Seattle Newsletter (October 28th)

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

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Welcome to The Seattle Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

  • Carbon Robotics eyes new Seattle office on heels of $70 million round.

  • Upcoming Washington Huskies Football match

  • A deep-dive into the life of Bruce Lee

  • And more…

Quote of the Week

"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away."

— Maya Angelou

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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 Seattle Great Wheel is a notable feature on which waterfront area?

A) Alki Beach

B) Elliott Bay

C) Puget Sound

D) Pier 57

Answer to Week 8's Trivia:

The oldest university in Washington State, located in Seattle, is A) University of Washington

News

💼 Business

Carbon Robotics eyes new Seattle office on heels of $70 million round. (Link)

California favorite Mendocino Farms to open first Eastside restaurant. (Link)

🏒 Sports

NFC West Check-In: The 49ers may have lost star WR for year. (Link)

Seattle Sports’ Mariners roundtable looks at ’24, ahead to offseason. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Apartment project for homeless families opens in Edmonds. (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

🏐 Oregon Ducks at Washington Huskies Women's Volleyball
Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion, Seattle
Wednesday, Oct. 30th | (More info)

🏈 USC Trojans at Washington Huskies Football
Husky Stadium, Seattle
Saturday, Nov. 2nd | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎶 Artemas
Neumos, Seattle
Monday, Oct. 28th | (More info)

🎤 SOFI TUKKER
WAMU Theater, Seattle
Wednesday, Oct. 30th | (More info)

Family

🎨 Family Paint Party
5231 Ballard Ave NW, Seattle
Tuesday, Oct. 29th | (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 architecture inspired by different planets” 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-Tacoma International Airport Opens (1944) - Establishing Seattle's connection to national and international destinations.

In 1944, amidst the backdrop of World War II, the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, commonly known as Sea-Tac, was officially opened, marking a pivotal moment in the Pacific Northwest's aviation history. The establishment of Sea-Tac was driven by the pressing need for a more substantial airport to serve the Seattle metropolitan area, reflective of the region's growing importance in both national and international contexts. Its inauguration heralded a new era of connectivity, catapulting Seattle onto the global stage with an infrastructure capable of supporting extensive domestic and international flights.

Located midway between the cities of Seattle and Tacoma, the airport's strategic positioning was key to its success, facilitating easy access for travelers and cargo alike. Initially built on 570 acres of land, Sea-Tac's opening was a significant leap forward from the smaller Boeing Field that previously served the area. The new airport rapidly became a vital hub for air travel in the Pacific Northwest, enhancing trade, tourism, and economic development. With its runways accommodating the latest in aviation technology, Sea-Tac was instrumental in establishing Seattle's reputation as a gateway to the Pacific Rim and beyond.

Over the decades, Sea-Tac Airport has undergone numerous expansions and renovations to keep pace with the booming demand for air travel and to maintain its relevance in an increasingly connected world. Today, it stands not just as a transportation hub but also as a symbol of Seattle's evolution from a regional center to an international city of significance. Its role in connecting Seattle to national and international destinations has fundamentally transformed the region's economic landscape, underpinning the growth of industries, enhancing cultural exchanges, and fostering a more interconnected global community.

Famous People From Seattle

Bruce Lee (1940–1973) - Martial arts legend and actor, lived and is buried in Seattle; his school in the city contributed to the popularity of martial arts in America.

Born in San Francisco and raised in Hong Kong, Bruce Lee was introduced to the world of acting and martial arts at a young age. The son of a Cantonese opera star, he appeared in his first film at just a few months old. Despite his budding film career, Lee's teenage years were marked by street fights and gang conflicts, leading his parents to enroll him in Wing Chun classes under the legendary master, Yip Man. This decision sparked a lifelong passion for martial arts that would shape his future.

Bruce Lee, The Philosophy Student and Martial Artist (1959-1964)

In 1959, seeking a safer and more stable life, Lee moved to Seattle, where he attended high school and later the University of Washington, studying philosophy. It was during this time that his martial arts career truly began to flourish. He started teaching martial arts to friends, eventually opening his own school, the Lee Jun Fan Gung Fu Institute. This period marked the beginning of his journey toward martial arts innovation and his eventual creation of Jeet Kune Do.

Jeet Kune Do and the Quest for the Ultimate Martial Art (1965-1966)

Dissatisfied with traditional martial arts' rigid styles, Bruce Lee developed his own approach, Jeet Kune Do, emphasizing adaptability, efficiency, and simplicity. This marked a significant shift in martial arts philosophy, moving away from strict adherence to traditional forms to a more fluid, personalized approach. Lee's philosophy extended beyond physical combat, reflecting his broader views on life and self-expression.

Breaking into Hollywood (1966-1970)

Lee's martial arts expertise and charismatic screen presence caught Hollywood's attention, landing him the role of Kato in The Green Hornet TV series. Despite the show's short-lived run, it catapulted Lee to fame. However, he was frustrated by the lack of meaningful roles for Asian actors and the stereotypical portrayal of Asians in Western media. Determined to change the narrative, Lee returned to Hong Kong.

The Big Boss and Rise to International Stardom (1971)

In Hong Kong, Bruce Lee starred in The Big Boss, which broke box office records across Asia and catapulted him to stardom. This film was a turning point, showcasing his martial arts skills and screen charisma to a wider audience. His success in Asia provided him the leverage he needed to make his mark on Hollywood.

The Dragon's Flight: Return to Hollywood and Global Fame (1972-1973)

Buoyed by his success in Hong Kong cinema, Lee finally achieved his dream of making a Hollywood film. Enter the Dragon, a joint US-Hong Kong production, was released posthumously and became one of the most influential martial arts films of all time. It solidified Lee's status as a global superstar and left an indelible mark on cinema and martial arts.

Bruce Lee's Connection to Seattle (1961-1973)

It was in Seattle that Lee laid the foundations for his martial arts philosophy and career. He opened his first martial arts school in the city, marking the start of a new chapter in his life that would lead to the creation of Jeet Kune Do. Seattle became not just a place of refuge and study for Lee but a pivotal point where his martial arts journey took flight, influencing the widespread popularity of martial arts in the United States.

Legacy of a Martial Arts Legend (1973 and Beyond)

Bruce Lee's sudden and tragic death at the age of 32 left the world in shock. Yet, his influence on martial arts, cinema, and culture transcends time. He broke down racial barriers in Hollywood, revolutionized martial arts, and inspired generations to pursue physical and philosophical self-improvement. His teachings and films continue to resonate, making him a timeless icon.

Key Achievements of Bruce Lee:

  • Introduced and popularized martial arts in the United States, transforming its perception and practice.

  • Developed Jeet Kune Do, a revolutionary martial arts philosophy emphasizing flexibility, efficiency, and personal expression.

  • Broke racial stereotypes in Hollywood, paving the way for future generations of Asian actors.

  • Starred in Enter the Dragon, the first film to be jointly produced by Hollywood and Hong Kong studios, which became one of the most influential martial arts movies ever made.

  • Left an indelible mark on popular culture, influencing everything from martial arts practice worldwide to modern action cinema and physical fitness.

Bruce Lee's life story is a testament to the power of vision and perseverance. Lesser known is his pivotal connection to Seattle, where he laid the foundational stones for his innovative martial arts philosophy and started his journey to stardom. A philosopher, teacher, and unparalleled martial artist, Bruce Lee's legacy transcends his roles in film and martial arts, embodying the essence of self-expression and the relentless pursuit of excellence. His impact is timeless, inspiring generations across the globe to challenge limitations and pursue their passions.

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-Matthew Larsen

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