Seattle Newsletter (July 4th)

Your news, upcoming events, AI art, historical facts and more!

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Welcome to The Seattle Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

  • Boeing reaches deal to reacquire embattled supplier for $4.7 billion.

  • Upcoming Seattle Mariners match

  • A deep-dive into the life of Tom Robbins

  • And more…

Quote of the Week

"Keep your face always toward the sunshine—and shadows will fall behind you."

— Walt Whitman

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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 Spheres in downtown Seattle are part of which company’s headquarters?

A) Amazon

B) Microsoft

C) Starbucks

D) Boeing

Answer to Week 22's Trivia:

Seattle’s iconic Gum Wall is located in A) Pike Place Market.

News

💼 Business

Port of Everett hires veteran exec Monique Liard to oversee its budget. (Link)

Financial services firm D.A. Davidson expands to downtown Tacoma. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Washington adds three-star cornerback, former Texas Tech commit. (Link)

Julio Rodriguez, offense fall flat again as Mariners blanked by Orioles. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Boeing reaches deal to reacquire embattled supplier for $4.7 billion. (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

Toronto Blue Jays at Seattle Mariners
T-Mobile Park, Seattle
Saturday, Jul. 6th and Sunday, Jul. 7th | (More info)

🏀 Las Vegas Aces at Seattle Storm
Climate Pledge Arena, Seattle
Wednesday, Jul. 10th | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 Cortex
Neptune Theatre, Seattle
Friday, Jul. 5th | (More info)

🎵 Softcult
Madame Lou's, Seattle
Saturday, Jul. 6th | (More info)

Family Friendly events:

🎉 Seven Seven Summer
645 NW 45th St, Seattle
Sunday, Jul. 7th | (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 “An entirely underground Seattle” 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 Mariners Founded (1977) - Bringing Major League Baseball back to Seattle.

The Seattle Mariners, established in 1977, brought Major League Baseball back to Seattle, igniting the passions of the local sports enthusiasts and filling a void left by the departure of the Seattle Pilots in 1970. The Mariners' inception into MLB was part of a two-team expansion that also introduced the Toronto Blue Jays to the American League. This expansion was a critical moment for Seattle, providing the city with a fresh opportunity to establish itself on the professional baseball map and to cultivate a new era of sports culture in the Pacific Northwest.

Playing their games initially at the Kingdome, the Mariners struggled in their early years to find their footing, reflecting the typical growing pains of an expansion team attempting to carve out its identity. Despite the challenges, the inclusion of the Mariners in Major League Baseball was met with enthusiasm and unwavering support from the Seattle community. Fans rallied behind their new team with hope and excitement, eager to embrace the unique spirit and potential of the Mariners. This early period set the foundation for what would become a deep and enduring relationship between the city and its baseball team.

Over the years, the Seattle Mariners have grown into an integral part of the city's identity, contributing significantly to the local culture and community spirit. The team has enjoyed moments of brilliance and heartbreak, from thrilling playoff runs to seasons that left fans longing for more. Perhaps most notably, the Mariners' move to Safeco Field (now known as T-Mobile Park) in 1999 marked a new chapter for the team, offering a modern, baseball-only facility that enhanced the game-day experience for fans. Through ups and downs, the Mariners have solidified their place in the heart of Seattle, continually bringing the city together through the universal language of baseball.

Famous People From Seattle

Tom Robbins (1932–Present) :

Tom Robbins, an iconic American author known for his eccentric narratives and vivid use of language, has left an indelible mark on literature and culture. His connection to the Seattle area and its counterculture has played a significant role in shaping his distinctive literary voice and worldview.

Stepping into the World (1932-1950)

Born in Blowing Rock, North Carolina, Robbins displayed an early interest in stories and writing. His upbringing in the Appalachian region imbued him with a sense of wonder and a deep appreciation for nature, which would later permeate his novels.

Education and Early Musings (1951-1959)

Robbins attended Washington and Lee University, where he began to hone his writing skills. Although he started working towards a career in journalism, his experiences during this time, including a stint in the Air Force, broadened his horizons and deepened his desire to explore the human condition through his writing.

The Seattle Connection (1960-1970)

Robbins moved to Seattle in the 1960s, a period that saw the city as a burgeoning hub of countercultural movements. His immersion in this environment, where art, politics, and philosophy converged, played a crucial role in shaping his literary style, characterized by humor, satire, and insightful reflections on life and society.

A Literary Career Blossoms (1971-1980)

Robbins' first novel, ""Another Roadside Attraction"" (1971), set the stage for a career that would defy conventional storytelling. His unique blend of philosophy, quirky characters, and playful narratives struck a chord with readers, launching him into literary stardom.

Mainstream Success and Cult Following (1981-1990)

With the publication of titles like ""Still Life with Woodpecker"" (1980) and ""Jitterbug Perfume"" (1984), Robbins cemented his place as a beloved author. His novels enjoyed mainstream success while also gathering a cult following, admired for their originality and Robbins' ability to weave complex ideas into accessible prose.

Champion of the Counter-Culture (1991-2000)

Throughout the 1990s, Robbins continued to explore themes central to the human experience, always with a twist that reflected his countercultural leanings. His works from this period, including ""Half Asleep in Frog Pajamas"" (1994), further solidified his reputation as a literary maverick.

Recognition and Reflection (2001-2010)

As Robbins entered the new millennium, his contributions to literature began to receive significant recognition. Awards and accolades aside, Robbins used this period to reflect on his career, offering insights into his creative process and the cultural movements that influenced his work.

A Legacy in Literature (2011-2020)

Robbins' influence on literature and culture has been profound. His writing, always evocative and teeming with life, continues to inspire new generations of readers and writers alike. Though he has stepped back from the literary limelight, his works remain relevant, cherished for their humor, wisdom, and unparalleled originality.

The Era of Reflection and Influence (2021–)

In recent years, Robbins' status as a cultural icon and literary influencer has only grown. His perspectives on life, love, and the pursuit of happiness serve as a testament to a life well-lived and a career marked by continuous exploration and innovation.

The Seattle Legacy (Throughout Career)

Robbins' connection to Seattle and its countercultural heritage has been a defining element of his life and work. The city not only provided a backdrop for his creative explorations but also shaped his approach to literature as an art form capable of challenging societal norms and inspiring change.

Key Achievements of Tom Robbins:

  • Pioneered a unique literary style that combines humor, philosophy, and vivid storytelling.

  • Authored several bestselling novels that have been translated into multiple languages.

  • Became a defining figure in American literature, with a significant influence on countercultural movements.

  • Received numerous accolades for his contributions to literature and culture.

Tom Robbins' narrative style and philosophical musings have made him a beloved figure in American literature. His ability to blend the absurd with the profound, all while maintaining a playful tongue-in-cheek tone, has endeared him to readers worldwide. Robbins' legacy is not just one of literary achievement but also of having enriched the cultural landscape with his wild imagination and unapologetic curiosity about the human experience.

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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