Seattle, WA

What: 17th Annual Cultural Crossroads
When: Nov. 3-4, Sat 10am-10pm; Sun 11am-6pm
Where: Crossroads, 15600 NE 8TH Street, Bellevue, WA 98008
$$$: Free
Families can enjoy two days of music and dance from countries around the world. The event also includes an international bazaar and children’s activities. A full schedule is available online.

What: Hmong New Year Celebration
When: 10am-10pm Saturday, Nov. 3rd
Where: Seattle Center House
$$$: Free
Celebrate the Hmong New Year, which symbolizes the end of the harvest, a time when Hmong relax, prepare special foods, and begin courtships. This year’s theme is Hmong in America, and features exhibits and oral histories of local immigrants. The event features dance performances, children’s activities, and embroidery, basket weaving, and leaf blowing demonstrations. The event is held in the Center House.

What: 4th Annual Salmon BBQ and Holiday Festival
When: November 4, 2007 • 12 - 5 pm
Where: Haller Lake Community Club located in north Seattle at 12579 Densmore Ave. N.
$$$: Fresh Pacific salmon, a Caesar salad, garlic bread and a fruit dessert will be available for $8 for adults ($6 for HLCC members) and $5 for 12 & under. Beverages will be sold separately.
Come and enjoy great food at a great price, shop at the Arts & Crafts Market featuring original work and products by local artists and crafters and enjoy a Musician’s Showcase on stage featuring live music from 12:30-5:00pm. An organist from the Puget Sound Theatre Organ Society will perform on the antique theater organ from 12:00 to 12:25.

What: Owl Prowl
When: Saturday, 3 Nov. 7pm-9pm
Where: Camp Long
$$$: Adults $8; Children $6 (
Silent wings and camouflaged plumage make ghost-like owls hard to find during the day. Join us for a dusk-to-dark owl prowl through the forest. Learn to talk to owls. It’ll be a hoot! Please pre-register.

What: Japanese Culture Day
When: Sunday, Nov. 4th, 2pm
Where: Japanese Cultural and Community Center, 1414 S. Weller St., International District
$$$: Free
Celebrate Japanese and Japanese American culture with Taiko, dancing, Judo, Karate demonstrations, flower arranging, international displays, food tasting, Nintendo Wii, Northwest Nikkei Museum and more.

What: 44th Annual Polish Holiday Bazaar
When: 11/3-11/4: noon to 7 p.m.
Where: Polish Home Association, 1714 18th Ave., Capitol Hill
$$$: Free
Specialty dinners with pickle soup, borscht, pierogi, polish sausage and cabbage rolls on sale, also crafts, linens, books, Christmas ornaments and other Polish favorites.

What: Northwest Danish Foundation 2007 Christmas Bazaar
When: Sunday, November 4, 2007, 11AM - 3PM
Where: 1833 North 105th Street, Seattle
$$$: Free
Traditional handmade decorations and crafts, Danish calendars and Scandinavian-motif magnets and Nisse cards and prints.

What: Gusto!
When: November 2, 2007 from 6-10 p.m.
Where: Everett Events Center
$$$: Tickets are limited. Buy early. Advance Tickets: $50 At the Door (if available): $60
Enjoy an unforgettable evening featuring Northwest wines from more than 60 wineries. Ticket price includes wine tasting, cuisine from more than 20 fine restaurants, and a commemorative wine glass. For the first time, Gusto! is presenting samples from Northwest microbreweries. Guests will also enjoy cooking demonstrations from celebrity chefs and a silent auction. All proceeds from Gusto! benefit the Everett Community College scholarships, programs, and services.

What: Festival del Día de Los Muertos
When: Nov. 2, 7pm
Where: Phinney Neighborhood Center, 6532 Phinney Ave. N., Freemont
$$$: Free
Candlelight procession of masked performers, dancers and musicians followed by a celebration with an art show, readings and arts and crafts.

If you’re a fan of the Spirit of Washington Dinner Train, like I am, Lynn has some news over in About-Renton.

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Today, for those of you not-in-the-know, is National Candy Corn Day. When did we start getting national days for every darned thing? Next thing you know we’ll have a National Get Out of Bed Day. I mean really, we already have Halloween and isn’t that all about candy corn? Hmm, maybe that’s just me?

Ok, I’ll admit it. My name is Kyla and I have a have a candy corn addiction. There, I said it. I love me some candy corn. This is not a good thing for a diabetic and that is why I refer to the month of October as “the mean season”. Try though I do to avoid buying candy corn, it always seems to make it into my house. I try to eat less and savour a piece here and there but my desire is to sit with a handful and eat the whole bag. Doing so would make me horribly ill but that doesn’t stop the desire. No siree!

Candy corn was invented in 1880 by George Renninger and was made by the Wunderle Candy Company. The National Confectioners Association estimates yearly sales at 20 million pounds. By 1900 the Goelitz Candy Company, now known as Jelly Belly, began mass production of the triangular treats.

Originally candy corn was made by hand. Made from a combination of sugar, corn syrup and water, fondant was added for texture and marshmallow for softness. The mixture would then be melted down and poured into molds. Candy corn is made from the bottom up and requires thee passes, one for each colour. The basic recipe has changed little over the years but of course nowadays the process is done by machines rather than people. When candy corn first appeared farmers went crazy over it. The tri-colour confections were revolutionary for the time.

Nowadays candy corn comes in several colours. My favourite is Indian corn where they replace the bottom yellow tier with a chocolate brown flavour. Indian Corn is most often associated with Thanksgiving. There are holiday mixtures for Valentines, Easter and of course, Christmas, known as “Cupid Corn”, “Bunny Corn” and “Reindeer Corn”.

One serving of candy corn contains a mere 140 calories and that’s for about 20 pieces if I remember correctly. And now the candy corn pumpkins in my candy jar are calling to me.

For those of you curious about yesterday’s bunny, I released him back into the yard last night after the neighbor picked up the dog and repaired the fence. No sight of the little cutie but I hope it’s ok!

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It’s been an exciting day so far at my house. I was sipping my morning tea and browsing my email when I caught a flash of movement in my back yard through my blinds. I looked through my back door and saw my neighbors dog. I can’t remember if the dogs name is Dixie or Daisy. Daisy, I think.

Here is the culprit:

I stepped out onto the back porch and was greeted by the sight of half a bunny. Ugh. That was not pleasant. The dog had obviously eaten it and I’m sure that was what brought her over. This is the first time that Daisy has gotten into my yard for over a year. After the last time the neighbors installed one of those fence perimeter things that I think emits some noise that keeps the dog in their yard. Something must have gone wrong with it today.

We caught the dog and tied her up, mostly out of fear that she’d fall into the swimming pool or that she’d jump out of my yard and run down the street like last year and possibly get hit by a car. We left her some water and that’s when Chip noticed a small bundle of fur hiding behind the propane tank! It was a very tiny baby bunny. Apparently Daisy had missed one. I picked up the little bundle and carried her/him into the house for a cuddle and safekeeping. Yes, I know that bunnies are varmint but they are so cute.

Here is a picture of the little tyke:

Isn’t it adorable?

I’m keeping the baby inside in a box until the neighbors recover their dog and then I’ll release it back into the garden. I hope the mother is still around. The half eaten bunny looked way too small to have been the mother.

So much for my planned housekeeping! I’m starting to feel like a Home Zookeeper!

Bunnies, Dogs, Neighbors, Oh My!

There are just 7 days left in October and The Breast Cancer Site is just shy of having enough clicks for their sponsor to fund and additional 150 mammograms. They are currently sitting at 90%. Please follow this link to add your click. It won’t cost you a dime and it could save a life.

The free mammograms go to low-income, inner-city and minority women whose awareness of breast cancer and opportunity for help is often limited. Your click is paid for by site sponsors, and mammogram funding is provided to clinics throughout the U.S. through the efforts of the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Speaking of breast cancer, the Austin Komen is right around the corner. I’ve been walking 2-3 hours a week in addition to an hour of pilates once a week and the hour long Zen training on Saturdays. It’s come up on me really fast this year and I haven’t done nearly enough fund raising. My family is finally getting around to signing up, though!

If you have the pennies, I would appreciate it if you would donate to me or my team. You don’t have to donate a ton of money. Every little bit helps. So even if you can only spare a few dollars, I’ll be thankful.

Funds are used for breast cancer education and screening programs in Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Travis and Williamson counties, as well as to support the Komen for the Cure Award and Research Grant Program.

If you’re local to Austin and would like to join my team, The Pirateers, please jump right in! The more, the merrier. My family needs to get off their lazy behinds and sign up. Do you hear that, family? I can’t believe this year’s walk is just 17 days away. I’ve been walking 2-3 times a week so I’m ready to go! It’s only 5k though so anyone can do it. All that and you even get to dress like a pirate! Sweeeeet!

I just love all the fun pink stuff out this month. From the pink Kitchenaid to pink jewelry to Panera’s Pink Ribbon Bagel it’s hard to miss the pink parade of products!

And now I must get my butt in gear and get to my upholstery class.

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What: Haunted Harbor Halloween at Bell Harbor
When: October 27th, 8:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.
Where: Pier 66 on Seattle’s waterfront
$$$: $21
$10k in prizes. Bell Harbor’s cruise ship terminal turns in to a haunted ship complete with ghosts, pirates, rum barrels and treasure chests. Live entertainment, prizes and more.

What: Woodland Park Zoo’s Pumpkin Prowl
When: October 26th, 27th & 28th
Where: Woodland Park Zoo
$$$: $9 adults, $7 children 17 and under, Free for children 2 and under
Note: Strollers not allowed.
Live entertainment including Applaudville – a polymorphic troupe of multi-talented highly creative performers that consists of jugglers, magicians, and stilt walkers… presented with dynamic vaudevillian style. Also featuring WPZ’s collection of creepy, crawly animals up close and in person, Killer Science demonstrations, and Boomazium!

What: Dia de Muertos
When: Oct. 27, 12-8pm . Oct. 28, 12-6pm
Where: Seattle Center House, Fisher Pavilion
$$$: Free
Altars, artwork, food and music are prominent, but music and dance are hardly an afterthought. Performing artists, both local and visiting, offer exceptional talent, both traditional and contemporary. Artwork depicts both heritage and vision. Candlelight graces altars adorned with vibrantly colored artwork and personal artifacts for a deeply moving, visually compelling, experience.

What: Freaknight
When: Friday, October 26, 2007 8:00 PM - 4:00 AM
Where: PIER 30 EVENTS CENTER, 2431 E. Marginal Way South
$$$: $40 online or $50 at the door
After eleven years, FREAKNIGHT returns once again to provide the northwest with yet another night of musical mayhem and madness! Year after year, USC Events consistently brings together the world’s premier electronic music artists. With one decade down, FREAKNIGHT is coming back bigger, stronger and better than ever before. Come discover the Halloween event people around the country have been talking about for years. Come discover the monster that is FREAKNIGHT…

What: Columbia City Halloween Kids Fair
When: Saturday, Oct 27, 10am-6pm
Where: 4916 Rainier Avenue South
$$$: Suggested donation: $5.00 “0 – 8” and $10.00 “Adult” Doors open at 10:30 am!
All kids are encouraged to wear costumes for the Kids Fair. Young masqueraders will find healthy snacks, school supplies, toys, and tooth brushing kits in their trick or treat bags. Most merchants will also have information on parenting, early education and school readiness. Columbia City Merchants will be passing out candy, healthy snacks and children’s literature following the events from 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm.

What: 2nd Annual Wurst & Wine Festival
When: Friday, October 26, 6-9 pm
Where: Pike Place Market at 1924 Post Alley (between Stewart and Virginia Street, next to Kell’s Irish Pub and across from the Pink Door Restaurant).
$$$: A one ounce taste ranges from $2-$6 and glasses start at $4
Uli’s famous sausage king will be grilling up his world famous links paired with our wine. Tickets are only $15 per person & space is very limited. Don’t delay if your interested. Reserve by calling 206-770-9463 or email to jen@winesofwashington.com Polka Music, Sausage King, Wine? What a combo!!! Located in the heart of Seattle’s historic Pike Place Market, Uli’s Famous Sausage offers a tantalizing variety of handmade authentic German and International sausages. A German Master Butcher, Uli’s extensive training and experience are brought to bear in every step of the manufacturing process. His tasty sausages are of the highest standard and contain no coloring agents or preservatives (except where safety dictates). All recipes have been time-tested, and combine long tradition with creative flair. The result is uncompromising quality and outstanding taste!

What: WoodStick 2007
When: Sat., October 27, 4:00pm
Where: ShowPlex Exhibition & Conference Center
$$$: $10
Woodstick is an annual event where drummers gather to attempt to break the Guinness World record by assembling the largest number of drummers with drum sets playing one song simultaneously. Their goal is to raise 15 million dollars over the next ten years for the Virginia Merrill Bloedel Hearing Research Center at the University of Washington. Also, we will be raising money for the homeless for Network Services, and funding around $10,000 worth of musical instruments and equipment to local schools for school music programs.

If you fancy a weekend trip:

What: Oregon Bounty and the Oregon Brewer’s Guild 4th Annual Beer Tastival
When: Oct 27th, noon to 7pm
Where: Descutes Brewery Lower Warehouse, 399 W. Shevlin-Hixson Dr., Bend, Oregon
$$$: Admission is free. Glasses are $5, tastes are $1

For Halloween Haunted Houses, Hayrides and more, look here.
For Adult Halloween Parties, look here!

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What: Happy Trails to You
When: Every week Friday, Saturday from Fri., October 12 until Sat., October 20, 7:00pm-10:00pm
Where: Bastyr University 14500 Juanita Dr. N.E.
$$$: $10
The central event, the Haunted Trails Tour, features mad scientists and the usual crew of sepulchral, supernatural frights—witches, ghouls, goblins and so forth—set in the forest behind the school’s grounds. Because even brave souls under eight years old are not allowed on the tour, there are alternatives for youngsters and the skittish (of all ages): the Trick Or Treat Trail and Halloween Story Time ($1-$3 per child), and PumpkinFest, a pumpkin-carving contest awarding cash prizes (free to enter; pumpkins due 6 p.m. Fri., Oct. 19).

What: Funky Monkey House of Terror
When: Oct. 5th - Oct. 31st
Where: Auburn Supermall & Tulalip
$$$: Friday & Saturday, $13, Thursdays, $12 ($11 any night with donation of 3 non-perishable items)

What: Everett Haunted Forest
When: Monday Oct. 22nd thru Saturday Oct. 27th & Tuesday Oct 30th thru Wednesday Oct. 30th
Where: 802 E. Mukilteo Blvd., Everett
$$$: $8.00, $7.00 ($1.00 off with a canned food donation). Food donations go to Volunteers of America Food Drive
Dress appropriately for weather conditions and wear comfortable shoes. Part of the trail does include hills.

What: Maris Farms
When: Oct. 19 & 20 - 7:00-11:00 PM, Oct. 26 & 27 - 7:00-11:00 PM, Oct. 28 - 30 - 7:00-9:00 PM, Oct. 31 - 7:00-10:00 PM
Where: 24713 Sumner-Buckley Hwy, Buckley, WA
$$$: See Website for details
Haunted Woods, Hayrides and a Corn Maze. Maris Farms has got it going on!
Special Note to Parents: Due to an intense fright factor, the Haunted Woods is NOT recommended to children 10 & under. No refunds.

What: Haunted Brew House Tour
When: Oct 27 at 08:00 PM running 2 hour(s)
Where: Rainier Cold Storage Brew House, 5900 Airport Way S
$$$: The Rainier Brew House is a great place for a haunted house, especially when members of Actor’s Theatre of Georgetown and Circus Contraption are haunting it! Bring ID if you wish to partake of the cash bar.

What: Haunted House at the Commons The Commons (formerly SeaTac Mall), Federal Way
When: Daily through Halloween, Daily and Sunday: 7 to 10 pm, Friday and Saturday: 7 to midnight
Where: The Commons, Federal Way Mall
$$$: $10
More info: 253-839-6150
The haunted house includes the Witches Room, the Butcher Shop, the Cemetery, the Maze and Horrors of the Swamp.

What: Six Flags Fright Fest
When: Fridays through Sundays through Oct. 29, 5-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 5-9 p.m. Sunday.
Where: Six Flags
$$$: $24.99
More than just a haunted house, Fright Fest includes a huge Haunted Mausoleum, the Horrifying Hall of Hearses, the Fright Bike exhibit, the Wheel of Fright, Alien Encounter, Big Foot sightings, Scare Zones, and a murder mystery, where visitors must find a killer before he gets them. Information: 253-661-8000

For Adult Halloween parties, click here.

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What: Untamed, 6th Annual Halloween Bash
Where: The Showbox Theatre in Downtown Seattle @ 1426, 1st Ave.
When:October 27th, Saturday Night! Doors open at 8 pm.
$$$: $29.95
Over 21 Only. This party is well-known for its amazing costumes! With over 1,000 guests dressed in their most elaborate, creative and sexy guises, your eyes will be titillated, tantalized and entertained. In addition, there will be live entertainment in the form of Cool Ade, Seattle’s high energy dance band. Over the top costumes! Great Dance Music! Party with the best of Seattle at Seattle’s largest Halloween Bash! The Costume Contest - Awarding over $4000 in prizes!

What: Vincent Price Tribute Dinner
When: Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Where: Nell’s Restaurant, 6804 E Green Lake Way N.
$$$: $80. per person (excluding tax and 18% gratuity)
You know Vincent Price from his esteemed career starring in movies and television shows. But did you know he was also a gourmet and skilled cook who wrote several cookbooks that have become collector’s item. Nell’s presents a six course dinner paired with wines honoring his contribution to the world of food. Ernie Pino, Seattle magazine contributor, radio host and chef, will share snapshots of Vincent’s life during the five-course dinner.

What: Spirit of Seattle Halloween Dinner Cruise
When: Saturday, October 27th, 9-12pm
Where: Spirit of Seattle, Depart Pier 55
$$$:$27 per person. MUST BE 21 and OVER to CRUISE. ID REQUIRED AND CHECKED AT DOOR.
BLACK DOG will provide the live classic rock, enjoy a full bar, costume contest and more. And KZOK will be giving away copies of the original re-release of Halloween on DVD! Plus, decorations provided by Party@Display & Costume.

What: Level Vodka’s Ultra Sexy Halloween Bash 2007
When: 31 October
Where: The Last Supper Club, 124 S. Washington Street
$$$:
Huge costume contest with over $1000 in prizes. Grand prize is a trip for 2 to Vegas, Baby!

What: Circus Contraption’s Haunted Housewarming
When: Friday October 26, Cocktail Party beginning at 7:30pm
Where: Theo Chocolate, 3400 Phinney Avenue N, in the Fremont neighborhood
$$$:$35 for the Cocktail Party and Blowout Bash; $18 for the Bash alone. 1-800-838-3006
Held at their new digs in Theo Chocolate! What could be better? This event is 21 and over (with ID). Guests are encouraged to come in costume. The Circus is known far and wide for its popular Halloween events– this one will be extra-special since it represents a homecoming to the nine-year-old troupe’s original stomping grounds. The ghastly goings-on include live performances by Circus Contraption and special guests Nanda, Scarlet Room, Vince Miranda, and Holly Chernobyl — bound to bring on a terminal case of the jitters, the willies and the creeps!

What: HalloQueen
When: 27 October, 9pm
Where: Chop Suey, 1325 E. Madison
(amazing Seattle Queen tribute w/ members of The Rockfords, Goodness, Cmon Cmon, Flight To Mars)
Jennie and The Bets (Seattle’s best 70s Elton John tribute ever w/ members of Young Fresh Fellows, Zero Down, The Beltholes)
Buttrock Suites. AJ/DJ. 21+

What: CoCa’s Boogie Monster Halloween Celebration
When: October 31, 2007 9:00 PM
Where: Shilshole Bay Beach Club, 6413 Seaview Ave NW
$$$: $10 General Admission, $30 General Admission + $20 for a 1yr CoCA Membership (That’s 1/2 off the regular price of $40)
Age: 21 and over
The Pre Funk Party starts at 8pm and the Costume Contest starts at 12 midnight. Wanna have a monstrously good time? Prepare to party with the “Boogie Monster” as CoCa & Clubvibes hosts a Halloween Celebration showcasing the CoCA “Necromorph” group exhibit.

What: Little Red Studio Halloween Bash!
When: Friday, October 26th, 9PM
Where: 750 Harrison Street & 1506 Franklin Ave E
$$$: $20
One of Little Red Studio’s biggest parties of the year - this event will take place at both their Franklin and their Harrison Street venues. Party starts at 9pm and will roar on into the wee hours. Arrive at any venue at any time. The Nasty Habits will be playing later in the evening at 750 Harrison and other surprises await at both locations! A no-host wine bar will be supplied by Serafina Restaurant. There will also be body painting, a photo area, performance art, dancing, and hot tubbing (Lower Studio at Franklin), in addition to all the eye candy!

If you know of other adult Halloween fun happening in Seattle this year, please let me know!

For more family oriented fun, click here.

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What: Beer and Bites Roof Replacement Fundraiser
When: Friday, October 19: 6-9 p.m.
Where: Sunset Hill Community Hall, 3003 N.W. 66th St.
$$$: $20/advance, $25/at the door
Beer tasting of Hale’s Ales and Scuttlebutt breweries seasonal ales with savory and sweet snacks, raffle; proceeds go towards roof replacement of Sunset Hill Community Association’s historic building

What: St. Andrews Annual Celtic Fling
When: October, 20st & 21st
Where: St. Andrew Episcopal Church, 111 N.E. 80th St., Green Lake
$$$: Free
Featuring a Scottish highland dance competition, vendors, a Victorian tearoom, children’s activities and more.

What: Northgate Country Fair
When: Saturday, October 20 from 10 - 3 p.m.
Where: Northgate Park
$$$:
Old fashioned fair. Great old games like wheel barrow races, and gunny sacks races. Homemade treats, and loads of family fun.

What: Turkfest
When: October 20-21 2007, 12 pm – 6 pm
Where: Seattle Center House
$$$: Free
TurkFest, Seattle’s annual Turkish cultural festival, is a celebration of friendship and harmony, aiming to entertain, engage, and educate our community on the beauty and cultural diversity found throughout Turkey. This year our theme focuses on the rich sensory experience that is Turkish life. Attractions include: Ethnic dancers and musicians, language and food workshops, arts and crafts exhibits, and children’s activities!

What: Wild Waves Fright Fest
When: Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 29th - Oct. 28th. Gates open at 5pm.
Where: Wild Waves, Federal Way (near Seattle), (253) 661-8001
$$$:
Deck the kids out in their Halloween duds and visit with cartoon characters, then scramble through a hay maze and chomp free candy on the Trick-or-Treating Trail in Kid’s Kingdom. The all-day event is just spooky enough for small children, while ensuring they feel safe. As the sun goes down, older kids and teens can wander through the Haunted House, aka “Mausoleum Madness,” for a fright, then laugh it off at the Comedy Hypnotist show.

What: Happy Trails to You
When: Every week Friday, Saturday from Fri., October 12 until Sat., October 20, 7:00pm-10:00pm
Where: Bastyr University 14500 Juanita Dr. N.E.
$$$: $10, receive $1 off with a can or dry food donation.
The central event, the Haunted Trails Tour, features mad scientists and the usual crew of sepulchral, supernatural frights—witches, ghouls, goblins and so forth—set in the forest behind the school’s grounds. Because even brave souls under eight years old are not allowed on the tour, there are alternatives for youngsters and the skittish (of all ages): the Trick Or Treat Trail and Halloween Story Time ($1-$3 per child), and PumpkinFest, a pumpkin-carving contest awarding cash prizes (free to enter; pumpkins due 6 p.m. Fri., Oct. 19).

What: Kid’s Day at the Auburn Supermall House of Terror
When: Saturday, October 20th, Noon to 3pm
Where: Auburn Supermall
$$$: $5/adult and $5-or-Free per child with 2 non-perishable food items
Kids of all ages are invited. Pumpkin painting and lots of hands-on activities planned. Costume contest.

What: Zombie Walk
Where: Meet: @ THE TROLL under the Aurora Bridge.
When: OCT 21st- Fremont, Start: 2:45pm sharp
$$$: Free, though you may want to take food money
Stopping by various establishments and arriving at Hale’s Ales by about 5:00pm for food and drink. Under 21 ok.
Walk with your un-dead brethren through the streets of Seattle in the light of day. With all your gore and glory, let’s mob Fremont! Be one of us because you are a Horror movie fan, because you love cosplay, or just for the hell of it! How often do you get to participate in something this weird and free? All that is required is that you show up in costume, respect traffic laws and practice common sense. Bring your friends! Nothing says you love someone quite like caking yourself in make-up, limping down the street together and eating them by a big bronze of Lenin!
For more Halloween Fun, Click Here.

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It was 40 years ago this week that the Seattle SuperSonics played their first regular season game on October 13th, 1967, in San Francisco. They lost that game as well as the next but eight days later, on October 21st, they had their first taste of victory winning 117-110 over the San Diego Rockets. That victory was short lived, however, as they proceeded to lose 11 of their next 12 games. Although it wasn’t the most auspicious start, Seattle fans weren’t bothered. They were just happy that the NBA had seen fit to award them with a franchise.

The SuperSonics got their name from the supersonic transport - a prototype super fast jet then under contract by Boeing. Happily, the Sonics, as they became known, had greater success than Boeing’s jet.

The Sonics first superstar player was Lenny Wilkens who played on the team from 68-72 when he was traded off the team. In 1973 the Sonics got a new coach in basketball legend, Bill Russell who took them all the way to their first playoffs. In 1977, Lenny Wilkens returned, this time as their coach. Lenny helped skyrocket the Sonics with an NBA Championship in 1979 garnering Seattle it’s first major pro sports trophy since 1917!

In 1983 the franchise was sold and for the next 20 years the team saw a series of up and downs which drove franchise owner, Barry Ackerly to threaten to move the team. The Seattle Coliseum, home of the Sonics, had grown dilapidated and in need of repair. In fact it was so bad that in 1993 the Coliseum’s leaky roof led to a “rain out”, the only game in NBA history to be called for rain! Somewhat appropriate for Seattle, don’t you think? The City ponied up and transformed the Coliseum into Key Arena. Most notable during that timeframe was the back to back trips to the NBA finals in 78 & 79.

In 1996 the Sonics made it to the Championships but eventually lost to Chicago. In 2001 the Sonics were sold again, this time to an investment group led by Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz. The new franchise owners demanded the City underwrite a costly expansion and renovation to Key Arena. The City resisted and the owners threatened to sell or move and sell they did, to an Oklahoma investment group led by billionaire Clay Bennett. With the City’s continued disinterest in upgrading Key Arena, the new owners began looking outside the City and decided on Renton as the site for the new King County Event Center. Mr. Bennett has stated that he plans to relocate the team to Oklahoma if a suitable arena is not provided by the City by the end of this month. The Sonics, however, have a lease agreement with the City of Seattle and Key Arena until 2010 and the City voted 8-0 to prevent an early termination of that lease.

The Sonics surprised many people in 2004/05 by winning 52 games and taking the organization’s sixth division title. In 2007 they were awarded the 2nd pick in the NBA Draft, their highest draft position to date.

Somehow I don’t think the team would be quite the same in Oklahoma! Calling them the Sonics in Oklahoma where Sonic drive-through restaurants are prevalent would be the first oddity.

While the SuperSonic’s celebrated their 40th anniversary last year, this year is the official anniversary. Happy Anniversary, Seattle SuperSonics!

For more sports (and someone who might actually know what they’re talking about, check out Kieran over at the All Sports Report!

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Pumpkin Patches, Hayrides and Mazes:

The South 47 Farm - 15410 NE 124th St, Redmond, Wash., just two miles east of I-405
Phone: 425-869-9777
Corn Maze, Pumpkin Patch.
The maze is open whenever the farm is: Wed/Thurs/Sun, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Fri/Sat, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Maze admission is $6/person on weekends, $5/ person weekdays. Open through Oct. 31

Carelton Farms - 830 Sunnyside Blvd SE, Everett, WA 98205
Phone: 425-334-2297
Fields are blazing orange with a great crop of pumpkins. Cut your own from the vine! You can also navigate your way through the Corn Maze and say hello to the Farm Animals. On weekends, they’re serving up snacks and espresso and giving free hayrides pulled by their John Deere tractors. They’ll also have the Pumpkin Cannon fired up. It hurls a pumpkin more than the length of three football fields!
Open: Weekdays 10 am - 6 pm, Weekends 9 am - 6 pm

Carpinito Brothers Farm - 1148 North Central, Kent, Wa.
Phone: 253-854-5692
U-Pick pumpkin patch, tractor pulled hayrides and a corn maze.

Picha’s Pumpkin Patch - 66th Avenue East and 52nd Street East, Puyallup
Phone: 253-841-4443
Featuring pumpkins, corn maze, sling shot, gourds, hay bails, and corn stalks

Art Glass Pumpkin Patch - 2914 S.W. Avalon Way, Suite B, Seattle
Phone: 206-937-6369
When: Oct 15-31
Show and sale of hundreds of blown glass pumpkins by local artists, $40 to $62 each, with a portion of proceeds benefiting Northwest Harvest. Not your traditional pumpkin patch but it sounds really cool to me!

Upcoming Halloween Events:

Woodland Park Zoo’s Pumpkin Prowl - 5500 Phinney Ave. N. Seattle
Phone: 206-615-0076
Oct 26-28
Price: $9/adults, $7/ages 17 and younger, advance tickets available at zoo gates during regular hours or at the event; advance tickets available at Bartell Drugs locations with $2 discount
The Pumpkin Prowl brings three fantastic nights of trick-or-treating and fun-filled activities to Woodland Park Zoo. Over 1,000 illuminated pumpkins guide visitors of all ages through the festivities. Attendance hovers right around 4,500 each night

Pumpkin Flashlight Hunt, Green Lake - 7201 E. Green Lake Dr. N., Seattle
Phone: (206) 684-0780
Friday, October 26, 7 - 8 p.m.
Ages: 4 – 11 years
Rain or Shine! Join their outdoor toy and candy hunt. Please wear appropriate clothing for the weather. Arrive at the gym no later than 6:45pm. Kids will be separated into age appropriate groups. Bring your own bag to collect goodies and a flashlight to hunt with.

Pumpkin Walk - Bainbridge Gardens, 9415 Miller Road N.E., Bainbridge
Phone: 206-842-5888
Oct. 19th-20th, 6-8:30pm
Walk along the nature trail with display of hundreds of lighted, carved pumpkins with kids’ games, music, cafe.

More Upcoming Events

pumpkin, patches, hayrides, corn, maze, walk, festival, bainbridge gardens, flashlight, hunt, green lake, Woodland Park, Zoo, Art Glass, South 47, Farm, Carleton, Prowl, Picha, Carpinito Brothers

My recent bone density test revealed some deterioration in my hip joints and the doctor advised me to start walking. Swimming, the one form of exercise I actually enjoy, is apparently not so good for strengthening your bones. So, I decided that I should tag along on a walk with Chip.

Man, does 6am roll around early, or what? “Are you ready to go walking?” Chip asked me in his “happy happy” morning voice. I groaned, peered at him with one eye and swung my legs over the bed. I brushed my teeth and my hair, got dressed and off we went.

As we walked along the trail, Chip looked over at me, “you don’t seem happy,” he said. “I’m not awake,” I grumbled. “I envisioned walking along, having pleasant conversations with you,” he said.

Uh, yeah.

“You should try to walk briskly,” advised the Chipenator, chirpily. “Um…for me, this is brisk. Next step is running,” I said, giving him a dirty look.

I walked through about the 6th swarm of gnats, cursing and waving my arms. “I don’t think there are that many gnats,” Chip said, as I flicked one off my arm. “I think you just got creeped out walking through one patch and now you’re imagining them on you.” “I just brushed an imaginary gnat off my arm,” I said dryly.

I began to notice that there were no gnats on his side of the path. “Switch sides with me,” I said, “the gnats are all on my side of the path.” We switched sides. “Or maybe,” he said slyly, “they just aren’t up this high.”

I gave him my laser-beam, skin-melting, if-there-is-a-goddess-in-heaven-you-will-die-now, look. I glanced sideways at him but there he stood, with his shit-eating, “happy happy” morning, garfield smile. Yeah, I always knew there were no real deities. Grrrr…

We passed by other “happy happy” morning people who nodded their heads and said hello. Freaks. “See,” he said accusingly, “other people are nice and pleasant in the morning….unlike you.” “Shut up,” I growled at him. “You’re like some kind of circus master, prodding the tiger with a stick.” “What?” he said, “a 4′11 tiger? I’m not scared.”

Foolish, foolish, man…

“I like being with you,” Chip said, “most of the time.” “You didn’t have to qualify that statement,” I informed him.

We got back to the car, where we’d parked at the rec center. “We walked for 50 minutes,” said Chip, cheerfully. “At a leisurely pace,” he added. I glared at him. “Not for me it wasn’t!”

“I could have enjoyed that walk at a leisurely pace,” I thought to myself, “with my binoculars and my bird book in hand.” I saw lots of great birds. There were cardinals and blue-jays and barn swallows, squirrels and rabbits, too.

Morning people. Who needs ‘em.

I think I’ll go for a swim now.

Filed under: Humor

mornings, suck, exercise, walking, humor

What: Seattle Antiquarian Book Fair and Book Arts Show
When: 10/13: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: Seattle Center Fisher Pavilion
$$$: $5, good for both days; 206-323-3999
Browse amid thousands of used, rare, collectible and out-of-print books, maps, posters and more.

What: Arts Gumbo: Brazil
When: Saturday, Oct. 13th, 5pm
Where: 3515 S Alaska St, Seattle, WA 98118
$$$: Adults $8, Children & Seniors $5

What: World of Martial Arts
When: Saturday, October 13th from 6 to 8 p.m.
Where: 719 8th Ave. S, 98104
$$$: $10

What: Eros Antique and Design Show
When: Sunday, October 14th, 10:00 a.m.
Where: Hangar 30, Magnuson Park 6310 NE 74th St.
$$$:

What: Seattle Home Show
When: 10:00 AM, 10/11/2007 - 10/14/2007
Where: Qwest Field Event Center, 1000 Occidental Ave.S., Seattle, WA 98134
$$$: $9 Adults; $6 Seniors; $3 Juniors; under 7 free

What: Pumpkin Harvest Festival
When: Saturday-Sunday 10:00am-6:00pm, 09/29/2007 through 10/31/2007
Where: Remlinger Farms, 32610 NE 32nd Street, Carnation, (425) 333-4135
$$$: $13/Each

What: Leavenworth Oktoberfest
When: Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays, Oct. 5th-21st
Where: Leavenworth, Wa
$$$:
Live music, German food, arts and crafts, Bavarian clothing sale, and activities for the whole family.

To view past events, click here.

weekend, events, seattle, October, 10/13/07, 10/14/07, Oktoberfest, Leavenworth, home fair, book club, remlinger farms, pumpkin, harvest, fest, eros, antique, show, Washington, Home Show

OLYMPIA — A sharply divided state Supreme Court has ruled that a law that bars political candidates from deliberately making false statements about their opponents violates the First Amendment right of free speech.

In a 5-4 ruling, the high court affirmed a state Court of Appeals ruling that overturned the law. The measure was enacted by the Legislature in 1999, a year after a similar ban on false statements involving initiatives and other ballot measures was thrown out by the state Supreme Court.

I sent a link to this article to my partner yesterday, which led to quite a discussion (albeit mostly on his part). I’m lucky to have such a smart partner because it’s easy to get angry about an issue like this without fully thinking it through. What follows is the gist of the conversation.

While on the face of it, it may seem as though the Supreme Court has indeed given politicians free reign to lie, to say so would be a gross oversimplification of the issues at hand. In fact it just might be an example of where the constitution doesn’t always agree, in letter of law, with what we think is a decent and upstanding position.

Do we really want to put the government in the position of verifying everything candidates say? They already can’t properly administer health care or social security. And if a candidate, once elected, is found to have made a concrete, verifiably false statement about his/her opponent, do we strip them of their office? If so, do we put the opponent in his/her place? How egregious of a lie would it have to be to go to that trouble? Any lie at all? A big lie? A small lie? A tiny white lie? Do we have to show that the lie was made knowingly? If so how?

It makes me sick to my stomach that any individual should take advantage of the legal system to absolve themselves of mud-slinging, filthy tactics, or any other manner of what I, and what I consider decent people would consider to be, underhanded tactics. And yes, if that is what we truly desired, we could probably (if enough citizens would get off their asses), make it the government’s job to verify everything that everyone ever says, or even just our candidates.

In my heart of hearts, I might even believe that that would be a worthy goal. But how would we implement it? I’m not defending the tenants of the law or the implementation of it as listed in the article by any means. I just think that regardless of what the best and most earnest ideals for a government of the people might be, they can only really do so much. There is much incumbent upon every citizen to seek out truth - to evaluate historical perspectives and speeches by candidates. To seek out information about voting records. To do more than watch commercials. To, by their participation and voting, and god forbid initiatives, ensure a legal system by which such information is readily available to use to make such decisions. And then, for good or ill, for each to decide for him/herself.

Do most people, including me, do this? Ever? Probably not.

I’m no legal scholar, but to my understanding, there theoretically exists within our legal system, the ability to “recall” any elected official, for whatever reason, should we as the people find him/her to have violated our trust. How often have any of us felt strongly enough to do something along those lines? To hear any of us talk, any one of us certainly has felt strongly enough about one or another elected official to support such an action. Yet I can count on less than one hand’s worth of fingers my knowledge of any such actions.

In the concept of a government of the people, by the people, and for the people, sad though I am to say, the most important missing link these days seems to be the “by” part.

If you lie and it’s okay by law, will you still be on the bad kids list for Santa?

Quite possibly. The law doesn’t guarantee ethics, or morals.

Do I believe that ideally that would include truth? Sure. In theory, within our system, we could, if we so chose, demand that the laws be structured to enforce that. But it’s easy to write a law that says “you must be truthful”. Writing laws, and creating governing bodies, establishing standards for, and collecting taxes to support such an infrastructure? Would we really vote for that? Maybe, maybe not. Again, the Utopian optimist in me says “shouldn’t we strive for that?” The realist in me says “It is less expensive, and frankly, much more effective, to have an informed, intelligent, educated, compassionate and participatory populace, researching, discussing, deciding, and voting on this stuff.

But in the end, a true utopia doesn’t need government. And as far as I can see, in the history of what we consider to be largish societies, that’s never worked out.

So why institute this law in the first place?

Why indeed. The decision of the court seems to say just that, in their ruling of it as unconstitutional

The problem with a Utopian society is that it can only succeed without people.

Well said. To paraphrase Dante, “Hell is other people”.

Again, I’m no scholar, but as I remember it, the constitution says “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

The blogging site, Livejournal has, over time, and particularly recently, brought up changes to their policies which some have decried as “violations of free speech”. Would I, personally, find it offensive and draconian some of their policies? Absolutely. Would I judge that Livejournal, as a private company, and one which membership in is completely voluntary, has violated any constitutional rights? Probably not. This argument highlights the difference between what people want/think the First Amendment to be/is and what is actually says. Though the First Amendment says that Congress shall make no law regarding free speech it makes no provision saying that private entities or companies have to permit free speech. And though I might be irritated by some actions by Livejournal and similar private companies, they are not MAKING LAWS. Your participation in the resources they create is voluntary and is not related to any government laws.

The majority opinion in this case is characterized as, “The notion that the government, rather than the people, may be the final arbiter of truth in political debate is fundamentally at odds with the First Amendment,” Justice James Johnson wrote for the majority, joined by Justices Charles Johnson, Richard Sanders and Susan Owens.”

So they aren’t exactly saying you can lie legally, they are just saying they cannot police it.

Exactly. I think they are saying that, it goes against the constitution, for a government entity to decide that THEY will decide, even based on something that is seemingly as straightforward as whether something is a lie or not, what speech is protected and which is not. If we leave it up to the government to decide what is protected speech, who decides if how they are doing that is “right”. Do I think we should tolerate politicians or elected officials lying? Absolutely not. Should we rely on the government to police that? In general principal, and also given my general assessment of their ability to do almost anything else, absolutely not.

Nobody ever said, “Will you please pass a law so I will stop doing something I don’t want to do?’ They always say, ‘Please pass a law so that THEY will stop doing something I don’t want them to do.”

~Manuel O’Kelly in Robert A. Heinlein’s “The Moon is a Harsh Mistress”

Perhaps politicians aren’t lying at all. Perhaps they are just practicing misdirection.

Seattle, Olympia, politics, Law, lies, Supreme Court, First Amendment, Free Speech

Seattle’s major airport is called Sea-Tac by the locals. That’s short for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Sea-Tac is approximately 20 minutes south of downtown Seattle. It’s a comfortably sized airport that is easy to get around in. Rental car counters are located in the lower level by baggage claim. Should you find yourself in need of some emergency supplies, Sea-Tac Mall is right down the road. There are also Taxi providers outside the baggage claim area as well as shuttle services or you can catch the Metro Bus for just a couple of bucks. Seattle has excellent local transportation with a large Free Ride area downtown from 6am to 7pm daily. Here is a handy little trip planner. First and Union is in the “Free Ride” bus-zone which runs until 7pm, after that you pay. Most of downtown is on that route.

It’s quite easy to get around in Seattle and if you’re planning to stay downtown and you enjoy walking you may not want to bother with renting a car. Seattle is consistently ranked one of the top 10 walking cities in the U.S. Parking downtown can be quite expensive. On a recent trip to Seattle I discovered this the hard way. My hotel, The Westin Downtown, charged $32-35 a day. Can you say, Ouch! We rarely drove the car because we love walking around downtown Seattle and catching a bus downtown is just so easy. The bus drivers are extremely friendly and patient. I can’t begin to tell you how many times I heard them cheerfully give advise to tourists.

Seattle streets that run north-south are labeled “Avenues”, and east-west running streets are labeled “Streets”. There are twelve of the “Streets” named in letter pairs. As you traverse the streets of Seattle, you may find this mnemonic useful:

Jefferson & James (J), Cherry & Columbia (C), Marion & Madison (M), Spring & Seneca (S), University & Union (U) and Pike & Pine (P)

All hotels in Seattle seem to have these handy tour maps. It’s a very useful map so be sure to grab one! The map even has super handy little icons to make things easier to find.

If you’re staying downtown and you want to see the Space Needle (of course you do!) then you may want to take the Seattle Monorail. You can catch the monorail from Westlake Center to Seattle Center and back. It has no other stops but it’s fun. While you’re there have some delicious Seattle Fudge and if you’re a serious music geek, take a tour of the Experience Music Project.

HOURS: Monday-Friday 7:30am-11pm, Saturday & Sunday 9am-11pm

You can also take a Washington State Ferry ride across Elliott Bay to one of the islands. I’m always happy to just grab a bucket of steamer clams and get on the ferry and ride to Bremerton, Bainbridge Island, or Vashon Island.

For more information, maps and directions, click here.

Seattle Visitor’s Guide: Part 1 ~ Where to Eat
Seattle Visitor’s Guide: Part 2 ~ What to Do

Seattle, visitors, guide, what to do, what to see, where to go, maps, ferries, Ferry, Washington, Buses, Metro, transportation, getting around, Sea-Tac, Monorail, islands, Space Needle, Westlake Center, downtown, streets, mnemonic, Jesus Christ Made Seattle Under Protest, airport

What: 4th Independent South Asian Film Festival
Where: Broadway Performance Hall
When: Daily from Wed., October 3 until Sun., October 7
$$$: Free, donations accepted
The fourth annual event—beginning with a concert by Salman Ahmad (Junoon), and closing with 10 Questions for the Dalai Lama—looks into the varied lives of people in the South Asian diaspora. Women’s rights in Afghanistan, gay subcultures in India, and the hijra (people identifying as “the third sex”) are some of the topics explored. See Web site for details and schedule. (NR).

What: Nordic Knitting Conference
When: Friday, October 5 to Sunday, October 7
Where: Nordic Heritage Museum
$$$: Registration Information

What: 31st Annual Everett Sausage Fest
When: Friday, October 5 to Sunday, October 7, Noon to Midnight (Sunday until 7pm)
Where: Perpetual Help Church Grounds, Everett Ave. & Cedar
$$$: $2 Free Shuttle, see website
The Everett Sausage Festival is a family-oriented weekend fair centered around a Bavarian theme. From our traditional Bavarian Dinner to a variety of food booths, children’s games, the Family Entertainment Stage, bingo, carnival, and Bavarian Beer Garden and Stage, there is something for everyone. Everett Sausage Fest was founded to support Catholic Education at Immaculate Conception/Our Lady of Perpetual Help School and is now in it’s 31st year.

What: World CyberGames Grand Finals (WCG)
When: Oct. 3-7
Where: Qwest Field
$$$: $10/Day
The world’s largest game festival is coming to Seattle, USA from Oct 4th to Oct 7th. You can see the world’s best gamers face off on the main stage and participate in various fun-filled events.

What: 3rd Annual Oktoberfest Northwest
When: 10/5-10/7: Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-midnight; Sunday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: Puyallup Fairgrounds
$$$: $8, ages 12 and younger free
Event highlights include a large Biergarten entertainment hall with national and international German bands and entertainers, authentic German cuisine, the German Corner gift section, the Miss Oktoberfest Northwest Swing Girl and the Hammerschlagen Tournament.

What: Washington Historic Quilts
When: 9/15-12/2, Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, noon-5 p.m.; Thursday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Where: Washington State History Museum, 1911 Pacific Ave., Tacoma
$$$: $8; $7 seniors; $6 student/military. (free Thursday 5-8 p.m.)
“Washington’s Historic Quilts,” an exhibition of quilts from Washington’s past, including a pioneer quilt and came to the area across the Oregon Trail.

What: Harry Potter “parsletounge party” with star 101.5!
When: Saturday, October 6th, 2pm-4pm
Where: Spirit of Seattle, Depart Pier 55
$$$: $19 per person. Additional fuel surcharge of $ .75pp, ages 12 and over.
Are you a Harry Potter expert? Test your knowledge at this fun event, featuring a trivia contest and prizes, including Harry Potter Books provided by Borders Books. Plus you can try out “Parsletongue” during a reptile show featuring live (yes live!) snakes! Kids and adults of all ages are invited to attend this festive event. Feel free to come dressed as your favorite character and be ready for an afternoon with Argosy, Roving Reptiles and Star 101.5.

What: Bon Vivant Wine Tour
When: Oct 07, 2007 (Sun), 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Where: Pick-up/return at Vesta Wine Cellars, 8016 15th Avenue N.E. (just off Lake City Way)
$$$: $65 per person plus tax; $59 for four or more
Make your advance reservations for a delightful half-day trip to the wine village of Woodinville — only 25 minutes from downtown Seattle. This is a guided tour of the beautiful facilities and grounds of Chateau Ste Michelle and Columbia Winery and 2 or 3 smaller, family-owned wineries in the Woodinville area, specializing in small-lot premium wines.

If you happen to be heading to Portland Thursday or Friday, you may want to check out Sarah’s Portland Blog to see what’s happening in her neck of the woods.

If you’re visiting Seattle this weekend, you may want to check out my Visitor’s Guides.

Seattle, Weekend, Oktober, Events, Things to do, 10/5/07, 10/6/07, 10/7/07, Harry Potter, Party, Washington, Quilts, Historic, Nordic Knitting Conference, Oktoberfest, Puyallup Fairgrounds, South Asian Film Festival, Independent, Everett, Sausage Fest, Northwest, Bonvivant Wine Tour