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Seattle’s Most Popular Theaters and Concert Halls

Paramount-Theater in Seattle

Watching a play or a concert in Seattle is a fun experience. This is the case because Seattle theaters and concert halls offer a fantastic selection of concerts, plays and operas to see.

5th Avenue Theater
The 5th Avenue Theater offers visitors a great selection of plays and concerts. The 5th Avenue Theater has been a Seattle institution since 1926. It was once Seattle’s largest silent movie theater. Today, it hosts productions of classic 20th century plays and contemporary works by local playwrights. It also hosts concerts, lectures. The theater’s main drawing feature is its cozy environment. It features stadium-style seats and a superb sound system that creates an intimate atmosphere. As a result, the 5th Avenue Theater is one of the theaters in Seattle that must be seen to be believed. (www.5thavenue.org)

Seattle Repertory Theater
Located on 155 Mercer Street, the Seattle Repertory Theater is one of the Queen Anne District’s premier destinations. It presents contemporary plays that were written by local playwrights on a stage that’s surrounded by stadium-style seats. The theater also features a cafe that offers American fare, coffee and deserts. Moreover, be sure to visit this theater during the holiday season to take advantage of the discounts they offer in time for Thanksgiving and Christmas. (www.seattlerep.org)

Benaroya Hall
Concert lovers will enjoy seeing a concert at the Benaroya Hall. Benaroya Hall is one of the premiere concert halls in Seattle. It’s home to the Seattle Symphony Orchestra and several local jazz groups. As a result, Benaroya Hall is host to over 100 jazz and symphony concerts a year. Benaroya Hall is one of the premiere concert halls in Seattle because it also hosts a fantastic variety of flamenco concerts, solo performances by today’s leading opera stars and children’s concerts all year long. As a result, be sure to visit the Benaroya Hall box office for more information about the venue’s current concert schedule. (www.seattlesymphony.org/benaroya)

Paramount Theater
Concert lovers will also enjoy seeing a concert at the famous Paramount Theater. The Paramount Theater is located at 911 Pine Street. It was constructed in 1927 as a Vaudeville theater and silent movie house. Today, its spacious stage and large vaulted ceilings make the Paramount Theater a great place to hear a concert. The Paramount’s concert schedule includes over 200 events that include rock concerts, jazz concerts and gatherings sponsored by local artists. Moreover, several nationally known artists make an appearance each year. As a result, concert lovers have a good chance of seeing their favorite musical act perform at the Paramount Theater. (www.stgpresents.org/paramount)

Moore Theater
Finally, be sure to see a concert or a play at the Moore Theater. Located at the intersection of Second Avenue and Virgina Street, the Moore Theater is Seattle’s oldest theater still in use. The theater was built to satisfy demands for an opera house in 1907. Today, it hosts several plays, operas and concerts produced by local music groups. Moreover, tourists will also enjoy seeing some of the country’s leading comics perform here. Be sure to visit the Moore Theater’s website for information about its current events schedule to see why it’s one of the most popular theaters in Seattle. (www.stgpresents.org/moore/)

How to Host a Kickass Beer Tasting Party

Seattle Beer Tasting

Next time you’re thinking of inviting friends over for a gathering, kick it up a few notches by hosting a beer tasting party. I guarantee you will have more fun than another normal get-together of casual conversation. This Thirsty in Seattle article has you covered.

Step 1 – Plan
Guests: 6 guests are ideal, but you can easily go up to 12. I wouldn’t go any higher.

Type of Beer: Let everyone choose what beer to bring. It’s much more fun and rewarding to let each guest do some research (can be as simple as asking for recommendations from their local bottle shop). You will be surprised how diverse of a lineup you have even with no coordination. Visit our Hall of Fame for inspiration. Another option is to focus on specific styles or a region. True beer geeks will likely want to have each guest bring a “whale”, a rare, hard-to-find beer.

Blind Tasting? Hell, yes! It’s the best way to go. It helps each guest better think about the flavors of the beer, without any preconceived notions about a style or brand clouding their judgment. For a blind tasting, each guest should bring their beer(s) in a brown paper lunch bag cinched near the top with tape.

Amount of Beer: Specify to your guests how much beer to bring. Plan on a 3-4 oz. taste per person.

6-8 guests: Have each guest bring 2 different bottles (Bottle size: 22 oz. bomber OR a larger 750ml bottle, the common size of Belgian beers). This will provide the group with a tasting of 12-16 different beers, depending on the number of guests. Example: Joe brings 1 bottle of Stone Ruination IPA and 1 bottle of La Fin du Monde

9-12 guests: Have each guest bring 2 bottles of the same beer (either 22 oz. bombers OR larger 750ml bottles, the common size of Belgian beers). This will provide the group with a tasting of 9-12 different beers, depending on the number of guests. Example: Joe brings 2 bottles of Stone Ruination IPA.

The reason I recommend a different approach for 9-12 guests is that the same quantity of beer per guest will be needed, but sampling 24 different varieties in one evening is far too many from both a time and palate perspective.

This is meant as a rough guide. You can tailor the amounts based on how much your crew drinks. Also, guests may need to adjust the amounts a bit if they are bringing a beer of a smaller size (such as a 12 oz. can of Ten Fidy or a 16 oz bottle of a German beer like Aventinus) or a larger size (such as a growler).

Food: Decide if you will provide all the food, or if you want to save money by having each guest bring something to share. I prefer to take care of all the food so the guests just need to select their beer(s), but either way works fine.

Plan on plenty of palate-cleansing foods, such as popcorn and crackers. Make sure to serve plenty of heavier food as well to help soak up those high gravity brews. Here’s a sample menu from my last beer-tasting event:

–Popcorn
–Crackers with several cheeses
–Hot pretzels with assorted dipping sauces (cheese, honey mustard, etc.)
–Fruit
–Blue cheese and bacon sliders
–Dessert

Step 2 – Invite Guests
Set the date and time and send out your e-vite invitations. Due to the nature of a beer tasting party, encourage guests to arrive on-time so you don’t have to start the tasting without them. Let the guests know what they should bring and tell them to place each beer in a brown paper lunch bag cinched near the top with tape.

Step 3– Prep for Party
Print Beer Tasting Scorecards: Print our beer tasting scorecards for each guest.

Glassware: Always use glass; never plastic. I like to use Belgian beer glasses or snifters, but large, red wine glasses work just fine. You will want nice, wide glasses to smell each beer.

Set up Table(s): I highly recommend having enough table and/or bar space to accommodate each guest. With all the food and beer, along with the tasting scorecards, this is not easily done on couches. Set each place at the table with a plate, napkin, utensils, beer glass, water glass, tasting scorecard and pen. Place a couple pitchers of water on the table so everyone can mix that in between beers. Include a bowl in case folks wish to rinse their glass between beers.

Determine Beer Order: The beers ideally should be tasted in order of alcohol content (high-hopped beers should also be a factor). Create some general “zones” on the counter or table with post-it notes. For example, you could have a zone for fruity/5% ABV; 6-8% ABV; 9+% ABV; IPAs; Russian Imperial Stouts/Barley Wines. This doesn’t need to be perfect science, and it won’t considering it is a blind tasting. You just want to make sure you’re not wrecking your palate with an Imperial IPA for the first beer.

Have each guest place their beer(s) in the appropriate zone when they arrive. Once all guests have arrived, mark each beer with a unique letter (A, B, C, etc.) and place them in the fridge. The higher alcohol beers, particularly Belgians, should be served around 55°F. When you get toward the latter half of your lineup, just pull the next beer out of the fridge whenever you open a new selection, so it has 20 minutes to warm.

Step 4 – Party and Have Fun!
Put on some music, open the first beer and get the party started! Have fun trying to describe each beer and guessing what it is. Record your notes on your tasting scorecard. Eat, drink some water. Repeat.

The Reveal
Wait until the end of the party to reveal the beers. I also highly recommend tallying everyone’s scores for each beer and averaging them (have a calculator on hand). It’s interesting to see the stack ranking of beers at the end of the night.

Only one question will be left at this point is – Who is going to host the next beer tasting party!

Sam Nazarian

Sam Nazarian Photo

Table of Contents:
• Quick Facts • Overview • Early Life and Family • SBE Entertainment Group • Early Career • Hospitality Industry • Establishing Hotel Brands • SBE Nightclub Ownership • SBE Restaurants • Awards and Achievements • Philanthropy • Fox News Interview • Married Emina Cunmulaj • Recent News • Expansion in Hospitality

Quick Facts

Born: 1975, Tehran, Iran
Nationality: American
Spouse: Emina Cunmulaj (Married in 2015)
Parents: Younes Nazarian (Father), Soraya Nazarian (Mother)
Brother/Sister: David Nazarian (Brother), Shulamit Nazarian (Sister) and Sharon Nazarian (Sister)
Education: Beverly Hills High School, University of Southern California, and New York University
Net Worth: $150 million (2016)
Company: SBE Entertainment Group

Overview

SBE Entertainment over the last three decades has grown at an exponential rate and is now considered the premier lifestyle hospitality company. Considered the leading visionary in the world of hotels, cuisine and entertainment, SBE has become the top hospitality company in the word. This meteoric rise is not by accident. SBE, owned by Sam Nazarian, has spend the last three decades curating the most authentic, unique and lavish experiences for those seeking something different. Innovation and imagination has helped build this company into the hospitality behemoth that it has become today. He understands that hard work and
dedication are one way to succeed but those are not the only aspects to success. Nazarian knows the best way to set yourself apart from the herd is by also combining the flair for the theatrical with a distinctive and unique taste. He has parlayed his keen eye for the unique into creating gorgeously decorated and distinctly situated hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues. Nazarian, already a success in both the telecommunications and real estate industries, has continued that success by dominating the hospitality industry.Sam Nazarian is the true visionary at the helm of this exclusive company and he is showing no signs of slowing down.

Early Life and Family

Nazarian was born in Tehran, Iran in 1975 and his family immigrated to the United States after the Iranian Revolution. The shrewd business sense appears to run in the family. His father, Younes Nazarian, was an early investor in Qualcomm and made a significant fortune on that insightful investment. Sam Nazarian was raised in Beverly Hills where he was surrounded by the very best in food, hotels and entertainment. Inspired by the opulent surroundings of Beverly Hills, Nazarian knew how he wanted to redefine the hospitality industry.

SBE Entertainment Group

Sam Nazarian, the Founder, Chairman and CEO of SBE Entertainment Group, is best known for his entrepreneurial instinct and shrewd business acumen. These traits are the reason why SBE has revolutionized the hospitality industry.

Early Career

Nazarian didn’t start out in the hospitality industry. His first foray into an entrepreneurial career was actually in the tech industry. His first business was a telecommunications company called Platinum Wireless that he started in 1998. Platinum Wireless specialized in the distribution in Nextel software in the greater Southern California area. The company took no time at all to become the number one Nextel distributor in Southern California. He then sold the company for a sizable profit after a period of rapid growth and expansion. Riding high on the success of that business venture, he then diversified his family’s assets into real estate holdings. After experiencing success in the real estate market, Sam Nazarian decided that he wanted to test his shrewd business sense in the entertainment and hospitality industry.

After his success in the telecommunication industry, he then decided to diversify his family’s assets by venturing into the real estate market. He created 3Wall Development in 1999 and just like Platinum Wireless, Nazarian took no time to grow this company into one of the largest owners of multi-family housing in Southern California. But the focus of 3Wall Development wasn’t just multi-family housing. He decided that in order to diversify the company’s real estate holdings, he would have to purchase and develop real estate across a variety of industries. 3Wall then turned its focus over to a variety industries instead of a niche market and it turned out to be a huge success.

Hospitality

During this time of his life, Nazarian saw a need for a different kind of approach to the world of hospitality. After his success in the real estate market, he decided to convert that success into a hospitality company. In 2002, he created and founded SBE Entertainment. SBE launched its first nightclub in 2003 and then he continued to grow the company’s assets to include hotels, restaurants, nightlife and real estate. Nazarian decided that the hospitality industry needed an overhaul. He wanted to created a certain type of entertainment, hotel and restaurant venues that would stand apart from all the other options out there. He didn’t want to just create a brand; he wanted to change the industry. He wanted the SBE brand to redefine luxury in the hospitality industry. Sam Nazarian created SBE Entertainment Group with the goal of dominating the luxury hospitality and entertainment market.

The company, headquartered on the glamorous Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles, has come to symbolize the very best in hospitality. 5900 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, California, United States.

Establishing Hotel Brands

SBE Entertainment helped to establish many up and coming hotel brands that include some popular brands like Delano, Mondrian, Redbury, Hyde Hotel & Residences, Clift, Hudson, Sanderson and St Martins Lane. Located in major hotspots around the world like New York, Los Angeles, Istanbul, and London, SBE’s hotels are the epitome of unique elegance. The popular hotel website www.HotelChatter.com, named Mr. Nazarian “Hotelier of the Year” two years in a row. SBE in November of 2016 decided to expand their boutique hotel offerings by acquiring the Morgans Hotel Group. This acquisition added 13 new hotels to SBE’s already impressive lineup including New York’s Hudson, the Mondrian and Delano brands, as well as Morgans
Originals.

SBE Nightclub Ownership

SBE also owns several super popular Los Angeles nightclubs and lounges that are constantly frequented by the rich, powerful and the famous. SBE’s marketing and branding is focused on creating a club atmosphere that entices and excites individuals. SBE’s impressive club and lounge lineup includes Create, Greystone Manor, Emerson, Hyde, XIV, Colony, Eden, MyHouse, MyStudio and The Abbey. Always the savvy businessman, Nazarian only keeps SBE’s clubs open for only about a span of eight months. He then closes them and performs extensive renovations on the club. He then will open the club back up and sometimes he reopens them under a new name. Sam Nazarian understands that the type of people who frequent the club scene get bored easily. They want something new and exciting and Nazarian knows how to keep it fresh and new so the LA night scene will consistently revolve around his clubs. This business plan has made SBE’s clubs and lounges the most popular nightlife spots in the world. The launch of SBE’s first nightclub was in 2003, the company exploded onto the scene and became the name in hospitality and entertainment. They were first known for their nightclubs thanks to being featured on the popular shows like MTV’s The Hill and HBO’s Entourage. Characters in both of the shows were often filmed out at SBE’s nightclubs and these scenes helped to create a frenzy around all of SBE’s venues. He is considered to be one of the largest nightclub owners on the west coast. Nazarian has invested well over $800 million on just the north end of the Las Vegas strip where the old Sahara Hotel stood and it now features his hotel – The SLS Las Vegas.

SBE Restaurants

When SBE decided to make the foray into the restaurant industry, Nazarian knew that securing the right partnerships would be key in creating the most sought after, award-winning restaurants in the industry. Nazarian brought the famed French designer, Philippe Strack, on board to help create distinctive design concepts for SBE’s restaurants. SBE also tapped into the creative culinary minds of famed chefs Jose Andres, Katsuya Uechi, Danny Elmaleh, and Michael Schwartz. These award-winning chefs focus on creating cuisine that is internationally recognized and produced from thoughtfully sourced ingredients.

Awards and Achievements

Sam Nazarian has built a lifestyle hospitality company that has taken entertainment to a whole new level and it has not gone unnoticed. He has won many awards for his achievements during his impressive career. In 2006, Nazarian was named one of the “Top 100 Most Powerful People in Southern California” by West Magazine and he is considered one of the most influential people in Los Angeles. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Southern California Institute of Architecture. In 2014, Fortune Magazine added Sam Nazarian to their popular 40 under 40 list. He is also showing no signs of slowing down. Sam Nazarian is a philanthropist and savvy businessman
who will no doubt continue to grown SBE into a luxury hospitality company that will continue to take over the hospitality industry.

Philanthropy

Sam Nazarian and the entire Nazarian family are heavily involved in giving back. They are active backers of Jewish causes, which informs the work the family does both in L.A. and beyond. Sam Nazarian is included in these efforts. The Nazarian’s also support policy outfits in Los Angeles. They’ve supported organizations like the Pacific Council on International Policy and the RAND Corporation. The family has helped fund the RAND Israel Project to explore energy alternatives. The family has also supported RAND Policy and Public Safety Project.
Arts are another important cause. Grantees include Santa Monica Museum of Art, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Los Angeles Opera, and Inner-City Arts. The family foundation also created the Soraya Sarah Nazarian Program in Fine Arts, at American Jewish University in Bel Air. The Nazarian’s also support Jewish causes in Los Angeles. They’ve given millions to the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles. They’ve also helped the Iranian American Jewish Federation, and Sinai Temple, among others. Sam also gives as a philanthropist outside of the Nazarian Foundation; he started the SBE Foundation, through which he supports numerous causes, including education and improving children`s health.

Also, he donated $200,000 to the Beverly Hills Athletic Alumni Association, and Beverly High School changed the name of its basketball court to Sam Nazarian. In July 2009, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa appointed Nazarian to the Board of Airport Commissioners of Los Angeles World Airports.
As far as he has gone in his business, he and his family have made it a priority to give back to schools, communities, art, and avenues that better society. As an immigrant family, they bring a unique perspective to philanthropy, and have made their mark in LA, and have given back in significant ways.

Fox News Interview

He was featured on the Fox Business Happy Hour – June 2008

Married Emina Cunmulaj

Nazarian married model Emina Cunmulaj in June 2015 in Mexico. She has been featured on the cover of Harper’s Bazaar (U.K.) and Vogue (Mexico). The wedding took place at the St. Regis Punta Mita with white rose peddles as they walked down the isle. At the rehearsal dinner, the couple was serenaded to the flamenco band and the Gipsy Kings. Their cake was seven-tier and reached approximately 5 ft. tall (provided by L.A.’s Royal Cakes). At the outdoor reception they featured a fireworks display. Guests at the even were given goodie bags and included selfie sticks, sunglasses, and flip-flops.

Sam Nazarian Wedding Photo
Sam Nazarian and Emina Cunmulaj coming down the isle on their wedding day in Mexico.

Recent News 2017

Nazarian family donates $17 million to CSUN’s Valley Performing Arts Center (LA Times)

(Fleischman partnered with Sam Nazarian’s SBE group in 2011)
The guy who brought you Umami Burger wants to reinvent PB&J (LA Times)

Sam Nazarian and the Revitalization of the Niche Hotel Industry

Big chains hotels dominated the world in the 1980’s and the 1990’s. Families would clamor to stay at these huge hotels with little to no personality for family vacations. The hotels all had the same look for marketing and branding purposes but no real design or unique features to set it apart. The blandness was prevalent in the industry but the price was right so people would forgo the blandness for price. Amenities always included coffee in the lobby and a pool on the premise. The color schemes were also beige and the floor plans were the same. You could be in one big chain hotel in Texas and then go to another one in New York, and not know the difference except for the address.

With the introduction of social media to a mobile platform came the need to share as many photos as possible. Little did these hotels know that social media would create the need post pictures of all a person’s surroundings. People wanted to share their experiences with everyone, and social media provided the perfect platform to share even the most minute details of ones life. There are companies like sbe Entertainment who have figured this out and have create properties that offer Instagram-worthy shots around every corner.

Sharing pictures of a trip has become more than just sharing photos of the tourist attractions in the area. People will share photos of the place they are staying at along with photos of the grounds, their view and other interesting pieces of décor. People wanted to stay at places that offer something interesting or delightful around every corner. The social media platforms are the way to share our lives with the world but it has become all encompassing. It has become important to share every last detail of a journey or experience.

When people now book a hotel, price isn’t the only factor taken into account. The many unique aspects of a hotel’s property come into mind for most people when choosing a place to stay. People want ambiance and they want unique properties. They don’t want to know that they are staying at a chain even if they are actually staying at a chain.

Some hotel chains never felt the need to update nor change their image to keep up with the ever-demanding need to post photos. They didn’t find it necessary because they didn’t see the importance of incorporating social media into their branding or aesthetic. They continued on with the same bland look that they had in the 1990’s. The big chain hotels became less in demand. Some of these larger hotels have started to catch up but other hotel brands like sbe have taken aesthetic to the next level.

The company sbe Entertainment is known worldwide for their award winning hotels, nightclubs and amazing restaurants. The company, founded by Sam Nazarian was created with the vision to create the ultimate hospitality experience. Sam Narazian has revolutionized the hospitality industry and he has been considered the ultimate trendsetter. Sam Nazarian defined the “scene” in the Los Angeles area. He built a luxury brand that incorporated a unique and contemporary design aesthetic that was revolutionary at the time. Most companies were working on a uniform branding, while sbe was working on seeking out unique locations and then building a venue or hotel that fit a certain aesthetic that appealed to the jetsetter, social media influencer lifestyle.

Currently, sbe has a portfolio of 22 hotels around the world. These international lifestyle hotels in global markets like Los Angeles, New York, Los Vegas, Miami, San Francisco, Istanbul and London are considered premier luxury retreats that have interesting design features and amazing ambience that lend to create the prefect shot for any Instagram account. The hotel was designed by visionaries in the industry and Nazarian focused on finding the most creative individuals to help fulfill his vision.

One visionary that sbe Entertainment got on board was actor and musician, Lenny Kravitz. Kravitz is not only a talented actor and musician but he also has a design team at Kravitz Design Inc. that has been making quite the statement at sbe’s properties in South Beach. The firm has taken on the design of sbe’s SLS Hotel South Beach Tower and the Villa Penthouse. Kravitz Design Inc. was founded in 2003 in New York. The firm offers design solutions for commercial and residential spaces. They also have design solutions for product development and they also offer branding solutions. Kravitz Design Inc. is known for their eclectic and surrealist feel with stone, tile and artistic accents that encompass multiple cultures and eras.

Kravitz Design Inc. was the perfect fit for what Nazarian and sbe Entertainment wanted to achieve when it came to the design of their South Beach properties but Lenny Kravitz was not the only creative mind that was tapped by Nazarian’s team for inspiration. Internationally acclaimed photographer, film director and creative director Matthew Rolston was an integral part in helping sbe to revitalize the South Beach and Hollywood areas. Considered a “creative chameleon” in the industry, his approach to lighting, concept ad design has been hailed as revolutionary and cutting edge. Rolston has written and directed music videos for big names like Madonna, Janet Jackson, and Beyonce. He is also known for his creative campaigns for well-known brands like Estee Lauder, Elizabeth Arden, Gap and many others. He helped to envision the Redbury Collection with Sam Nazarian.

The Redbury Collection consists of two hotels. One hotel is located in South Beach and the other Hotel is located in New York. The suites in the Redbury Collection are specifically designed to be a cozy home away from home. Both hotels are located centrally to everything that either New York or South Beach have to offer to their clientele. The Redbury South Beach is mere steps away from Collins Avenue and the rooms are designed with a lovely Art Deco style. The Redbury New York in located centrally in Manhattan’s NoMad district. The hotel has 256 renovated and redesigned rooms that were influenced and designed by Rolston.

Another design and creative powerhouse that Nazarian specifically sought out was world-renowned French designer, Philippe Starck. Starck has a long history in interior, product, industrial and architecture design. He was first noticed for his nightclub designs that were original and forward thinking. French President Francois Mitterrand asked Starck to refurbish the president’s private apartments at the Élysée in 1983. He has spent the last 30 years designing hotels all over the world and Narazian knew that Starck’s streamline design and keen creativity would help him to create the unique concepts for each of the SLS hotels.

Sam Nazarian and sbe wanted different designers from different backgrounds so that each property would have an individual feel that would set it apart from the bland chain hotels. His plan paid off because the sbe brand become one of the most sought after hotel chains in the world. It because the ultimate bragging right to stay at one of their exclusive properties.

This success has led sbe to have the opportunity to expand their hospitality holdings. In 2016, the company announced that they had officially closed on the purchase of the Morgans Hotel Group. The company tried to purchase the Morgans Hotel Group the year before but ran into some issues but was able to make an offer again a year later. The transaction doubled the amount of hotels in sbe’s portfolio. Nazarian said of the transaction, “The acquisition of Morgans not only further expands our offering- but brings the invaluable partnerships of Ron Burkle and Cain Hoy Enterprises. sbe will now have a presence from San Francisco to Doha; Los Angeles to London- and brings its impressive history, talented team and culture of service and innovation to the sbe family. We couldn’t be more pleased about the transaction.”

This merger with the Morgans Hotel Group has led to other future acquisitions. Sam Nazarian and sbe announced in March of 2017, they were in the process of negotiating a merger the popular restaurant and club operator, the Hakkasan Group. The goal is create the ultimate, large-scale hospitality company. The combined company would have an equity value of about $1 billion according to the Wall Street Journal. There has been no current news of a merger but Sam Nazarian stated that, “sbe remains in negotiations to complete a financial transaction in which sbe’s and Hakkasan’s formidable hospitality assets are combined into one company. We are looking forward to completing the transaction to accelerate our already robust expansion.”

Most hotel chains focus on churning as people as possible in and out of their locations. The focus is on uniformity, which they believe help to make the brand recognizable no matter where the hotel is located. Most people consider these hotels to be bland and run of the mill. This marketing plan worked in the 1980’s and 1990’s when people wanted to stay in a hotel that had a well-known brand name. Times have changed. Gone are the days where big box chain hotels dominated the travel scene.

Sam Nazarian and sbe knew that times were changing and when they started to add hotels to their hospitality portfolio, they knew that their hotels would need to provide a unique experience that would delight all the senses. They are raising the bar in the hospitality industry but creating a portfolio of hotels, restaurants, and nightclubs that are the most sought after destinations for travelers. Their award winning designers, creative directors, and chefs have helped turn sbe into a luxury retreat for those who wish to be delighted at every turn.

As sbe continues to forge onward, the company has begun to expand their offerings to more locations worldwide. They opened their first hotel in the Middle East with plans to open more in the region. The company has officially opened their Mondrian Doha Hotel in Qatar and Mondrian Park Avenue Hotel in New York over the weekend. Sam Nazarian said that, “Mondrian is a brand with international allure and we’re thrilled to announce the openings in Doha and New York – two of the most dynamic and vibrant cities in the world. Mondrian is an extremely valuable brand to sbe and we look forward to bringing it to more cities around the world in the coming months and years as we expand our international footprint.”

What started as a venture into the nightclub arena grew into one of the largest hospitality companies in the world. Sam Nazarian and sbe entertainment will continue to expand and do what they do best which is to provide exotic experiences. Traveler’s expectations have been raised thanks to the sharing aspect of social media. They want to show off their experiences and sbe was able to tap into that mindset to create hotels that perfectly blend together technology, culture and design for the ultimate vacation experience.

Expansion in Hospitality: sbe Entertainment, Argyle Hotels, and Nobul Hotels

Several Hospitality Brands have global and domestic expansions ahead of them. Plans are in place to take these hospitality venues to the next level of service and accessibility. Sbe Entertainment founded by Sam Nazarian is expanding further internationally, Argyle Hotels are to be launching in Nepal and CEO Kevin Zhang is optimistic about the expansion, and Nobu Hotels is slated to make a new mark in Atlanta at the Philips Plaza.

Sbe Entertainment Group International Expansion

Sbe, CEO Sam Nazarian, has confirmed another 10 deals to bring its hotels, residences, and restaurants to new territories in Latin America and the Middle East. The company is on track to double its global hotel collection by 2021. Additionally, an estimated 24 restaurants and lounges are going to be part of the new and existing hotel pipeline, further emphasizing the company’s stance on offering a 360-degree experience for guests. The future for Sbe entertainment is both exciting and expanding.

SBE has already opened a 270-room Mondrian in Doha, Qatar, its first Middle East property. By 2020, it plans to open an SLS Doha with 200 rooms, 100 residences, 50 services apartments, and three restaurants. In the Middle East, the company also has plans to open two new properties in Dubai. This includes a Mondrian in 2019 and Delano in 2018. SBE will also manage the Sanderson Ortak??y, which will launch in Istanbul. Sbe will be making their mark on the middle east hospitality and entertainment map.

Sam Nazarian, Founder and CEO of sbe, said:
“sbe is further expanding our global footprint across our entire portfolio – from luxury hotels and residences to fast casual dining. With these 10 new deals, we are enhancing our already extensive pipeline and enjoying a period of unprecedented growth. Our pipeline demonstrates the versatility and strength of our brands on a global scale, and we look forward to continuing to develop our brands both domestically and internationally.”

SBE is also expanding to the south of the United States. In Latin America, SBE will manage SLS Mexico City Pedregal, a 150-room hotel in Mexico City. The new build will open in 2021. Furthermore, the company has received approval for a 300-room hotel in Uruguay, the SLS Punta del Este Residences. SLS Pilar Residences, with 173 residences, will open in 2020 in Buenos Aires. The Mondrian brand will make its debut in Mexico in Playa del Carmen with a 100-room condominium hotel expected to open in 2021.On the restaurant side, the company is going to expand its popular Umami Burger brand into Mexico. Sbe entertainment will be making a new mark and exerting a new presence in Latin America with the expansion of these entertainment venues across different countries.
What does this mean for sbe entertainment and lifestyle companies across the word? “It’s shown that a smaller lifestyle company can become a global ambassador for some of these amazing U.S.-based brands,” Nazarian says. Exciting times are ahead for Nazarian and SBE entertainment. If he can expand to this level, his will be one of the firsts to successfully do so as a smaller lifestyle company.

Argyle Hotel Group to Expand to Asia-Pacific Region

The Australian Argyle Hotel Group (AHG) is expanding in the Asia-Pacific region. The group will be opening its first hotel in Nepal. The Kathmandu Argyle Hotel is scheduled to open in early 2019 and will be the Argyle Hotel Group’s 116th hotel under management.

AHG’s push in business hotels in Asia, has had a positive impact on the existing communities. It has allowed the group to help growing communities by developing international hotels and venues to aid local business in underserved and overlooked areas. Thirty hotels have been added to the Argyle Hotel Group roster in the last year as part of its first steps in expanding through new territories, like Fiji and Nepal. Kevin Zhang, CEO of Argyle Hotel group explained, “International brands have largely overlooked the incredible potential of these growing regions, focusing on low-risk targets in large cities, but they do not factor in the enormous amount of business travel that happens in smaller cities.”

AHG exports hotel and resort management and asset management services throughout China. The group manages seven brands including: Argyle Grand Hotel, Argyle Resort, Argyle Hotel, Ausotel & Ausotel Smart, Argyle Suites, Argyle Boutique Hotel and Metro Hotels. “There’s a new hotel in the Argyle Hotel Group family every two weeks, and we’re anticipating accelerated growth next year as we continue to expand into more territories,” Kevin Zhang, said.

The hotel group’s addition to Nepal’s hotel supply follows a white paper issued by the Hotel Association Nepal in July 2017. It called on the Nepalese government to curb the booming hotel development in the country before the new hotels eat into the market. After releasing details on its expansion into Nepal, Australia-based Argyle Hotel Group added the Manila Prince Argyle Hotel in Metro Manila, Philippines to its construction pipeline. The approximately 226,043-square-foot hotel has 250 guestrooms, and is set for completion in late 2019. The Manila Prince Argyle Hotel is the 119th hotel under Argyle Hotel Group’s management, and will be located near Manila Ninoy Aquino airport. AHG added more than 30 hotels in new territories to its portfolio in 2017, including locations in Nepal, Fiji and the Philippines, remaining on track to expand its presence throughout the Asia Pacific region.

“As we continue to grow and to strengthen our brand, we’ll also be increasing our presence in larger trade hubs and metro areas. We already serve some of the largest cities in Asia, with several hotels in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and now Manila,” Zhang said in a statement.

Argyle Hotel Group is an Australian hotel management company which provides a series of hotel and resort management services and also owns a series of hotels in China. The group has a total of 106 hotels under its management. Headquartered in Beijing, China, the group operates eight hotel brands in the Asia-Pacific region.

International Nobu Hotel Luxury Brand to Expand to Atlanta

Phipps Plaza at the Buckhead Mall in Atlanta is about to get a lot bigger. A scheduled addition of a luxury Nobu Hotel and restaurant, office tower and fitness center in Atlanta will raise the level of entertainment value at this venue. The hotel will have 150 rooms, a rooftop pool, corporate conference space and spa facilities. Nobu Atlanta restaurant, known for its new style Japanese cuisine, will open in a 10,000-square foot space. The new development will also feature a 90,000 square-foot Life Time fitness center, a 12-story office tower and more restaurants to be announced in the future. The project, which Simon President of Malls and Chief Administrative Officer John Rulli said is “probably north” of $200 million, is likely the most dramatic single addition to Phipps Plaza since the 1990s brought a complete overhaul and third anchor store to the posh shopping center.

Trevor Horwell, Chief Executive Officer of Nobu Hotels said, “We are very proud of our partnership with Simon, one of the world’s largest and leading owners and managers of high-quality retail destinations. They have a vision to create a dynamic lifestyle experience within Atlanta at Phipps Plaza and we are pleased to be a cornerstone for this. Our hospitality brand thrives on being a catalyst for global mixed-use destinations whether this be from hotel, restaurant, retail or residences.”

Construction is to begin in 2018 with a phased opening beginning in spring 2020. These new elements will be completely integrated into the existing footprint of Phipps Plaza, which will continue to be anchored by the extremely productive Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue stores.

Named one of luxury’s 25 Most Innovative Brands by Robb Report, Nobu Hotels is ranked among an elite selection of global luxury brands. The natural growth of Nobu hotels built on service, image, and reputation, offers the complete spectrum of hotel and restaurant management for unique projects around the world. Founded by Nobu Matsuhisa, Robert De Niro and Meir Teper, with operations spanning five continents, the Nobu brand thrives in the world’s capitals as the ultimate destination lifestyle experience. The first Nobu Hotel opened in 2013 as a boutique hotel within Caesars Palace Las Vegas and was subsequently named one of the Hottest New Hotels by CNN Travel, Top North America Hotel Opening by Luxury Travel Advisor and subsequently Luxury Travel Advisor’s Award of Excellence.

Woody Allen and the Depiction of Strong Women in Film

Woody Allen Photo

Women in film have come a long way. There was a certain way that women were depicted in film that painted them as demure and always a second fiddle to a male character. Even distinct female characters in films still relied on a man to either save the day or protect them from either an emotional or physical calamity. Typically the female character would follow same trope. They mostly had the same characteristics and never quite had the depth that the males character did in film. It was hard to come by a distinct female lead that had in depth character development.

Woody Allen is one of the most recognizable filmmakers of the current and last century. He is known for some of the most prominent films in the last 60 years. Since 1965 Allen has been making films but some of his most loved and cherished films involved some interesting and thought provoking portrayals of women. Movies like Annie Hall, Hannah and her Sisters, Vicky Cristina Barcelona, and Manhattan were all well received by critics and audiences. Some of these films won awards and most of them top multiple lists as some of the most humorous or influential films of the last 100 years. As such a prolific director, Allen covered a variety of topics in his movies mostly relating to relationships and gender issues. But out of all his movies, the ones that had a strong, well-developed female character have been his most loved films.

The women characters in Allen’s movies experience a wide variety of emotions and experience complex situations that help them grow as characters. The movies that have these strong female characters show women that did not conform to the gender stereotypes that were prevalent during that time. It was a departure from the standard female characters in most movies. Leading up to the 1960’s there are a very formulaic portrayal of women in film. The gender stereotypes were rooted in the belief that women in movies were meant to be seen and not heard. Men dominated the complex character narrative and women were relegated to background noise. Woody Allen changed that and created substantial roles for women.

There was a change in how women were viewed in the 1940’s because of the war. When all the men left to fight in the war, women took over in the workplace. They had to take over in different work fields that normally didn’t hire women. They experienced their first sense of freedom outside the home. Women felt like they were accomplishing big things for the first time in their lives. It was a huge step forward for women’s rights. They got the taste of freedom for the first time.

Things changed though when the men came back from war. The women were then sent back to their homes and expected continue on like they did before. It was a struggle because some of these women wanted to once again go out into the workforce and contribute to their household in a different way. But they found it difficult to find jobs. When all the men were off fighting, jobs were in abundance. However, once the men came home, the opportunity dried up but women in general didn’t want to go back to the way things were. Although the pressure to remain at home was strong, women wanted to start pursuing careers and to gain independence.

In the 1950’s this attitude that women should only contribute to the domestic part of household was still very prevalent but women wanted more. Even though they didn’t quite make any headway until later, women started wanting a new representation of what a woman should embody. The Hays Code, otherwise know as the Motion Picture Production Code, was a censorship code in Hollywood that dictated how women were supposed to be represented in films. The code dictated that women had to be married in the film and had to live a domestic life. The women characters had to also had to been shown enjoying this domestic lifestyle. This general representation of women in film started to become less and less appealing to a lot of women who made up a majority of moviegoers in the 1950’s and leading up into the 1960’s.

The 1950’s was considered the Golden Age for Hollywood. The same seven studios churned out movies at a phenomenal pace. These movies followed the same plot, contained the same character development and had the same themes. Women soon grew tired of these trite plots that no longer fit the new narrative. Women were looking for a new type of character and a new type of plot. They wanted the focus to be more about the women characters than the male and they wanted new plot lines and more character development.

Starting in the 1960’s there was a change in attitude when it came to the movie going experience and filmmakers like Woody Allen answered that call. At a time when women were still fighting to gain equal ground, Allen was creating complex female characters that were memorable. Audiences found his plots and characters to be thoughtful, unique and rare. Allen had already made a name for himself as a stand up comedian and a writer and as he delved into directing and writing screenplays, he garnered even more praise and accolades for his genius. His movies that featured strong female characters however are considered some of the most funny and endearing movies of the 100 years.

Woody Allen got his start writing jokes for pay starting at the age of 17. He even had an agent who would sell them to different newspaper publications. He tried attending college but the traditional education route was not for him. He attended New York University and the later attended City College of New York but both times, he ended up dropping out. Soon it wouldn’t matter because at the very young age of 19, he was able to join the NBC Writer’s Development Program in 1955. This was his true start in Hollywood that would soon lead to a very successful career.

The writers program soon led to a full time job working for The NBC Comedy Hour in Los Angeles. He started writing full scripts for shows like The Ed Sullivan Shows, Candid Camera and The Tonight Show. Allen began to gain the reputation as a diligent writer who would spend hours and hours writing a script. Even though he was able to quickly turn around a script, they were still quality scripts. His humor was unparalleled at that time and people started to refer to Allen as a genius.

His writing career soon led to a career in stand up comedy. At first, his humor and stand up routine was not appreciated. Allen focused more on the stand up monologue routine versus telling one joke after another. People did not appreciate the monologue style at first and Allen himself was not like typical stand up comedians during the 1960’s. He had a nervous, intellectual affectation that people didn’t quite understand. However, as attitudes about entertainment began to change so did Allen’s popularity.

The 1960’s saw a radical change in how women viewed their world. Even though the Women’s Rights movement had its roots in the late 19th century and the early 20th century, there was a huge resurgence in the 1960’s. Women were pursuing their intellectual interests along with their careers interests. Women were out protesting for their rights and the 1960’s kick started deep cultural changes in society. Along with this change in attitude came the change in attitudes towards entertainment. This change in the 1960’s led to more women being portrayed in movies as independent people. Female characters started to take center stage in films and Woody Allen was the perfect writer to help bring intricate female characters to life.

Woody Allen’s greatest work involves female characters that are funny, multifaceted and complicated. One of his most famous movies, Annie Hall, received widespread critical acclaim and won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 1978. The movie also won Best Director, Best Original Screen play, and Best Actress. The lead female character, played by Diane Keaton, became one of the most well-loved and well-known female characters of the 20th century. It is hailed as the most loved Woody Allen movie of all time. The plot of the movie follows the comedian Alvy Singer as he tries to find out the reason behind the demise of his relationship with his ex Annie Hall. There are many themes that follow throughout the film, but the character of Annie Hall was the true standout.

The character of Annie Hall is so vivid and down to earth. Women admired the character’s distinct fashion style that was more masculine than feminine. The audience watches as she transforms into an ambitious artist who starts to experiment with life. Annie Hall experiences complex character growth that shows a sense of independence and exploration. She grows to be a very multifaceted character that had mass appeal. The character of Annie Hall is still one of the most loved movie characters of all times. Thanks to the success of this movie Allen then felt the confidence to write more scripts that involved substantial roles for women. He was giving some amazing female actresses the chance to take on the challenge of a complex character.

Women for decades were cast in a certain light in Hollywood. They were given the same typical roles with the same plots in movie after movie. This monotony soon gave way thanks to the need and want for movies with substantial female leads. The entrainment industry in the 1950’s and 1960’s began to experience a decline in profits thanks to a lack of interest. The reason for the lack of interest is that the wants and needs of the typical moviegoer changed. People wanted films that were more intellectual and thoughtful. The Women’s Rights movement helped to aid the change in Hollywood. More and more roles were being written for women. Doors slowly starting opening for women in the entertainment industry and Woody Allen led the way by writing substantial female leads in his movies.

In the NY Times article titled “Annie and Her Sisters”, the author delves into the complexities of Allen and his female leads. There have been a lot of criticism aimed at Allen over the years, but the one thing he says that he has never been accused of is writing poor female leads. Woody Allen himself said in the article, “People have criticized me for being narcissistic. People criticized me for being a self-hating Jew, that’s come up. But not being able to create good women was not aimed at me very often.”

Woody Allen is considered a genius. His movies are considered some of the best movies in the history of films but his most beloved films involved female leads. He writes beautiful, well-rounded female characters that experience life in a unique way and experience growth and independence from those experiences. He writes a female lead that audiences relate to and love. He has the unique ability to write a female character that comes from his ability to observe women and then translate those observations into a beautifully written script. He was one of the directors that really helped to usher in an era in Hollywood that includes some very memorable roles for women.

[Woody Allen Biography]

Seattle Brewery Guide

Seattle Brewery Guide

Seattle is filled with unique neighborhoods and breweries.  I frequently hear people ask, “What is the best brewery in Seattle?”  To answer that question, I scoured every neighborhood in search of great beer, visiting over 30 breweries in Seattle and the surrounding metro area.  I hope this guide helps you discover Seattle’s great breweries and the tasty local brews they produce. Cheers!

Ballard
Hale’s Ales Brewery & Pub Beer + food
Hale’s, founded in 1983 in an area between Fremont and Ballard, was the first craft brewery in the region to introduce seasonal, cask conditioned, and nitrogen conditioned ales.  Cool building and pub, but perhaps past their prime as I find most of their beers to be average.  Bright spots include their world-class Kölsch and tasty Cream Stout. 4301 Leary Way NW, Seattle

Hilliard’s Beer Beer only (+ food trucks Saturdays)
Hilliard’s Beer is a new brewery in Ballard that opened in October 2011.  This is one of the cooler brewery taprooms I have visited and is home to perhaps the most comfortable bar stool in Seattle.  Hilliard’s is filled with a nice, 5-seat bar, several smaller tables, concrete couches and 2 enormous wood spool tables that each seat 10.  Hilliard’s is currently canning 2 beers, Amber and Saison, in 16 oz. tallboys.  The Amber is very good, although extremely hoppy for the style.  The Saison is a great-looking and tasting brew that is spot-on for the style. They have some additional beers available on tap: Regimental Scottish Blonde, Cast Iron Stout, and Hils Pils.  Visit on a Saturday and you can get some grub from food trucks such as Skillet, Where Ya At Matt and Snout & Co. 1550 NW 49th Street, Seattle

Maritime Pacific Brewing Company Beer + food
Ballard’s Maritime Pacific, founded in 1990, opened the adjoining Jolly Roger Taproom in 1997. Cool taproom with plenty of bar seating.  In the hoppy Pacific NW, Maritime stands out with solid maltier beers including its Flagship Red Alt and Old Seattle Lager.  Make sure to try the Jolly Roger Christmas Ale, if you visit during the winter months, or one of the 3 cask ales on tap. 1111 N.W. Ballard Way, Seattle

Capitol Hill
Elysian Brewing Company Beer + food
If you feel like tasty food and beer in a great brewpub atmosphere, look no further than Elysian. Founded in 1995, The Elysian now boasts 3 locations: the original Capitol Hill brewery, TangleTown near Green Lake, and Elysian Fields, a gigantic venue (the oval bar alone seats 50) near the stadiums. Elysian Fields is far superior to Pyramid for pre or post-game libations. Their year-round beer lineup has no clear superstar, but all are very solid. Elysian is also known for its world-class pumpkin beers and hosts the Great Pumpkin Beer Festival annually in October. 1221 E Pike St, Seattle

Downtown Seattle
Elysian Fields Beer + food
See full listing under Capitol Hill.

Pike Pub and Brewery Beer + food
The Pike Pub and Brewery, founded in 1989, is located near the namesake Pike Place Public Market.  Founder Charles Finkel has created a microbrewery museum on the walls, and the cool, multi-leveled pub is worth visiting just to see the venue.  Beers are solid, but nothing spectacular.  Malt lovers must try the Kilt Lifter or Tandem.  If you like drier, bitter beers, most of their other lineup will surely satisfy. 1415 First Avenue, Seattle

Pyramid Brewery & Alehouse Beer + food
Located right next to Safeco and the Century Link, Pyramid is the most convenient option for a pre- or post-game meal and libations.  Their flagship Hefeweizen, an American wheat ale (no banana or clove flavors here), is refreshing but nothing special.  Perhaps more exciting is their new Ignition Series lineup: Super Snow Cap and Discord Dark IPA are nice options for those looking for something more complex.  Pyramid has also started brewing again at this downtown Seattle location, which should spice up the lineup. 1201 First Avenue South, Seattle

Fremont
Fremont Brewing Beer only
It is hard to believe Fremont just began brewing in 2009.  Located in the self-proclaimed “Center of the Universe”, Seattle’s Fremont neighborhood, Fremont Brewing has skyrocketed to the top of the Seattle craft beer scene.  Their Urban Beer Garden consists of a huge picnic table built on beer kegs and cool old school couches with a view of their shiny fermenters.  It’s a great community atmosphere conducive to striking up a conversation with other thirsty revelers, many of whom are drinking a pint and getting a growler to go.  But what really makes the brewery is the beer:  The Interurban IPA is one of the top examples of the style in Seattle, and the Universal Pale and Summer (Solstice) Ale are both crisp, refreshing and very tasty.  Fremont has also mastered darker brews, including the delicious Kentucky Dark Star Imperial Oatmeal Stout and Abominable Winter Ale.  And Fremont can really kick things up at beer festivals with the likes of Kentucky Dark Star Bourbon Barrel-Aged Imperial Oatmeal Stout and Bourbon Abominable (Bbomb).  You can now find Bourbon Abominable deliciousness in a bottle each winter.   Fremont can do no wrong. 3409 Woodland Park Avenue North, Seattle

Georgetown
Georgetown Brewing Company Samples + Growlers
Georgetown, which moved to a new location in 2010, blends into its namesake industrial neighborhood with a grand entrance made of rusted steel I-beams.  While there is no food or pints here, they will gladly offer you tasters (they’re free!) to help with your growler or keg purchase.  Their sweet retail taproom, which includes a massive bar counter and a glimpse of the brewery, merits a visit. But what really makes Georgetown special is they pump out huge volumes of stellar craft beer kegs to be enjoyed at your local watering hole.  The ubiquitous Manny’s Pale Ale is on tap virtually everywhere in Seattle, but keep an eye out for the equally delicious Lucille IPA and Georgetown Porter.  Donkey Deux Belgian Dubbel and Bob’s Brown Ale are two must-try seasonals. 5200 Denver Ave S., Seattle

Greenwood / Green Lake
Baron Brewing & Pillagers Pub Food + beer
Baron, founded in 2003, specializes in German-style beers, so you might guess their taproom location would feel like a German beer hall or beer garden.  You would be wrong.  Baron’s taproom, Pillagers Pub in Greenwood, features a pirate-themed atmosphere, perhaps to match sister brewery Three Skulls Ales.  Both Baron and Three Skulls Ales are on tap at Pillagers Pub.  Look for Baron’s bacon beer on tap, which tastes like a bacon cheeseburger in a glass.  The crowd at Pillagers is usually sparse, and for good reason: Naked City is across the street. 8551 Greenwood Ave N, Seattle

Elysian TangleTown Beer + food
See full listing under Capitol Hill.

Naked City Brewery & Taphouse Beer + food
Established in 2008 in the Greenwood neighborhood of Seattle, Naked City began as a tap house and then added their own beers to the mix in 2009.  The end result is 24 incredible taps including Naked City beers and rotating Washington and regional craft beers.  This is a unique place that manages to attract and impress beer geeks and families alike. 8564 Greenwood Ave N., Seattle

SoDo
Epic Ales Beer + food
Founded in 2009, Epic’s Cody Morris brews the most unique beers in Seattle.  It’s possible you will either love or hate his beers, brewed with ingredients such as shitake mushrooms, peppercorns, and epazote.  A visit to the tiny tasting room in SoDo, which currently has 3 bar stools, provides an opportunity to sample 3 rotating beers and chat with the personable Morris.  The space was also recently expanding to house the Gastropod, a beer and food pairing collaboration with chef Travis Kukull.  Gastropod serves up 2 small plates on Saturdays paired with 2 Epic beers (currently on Saturdays 10-2). 3201 1st Ave S., Seattle

Emerald City Beer Company Beer only
Emerald City, located in the Old Rainier Brewery building, was founded in August 2010 by two UW alums. The Beer Lab, which features a nice long wood bar, leather couch and tables, has 6 beers on tap with a focus on American Lagers.  Flagship Dottie Seattle Lager, made from barley and hops grown right here in Washington State, is a solid, malty lager.  Whiskey Lager, Dottie aged for 2 months in Dry Fly whiskey barrels, has a cult following, and for good reason. Regular lineup also includes Betty Black Lager and Ivana Pale Lager (IPL).  The brewery takes a unique marketing approach by using a different pin-up girl on each of their beers, which are hand-drawn by an artist in Baltimore.  Definitely worth a stop on your SoDo brewery tour.  3100 Airport Way S., Seattle

Schooner EXACT Beer only
Founded in 2007, Schooner EXACT has quickly grown from nanobrewery to it’s much larger current operation in SoDo.  The family-friendly tasting room has plenty of seating at the bar, along with a nice outdoor seating area.  Their regular lineup, all very solid, is highlighted by 3-Grid IPA, an excellent choice for Hopheads seeking their citrus hop fix, and King Street Brown, bigger and bolder than your average brown ale.  I anticipate big things from these guys in the future, such as their new barrel-aged sour program.  I’ve had some sour samples straight from the barrel and they are tasting fantastic. 3901 1st Ave South, Seattle

Two Beers Brewing Co. Beer only
SoDo’s Two Beers has the philosophy that life’s a little more honest after two beers.  They have grown considerably and recently doubled the size of their production brewery and tasting room. The tasting room is especially good to hit during nice weather, when tables line the sunny loading dock.  I’m going to be honest here:  My palate finds all of their beers very average.  Cool website though.  Not a destination, but worth a stop if you’re in the area. 4700 Ohio Ave S., Seattle

South Park
Odin Brewing Company Appointment only
Odin Brewing Company’s tagline is “The Most Adventurous Brewery in America”.  They are certainly well on their way, having avoided the typical Pale Ale/IPA/Amber/Stout lineup of a Pac NW brewery.  They even released a “bacon beer”, Smoky Bacon Ale, which made some waves in 2010.  Established in 2009, Odin is a lean operation currently focused on pumping out kegs for distribution to bars and restaurants throughout Washington.  They will still fill growlers, but the tasting room is technically open by appointment only.  Their core lineup of Freya’s Gold Kolsch, Odin’s Gift, an ale brewed with juniper berries, and Odin’s Pearl, a Belgian Witbier, are all quite tasty.  I was blown away by their Thor’s Equinox, a Belgian Strong Dark Ale, which was arguably best in show at the Seattle Craft Beer + Food event.  It was complex and a very impressive Belgian-style from a Washington brewery.  Looking forward to more gems from Dan Lee and the Odin team. 9130 15th Pl. S. Suite F, Seattle

University District
Big Time Brewery & Alehouse Beer + food
This University District brewpub has been crafting fine beer and serving tasty food since 1988.  Prime Time Pale Ale (2011 bronze medal winner at GABF) is their best year-round beer, but always some interesting specialty brews on tap.  Do not miss Old Sol Wheatwine in the summertime or Old Wooly Barleywine, released each winter on December 1. 4133 University Way NE, Seattle

West Seattle
Big Al Brewery Beer only
Big Al is located in White Center, in the south end of Seattle just north of Burien.  Beers can be enjoyed in the small tap room or the concrete patio out front, which regularly features bands on stage.  Or head upstairs to play darts and hang out on comfy couches.  Year-round lineup is solid, but middle of the road.  However, Big Al puts out some very interesting seasonal and one-off beers.  LÖWMAN BRÄU, which was on tap throughout West Seattle in summer 2011, was a very tasty and refreshing Kölsch.  I have also really enjoyed Hop Villain Black IPA, Sourlicious, and Ume Goma Supai (Flanders Red).  In the winter, they make a mean barleywine, Ol’ No. 1. 9832 14th Ave SW, Seattle

Elliott Bay Brewing Co. Beer + food
Elliott Bay has locations in West Seattle (since 1997) and Burien (since 2007) and opened a new location in Lake City in 2012. Great atmosphere to chill out at the bar or a dark wood booth.  Fantastic food, especially the burgers, outshines the beer, but still a solid list of taps.  Standouts include B-Town Brown, Demolition Ale and their Coffee Stout on nitro.  Family-friendly. 4720 California Ave SW, Seattle (plus 2 additional locations)

The Eastside
Black Raven Brewing Co. Beer only
The Eastside’s Black Raven, brewing since 2009, has been the rockstar of Washington breweries the last couple years.  Located 15 miles East of Seattle in Redmond, Black Raven has a slightly bizarre location in a suburban office park.  But don’t judge, all is good inside.  Thirsty Redmond office workers and regulars munch on complimentary peanuts and pretzels while relaxing at sturdy wood tables.  Black Raven brews some of the best and most interesting beers in Washington.  Highlights of their year-round lineup include Trickster IPA and Second Sight Strong Scotch Ale.  Their Wisdom Seeker Imperial IPA, occasionally on tap, is phenomenal.  Black Raven also excels at brewing up special treats for their taproom and festivals, so don’t hesitate to try any casks or seasonal taps. 14679 NE 95th ST, Redmond

Issaquah Brewhouse Beer + food
Located in historic downtown Issaquah, the Issaquah Brewhouse opened in 1994 and was acquired by Rogue Ales of Newport, OR in 2000.  The 36 taps feature Issaquah, Rogue, and Guest beers, and you will have no trouble finding something you like.  If you enjoy sweeter Belgians, make sure to try the Menage A Frog (Belgian Tripel) or White Frog (Belgian Wit). Rogue’s Hazelnut Brown Nectar and Shakespeare Stout are also extremely good. 35 W. Sunset Way, Issaquah

Mac & Jack’s Brewing Company Samples + Growlers
Redmond’s Mac & Jack’s, brewing since 1993, is purely a draft beer operation, with their retail store offering up kegs, growlers and merchandise.  Not a destination, but certainly a fine place to get your growler filled. When I first moved to Seattle years ago, I considered Mac & Jack’s African Amber a top example of Seattle craft beer.  My palate has since moved on to other things, but Mac & Jack’s remains a draft staple in restaurants and bars throughout Seattle.  I’ve had mixed results with some of their other beers. 17825 NE 65th St., Redmond

Redhook Brewery and Forecasters Pub Beer + food
Redhook, which celebrated its 33th birthday in 2014, moved to Woodinville in 1994, having outgrown previous locations in Ballard and Fremont.  Beer geeks may turn up their nose at Craft Brewers Alliance-owned Redhook, but they still offer the best deal in town: daily tours for $1; and that includes 5 tasters!  They also offer casino-night private events in the upstairs banquet rooms, which make for kickass corporate outings.   The Forecasters Pub, a large, lodge-like setting, is perfect for having a pint.  The beers may not be inspiring, but all are solid and have a wide appeal.  Best beers are their flagship ESB and Long Hammer IPA, a 44 IBU IPA on training-wheels. 14300 NE 145th Street, Woodinville

Snoqualmie Brewery & Taproom Beer + food
Heading East for skiing, hiking or wine country?  Or just looking for some good beer?  The new and improved Snoqualmie Brewery & Taproom is worth a visit.  The 2011 expansion added a mezzanine level and doubled the seating capacity.  The Steam Train Porter is best in class.  Black Frog Stout (on nitro) and Wildcat IPA also deserve your attention. 8032 Falls Ave, Snoqualmie

Kitsap Peninsula
Silver City Brewery Beer + food
Located on the Kitsap Peninsula in Silverdale, Silver City Brewery was established as a brewpub in 1996.  You can either drive around the water via Tacoma or take your car on the Bainbridge ferry and continue driving to Silverdale (which conveniently takes you through the brewery mecca of Poulsbo on your way).  Both ways take about an hour and a quarter from Seattle.  Located next to a mall, Silver City Flagship Restaurant is more of a gathering place for elderly folks and families than beer geek central.  The food is very good, so the old people may be onto something.  They do some fantastic big malty beers such as Copper Mountain Bock, Ridgetop Red and the must-have Fat Scotch Ale.  Silver City really brings their A-game to festivals with gems such as Fat Woody Bourbon Oak Aged Scotch Ale, Whoop Pass Double IPA, Le Fat and Punk Rauchen.  You can now taste beers and avoid the old people by heading to the newly-opened taproom in Bremerton. 2799 NW Myhre Road, Silverdale

Sound Brewery Beer only
Take your car on the 30-minute ferry to Bainbridge and continue another 20 minutes by car to Sound Brewery, one of 4 breweries that have sprung up in Poulsbo during 2011.  The taproom area includes 3 round cherry-wood tables and some additional seating at a long bar on the side.  When I visited on a Tuesday, the tasting room was a bit of a sideshow for the workers, who were busy with their brewing duties, but the service was fine.  I love what Sound is doing because they are making completely different beers than most other Washington breweries.  Sound sets itself apart by making some big, 9-10% Belgian-inspired beers.  Be on the lookout for stellar Sound brews on tap such as Monk’s Indiscretion, Dubbel Entendre and Humulo Nimbus.  I’m fully expecting these guys to skyrocket to the top of the local beer scene very soon, if they’re not already there. 650 NW Bovela Ln, Suite #3, Poulsbo

North Seattle
American Brewing Co. Beer only
American, located 17 miles north of Seattle in Edmonds, just opened in 2011.  I wasn’t sure what I was getting into walking into their unassuming entrance in the rear of the building, but the inside was a pleasant surprise with a nice big L-shaped bar with sports on 2 large flat screens.  There is no kitchen, but snacks are available for purchase or you can order in a Garlic Jim’s pizza.  Breakaway IPA, Caboose Oatmeal Stout and Ed’s Red are all very solid beers. With longtime brewer Skip Madsen at the helm, I’m looking forward to trying more beer from these guys. 180 West Dayton Street, Edmonds

Boundary Bay Brewery & Bistro Beer + food
Located 90-miles north of Seattle in Bellingham, Boundary Bay is well outside the Seattle metro, but is worth a visit.  Boundary Bay, in business since 1995, operates a 17 barrel brewery in a restored historic 1922 warehouse in downtown Bellingham, across from the Saturday Farmers Market.  Multiple rooms are filled with mismatched wood tables and chairs and there is often some live music being playing.  Great service and extremely good food.  Their IPA and Imperial IPA are top-notch, but you also can’t miss with their Scotch Ale, Old Bounder Barley Wine or Dry Stout. 1107 Railroad Avenue, Bellingham

Diamond Knot Brewery & Alehouse Beer + food
Diamond Knot’s Flagship location, located near the waterfront in Mukilteo, has a bit of a scary external appearance, but don’t be afraid.  The nautical-themed interior has high ceilings, plenty of character and is filled with over a dozen red barstools, several tables and peanut shells on the floor.  Sure, there are several beer styles on tap, but you must go for the IPA and the kicked-up Industrial IPA, their specialties. 621A Front Street, Mukilteo (plus 3 additional locations I know of)

Foggy Noggin Brewing Beer only (+ an occasional food truck)
Jim Jamison has been serving up Foggy Noggin beers out of his garage in Bothell since 2010, and now has a loyal following of Fog Noggers who love their Fn beer.  The nanobrewery is in a residential neighborhood, but it’s a spacious lot and there are plenty of tables and chairs in the driveway to relax.  Foggy Noggin’s cool because, in addition to being an incredibly small operation, they are doing something different than every other brewery in the Pac NW.  Fn specializes in English style ales that are produced on a very small ½ barrel system.  Their flagship beer, Bit O’Beaver, at 3.4% ABV is the ultimate session beer.  You may recall Bit O’Beaver making an impressive run to the WA Beer March Madness Final Four in 2012.  You’ll always find Bit O’Beaver on tap here, along with Christmas Duck, a nice porter, and rotating seasonals such as Diablo del Sol and Kastrated Dawg.  Be on the lookout for the delicious Anniversary English Old Ale, released annually in March. 22329 53rd Ave SE, Bothell

Scuttlebutt Brewing Company Beer + food
Scuttlebutt’s new location, opened near the Everett marina in April 2011, is bright and modern with plenty of booths and a large outdoor seating area.  Not sure why, but taster tray was pulled off menu, although bartenders will give you a free 2oz taster.  If you like sweeter beers, you will be pleased with their nice Tripel 7, Belgian Winter and Porter. 1205 Craftsman Way, Everett

South
Airways Brewing Company Food + beer
The next time your wife sends you to IKEA, make a 5 minute detour South to Airways Brewing.  Airways was founded in Kent in 2010 and recently added a second location, Airways Brewing Beer & Bistro in downtown Kent.  Their standard lineup includes T-Tail Blonde Ale, Jet City ESB, First Class IPA, Starliner Stout, and Sky Hag Imperial IPA.  Of the 3 I’ve tried, the ESB and First Class are very good and the Sky Hag is phenomenal, perhaps one of the better Imperial IPAs in the state.  The newer Beer & Bistro also boasts 8-10 interesting guest taps from other Washington breweries.  I would consider their standard lineup a bit too standard for a new brewery, but looking forward to trying some special beers from these guys in the future. 6644 S 196th St., Kent

Fish Brewing Company Beer + food
Located 60 miles south of Seattle in Olympia, Fish is a lively brewpub filled with plenty of locals.  The “Fishbowl” is a bit dated, but comfortable.  Standard lineup can be a bit light on flavor, but seasonals such as Mudshark Porter, Starfish Imperial Red, Winterfish and 10 Squared Barleywine are pretty good.  Overall, an average brewpub. 515 Jefferson Street SE, Olympia

Harmon Brewing Co. Beer + food
Located next to the University of Washington Tacoma campus, Harmon’s wait staff and clientele are on the younger side.  Due to the university location, parking is hit and miss.  The low-lit brewpub is filled with exposed brick, numerous wood tables and a long 15-seat bar.  Great atmosphere and a nice place to have  a beer.  The Puget Sound Porter is roasty, chocolatey and very good.  The Brown’s Point ESB and Point Defiance IPA are also quite solid. 1938 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma

Trade Route Brewing Company
I first became acquainted with Trade Route at the Washington Brewers Festival in 2008 when they were known as Laughing Buddha Brewery.  They changed their name in response to a trademark dispute and also moved the brewery from Seattle to Pacific, WA in 2009.  The taproom is located off of 167 south of Auburn in an industrial area filled with parked semi trucks.  It’s pretty nice inside, with a large L-shaped bar and a few flat screen TV’s filled with sports.  Their original beers were Asian-inspired, but they seem to be all over the board now, with a lineup that includes an IPA and a rauchbier.  The Ginger Pale Ale, one of their original flagship beers, is their best and goes perfectly with spicy pad thai.  Their Mango Weizen is a perfect in summer if you like fruit beers.  The rest of their lineup is pretty average, including Hoppy Bitch IPA, which doesn’t quite live up to the great name. 1091 Valentine Ave, Pacific

The Hiking Trail to Fragrance Lake

Hiking Fragrance Lake from Seattle, WA

My cousin Damon is the go-to guy when it comes to finding good trails. Most of the time we plan two to three-day backpacking trips, but when doesn’t allow I can always call on him for a day hike that is worth my while. Fragrance Lake is no exception. Located in Larrabee State Park near Bellingham, Washington, this 5.5 mile loop provides excellent views of Samish Bay in a fresh, woodsy setting.

If you are not familiar with the Bellingham area the best way to find the trail is by going straight to the main entrance of Larabee park. The trailhead is directly across the street on Chuckanut Drive. A Discover Pass is required to park at any of the spaces in the park, so plan accordingly.

We began our journey around noon. Knowing this was not going to take all day, we figured there was no reason to hurry out. That’s the great thing about day hikes, you may not be able to truly escape civilization as you would on a backpacking trip, but at least you don’t have to do as much planning.

The trail to Fragrance Lake has an elevation gain of 950 feet, so be prepared for a bit of a climb. The good news is the climb is somewhat gradual, so you’ll be winded, but experienced hikers won’t find it terribly grueling.

It didn’t take long to discover that this trail was dog friendly. This is not uncommon in Bellingham as the city pays particular attention to its parks. From bike trails to campsites, Bellingham is full of options.

When we reached the main viewpoint, we were pleasantly surprised to see the San Juan Islands. Depending on one’s preferences this may in fact be the highlight of the hike. The viewpoint has enough space that hikers often pack a lunch just to eat and enjoy the view.

For those who seek solitude, the lake itself isn’t too far from the viewpoint. When you arrive you will note the lake is very quiet considering its relative distance from the city. In fact, one would never even guess that a city is nearby. The water is very calm, with plenty of space to explore around it. We saw several people throwing sticks in the lake for their dogs to retrieve them. If you want to get away from other hikers, the lake is large enough that there is bound to be a private spot somewhere along the shoreline.

Much to our surprise, it just happened that the one day we chose to hike up to Fragrance Lake was the exact day of Bellingham’s Ski to Sea Race. This relay race requires teams of skiers, mountain bikers, runners, and kayakers to race from Mt. Baker all the way into the Bay. From our vantage point we could actually see some of the Kayakers rowing into the finish line. It was quite a day!

Author: Nic Poe

Perry Rogers: How the Internet Has Changed Public Relations

Perry Rogers PR Partners Firm

The nature of marketing is changing. Not only is it getting more complex, but the growth is happening at an alarming rate. Identifying the nature of each marketing job is nearly impossible, and journalists and Internet experts are as involved as marketing as public relations. I have worked in PR for my entire life, and people approach Perry Rogers and PR Partners because we have managed to stay on top of the newest trends.

About Perry Rogers:
Serves as the President of PR Partners (Started in 2008). Graduate of Georgetown University with a degree in Accounting as well as attended the University of Arizona where he successfully completed his law degree. Mr. Perry Rogers is a board member of one of the most popular theme parks in the country, Six Flags. He knows business very well and he has several ventures which continue to be a success. One of those includes being a co-founder of Meadows Bank. He also has held an interest in PURE Nightclub which is located in Caesars Palace Las Vegas. [Full Resume for Perry Rogers]

His company, PR Partners, focuses on managing the careers, PR, and legacies, of the highest valued sports professionals. They offer a variety of services including endorsement management, NBA contract negotiations, media packets, TV, Radio, Print & Web exposure . A few of their clients include Kyrie Irving, Harrison Barnes, Todd Wilbur, George Whitfield Jr., and Shaquille O’Neal. His company has proven to be successful in their client’s careers and even beyond. One of the biggest benefits of his firm is not only his personal experience but to their contacts which can provide tremendous opportunities not only for sports professionals but actors as well.

You can read much more about him and his company on his LinkedIn below:
https://www.linkedin.com/pub/perry-rogers/98/b73/a79

The Changing Climate

How has my job changed? Well, today I do not just wriggle brands into the public eye using journalists. I need to influence people online using social medial. I market content to improve public image. My company deals with sports professionals as much as newspapers/media. Regardless of how much the field changes, there are two overriding principles I believe will always hold true:

1) Trust matters. If a person does not believe in my client’s brand, the client’s business suffers. Whether he or she fears the ability to perform a service or deliver a quality product on schedule, trust guides purchasing decisions.

2) The message must reach as many people as possible. It does not matter how great your message is or how trustworthy the brand appears. If nobody knows about a company, they cannot use their services.

Improving Reach

Speaking very broadly, the internet has divided reach into a two-pronged campaign for every client we take on:

1) Journalists. PR experts have historically relied on journalists to convey their message. Press releases and articles are written by or on behalf of clients, and they need to be published somewhere. Journalists are a trusted source of material. Reading the newspaper used to be a daily or weekly occurrence. The hard-working father reading the newspaper with his morning coffee was a stereotype for a reason.

However, a journalist’s reach is limited by what medium he or she uses to reach the public. There is a stark difference between publishing in a local paper versus The Washington Post.

2) Online. Influencing customers online and establishing trust is perhaps more dynamic than using traditional print and TV media, but the basic principles are the same. Customers have to be aware of the brand, the company’s message, and its content. Content quality and customer interaction are much more important. Social media determines how effective a company is at interacting with and responding to customer’s criticisms and concerns.

Both of these outlets for improving reach are important, and each company needs to use them differently. A company selling software specifically to younger audiences will rely more heavily on internet marketing, while an established, respected corporation will likely use both more evenly.

Other companies strive to let their customers do their work for them. Not directly, of course, but there are a lot of industry bloggers carving out their online niches and customer bases by simply reporting on certain fields. The best PR firms know how to influence those bloggers, either directly or indirectly, by personalizing their reach and pitching marketing campaigns directly to those bloggers.

This is a great approach because the public more implicitly trusts bloggers than they do direct advertisements. Ads are created by a company, and thus they are biased. Bloggers and internet personalities are seen as a kind of defense: a public phalanx set to weed out potentially misleading material and promote what is best for the consumer.

Changes Due to Social Media

Social media is turning PR into the dynamic, challenging field it has become today. The question we often get is, “How do you use social media to control public image of my company?” This is a valid question because simple mistakes now go viral and can cost thousands, if not millions, of dollars in damage in a matter of hours.

Let us think back to the Encarta Encyclopedia. This was seen as one of the best, most powerful informational tools of its time. Developed by Microsoft, it appeared on the surface to have every possible advantage. After all, Microsoft is a Forbes 100 company with a near-infinite budget, and it had cornered the encyclopedia publishing market. This was not just due to marketing; Encarta was a great product that offered better information for a lower price.

Then Wikipedia came along, and in less than a decade, the Encarta giant was dead. In another ten years, few people will remember the name. Wikipedia was created for far less money and written by the public. Experts from all over the World have donated millions of hours writing billions of words.

Social media operates much in the same way. PR firms no longer write the entirety of their own content – the public does it for them. What companies need in a quality PR firm these days is the ability to guide that content and ensure the information spreading around supplements your brand and improves your overall image.

Dr. Robi Ludwig: Getting Married? Here is What to Expect, Statistically

First Time Married by Dr. Robi Ludwig

Disney movies seem to have the whole “romance equals marriage” thing figured out. What Disney movies fail to include in their happy-go-lucky outlook is that marriage, at times, can be work. Watching Prince Charming kiss Snow White to wakefulness may make you question the romance in your own marriage, but it helps to remind yourself that the romances Disney portrays are often dated, idealistic notions of love. And, as it turns out, they are only really documenting early stages. Psychologists have studied the marriage track and concluded that most married couples go through many stages, stages that most couples will hit in their marriage. Sometimes, these require more dedication and care.

Married couples can attest even happy marriages require work. Vows merge one life to another and suddenly personal gain must give way toward a common goal. Your partner has equal share of your burdens, and you of theirs. As spouses spend more time together, they tend to go through several, predictable stages. These stages occur as your personal identity gives up control, even in small amounts, and embraces the nature of a true union.

Why the Stages of Marriage Complicate Unions

Couples go through five major stages of personal development. These stages are ones of exciting, confusing growth. They are challenging for two reasons:

1. Each partner progresses through these stages at differing speeds. You may be stuck at stage three while your spouse has already ascended to stage five. This difference leads to misunderstandings, as one spouse may wonder why their partner is still stuck on petty control issues he or she has long surpassed.

2. Most people are unaware these stages exist. People tend to have a basic understanding of the stages of grief. Depression and anger are expected. The stages of marriage are every bit as natural as grief, though more tied to ego. When ego comes into play, tricky variables, like admitting fault and making compromises, seemingly evolve into impossible feats.

The good news for all married couples is when you finally find light at the other end of the tunnel, the major storms of your life are out of the way. These couples experience the full benefits of love and affection promised by matrimony.

The Five Stages of Marriage

1.) The first stage is the best-loved. This is when your body chemistry launches itself into overdrive, akin to an adolescent holding hands for the first time. This stage represents the kind of mortar love songs are about. Even the mention of a name spurs the heart into a quickened pitter-patter.

Your life seems inexplicably tied to theirs, the deep burning desire of passion increasing your positive attitude toward the other person, personal energy, sensitivity, and sexuality. This stage is common in fresh love, but often heightened during the first year or two of marriage, starting with the honeymoon.

2.) At some point a fight breaks out that spurs one partner’s doubt about the union. This stage breaks the mirror, so to speak. You realize flaws in your partner for the first time, but it is accompanied by a nagging, negative voice that says “can I live with this for the rest of my life?” Will you divorce because your partner never washes the dishes after you make dinner? The mantra here is: old habits die hard.

Stage two is the hardest to stomach, because the differential between the incredible passion of stage one and feelings of personal betrayal in stage two are so large. The newness is gone and is replaced by familiarity.

Another challenge is by the third or fourth year of marriage, the situations with impossible answers surface. Should we have kids? Do we pack up and move across the country for that incredible career opportunity? It is unfortunate that as partners begin to distrust the capabilities of their partner these questions must be addressed.

3.) In stage three usually both partners have entrenched themselves. The trenches do not have to be a stark, dividing line between tired arguments. They can manifest through habits, lifestyles, even chore procedures. At this stage both couples think his or her opinion is the best one. Relationships that lack communication struggle with this stage. During this stage, a couple may frequently tell couples’ therapists that they have tried everything but the gap will never be bridged. To pass stage three, couples must invest their time and energy to meet in the middle. The fifth year is cited as the statistically most challenging for married couples. Most are in stage three during that year.

4.) Stage four is the point where couples stop trying to change one another. They recognize the habits that will die hard, or never disappear, and resign themselves to making the best of the situation. Some may struggle, seeking advice from friends, family members, and therapists on how to live with the aspects of the marriage that are displeasing. Fights still happen, but they lack the same oomph from the early days. After years of traveling uphill, couples are finally about to stroll down the other side of the mountain, to the sunny meadows.

5.) Statistically speaking, nearly half of marriages fail. Many more couples stay together out of habit, living their lives without speaking much with one another. Maybe divorce is too expensive, or perhaps they have been together too long to make the change. Whatever the numbers are, a good number of couples never reach the last stage.

Here couples honestly appreciate the life they’ve lived together. Shared memories burn brighter, and both partners feel secure in their roles. The things that seemed so important before have been reduced to petty grievances, barely worth noticing.

As a final note by Dr. Robi Ludwig, I would like to state that communication is what drives all successful marriages. Stages 2-4 are impossible to surpass without talking through problems. Nobody ever said marriage was easy, but for some reason most first-timers assume it is.

If you found this article interesting or want to learn more about Dr. Robi Ludwig check out her article about Killer Spouses and biography history.  We cover everything about her in that article and it’s a good read.

Plan Day Trips to Theme Parks in Seattle

Amusment Parks in Seattle having fun
Amusement parks are a popular attraction for people of all ages. Far from a few simple thrill rides, modern parks work to provide entertainment to suit everyone’s tastes. If you’re planning a vacation, or just looking for a new way to have fun on the weekend, here you will find the Seattle amusement park that is worth visiting:

Wild Waves Amusement Park: Seattle Amusement Park
Once known as Enchanted Forest, this combination of water and theme park was owned by Six Flags until it was sold in 2007. It now operates independently. This Seattle amusement park include the 75-foot-tall Timberhawk wooden coaster, the spinning Timber Axe, and the splash down ride Lumberjack Falls.

Smaller children will enjoy the kiddie rides, and there’s enough variety of water attractions and big thrill rides to keep all types of people entertained at the Seattle amusement park.

Season passes are available at a cheap price for people that return to the park; young children and seniors have a discount, and infants under two get in free at this Seattle amusement park. (http://wildwaves.com/)

Riverfront Park
Seattle Amusement Park: Riverfront Park Amusement parks in Seattle don’t need to be expensive to visit; several of the attractions in Riverfront Park are totally free.

Popular tourist attractions include the scenic Spokane Falls and historical Clocktower, and the sculpture walk is sure to interest anyone with an eye for art.

If you’d rather enjoy more traditional amusement park fare, Riverfront Park delivers: The Pavilion Amusement Rides are available all summer, with a wide variety of tilting, spinning, and free-falling thrills for all ages. (http://spokaneriverfrontpark.com/)

Pacific Science Center
If you’re looking for more educational theme parks in Seattle, the Pacific Science Center could be exactly what you need. A six-acre hands-on science museum, this location also includes stage shows, a butterfly house, planetarium, laser shows, IMAX movies, and much more.

Tickets are pretty cheap, although you can expect to pay a bit more if you’re going to an IMAX film during your visit. Returning members can purchase a membership and receive free entry. (http://www.pacificsciencecenter.org/)

Whether looking for an educational park, an outdoor family fun adventure, or a water park, theme parks in Seattle offer a great deal of fun and education for everyone. Seattle water parks and theme parks provide a great way to spend a day during your vacation, or even just get away for awhile during a dull weekend.

Relationship Advice: The Prince Charming Factor?

Prince Charming Factor Dating

Dr. Robi Ludwig was interviewed by Fox News’s producer and online contributor for FoxbusinessNews.com, Ashley Papa Twitter, about the psychology behind the Prince Charming Syndrome. This syndrome is when women creates a romanticized ideal of what love should look like and they either end up in the wrong relationship or no relationship at all. Often times, the person is very inflexible because they become so focused on finding the “prefect” partner.

During the interview with Ashley Papa, Dr. Robi Ludwig points out in the interview on Fox the issues that surround the individuals who are constantly striving for these perfect relationships. Dr. Robi thinks that everyone has an idealized image of what the perfect love should be, but as people mature, they realize they are not perfect and their lover is not going to be perfect either. However, the women who fall into the category of “The Prince Charming Syndrome” are very often socially immature, have a resistance to being in a real relationship and have expectations that are too high which often set up their partners to fail. These individuals never grow and mature and hence are stuck in the cycle of trying to find a love that doesn’t really hold firm or true in the real world.

Dr. Robi Ludwig thinks that these ideals come from a psychologically memory or wish from when we were babies and we were wholly and completely loved and there was someone that was there to take care of all our needs. Also our society idealizes love and romanticizes relationships. These two factors combined create the “The Prince Charming” syndrome.

Dr. Robi’s advice to these women who are striving for this perfect partner is to not lower their standards but to be more open-minded. Relationships are not black or white and in order to exist in the real world, women have to mature and lose the concept of romanticized love and ditch the fantasy. A true rewarding relationship will come from maturity and self-realization.

Additional opinion by the Emerald Journal:
The advice and interview with Dr. Robi and Ashley Papa is simply amazing. Relationship’s and dating can be really difficult. There is so much to understand about dating psychology and what to do and what not to do. It can be very complicated. The advice given by these experts can really help and sharing the information only helps understand the gaps when it comes to dating or finding a partner. We all have our issues (and insecurities) with meeting new people and dating but at the end of the day, living with the issues and being able to accept them is what can make the difference. I believe this article, interview, analysis only scratches the surface of this topic. We all have our judgments when first meeting someone. We all are products of our environment and this is carried over into how we function and view relationships in my personal opinion.

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