Ever find yourself bored inside the office staring out at a beautiful sunny day? Fear no more. A Belltowner is currently giving away their "super comfy" office chair for free. "Wheels on the bottom and it spins. So when you get bored at work, you can spin around until you're dizzy." reads the Craigslist ad.
Click here if you'd like to take advantage of this offer.
This photograph was taken from beneath one of the Sculpture Park's sculptures on a sunny Belltown afternoon.
Pretty cool perspective.
Throughout the month of August the Seattle Center will be showing outdoor films at the Mural Amphitheater on Fridays and Saturdays. Grab your blankie and a bag of popcorn and come on down at dusk (about 9pm) this Friday for a showing of The Princess Bride. Admission is 100% free. (our favorite price)
Seating fills up quickly so getting there sooner than later is best. Click here for more information.
Calling all art enthusiasts. The McLeod's latest exhibit explores a variety of themes and materials by local artists from August 1st through September 27. Artist Robert Zverina emphasizes the importance of everyday artifacts with a collection of photographs and one to thirty second films titled memory (w)hole. Allison Kudla mimics manufactured patterns in living plant matter for Decorative Growth Pattern; and a group of local furniture and lighting designers display their wares in What.Why Seattle Design.
The opening reception is this Friday August 1st starting at 9pm. For more information go here.
"You can't miss them. They shoot up with needles against the wall of the upscale Flying Fish at dinnertime. They walk in packs asking, "You OK?" - code for "Do you want drugs?" They're of all races and ages, men and women alike, and in varying degrees of mental health. Some talk to themselves. Others punch the air. Some openly sip drinks called Evil Eye, fortified with 10 percent alcohol, and scream at no one, anyone....You'd think a mayor who wages war on plastic bags and nightclubs could find the political will to address this scourge in plain sight." writes Robert L. Jameson Jr. of the Seattle P-I.
It's no secret that there is a major drug problem in Belltown which is less than discreet. In my experience as long as I avoid certain streets at certain hours I never feel in danger. But what about those people who work or live in those problematic areas? People who can't walk in peace without being aggressively hit up for cash or witnessing blatant drug use?
Donna Moodie, owner of Belltown restaurant Majorie who is no stranger to the brashness of the area wonders whether a crackdown is overdue. She hopes political correctness hasn't handcuffed police.
What's worse is, Belltown's Recovery Cafe, a meeting ground for hope for the neighborhood's recovering addicts, is going away due to new development.
To read the rest of the P-I article which speaks pretty passionately about how things need to change in Belltown, click here.
Some crime news from over the weekend. Apparently a Microsoft employee visiting from North Dakota for a company conference was beaten early Sunday morning. Witnesses say victim Daniel Stoy was standing outside a Belltown bar on 1st ave. when a single punch caused the man to slam his head against the sidewalk. He was rushed to the hospital unconscious and has no recollection of the beating. The victim's father who is a doctor, says his 29-year-old son might have speech and memory problems for years.The police are still checking surveillance tapes to identify suspects.
It's really too bad how many beatings we've had over the last few months on 1st ave. I'd say a word to the wise would be to hop in a cab immediately after bar close to avoid any drunken confrontations.
Top Pot Doughnuts' Belltown location on 5th ave. is having their second annual doughnut eating contest tomorrow Saturday July 26 at 2pm. Bring your sweet tooth and come on down for your chance to be crowned Doughnut Eating Champion 2008.
In addition to the competition there will be a live performance by the band, The Saturday Knights. Admission is free, and people of all ages are encouraged to participate.
Click here for more information.
Belltown's Jimmy K Salon is currently showcasing the work of artist, Starheadboy in the last place you'd expect--the bathroom. The artist's unique paintings are created on a variety of objects from broken skateboards to clipboards.
To check out more photos of Starheadboy's art, click here.
Now this isn't something you see every day. Apparently a man dressed as Superman was hanging around a cafe on 3rd and Pine st. when he began to threaten taking someone's baby. Police say that the man has an outstanding warrant for his arrest.
Wow, that's an idea. Instead of laying low while a warrant is out for your arrest, go out with a bang by dressing as favorite superhero in public and threatening to steal people's babies.
The Dark Knight, the latest of the Batman series is taking over box office sales and has critics raving. Give yourself the opportunity to see the film on the Imax's famously big screen. You can attend The Dark Knight at Imax any day of the week and can choose between variety of show times throughout the afternoon into the evening. Tickets can be purchased online by clicking here.
I'm pretty excited to see the film on the big Imax screen myself. I feel this is one of those films that will be amazing on a large screen.
Legendary rock band Nine Inch Nails will be playing at Key Arena this Saturday evening with opener, Crystal Castles. This performance is part of NIN's Lights in the Sky: over North America 2008 tour.
This is sure to be an amazing show musically and visually. Tickets are still available for purchase by clicking here.
If you've been on the lookout for Apple's latest iPhone 3G which was released earlier this month, you've probably noticed that everyone is out of stock. Tired of waiting? A Belltowner is selling their 16gb brand new iPhone 3G. If you're willing to spend 950 bucks, this may just be your lucky day.
Click here to check out the ad.
Treat yourself to a dose of culture this upcoming weekend by attending a performance of A Midsummer Nights Dream at the Seattle Center's Fisher Pavilion. The event is free and is part of a series of this summer's Shakespeare in the Park produced by Seattle Shakespeare Company. It sounds like a lovely way to spend summer afternoon. The show starts at 2pm this Sunday July 27.
For additional information click here.
During a 2005 shootout between an armed man and Seattle police outside of Belltown Billiards, a young woman was shot in the spine. She claims that the bullet which hit her was from a round shot by police. At the time the chief of police decided it could not be determined whether the victim was in fact hit by a police round but concluded that the officers' actions were necessary to prevent even more people from being hurt.
The victim Christin Kellner, who still carries the bullet in her spine since doctors advise that it is too risky to remove, has filed a $500,000 claim against the city of Seattle. Yikes.
You can read more details involving this story by clicking here.
Have you checked out Pike Place Market's Summer Sundays yet? Each Sunday from June 8- Sept. 28, hundreds of people line up to witness chef demonstrations at the market. It's a delicious way to spend a sunny Sunday afternoon in Seattle.
This Sunday the markets chef demonstration will be held by Dick Schouweiller of Buca Di Beppo. The event starts up at noon sharp on Pike Place. Click here for more information.
A yard sale will be held at Belltown's P-Patch on July 26 from 9am-4:30pm. Items to be sold include furniture, books, CDs/DVDs, household items, tools, toys, gifts, clothing, electronics and more.
All of the proceeds will go towards purchasing much needed new equipment to keep our P-Patch garden up and running.
Click here for more information.
It's that time of year again for The Bite Of Seattle at the Seattle Center. Also known as, your favorite excuse to stuff yourself full of elephant ears. The festivities start up this Friday July 18, and run until Sunday the 20th. Entry is free of course and the forecast is sunny skies.
In addition to having access to some of most delicious food Seattle has to offer, there are also wine tastings, musical acts, and cooking demonstrations. Click here for more information.
Belltown's fourth Punk Rock Flea Market will be held at the Underground Events Center on July 26 at 1pm. The market serves as a place for vendors selling everything from records, to art, to falafels. There is also a line up of bands for your listening pleasure.
The market coordinators insist that the name of the event need not lead the public astray. Punk Rock Flea Market welcome people from all lifestyles with any taste of music.
If you are a vendor and interested in renting a table or would like more information on the event, click here.
Did you know that the original Seattle Cinerama was actually the Paramount theatre? How about that it's owned by Paul Allen's Vulcan, Inc.? I found the facts provided by Seattlest to prove quite interesting. Click here to read more astounding yet true facts about one of Belltown's favorite landmarks.
There's no doubt about it. Umi Sake House is one of the best places to get sushi in not only Belltown but the entire city. Lucky for us, owner Steven Han and his executive chef Billy Beach are opening a new restaurant in Belltown.
The new restaurant, Kushibar, has a concept of Japanese street food that is "sure to satisfy many a culinary explorer about town." Says Han of his new menu full of grilled meat and noodles, "True foodies and novices alike will welcome it and Billy and I can hardly wait to introduce the menu. It is something that we both enjoy when we travel to New York and San Francisco and have wanted to bring back to this city for some time."
I don't know about you but I can hardly wait. Kushibar is expected to open in mid-August and will be located at 2319 2nd Avenue. For more information check out their soon to be launched website: www.kushibar.com
Apparently over the weekend, a drunk man was refused entry at Cafe Amore on 5th ave. After making several attempts to sneak in, and eventually succeeding, a waiter asked him to leave. About 15 minutes later he returned with a roman candle firework. When management attempted to confiscate the "weapon" from him, he headbutted the manager causing him "sharp but temporary pain".
Wow. What a night for that guy. "How was your day at the restaurant today honey?" "Oh fine. Typical day really. Just got headbutted with a guy holding a firework".
Seattle's Sub Pop Records is throwing a two-day festival at Marymoor Park on July 12 & 13 and a comedy show tonight July 11 at 8pm at the Moore Theatre in Belltown. The events are in honor of the music label's big 20 year anniversary. Proceeds from ticket sales will go to beneficiaries of each participating act's choosing.
Sub-pop is famous for first signing Nirvana, Soundgarden, Mudhoney and many other bands from the Seattle grunge scene. They continue to run strong with popular bands such as The Postal Service and The Shins under their belts. It's pretty cool to see them still going strong 20 years into it. For more information on Sub-Pop's events this weekend click here.
Swing by Roq la Rue gallery this evening from 6-9 pm for cupcakes and beer. The gallery is celebrating 10 years of dedicating the business to artists who once lived below the radar screen, including underground comic illustrators, neo-surrealists and assorted other counterculture, retro-chic characters.
At tonights celebration visitors will preview the "10th Anniversary Group Show," including works by Mark Ryden, Marion Peck, Femke Hiemstra, Scott Musgrove, Lisa Petrucci, Shag and many others. The exhibition continues through Aug. 2, then the gallery will close for remodeling through the rest of August.
Ever thought of diving into the fashion world? "Well known women's clothing boutique located in the Belltown neighborhood of Seattle...
Voted best boutique by Citysearch editor and Citysearch readers...Located near major hotels and restaurants..." reads the Craigslist ad advertising an unnamed Belltown boutique selling for $120,000.
I wonder which boutique it could be... Click here to check out the ad.
Owners of condos within Mosler Lofts in Belltown are caught up in a dispute involving general contractor JE Dunn Northwest who filed a lien against the lofts claiming that developer Belltown Development Partners owed $6.7 million for the project. Belltown Development Partners then responded with a lawsuit accusing JE Dunn of breach of contract for substantial and costly delays.
The $6.7 million lien would prevent owners from selling their units or using them as collateral for loans.
Doesn't sound like fun stuff at all. Lets hope they resolve this dispute as fast as possible.
The McLeod Residence is throwing a Secret Society TGIF party this Friday with DJ's Colby b, Bret Law and Mad Rad. These string of parties are thrown every second Friday of the month. Says DJ Colby B of the party, "We are gettin' ready for another hot dance party!"
The McLeod Residence is Belltown's latest place-to-be bar. With a wide variety of patrons, a cool atmosphere, good music, and good drinks, it's got all the ingredients for success. I highly recommend checking it out!
Impress your friends and neighbors! Be the life of any party! You'll never go hungry again with your very own vending machine! Chips, candy, soda, just think of all the scrumptious possibilities.
A Belltowner is selling a vending machine for 300 bucks. Click here for more information.
As you may recall back in June, a nest of baby peregrine falcons were found dead atop the downtown Wamu tower. At the time the cause of death was undetermined, however after further research, scientists have determined that the cause of the baby chicks death was linked to a type of bacteria called mycoplasma. "Mycoplasmas are very common bugs, and most animals including humans carry them," says Washington State University's head of microbiology.
Maybe for some reason the chicks were exposed to it at just the wrong time or in the wrong amount," he said. "Maybe they were cold, or just unlucky. It's all pure speculation."
Sad story. At least now we have some answers.
You heard it right! In honor of the "Running of the bulls" event held this week in Pampalona Spain, Belltown is throwing a little bull-running fiesta of it's own tonight.
The starting point is the alley between 1st and Second, at Battery and the finish line is the new deck behind Txori restaurant. Where do the bulls come in you ask? "Bulls" will be provided by several local restaurants, mounted on shopping carts.
Participants are encouraged to show up at Txori around 6pm to register for the event which costs $20 and begins at 8pm. All proceeds go to Puget Sound Blood Bank and participants receive a t-shirt along with registration. Make sure to wear white pants and a red sash around your waist!
"Viva Belltown!"
Yet more construction on the way for our evergrowing Belltown. It looks like two 440 foot high rise towers are on their way on the corner of 2nd ave. and Virginia st. The first tower will be a 38-story building with 139 hotel rooms, 186 residences above them, street-level shops and parking for 294 vehicles.
The second tower, located across the street to the north, will mirror the first in design, however only contain residences and street-level retail.
Both of the buildings are being developed by The Justen Co. LLC of Seattle and Columbia West Properties Inc. of Bellevue. Community members are encouraged to attend a meeting with the city's Design Review Board who will determine whether the developers have complied with all guidelines. The meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. at Seattle City Hall, 600 Fourth Ave., Room L280.
Click here for more information.
Female artist known as "Mistinguett" is currently showing her work 'Life in Feathers and Rhinestones" at The Gilt Edge Society on 4th avenue. The Seattle P-I has written a very interesting article about her story this week if you'd like to check it out.
Apparently Mistinguett has a past of costume design and choreography for Las Vegas style revue shows, was featured in the HBO special "Showgirls: Glitz and Angst" and is an 8 time "show of the year" award winner. Quite the resume if you ask me.
Her art celebrates the woman body through glittery and glamorous illustrations of Vegas showgirls. Artist Mistinguett sums up her show by saying, "It's nudity, in the sense of flirting."
"Life in Feathers and Rhinestones" will be showing at Gilt Edge until Monday July 7. Click here for more information.
A kind Belltowner is looking for the owner of a female calico cat found in a parking garage at 5th and Bell st. If you or someone you know lost a cat recently matching this description, please click here.
Looking for a night out with your buddies? Belltown's See Sound Lounge has a new Ladies Night every Wednesday. Ladies receive free entry however both guys and girls are free to enjoy their happy hour from 6-10pm offering $3 Drafts, wine and champagne. All Stolichnaya vodka cocktails are on special for $4, and they also offer a $4 appetizer menu.
I stopped in the other night with a group of girls to check things out and we were pleasantly suprised to see that the place was packed. The DJ plays a variety of old school and top 40 mash-ups. If you're looking for a mid-week party in Belltown this is definitely your destination.
Click here for more information.
On July 12 there will be a Belltown community clean-up event called "Green and Clean." The event is sponsored by Belltown Community Council, Belltown Business Association, and Mars Hill Church.
Volunteers are encouraged to show up at 10am in front of Mars Hill Church.
I love the idea, it sounds like a great way to bring Belltown together as a greener community! Click here for more information.
Earlier this morning at approximately 11am a bank robbery occurred at a Wells Fargo in West Seattle. Police chased down the suspect eventually blocking his car at 1st and Spring st. downtown. When the suspect refused to exit the car and even displayed a handgun, the Police opened fire. The man was shot in the neck and is currently in intensive care.
"I was walking down the street. I've only been here a couple of days," said a downtown tourist from England. "I thought they were shooting a movie. When I see this in the movies, I thought it was overkill. I thought it was Hollywood, but that's just America."
Wow, quite the excitement for a Tuesday morning.
The Belltown Messenger recently posted a behind the scenes look at a day in the life of a Belltown crack addict. "We're writing this article to put a human face on addiction. We're sick of the stereotypes presented in the media about crackheads. It's like whenever someone sees a black person, especially a street person, they are always derided as a crackhead." Reads the article.
I don't know guys. Yes, drug addicts are people too. No, we can't expect to not see them in Belltown alleys getting a fix once in a while when they've been here long before the condos. But, this "Yay for crackheads boo for Belltown yuppies" campaign that the Messenger seems to be on is getting old. With various comments and articles throughout the past few months that express more concern for drug addict rights over the concerns of residents I get annoyed. It becomes evident in this article how easy it is to access drugs in the neighborhood, which concerns me.
This is a question of neighbors who desire a peaceful living environment. All we want is to walk down the street without a whiff of crack smoke blown in our faces, or children's faces for that matter, or some wigged out drug addict who can't score a fix so he starts throwing things or yells at you when you won't give him a dollar. Am I right?
Click here to check out the article.
This Friday Belltown will have it's first 4th of July block party from 3-10pm. There will be food, art and food vendors, music, and a view of the Elliott Bay fireworks. There's even a section for kids if you want to bring the little ones along.
The party will be held outside of Belltown's Mars Hill Church, although the party is a non-religious event. Sounds fun!
RSS feed
Facebook group