Welcome to The Seattle Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Microsoft engineer flips homebuilding hobby into luxury listing in Bellevue.

• Upcoming Seattle Seahawks game

• A deep-dive into the life of Donald Barthelme

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“There is virtue in work and there is virtue in rest. Use both and overlook neither.” 

–Alan Cohen

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!

Seattle’s Pike Place Market is home to the first store of which coffee chain, marking its original location since 1971?

A) Starbucks

B) Tully’s Coffee

C) Peet’s Coffee

D) Stumptown Coffee Roasters

Answer to Week 40's Trivia:

The iconic Seattle building known for its futuristic design and originally constructed for the 1962 World’s Fair is A) The Space Needle.

News

💼 Business

Microsoft engineer flips homebuilding hobby into luxury listing in Bellevue. (Link)

Bellevue's Bravern towers prepare for life after Microsoft exit. (Link)

🏒 Sports

NFC West Check-in: 49ers’ Aiyuk ends standoff, agrees to new deal. (Link)

Standout day shows glimpse of Mariners’ outfield potential. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Microsoft engineer flips homebuilding hobby into luxury listing in Bellevue. (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

🏈 Eastern Michigan Eagles at Washington Huskies Football
Husky Stadium, Seattle
Saturday, Sep 7th | (More info)

🏈 Denver Broncos at Seattle Seahawks
Lumen Field, Seattle
Sunday, Sep 8th | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 Metro Boomin
Climate Pledge Arena, Seattle
Friday, Sep 6th | (More info)

🎵 Louis the Child
North Plaza Lumen Field, Seattle
Saturday, Sep 7th | (More info)

Family

🎾 Arthur Ashe Champions Day | A Free Tennis Event
5773 West Green Lake Way North, Seattle
Sunday, Sep 8th | (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 large, central, computerized public library” 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

Nisqually Earthquake (2001) - Although just beyond the 2000 cutoff, this event had a profound impact on the city's infrastructure and earthquake preparedness.

On February 28, 2001, the Pacific Northwest was rocked by the Nisqually Earthquake, a significant seismic event that served as a wake-up call for the city of Seattle and its surrounding areas. With a magnitude of 6.8, the earthquake emanated from the Nisqually Delta near Olympia, Washington, impacting a wide swath of the region. Despite the potential for catastrophic damage, Seattle, to a considerable extent, was spared the most severe consequences, thanks in part to stringent building codes and the deep nature of the earthquake, approximately 32 miles below the Earth's surface. However, the event did cause considerable damage to some structures, disrupted utilities, and left a lasting impression on the city's residents.

The Nisqually Earthquake highlighted the vulnerabilities in Seattle's infrastructure and underscored the urgent need for improvements in earthquake preparedness and response systems. Many historical buildings and infrastructure components, previously considered resilient, were found to be at significant risk in the event of a major seismic occurrence. This realization prompted city officials and engineers to re-evaluate and prioritize updating building codes, reinforcing older structures, and investing in new technologies designed to withstand future earthquakes. Educational programs aimed at preparing the general public for such events were also amplified.

In the wake of the Nisqually Earthquake, Seattle has made considerable advancements in its approach to earthquake preparedness. The event catalyzed a broad-based effort to strengthen the resilience of the city's infrastructure and enhance emergency response protocols. Today, Seattle is regarded as a leader in earthquake preparedness, with ongoing research and development into new technologies and strategies to mitigate the impact of future seismic events. The lessons learned from the Nisqually Earthquake have not only informed local policies but also contributed to a greater understanding of earthquake science and preparedness strategies globally.

Famous People From Seattle

Donald Barthelme (1931–1989)

Donald Barthelme, an iconic figure in the postmodern literature movement, left an indelible mark on the world of American fiction. Known for his witty, unconventional, and often fragmented narrative style, Barthelme transformed the landscape of short stories and novels, influencing generations of writers. His career and personal journey reflect a relentless quest for innovation in storytelling.

Early Life and the Path to Writing (1931-1950)

Born into a creative family in Philadelphia, Donald Barthelme's early life was steeped in the arts. His father was a renowned architect, which instilled in Barthelme a deep appreciation for design and structure, elements that would later permeate his literary works. Though initially interested in art, Barthelme's fascination with language and narrative eventually led him to pursue a career in writing.

The Journalist in Houston (1951-1961)

After serving in the Korean War, Barthelme returned to the United States, settling in Houston, Texas, where he began his professional writing career as a journalist. Working for the Houston Post, Barthelme honed his skills in observation and brevity, characteristics that would define his later fiction. During this period, he also involved himself in the local art scene, curating for the Contemporary Arts Museum in Houston, which further broadened his artistic perspectives.

Breaking into Fiction (1962-1967)

Barthelme's transition from journalism to fiction was marked by his innovative approach to storytelling. His early works, characterized by their irreverent humor and experimental form, started to gain attention. In 1964, his first collection of short stories, Come Back, Dr. Caligari, was published, establishing Barthelme as a new and exciting voice in American literature.

The Rise of a Postmodernist (1968-1975)

During this period, Barthelme published some of his most acclaimed works, including Snow White (1967) and City Life (1970), which cemented his reputation as a leading figure in postmodern literature. His stories, often filled with absurdity and surreal elements, challenged conventional narrative structures, pushing the boundaries of what fiction could be.

Barthelme's Influence in Academia (1976-1983)

In the late 1970s, Barthelme took on a new role as a teacher, joining the faculty at the University of Houston's Creative Writing Program. Here, he mentored a generation of writers, sharing his vision of literature as a space for experimentation and exploration. His teachings emphasized the importance of finding one's unique voice, a lesson that had a profound impact on many emerging authors.

Connection to Seattle (1984-1986)

Though Barthelme spent much of his career in New York and Houston, he also left a mark on the literary scene in Seattle. As a visiting professor at the University of Washington, Barthelme's innovative approaches to writing and storytelling influenced many students and local writers in the Pacific Northwest, enriching the cultural and literary tapestry of Seattle.

Late Career and Reflections (1987-1989)

In the final years of his life, Barthelme continued to write and publish, though his work from this period reflected a more reflective and introspective tone. His later stories often grappled with themes of mortality and the complexities of human relationships, showcasing a more tender side to his often playful prose.

Barthelme's Legacy (Post-1989)

Since his death in 1989, Barthelme's influence on the literary world has only grown. His contributions to postmodern literature have been celebrated by critics and writers alike, with many of his short stories and novels considered classics of the genre. Barthelme's fearless experimentation with form and content has inspired countless writers to push the limits of storytelling.

Key Achievements of Donald Barthelme:

• Pioneered unique narrative structures and styles, contributing significantly to postmodern literature.

• Published more than 100 short stories, along with several novels, essays, and a children's book.

• Received the National Book Award for his children's book The Slightly Irregular Fire Engine in 1972.

• Taught and influenced a generation of writers as a professor at the University of Houston and the University of Washington.

Donald Barthelme's journey through the literary world was marked by his relentless innovation and a deep belief in the transformative power of storytelling. His works, known for their unique blend of humor, surrealism, and poignant observations on the human condition, have left an indelible mark on American literature. Barthelme's legacy, as both a writer and teacher, continues to inspire and challenge writers to explore the endless possibilities of the written word.

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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