What's Happening in Seattle this Week

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Girl's Night: The big activity this week is meeting Jason Mesnick, finalist from last season's The Bachelorette, Aug 14th, $85.  This is quite a consolation prize; he loses one gal on national TV, and now gets to get mobbed by a room full of admiring women.  For the gals, go for the good time and the killer atmosphere at the Waterfront.  This party is hosted by the Chat with Women ladies, and they've had the golden touch in Seattle for the last year or so.  *  Also, Girl's Night Out at The Parlor, every Wednesday at 8 PM.  There's some battle-of-the-sexes game in a six-game pool competition, and the ladies get the assistance of the female in-house pros.  Winners get a chance to then compete against in-house pros, earn bragging rights, and some other gew-gaw.  This is a way of making shooting stick fun. Lectures: Meet Ed Nixon, Aug 22nd, $100.  Boy, how do you remember an older brother who forever colored the family name?  Ed Nixon, the president's younger brother, talks about his family, as well as his experience as a world traveler and his expertise on energy policy.  A few other local heavy politicos will be taking the microphone for a bit, too. Opera: LGBT Night at the Opera, Aug 22nd, $100.  If you don't know what the acronym stands for, then it doesn't apply to you.  Seattle socialite supreme JJ McKay, along with senator Ed Murray, shows that opera is truly for everyone.  You get main floor orchestra seating, a little private intermission reception, along with some wine and refreshments.  If you're looking for a change of venue from the usual scene on Capital Hill, then go down the hill. Senior Activity: Age 55+ Jobless Workshop, Aug 13th, free.  The prospect of being north of 50 and needing to start a new career must be daunting.  Learn about job searching, Title V Senior Community Service Employment, and available services at the Mayor's Office.  Find the job that will take you into retirement.  *  Also, Coffee Hour, Aug 21st, free.  The director of Seattle Animal Shelter chats about pets, the shelter's services, and how seniors can get involved, such as foster care, dog walking, and rehabilitating sick pets. Music: Seattle Women of Hip-Hop, Aug 14th, free.  The mayor's office continues its cultural outreach by bringing notice to the growing influence of women in hip-hop, through their music and spoken words.  Not much of a surprise, female hip-hop lyrics are more centered on themes of self- empowerment and making a positive impact on society.  This event is after work, so if you're not in a hurry or don't want to battle the rush hour, this is a viable option. Fashion: Design Expo, Aug 29th, $25.  The students at Academy of Design have their big show of the year, showcasing their main works.  These student design shows are always interesting - some misses, and some very innovative fashions and designs. Festival: Faerie Festival, Aug 16th, free.  Apparently more popular than the dragon festival, but less popular than the unicorn festival, now comes the Faerie Festival, whatever that is.  If you think faeries are wusses and wimps, then apparently you haven't crossed paths with a bad-ass gargoyle before. Environmental: Sustaining Living Rivers: The Role of Biological Monitoring, Aug 15th, $50.  There's a lot going on in that little creek.  Before action can be taken, you first need to understand what's going on.  In this class, learn how to determine the biological effects of human development and activity around streams.  Learn how aquatic insects are an indicator species, gather field samples, and evaluate the health of a stream. Family: Wild About Water, Aug 17th, free with Zoo admission.  The Zoo has put together a new interactive exhibit on the importance of water and how animals rely upon it.  This is part educational, and part actionable.  The education part is how animals interact with water, such as making a home or finding food.  Then, with your enthusiasm intact, they present ideas on how you can help ensure clean water and help conserve it. Organization: Leadership Tomorrow, helping to create better leaders in the Puget Sound region, with an emphasis on stewardship and civic leadership.  These folks have an extensive, 9-month program, pumping out about 70 graduates per class.  This sort of thing is great to do, but one can't be half-ass about it; it requires a full commitment, or don?t bother doing it.  The effects can be life-changing.	Toes in Sand About a month of summer left - enjoy it while it's here. Alki Beach: This one is a gimmie, Seattle's only sliver of California coastline and scene.  This is Seattle's most popular because it has it all: two miles for running and rollerblading, good sand for castle-building, the stunning views of Seattle, quintessential scenes of the ferry coming and going, bakeries and boutiques nearby, volleyball, campfire pits, and sunsets.  The parking can be real pain, though. Matthews Beach: This is a good one for families and groups.  They have a lifeguard on duty during the summer, weather permitting.  The sand is good here, and the depth is good for swimming.  They also have a children's play area and picnic spots.  Since this is right on the Burke-Gilman trail, it's an easy jaunt by bicycle, too. Groveland Beach Park: This is a nice little underused beach, except on hot days.  Since the park is sunset-facing, the evening views can be dramatic.  Dogs, on-leash, are permitted here.  The only bummer of this park is the steep descent in, which means, when you're ready to wrap up your day, you have a little hill to climb on the way out.  Cool Video: Another Almost Live skit - High Fiven White Guys

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About: Seattle Spin is a weekly email newsletter highlighting the best restaurants, activities, and venues in Seattle this particular week Contact: Publisher: Gerard Wirz; Editor: Nathaniel Hollywood; Contributors:  Mike Ford and Mary Novak.