July 12, 2016 - Offensive Transition

An architectural transition that could be described as shocking, dreadful or offensive lends a unique character to the Suzallo and Allen Libraries at the University of Washington.  The trio of styles, from original through expansions, can be seen in a transition elbow on the libraries' south side.  Suzallo library, a classic example of the collegiate Gothic-style, was completed in 1926.   The Allen Library, completed in 1990, ties in the existing architectural styles of the campus with a brick and terra cotta exterior.  Between the original library and the most recent expansion is a 125,000 square foot addition to Suzallo.  The offending transition, done in a modern architecture style, was completed in 1963.

July 4, 2016 - An Alki Stroll

Along Alki Beach Drive are small cottages tucked in among more modern condominiums and apartment buildings.  None are more picturesque than this pair of cottages that appear to be constructed almost completely of flowers and greenery.  One of the owners has lived here for nine years.  With ownership came an inherited duty to continuing a decades-long tradition of maintaining the volume of colors that their neighbor demands.  

The Fourth of July holiday, non-rainy weather and a low tide made for a busy day on Alki Beach.

At a lookout one can take in the view of the Space Needle, the skyline, ferries, sailboats, ships and boats of all kind and even an Osprey catching lunch.  Along the Alki trail one can walk, bike, takek photos, skate, or rent a bike thingie that seems to be more efficient at creating more giggles and laughs than actually turning pedal power into forward energy.

July 3, 2016 - Overlooked Gem

At the very southwest corner of Seattle's Elliott Bay is a small, often overlooked, 15 acre waterfront park owned by the Port of Seattle.  Even on a non-rainy holiday weekend just a handful of individuals were at Jack Block Park park at mid-afternoon while nearby Alki Beach was teeming with people.  The park includes public access to the water, a small beach and a 45 foot observation tower from which the city's entire skyline and Mount Rainier can be seen.  The park opened in 1998 after borders the Port's Terminal 5 and was once a wood treatment plant and shipbuilding site.  The creosote contamination was significant enough that the area was once an EPA Superfund site.

Even when the lighting conditions aren't ideal for a great skyline photo, the view, the scenery - both industrial and natural - and the wildlife - including a Caspian Tern, the world's largest tern - make this park an overlooked gem.

July 3, 2016 - Grunge Head

If you ever find the need to relive a bathroom moment from one of those random, tiny dive bars that you saw those unknown garage bands back when you were still young enough to stay out late on a school night....you're in luck!  Easy Street Records has a restroom that will instantly transport you back to a dimly lit, graffiti-ridden, band sticker-decorated tiny toilet.  The names of many of the tiny venues have since disappeared, but the memory of the cheap beer, loud music and sketchy bathrooms remain.  Alas, the toilet actually works and the floor isn't covered in puke, cheap beer and urine.  For that, you'll need to pay a cover and go to the real thing!  While you're at East Street Records, have some breakfast, buy a used CD or album and get yourself a fancy espresso drink.