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Mike Asimos

Located in Charleston, SC, Mike Asimos is an avid fan of the Grateful Dead and their music. The collection was started by his father and it was eventually passed down him. Mike Asimos family were big music fans as well. His father, Dan Asimos, was a drummer and his mother was a singer.

In his teen years, Mike started to really build his collection of the Grateful Dead. He started to build his music collection and finding all of their posters with the little money he had. “My father had a pretty big collection when I got it, however, now it is just out of control”, Mike explained to the Emerald City Journal. Mike Asimos continued, “I’m very proud of my collection and it’s certainly one of the largest around. I have thousands and thousands of pieces. When my friends come over they are truly amazed by the shear volume of everything”. With the Internet, looking for collectibles has become a lot easier Mike explained, “I actually found my favorite pieces on the Internet from all over the World”.

Mike Asimos Photo

In his spare time Michael Asimos enjoys the outdoors and hiking. He is also studying Environmental Science at Coastal Carolina University. Science has always be inspiring and intriguing to Michael. “There is something about science the just inspires me and keeps my mind busy”, Michael explained. He also has an active blog where we talks about his collections, travels, and the outdoors.

Mike Asimos visited Seattle, Washington quite often as a boy he explained, “I guess that is where I got all my hiking motivation and my family travelled quite often”. Washington State has 186 state parks to be exact and is the largest lumber producer. Hiking is very popular in Seattle and it’s surrounding areas. Mike stated to us recently he has been doing a lot of hiking in his area and around his new home. He continues to be very active with camping trying to get as much time as possible in before Winter hits. Lastly, he mentioned he hates the cold but understands sometimes you have to do things you don’t like to do the things that you love to do like enjoying the outdoors, camping, and fishing.

Mike Asimos Fishing Trip
Mike Asimos Fishing Trip

We were curious the last time the Grateful Dead visited Seattle for a concert and we found it was back in May 1995. We are posting the Seattle concert live below – enjoy!

Update: Mike Asimos has a new blog. Stop by his website and say hi to him http://www.mikeasimos.com. In Oct 2014, Mike reached out to us to discuss his new collection items. He also mentioned that he will be selling some of his collection online. Over the years, he stated, that he was able to get a lot of duplicates and he felt there was no need to duplicates in his collections so he is letting these great items go up for auction. He mention that most of his items will most likely be sold locally, however, much of it will be placed on Ebay as well.

In response to this recent news, we reached out to Mr. Asimos to get some pictures of the items he will be selling/auctioning and he stated he will send those shortly. He mentioned that he will also be placing the items in our Seattle Classifieds section so our members can have the opportunity to buy some.

During the next year, he will be attending more expos to showcase his collections. He mentioned that many readers have expressed interest in his collection but haven’t made any decisions of whether to sell or pass them down to his children.

Seattle Space Needle

The Seattle Space Needle is one of the most amazing icons in Seattle.  It’s considered an official historic landmark.  Visitors from all over the World come to see the Space Needle.  It weighs approximately 9, 550 tons.  Going up the Elevator (605 ft up!) you will find the observation deck and restaurant.  The elevator takes you to the top in about 41 seconds.  The speed varies depending on the amount of wind as they purposely slow it down for safety sometimes.  The observation deck allows you to go travel all around the top outside overlooking the City of Seattle (360 degrees).  You can pretty much see everything in the city and take your best photos.  Mountains visible on a clear day include Rainier, Cascade, Olympic, and Baker.  The Space needle was actually finished back in Dec. 1961 and opened officially the first day of the Seattle’s World Fair (April 21st, 1962).  The Needle brought in a lot of visitors in fact over 20,000 people used it a day back then during the Fair.  The World’s Fair had an estimated 2.3 million visitors.  Having visited the Space Needle myself on many occasions, I can tell you it’s an amazing architectural structure and a must see if you’re in Seattle, Washington.  When designing the Space Needle, they even considered how it would do with earthquakes and high winds.  They say it can take up to 200 mph of wind and a 9.1 earthquake.  A 6.8 earthquake in 2001 tested the Needle and no serious damage was reported.  The structure can even withstand lightning due to the lightning rods installed to protect it from lightening.

On the bottom floor of the Space Needle, you can valet your car and enter the free gift store.  It’s official name is the SeattleBase Retail Store. They have all kinds of gifts, gadgets, and collectibles available.  Many unique stuff is inside which is not sold in regular stores.  You can even purchase a gift certificate for a friend.

Going up the elevator you’ll run into the SkyCity Restaurant.  At one time in history, there were two restaurants in the Space Needle but they were eventually closed (in 2000) to make room for the now larger SkyCity Restaurant.  The Restaurant is pretty expensive in my opinion so it’s used by many customers for special occasions or visitors wanting to truly experience the Needle.  The minimum charge is $35 per person so you have to spend at least that.  As of 2014, dinner entrees range from $38-$60.  The SkyCity Restaurant rotates 360 degrees while you’re eating.  You make a full circle rotation around the city every 47 minutes.  The restaurant is family friendly but does have a dress code.  Visitors wearing tank tops or muscle shirts will not be admitted.  They recommend casual attire that is neat and presentable.  They have one desert called the Lunar Orbiter that has been served since 1962.  SkyCity has many events during the month which keeps it pretty busy.  You can make a reservation at the restaurant and it can accommodate up to 10 guests.  A side banquet room is available for parties of more than 10 guests.  It can hold 20-360 people if needed.

The idea for the design of the Space Needle came from two businessman named Edward Carlson and John Graham Jr.  They both actually had their own separate concepts but came together and decided on one final concept 13 months before the fair opening.  The idea was a futuristic attraction for the World’s Fair actually.  It was a way to bring more visitors to Seattle and a way to bring more people into the Fair.  Mr. Edward Carlson had a concept of a giant balloon attached to the ground with a sloping base.  Mr. John Graham Jr. concept was more of a flying saucer which became the top section of the architecture.  Later, Victor Steinbrueck suggested more of an hourglass design which was accepted and combined with the other two ideas.  The men involved were businessman for the World Fair (not the City of Seattle) so there was an agenda to push the local fair.  The Seattle Space Needle was not financed by the City of Seattle in fact it had no land it could be built on except inside the Fair.  A plot was later discovered which was measured at 120 x 120 ft.  They almost gave up finding a lot available.  The land sold for $75,000.  Since the City of Seattle was not involved financially, it was by the Pentagram Corporation.  The team consisted of Bagley Wright, Howard Wright, John Graham, Ned Skinner, and Norton Clapp.  Later in 1977, Bagley Skinner and Norton Clapp sold their interest to Howard Wright.  Mr. Howard Wright is the current owner under the company named the Space Needle Corporation.  The cost to build the Seattle Space Needle in 1962 was $4.5 million dollars.  The first cleaning of the Space Needle didn’t happen until 2008 which was  a pressure washing cleaning.  It was blasted with an estimated 2,900 psi of water pressure.  No cleaning supplies or detergents were used while pressure washing it.

A little history lesson for you, the foundation of the Space Needle is pretty amazing as it measured 30 ft deep and 120 ft wide.  The hole was filled with concrete which took 467 dump trucks.  Rumor is, the continuous concrete pour lasted only one day and was the biggest pour ever attempted in the West back then.  Once the foundation was complete, it weighed as much as the entire Space Needle.

On New Years Eve (1999) a beam of light was revealed as a new feature.  The Skybeam is displayed on special occasions during the year like national holidays.  On average, it comes on about 12 times per year but that does vary.  After Sept. 11 2001 is was turned on for 11 days.  The idea for the Skybeam was suggested from an old World’s Fair poster.  It didn’t actually have the beam of light back then but graphic design of the poster made it look like it was beaming with light.   Each year on New Years the Space Needle has a celebration.  There is usually a black and white party that many Seattle residents visits.  It’s one of the higher end new years celebrations in Seattle.  The Needle also has lots of fireworks which shoot out the top of the Space Needle.  Oddly, the 2007 (going on 2008) new years celebration had to be stopped and restarted due to some pyrotechnics issues.  It was fixed and the rest of the fireworks had to be denoted by hand.  The company providing the pyrotechnics that year blamed the issue on a corrupted file which control the detonations.

In 2000, the Space Needle got a $20 million dollar update.  They added all the features we have today such as the Pavilion Level, SpaceBase Retail Store, The SkyCity Restaurant, O Deck updates, exterior lighting additions/updates, Legacy Light installations, exterior painting and many more new features.

In May 2007, the Space Needle celebrated it’s 45 millionth guest.  The man’s name was Greg Novoa and he was from San Francisco.  He got 2 free tickets to Paris and a VIP dinner at the Eiffel Tower.

Over the years, the Space Needle has experienced some controversy.  These include Base jumpers, illegal photography, and labor disputes.  Since it’s opening in 1962, 6 base jumpers has jumped off the top of the Space Needle illegally.  Out of the 6 jumpers, 2 have been arrested for their jumps and caught.  In 2013, a mystery person has been scaling buildings all over Seattle, Washington and taking photography.  There is a website dedicated to the activities and personally the photography is absolutely amazing pieces of art.  There is video of this person on top of the Space Needle sitting back and enjoying the skyline.  Between 2012-2013, union workers and owners of the Space Needle have had some disagreements with the contracts.  Mediation is still be worked out between the workers and owners to this date today.

Most recently in April 2012, the Space Needle celebrated its 50th anniversary.  The top of the Space Needle was painted a Galaxy Gold color.  It’s the same color  used when it was originally developed and constructed back in 1962 at the World’s Fair.  Over the years, the Space Needle has experienced many makeovers and colors including the celebration of UW Huskies winning the Rose Bowl back in 1992 or when it was colored with the Seattle SuperSonics.

As Seattle continues to grow with more and more buildings.  There has been constant debates regarding the views of the skyline, the Space Needle, parks, and water.  The City Council makes those decisions and the debate continues today.  Areas and views from I5, Lake Union, and Mercer st are some of the hot topics regarding this issue.  Many believe areas from Seattle public parks which have a view of the Space Needle should be protected to preserve it’s views.  However, protecting these views also diminishes the value of private property which can create jobs and provide public housing.

As of 2013, ticket prices are $19 dollars to ride up the Space Needle to the observation deck.  There is no charge to use the elevator if you’re visiting the restaurant. Senior discounts are available include youth and bulk rates (15 people or more) if you’re going as a group.  The group discounts saves you only a few dollars on each ticket.  As of today, the Space Needle is still the #1 attraction in Seattle.

 

Seattle Space Needle
Seattle Space Needle view from across the street

Space Needle In Seattle
Looking up from the bottom of the Space Needle in Seattle, Washington.

 

New Paintings By Marcio Díaz

Opening First Thursday June 6, Marcio Díaz presents new work in Sensing Color, an exhibit at ArtXchange Gallery. These paintings reveal the different qualities of light and weather that captivated Diaz after his move to the Pacific Northwest.

There is more light in Nicaragua, but it makes everything flat,” he reflects. “In Nicaragua we react to the sun, not the rain. In the Pacific Northwest, I can see color deeply in the shadows. The distortion of the light by the rain and dew inspires me.

Díaz soaked up the influences around him in the Pacific Northwest, both in the landscape and from the local art community. “I never knew the depth of color until I moved to Seattle,” says Díaz. He began to experiment with abstraction and new painting techniques emerged. He moved towards a pointillist technique involving layering dripped bubbles and circles of paint, which became his popular Bubblism style.

His painting method is a bright-hued variation on the pointillism of Seurat, building an image from vibrant circles of color,” wrote Michael Upchurch in the Seattle Times. “The tensions between shimmer and almost-solid objects are exquisite.”

From the sunny, arid landscapes of Estelí to the lush tulip fields of SkagitValley, Díaz builds images through dappled brushstrokes and layers of shape. Sensing Color presents works in his signature Bubblism style, as well as new techniques that Díaz has been developing.

Sensing Color opens First Thursday June 6, 5-8pm, with the artist in attendance. In July, Díaz will offer a painting demonstration in the gallery on Thursday, July 11, 5-8pm (the official Pioneer   Square replacement date for 2013 First Thursday in July which falls on the 4th).

Exhibition Dates: June 6 – July 27, 2013

Opening/Artist Reception: First Thursday, June 6 5-8pm (During the First Thursday Artwalk)

Artist Demo and reception: Thursday, July 11, 5-8pm

Location:ArtXchange Gallery, 512   First Ave South, Seattle, WA 98104

Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 11 AM – 5:30 PM

Phone: 206-839-0377

Website: www.artxchange.org

Email: info@artxchange.org

Marcio Diaz Paintings Seattle
Marcio Diaz new painting – Sensing Color

Funny Stories In The News

Funny Stories In The News

Everyday great news is released to the World.  We all need some funny news once in a while right?  These are some of the best funny stories in the news and other items discovered today. You have to see this stuff it’s so funny and entertaining stuff!

Funny Beer Can Numbers – Some of the employees at this beer bottling company have a funny sense of humor.

Smart Student Being Funny – A teacher who recently started her Geography class (8th graders) starts her lesson with having the students try to draw the U.S. She didn’t expect this to happen.

Dog on duty guarding the house – Dog on duty guarding the house

USPS going the extra mile with this piece of mail. – USPS going the extra mile with this piece of mail. This was one of the postal centers in Seattle delivering a long lost valentine card.

Funny Dog Pic

Seattle Powerball Growing

Seattle Powerball Tonight Get Your TicketIt’s here one of the biggest lottery drawings in history.  Tonight the Powerball drawing is at $600 million dollars and that number is expected to climb as the drawing time gets closer.  Even Though the odds are ONLY 1 in 175 million you can’t win if you don’t play.  The gas stations and convenience stores are reporting higher than usual numbers and in some states lines are gathering just to buy a ticket.  Starting January 15 2012, the Powerball ticket prices increased to $2 per ticket thus making the pool much higher.

The Powerball drawing tonight is the second highest in history just behind the previous Mega Millions in March 2012 which was $656 million.  With the amount of people playing there is a very high chance a winner will be decided.  In the event there is no winner, the jackpot could increase to over $1 billion dollars.  That would make it the biggest pay day in history.

Take a chance!

On a side note, the IRS really needs your money right now.  Considering the scandals and shady practices (no surprise) they will be waiting for their fair share.  The good news is that you won!  The bad news is that you’re going to pay A LOT more than you would have paid just 1 year ago.  The IRS is really sticking it to people whenever possible.

Here is some food for thought…. in the event you’re the big winner tonight and you take the lump sum of $376.9 million (spread out over 30 years), you’ll have to pay $149 million out of that to Uncle same.  Soo…. $600 million is more like $225 million net.  Congrats the IRS is the big winner here.  Not complaining or anything but just pointing out the obvious….we’re all getting ripped off.

Mike Asimos Favorite Seattle Hiking Spots

Having travelled all over the country and having experienced many of the hiking spots in Seattle, we asked Mike Asimos what his favorites are. If you don’t know Mike Asimos, he is a collector, hiker, and outdoorsman. He runs his own personal blog which goes into great detail about his adventures and the products he was used (good or bad). We recently did an interview with him about his large Grateful Dead collection as well here. It’s a great read so be sure to check it out for more background information.

After doing our interview with Mike Asimos, continued to discuss his hiking adventures. He obviously is a person who is passionate about whatever he is doing. He is very detailed and knows what he is talking about. I wish we could post some of the places he was visited… they are AMAZING. I recommended that he should try photography actually. Mike mentioned he hasn’t been to Seattle in sometime, however, he does remember all the good hiking spots around here. “There are so many… ones which nobody even talks about”, he explained.

Here is the short list Mike Asimos (who also goes by Michael Asimos on his blog) recommends if you’re a local Seattle resident. Washington State is one of his favorites due to all the forest trails and national parks.

1) Rattle Snake Mountain: It’s a good starter hike if you’re just getting started. Its elevation is a little over 1,000. It has some amazing views of the Mountains (Cascades & Mount Si). It can get pretty busy so go early if you’re going to go.

2) Annette Lake: Mike Asimos says this is one of his favorites because when you actually reach the top – there is a lake at the top! The trail is covered by trees but there is a clear enough path to make it there. It also has some great views as you hike up.

3) Little Si Hike: Lastly, Mike recommends a more rocky trail but again it features some great views similar to Rattlesnake (above).

There you have it readers. The top hiking spots by Mike Asimos himself. As the weather continues to improve here in Seattle be sure to visit them and enjoy the scenery. You can read more about Michael Asimos by using our search feature on the Emerald City Journal homepage.

Good Bye Century Link – I’m Cancelling

CenturyLink Cancelling

I’m so tired of the extra fees and taxes for services (phone, cable, heating, hotels etc).  It seems anymore the extra hidden fees are more than the services.  It’s like an open checkbook for companies and city officials to tack on the fees thus over inflating the prices.  You can’t even book a hotel in Seattle without paying a 20% tax on top of it!  With that being said, I am officially done with Century Link.  The time has come when a land line phone simply is not needed in my life.  Cells phones have greatly improved and the convenience of having a cell phone on you is a big bonus.  My home phone system will consist of a Straight Talk cell phone.  The service is prepaid and runs me $30 per month.  It uses all the cell phone towers of AT&T so the quality is great and consistent.  No extra fees, no BS, no personal info, no contract.  I pay online every month and it’s done.  They don’t bother me with Keep Reading

Kittens Strip Club In Georgetown (Old Kettel’s Restaurant)

Georgetown Seattle Hats and Boots

Georgetown is getting a new business. We have no big store (Safeway, Albertson, Walmart etc). No direct bus to get to Burien to even get to a store. We lost our Laundromat, Treasure House etc. We did gain Harbor Freights. Now it seems we are getting a STRIP CLUB named Kittens. Shows a kitten climbing a pole like a dancer would.

This would be located in the old home of Kettel’s on 4th Ave.

DPD issued a permit for substantial alterations to the old Kettel building. DPd reviewed the zoning before issuing the permit. It is 800 ft from spaces where children congregate, day care centers, schools, community centers etc. PUBLIC NOTICE WAS NOT REQUIRED FOR THIS ISSUANCE. geez, they post public notice when a condo is being built but not a strip club. Keep Reading

St Patrick’s Day Seattle

St Pattys In Seattle

Break out your bag pipes, irish food, and green beer because Seattle is celebrating St Patrick’s Day.  This weekend is going to be so much fun and the real party starts today (Saturday) and end late on Sunday.  This year there is even a St Patrick’s Day parade which starts at 12:30pm (Saturday) on 4th ave S from Jefferson.

On Sunday, over 17,000 runners are going to take over the city with The St Patrick’s Day Dash.  The event supports the Schrempt Foundation and children charities.  The St Patrick’s Day Dash is in its 29th year now.

The nightlife will of course be very exciting.  Some of my favorite spots tonight and tomarrow will be Keep Reading

Places To Visit In Seattle

Seattle is a great place to live, breathe, and work.  The weather is very seasonal so you can expect rain, cold, and plenty of sun during the year.

One of the highlights and center points of Seattle Washington is Seattle Pacific University.  SPU is located right in the middle of Seattle.  The College is so much fun.  Seattle is a very creative, open, and even corky at times.  With a city this large and so many places to visit you simply never feel bored.

Many come to Seattle without cars and find it easy to get around.   The City Council has made a big push with the encouragement of the biking community.  It’s also a great way to see the city from a different point of view.

The International culture is also an amazing aspect.  Places like the Ballard or the Pike Place Market always have something going on with lots of entertainment and food to keep you busy and occupied for the day.  It’s pretty cool to have all this in one city.

In Seattle you’ll find some of the largest companies in World.  From Microsoft, Google, Adobe, Flip Hosting and RepuVision to name a few.

When it comes to Seattle sports teams Seattle has a few.  The fans are amazing and each event draws thousands upon thousands of people.  You have to experience the tailgate parties.  We have the Mariners, Seahawks, and Sounders to name a few.  Having lived in Seattle many years now, I think the Sounders fans are just crazy.  The team plays at Century Link Field located just South of downtown.  The fans really are a team and get together at the bars and it’s really an enjoyable atmosphere.  You’ll often see bands, dancing, and team spirt like no other.  To say the least if you’re a sports fan Seattle is the place to be and visit.

Busing in Seattle is really easy.  You can jump on the bus and get to just about anywhere including the Seattle Pacific University.  To Ballard, a suburb of Seattle, takes about 10 minutes and it’s super easy.   By the way, Ballard is great they have this market every Sunday.  It’s full of food, entertainment, arts, dogs, and people having a great time on their day off from work.

Fremont is another suburb of Seattle and really close to the college just like Ballard.  You can just walk to Fremont, however.  The variety of people here is “interesting” to say the least.  If you’re considering places to visit in Seattle I would highly recommend it for the variety of food options.  You got Thai, Greek, American burgers, just about everything and it’s great.

Another place to visit is Queen Ann.  They have amazing breakfast places and coffee shops for work or just relaxing time.  I guess I just like coffee as most do in Seattle.  After All, Starbucks was born in Seattle WA.  In fact the coffee shop is still there open for business in the Pike Place Market.

If you’re an outdoor person and like hiking or playing the water, you’ll fall in love with Seattle.  The City of Seattle is surrounded by Water.  We have the Puget Sound, Lake Washington, Lake Union, and the Fremont Canal which is right next the the SPU campus.  If you’re feeling ambitious you can kayak right out into Lake Union and see what an amazing place Seattle really is.  If you come to Seattle to hike, then you should know that there are hundreds of trails to visit within an hour of Seattle.  On the East you have the Cascade Mountains and on the West of Seattle you have the Olympic Mountains.  I personally like photography and there are so many places to shoot videos or photos at.  In the Winter, many options are available for snowboarding also.

On last place to visit in Seattle is the Capital Hill area.  I enjoy going with my friends here to just get away and try something new.  It’s the place to people watch if you’re into that like me.  They have this amazing book store which is pretty cool.  It has so many books to choose from I could easily spend the day there just looking and drinking coffee.  Capital Hill has lots of little stores and hidden shopping places that many like to discover.  Always something new here.

Hope you come and visit Seattle.  Take a little time and enjoy the amazing sunsets on the water.

Places to visit in Seattle
Places to visit in Seattle. How about the Space Needle? One of the many great places in Seattle to check out.

 

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