librairie, ballard, seattle

university district, seattle

black & red - how lovely.

happy christmahanukwanzaramadansolstice...er...holidays!

still awake at 2:24am, capitol hill

capitol hill is dying

Our city is being transformed, for the worst. Up on Capitol Hill, it is especially bad. The small businesses of the Pike/Pine corridor are being shuttered and torn down by greedy developers who want to replace them with architecturally bland condominium projects.

These new structures open uninspiring retail stores such as Walgreens, tanning salons, and Kinko’s - those who can afford the rent. These developers, who claim they are “cleaning up” Capitol Hill, are slowly killing life blood of the district. The independent stores, bars, and other businesses are hangouts for poor students, artists, musicians, and other creative types that compose the multicultural and diverse crowd that give the Pike/Pine neighborhood its flavor, its vibrancy, its party, its life – and it is slowly being destroyed.

Kincora, the Bus Stop, the short-lived but beloved Pony, Manray, all are gone, they were closed last month. They are destined to become another generic condominium project that will be inhabited by god-knows-who. The small businesses aren’t being invited back and are the victims of the cultural genocide that is being committed; this “cleansing” of the Hill is producing some pretty horrific results. Look at what happened to Broadway and the new Harvard Market. How hideous is the new Walgreens building? And what about that nasty brick building at the very north part of Broadway? Are these the glories of gentrification?

The new Cha Cha and Bimbo’s location, although nice, just doesn’t feel the same. And NOTHING can replace Pony, Kincora or the Bus Stop. I miss the cheap drinks and the loud music, but will especially miss seeing all the great people and all the good times that were had on that block.

Who are the developers targeting to buy the new condos? Obviously not the crowds who frequented the gritty-chicness of Pony. Eventually, the bohemian coolness that attracted the developers to the area will be gone. We should mourn the loss of small businesses and the part of Capitol Hill which has been murdered. Please observe a moment of grievous silence.

Georgetown, anyone?

Last year’s article from the Stranger pretty much sums up how I feel:
The Death of Pike/Pine, from 29 November 2006

barack obama at the showbox sodo, seattle

i am inspired by senator barack obama because of his honesty, his moral character and convictions, and his uncorrupted beliefs. his message of unity between all the groups that have been divided and oppressed truly shows his understanding of the challenges that face 21st century multicultural america. i admire him for reaching out not only to democrats, but also to republicans, independents, greens - the plight of ALL americans matter to him, not just a select few. i'm not trying to turn this into a political blog, and i could go on and on about ALL the millions of reasons why i love mr. obama, so i'm not going to preach to you. h o w e v e r...i will tell you this: right now i am loving him because HE SHOOK MY HAND!!!


billy joe and the 45s.

new (ish) seattle shop: sugartown vintage

sugartown vintage quietly opened up shop in ballard early in 2007 and even though it's now december, many people have still not heard about it. sugartown is located in an unassuming building across the street from the amazing knick-knack shop archie mcphee. i first came across this little shimmering jewel in september as i was skipping along market street on my way to see the salmon frolicking at the ballard locks. sugartown features a wide array of hot vintage garb, and i have purchased some sweet vintage eighties tee shirts, some cool scarves and an asymmetrical eighties sweater all for reasonable prices. the friendly sales clerk said they buy, sell and trade vintage and new goods. i’m definitely heading back for some sick eighties glasses.





SUGARTOWN VINTAGE
2421 nw market street
seattle, washington 98107
206.789.1400
12-6pm tuesday-sunday
http://www.myspace.com/sugartownvintage