Isaac Newton's Birthday breakfast?

So, I guess Monday, December 25th is some sort of holiday or something, besides being the 363rd birthday of Sir Isaac Newton, because it seems that everything is closed and people are all doing stuff. I was wondering if anyone wanted to get together for a little brekkies/brunchies/elevenses kind of thing at the 13 Coins downtown? Maybe before you have other things to do, or instead of doing other things, or in addition to other things being done? Send me an email and let me know!

Linkie.

Art Show!

You are cordially invited to
Courtney's Art Show

Host
Courtney Putnam, MFA, LMP, CRP

Location
Rising Bird Healing Arts

When
Thursday, December 14, 6:00pm – 9:00pm

As part of the monthly Roosevelt Neighborhood Art Walk, I will be opening up my massage studio to the public to showcase my art.

I am presenting my "bird series," a collection of my mixed media collage art. Some pieces will be for sale and I will also be selling prints of a few of my pieces in the form of greeting cards.

You are welcome to stop by anytime between 6:00 and 9:00pm on Thursday, December 14. I would love to see you!

Several businesses in my neighborhood remain open from 6:00-9:00pm on the 14th to showcase the work of local artists, so be sure to visit the other collections. Maps will be provided.

Call or email if you need directions.

An Evening with Teddy Roosevelt-12/01

CANCELLED CANCELLED CANCELLED


So, there's this guy, Clay Jenkinson.
Those of you who had something to do with Lewis and Clark College may know of him because he's a scholar-in-residence there. Those of you who've had something to do with the Public Access or Institution-Affiliated Channels may know him, as he provides fodder for any number of Seattle channels (including "the Seattle Channel!").
He likes to get up on stage and play dead white guys, most famously as Thomas Jefferson--he was one of Ken Burns' talking heads in Burns' documentary about Jefferson. But he also has donned pantaloons to portray Sir Francis Bacon, buckskins to appear as Merriwether Lewis, chopped off an arm to be John Wesley Powell (who may have not been the first person to navigate the Colorado River, but was certainly the first white, one-armed, half-mad Civil War veteran to do it...in a canoe), and shouldered a lot of guilt and weltschmerz to play J. Robert Oppenheimer. Jenkinson knows how to keep the talk lively, the points pithy, and he doesn't hedge the facts by making his people more of "our time" to make them go down more easily. In fact, he's been known to piss off a few "enlightened" individuals, and when he does his Library shows, there's always some blowhard who wants to "debate" the character (He's dead, guy, go sit down). The talk consists of a presentation by the character...the character doing a Q-and-A...and Jenkinson dropping the guise to answer questions as himself, and smooth over any ruffled feathers.
Jenkinson's doing his yearly tour through the Northwest...and he'll be at our lovely Town Hall (Eighth and Seneca) on Friday December 1, at 7:30 pm as 26th President Teddy Roosevelt...of whom his daughter Alice once said "He wanted to be the bride at every wedding and the corpse at every funeral..." No doubt there'll be some discussion on self-actualization, the role of America in the world (*cough*), and the appreciation of our Great Outdoors. And...bears.
It's Free. But tickets are on a first-come-first-served basis, so that'll involve some line-waiting. I'm going. Wanna wait with me? Details of pertinence are right HERE.

Bring your own Big Stick.

Moovie nite notice: Fast Food Nation - Friday, November 17

Hey - Fast Food Nation, the Greg Kinnear/ensemble drama based on the book by Eric Schlosser, opens this Friday! Here's a note from our pal lower-case b:

This Friday night the movie Fast Food Nation opens in theatres nationwide. Fox Searchlight (the distributor of the film) will be looking closely at the money the movie brings in on opening weekend. As with all movies, to be a success the movie has to do well in the first three days it plays. Fox Searchlight is NOT doing any major promotions of the film and the movie didn't have a lot of financial backing in getting made, we believe because of its controversial nature.

Fast Food Nation is a movie based on the non-fiction book written by Eric Schlosser. This is one of the most influential books of our time.

So, let's go! The film is playing at the Harvard Exit on Friday, November 17, at 7:15 pm. Maybe we can meet at 5:30 or 6:00 for a decidedly non-fast-food dinner at Pho Cyclo beforehand; email or call if you want to make plans.

Hope to see y'all there!

Big Wall Spectration: Friday, November 10

Gosford Park

So, I think we all heard about this Upstairs,Downstairs-period-piece- murder-mystery-all-star- international-cast offering from Robert Altman a few years back, but I don't now how many of us have actually seen it. Netflix has come through, and we're going to watch it on Friday night, November 10. Here's the IMDB page, and here's a review. All I know is it's got man-babe Clive Owens in it, and that seems to be a big draw for many of the ladies and a few of the men in this little community of ours.

As usual, the show will start about 7:00-7:30 pm, and we'll have pop and popcorn; bring whatevers to hoard or to share!

RSVP if you can!

Halloween Spooktration Tuesday 10/31

Although it's a mid-week holiday, we want to mark Halloween with a special Big Wall Spectration, so come on over on Tuesday 10/31 for a classic filmed-in-Seattle, George C. Scott haunted house horror flick, The Changeling.



Here's the IMDB entry on it, and a couple of reviews, if you're into that.

So, we'll have the usual popcorn and pop, as well as some seasonal treats, such as Otis's special "Bat Pee" (hot spiced cider). You can bring something or not, as you are so moved.

Get here by 7:00 pm or so; we'll want to start the show early, since it's a school night. RSVP so we know what to do with the furniture!

See you here - spook-a-doodle do!

Impromptu Big Wall Spectration: Friday, 10/20

Hey! We've got Dear Frankie from Netflix and we're gonna watch it tomorrow night - anybody want to join us? We'll have pop and popcorn, as usual - you can bring or not bring anything else. We're thinking about 7:30 or so.

Drop an email or a phone call if you're coming.

Event notice: Scotty's stuff, this weekend and next

Hey, our favorite spiv has two big shows coming up:

On Sunday evening, October 22 at 6pm, he's doing a cabaret act in Columbia City.

On Friday night, October 27, at 8:30 pm (going late), he's recreating Houdini's Water Escape (for reals, folks) in the market area.

Check out Scotty's blog for more details. Anyone want to get a group together? Let me know.

Moovie nite notice: Friday, 10/6

Let's go see Jet Li's Fearless at the Majestic Bay Theater in the heart of bustling Ballard. There's a 7:30 pm show on Friday, October 6 - maybe pho before and something afters? Do the email or mobile thing, or just be there!

Big Wall Movie Night This Saturday! (9/30)

The ol' Netflix account has come off its summer hiatus and the first film up is Zatoichi, the hip-hop samurai epic from "Beat" Takeshi Kitano. Some folks may have seen it, but the too-cool-for-words swordplay, the poetic CGI gore, and the snappy soundtrack and score will make it a fun centerpiece for a night of fun and friendship.

We'll provide the spring rolls, edamame, and green tea soda; you bring whatever else you might want to snip or snack.

Let's say 7:00 pm on Saturday? As usual, email for directions if you need them. (Parking will be free on all neighborhood streets and that time.) And RSVP so we know if/how to move the furniture!

Here a link to a cool trailer.

Anyone want to get down and get funky?

I'm in the mood for going dancing, but I have no idea where to go (I've been a dancer in my own living room for years, but I've never really made a go of it on a crowded dance floor!). I'm looking for something low key and groovy (not a meat market for sure) and very free-form and funky. 70s or 80s music would be great. Any ideas? And, is anyone interested in shakin' their groove thing some night soon?

Let me know!

Courtney

Moovie nite notice: Saturday, 8/26

UNCANCELLED!


CANCELLED!


For three bucks, I'll go see Wordplay. It's at the Crest Cinema Center, at 7:00 pm on Saturday 8/26. For sure, coffee-an' afters; if ya wants dinner before, make some calls, send some emails, and see what develops.

Event notice: Outdoor movie!

At the instigation of Invisible Adam, we are heading out to the Fremont Outdoor Movies on Saturday night, August 5, for The Manster, a film in their Twisted Flicks (think MST3K) series. The lot opens at 7:30 pm; the movies start at dusk; anyone up for a take-out al fresco supper before the show? Lemme know!

Event invite: Yakima Cabin

The weather is apparently going to be moderating a bit over the next week, but it’s still going to be plenty warm and summery, so Otis and I are going to head for the hills this next weekend, and we’d like to invite you to come along. Here’s the deal:

We're going to the Putnam Cabin in the Wenatchee National Forest, just past Chinook Pass. It's a beautiful 2 1/2 hour drive (out Hwy 410) with great views of Mt. Rainier along the way. We’ll be heading out on Friday (7/28) to make sure everything is set up; why don't you join us for a wilderness get-away on Saturday? Come up for the day to play in the woods! We’ll have plenty of sunshine during the day, with a nice, cool cabin to retreat to, and a cool, refreshing evening.

It's an easy ride on the weekends, and it would be best to head home before dusk (8:30 PM or so) as the elk and deer cross the highway to drink at the river then and it can be a very treacherous time. If you'd like to stay Saturday night, just let us know (we'll be able to accommodate 5 - 6 additional overnighters). We’ll be heading back on Sunday after breakfast.

About the cabin: It’s in a private heritage campsite (there are about a half-dozen cabins in the vicinity, and a state campground about a mile away). There is no running water at the cabin, so we bring in the bottled stuff, but there is electricity and plenty of ways to cook things (stove, microwave, BBQ). The bathroom is a conveniently located outhouse!

What to bring: food (for you and/or to share), some water, a lounge chair (if you have one that’s easy to haul – there are some there), sun protection, a swimsuit, a hat (it may still be tick season), games, toys, shoes to get wet in, etc.

Things we can do: eat, sit in the sun on lounge chairs, sit by the river, sit in the river, play in the river, make rock pools, mountain bike, hike, walk (like hiking but less strenuous), play cards, read.

Post here if you want to go and wish to carpool!
Email me for directions or additional info!

Please RSVP ASAP por favor, so we can get a handle on what will be going on
– and last minute arrangements are impossible since the cell phones don't work up there!

Volunteer Park Badminton Picnic

Come to Volunteer Park (east slope, just south of the Conservatory) for badminton fun this Friday evening July 21, 6pm to---.

Bring food and drink to sustain you, your playfull & competitive spirit, and most of all just bring yourself!

Outdoor movie night redux!

We had so much fun this last weekend watching the outdoor movies, that we're going to strike while the weather is hot and have another Summer Outdoor Spectration in LFP this Saturday, July 1.

The basic plan will be the same: come around 6:30 - 7:00 pm, we'll have the grill fired up, bring comestibles to share, and we'll start the movie when it gets dark, after some selected shorts. (Don't forget to bring warm stuff!)

We will have a new and improved screen, too - even bigger and better than before.

All we need to do is pick the flick. We're going to break from tradition here, and instead of so-bad-it's-good, we're going try for so-good-it's-good, with maybe a positive spin.

So here are the candidates - vote in the poll box to the right. And RSVP, please!

The Wedding Banquet

Forgotten Silver

Dear Frankie

Elling

The General

Enlightenment Guaranteed

Wilde

Abigail's Party

Mirrormask

Outdoor movies - sooner AND later!

With the weather getting somewhat summery, it's time to start planning some outdoor movies!

First of all, you're invited to a Potluck and Outdoor Sceening at the Putnam Compound in LFP this Saturday, June 24.

Come around 7:00 pm or so; we'll have the grills fired up and veggie-dogs for everyone! Bring a salad or chips or drinks or something else to share, and we'll do the barbecue-picnic thing.

Then, when it gets dark enough, we'll set up the screen in the backyard and make like a drive-in (except we'll all be in comfy lounge chairs). We'll be showing a double-feature from 1988:

First, They Live,
John Carpenter's classic anti-Bush (I) sci-fi/horror flick,
with Rowdy Roddy Piper in the lead role, and then...

... in honor of the backyard setting, Slugs, a weird quickie horror flick.

So, drop me an email if you wanna come and enjoy a movie under the stars. I'll send directions if you need them.

::::::

Secondly, our good frined Invisible Adam has made the following suggestion:

Would you guys care to join us at this on August 5 to see The Manster [at the Fremont Outdoor Cinema]? American journalist goes to Japan and is injected with serum that turns him into a two-headed monster! We should invite as many people as possible to up the fun factor.

So, pencil Saturday, August 5 in your datebooks now.

Okay, so here's the plans(s)

The Solstice Parade is this Saturday, June 17; this page has a map of the route. The local streets are closed at 11:00 and the parade starts at noon. Since we are not focusing on the Fremont Fair, but just on the parade, it seems we would get a better viewing area in the less-congested east end of the route, so here's the deal: Otis and I are going to go out to breakfast and then scooter down with the intent of being in place by 10:00 am. Plan A will be to take over one of the pedestals for the supports under the Aurora Bridge. We scoped them out last night; they are about four feet higher than the sidewalk and have plenty of room. If we can't get one of those, Plan B will be to stake out a space along the route to the east, somewhere near Stone Way. We'll bring a blanket and a couple of small chairs. Anyone else can either join us early-ish and play games while we wait, or late-ish and just show up for the parade.

Superman Returns officially opens on Wednesday, June 28. Otis and I will be going to the 7:15 pm show at the IMAX theatre in the Pacific Science Center. (The IMAX version of the movie includes twenty minutes that are in 3-D; early reports are that it's great.) I am going to buy tickets early in a week or so. Let me know if you are coming and I'll pick your up as well.

Time to make plans

The Solstice Parade is in 12 days. Are we going en masse? Do we want to have brekkies and mimosa beforehand? Our place is available, but we're not walking distance from Fremont anymore, so maybe an alternate plan would be wiser. Any ideas?

The opening day for Superman Returns has been moved up to Wednesday, June 28 (?!). (According to Mr, MovieTime, it looks like there are even sneak preview openings in the exurbs on that Tuesday, but I don't think we want to schlep out to the sticks.) Do we want to see it on opening night? Or do we want to see it at a drive-in? I have a nostalgic preference for the latter, since that is where I saw the first Christopher Reeve Superman movie, but I can go either way.

Moovie nite notice: Tuesday 5/30

Scotty Tuxedo wants to see V for Vendetta, so we are going to see the 6:30 pm showing tomorrow, Tuesday, May 30, at the Crest Theatre. Wanna come? Prolly coffee-an’ afters.

Yeah, yeah, I know it came out a while ago, but I haven't seen it, and I don't have the excuse of having been in Egypt. I also have never read the comic, so there.

20 Questions

This weekend is, by some reckonings, the start of the summer season, so I thought that perhaps we could actually make some plans in advance this year, instead of watching the days slip by with great intentions unfulfilled.

In the sidebar is a garish green poll listing twenty possible diversions. Which do you want to do? You can vote for as many choices as you want to, but you can only cast one ballot. If there is commitment on any particular activity, I'll be happy to take the lead in making reservations/getting tickets/&c. Here's some information on/links to places about the choices:

Tuxedo Man is a one-man show that dar-Dar Binks highly recommends.

The Solstice Parade was a big hit last year; the real question is whether we will just be observers or start participating fringely.

The Fremont Outdoor Movies have both good stuff and so-bad-they're-good stuff.

Dingo has a front-row seat for still wants to go to the Pride Parade even though it has been moved downtown; pot-luck interested, anyone?

Superman Returns actually looks good, and we had a blast at the last Blockbuster opening. let's make an event out of it; maybe a midnight show or something?

If the weather is good, we can try an outdoor movie of our own, with the Big Wall Spectrator in the Putnam backyard. Suggestions?

Any alternatives to another Fourth of Julivar's?

Mighty Mel suggests a caravan to a drive-in; hiding in the trunk optional. here are some possible choices to investigate.

Mel also wants to walk in nature (and chase goats?) in the Olympics.

The Scottish Highland Games are a lot of fun, as we can attest, and also usually very hot.

I would love to see a minor league ball game somewhere around here. The dates I listed in the poll are premium/fun nights, but there are a lot of options.

It's been two years without a Geek Quest; how the heck can a tradition start like that?

Otis loves rides and wants to do the amusement park thing. Enchanted Village is just a little cheaper than Disneyland.

There are some organized bike rides in town, or maybe we could just mount an expdition of our own.

Linda S. has done these long walks in town (like from Magnolia to Downtown along the water), and the PI has a list of stuff like that here. I just like walking in the city, so I'd be up for just about anything.

The Putnam cabin up in Chinook Pass is rustic, but when it's hot, the river is fun. And we can get some good Mexican food in Yakima while we're there.

I've never been to a Renaissance Fair, and have a desire to just see what it's all about - maybe Maggie's influence.

Bumbershoot is getting a little pricey, but maybe we can check out the schedule and find something worth investing in.

I haven't been to the Puyallup Fair in years - it's awful big, but maybe it's an alternative source for the rides thing.

So, vote, comment, mark your calendars, and let's have some fun!

X-citement

So, here's the deal:

Johnbai wants to go see X-Men 3 : The Last Stand on this Friday, May 26, at the 6:00 pm show at the Cinerama. Most of us who are going are buying tickets in advance online, but I think that we should prolly figure to be in line at least a half-hour or so early anyway.

For those of you who want to catch up on the saga before jumping into the latest chapter in the blockbuster history of America's favorite mutants, Otis and I will be watching X-Men and X2- X-Men United on the Big Wall at our place tomorrow night, Thursday, May 25. We'll start the showing promptly at 7:00 pm. You can come when you like, but the order of business will be to get the movies watched (so Otis can know what the heck is going on!). Pop and popcorn will be provided.

The mother of all garage sales

Not that none of us doesn't have too much stuff already, but there is a great garage sale coming up: Saturday, April 22, is the Greenwood Garage Sale Day up on Phinney Ridge. MaryBee is raving about this, and it does sound like a sweet deal. It could be fun to meet somewhere up on the ridge - perhaps at Val's? - for breakfast and then do some sailing. If you're in, drop and email.

Event notice: SPL stuff

A few years ago, the Seattle Public Library started a deal called something like What If Everybody in Seattle Read... [fill-in-the-blank]. The idea was to generate a community literary experience by having lots of people read and discuss one author's work (or works) at the same time - sort of a giant book group. Although they have shortened the name to Seattle Reads, they do it every year. This year, the book they are reading is a graphic novel: Marjan Satrapi's Persepolis, and thanks to the kind offices of JJ, I will be participating in one of the events:

Persepolis Read-in/Readers' Theater
2 p.m. Saturday, March 11
The Seattle Public Library
Fremont Community Library
731 N. 35th St., Seattle

Here's the main page for Seattle Reads.

New Resource

Hey folks, I've just come across this Seattle-scene site that looks quite informative and also seems fairly interesting, and thus it might be something to be added to the sidebar. If you think it's worthy, leave a comment so Walaka will know to add it to the sidebar.

Moovie nite tonight?

The Varsity is showing all five of the live-action short films nominated for the Aacademy Award this year. Films from USA, UK, Germany. Ireland, and Iceland.

7:00 pm show.

Meet you there?

Coffee-an' after.

Movie alert

The totally awesome film Howl's Moving Castle is playing right now at the Crest. Go see it on a big screen while you can. You won't be disappointed... especially if you only paid $3!!!

Invitation: Impromptu White Wall Spectration

Our Netflix stash currently comprises Hotel Rwanda, Control Room, and Seven Samurai.

We're going to watch one of them on the wall tomorrow night (Friday), prolly about seven or so. Anyone want to come by? Post or email and let me know.

Blogging Moment of the Year

I am a little late to the game of suggesting an Award of the Year but while I was having a sleepless night last night, I came up with the idea of:

Your Favorite Blogging Moment of the Year!

For me, it was the post I did on women's rights where I wondered who was more exploited: a woman who was forced to wear a burka or a woman who made her living as a pole-dancer. As part of the post, I found opinions on the burka from women on both sides of the argument. The reason that this became my favorite blogging moment was when I got a comment from a friend of one of the women I quoted who also lived in Toronto and had also experimented with wearing the burka voluntarily. It made me feel that my blog did get beyond my faithful readership and could in a very small way contribute to discourse in the world.

P.S. Guess I won the

Housekeeping: New photo

Check out the new version of the header photo - Soapy made it all bright and sparkly and stuff.

Event notice: Academy Awards March 5

Oscar Night is March 5.

If you haven't received an invitation to the The Third Annual Academy Award Evening Wear Extravaganza and Pajama Party! (tm) and you want one, drop me an email.

Official site of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

Official site of the 78th Annual Academy Awards

Event notice: Jean Mann House Concert

This comes from our pal Linda S:

Feb 4 - Save the date!!!

On Saturday evening, Feb 4th, we are hosting a "house concert" and we'd like you to come enjoy it. Join us in a cozy venue to listen to the wonderfully talented Jean Mann and her accompanist Bill; We guarantee that every seat will be acoustically terrific and the parking (for bikes OR cars) will be a breeze!

Family members, neighbors, kids and colleagues are all welcome. Just let us know how many in your party are coming so we can be sure to have enough chairs!

A donation of $10 (put directly into the artists' cookie jar) is suggested. We'll supply the wine and some snacks.

When: Sat, Feb 4, 2006

What time: We'll start pouring wine at 7:30, the music will start about 8:30pm

Where: Mike & Linda's Ballard Fiesta Spot

Why: Why not? We love Jean & Bill, and we enjoy their music. We think you will too!

To RSVP and get the address email Linda

Hope you can make it!

Linda Schwartz

Otis and I will be going - here's a review of the last concert we attended.

Moovie notice: Saturday 1/28

Theatre: The Crest

Movie: Breakfast on Pluto

Showing: 7:10 pm

Coffee-an' afters?

Film Notice: Northwest Asian-American Film Festival

Mighty Mel has forgotten her password, so I am posting this but it is from her:

Have you heard about the Northwest Asian American Film Festival this weekend? Amongst the plenthora of wonderful choices is a gem called Dick Ho: Asian Male Porn Star ...isn't that a great title? Not only have I already bought tickets to see it, I am hoping they have a t-shirt!

Event notice: Scotty Walsh Magic Show!

Here's some info from our good friend, Scotty Walsh:

I just wanted to send out a quick invitation out to you guys and let you know that I am doing a show on this Wednesday, January 18th in the Jewel Box Theatre which is located inside of a bar called the Rendezvous located on 2nd and Bell St. Rumor has it that this theatre used to be a 20th Century Fox screening house and at any rate it has a very prohibitiony feel to it.

The show will be one to remember, I imagine. It will be me doing some comedy/magic/juggling type stuff. Fellow Market Buskers Jake and Annie also known as Slim Pickenz will be doing their banjo, fiddle, guitar, cajun thing. Also the crazy and legendary Artis the Spoonman will be playing his spoons and, most likely, proselytizing.

The cover is only 5 dollars and all of the money will be going to the Feed the Hungry Street Performers During the Winter Fund (FSSPDWF). The show starts at 9pm and will go until about 11pm.

Also, since I will be leaving to spend a year in Cairo on the 20th [WTF?! - ed.], this show is also going to be my going away party so Step Right Up, this is an Extravaganza you're not going to want to miss!

Scotty's website for more contact info.

Event notice: Firefly marathon: Saturday 1/14

Doing the best we could to make it work:

FEVER (see below) will begin at 10:00 am on Saturday, January 14th.

BYOA*

There's still plenty of cheap champange.

I imagine we'll order a pizza for dinner.



*(Bring-your-own-anything-you-want-to-eat)

Movie reviews: best and worst lists (ish)

Whelona kicks it off.

Johnbai's lists.

Walaka's list.

Event notice: Firefly: discussion needed

Although many of us are all still recovering from the all-night New Year's Eve dogtacular, there are those amongst us already clamoring for another white-wall spectration marathon: to wit, the Firefly Every-episode Viewing Event and Remembrance (FEVER).

Some background:
The Serenity science-fiction movie that came out a few months ago was actually a coda to a short-lived Fox television series, Firefly. Twelve episodes aired between September 20 and December 20 in 2002; three other episodes were made but never aired.

FEVER will include a viewing of all fifteen episodes of Firefly in one sitting. Why? Um, cuz it sounds like fun? Anyway, IMDB says the episodes clock out at 40 minutes, so were looking at an even ten hours of viewing. (For comparision, LOTR is either 9.3 or 11.4 (extended versions) hours for three movies and Star Wars is 13.2 hours for six movies.)

Discusssion:
In early days, we decided it might be best to do this over a three-day weekend, so people's other-than-work stuff is impacted less. The next one up is January 14-15-16 (MLK holiday). It would be unseenly to do it on Monday, I think, so:

Question one: Is Saturday 1/14 or Sunday 1/15 the day for FEVER?

If we want ten hours of viewing (twelve if we want to watch the Serenity movie again), how do we want to schedule it? I think if we start at 10:00 am, we can get get it in without pulling another all-nighter, and even take breaks for, like, eating and stretching and breathing fresh air and stuff.

Question two: What should the viewing schedule be?

Have at it. When we get it decided, I'll send out another notice.