Life In The Pacific Northwest
Starting last week, MOHAI is presenting American Spirits: The Rise And Fall Of Prohibition.  Running now until August 23, the story of Prohibition, Seattle and the way our region both pushed the boundaries, as well as feeling the impact of this hallmark period in our country’s evolution. Should be a fascinating exploration in this social experiment and the long-standing repercussions.
I received this email today. Over the weekend, we received one of these text messages. They are alarming, but they are classic phishing. Do NOT respond! And, bless the folks at BECU, if you already have, call 800-233-2328 IMMEDIATELY! They’re ready to get you safe again.
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Fraud Alert: Text Messages and Phone Calls Asking for BECU Card InformationWe continue to receive reports of fraudulent text messages and phone calls appearing to come from BECU stating that your card has been blocked. The fraudsters are asking BECU members and non-members to enter personal information to unblock their card. We want to assure you that BECU has not been compromised and these messages and phone calls are not from BECU. If you do receive any of these messages, do not respond. If you already received this call and did provide your personal card information, please contact us immediately. We will need to deactivate your card, re-issue you a new card and monitor your account for fraud. For the most up-to-date information about this issue, visit the BECU News Center. |
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| Copyright 2015 BECU. All Rights Reserved. Federally Insured by NCUA.
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Yeah, the Emerald City Comicon is done, but that’s not even close to all the geek delight the region has the offer. There are events throughout the year, and these two are (both) this weekend.
And there are still more. I’ve started a list of all the regions events, which I’ll keep updated as I learn more. Feel free to let me know of any that aren’t on here.
An additional note: I was just informed that the Bellingham Comicon is a go for October 24th. More details on their Facebook page and their website.
Over the past few years I’ve heard so very much about “underwater homes”. When one owes more than the home is worth, the choices seen a bit stark. Short-Sales, foreclosures, bankruptcies, and other dire options were what got press, and agents talking. There was one option, though, that didn’t get mentioned: nothing. Keep pushing your mortgage and wait for the market to recover value.
The past several years have seen significant value growth. And Seattle has been central in that growth trend. We’ve gained back most, if not all, of the recession’s value erosion. Now, that’s not universal. There are areas in western Washington which haven’t gained that much. Seattle/Bellevue is the epicenter, which price increases dropping moving outwards.
Now, if you must move (job relocation, etc), you can’t afford your mortgage (adjustable rate resets, interest only terms off and principle comes due, etc), and you owe me than your home’s value, there are options. Don’t panic! But don’t seek one of these options if you simply are worried about home value. If you like where you live and it meets your needs, stay there. Prices will recover, and soon.
I consider myself a western Washingtonian, even though Mr. Ron Rudd might not.
“If you weren’t born in Seattle or the Northwest, you’ll never be one of us.”
Though born in Rhode Island, my parents were born in Washington, as were all my grandparents. My father and his mother were born in Seattle. Next: my parents met at UW. And I was supposed to be born in Seattle, but my timetable was a bit off-kilter. The family was in Rhode Island as my father attended the War College. So, I guess if I must be disqualified from “one of us” status, I’ll accept the consequences of my father’s service with pride.Â
Deeper: why do I consider this place “home”? Well, the biggest reason was that we always called it home. Flying out to Seattle was always “going home to visit grandma” (sorry grandpa, but it was always “to visit grandma”.Â
Lastly, this is the place we moved when my dad decided to retire from the Navy. And where I’ve lived the vast majority of my life here. Lastlyiest lastly, there’s the simple fact I love it here.Â
Please note: I’m hardly offended by Mr. Rudd. Actually, I find him quite witty, and the piece is quite clever. It did give me pause to consider, though. Which is worth a heap of oysters, shucked by hand along the Edmonds beach: my happy place.
One of the most bizarre things that happens all the time in the Pacific Northwest is this “no, no after you” stop-light phenomena. It drives me nuts. However, it’s a solid element of northwest culture.
Portlandia’s take on this is spot on. Enjoy!
PBS NewsHour had an interesting spot on what it costs to live in Seattle. Considers such issues as raising the minimum wage; it’s well worth your time (< 9 minutes).
Check out @Oatmeal’s Tweet: https://twitter.com/Oatmeal/status/557338470301986816?s=09
Seattle’s sports enthusiasm is expressed uniquely.
Well, the clouds have rolled back in to the greater Puget Sound region. With them come less bitter temperatures. I appreciate that. The past week or so, with temperatures down in the 20s, has been deeply uncomfortable. Yes, I am aware that a good deal of the country would love to WARM UP to our lows. And I am content.
During the summer, there are times that I am uncomfortably warm while the rest of the country broils significantly hotter. Yes, I’m fine with my discomfort in the 80s while the rest of the country broils in the hundreds.
Seattlites have been labeled weather-wimps by most of my friends who live in other regions. Whether the discomforts above, or our disdain (terror?) of snow, we have a reputation. Personally, I’m fine with that. It’s delightful to live in a pleasant climate, rather than where simply surviving brutality is the goal.
I welcome the return of the clouds, and gentler weather. It’s not for everyone, but for me it’s home.
This past Saturday, I gave a friend a lift out to Mercer Island. On my return trip, I saw I-5 was backed up, so opted to take surface streets starting at James street. It was fun to see how my old neighborhoods have changed. There’s tons of construction going on downtown, and throughout Seattle. I was amazed at the changes along Roosevelt through the U-District. So many high-rises that weren’t there 5 years ago. And UW’s campus has had a great deal of change.
I expect that these are real signs of a changing economy; at least in micro/Seattle sense. The volume of construction decreased significantly the further north I went. Very little going on past Northgate.
Just a few random observations as I drifted northwards from downtown avoiding traffic coagulation.
