Since my last post, I've attended three fantastic concerts. Each was very different from the others -- a different type of music, a different type of show, a different type of audience. Yet each and every one of them was very good.
On October 2 and 3, 2012, legendary pop diva Madonna brought her own brand of magic to the Key Arena. Since the Key Arena is located in Seattle and Madonna is gay-friendly, I was not surprised that most of her audience was gay. But gay people are fun to party with.
The Material Girl does not put on an ordinary rock concert -- she puts on a spectacle. In addition to her party music, Madonna's MDNA concert featured hip hop dancers and acrobats on tight ropes, fabulous costumes, sensational video effects and a video clip of Nicki Minaj.
Her October 3 performance started two hours late. We assumed that the concert started late because Madonna wanted to watch the presidential debate. She is, after all, a devout supporter of President Obama and the Democratic Party. While we were waiting for her show to begin, DJ Martin Solveig and Madonna's youngest son, David, warmed up the audience with techno remixing.
The concert opened with "Like a Prayer" and featured male hip hop and acro dancers dressed as monks and gargoyles ringing a lighted bell. The scene brought the Hunchback of Notre Dame to mind. Then the Material Girl made her grand entrance. This number was campy and fun.
Another notable number, "Gang Bang," was set in a seedy hotel room. Madonna sang, "Bang bang! I shot you dead Bang bang! Shot my lover in the head" while she took aim at a male dancer. The song's lyrics were catchy, but this part of the show was rather dark. She and her troupe of dancers waved guns as they danced around the stage. Blood splatter was one of the video effects. This number culminates with her being sent to hell. It's easy to understand why some people were offended by the violence and guns in the show so soon after the Colorado massacre.
My favorite part of her MDNA show was her performance of "Express Yourself." Madonna dressed up in a red and white drum majorette's costume with a baton. The dancers also dressed up as members of a high school marching band. Her show needed something like and uplifting after her performance of "Gang Bang."
Toward the end of her show, Madonna showed her audience that she had "Obama" written or tattooed in black ink on her back. I know that she is outspoken and politically active. I voted for Obama myself. When I go to a concert, I go to listen to music. I don't want to read an entertainer's political views.
I've always like Madonna. She and I are the same age. We also have children who are the same age. My seat was so close to the stage that I got a good look at the pop star. Madonna is still as beautiful (and as thin) as she was in the late 80's. Her figure is so beautiful that my first impression was "That woman looks like she doesn't eat."
Showing posts with label Seattle. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Seattle. Show all posts
Monday, November 19, 2012
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Mummies Uncovered -- King Tut Visits Seattle
Seattle's Pacific Science Center is offering a rare and wonderful treat -- an exhibit dedicated to ancient Egypt's boy pharoah, King Tutankhamum. Organized by National Geographic and Arts and Exhibitions International, the exhibit is on display for the final time in North America. Washingtonians are lucky to have an opportunity to see King Tut's treasures before they are flown back to Egypt.
On November 4, 1922, King Tut's nearly intact tomb was discovered in Egypt's Valley of the Kings by British explorers, Howard Carter and George Herbert, 5th Earl of Carnarvon. King Tut became the most famous of ancient Egypt's pharoahs because his tomb and its artifacts were the best preserved. His mummy's mask is a popular symbol of ancient Egypt.
King Tut was born circa 1341 B.C. His father was Akhenaten. His mother's name was lost to antiquity, but she is now known as "the Younger Lady." DNA evidence suggests that Tut's parents were brother and sister. It was an Egyptian custom that the Pharoah married his sister to prevent their royal blood from mixing with the general population's. Tut may have suffered genetic defects because his parents were so closely related. As a prince, he was known as Tutankhaten, which meant "Living Image of Aten."
Tutankhaten became Pharoah in 1332 B.C. when he was nine or ten years old. He reigned during the late 18th Dynasty during a period known as the New Kingdom. He married one of his half-sisters, Ankhesenpaaten. He and his wife had two stillborn daughters, who were buried with Tut when he died.
One of the most significant events of Tut's reign occurred during the third year of his reign. Tut's father had made the god, Aten, the supreme god. As Pharoah, Tut ended the worship of Aten, lifted the ban on the cult of Amun, and restored the traditional rights to Amun's priesthood. Thebes became Egypt's capital again. The city of Akhetaten was abandoned. At this time, the young Pharoah changed his name to
Tutankhamun, which meant "Living Image of Amun." His wife changed her name to Ankhesenamun.
King Tut died when he was about nineteen years old. Shortly before his death, he had broken his leg and his leg became infected. He also suffered from malaria. The relatively small size of his tomb suggests that his death was unexpected.
After his death, his body was mummified and buried with treasures, including a pair of golden sandals. Ancient Egyptians tried to erase Tut's reign from their history, partly because the boy king's reign was so short and partly because the god Aten was restored to supremacy.
My children were slightly disappointed because the mummy on display is only a replica of King Tut's mummy. They were expecting to see a real mummy. The history may also be difficult for younger children to understand. But if you are interested in the ancient world, you might enjoy the King Tut exhibit.
The exhibit will be on display daily from 9:45 a.m. to 6 p.m. until January 6, 2013.
The Pacific Science Center is located at 200 Second Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98109.
Their phone number is (206) 443-2001.
Individual Ticket Prices For The General Public
Mon-Thurs Fri-Sun & Holidays
Adults (16-64) $27.50 $32.50
Seniors (65+) $24.50 $29.50
Youth (6-15) $16.50 $21.50
Child (3-5) $15.50 $20.50
Student (with ID) $24.50 $29.50
Add the IMAX movies Mummies: Secrets of the Pharaohs or Mysteries of Egypt for $4.00.
Add the Audio Guide narrated by Harrison Ford for $6.00.
Some of historical information in this article was taken from Wikipedia.
On November 4, 1922, King Tut's nearly intact tomb was discovered in Egypt's Valley of the Kings by British explorers, Howard Carter and George Herbert, 5th Earl of Carnarvon. King Tut became the most famous of ancient Egypt's pharoahs because his tomb and its artifacts were the best preserved. His mummy's mask is a popular symbol of ancient Egypt.
King Tut was born circa 1341 B.C. His father was Akhenaten. His mother's name was lost to antiquity, but she is now known as "the Younger Lady." DNA evidence suggests that Tut's parents were brother and sister. It was an Egyptian custom that the Pharoah married his sister to prevent their royal blood from mixing with the general population's. Tut may have suffered genetic defects because his parents were so closely related. As a prince, he was known as Tutankhaten, which meant "Living Image of Aten."
Tutankhaten became Pharoah in 1332 B.C. when he was nine or ten years old. He reigned during the late 18th Dynasty during a period known as the New Kingdom. He married one of his half-sisters, Ankhesenpaaten. He and his wife had two stillborn daughters, who were buried with Tut when he died.
One of the most significant events of Tut's reign occurred during the third year of his reign. Tut's father had made the god, Aten, the supreme god. As Pharoah, Tut ended the worship of Aten, lifted the ban on the cult of Amun, and restored the traditional rights to Amun's priesthood. Thebes became Egypt's capital again. The city of Akhetaten was abandoned. At this time, the young Pharoah changed his name to
Tutankhamun, which meant "Living Image of Amun." His wife changed her name to Ankhesenamun.
King Tut died when he was about nineteen years old. Shortly before his death, he had broken his leg and his leg became infected. He also suffered from malaria. The relatively small size of his tomb suggests that his death was unexpected.
After his death, his body was mummified and buried with treasures, including a pair of golden sandals. Ancient Egyptians tried to erase Tut's reign from their history, partly because the boy king's reign was so short and partly because the god Aten was restored to supremacy.
My children were slightly disappointed because the mummy on display is only a replica of King Tut's mummy. They were expecting to see a real mummy. The history may also be difficult for younger children to understand. But if you are interested in the ancient world, you might enjoy the King Tut exhibit.
The exhibit will be on display daily from 9:45 a.m. to 6 p.m. until January 6, 2013.
The Pacific Science Center is located at 200 Second Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98109.
Their phone number is (206) 443-2001.
Individual Ticket Prices For The General Public
Mon-Thurs Fri-Sun & Holidays
Adults (16-64) $27.50 $32.50
Seniors (65+) $24.50 $29.50
Youth (6-15) $16.50 $21.50
Child (3-5) $15.50 $20.50
Student (with ID) $24.50 $29.50
Add the IMAX movies Mummies: Secrets of the Pharaohs or Mysteries of Egypt for $4.00.
Add the Audio Guide narrated by Harrison Ford for $6.00.
Some of historical information in this article was taken from Wikipedia.
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Meet Julie Andrews: Actress, Singer, and Author
On Saturday, April 28, 2012, my girls and I had the honor and privilege of meeting stage and screen legend, Julie Andrews, at Costco in Seattle, Washington.
Julie Andrews was the guest of honor at four book signings in the Seattle area on April 28 and 29. She came to the Pacific Northwest to promote the new children's book that she and her daughter, Emma Walton Hamilton, have written. This book is entitled "The Very Fairy Princess Here Comes the Flower Girl." It is the third of their bestselling "The Very Fairy Princess" series. This delightful series is about a little girl named Geraldine who believes she is a fairy princess because she feels a certain sparkle inside. The latest book tells about how Geraldine prepares to be the flower girl in her Aunt Sue's wedding.
Born in Surrey, England in 1935, Julie Andrews has appeared in more than 40 movies. Her first film appearance was in "The Singing Princess" in 1949. At age 19, she first performed on Broadway in "The Boyfriend." She received an Oscar for her role as the practically perfect nanny in "Mary Poppins" in 1964. She was also nominated for an Oscar for her performance as Maria Von Trapp in "The Sound of Music" in 1965. Her roles in "Hawaii," "Thoroughly Modern Millie," and "Victor/Victoria" were among her other noteworthy performances. She is probably best known to the younger generation as the reigning queen of Genovia in "The Princess Diaries."
At age 76, Julie Andrews is still as beautiful, elegant and refined as she was ten years ago in "The Princess Diaries." Her second husband, director Blake Edwards, passed away in 2010. But don't worry about Julie. Her life is very active. She and her daughter have written two other books that will be released this year. She will also be the director of the stage adaption of another children's book that she and her daughter wrote called "The Great Mousical."
Costco's manager told us that at midnight people began lining outside their store for the chance to meet the actress. Costco gave 200 tickets to the book signing to its members. My girls and I were lucky to receive Ticket 196. Not only did she autograph the copies of her books we purchased, Ms. Andrews spoke briefly with us. Tears welled in my eyes when I told her I had loved her since I was five years old when she was in Mary Poppins. She smiled and said, "Well, that dates both of us."
Julie Andrews was very kind to children. Korinna proudly told her that she and Alyson are dancers. Ms. Andrews told them that she started her career as a dancer. Ms. Andrews explained that dance teaches girls to sit up straight and to be graceful.
P.S. Information about Julie Andrew's acting career was taken from Wikipedia.
Julie Andrews was the guest of honor at four book signings in the Seattle area on April 28 and 29. She came to the Pacific Northwest to promote the new children's book that she and her daughter, Emma Walton Hamilton, have written. This book is entitled "The Very Fairy Princess Here Comes the Flower Girl." It is the third of their bestselling "The Very Fairy Princess" series. This delightful series is about a little girl named Geraldine who believes she is a fairy princess because she feels a certain sparkle inside. The latest book tells about how Geraldine prepares to be the flower girl in her Aunt Sue's wedding.
Born in Surrey, England in 1935, Julie Andrews has appeared in more than 40 movies. Her first film appearance was in "The Singing Princess" in 1949. At age 19, she first performed on Broadway in "The Boyfriend." She received an Oscar for her role as the practically perfect nanny in "Mary Poppins" in 1964. She was also nominated for an Oscar for her performance as Maria Von Trapp in "The Sound of Music" in 1965. Her roles in "Hawaii," "Thoroughly Modern Millie," and "Victor/Victoria" were among her other noteworthy performances. She is probably best known to the younger generation as the reigning queen of Genovia in "The Princess Diaries."
At age 76, Julie Andrews is still as beautiful, elegant and refined as she was ten years ago in "The Princess Diaries." Her second husband, director Blake Edwards, passed away in 2010. But don't worry about Julie. Her life is very active. She and her daughter have written two other books that will be released this year. She will also be the director of the stage adaption of another children's book that she and her daughter wrote called "The Great Mousical."
Costco's manager told us that at midnight people began lining outside their store for the chance to meet the actress. Costco gave 200 tickets to the book signing to its members. My girls and I were lucky to receive Ticket 196. Not only did she autograph the copies of her books we purchased, Ms. Andrews spoke briefly with us. Tears welled in my eyes when I told her I had loved her since I was five years old when she was in Mary Poppins. She smiled and said, "Well, that dates both of us."
Julie Andrews was very kind to children. Korinna proudly told her that she and Alyson are dancers. Ms. Andrews told them that she started her career as a dancer. Ms. Andrews explained that dance teaches girls to sit up straight and to be graceful.
P.S. Information about Julie Andrew's acting career was taken from Wikipedia.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Justice Department Won't Prosecute Ian Birk
On January 13, 2012, the Justice Department announced that it will not file federal charges against former Seattle police officer Ian Birk related to the death of Native American woodcarver, Jon T. Williams.
A team of federal prosecutors and FBI agents determined that there is insufficient evidence to establish a federal criminal civil rights violation against Birk.
Almost a year ago, King County Prosecutor Dan Satterberg announced that he would not file criminal charges against Birk because Washington state law protects police officers from prosecution when they act in good faith.
In January 2011, a non-binding inquest was split over whether Birk perceived a threat when he killed the woodcarver. Only one of the eight inquest jurors stated that Williams posed a threat to the officer who killed him. Birk voluntarily resigned from the Seattle Police Department shortly after the inquest findings were announced.
Birk shot and killed Jon T. Williams in Seattle on August 30, 2010. The altercation took place after the police officer saw Williams crossing Boren Avenue at Howell Street in broad daylight. The woodcarver was carrying a piece of wood and his carving knife. Birk has stated that he thought Williams was inebriated. The police officer parked his car. Approaching Williams, Birk ordered him to drop his knife three times before he shot him four times from a close distance.
Initial reports indicated that Williams advanced toward the police officer. Two witnesses testified during the inquest that this was not true. Both testified that Williams did not threaten or attack Birk before he was shot. Physical evidence also showed that Williams was shot in his side. Photos show that Williams' carving knife was in a closed position when he was shot.
During the inquest, the online edition of the Seattle Times featured a video recording taken from a camera attached to Birk's police car. The video did not the shooting, but showed Birk parking his car and walking toward Williams. Shortly thereafter, gun shots were heard.
I've watched the video half a dozen times. Based upon what I saw and heard in the video, I felt that Birk was the aggressor in the altercation. I also felt that Birk did not allow the woodcarver sufficient time to drop his knife. After all, Jon T. Williams was in his early fifties, was hard of hearing and had been drinking alcohol. All of these factors would have slowed his response. Williams deserved more than four seconds to death.
I understand that, at the time that Williams was killed, law enforcement was still stirred up because Mark Clemmons' murdered four Lakewood police officers on November 29, 2009. But there is no excuse for police brutality.
It's unfortunate that the Williams family cannot get justice for their slain brother. I've been a strong supporter of the Williams family and the First Nations tribe since I first read about this tragedy. If I could speak with those who work for the Justice Department, I would tell them that whether or not Jon T. Williams was an alcoholic should not matter. Whether Williams was homeless or poor should not matter. His skin color should not matter either. Jon T. Williams was a human being. Officer Birk did not have the right to murder him. This is Washington, not Texas. Washingtonians do not approve of law enforcement persecuting minority groups.
A team of federal prosecutors and FBI agents determined that there is insufficient evidence to establish a federal criminal civil rights violation against Birk.
Almost a year ago, King County Prosecutor Dan Satterberg announced that he would not file criminal charges against Birk because Washington state law protects police officers from prosecution when they act in good faith.
In January 2011, a non-binding inquest was split over whether Birk perceived a threat when he killed the woodcarver. Only one of the eight inquest jurors stated that Williams posed a threat to the officer who killed him. Birk voluntarily resigned from the Seattle Police Department shortly after the inquest findings were announced.
Birk shot and killed Jon T. Williams in Seattle on August 30, 2010. The altercation took place after the police officer saw Williams crossing Boren Avenue at Howell Street in broad daylight. The woodcarver was carrying a piece of wood and his carving knife. Birk has stated that he thought Williams was inebriated. The police officer parked his car. Approaching Williams, Birk ordered him to drop his knife three times before he shot him four times from a close distance.
Initial reports indicated that Williams advanced toward the police officer. Two witnesses testified during the inquest that this was not true. Both testified that Williams did not threaten or attack Birk before he was shot. Physical evidence also showed that Williams was shot in his side. Photos show that Williams' carving knife was in a closed position when he was shot.
During the inquest, the online edition of the Seattle Times featured a video recording taken from a camera attached to Birk's police car. The video did not the shooting, but showed Birk parking his car and walking toward Williams. Shortly thereafter, gun shots were heard.
I've watched the video half a dozen times. Based upon what I saw and heard in the video, I felt that Birk was the aggressor in the altercation. I also felt that Birk did not allow the woodcarver sufficient time to drop his knife. After all, Jon T. Williams was in his early fifties, was hard of hearing and had been drinking alcohol. All of these factors would have slowed his response. Williams deserved more than four seconds to death.
I understand that, at the time that Williams was killed, law enforcement was still stirred up because Mark Clemmons' murdered four Lakewood police officers on November 29, 2009. But there is no excuse for police brutality.
It's unfortunate that the Williams family cannot get justice for their slain brother. I've been a strong supporter of the Williams family and the First Nations tribe since I first read about this tragedy. If I could speak with those who work for the Justice Department, I would tell them that whether or not Jon T. Williams was an alcoholic should not matter. Whether Williams was homeless or poor should not matter. His skin color should not matter either. Jon T. Williams was a human being. Officer Birk did not have the right to murder him. This is Washington, not Texas. Washingtonians do not approve of law enforcement persecuting minority groups.
Monday, January 9, 2012
A Stormy Night Atop the Space Needle
Kristina, Kandice, Jeremy and I concluded our day by ascending to the top of the Space Needle. Built in 1962 for the World's Fair, the Space Needle has been a symbol of Seattle and a major landmark for the Pacific Northwest for 50 years. (The tiny white circles in this photo aren't stars. They're raindrops!)
We ascended the Space Needle via a glass elevator that provided a panoramic view of the city. At the top of the Space Needle is a 360-degree observation deck. In the day time, visitors can see snow-capped Mount Ranier in the south. The Cascade Mountains can be seen in the east and the Olympic Mountains in the west. Visitors may use the Swarovski telescopes to get a closer view of the bustling city below.
When the Space Needle was built in 1962, it was the tallest building west of the Mississippi River. It is now the seventh tallest building in the city of Seattle. It is surprising that no one was killed during the construction of the tower. In 1999, the Space Needle was named a historic landmark by Seattle's Landmarks Preservation Board.
Also at the top of the Space Needle is the Skycity Restaurant, which serves brunch on weekends, lunch during the week and dinner nightly. There's also a snack bar that features Starbucks coffee and Seattle dogs. A Seattle dog is a hot dog served with cream cheese, grilled onions and bacon.
The Puget Sound and Elliot Bay can be seen from the observation deck. In this photo, you can see a ferry crossing Elliot Bay in the distance.
The Space Needle was built to withstand winds of up to 200 miles per hour and earthquakes of up to 9.1 magnitude. There are 25 lightning rods on the roof to prevent lightning damage. On the night that we were there, Seattle was experiencing a rainstorm. It was so windy and cold that we couldn't go on one side of the observation deck because we were afraid we would get blown away.
The Space Needle is located near Seattle Center at 400 Broad Street, Seattle, WA. Hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. during the week and from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. General admission tickets to the observation deck are $19.00 per person. Tickets for children 4 to 12 years old cost $12.00 per child. Tickets for seniors 65 years and older are $17.00 per person.
This is a photo of my daughter, Kandice, and her fiance, Jeremy, standing beneath the Space Needle. They plan to be married on June 1, 2012 in Hawaii. Congratulations and best wishes to the happy couple!
We ascended the Space Needle via a glass elevator that provided a panoramic view of the city. At the top of the Space Needle is a 360-degree observation deck. In the day time, visitors can see snow-capped Mount Ranier in the south. The Cascade Mountains can be seen in the east and the Olympic Mountains in the west. Visitors may use the Swarovski telescopes to get a closer view of the bustling city below.
When the Space Needle was built in 1962, it was the tallest building west of the Mississippi River. It is now the seventh tallest building in the city of Seattle. It is surprising that no one was killed during the construction of the tower. In 1999, the Space Needle was named a historic landmark by Seattle's Landmarks Preservation Board.
Also at the top of the Space Needle is the Skycity Restaurant, which serves brunch on weekends, lunch during the week and dinner nightly. There's also a snack bar that features Starbucks coffee and Seattle dogs. A Seattle dog is a hot dog served with cream cheese, grilled onions and bacon.
The Puget Sound and Elliot Bay can be seen from the observation deck. In this photo, you can see a ferry crossing Elliot Bay in the distance.
The Space Needle was built to withstand winds of up to 200 miles per hour and earthquakes of up to 9.1 magnitude. There are 25 lightning rods on the roof to prevent lightning damage. On the night that we were there, Seattle was experiencing a rainstorm. It was so windy and cold that we couldn't go on one side of the observation deck because we were afraid we would get blown away.
The Space Needle is located near Seattle Center at 400 Broad Street, Seattle, WA. Hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. during the week and from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. General admission tickets to the observation deck are $19.00 per person. Tickets for children 4 to 12 years old cost $12.00 per child. Tickets for seniors 65 years and older are $17.00 per person.
This is a photo of my daughter, Kandice, and her fiance, Jeremy, standing beneath the Space Needle. They plan to be married on June 1, 2012 in Hawaii. Congratulations and best wishes to the happy couple!
Sunday, January 8, 2012
A Trip to the Oyster House
After Kristina, Kandice, Jeremy and I went to Pike Place Market, we went to the Brooklyn Seafood, Steak and Oyster House in downtown Seattle for dinner.
Kandice and Jeremy are foodies. That means they like to eat gourmet food. My daughter says that she developed a taste for oysters in a half shell while working in Boston, Massachusetts. Since they normally eat oysters from the Atlantic Ocean, she and Jeremy wanted to try oysters from the Pacific Ocean. They chose to dine at the Brooklyn because the Brooklyn offers the largest rotating selection of fresh oysters in Seattle.
Now I would lying to you if I said I liked to eat oysters. The truth is I have rarely eaten oysters in my life. I think they're slimy. I did try one at the Brooklyn, and it wasn't half-bad. All right. I'll be generous. It was good. But I would have preferred to leave the oyster at the seashore so that it could produce pearls.
But Kandice, Jeremy and Kristina really did enjoy sampling the oysters. They ordered a baker's dozen. They were so pleased with the first that they ordered a second baker's dozen.
Meanwhile, I happily munched on a delicious salad.
I learned that oysters from one part of the seashore taste different than oysters from other areas. I also learned a few new terms to describe this new delicacy. For example, "briny" means it tastes like fish. In contrast, other oysters taste "fruity."
In addition to oysters, the Brooklyn offers fresh seafood delivered daily, beef aged for 28 days and leg of lamb.
The Brooklyn Seafood, Steak and Oyster House is located at 1212 2nd Ave, Seattle, WA 98101. The restaurant is located across the street from the Seattle Art Museum. It's just a short walk from Pike Place Market or the Seattle waterfront.
Hours of operation are from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. during the week. On Saturday the restaurant is open from 4:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. On Sunday it is open from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. You can make reservations online or by telephoning (206) 224-7000.
Happy New Year to all!
Kandice and Jeremy are foodies. That means they like to eat gourmet food. My daughter says that she developed a taste for oysters in a half shell while working in Boston, Massachusetts. Since they normally eat oysters from the Atlantic Ocean, she and Jeremy wanted to try oysters from the Pacific Ocean. They chose to dine at the Brooklyn because the Brooklyn offers the largest rotating selection of fresh oysters in Seattle.
Now I would lying to you if I said I liked to eat oysters. The truth is I have rarely eaten oysters in my life. I think they're slimy. I did try one at the Brooklyn, and it wasn't half-bad. All right. I'll be generous. It was good. But I would have preferred to leave the oyster at the seashore so that it could produce pearls.
But Kandice, Jeremy and Kristina really did enjoy sampling the oysters. They ordered a baker's dozen. They were so pleased with the first that they ordered a second baker's dozen.
Meanwhile, I happily munched on a delicious salad.
I learned that oysters from one part of the seashore taste different than oysters from other areas. I also learned a few new terms to describe this new delicacy. For example, "briny" means it tastes like fish. In contrast, other oysters taste "fruity."
In addition to oysters, the Brooklyn offers fresh seafood delivered daily, beef aged for 28 days and leg of lamb.
The Brooklyn Seafood, Steak and Oyster House is located at 1212 2nd Ave, Seattle, WA 98101. The restaurant is located across the street from the Seattle Art Museum. It's just a short walk from Pike Place Market or the Seattle waterfront.
Hours of operation are from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. during the week. On Saturday the restaurant is open from 4:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. On Sunday it is open from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. You can make reservations online or by telephoning (206) 224-7000.
Happy New Year to all!
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Shop Til You Drop at Pike Place Market
This Christmas was special because my daughter, Kandice, and her fiance, Jeremy, flew from Texas to spend the holidays with us. As a treat, my eldest daughter, Kristina, and I took them to our favorite city in Washington -- Seattle.
One of the most exciting places in Seattle is the Pike Place Market. Overlooking Elliot Bay, the public market was established in 1907. Over the years it has grown to include three stories of unique shops, eateries, arcades, crafts vendors and a world famous fish company. Not long ago, Kandice and I went on a vacation to Boston, Massachusetts. Boston's Faneuil Hall Marketplace was a disappointment to me because I expected it to be like Seattle's public market. Kandice has traveled all over Europe, and she says that none of the European markets compare to it. The Pike Place Market truly is one of a kind.
Across the street from the public market is the Beecher's Handmade Cheese store, where you can watch Beecher's employees produce cheese in metal tubs. Beecher's sell fine cheese, cheese curds and whey.
Beecher's is famous for selling "the best macaroni and cheese in the world." You can buy it in their deli or purchase a kit to make it at home. Kristina and Kandice tried it. They said that it puts Kraft's to shame. After you've tasted Beecher's, you won't want to eat mac and cheese from a box ever again.
Also across the street from the market is the Sotto Voce shop, where you can sample and purchase flavored olive oils, balsamic vinegars and wine vinegars. These gourmet oils and vinegars are produced locally in Spanaway, Washington. We especially liked their spicy Aceto Balsamico and Olio ai Funghi, their mushroom-flavored olive oil. To create a mouth-watering appetizer, combine equal parts of balsamic vinegar and your favorite olive oil on a small plate or bowl. Then dip slices of fresh French bread into the mix. To order Sotto Voce products, call 1-800-487-0730. Their web site is www.SottoVoce.com.
The original Starbucks coffee shop is located across the street from the public market at 1912 Pike Place, Seattle, Washington. Starbucks likes to boast, "This is where it all began in 1971." Their Pike Place Roast was named after the company's birth place. Their first store is always busy. On the afternoon that we visited the market, there were at least fifty people waiting in line to buy Starbucks coffee. It was so crowded that we decided to pass on lattes.
Located on the corner of Pike Place and Pike Street, the Pike Place Fish Market is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Seattle. Thousands of people visit this open air fish market every day in the summer. The fish company was founded in 1930. In 1965, John Yokoyama purchased it. In 1986, the little-known fish market was approaching bankruptcy. Mr. Yokoyama and his staff decided to save the business by introducing fishmongers who would throw fish and play games with customers. The staff thought that if they showed the public that they always enjoyed their work, their customers would enjoy it too.
When the Goodwill Games were held in Seattle in 1990, news crews discovered the fishmongers' performances. The fish market was featured on Good Morning America and in magazines. In 1991, CNN named the Pike Place Fish Market as one of the three most fun places to work in America.
The fish company offers fresh or smoked salmon, dungeness crab, talapia and a variety of specialty fish products. For a fee, the fish market will ship its seafood overnight anywhere in the continental United States. To order, call 1 (800) 542-7732.
Visitors can purchase a wide variety of products at Pike Place Market. Vendors sell homemade candles and soaps, jewelry, and crafts. Fresh fruits, vegetables and floral bouquets are available in the farmers' market. Art galleries, antiques dealers and clothing boutiques are also located in the public market.
One of Seattle's most popular attractions is Rachel, the Pike Place Market piggy bank. The 550-pound bronze sculpture has stood in front of the market for 25 years. The piggy bank was created by artist Georgia Gerber in 1986 to raise money to help downtown Seattle's low income and elderly residents. Rachel was designed to resemble a real pig named Rachel who lived on Whidbey Island. The piggy bank stands where the first farmers' market was held more than 100 years ago. Over the years, Rachel has raised almost $200,000 for Seattle's social services.
In February 2011, Rachel was struck and damaged by a taxi that had been rear-ended. She sustained a large crack behind her left ear, a dent on her left side and numerous abrasions. She was brought back to Whidbey Island so that Georgia Gerber's team could make repairs. In March 2011, Rachel went on tour of Seattle before she returned to Pike Place Market.
Seattle's beloved Tuba Man was murdered in 2008, but Pike Place Market would not be the same without street musicians.
Pike Place Market is located at 1st & Pike in Seattle. The market is open 362 days per year. Fish and produce markets open at 7 a.m. Merchant hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., but hours vary by business and season. Last call in restaurants and bars is 1:30 a.m.
Happy New Year to all!
Information about the history of the market and Rachel the piggy bank was from Wikipedia, Seattle Post Intelligencer and Komo News.
One of the most exciting places in Seattle is the Pike Place Market. Overlooking Elliot Bay, the public market was established in 1907. Over the years it has grown to include three stories of unique shops, eateries, arcades, crafts vendors and a world famous fish company. Not long ago, Kandice and I went on a vacation to Boston, Massachusetts. Boston's Faneuil Hall Marketplace was a disappointment to me because I expected it to be like Seattle's public market. Kandice has traveled all over Europe, and she says that none of the European markets compare to it. The Pike Place Market truly is one of a kind.
Across the street from the public market is the Beecher's Handmade Cheese store, where you can watch Beecher's employees produce cheese in metal tubs. Beecher's sell fine cheese, cheese curds and whey.
Beecher's is famous for selling "the best macaroni and cheese in the world." You can buy it in their deli or purchase a kit to make it at home. Kristina and Kandice tried it. They said that it puts Kraft's to shame. After you've tasted Beecher's, you won't want to eat mac and cheese from a box ever again.
Also across the street from the market is the Sotto Voce shop, where you can sample and purchase flavored olive oils, balsamic vinegars and wine vinegars. These gourmet oils and vinegars are produced locally in Spanaway, Washington. We especially liked their spicy Aceto Balsamico and Olio ai Funghi, their mushroom-flavored olive oil. To create a mouth-watering appetizer, combine equal parts of balsamic vinegar and your favorite olive oil on a small plate or bowl. Then dip slices of fresh French bread into the mix. To order Sotto Voce products, call 1-800-487-0730. Their web site is www.SottoVoce.com.
The original Starbucks coffee shop is located across the street from the public market at 1912 Pike Place, Seattle, Washington. Starbucks likes to boast, "This is where it all began in 1971." Their Pike Place Roast was named after the company's birth place. Their first store is always busy. On the afternoon that we visited the market, there were at least fifty people waiting in line to buy Starbucks coffee. It was so crowded that we decided to pass on lattes.
Located on the corner of Pike Place and Pike Street, the Pike Place Fish Market is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Seattle. Thousands of people visit this open air fish market every day in the summer. The fish company was founded in 1930. In 1965, John Yokoyama purchased it. In 1986, the little-known fish market was approaching bankruptcy. Mr. Yokoyama and his staff decided to save the business by introducing fishmongers who would throw fish and play games with customers. The staff thought that if they showed the public that they always enjoyed their work, their customers would enjoy it too.
When the Goodwill Games were held in Seattle in 1990, news crews discovered the fishmongers' performances. The fish market was featured on Good Morning America and in magazines. In 1991, CNN named the Pike Place Fish Market as one of the three most fun places to work in America.
The fish company offers fresh or smoked salmon, dungeness crab, talapia and a variety of specialty fish products. For a fee, the fish market will ship its seafood overnight anywhere in the continental United States. To order, call 1 (800) 542-7732.
Visitors can purchase a wide variety of products at Pike Place Market. Vendors sell homemade candles and soaps, jewelry, and crafts. Fresh fruits, vegetables and floral bouquets are available in the farmers' market. Art galleries, antiques dealers and clothing boutiques are also located in the public market.
One of Seattle's most popular attractions is Rachel, the Pike Place Market piggy bank. The 550-pound bronze sculpture has stood in front of the market for 25 years. The piggy bank was created by artist Georgia Gerber in 1986 to raise money to help downtown Seattle's low income and elderly residents. Rachel was designed to resemble a real pig named Rachel who lived on Whidbey Island. The piggy bank stands where the first farmers' market was held more than 100 years ago. Over the years, Rachel has raised almost $200,000 for Seattle's social services.
In February 2011, Rachel was struck and damaged by a taxi that had been rear-ended. She sustained a large crack behind her left ear, a dent on her left side and numerous abrasions. She was brought back to Whidbey Island so that Georgia Gerber's team could make repairs. In March 2011, Rachel went on tour of Seattle before she returned to Pike Place Market.
Seattle's beloved Tuba Man was murdered in 2008, but Pike Place Market would not be the same without street musicians.
Pike Place Market is located at 1st & Pike in Seattle. The market is open 362 days per year. Fish and produce markets open at 7 a.m. Merchant hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., but hours vary by business and season. Last call in restaurants and bars is 1:30 a.m.
Happy New Year to all!
Information about the history of the market and Rachel the piggy bank was from Wikipedia, Seattle Post Intelligencer and Komo News.
Saturday, October 1, 2011
An Evening in Morocco
Last Saturday, after we visited the Nirvana exhibit at the Experience Music Project, Kate persuaded me to take a walk with her around the Seattle's city center. Bored with our usual pit stops, she wanted to explore the quaint coffee shops and exotic eateries in Belltown. A few blocks away from the Space Needle, we discovered one of Seattle's best kept secrets -- the Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant.
Located at 2334 Second Avenue in Seattle, the Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant gives visitors an opportunity to enjoy a traditional Moroccan feast without spending thousands of dollars to fly to northwest Africa. The maitre de wears a red fez to greet guests at the door. To create the illusion that you are sitting under a tent, a cloth canopy is suspended from the restaurant's ceiling. Brightly colored rugs stretch across the floor. Guests sit at low tables on floor cushions. A server dressed in a long, flowing gown uses a silver urn to wash your hands.
The restaurant offers a delicious five course meal for $18.50 per person. Guests drink lentil soup from their cups and use broken bread from a basket to eat a tomato-zucchini salad. B'stilla Royale, a pastry made of phyllo dough, chicken and almonds, is served next. Guests choose their main courses from a number of authentic Moroccan dishes. I chose Tagine of Lamb M'Rouzia, a sweet entree in which onions and raisins are simmered in a light honey sauce. Kate chose CousCous Marrakesh --steamed semolina grains topped with lamb and seven vegetables. Coconut custard and mint tea complete the meal.
Although Kate and I thought the food was superb, we didn't think her younger sister would eat anything on the menu. Children can be finicky eaters. They might not like the foreign flavor or vegetables.
We thoroughly enjoyed the belly dancer's lively performance, especially when she encouraged guests to try it. Kate liked dancing with her so much that she wants to take a class in belly dancing.
Open daily from 5 to 10 p.m., the Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant has been in business since 1989. A belly dancer performs Wednesday through Sunday evenings. There is also a second restaurant located at 1201 NW 21st Avenue in Portland, Oregon.
Located at 2334 Second Avenue in Seattle, the Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant gives visitors an opportunity to enjoy a traditional Moroccan feast without spending thousands of dollars to fly to northwest Africa. The maitre de wears a red fez to greet guests at the door. To create the illusion that you are sitting under a tent, a cloth canopy is suspended from the restaurant's ceiling. Brightly colored rugs stretch across the floor. Guests sit at low tables on floor cushions. A server dressed in a long, flowing gown uses a silver urn to wash your hands.
The restaurant offers a delicious five course meal for $18.50 per person. Guests drink lentil soup from their cups and use broken bread from a basket to eat a tomato-zucchini salad. B'stilla Royale, a pastry made of phyllo dough, chicken and almonds, is served next. Guests choose their main courses from a number of authentic Moroccan dishes. I chose Tagine of Lamb M'Rouzia, a sweet entree in which onions and raisins are simmered in a light honey sauce. Kate chose CousCous Marrakesh --steamed semolina grains topped with lamb and seven vegetables. Coconut custard and mint tea complete the meal.
Although Kate and I thought the food was superb, we didn't think her younger sister would eat anything on the menu. Children can be finicky eaters. They might not like the foreign flavor or vegetables.
We thoroughly enjoyed the belly dancer's lively performance, especially when she encouraged guests to try it. Kate liked dancing with her so much that she wants to take a class in belly dancing.
Open daily from 5 to 10 p.m., the Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant has been in business since 1989. A belly dancer performs Wednesday through Sunday evenings. There is also a second restaurant located at 1201 NW 21st Avenue in Portland, Oregon.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Happy 20th Anniversary to Nirvana's Nevermind
On Saturday, September 24, 2011, Seattle's Experience Music Project (EMP) celebrated the 20th anniversary of the release of Nirvana's top-selling album, Nevermind. Featuring the popular single, "Smells Like Teen Spirit," Nirvana's second album knocked Michael Jackson off the top of the billboard charts in 1991.
The EMP is currently featuring an exhibit entitled Nirvana: Bringing Punk to the Masses. Several of Kurt Cobain's guitars as well Krist Novoselic's bass and Dave Grohl's drums are on display. This large collection of Nirvana memorabilia includes demos of Kurt's first songs that were made with his aunt's eight track player. Visitors can see art work that Kurt created during his senior year at Aberdeen High School. The exhibit includes stage prop mannequins known as the "In Utero Angels" from the tour promoting Nirvana's third and final album, In Utero.
Grunge rock is a form of alternative rock that became popular in Washington State in the mid eighties. Known as the "Seattle sound," grunge rock is characterized by distorted electric guitars and angst-filled lyrics. The release of Nirvana's Nevermind album and Pearl Jam's Ten album helped grunge rock attract a mainstream audience in the early nineties. The exhibit at the EMP features the music of other grunge rockers that Nirvana knew and liked. Visitors can listen to Pearl Jam, Mia Zapata and the Gits, Bikini Kill, Alice in Chains, and more.
On Nevermind's 20th anniversary, a video of Nirvana performing at the Paramount Theatre was shown in the EMP's Sky Church.
The EMP is currently featuring an exhibit entitled Nirvana: Bringing Punk to the Masses. Several of Kurt Cobain's guitars as well Krist Novoselic's bass and Dave Grohl's drums are on display. This large collection of Nirvana memorabilia includes demos of Kurt's first songs that were made with his aunt's eight track player. Visitors can see art work that Kurt created during his senior year at Aberdeen High School. The exhibit includes stage prop mannequins known as the "In Utero Angels" from the tour promoting Nirvana's third and final album, In Utero.
Grunge rock is a form of alternative rock that became popular in Washington State in the mid eighties. Known as the "Seattle sound," grunge rock is characterized by distorted electric guitars and angst-filled lyrics. The release of Nirvana's Nevermind album and Pearl Jam's Ten album helped grunge rock attract a mainstream audience in the early nineties. The exhibit at the EMP features the music of other grunge rockers that Nirvana knew and liked. Visitors can listen to Pearl Jam, Mia Zapata and the Gits, Bikini Kill, Alice in Chains, and more.
On Nevermind's 20th anniversary, a video of Nirvana performing at the Paramount Theatre was shown in the EMP's Sky Church.
The sculpture above can be seen at the EMP. It was made of 700
guitars to symbolize the roots and branches of American pop music.
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