Category: Seattle and Beyond

Father’s Day 2013

Carl Setzer

Yesterday, my family spent our day celebrating Fatherhood with KEXP. The Eighth Annual Father’s Day Kid’s Dance Party was heck-of-a-lotta fun. Big plus ones to EMP for hosting, Pagliacci Pizza for providing dough for pizza tossing, and to the Vicious Puppies Crew for bringing their b-boy chops to the event.

VPC was the main draw for us. I love watching talented artists of all disciplines using their passions. My son struggled the rest of the day to control his dance steps (a bit of a problem in the restaurant for lunch…), so inspiration was partaken.

Soon there will be photos uploaded to the KEXP Flickr Stream. Until then, I have a few shots up on my Flickr page.

Here’s the most popular VPC video on YouTube. Enjoy!

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iysNOG-hhHU]

Rugby, Eh?

Carl Setzer

I’m sitting here in Magnuson Park in Seattle. The early afternoon was spent at Serevi Rugby camp.

I remember coming here often as a boy, back when this was the Sandpoint Naval Station. I’m aware of its history as an air station during World War II, evolving into a support station that seemed to focus on the retiree community. It’s nice to see the space now. Seattle has done good work with the space, but there are hints of the history. I can tell the pavement is original. The age shows clearly. Plus, many of the old buildings are still here. Though, most of them are crumbling and just waiting for the wrecking ball.

A piece of Seattle’s history which is a piece of mine.

[Updated: grammatical edits]

No You Go, Or, Seattle-Stop-Sign-Itis

Carl Setzer

I find it hard to imagine anyone driving in Seattle who hasn’t experienced this. And, I must confess, I’ve suffered from this syndrome.

This is courtesy of the great parody, Portlandia, which exquisitely captures NW culture.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-baV-xULLk?list=PLojjDpU2hfbl2O152r83d4ifEMuVOlBY4&w=560&h=315]

New Bridges : Saving the Sanity of Skagit County

Carl Setzer

After the bridge collapse up over the Skagit, the powers that be have been working feverishly to get something in place ASAP. I’ve been quite impressed with both the speed in which the pieces are coming together, but also the great levels of communication with the public.

Here’s a look at the process (I think it’s cool, but I’m a geek).

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pmaYikWdfY&w=420&h=315]

And here’s a snapshot of where things stand right now (well, as of today via Twitter).

Catching You Folks Up : Closing Out May 2013

Carl Setzer

My past few weekends have been quite busy…full of the good living that makes me love this region. Memorial Day weekend I was able to spend with good friends on the beach a few miles north of my house, and then spent a day at Folklife, one of my favorite Seattle festivals. Though the weather was a bit drippy, I enjoyed the music and other artists while we wandered the Seattle Center Campus. Then we wandered over to the Pacific Science Center, always a favorite for us. Lunch in the Armory, my son enjoying Kabab and my wife and I grubbing on burgers from Skillet’s counter.

This past weekend we spent part of Saturday meandering the Edmonds Spring/Garden Market, ending the day with froyo at Revelations. Yesterday, spent most of my morning and early afternoon at Trinity Lutheran Church for our annual meeting, followed by a run down in Edmonds.

For me, at least, all recipes for perfect weekends.

You’ll find a few photos below for your enjoyment!

Cheers, all.

Scenes From Folklife 2013

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A Day At Mission Beach, On The Tulalip Reservation

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Driving & Seattle Culture

Carl Setzer

Two events yesterday drove home a key piece of Seattle culture. One: guy with Illinois plates driving maniacally through my line of cars, with extreme frustration clearly displayed. Two: freeway backup due to a car fire.

Item one demonstrated the laid back style of Seattle driving. No sense of hurry, nor urgency. This is visible at any stop sign, where we have the old Mac & Tosh routine. “No, after you. No, no…after you.” We often deal with paralysis by politeness. Polite-alysis?

With item two, we have the Seattle ogle. Now, this fire was dramatic: Corvette’s front end was gone, foam everywhere. But the firetrucks were long gone. Yet, traffic crawls by so we can all get a good look. Amen continues even after we’re well past. Craning their necks to keep it in view. Causes tons of accidents, all on its own. Funny, I guess.

Nordic Pride, Or Lingonberries On Your Pancakes Or Die!

Carl Setzer

Ok, I like lingonberries fine, but maybe not that much. Swedish pancakes are lovely, though.

Anyway, growing up Lutheran, I’ve had a great deal of interaction with Nordic culture. Whether the glorious delights of desserts (yummy lefse), or the abomination that is lutefisk,  I’ve seen a great deal.  Therefore, I, with a deep whole-heartedness, recommend you experience a Nordic heritage event.

Below are two Seattle area ones. I won’t be able to make either this year, but several friends attend them.

Syttende Mai, May 17, Seattle; and Poulsbo Viking Fest, May 17-19

More details here (link is to the Seattle Times):

Event this weekend @ Lynnwood Convention Center : Celebration of Food

Carl Setzer

Just read over at My Edmonds News about this weekend’s “Celebration of Food” festival.

Sadly, I’ve yet to step foot inside the Lynnwood Convention Center. I guess I need to check out their calendar of events more often (read: >0 times).

Anyway, combine the local nature of this with a celebration of food, and this is one I really shouldn’t miss. I’ll plan to head over.

More details about the event at Edmonds Community College and at the Food Revolution Snohomish County’s Facebook page.

And, lastly, a video with some additional background.

Hope to see you there!

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7o_ekgj9m_w]

@Zumiez Videos : Life In Lynnwood

Carl Setzer1 Comment

Zumiez is headquartered in Lynnwood, just a short distance from the old Landmark Inn just off of I5 and 44th. They’re a significant player in the boardsport style space, with sales topping $555 million in 2012.

Here’s one of their YouTube videos. Kinda fun stuff. Gives you insight into their brand. Enjoy!

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrpI85TcBZ4&w=560&h=315]

Seattle’s “Sodo” w/ an “r” sounds like a Lord Of The Rings City

Carl Setzer2 Comments

The headline is what started it: “Faces Of Sodo:…” (Puget Sound Biz Journal). I started with reading that’d as “Sodor”, then my brain ran with it. Perhaps Sodor is that area south of Modor where the baseball and football stadiums area? Because Sauron likes himself some ballgames to unwind after a busy day of global conquest.

It was funny in my mind. I guess you had to be there.