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November 5, 2008
Categories: Uncategorized . . Author: Justin Bowers . Comments: Leave a comment
Balance, God, and Election Day
God was missing for six days. Eventually, Michael, the archangel, found him resting on the seventh day.
He inquired, ‘Where have you been?’
God smiled deeply and proudly pointed downwards through the clouds,’ Look, Michael. Look what I’ve made.’
Archangel Michael looked puzzled, and said, ‘What is it?’ ‘It’s a planet,’ replied God, ‘and I’ve put Life on it. I’m going to call it Earth and it’s going to be a place to test Balance.’
‘Balance?’ inquired Michael, ‘I’m still confused.’
God explained, pointing to different parts of earth. ‘For example, Northern Europe will be a place of great opportunity and wealth, while southern Europe will be poor. Over here I’ve placed a continent of white people, and over there is a continent of black people. Balance in all
things.’
God continued pointing to different countries. ‘This one will be extremely hot, while this one will be very cold and covered in ice.’
The Archangel, impressed by God’s work, then pointed to a land area and said, ‘What’s that one?’
‘That’s Washington State, the most glorious place on earth. There are beautiful mountains, rivers and streams, lakes, forests, hills, and plains. The people from Washington State are going to be handsome, modest, intelligent, and humorous, and they are going to travel the world. They will be extremely sociable, hardworking, high achieving and
they will be known throughout the world as diplomats, carriers of peace, and producers of software.’
Michael gasped in wonder and admiration, but then asked, ‘But what about balance, God? You said there would be balance.’ God smiled
‘There is another Washington. Wait till you see the idiots I put there.’
Four Seasons New Construction Photos cont…
As some of you may or may not know, I’m a “ghost writer” for another Seattle condo blog, and it’s been a week now since I posted the good photos I took of the Four Seasons on the other blog. Since that blog is meant to be kept as professional as possible, it didn’t seem kosher to include the bad photos. By bad photos, I mean the pictures didn’t show straight lines, there were too many shadows, the shot was irrelevant, and many other factors. However, being that this blog is far from professional, I thought I’d post them here.
Make sure you check out the photos if you like these. These don’t clearly show how amazing the place really is, but it clarifies some of the details missed on the other post. On a side note, I would have never thought browns could be so classy. I’m really excited to see the spa and lobby when it’s all finished. Be sure to stay tuned to the StroupeCondoBlog.com for additional photos of the amenities which I’ll be posting towards the beginning of next week.
Lobby facing the entrance.
Over towards the right in the picture above is where the stairs come down from the meeting rooms and grand ballroom. I remember standing on the platform and saying, “…and there she was.” Definitely a platform to see a well suited princess that’s more than likely already taken.
Art Restaurant and Lounge
One of the cool features of the restaurant is the open kitchen/bar where you’ll be able to watch Executive Chef Kerry Sear in action.
Entry to men's spa.
As I mentioned earlier, I’ve never seen brown look so good. The tile work done throughout the hotel is amazing. There’s also a variety of texture in the fossilized slate that not only gives it a unique look, but feel as well. The tile you see dead center also has a cool pattern that can’t be seen in this small picture, but you can see the big one here.
1st Avenue View
View of Lusty Lady
We did discuss the Lusty Lady and what the Four Seasons plans to do about it. The answer was, “Absolutely nothing.” If anything, the Lusty Lady should apply for landmark status. You can’t deny that the patron submitted phrases on the reader board have been less than creative and has put a smile on your face at least once. If you’re wealthy and a prude, I can’t say this location, let alone the city of Seattle, is right for you. Go back to the east coast!
Smaller sized den.
Kitchen, dining room, living room, & April texting.
North wing, south side.
I’ve never really been too impressed with Sound views. I’ve always preferred a spacious city view with maybe a glimpse of a ferry. However, these western views really put you on top.
Yours' for only $15,800,000
This picture is missing a lot! I’m standing along a wall of floor to ceiling walls. There’s also a large deck to the right, which is pictured below. There’s another deck straight ahead on the other side of the partition. The kitchen is bigger than my apartment and is located beind the wall in the top left. There’s also a dining room, and hallway to many other rooms–including another deck with 1st Avenue views.
I'd install a diving board.
Exterior of the Interior of the Buidling
So there’s some of the bad photos. I was very impressed for whatever score you put on the value of my opinion. Although I’ve heard some say they prefer ESCALA or 1521 floorplans over those at Four Seasons, 99 Union (address of Four Seasons) will always be known across the globe as one of “the best” in Seattle. Even though it’s competitors are far from just being just another luxury high-rise, part of what you’re buying at Four Seaons is the 5-star service you won’t find at any other hotel/condo development in the Northwest. I say, “Amazing!”
Seattle Bumbershoot 2008 Saturday Lineup
Fun for the whole family!
Another summer festivity is about to hit it off this weekend. This used to be one of my favorites, but the massive crowd has become to big for the Seattle Center. However, having to navigate around those annoying people who stand still in the middle of the flow of traffic is for you, then this will be your gate to heaven. This year’s lineup does seem much better than last. Popular bands such as Seattle’s own Stone Temple Pilots, Scientology Beck, Seattle’s indie rock band Death Cab for Cutie, and the amazing new-comers; The Blakes will all be gracing us with thier presence in one overcrowded event.
Where’s Donald Glaude and DJ Dan? No electronica this year? …then I’m definately not going. Although I respect all these bands who have worked hard to get here, that guitar is just too noisy for my ears. Personally, I need a beat with at least 130 BPMs. I’ll spend my $100 at Platinum.
Anyhow, here’s the lineup:
Saturday
Samsung Mobile Mainstage
Memorial Stadium
Neko Case
1:00 PM – 2:15 PM
Lucinda Williams
2:45 PM – 4:00 PM
Band of Horses
7:30 PM – 8:45
Beck
9:15 PM – 10:45 PM
Fisher Green Stage
The Staxx Brothers
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Grynch
2:15 PM – 3:15 PM
Darondo & Nino Moschella
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Estelle
5:45 PM – 6:45 PM
Saul Williams
7:30 PM – 8:30 PM
!!!
9:15 PM – 10:30 PM
Starbucks Stage
Mural Amphitheatre
Nick Vigarino
11:45 – 12:45 PM
Vicci Martinez
1:15 PM – 2:15 PM
Ian Moore
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Joe Bonamassa
4:45 PM – 6:00 PM
Asylum Street Spankers
6:45 PM – 8:00 PM
Nada Surf
8:45 PM – 10:00 PM
Rockstar Stage
Broad Street
Throw Me The Statue
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Barcelona
2:15 PM – 3:15 PM
Thao with the Get Down Stay Down
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
The Walkmen
5:45 PM – 6:45 PM
Man Man
7:30 PM – 8:45 PM
M. Ward
9:30 PM – 10:45 PM
Exhibition Hall Stage
Sweet Water
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
The Fall of Troy
4:45 PM – 5:45 PM
Unearth
6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Anti-Flag
8:15 PM – 9:15 PM
Boeing Performing Arts Stage
Bagley Wright Theatre
Dance Split Bill: LAUNCH, NW Professional Dance Project
1:30 PM – 2:45 PM
Joe Goode Performance Group
3:30 PM – 4:45 PM
Sherman Alexie and The Stranger present Words and Music
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Apocalypse in Coney Island: A Bumberlesque Cabaret
8:30 PM – 9:45 PM
EMP | SFM’s Sky Church
New Faces
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
The Girls
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
The Valley
3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
PWRFL Power
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Mono in VCF
6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
West Indian Girl
8:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Kinski
9:30 PM – 10:30 PM
Comedy Stage South presented by Seattle Center
Charlotte Martin Theatre
The Sound of Young America Live!
2:45 PM – 3:45 PM
Myspace Show
4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Satiristas
6:15 PM – 7:15 PM
Human Giant & Friends
8:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Comedy Stage North presented by Seattle Center
Intiman Theatre
Hannibal Buress, Karen Kilgariff, Doug Benson
2:00 PM – 3:00
Jessi Klein, TJ Miller, Nick Thune
3:45 PM – 4:45 PM
# Michelle Buteau, TBA
5:30 PM – 6:30
Tig Notaro, Greg Behrendt
7:15 PM – 8:15 PM
Comedy Stage West presented by Seattle Center
The Vera Project
Bridgetown Showcase
1:15 PM – 2:15 PM
The Entertainment Show
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Blood Squad: Slasher Film Improv
4:45 PM – 5:45 PM
Best of Laff Hole
6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Wells Fargo Stage
Northwest Court
Beehive
12:00 PM – 12:30 PM
Das Vibenbass
1:15 PM – 2:15 PM
Asylum Street Spankers (Kids Show)
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
The Round
4:45 PM – 6:00 PM
Wreckless Eric & Amy Rigby
6:45 PM – 7:45 PM
Tim Finn
8:30 PM – 9:45 PM
Literary Arts Stage
Leo K. Theatre
F**k Off and Die: Tales in Teen Angst Poetry
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Pat Graney’s Keeping the Faith Project, Tiny Gray-Garcia
1:45 PM – 3:00 PM
Away Down South: Kevin Sessums, David Schmader, with Carlotta
3:45 PM – 5:00 PM
New Fiction: Sarah Shun-lien Bynum, Jonathan Evison with Paul Constant
5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Christa Bell: CoochieMagik
7:30 PM – 8:45 PM
Theatre Puget Sound
Center House Theatre
The Snow Queen: Gerda’s Journey
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Unicycle Collective: Monolodge 5
2:45 PM – 3:45 PM
The True Story of Halle Berry Halybere
4:30 PM – 5:15 PM
Reefer Madness: The Musical!
6:00 PM – 7:15 PM
1 Reel Film Festival
SIFF Cinema
Fly Films – SIFF 2008
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
For All Ages: Films4Families
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Picture & Sound: Music Videos
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Best of SIFF Jury Award Winners
3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
The Wages of War
4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Spotlight Iran
5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Cuisine Art
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
For the Ladies
8:00 PM – 9:00 PM
On the Edge
9:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Northwest Rooms
The Seattle-Tehran Poster Show
11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
The Power of One
11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Grand Openings
11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
One Pot
11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Drawing Jam
11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
International Fountain Lawn
ROCKSTAR Energy Drink Vert Ramp
12:00 PM – 12:45 PM
Australia’s Strange Fruit
2:15 PM – 2:45 PM
ROCKSTAR Energy Drink Vert Ramp
3:15 PM – 4:00 PM
Australia’s Strange Fruit
4:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Australia’s Strange Fruit
6:15 PM – 6:45 PM
ROCKSTAR Energy Drink Vert Ramp
6:45 PM – 7:30 PM
Fisher Pavilion
Flatstock 18
11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Seattle Center Grounds
Byron Au Yong: Kidnapping Water: Bottled Operas
11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Jasmine Zimmerman: Bottle House
11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Amy-Ellen Flatchestedmama Trefsger: Inquiries for an Artist Who Doesn’t Draw or Paint
11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Katharina Mouatidi: The Other Globalisation
11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Paul Rucker: Sketch, Scribble, Doodle, Sound
11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Vaughn Bell: Cultivation Utility Vehicle
11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
acornDance: Fountain/Works
11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Hand2Mouth Theatre: Project X: You Are Here
11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Little Roy
11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Indie Market
11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sound Transit Kids Pavilion
Center House
Sound Transit Kids Pavilion
11:00 AM – 6:00 PM @ Kids Pavilion
Air Show at Seafair This Weekend Aug. 1st – 3rd
Blue Angels
If you’re not familiar with Seafair, well then, you must be new in town. This weekend is one of Seattle’s largest events of the year. One of the most spectacular events is the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels Air Show. You’ll hear them, see them, and feel them roar through the sky on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. For those of you who are really into the Blue Angles, you can see them arrive at the Flight of Museum today.
Friday: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Sunday: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Another popular event during Seafair weekend is the Chevrolet Cup Hydroplane races. Super tricked out boats racing in circles with the common anticipation of seeing a crash–much like the feeling of waiting for a fight in a hockey game.
Friday: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Sunday: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Seafair Boat Party
In addition to several other events, one of my favorite parts of Seafair is seeing all the Microsoftees on their fancy boats. They’re everywhere! It’s like tailgating for the rich. It’s a sight that will make you jealous and sick, or have you racing to make a new friend who has a boat. If you have a boat, be sure to check out this year’s new regulations.
Regardless of your plans, be sure to expect major traffic delays on I-5, I-405, both Lake Washington bridges, and all main arterials in King County.
Seattle Transportation Alternatives Making Headway
Personally, I’m excited to be someone who is making sacrifices to use other means of transportation to conserve energy. I’m not really someone to go all the way when it comes to recycling, but it’s embarrasing to be an American under the leadership of George Bush who has swayed the focus of the war. At the same time, I’m proud to be a Seattleite under the leadership of Mayor Greg Nickels who has campaigned for a Car Free Days event which will open streets to pedestrians and cyclists.
For those of you who are concerned about our transportation and considering moving to the downtown area, South Lake Union is making a difference with their new Propel Biofuel gas station. One local Realtor also blogged about a new Woonerf by NBBJ Architects which will promote more foot traffic.
Those who still seem to have an excuse also seem to be causing problems for those of us making the change. Today, the Seattle Times reported that the city is considering a fine for those who are moving people’s scooters to make room for thier vehicle.
It’s an odd phenomenon, brought on by the rising popularity of scooters and the dwindling availability of parking spaces in Seattle. Moving a little 150-pound scooter just a few feet over to make room in a prime parking spot has proved too tempting for some desperate motorists, leaving scooters vulnerable to damage and undeserved tickets.
If I caught anyone moving my motorcycle, they’d be getting a lot more than a ticket!
Additionally, another article by the P.I. reported a few days ago states that an approximate amount of 300 new bike racks will be added per year which would double the current amount by 2017. The article ends with an interviewee saying he’s lost 2 bikes from thieves unbolting the sides of the bike racks. Hopefully the city will consider a new rack to avoid this from happening. I’ve actually had a bike stolen while paying a parking ticket at the courthouse on 5th Avenue downtown.
On the other hand, I can somewhat sympathize for those who don’t have a long board, bicycle, motorcycle, Segway Transporter, etc. and their only transportation is Joe Metro. Metro can’t seem to catch up to the increased number of riders by having to leave several waiting, but I was just asked by a homeless person to use my cell phone on the bus the other day. When I refused, I was cursed at.
I sold my Lincoln and started making the effort of using public transportation, riding my long board, and driving my motorcycle this year. Since then, I’ve noticed much more concern for our means of transportation. I’ve done so based on reasons for the war, and because I’m a downtown area Realtor. I’m not sure what the majority reason is, but I just hope it lasts throughout the other 9 months of the year when it rains.
Capitol Hill Block Party 2008
If you didn’t get a chance to go, this is an outdoor concert with plenty of strange folk on the hill dancing in the streets. My girlfriend won a vibrating egg from Babeland who had a Star Wars c**k ring toss. Jones Soda handed out free cans of pop which made an excellent mixer for the flask of tequila in my back pocket. Thankfully the obnoxious punk music took stage along a side street.
Anyhow, I had a friend in town over the weekend to go see Chromeo. Unfortunately I didn’t get a chance to attend the entire event, but I have to say the event was overall pretty fun. Chromeo rocked! I overheard a lot of people talking about Girl Talk, but missed the performance.
Second to getting a finger point from Dave 1, and a head nod from P-Thugg for dancing in the street with my 45″ Fancy Footwork sleeve, one of my favorite parts of the weekend was how Neumos continues to prove to be the worst bar in Seattle with retarded bouncers who threw a fit when Dave 1 tried taking the stage.
Dave 1 tried to take the stage and a Neumos bouncer grabbed him and stopped him from climbing the steps. The bouncer, who had no idea who he was accosting, yelled at Dave angrily. Those standing close to the situation (including myself) tried to intervene but were unsuccessful. Dave was obviously upset when he explained to P-Thugg what had just happened to him.
If you missed it, be sure to go next year. But, steer clear of Neumos. Here’s plenty of reviews about other people’s negative experience at Neumos.
Drivers, get out of my way! The road is now mine.
Not only is gas a ridiculous and expensive luxury item, but parking can really be a bitch downtown. So, I sold my Lincoln a couple months ago and bought a long board. Today, while waiting for the bus to take me uphill, an older lady approached me and asked me if my board was in fact a long board. It was the first time I had someone older than my peer group compliment me for skating. She then told me about an article in the Seattle Times about a guy who commuted to work on his.
DAMN IT (lol/more like a chuckle). That guy got all the recognition.
Anyhow, the sweet old lady approached me right after I watched some jerk drive by in his Hummer (probably someone who complained about the crazy weather we had today). As he drove by, I imagined myself running around town with a switchblade, can a spray paint and stack of insulting bumper stickers for those who still haven’t made a change in the way they commute. I don’t like to think of myself as a tree hugger, but people need to come around and quit embarrassing themselves. Maybe I’m just fortunate to have a position and home where I don’t need a vehicle. Maybe I shouldn’t be such a hypocrite and recycle more of my beer cans.
However, I will guarantee that those Hummer drivers will take a hit in the pocket book when nobody wants to buy it. It took me 3 months to find a buyer for my car, and I had to take a loss at a much higher percentage than those who had to drop the price on the sale of their condo this year.
If you can’t see it already, here’s some things I’ve noticed in making the sacrifice and reading local papers:
- Gas prices are high and they’re not going down.
- Public transportation (metro) is starting to get overcrowded
- Taxi drivers are pulling over if they see you raise your hand to scratch an itch
- Old ladies admire skateboarders
So, if you’d like me to help you buy a condo, sorry, but we’ll be on foot. Unless you got a board too.
$22 Million for 1 Hotel Penthouse?
Matt Goyer at Redfin posted an awesome post about the 1 Hotel penthouse the other day asking the questions, who’s going to buy it?
Some highlights…
10,350 interior square feet, 3,340 exterior square feet, 3 kitchens, 1 elevator, a koi pond.
With a unit currently listed over $9 million, the price per square foot is $1,615. If the listing price of the penthouse is the same price per square foot, we’re looking at a record for a downtown condo at $22,109,350.
I find it repulsive! How many lives can be saved for that amount? Granted, I think the place looks really cool, but whoever buys it better have a positive record or I’ll find myself getting sick every time I pass the place. This makes me sound like somewhat of a hypocrite since a comment I left on Matt’s blog praised 1 Hotel for following their mission of being environmentally conscious, but the afterthought…
Wanna Spend the Night?
Rain City Guide posted some fun questions regarding a new episode for Date My House.
“As a buyer, would you appreciate an owner inviting you to hang out at their home for a long period of time? Would you appreciate the opportunity to have a party there for your friends to get their opinion? Have a sleepover? Spend a week maybe? Or would you view that as an act of desperation and say, I don’t want to buy a house where the owner is that desperate. Does a car salesman offer you a test drive in the hope you won’t want to get out from behind the wheel and back into your beat up Chevy? Would you be afraid to spend the night at a home for sale for fear that going back home afterward would be such a let down, that you would be tempted to buy the house?”
I think it’s a great idea!!! I think it would be strange for someone to not be excited about sharing the home their looking to sell. Especially considering the assumed ownership of the buyer when making the offer. Being a Realtor in the downtown area, I think it would be especially beneficially to everybody since a purchase in the city is more of a lifestyle experiencing everything around you rather than what activities you can come up with in a limited amount of space. I’m just an assistant, but I’m going to bring up the idea with my partner (i hate saying “boss”).
If anyone would be interested in staying in a Belltown studio or downtown luxury 1 bedroom with view (current furnished/vacant listings), I’m sure we’d be willing to negotiate with our sellers.
However, knowing the mindset of experienced Realtors, I know the fear of a lawsuit would be in order. If I didn’t have a license on the line, I’d consider making a living off of staying at people’s places for free (I’m sure it would better than my studio apt. in Capitol Hill). How would you get around liability with that one? A completed purchase and sale (and earnest) under the condition of being able to spend the night?
Another thing Ardell mentions is that she was disappointed that the show is centered around “poor desperate sellers” trying to seller their house. I haven’t seen the show, but if that’s the case I would be disappointed by watching an interesting TLC program that wasn’t created out of entertainment.
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