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Welcome to The Seattle Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• McDonald's same-store sales fall for 1st time since pandemic.

• Upcoming Chase & Status concert

• A deep-dive into the life of Quincy Jones

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“The world is changed by your example, not by your opinion.”

–Paulo Coelho

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Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

The first automated teller machine (ATM) in Seattle was installed by which bank in 1978?

A) Bank of America

B) Wells Fargo

C) U.S. Bank

D) Seattle-First National Bank

Answer to Week 30's Trivia:

The Seattle neighborhood renowned for its annual art walk, where local artists display their work in various venues throughout the area, is A) Georgetown.

News

💼 Business

Seattle restaurant owners feel weary as Storefront Repair Fund dries up. (Link)

Delta seeks compensation for CrowdStrike, Microsoft outage. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Love relishes simplicity, security of 3-year extension with Seahawks. (Link)

Seahawks Training Camp: Brock’s pick to be a surprise player. (Link)

🏦 Finance

McDonald's same-store sales fall for 1st time since pandemic. (Link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

⚾ Philadelphia Phillies at Seattle Mariners
T-Mobile Park, Seattle
Friday, August 2 to Sunday, August 4, 2024 | (More info)

⚾ Detroit Tigers at Seattle Mariners
T-Mobile Park, Seattle
Tuesday, August 6 to Thursday, August 8, 2024 | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 Chase & Status
Showbox SoDo, Seattle
Friday, August 2, 2024 | (More info)

🎵 Amtrac
Nectar Lounge, Seattle
Saturday, August 3, 2024 | (More info)

Family Friendly events:

🎉 Aviator Nights | A Gala in the Skies
701 5th Avenue #75th floor, Seattle
Saturday, August 3, 2024 | (More info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Seattle with a complex system of waterways and canals” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Seattle Historical Events

The WTO Riots (1999) - Also known as the Battle of Seattle, a landmark event in the anti-globalization movement.

The WTO Riots, also known as the Battle of Seattle, marked a significant episode in the late 20th century's anti-globalization movement. This event unfolded over the latter days of November and early December 1999, centering around the World Trade Organization's (WTO) Ministerial Conference held in Seattle, Washington. The conference aimed to launch a new round of trade negotiations, attracting government officials, trade representatives, and delegates from around the world. However, it simultaneously became a magnet for a broad coalition of activists, including environmentalists, labor groups, human rights organizations, and anti-capitalist movements, who converged on Seattle to voice their opposition to what they perceived as the detrimental effects of globalization and unfettered free trade.

The protests began peacefully with a large-scale demonstration and a labor-organized parade on November 30, 1999. However, as tens of thousands of protestors filled the streets of downtown Seattle, a faction among the demonstrators resorted to vandalism and clashes with the police. The situation quickly escalated, leading to widespread chaos that paralyzed the city. Storefronts were damaged, and the police responded with tear gas and rubber bullets in attempts to disperse the crowds, resulting in numerous injuries and arrests. The intensity of the clashes and the inability of the authorities to immediately restore order caught city officials and the world by surprise, casting a global spotlight on the event.

The immediate consequence of the Battle of Seattle was the disruption of the WTO's meeting agenda, effectively stalling the launch of a new round of trade negotiations. The riots also had a lasting impact, signaling a pivotal moment in the global anti-globalization movement by showcasing the deep-seated resistance and discontent with the existing global economic order. Beyond the fences of the conference and the tear gas-filled streets, the Battle of Seattle inspired similar protests around the world and ignited a debate about the principles of globalization, democracy, and the accountability of international institutions. It remains a powerful symbol of civil dissent and the struggle for a more equitable and sustainable global community.

Famous People From Seattle

Quincy Jones (1933–Present)

Quincy Jones, a legendary music producer, arranger, and composer, has left an indelible mark on the world of music. His journey from the streets of Seattle to the pinnacle of global music recognition is a testament to his unparalleled talent, hard work, and dedication.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings in Seattle (1933-1950)

Born in Chicago but raised in Seattle, Quincy Jones' connection to music was forged in the vibrant music scene of Seattle's jazz clubs. Despite facing the challenges of a tough childhood, including his mother's battle with mental health issues, Jones found solace and expression through music. Learning to play the trumpet and arranging songs for his school band, his prodigious talent was evident early on, setting the stage for a trailblazing career.

Breaking into the Music Industry (1951-1960)

Jones' career took a major leap forward when he secured a scholarship to the prestigious Berklee College of Music. However, his practical education in music began much earlier, touring with Lionel Hampton and quickly making a name for himself as a skilled arranger. By the late 1950s, Jones had transitioned into working as a freelance arranger for major jazz bands, including Dizzy Gillespie's, demonstrating his versatility and creative prowess.

Leading Innovator in Music Production (1961-1970)

The 1960s saw Jones breaking new ground in music production. After joining Mercury Records, he became the first African-American to hold a vice-presidential position within a major record company. His work during this period included producing Leslie Gore's hit It's My Party and arranging for Frank Sinatra, showcasing his ability to transcend genre boundaries with ease.

Global Music Ambassador and Social Advocate (1971-1980)

Jones' influence extended beyond the studio as he became a global music ambassador and a voice for social change. His work on the soundtrack for Roots and his production of The Wiz exemplified his commitment to celebrating African-American culture and history. Throughout the 1970s, Jones leveraged his platform to advocate for racial equality and unity through music.

Thriller and Beyond: Shaping Pop Music (1981-1990)

The 1980s cemented Jones’ legend in the music industry. His collaboration with Michael Jackson on the albums Off the Wall, Thriller, and Bad reshaped the landscape of pop music. Thriller remains the best-selling album of all time, a testament to Jones’ revolutionary production techniques and musical vision.

Diversification and Multimedia Ventures (1991-2000)

In the 1990s, Jones expanded his influence into multimedia, establishing Quincy Jones Entertainment and VIBE magazine. His foray into television production with The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and his work on major film projects further showcased his versatility and Midas touch across various forms of media.

Philanthropy and Social Impact (2001-2010)

Jones' commitment to philanthropy and education became more pronounced in the new millennium. He founded the Quincy Jones Listen Up Foundation, focusing on connecting youth with music, technology, and culture to foster global understanding. His efforts to harness music for social change continued unabated, including the production of charity singles for various causes.

Living Legend: Honors and Continuing Influence (2011–Present)

Jones’ contributions to music and society have been recognized with numerous awards, including 28 Grammys and the Grammy Legend Award. He remains an influential figure in music, using his experience to guide the next generation of artists and continuing to champion diversity within the industry.

Quincy Jones' Connection to Seattle (Throughout Career)

Seattle serves as the bedrock of Jones' musical foundation. The city's jazz scene provided the backdrop against which Jones honed his craft and developed his passion for music. Throughout his career, he has maintained a connection to the city, embodying the spirit of Seattle's musical innovation and resilience.

A Legacy of Musical Genius (Throughout Career)

Quincy Jones’ career is unparalleled in its breadth and impact. From jazz clubs in Seattle to the top of global music charts, his journey is a testament to his genius, versatility, and unwavering dedication to music.

Key Achievements of Quincy Jones:

• Pioneer in music production with a career spanning over seven decades.

• Has won 28 Grammy Awards from 80 nominations, making him one of the most awarded artists in Grammy history.

• Produced Michael Jackson's Thriller, the best-selling album of all time.

• First African-American vice-president at a major record label (Mercury Records).

• Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013.

• Launched successful multimedia and philanthropic ventures, influencing not just music but also film, television, and social causes.

Quincy Jones' journey from a challenging childhood in Seattle to becoming a global music icon is one of immense talent, hard work, and innovative spirit. His contributions to music and society have broken barriers and set new standards, leaving an enduring legacy that continues to inspire artists and audiences around the world. Jones exemplifies the transformative power of music, bridging genres, cultures, and generations with his universal message of love and unity.

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I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Matthew Larsen

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