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Welcome to The Seattle Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Longtime Kidder Mathews office broker decamps for rival firm.

• Upcoming Cheat Codes concert

• A deep-dive into the life of Raymond Carver

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Go as far as you can see; when you get there, you’ll be able to see further.”

—Thomas Carlyle

Sponsored

Yes, this platform’s 77% return is an outlier – but the rest may surprise you

The news is true: Masterworks’ 15th sale just weeks ago returned an impressive 77% to investors. While such a high return is an outlier for the blue-chip art investing platform, you might be wondering what their prior sales delivered. Glad you asked… 

Every one of their sales has returned a profit to investors, with 12 of them delivering double-digit returns, and 1 delivering triple-digit annualized returns. 

In full, Masterworks has over 300 paintings and their 16 exits have delivered: 32%, 39.3%, 36.2%, 27.3%, 9.2%, 33.1%, 21.5%, 17.8%, 13.9%, 35%, 10.4%, 325.5%, 4.1%, 17.6%, 77.3%, and 13.4% net annualized returns. 

Every sale but one outperformed the stock market in the period from when it was offered to when it was sold. 

With performance like that, offerings on the platform can sell out in minutes. However, Local News Newsletter readers can skip the waitlist to join with this exclusive link.

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!

What Seattle attraction offers an extensive view of the city from its water-bound location, including sea life exhibits?

A) Pacific Science Center

B) Seattle Aquarium

C) Woodland Park Zoo

D) Museum of Flight

Answer to Week 24's Trivia:

The annual event in Seattle known for its live music performances, comedy shows, and art exhibitions, typically held over Labor Day weekend, is B) Bumbershoot.

News

💼 Business

National firm acquires Matvey Foundation Repair as part of expansion. (Link)

Equinox once again looks to start work on high-end gym at Rainier Square. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Marshawn Lynch teams up with Gov. Gavin Newsom on political podcast. (Link)

Seahawks’ division rival could be NFL’s surprise team. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Longtime Kidder Mathews office broker decamps for rival firm. (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

🏀 Minnesota Lynx at Seattle Storm
Climate Pledge Arena, Seattle
Friday, Jul. 12th | (More info)

🏀 Atlanta Dream at Seattle Storm
Climate Pledge Arena, Seattle
Sunday, Jul. 14th | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 Red Fang
Showbox at the Market, Seattle
Thursday, Jul. 11th | (More info)

🎵 Cheat Codes
Q Nightclub, Seattle
Friday, Jul. 12th | (More info)

Family Friendly events:

🎉 KIDS ZONE WEST SEATTLE SUMMERFEST 2024
Intersection of Southwest Alaska Street & California Avenue Southwest, Seattle
Friday, Jul. 12th | (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 “Metropolis of Seattle with a massive central AI-controlled hub” 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

Seattle P-I Published First Edition (1863) - One of Seattle's oldest newspapers.

Established as the Seattle Gazette on December 10, 1863, the publication that would eventually evolve into the Seattle Post-Intelligencer is one of Seattle's most storied newspapers, reflecting over a century of the city's rich history. Founded by Samuel L. Maxwell, the paper's initial edition was a modest affair, setting the stage for what would become a vital source of news and opinion for the Pacific Northwest. Throughout its early years, the Gazette, which would undergo several name changes before settling on the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, played a crucial role in chronicling the development of Seattle, from a fledgling settlement to a bustling urban center.

As the Seattle P-I, it became known for its investigative journalism, comprehensive coverage of local news, editorial commentary, and fostering public discourse, significantly influencing the region's social and political landscape. Remarkably adaptive, the P-I was among the first in the area to embrace new technologies, from the telegraph to the internet, constantly evolving to meet the changing demands of its readership. Even as it shifted from a daily paper to an online-only format in 2009, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer has continued to uphold its tradition of relevant and insightful journalism.

Reflecting on its inaugural edition in 1863, it's evident that the Seattle P-I has been an indispensable thread in the fabric of Seattle’s identity, participating in and documenting the city's triumphs, trials, and transformations. From its early days reporting on local happenings and supporting civic development to its digital presence in the 21st century, the Seattle P-I's legacy is a testament to the enduring power and necessity of local journalism in shaping, informing, and reflecting the communities it serves. Through its persistent adaptation and commitment to storytelling, the Seattle P-I has preserved its place as a beacon of journalism in the Pacific Northwest.

Famous People From Seattle

Raymond Carver (1938–1988)

Raymond Carver, a prolific short story writer and poet, significantly impacted the Pacific Northwest's literary scene with his distinct minimalist writing style. His works, reflecting the complexities of human relationships and the minutiae of everyday life, have left an indelible mark on American literature.

Early Years and the Spark of Writing (1938-1958)

Born in Clatskanie, Oregon, and raised in Yakima, Washington, Raymond Carver's interest in writing took root in his childhood. Despite a challenging upbringing marked by financial hardship, Carver's early exposure to literature through his family's collection of books ignited his passion for storytelling. His formative years were characterized by a keen observation of the human condition, a theme that would later permeate his literary works.

The Road to Recognition (1958-1970)

After his marriage to Maryann Burk at a young age and starting a family, Carver's life took on the responsibilities of parenthood and a series of menial jobs. However, his commitment to writing never wavered. Carver pursued his education and honed his craft, leading to his enrollment in the Creative Writing program at Chico State College and later, at the prestigious Iowa Writers' Workshop, albeit briefly. These years were crucial in Carver’s development as a writer, marking the beginning of his professional journey in the literary world.

Pacific Northwest Influence (1970-1980)

Carver's years in the Pacific Northwest, especially his time in Seattle, played a pivotal role in shaping his voice as a storyteller. The region’s landscape and its people deeply influenced his writing, embedding a sense of place that became a hallmark of his work. His connection to Seattle, where he lived and taught, was particularly impactful, providing a backdrop for many of his stories and fostering his burgeoning literary career.

The Breakthrough: Will You Please Be Quiet, Please? (1981)

Carver’s breakthrough came with the publication of his first major collection of short stories, Will You Please Be Quiet, Please? in 1976. The work earned significant critical acclaim and was a finalist for the National Book Award. This collection showcased Carver’s minimalist style—sparse, unadorned prose that captured the essence of his characters’ lives and struggles.

Battling Demons (1980-1983)

Despite his growing success, Carver's life during the early 1980s was marred by personal challenges, including his struggles with alcoholism. This period was one of turmoil yet transformation, as Carver confronted his demons and embarked on a path to sobriety. His recovery marked a turning point in his life and career, fostering a period of prolific writing and growth.

A Flourishing Career (1983-1988)

In the years following his recovery, Carver's career flourished. He published several more collections of stories and poetry, including Cathedral in 1983, which is often cited as his masterpiece. His works during this period reflected a shift towards a more expansive and optimistic view of life, without abandoning the clarity and precision that defined his earlier work.

The Lish Connection

Carver's relationship with editor Gordon Lish was significant, albeit controversial. Lish’s heavy editing of Carver’s early work was instrumental in shaping the minimalist style Carver became famous for. However, Carver later sought to assert more control over his work, moving away from Lish's influence to embrace a fuller narrative style.

Continued Impact and Legacy (1988 and Beyond)

Carver's untimely death in 1988 from lung cancer cut short a life that had deeply influenced American literature. Yet, his legacy is enduring. His contribution to the short story form and his unique minimalist style have continued to influence writers and readers alike, cementing his place as a major figure in late 20th-century American literature.

Personal Life and Final Years (1980s)

Carver's personal life, marked by his relationships and battles with addiction, deeply influenced his writing. His second marriage to writer Tess Gallagher enriched his later years, bringing happiness and stability. They collaborated on various projects, including Dostoevsky, a play. Carver's final years were his most productive and content, as he achieved critical and financial success while enjoying a life relatively free of the turmoil that had previously plagued him.

Raymond Carver in Seattle

Carver's connection to Seattle was more than just geographical; it was a source of inspiration and recuperation. The city's environment, along with its vibrant literary community, provided Carver the solace and stimulation needed to craft some of his most memorable works. His time in Seattle was a transformative period, deeply invested in the landscape of the Pacific Northwest, which became intrinsically linked to his identity as a writer.

Key Achievements of Raymond Carver:

• Pioneered a minimalist writing style that left a lasting impact on short fiction.

• Published numerous critically acclaimed collections of short stories, including Will You Please Be Quiet, Please? and Cathedral.

• Finalist for the National Book Award.

• His work reflects a deep understanding and portrayal of the human condition, with a particular focus on the lives of everyday people.

Raymond Carver's journey from a young boy with a passion for reading to a key figure in American literature is a testament to his resilience, talent, and dedication. His minimalist style and focus on the intricacies of human relationships have influenced countless writers and earned him a place among the most important American writers of the 20th century. Carver's legacy endures, not only through his written works but also through his influence on the literary world and his connection to the poignant landscapes of the Pacific Northwest.

Connect With Me

If you want to connect, reply to this email and let me know what you think.

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

-Matthew Larsen

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