A Norwegian who says he has biked 16-thousand miles through South and Central America says he was robbed within 30 minutes of arriving in Seattle. Rune Monstad had parked his bike outside a grocery store to use the phone when someone unzipped a bag and took his passport and 500 dollars — all the money he had.

A friend is helping Monstad while he tries to pick up enough money in odd jobs to resume his trip. He plans to bike across Canada this winter.

On a personal note, this just makes me sad..

Source: KOMO TV (who have updated the story with a feel-good ending).

“This is degrading to the women of today,” a regular Starbucks customer explained.

The 1971 original logo features a twin tailed mermaid with bare breasts. A ‘siren’ as she’s called in Greek mythology, and “is being used merely for nostalgia.” says Starbucks Carol Pucik who continued that the use of the old logo isn’t meant to cause offense.

Pucik says every hot beverage cup in their Washington and Oregon company owned stores will feature the original logo over the next two months.

Before Starbucks became a worldwide name, the old logo was very well known around Seattle and it can still be seen today at the first Starbucks in Pike’s Place Market.

However, in the early 1990′s, there were growing complaints about the appropriateness of the original logo and the company gave her a ‘modest makeover’ which is the logo used widely today.

So what do you think? Is the old logo offensive, or simply a misunderstood piece of Seattle art?

This author is taking it upon himself to find a Starbucks offering up the old logos and will report back when one is located. Stay tuned!

Source: KOMO TV

Bring a date and enjoy a meal that’s sure to be both romantic and memorable. Have fun together as you learn to create starters, sweets and everything in between–it’s the perfect date night.

Menu:
Pasilla Chile and Avocado Vichyssoise with Warm Sonoma Goat Cheese Crostini
Grilled Halibut and Nectarine Skewers with Sticky Pomegranate – Wasabi Glaze
Oregano Grilled New York Steaks with Fennel, Artichokes and Whole Garlic
Plum and Blackberry Mascarpone Mousse.

Sur La Table is located at 90 Central Way in Kirkland.
Phone: (425) 827-1311
FAX: (425) 827-9561

Only one lane northbound and one lane southbound will be open to traffic.

Police officers will be at the signalized intersection to direct traffic through the area. Drivers are advised to avoid that section of 150th Avenue Southeast during the work hours.

Are you excited? I know I’m feeling it.

The department says several people across the state have reported illnesses. The bacteria, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, are found mainly in oysters but can infect other shellfish.

The Department of Health has been testing samples for the bacteria, which have shown sporadic bacterial contamination in shellfish throughout South Puget Sound, Hood Canal, and Willapa Bay in Pacific County.

Thorough cooking will kill the bacteria, leaving shellfish safe to eat, the department said. The risk comes from eating raw shellfish, especially oysters. That includes shellfish purchased at a supermarket.

The risk of infection by Vibrio parahaemolyticus is increased during warm-weather months. But the department said shellfish currently on the market should be safe to eat if kept refrigerated or iced after purchase, then thoroughly cooked.

Besides the Web site, the department also has a biotoxin hotline: 800-562-5632.

(Source: The Seattle Times)

KAC’s Artist-in-Action booths give visitors a behind-the-scenes look at artmaking, as well as the chance to explore their own artistry.
“Summerfest is about more than just presenting work by regional artists in a beautiful outdoor setting — it is an opportunity for the community to experiment, learn and interact with art,” notes Quinn Elliott, KAC’s Executive Director.”

Kirkland’s Marina Park

Location: Kirkland Marina Park
Cost: Free
Organizer: Kirkland Arts Center
When: 14-16 July-2006

Summerfest 2006 highlights include:
• Two professional ceramic artists race against the clock and each other in an effort to create the most unique, and inventive ‘functional’ ceramic piece in the Iron Potter competition.
• Handcrafted work by more than 120 local and national artists including Liz Gamberg, Kalan Intawong, John Hansen, and Lisa Lamoureaux.
• Live musical performances by local favorites such as Cafe Cantate, Soul Flight, Cambalache, Yeke Yeke, Balkanarama, and the Nelda Swiggett Band.
• A wine tasting garden featuring 16 Washington state wineries from Walla Walla and Woodinville. There is no cost to enter the tasting garden. Tasting tickets are $15 advance purchase, $20 at the gate. Tickets may be purchased through the Summerfest website or at participating Kirkland shops and restaurants.

http://www.kirklandartscenter.org/summerfest.htm

I’ve actually had the pleasure of seeing Miles from Chicago live on several occasions, and they are just great fun. You’ll dance, you’ll sing, you’ll laugh….

These concerts are free, fun and located in the City of Bothell. This eight-concert series takes place at the Park at Bothell Landing Amphitheater (9919 NE 180th Street). All concerts begin at 6:30 p.m.

In its 21st year, the Music in the Park program is a fun, safe and free event for individuals and families. Bring chairs and blankets – shows are rain or shine. The City of Bothell’s Parks & Recreation Division produces the annual concert series. It is sponsored by the City of Bothell Hotel/Motel Tax.

This all-Friday night concert lineup includes:

July 7: Miles from Chicago (Energetic Blues Dance Band)

July 14: Circuit Riders (Country Gospel)

July 21: Seattle Women’s Jazz Orchestra

July 28: Reilly and Maloney (Folk Tunes & Ballads)

August 4: Chris Stuart & Backcountry (Bluegrass & Americana)

August 11: Crème Tangerine (Beatles Hits)

August 18: Banda Vagos (Sounds from South of the Border)

August 25: Magic Bus (Psychedelic Rock from the 60′s & 70′s)

For more information about City of Bothell Parks & Recreation events, visit www.ci.bothell.wa.us or call 425.486.7430 ext. 4422. Schedule is subject to change and events are free unless otherwise noted.

This Thursday, 8-June-2006, the author’s meeting is at Big Time Brewery on University Way.

For more information and maps, go to http://upcoming.org/event/83271.

Sadly, this author has a prior engagement that evening and as such, will remain shrouded in mystery.

To me, there are few things I enjoy more than a good outdoor market, and those found in Seattle are no different. Where else can you view what local artists are doing, have some kettle corn and buy fresh fruits and vegetables from local farmers all while absoring the vibe of the city and having a latte?
You can also:
* watch cooking demos
* sample fresh produce
* listen to live music
* obtain information from local non-profit organizations
* participate in special activities for children

http://www.seattlefarmersmarkets.org/

Maybe a little ride around Lake Washington? Have you seen the lake lately? I don’t mean at 60 mph, ok, 35 mph across I-90.. I mean have you seen the lake? It’s really quite lovely, and worth taking in at a more leisurely pace.
Sponsored by Group Health, it’s Group Health Bicycle Saturdays and Sundays

General Parks Information: (206)684-4075

Bicycle along Lake Washington Boulevard south of Mount Baker Beach and around Seward Park. Lake Washington Boulevard will be closed to motorized traffic from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m..
http://www.cityofseattle.net/parks/Athletics/bikesatsun.htm

Have you been calling your mother to let her know you’re thinking of her and you miss her? Mother’s Day is coming up. Maybe you could take mom to the zoo after a nice brunch.
Make your day easier! FREE Metro bus shuttles are being provided from various locations to get you to the zoo hassle free and no need to worry about parking. Shuttles will depart from Metro Park & Rides at Northgate, South Renton and South Kirkland.
http://www.zoo.org/special_events/events.htm#mm

Maybe Science Fiction is more your thing?
The Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame presents visitors with thought provoking, entertaining experiences that promote awareness and appreciation of science fiction’s significance and value, and at the same time pay homage to its notable creators and their creations.
http://www.sfhomeworld.org/

Or in my case, the Discovery Park lighthouse is open to the public for the first time in 15 years. That’s where you’ll find me…
Discovery Park is a 534 acre natural area park operated by the Seattle Parks and Recreation. It is the largest city park in Seattle, and occupies most of the former Fort Lawton site.
http://www.cityofseattle.net/parks/Environment/discovparkindex.htm
http://www.cityofseattle.net/parks/parkspaces/DiscoveryPark/lighthouse.htm