The Seattle Traveler

Hailing a cab in Seattle is a little more difficult than in many major cities.  Why?  Because you cannot literally hail a cab.  No standing on the corner, raising your hand, and motioning for a cab to pull over and pick you up.
In Seattle, you basically have two choices if you wish to use the services of a cab:

You can “call” a cab.  And I do mean CALL a cab.  Pick up the phone, call one of the area cab companies, and ask to have a cab dispatched to your location.  Of course, if you are at a restaurant …read more

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Kubota Garden is a 20-acre Japanese Garden in the Rainier Beach area of the city.  Originally a private garden, and later a gardening company, the gardens became a public park in 1987.
The garden originally consisted of five acres, and was started in 1927 by Japanese immigrant, Fujitaro Kubota.  He grew the garden as he grew his seed business, although the garden was not maintained during the time the Kubota family was interned during World War II.  He and his family eventually returned to the land, and he continued developing it using the Japanese style of landscaping.
This beautiful garden avoided being razed …read more

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As back to school looms on the horizon, and back to school sales are inundating our newspapers and mailboxes, Seattle budgets can easily get stretched to the breaking point.
While many states have tax-free shopping days to provide a little relief for shoppers, Washington State does not.
Our sales tax rate remains at the base rate of 6.5%, with cities and towns allowed to add increments to that base.  In Tacoma the sales tax, with all increments, is 8.8%, and in Seattle it climbs to 8.9%.  Food and prescription drugs are exempt from sales tax.
If you’ll be doing some traveling during this …read more

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Orson Welles called her “the most exciting woman in the world,” and Batman called her “Catwoman.”  You can call her fabulous.  Who am I talking about?  The talent actress, singer, and performer, Eartha Kitt, who will be appearing at Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley this coming week.
Probably best known for her sultry appearance and demeanor as the villainous Catwoman, you may not realize that she is also one of only a handful of performers who have been nominated for a Tony (for her stage work), a Grammy (singing) and an Emmy (television).  Even at 80 years of age, she’s still a …read more

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Do you remember that scene in the movie Scent of a Woman where Al Pacino was teaching Gabrielle Anwar how to Tango?  I always thought that was one of the sexiest movie scenes — the music, the rhythm, the dance.
If the Tango speaks to you in similar ways, you can learn some moves over the weekend at Tango Magic 2007.
Twenty eight classes will be offered at the University of Washington Student Union Building (HUB).  Out of towners can even arrange for affordable on-campus housing.  There are also various dance parties around the area coinciding with this event.
Check out the full schedule …read more

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I’m off to Chicago and BlogHer, the premier blogging conference for women.  I’m speaking at a workshop on blogging and public speaking, and am looking forward to not only enjoying the city and the conference, but meeting some other fabulous bloggers.
Any other Seattle-ites going to be there?  If so, send me an email or look me up!
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Details:  The new Tacoma Narrows Bridge opened last weekend amid lots of festivities.  Opening Day events went off without a hitch, and runners (in photo), walkers, and drivers alike crossed over the bridge for the very first time.
All reports indicate that drivers have found the new toll and payment system to be working smooth.  Granted, it’s only been a week, but it looks the new bridge is off to a great start.
Photo credit: flickr
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Technorati Tags: The Seattle Traveler, Seattle Traveler, b5media, travel, vacation, Seattle, Washington, Washington State, Seattle tourism, city blogs, destination blogs, Tacoma, Tacoma Narrows Bridge, Narrows Bridge, architecture, …read more

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When you driving in Washington State, you’d better keep your hands on the wheel and off of your cell phone or PDA.
Washington became the first state to ban text messaging while driving.  Reading and sending a text message could net you a $101 ticket.  The new statute takes effect January 1st, 2008.
In other hands free legislation, Washington joined 15 other states and the District of Columbia, in passing legislation that requires the use of hands free cell phone devices while driving.  This statute goes takes effect January 1st, 2008.
Bottom line — when driving, keep your hands ON the wheel …read more

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If you haven’t done so already, watch yesterdays film clip of the 1963 movie “It Happened at the World’s Fair.” 
I made a list of several Seattle-area attractions, so let’s see how our list compares.

The Coliseum (now torn down and replaced by Key Arena)
International Fountain
Pacific Science Center
Fun Forest Rides
Space Needle
Mural Amphitheater

All of the above are on the Seattle Center Campus.
The airplane segment was, I believe, filmed at a former rural airstrip in Arlington.
How many did you notice?  Did I miss any?
NOTE:  Extra credit if you noticed that the little boy in the red shirt is a very young Kurt Russell.
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Technorati …read more

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The Washington State Film Office, as well as the City of Seattle Mayor’s Office of Film+Music, have been actively recruiting and promoting our city and state to the film industry.
There have been lots of movies set in the Seattle area, although not all of them have necessarily been filmed here.  Vancouver, B.C., frequently is passed off as Seattle.  Bah!  Us residents can spot the difference.
Take a look at this trailer from the 1963 Elvis Presley film “It Happened at the World’s Fair.”   This one was really filmed in the area.

How many Seattle area attractions can you spot?  Make your list and check …read more

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