Welcome to The Seattle Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Ending homelessness in downtown Seattle may be harder than expected.

• Upcoming Seattle Storm match

• A deep-dive into the life of Denise Levertov

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"The only thing worse than starting something and failing… is not starting something."

— Seth Godin

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 iconic Seattle food item is traditionally thrown by vendors at Pike Place Market?

A) Apples

B) Fish

C) Doughnuts

D) Cheese

Answer to Week 15's Trivia:

The Wing Luke Museum in Seattle is dedicated to the culture, art, and history of C) Asian Pacific American communities.

News

💼 Business

Boeing broke deal, subject to prosecution in 737 MAX crashes, U.S. says. (Link)

Ending homelessness in downtown Seattle may be harder than expected. (Link)

Amazon’s new fees on sellers likened to ‘kick in the gut’. (Link)

🏒 Sports

UW men navigated ‘wild west’ to land Great Osobor, raising plenty of questions. (Link)

Kraken coaching search underway, but they might need to wait out playoffs. (Link)

Sounders learn opponent for U.S. Open Cup’s Round of 16. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Kaiser Permanente pulls plug on $500 million Yesler Terrace development. (Link)

James Beard-nominated restaurant in Green Lake to close in June. (Link)

AWS CEO Adam Selipsky to step down next month. (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

🏀 Indiana Fever at Seattle Storm
Climate Pledge Arena, Seattle
Wednesday, May 22nd | (More info)

🏀 Washington Mystics at Seattle Storm
Climate Pledge Arena, Seattle
Saturday, May 25th | (More info)

⚾ Houston Astros at Seattle Mariners
T-Mobile Park, Seattle
From May 27th to May 29th | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 Fatai
The Triple Door, Seattle
Tuesday, May 21st | (More info)

🎶 Tribal Seeds
Showbox at the Market, Seattle
Wednesday, May 22nd | (More info)

🎸 Agent Orange
El Corazon, Seattle
Thursday, May 23rd | (More info)

Family Friendly events:

🍷 Walter's Wine Shop & Upwell Friends & Family Party!
4811 California Avenue Southwest, Seattle
Saturday, May 25th | (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 blend of ancient and futuristic architecture” 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

Goodwill Games (1990) - An international sports competition created by Ted Turner, held in Seattle.

In the summer of 1990, the city of Seattle played host to the second edition of the Goodwill Games, an international multi-sport event initiated by media tycoon Ted Turner. Conceived during the Cold War era as an effort to ease tensions and foster goodwill between the United States and the Soviet Union through the universal language of sports, the Games quickly expanded their vision to include athletes from across the globe. Seattle's selection as the venue for the 1990 Games underscored its emerging status as an important international city capable of hosting large-scale sporting events.

The Goodwill Games of 1990 featured a wide array of sports, from athletics and basketball to gymnastics and volleyball, attracting over 2,300 athletes from 54 countries. Unlike the Olympic Games, the Goodwill Games managed to escape the shadow of boycotts that had marred the previous decade of international sports competitions, allowing for a truly global showcase of talent. The Games provided a platform for athletes of all nationalities to compete at the highest level, and many world records were set, notably in track and field events, highlighting the competition's high caliber.

Seattle embraced the role of host with enthusiasm and efficiency, leveraging the event to showcase its beautiful vistas, advanced infrastructure, and vibrant cultural scene to the world. The 1990 Goodwill Games not only served as a celebration of international friendship and sporting excellence but also acted as a catalyst for the city's development, leaving a lasting legacy in terms of improved facilities and increased global recognition. The success of the Games in Seattle helped solidify the event's reputation and demonstrated the power of sports as a unifying force, embodying Ted Turner's original vision of fostering peace and understanding through athletic competition.

Famous People From Seattle

Denise Levertov (1923–1997):

Denise Levertov, an influential poet whose craft spanned several decades, left an indelible mark on the literary world. Her profound connection to the natural world, activism, and exploration of faith through her poetry made her an essential voice in modern American literature.

Early Life and Beginnings in Poetry (1923-1946):

Denise Levertov was born in Ilford, Essex, England, to a Welsh mother and a Russian Hasidic father. Her upbringing in a household of great faith and her father's role as a rabbi deeply influenced her spiritual and poetic development. As a child, she displayed a keen interest in writing and was just twelve when she sent some of her poems to T.S Eliot, who offered her encouragement after responding with a two-page letter.

Emerging Poet in England (1946-1948):

Levertov's formal poetry career began in England, where her first book of poems, The Double Image, was published in 1946. Her early work was noted for its lyrical beauty and technical proficiency, reflecting the influence of the Romantic and Modernist traditions prevalent in British poetry at the time.

Move to America and Literary Development (1948-1955):

In 1948, Denise Levertov moved to the United States after marrying American writer Mitchell Goodman. The relocation marked a significant phase in her career as she became increasingly immersed in the American literary scene. It was during this period that Levertov's style began to evolve, displaying a greater focus on personal subject matter and an openness to the influences of the Beat movement and American avant-garde poetry.

Political Activism and Poetic Voice (1955-1970):

The Vietnam War significantly impacted Levertov’s work and life. Her poetry took on a sharp political edge as she engaged with themes of war, peace, and social justice. Her involvement in peace movements and protests against the Vietnam War deeply influenced her collections from this period, including “The Sorrow Dance” and “Relearning the Alphabet,” which blended her poetic sensibilities with her commitment to political activism.

Spiritual Exploration (1970-1980):

In the 1970s, Levertov's poetry embarked on a path of spiritual exploration. Drawing from her Christian faith, she examined themes of religion, mysticism, and the divine in the natural world. Collections like “The Freeing of the Dust” and “Candles in Babylon” reflected her spiritual journey, demonstrating her belief in the power of poetry to explore profound existential questions.

Connection to Seattle (1981-1997):

In her later years, Denise Levertov moved to Seattle, Washington, a city that became her final home and an essential aspect of her life and work. Seattle's vibrant literary community and its natural beauty were significant sources of inspiration for Levertov. She became a beloved figure in the city's literary scene, contributing through readings, mentorships, and by remaining an active member of the community until her death.

Final Years and Legacy (1991-1997):

Denise Levertov's final years were marked by a continued commitment to poetry and teaching. She was a faculty member at Stanford University and later at the University of Washington. Her later works, including Sands of the Well, reflect a culmination of her career's themes—combining reflections on nature, spirituality, and social justice. Levertov passed away in 1997, leaving behind a rich legacy characterized by her vast, diverse body of work and significant impact on American poetry.

Key Achievements of Denise Levertov:

• Prominent figure in American poetry, with a career that spanned over five decades.

• Contributed significantly to political and activist poetry during the Vietnam War era.

• Explored spiritual themes in her later poetry, influencing future generations of poets.

• Became an integral part of Seattle's literary scene, enriching it through her involvement and mentorship.

• Received numerous awards, including the Lannan Literary Award for Poetry.

Denise Levertov's life and work represent a remarkable fusion of the personal, political, and spiritual. Her evolution as a poet mirrored the significant cultural shifts of her time, and her ability to connect deeply with the essential aspects of human experience made her an influential voice in modern poetry. Her legacy continues to inspire and influence poets and readers alike, cementing her place as one of the 20th century's most important poets.

Connect With Me

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

-Matthew Larsen

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/matthewblarsen

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