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Headline News | Emerald City Journal - Part 39

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Headline News - page 39

Presidential Election Day

Tuesday Nov. 6th is the big day.  It’s time for the presidential election.  First up Obama with the poorest record in history or Mitt Romney and his trust funds.  The presidential pick is yours – so who are you picking?  I’m sure either way we are screwed but I’m putting my “hope” with Romney this round.  I believe many fell the same way.  I have heard many changing gears to support the other side of the team.  The main reasons I will be supporting Romney is due to the fact Obama has the poorest record in history to date.  You can look at jobs, economy, or gas number they are all down compared to when he started.  Foreign policy is joke.  Second, the republicans won’t support any of his bills which means he simply won’t be able to get anything accomplished without their support and that is not going to happen in the next 4 years should he be re-elected.  Third and most importantly – Obama Care.  I really don’t need the extra bills in my life which will easily be $1,000 or more per year for health care for myself.  If not acquired, I will be fined (taxed without saying it) by the IRS!  The IRS will manage the program by the way.  It’s all just shady.  The idea is also bad for jobs.  Not just my job and life but everyone’s if you have one.  If you’re employed now you’re job will be evaluated should Obama be elected due to Obama Care and the new business expenses involved.  With that being said, my support is going to Mitt Romney.

I found myself even more engaged this year compared to any other year that is for sure.  I actively participated in all the debates and listen intensively.  The first debate was a game changer and just verified my reason to vote for Romney.  He manhandled President Obama.  The others were even in my opinion.  Biden may have got the edge on Paul Ryan which I didn’t see coming.  Joe Biden came off as a rude old man, however, he was more of an authority figured which hurt Mr. Ryan I think.   Obama tried to get more aggressive on the second attempt however it wasn’t enough to change anything.  There was one point where Mitt Romney told him to sit down and Obama did it like a scolded little kid.  Third debate was even with Romney trying not to over do it while keeping everything even.

I must say I am happy to see that the presidential election day is finally here.  The radio, tv, telephone message have become a real pain.  I am tired of the complaining, fighting, and lying from both sides just to persuade votes.  On Tuesday, all this garbage will be done with and we can move on to bigger and better things whomever our President turns out to be.  I’m also excited to pick on all the mistakes of the next president who ever that maybe.  Vegas odds have Obama winning by a large margin.  In the event Obama does take the election (which I don’t think is going to happen), it certainly wont be by the popular vote.

Presidential Election Day
Presidential election day this Tuesday. Obama vs. Romney last chance!

 

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New Seattle Stadium Expected Approval Tuesday

On Tuesday, the City Of Seattle is expected to sign the documents to approve the new stadium.  The exact area is not determined yet and not specified in the documents.  Many expect the new stadium to be placed near Safeco Field in the SODO area.  The red tape has already begun, however.  By state law, a 1 year environment review is required.  They are going also review others areas not just the SODO area.  $200 million of the expected $490 million dollar stadium is to come from public funds.  It is expected to be paid back by admission taxes and rent money.  In the event, the payback falls short, Mr. Hansen will cover the rest.  For sports fans, this is a major deal and many are excited to have a new NBA team (and possible NHL team).  History says it’s not going to work out but good luck to them.

I am not as excited as them, however.  I know Seattle residents will support our Seahawks more than they would ever support our new NBA or NHL team.  Just like any other sport and as we saw with the SuperSonics less support is given to teams who constantly lose.  In my opinion, Seattle stadium owners have a way of not supporting any of the really good players.  We always trade them or not renew them because of financial reasons.  It’s all about selling out the local stadium and not the long term value (or away games).  We could care less about them. That trend is pretty constant and it sure doesn’t want me to support any teams here.  Visits are drawn to teams by player branding.  It’s the exact reason why boxing is so poor today – they don’t support player branding.  Fans want to support their favorite player, visit, dress like them, read about them, etc… without that the support will always be low for new players with no branding.  Seattle was constantly built good players and just when the public falls in the love with them (their brand) they are gone to a new team or not supported by their owners anymore.  I hate that aspect it’s just bad business.

I would expect this to fully pass and be signed on Tuesday.  It will take many years before we actually have something new to visit, however.  Just to complicate this process more it doesn’t appear the International Longshore and Warehouse Union locals are going to support it at all.  They are already complaining about the traffic chocking their working area.  Unfortunately, the Seattle City Council will make this decision with or without them.  It’s a done deal.

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Octopus Hunting In Seattle

I’m not a big fan of hunting animals.  I never could kill my dog or a neighbors dog.  I just don’t see the purpose in it.  We were all created to have the opportunity to live peacefully.  With that being said, I do understand the killing of animals for the purpose of human consumption.  Cows created just to be used for this purpose.  Raised with a purpose and feel well.  My complaint with hunters is “just for the fun of it” type killing.  There is no need or room for that in our society in my opinion.

This gets me to Dylan Mayer who recently hunted a Octopus out of Cove 2 in West Seattle.  While diving off Alki to grab this super octopus (for the fun of it), Mr. Mayer, would soon discover the public was not happy with him at all.  Seattle residents would soon discover this has been happening for quite some time and a popular sport with many participants coming to Seattle for just this purpose.  There is now a large community of Seattle residents really ticked off over the situation.  A diver instructor, Bob Bailey, notice and watched the killing happen.  He confronted Mr. Mayer and reported it properly.  Unfortunated, these killings are not protected and was done legally so Mr. Dylan Mayer is going to be safe from law officials.  His reputation, however, will be forever tarnished.

I hope the Seattle Council Members will take notice of this event and stop it now in it’s tracks.  We don’t need people killing animals for no purpose except that he/she thought it was fun.  This isn’t the wild wild west and some rules are required for stupid people.  I typically am not for regulation or extra laws, however, this is one that I would openly support.

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Washington State Measures – How I’m Voting

I have been looking at some of the State Measures and wanted to share a few with you on the Emerald City Journal Newspaper.  These are my thoughts on why I am supporting them or voting against them.  I highly recommend you consider each one and read their descriptions.  Your views may differ compared to mine.

Here we go!

Seattle Proposition 1 – (Against)

 – Regarding the Seattle seawall project.

Senate Joint Resolution No. 8223 – (Against)

– Regarding letting Universities invest our public funds into the stock market or other companies.

Initiative Measure No. 502 – (Supported)

– Regarding the use of marijuana.

Initiative Measure No. 1240 – (Against)

– Regarding opening charter schools.

Initiative Measure No. 1185 – (Supported)

– Regarding a larger majority approved vote to raise taxes.

Advisory Vote No. 2 (Substitute House Bill 2590)

 – “The legislature extended, without a vote of the people, expiration of a tax on possession of petroleum products and reduced the tax rate, costing $24,000,000 in its first ten years, for government spending.”

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Two-Thirds Tax Law Dumped

Yesterday 2-28-13 the will of the people of the state of Washington was wiped out. Hard to believe that for

Seattle Proposition 1 – Seattle’s Seawall Measure

Construction Work Photo

While reading the Times this morning trying to decide what are the lies and what might be the truth, I ran across an article that caught my eye. Remember Andy and Little Opie and the piers they would sit on and look into the sunset? Gave a person a warm fuzzy feeling. The article this morning does NOT give me that feeling. It is a shame that politicians would stoop so low. 5 councilmen and King County Deputy Executive, Fred Jarrett stood on the waterfront to warn us that a Sandy could happen here. Can you see them standing looking into the sunset like little Opie. Opie was fishing for a sucker from in the water on his little fish hook but these 6 were fishing for suckers a.k.a.  voters for all they could. I don’t even know what Fred Jarrett does but there must have been something they could be doing rather than going to the seashore during work hours. They should have invited Obama. He would have got in his little Air Force One and toodled right out here and they could have had a photo shoot for him for sure.

Now for the seawall measure. The council members are not earthquake or hurricane specialists. No one knows/when or if anything of that will happen. They should have taken care of the seawall as it deteriorated. The people who own the property should have to pay for it not the whole city. Proposition 1 is asking for $290 million. Most of what they have written about it is lies. They are saying if it failed, it would severely disrupt daily traffic. Approx 12,300 vehicles use it. 3% of Seattle’s traffic. They should have been worrying about the seawall before they shoved the expensive tunnel mess through it. They have no plan. They talk about two piers, but they are unclear how long the seawall will be. When it might start to be built when they might finish, or if it would be on a budget or just another bottomless pit to scoop taxpayer’s dollars into. They will pay planners, and consultants and have to line a few pockets along the way and the money could be all screwed away before a nail is hammered. Remember the monorail? They blew enough money planning to build the darn thing. I am not sure they even know at this point what they are trying to do, but to pose at the waterfront and try to put the fear of Sandy into the voters is low, low, low. There should be some concrete plans before we give them $290 million.

Update: This passed! On the night of the election, a substantial 77% of Seattle voters endorsed Proposition 1, a 30-year, $290 million bond measure. Consequently, funding for the initial phase of the Elliott Bay Seawall Project has been successfully secured.

In 2017, the City of Seattle finalized the construction of the new Elliott Bay Seawall, projected to endure for over 75 years and revitalize the previously deteriorated nearshore environment. Before the initiation of the Seawall Project, the existing seawall, despite having shielded Seattle for upwards of 70 years, saw its structure debilitated by time and the harsh marine conditions.

The freshly constructed seawall aligns with contemporary seismic standards, safeguarding public safety and serving as the bedrock for Seattle’s new waterfront. Moreover, the seawall encompasses habitat enhancements to rejuvenate the salmon migration corridor and boost ecosystem productivity. Every feature of the seawall was crafted to integrate seamlessly with other pivotal Waterfront Seattle enhancements, including the forthcoming park promenade and the reconstructed Pier 62 and Pier 58.

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Places To Visit In Seattle

Seattle is a great place to live, breathe, and work.  The weather is very seasonal so you can expect rain, cold, and plenty of sun during the year.

One of the highlights and center points of Seattle Washington is Seattle Pacific University.  SPU is located right in the middle of Seattle.  The College is so much fun.  Seattle is a very creative, open, and even corky at times.  With a city this large and so many places to visit you simply never feel bored.

Many come to Seattle without cars and find it easy to get around.   The City Council has made a big push with the encouragement of the biking community.  It’s also a great way to see the city from a different point of view.

The International culture is also an amazing aspect.  Places like the Ballard or the Pike Place Market always have something going on with lots of entertainment and food to keep you busy and occupied for the day.  It’s pretty cool to have all this in one city.

In Seattle you’ll find some of the largest companies in World.  From Microsoft, Google, Adobe, Flip Hosting and RepuVision to name a few.

When it comes to Seattle sports teams Seattle has a few.  The fans are amazing and each event draws thousands upon thousands of people.  You have to experience the tailgate parties.  We have the Mariners, Seahawks, and Sounders to name a few.  Having lived in Seattle many years now, I think the Sounders fans are just crazy.  The team plays at Century Link Field located just South of downtown.  The fans really are a team and get together at the bars and it’s really an enjoyable atmosphere.  You’ll often see bands, dancing, and team spirt like no other.  To say the least if you’re a sports fan Seattle is the place to be and visit.

Busing in Seattle is really easy.  You can jump on the bus and get to just about anywhere including the Seattle Pacific University.  To Ballard, a suburb of Seattle, takes about 10 minutes and it’s super easy.   By the way, Ballard is great they have this market every Sunday.  It’s full of food, entertainment, arts, dogs, and people having a great time on their day off from work.

Fremont is another suburb of Seattle and really close to the college just like Ballard.  You can just walk to Fremont, however.  The variety of people here is “interesting” to say the least.  If you’re considering places to visit in Seattle I would highly recommend it for the variety of food options.  You got Thai, Greek, American burgers, just about everything and it’s great.

Another place to visit is Queen Ann.  They have amazing breakfast places and coffee shops for work or just relaxing time.  I guess I just like coffee as most do in Seattle.  After All, Starbucks was born in Seattle WA.  In fact the coffee shop is still there open for business in the Pike Place Market.

If you’re an outdoor person and like hiking or playing the water, you’ll fall in love with Seattle.  The City of Seattle is surrounded by Water.  We have the Puget Sound, Lake Washington, Lake Union, and the Fremont Canal which is right next the the SPU campus.  If you’re feeling ambitious you can kayak right out into Lake Union and see what an amazing place Seattle really is.  If you come to Seattle to hike, then you should know that there are hundreds of trails to visit within an hour of Seattle.  On the East you have the Cascade Mountains and on the West of Seattle you have the Olympic Mountains.  I personally like photography and there are so many places to shoot videos or photos at.  In the Winter, many options are available for snowboarding also.

On last place to visit in Seattle is the Capital Hill area.  I enjoy going with my friends here to just get away and try something new.  It’s the place to people watch if you’re into that like me.  They have this amazing book store which is pretty cool.  It has so many books to choose from I could easily spend the day there just looking and drinking coffee.  Capital Hill has lots of little stores and hidden shopping places that many like to discover.  Always something new here.

Hope you come and visit Seattle.  Take a little time and enjoy the amazing sunsets on the water.

Places to visit in Seattle
Places to visit in Seattle. How about the Space Needle? One of the many great places in Seattle to check out.

 

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Funhouse Seattle – Closing

You can say your final good bye to the Funhouse Seattle bar tonight (Nov 1st 2012).  Their final live show is tonight only and that will be it for them.  The location will most likely be torn down to build a seven story building.  The Funhouse bar is one of Seattle most iconic punk bars.  Opened in 2003 and recognized by it’s angry clown face that gives you the creeps with each visit.   They featured some great shows from both wannabes to the well known.  The regulars would describe it was a pinball and punk lover’s dream location.  Before the Funhouse bar it was Zak’s.  Then before that it was Tex’s Tavern.

The bar may find a new home in the future but right now that is undecided.  Their music equipment and a lot of the food equipment is being sold on the Seattle Craigslist site right now.  They are selling a little bit of everything and most of it is only a few years old. “Bring Cash please” the ad mentions.

The bar did feature another clown head at one time, however, thieves took it off the roof and ended up ruining it by dragging it down the street only to give up later.

Funhouse Seattle Washington
Funhouse Seattle Washington

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Civil Service Commission In Seattle Wants You!

The City Of Seattle Council is looking for a few good men or women for their Civil Service Commission.  It’s pretty much a volunteer position but you do get a small stipend each year.  It’s a 3 year term which starts on Jan 1st 2013.

The Civil Service Commission in Seattle is a team that provides fair and impartial meetings regarding alleged violations from the City Of Seattle’s personnel.

The team consists of 3 members.  First is appointed by the Mayor, second is appointed by the Council, and finally one is elected by Seattle City employees.  Team members normally meet the 3rd Wednesday of each month beginning at 9:30 a.m and it runs an hour or two.

The announcement came from Seattle Council Member Tim Burgess.

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Washington State Liquor No More

The Washington Liquor Control Board who once had a monopoly of all liquor sold in Washington State will be auctioning off the remaining inventory on Thursday.  Approximately 15,000 cases of alcohol will be sold to the highest bidder.  They stated it’s value is over $1 million dollars.  That seems kind of high to me personally that would mean each bottle averages over $66.50.  I highly doubt it.  After these are sold the state will work to auction off the distribution center which is self appraised at $30 million dollars.  I sure would like to self appraise my house.

You’ll obviously need a liquor license to participate in this “sweet deal of a lifetime”.  Plus, a $5K cashier check on your person for a deposit.

Word on the streets is that all the people who participated in the last auction paying hundreds of thousands of dollars for a liquor store are not doing so well right now.  Several have closed already.  Which would make sense.  The state had a monopoly and now it’s in every store.  Plus, you started your business several hundreds of thousands of dollars in the hole.  Not sure why anyone would pay that much for a bad investment.  If you run into one of these people send them my way – I got a house to sell them.

Now if only we could get rid of most of Washington Liquor Control Board.

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Merrick Bobb Fixing Police Brutality In Seattle

It’s been many years now for the City Of Seattle to clean up their police force.  Not sure what is taking them so long.  I’m guessing they just keep having meetings about it but no one is brave enough to make any final decisions which may have an impact on the situation.  Finally, it appears something is happening with the City of Seattle Police force.  The man hired to repair, reform, and monitor the Seattle police brutality issues is Mr. Merrick Bobb.  He is a hired consultant who hopes everyone involved “will roll up their sleeves” to make this process work.  Merrick Bobb does have a respectable background which dates back to his groundbreaking work on the Rodney King beating.

Before beating people up on Emerald City Journal, however, I do like giving new hires a chance to do their work.  I do have some concerns now, however.  He made a statement saying that he “is aware of resistance but hopes to move forward”.  I guess if I was in charge as the boss, people with resistance to me or my policies would be shown the door.  I guess that is the difference between us.  I truly hope it works out for him.

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