Martin Luther King, Jr. Day ... and Happy Birthday, Ben

Today is Benjamin Franklin's birthday (1706). I think some of his sayings are apt for our work (or not, depending on your imagination). Nothing ventured, nothing gained. (Chaucer, btw, not Franklin). Do you have other, better Franklin examples? Send them my way!

And I wonder what Martin Luther King, Jr. thought of Ben's sayings? Good food for thought, and THINKING/PONDERING/CONTEMPLATING seems to be a very good approach to today's holiday.

Little strokes fell great oaks.

Befriend the curmugeon on your tour with smiles and conversation. Find out their specific interests and point out those spots around the city.

MLK: This seems to sum up his approach to civil rights very well.

Plough deep while sluggards sleep.

Nicole may not be a farmgirl from Nebraska, but this saying fits her consistent, thorough marketing efforts throughout the year.

MLK: Again, apt.

Early to bed and early to rise, Makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.

All hail the Mt. Rainer guides in the summer, the BT-school bus drivers on winter weekdays and those who open up the doors and set up for the day.

MLK: This speaks to his hard work and tenacity.

Read more about Ben Franklin at The Writer's Almanac

My Oh My Tribute to Dave Niehaus

Discover Seattle

A conversation with some insiders about hidden gems in Seattle, including Angela Shen of Savor Seattle Food Tours.

The Play of the Century?

New York Times Locker article

Know your history! This is what the rest of the country reads about Seattle:

"Before the Seahawks or the Mariners or the Sounders soccer team, before Microsoft or Boeing, before the Klondike gold rush or even statehood, there was the University of Washington, founded as the Territorial University of Washington 150 years ago next fall with a single professor and 30 students."

It's a Wrap!

Liz, Diann, and Nicole helped out with the Concierge gift wrap program on the ground floor of Pacific Place. They helped raise more than $1000 for the Forgotten Children's Fund. Great job (despite the fact that you weren't wearing yellow!)

Where were you on Sat, Dec. 11?

Tips re Tips ...and some food facts

Money in The Food Industry

In the Holiday Spirit?

If you are looking for a fun holiday activity, consider going to the Voices Northwest Holiday concert. It is in Everett, but why not make an adventure out of it. Everett has some great restaurants (be like Mark McCormick and start going to EVERY SINGLE ANTHONYS restaurant on the face of the earth; or 3/4 of the way there, stop in at Silver Lake and try the newly rebuilt Emorys); or come into my 'hood, Mill Creek and walk through the Towne Center and grab a bite on the way there.

Voices Northwest were a wonderful and fun support for us in October during our Sweet Week. Let's return a little of the LOVE and go give them a listen.

Today's the Day ... actually, MONDAY is THE day.

Kim is going to LA today to tape for the Ellen show to be shown on Monday at 3 PM. Mark your calenders!