chair accessable. Very comfortable home. Title thru Talon Title #1062534. Owner will give $1,000. carpet allowance(can be used for closing costs,etc. also)

If you would like to see this property you can contact Me, your agent or Rich Bianchi

King Country Wants To Hear From You!

Here's your chance to voice your opinions and give your input on our local government. King County is organizing a series of local forums to give you the opportunity to be a Citizen Councilor and listen to the opinions of other Citizen Councilors, and to provide feedback to county Council members, and the general public. Register Here

More People Coming In Than Leaving Washington

Last year 3,208 moved into Washington State while only 2,487 moved out. (PSBizJournal)

Maybe it's our coffee

Anyone else love the tv show LOST?

I love "Lost" and I am happy to hear that all 3 seasons are currently streaming on ABC right here. If you are missing a few episodes now is your chance to catch up in time for the 4th season premier on Jan 31st.

Here is the Season 4 Trailer

Bingo, Drag Queens & Nuns

Gay Bingo is back! January 12th with the theme "Viva Las Vegas Bingo: What happens at Bingo, stays at Bingo"

Get your tickets here

Due to Washington State Liquor Control regulations, all guests must be 21 years of age or older.

More Redlight Cameras Coming To Seattle

Due to the success of the Red Light Photo Enforced Intersections, Seattle will be adding an additional 30 Red Light Camera Intersections. So if you run a red, be sure to smile for the camera.

Red Light Camera Locations – New & Existing 30 Cameras (24 new) and 22 (19 new) Intersections
New			Existing
North Seattle
EB Northwest Market @ 15 th Northwest			EB 45 th @ Roosevelt
WB Northwest Market @ 15 th Northwest
SB 15 th Northwest @ Northwest 80 th
SB Stone Way @ Northwest 40 th
NB Aurora @ Northwest 85 th
EB Northeast 80 th @ Fifth Northeast
EB Northeast 45 th @ Union Bay Place (“Five Corners”)
WB Northeast 45 th @ Union Bay Place (“Five Corners”)
NB Northeast 45 th @ Union Bay Place (“Five Corners”)
Central Seattle
SB Sixth @ James			EB 5th @ Spring
SB Fifth @ Spring			EB Denny @ Fairview
SB First @ Marion			WB Denny @ Fairview
NB Broadway @ Olive (Ped)
EB Olive @ Broadway (Ped)
SB Broadway @ Pine (Ped)
SB Boren @ James
SB 23rd @ E John
NB Ninth @ James (Ped)
South Seattle
NB 14th South @ Cloverdale			NB Rainier @ South Orcas
EB Cloverdale @ 14th South			SB Rainier @ South Orcas
WB Avalon @ 35th Southwest
SB 35th Southwest @ Southwest Thistle
NB Rainier @ South Massachusetts
WB South McClellan @ Martin Luther King

Video & Pictures of the Botched Seattle New Years Fireworks

Part 1



Part 2


Some great pictures my friend took



More Pictures Here