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Seattle Washington Votes Count

Seattle Washingtons' votes count this election. Undefined could be your name. Make your vote count. Email this video to as many people as you can. You can add their name to the video.

Seattle Condo Market Review

For the first time this year, the number of Seattle condos for sale dropped below same period last year. This is a hopeful sign since the last thing we need is more people putting their property into the sluggish system. August 2008 numbers showed total active inventory of 1,503, 1.83% lower than August 2007. Looking at the numbers earlier this year, condo inventory in Seattle was over 60% higher than the same time in 2007. This is largely due a number of reasons: developers holding off on their projects and waiting out on the market, a number of completed condo projects turning into apartments, apartments that were intended to convert to condo reverting back to apartments, and unsold inventory in completed condo projects becoming available as rental units.

The median price for last month's closed sales of Seattle condominiums was $310,000, a drop of 6.03% from a year ago when the median price was $329,900. Comparing to the previous two months this year, median prices were about the same -- $310,000 for August and $299,975 for July. The number of home sale closings in September was almost half of same time last year at 191.

The volume of year-over-year pending sales transactions for September was down 14.50%. On the other hand, months inventory (how many months it would take to sell all the inventory currently on the market) has improved from 8.9 in August to 7.8 in September.

Overall, September numbers indicate a modest shrinkage in Seattle's condo inventory with pending sales still lower than last year (but better than the last two months) and median prices experiencing negative single digit % reductions.

The recent credit market crisis and negative news report has definitely hampered many Seattle (and American in general) home buyers' confidence. Most now believe that prices will continue to drop and have adopted a wait-and-see approach. As we are moving to the seasonal slow period of the year, we probably won't be seeing activity picking up until early next year.

Seattle Space Needle Goes Green

Seattle Washington News. Seattle's famed Space Needle is making a concerted effort to be the best in the Pacific Northwest when it comes to saving our environment, announcing today a significant initiative to "go green." This program, already having seen much success, entails many initiatives -- several of which have already been fully deployed. It encompasses several focal points of the 'green movement,' including an ultra-innovative water filtration system that will amaze even native Seattle Northwesterners.
"Seattle is already an environmentally-conscious community, and as a symbol of that community, it is natural to take the lead and exemplify what is becoming only more and more important to our lives," said Peter Beck, Vice President of Operations at the Seattle Space Needle. "It isn't a matter of taking the first step to 'go green' anymore -- it's a matter of going above and beyond."
The initiative includes efforts around water, recycling and energy conservation among other things, each aiming to reach new heights through various vendor partnerships.
Water
Perhaps the most innovative of the 'green' updates is the Space Needle's new water system at SkyCity at the Needle, the icon's renowned revolving restaurant. Having done away completely with bottled water, SkyCity is leading the way for other large-volume restaurants. While the Seattle area is already fortunate to be surrounded by excellent natural water sources -- only 35 parts per million total dissolved solids (PPM) -- the Space Needle is challenging this standard by using the highest quality filtered water. This Seattle Space Needle water system was custom designed to produce water with zero parts per million of total dissolved solids. All water and ice served in the restaurant are filtered using this system. Both still and sparkling filtered water are now offered to guests, resulting in glass and delivery fuel savings.
Recycling
Cedar Grove Composting, a family-owned Seattle Washington organic recycling company with roots in the waste management business dating back to 1938, has implemented a comprehensive composting system that incorporates recycling food waste and a variety of products and materials throughout the Seattle Space Needle. Food waste composting has proven to be infinitely successful in all areas. Before the recycling program was advanced, 17 percent of overall waste was recycled. Currently, it now stands at 53 percent and is still improving.
Energy Conservation
In an effort to significantly reduce the amount of energy used by the Seattle Space Needle, many processes have been exchanged for more efficient ones. Compact fluorescent bulbs have replaced incandescent bulbs, resulting in 73 percent energy savings at each of these fixtures. Cold cathode lights in the Space Base gift shop have been replaced by T5 fluorescent bulbs with ENERGY STAR-rated electronic ballasts, providing greater illumination and 25 percent Seattle Space Needle energy savings. Additionally, ENERGY STAR LED exit signs have resulted in an estimated 64 percent energy savings and new, energy-efficient light fixtures were installed in a portion of the core stairwell in April 2008, resulting in 86 percent energy savings.
Also, a new, more efficient hot water system has been installed for the Seattle Space Needle in the Top House, including all new plumbing and state of the art hot water pipe insulation. This has resulted in an estimated 30 percent improvement in energy efficiency for the system as a whole.
Green Cleaning Program
Seattle based Metropolitan Building Maintenance has implemented its Green Cleaning Program within the Seattle Space Needle, using only environmentally-gentle and sustainable cleaning products and techniques. Alpha HP, an all-in-one, environmentally-friendly multi-surface cleaner with low levels of hydrogen peroxide, is being used in all areas of the Space Needle. This innovative product is Green Seal certified and meets Green Seal's environmental standard for industrial and institutional cleaners. Additionally, no carcinogens are added. It is non-combustible and contains low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) content, making it much safer for the both the environment and for those using the product.
Dishwashing Grease Interceptors
Grease interceptors have been installed in three different kitchens (cost: $40,000) to separate all grease from dish and pot washing, preventing contamination of the sewer system. The Seattle Space Needle grease is then recycled.

Seatte's Underground Tour Is A Lot Of Fun

Check out Bill Speidel's underground tour. It is a leisurely, guided walking tour beneath Seattle’s sidewalks and streets.
While you roam the subterranean passages that once were the main roadways and first-floor storefronts of old downtown Seattle, Tour Guides regale you with humorous stories our pioneers didn’t want you to hear. It’s history with a twist!
The tour begins with a seated introduction inside Doc Maynard’s Public House, a restored 1890s saloon. Then you walk outside through historic Pioneer Square to three different sections of Underground—about three blocks in all.
Be prepared for the underground landscape to be moderately rugged: you’ll encounter six flights of stairs, uneven terrain and spotty lighting. Dress for the weather—and leave your spike heel shoes at home!
The tour ends at Rogue’s Gallery, where you’ll find portraits of Seattle’s colorful characters and other displays depicting Seattle’s past. Here you’ll have a chance to purchase work by local artisans and mementos of your visit.
And don’t forget the Underground Cafe, featuring Angus burgers, halibut and chips, sandwiches, soups, salads and snacks.

DID YOU KNOW?
You can book a private tour for you and a few of your friends. Just call 206-682-4646, ext 202, at least two weeks in advance, please.

Seattle Washington Fun Facts:

The term “Skid Road” came from Pioneer Square.
You can get married in the Underground.
Best Western Pioneer Square Hotel, in a renovated turn-of-the-century building, is one block away.
Visit the nearby Smith Tower Observation Deck, offering panoramic views of Seattle's downtown and beyond.

Other things to do around Pioneer Square

Pioneer Square Antique Mall—with 60 dealers, next door to Rogues Gallery.
Klondike Gold Rush Museum.
Seattle Fallen Firefighters’ Memorial sculpture.
Elliott Bay Bookstore.
Shopping & Entertainment—a dizzying assortment of fine arts galleries, specialty and gift shops, restaurants and night clubs. Please pick up a free map of the neighborhood.

UNDERGROUND TOUR SCHEDULE

September
Mon-Thurs: 10, 11 am, 12, 1, 2, 4, 6 pm
Fri-Sat: 10, 11 am, 12, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 pm
Sun: 10, 11 am, 12, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 pm
April
Mon-Thurs: 11 am, 12, 1, 2, 4, 5 pm
Fri-Sun: 11 am, 12, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 pm
October, November
Mon-Fri: 11 am, 1, 2, 4, 5 pm
Sat-Sun: 11 am, 12, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 pm
May
Mon-Thurs: 11 am, 12, 1, 2, 4, 6 pm
Fri-Sat: 10, 11 am, 12, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 pm
Sun: 10, 11 am, 12, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 pm
Dec, Jan, Feb
Mon-Fri: 11 am, 1, 2, 3 pm
Sat-Sun: 11 am, 12, 1, 2, 3, 4 pm

Call 206-682-4646 for information
and reservations for our
April-through -October, adults-only
Underworld Tour.

Note: Tours may be added during peak seasons. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day.

TICKETS (Cash Only)
$15.00 Adults (18-59 yrs)
$12.00 Seniors (60+ yrs)
$12.00 Students (13-17 yrs or w/valid college ID)
$7.00 Children (7-12 yrs)
Kids under 6 may find the 90 minute tour challenging.

NO RESERVATIONS, PLEASE
The tour is offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. We recommend you arrive at least 30 minutes before the tour to purchase your tickets.

Private Tours may be booked with two weeks' advance notice, minimum, by calling 206-682-4646, ext 202.

Beltre hits for cycle in Seattle's 12-6 win

Adrian Beltre hit for the cycle and had five hits to help the Seattle Mariners win their fourth straight game, beating the Texas Rangers 12-6 on Monday night.

Beltre, who had the third five-hit game of his career, became the fourth Mariners player to hit for the cycle with an RBI triple off Josh Rupe in the eighth.

Beltre homered in the second, had an RBI single in the fourth and singled in the sixth off Rangers starter Matt Harrison. He doubled off Rangers reliever Luis Mendoza (3-7) in Seattle's four-run seventh.

Beltre's bid for a six-hit game came up short when he grounded out in the ninth.

John Olerud was the last Mariner to hit for the cycle, doing so on June 16, 2001 against the San Diego Padres.

Arizona's Scott Drew hit for the cycle earlier Monday against St. Louis. It was the first time two players hit for the cycle on the same day since Sept. 17, 1920, when Bobby Veach of the Detroit Tigers and George Burns of the New York Giants did it, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.

Beltre also became the fourth Seattle player ever to score five runs.

Sean Green (4-4) pitched three scoreless innings in relief to help the Mariners post their first four-game winning streak of the season.

Josh Hamilton homered and drove in his 118th RBI, and Taylor Teagarden hit a three-run blast after being recalled earlier in the day.

The Mariners, who trailed 6-4, scored a run on Jamie Burke's single in the sixth and four more in the seventh.

After Mendoza retired the leadoff man in the seventh, the next six Seattle batters reached base.

Raul Ibanez tied the game at 6 with an RBI single to set the stage for Jeremy Reed, who was pinch hitting for Wladimir Balentien.

Reed grounded a single under the glove of second baseman Joaquin Arias to put the Mariners ahead 8-6. Burke hit a sacrifice fly to cap Seattle's scoring in the seventh.

Seattle pounded out a season-high 20 hits and equaled their season-best with 12 runs.

Mariners starter Carlos Silva allowed six runs and 10 hits after being activated from the disabled list before the game.

Harrison allowed five runs and 10 hits in 5 2-3 innings for the Rangers, who lost for the 10th time in 12 home games.

Teagarden, who was a member of the bronze medal winning team in the Olympics, replaced an injured Jarrod Saltalamacchia in the fifth after being recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma before the game on the first day of expanded rosters.

His three-run home run capped a five-run fifth that put the Rangers ahead 6-4.

Beltre homered for the third time in two games leading off the second.

Washington Waterfowl Season Set

Waterfowl hunting opportunities will be similar to last year under seasons adopted by the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission at a meeting here Aug. 8-9.





Washington Goose Hunting Season Dates.

Goose hunting seasons vary by management areas across the state, but most open Oct. 11 and run into January 2009.

The goose and duck hunting seasons approved by the commission, which sets policy for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), are based on state and federal waterfowl population estimates and guidelines.

Washingtion Duck Hunting Season.

Under the 2008 waterfowl seasons, the statewide duck hunting season will be open from Oct. 11-15 and Oct. 18-Jan. 25. A special youth hunting weekend also is scheduled for Sept. 20-21.

As part of the hunting package, the commission closed the canvasback season this year and delayed the start of the scaup season until Nov. 1 to address population declines for those species. Special limits for hen mallard, pintail, redhead, harlequin, scoter and long-tailed duck will remain the same.