March 20, 2008

Shaq dishes on the Sonics and Oklahoma City

A P-I columnist who interviewed Shaquille O'Neal last night learned that Shaq sympathizes with Sonics fans who don't want to lose their team. On the potential move to OKC, he said: "It's dumb, it's stupid … Seattle has tradition, the Space Needle, and there's water here." When he thinks of Seattle he thinks of The Reign Man, Sikma, Lenny Wilkens, he said. "The Oklahoma City Sonics? When my son asks me about that, I'll say there's no such thing." But, he says if the Sonics were a better team, they'd probably get more support. "If you don't have the players, people aren't going to pay," Shaq said. "If LeBron was here, you wouldn't have these issues."

Skillet's truck stolen, then found today?

This morning I was browsing the Web site for Skillet, Seattle's mobile bistro (which will soon be moving into permanent digs), when I read that today's lunch in Ballard was cancelled. The reason? Skillet's "support truck" was stolen. The Web site read: "it had our bank, pots, pans, equipment and food." A short time later, the Web site read: "Truck was found! Whew! All is good and we will see you Saturday at Rat City or Tuesday in Sodo." So it sounds like they're back in business (with bacon jam). I just shot an e-mail over to Skillet's operators to find out what exactly happened.

Seattle foodie to host dinners on I-5

Seattle's Michael Hebberoy is one creative guy. First he founded One Pot, a supper club of sorts held in unconventional Seattle locations – like glass-blowing studios, and abandoned warehouses. Now he's planning a string of 12 dinner parties on and around Interstate 5. The dinners will span from June of 08 to January of 09 (that could get chilly), and he hopes to invite artists, architects and planners that are influential in maintaining I-5 and the cities along the stretch of highway from Eugene, Ore. to Vancouver B.C. He writes: "each table will be made from a recycled and compostable cardboard material - layered and bound - and supported by simple saw horses. whenever possible the table will be left in place - sawhorses removed - allowing the table to decompose into the site of the dinner." He says it will be an "opportunity to share food and conversation while in the shadow of the monumental structure of the 1-5." Read more about his "corridor project" here.

March 19, 2008

Uh oh, Ballard pillow fighters are in trouble

This last Sunday, 50 or so people armed with pillows descended on a small park in the middle of Ballard and smacked themselves senseless. Halfway through, feathers started flying. And by the time the five minute "flash mob" pillow fight was over, the ground was covered in feathers. This didn't sit well with the Seattle Parks Department, which said it spent six hours cleaning it all up. A parks official filed a police report, and now it's asking for information to track down the pillow fight's organizer. “We want people to have a fabulous time, just be grown up enough about it,” a park spokesperson told My Ballard. “Have fun, but clean up.”

Parking patrol making the rounds on Segways

It just got more embarrassing to be a meter maid in Seattle. In today's Times, we learn that the city has outfitted parking patrol officers with six Segway scooters – battery-operated devices that let the officers speed down the sidewalk at just over 12 miles an hour. The little scooters have shrill sirens and a light that flashes blue and red. But the joke's on us. Officers say Segways are pretty darn efficient. One said he'd written up to 80 parking tickets in an eight-hour shift.

Cartoonist Forney to create Sound Transit art

Cartoonist Ellen Forney, beloved in Seattle for her eclectic comics and exciting, often raunchy artwork (remember the "Big Hands" exhibit at Liberty?), has been commissioned to create public art for a Capitol Hill Sound Transit tunnel. She's a perfect choice for the Hill. Forney's creations regularly appear in the Stranger - and they've been published in countless other publications, including a Fantagraphics book. But she's not yet sure what theme her Sound Transit art will take, telling the SLOG: "naked ladies might not pass through the committee processes, but I’ll come up with something with my signature feel-good flair."

Starbucks launches sweeping initiatives

Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz today unveiled a number of sweeping initiatives to improve service and strengthen customer loyalty. Their strategy includes grinding coffee beans inside stores to bring back that coffee 'aroma,' new state-of-the-art espresso and coffee brewing systems, a Starbucks Card Rewards program for loyal customers, and the launch of MyStarbucksIdea.com, a Starbucks online community where customers can help shape the company's future. Schultz says that's just the beginning. But will these changes be enough to lure back customers who've lost their love for the java giant? An article in USA-Today offers the experts' take on what Starbucks needs to do to successfully reinvent itself (i.e. embrace wired youth, cut all the clutter.) What do you think will be the key to Starbucks' success?

March 18, 2008

Freehold Theatre moving to Belltown

Freehold Theatre, a longtime tenant of the Odd Fellows Hall on Capitol Hill, is relocating to Belltown at the end of this month, and they're looking for a few good volunteers to help with the move, reports the Times. The Odd Fellows Hall was sold last fall, leaving Freehold, Velocity Dance Center, The Century Ballroom and other arts groups up in the air about their tenancy. Freehold moves into the Second Ave. building which once housed the offices of Speakeasy Network and the AHA! Theatre. Neighbors can give them a warm welcome at their open house on April 2. Meanwhile, salsa and swing dancers will be happy to hear The Century Ballroom is set to renew their new lease with the Odd Fellows Hall.

For sale on Craigslist: Iconic Crocodile Cafe

Sad, but true. This posted last weekend on Craigslist: Iconic Seattle rock club, prime Belltown corner location (Second and Blanchard), attractive lease terms. 6400 SF, established in 1991. Character filled space; high ceilings, single-story masonry building, full kitchen. Ideal for any restaurant, lounge or music venue. Call for details. (Via Belltowner)

State lawmakers OK beer, wine samples

While state lawmakers couldn't discuss the Sonics-KeyArena issue last session, they did manage to approve legislation which permits a small number of grocery stores in Washington to offer beer or wine samples. Under the law, the liquor control board will oversee a one-year pilot project that allows 30 grocery stores around the state to hold up to six wine or beer tastings a year, but only once a month, reports the Ballard News Tribune. Customers are allowed two two-ounce samples, and chain and small independent stores can participate. (Via Seattle Metblogs)

March 17, 2008

First 'disaster proof' home built in Seattle

“It’s not a question of if we will be hit with another earthquake in the Seattle area; it’s a question of when,” says Paul Barnett, producer of the NextGen Home Experience. That's why they've built the first "fortified, disaster resistant" home in West Seattle. Finished last month, the 4,100-square-foot, three bedroom, four bath home can reportedly better withstand nature’s wrath (in the Northwest, that means high winds and seismic events. Wonder if they took heavy rain into consideration). Let's just hope their claim to fame doesn't temp Mother Nature. View photos or watch segments of house being built. (Via P-I)

'Sex' and Seattle's rent-a-designer-bag co.

Bag Borrow or Steal, the Seattle startup that rents high-end designer bags from Chanel, Gucci, Prada and others, is getting a huge marketing boost when "Sex and The City" the movie hits theaters in May. The online retailer not only gets a mention in the film, today it launched their special "Sex and The City" online shop where customers can buy accessories inspired by Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda and Samatha. BBS is also hosting a "Sex and the City Style Profile" contest on YouTube and a "Sex and the City Purse-onality" sweepstakes, where winners get a trip for two to the movie's premiere in New York. (Via John Cook's Venture Blog)

Wanted on Craigslist: Prince genre lookalikes

Posted on 3/16: Big Boy and Focus Entertainment is an established & successful event planning and promotion team looking for look-a-likes from the Prince genre...Purple Genre look a likes include: Prince & The Revolution, Morris Day and the Time, Vanity, Vanity 6, Apollonia, Sheila E. If you have prior Experience pay is VERY negotiable, based on experience. Contest Winnings for look-a-likes will be paid 100 per event. Event date to be announced.

Seattle site lists 'active street gangs'

A 27-year-old Seattle security guard is behind NWGangs.com, a site that he says lists many of the active street gangs in the Northwest. The site is popular not only among parents and police officers, but also gang members. "I'm not trying to promote gangs," said Brad in an interview with the Seattle PI (he asked that his last name not be used.) "I don't encourage people to go out and do violent acts with each other, or vandalize people's houses. I just try to give out information."

March 14, 2008

Seattle bags bottled water

City workers, say bye-bye to bottled water. Mayor Nickels announced the city will stop buying bottled water, to cut down on trash and help the environment. Plus, it doesn't hurt that the city will save $58,000 a year. (After all, bottled water is three times more expensive than gas.) City workers still will be allowed to bring bottled water to work, and vendors on city property can still sell bottled water. (Via the P-I)

Nickels getting no love from bar

Ballard Gossip Girl snapped a photo of this poster in Tin Hat, a bar in Ballard. Very creative! But why the hate for Seattle's mayor? BGG says most likely his incessant campaign to crack down on Seattle's clubs and nightlife is the reason. "He is more suited to be the president of phase 3 of Del Boca Vista," posted Angry Seattlite.

March 13, 2008

Rate the new Seattle Mariners commercials

The Seattle Mariners have revealed their new 2008 ad campaign today, and the Everett Herald's sports blog has already gone to work reviewing them. I agree that some don’t quite tickle the funny bone. In an ad called "Pepe" it's revealed that hitter Jose Vidro isn't really a switch-hitter, instead he has a twin brother who bats from the right side. Kind of lame. But the ad where Felix Hernandez grows a mustache in a matter of seconds is clever. You can get a look at all the ads here.

President transitions from rock star to techie

Seattle's Presidents of the United States of America have been all over the news here with the release of their new album, "These are the Good Times People," and tour (The Big Blog says they're playing South by Southwest). But blogger John Cook says they'll be missing an original member. Dave Dederer now works as vice president of business development for a Seattle startup called Melodeo. He must be doing well – the company announced that more than a million people used its nuTsie music service last month. NuTsie allows users free online and mobile access to their iTunes music library. Very cool.

'Girls Rock' playing at SIFF Cinema

You probably remember the cutie pie advertisements for this movie, which debuted at the Seattle International Film Festival in May. Now the show – a documentary of an all-girl rock and roll camp in Portland, Ore. – is playing at the SIFF Cinema until March 20. The film is adorable - and touching. It follows a handful of girls and the changes they undergo at camp, where they meet inspiring female rockers and learn it's OK to " sweat like a pig, scream like a banshee, wail on their instruments." Some gals featured in the film are still performing, including the band Bluebird, which is known to play sets in Seattle. Read more about the film here.

New Web site for missing SeaTac man

It's been one month today since SeaTac man Nicholas Francisco was reported missing after leaving his job in Queen Anne. Now Francisco's wife has posted a new Web site with information on the search. It includes info on a $15,000 reward and a possible clue that could help – his missing laptop. Although Nicholas' car was recovered, his laptop, which he "wore like a wedding ring," was not. In the meantime, police have scaled back the search. Francisco's wife tells a Seattle Times reporter she believes Nicholas was murdered, but understands why authorities think he may have voluntarily gone away. (Link via West Seattle Blog.)

March 12, 2008

Seattle couple's NYC house hunt featured in NYT

Vexed by housing prices in Seattle? Take a break and read this week's New York Times Real Estate column The Hunt. Young marrieds Brandon and Jette Starniri, Seattle natives and former UW grads, face the travails (and sticker shock) of house hunting in the outer burrough of New York City. After an exasperating search, they find their home in a less-fashionable part of Brooklyn, only to encounter a string of remodeling mishaps - including having their kitchen stolen by thieves. "This house is kind of like a marriage," Jette said. "You really don't know what you're getting yourself into." (Via Daily Weekly.)

Gourmet food company Grace's Kitchen closes

Devouring sEATtle blogs Grace's Kitchen, the frozen gourmet meals company in Ballard, has closed shop. Their phone are disconnected and their Web site is now defunct. Frozen-food buyers at area markets also confirm that Grace's is gone. The reason for the closure is still unknown, but food quality most likely wasn't the issue: Food & Wine magazine had ranked their meals "superlative."

What the who in WaMu's 'Whoo hoo'?

Washington Mutual's new ad campaign "Whoo hoo!" is sparking the ire of many bloggers. "They’re &$^% annoying...ISN’T IT SPELLED “WOO-HOO”? rants Choptix. "It’s not WHO, it’s WOO. So when something good happens or I’m singing that Song 2 song by Blur, I go WOOOOO-HOO." Even Google says so: A search for "Woo hoo" has exponential more hits than "Whoo hoo." So what's with the H? WaMu says blame The Simpsons. "The Simpsons use 'Woo hoo.' We couldn't trademark it if they used it. We didn't want something that somebody else is using," said a WaMu spokesperson. Whether you "woo" or "whoo," expect the annoying ads to be around for awhile. (Via The Big Blog)

Jennifer Aniston movie shooting in Seattle

Seattlest saw a bunch of movie trailers and discovered that Jennifer Aniston is shooting a movie at Pike Place Market today. It's called "Traveling," starring Aniston and Aaron Eckert. Explains the posting for extras, "Please be prepared for rain, if it is not raining the movie people will make it rain." Ah yes, yet another movie based in Seattle that insists on stereotyped rainy scenes. How original.

Update: Contrary to earlier reports, Aniston isn't here for the shoot. Shucks.

The Croc's rumored savior pulls out

Soon after the historic Crocodile Cafe closed its doors in Belltown, Seattle software company Groupee applied for a restaurant and liquor license for the site. Was Groupee going to bring The Croc back to its former glory? Nope, they've just withdrawn their application.

Nordstrom recalls boys hoodies

The CPSC has issued a voluntary recall for Micros boys hooded jackets, sold exclusively at Nordstrom. The hoodies have a drawstring through the hood, which pose a strangulation hazard to children. They were sold in black with a peace sign patch and a “MCC Micros” patch on the chest, silver with a silver stitched design on the front, and gray with skulls on the front. Click here for more info.

March 11, 2008

Fake home rentals on Seattle Craigslist

The newest Craigslist scam: steal photos from a real estate listing and create your own listing on Craigslist offering to rent the house. You know, first and last month's rent, plus a deposit. Then get the money and run. "It's a terrible scam that takes advantage of people when they're vulnerable and looking for a new home," writes Marlow Harris, who says one of his real estate listings was stolen.

Seattle's most popular blogs are...

They are Accidental Hedonist, Seattle Daily Photo and (of course) the West Seattle Blog, according to the March Madness-like tournament over at Seattle Metblogs. The three blogs are now squaring off in the finals. By the way, Metblogs' home office decided to redesign the site in the middle of all this, and it wasn't pretty. "It hasn’t exactly been a rosy ending to what was a promising start to what can only be called a mid-level debacle," writes Dylan of the interruption in voting that resulted. We're respectful of these kinds of redesign traumas, as we're working on a little redesign of our own... (stay tuned).

March 10, 2008

Knowles may do campaign ad for Obama

Casey Knowles, the Bonney Lake girl who told KING 5 she was shocked to see herself appear in stock footage in Hillary Clinton's "3 a.m." campaign ad, told Good Morning America that the Obama campaign called about perhaps having her appear in one of his ads. Meanwhile, the original Casey Knowles story is burning up the internet -- as of this writing, her name is the #1 "hot trend" in Google searches.

March 8, 2008

Girl in Clinton ad: I'm an Obama fan!

Years ago, Casey Knowles appeared in some stock footage for Getty Images. This week, she was shocked to see herself in the same stock footage in Hillary Clinton's "red phone" ad. Why is she so surprised? "I've been campaigning for Barack Obama for a few months now," Knowles said, explaining she was even a precinct captain at one of the caucuses. "It's really sort of ironic that my image would be used to advocate for Hillary when I myself do not."

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