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  life + style to you

May 9th, 2008

Second issue, and we're already getting attention; thanks to www.SeattleSpin.net for the shout out! And though we've done our due diligence in bringing you the best of Seattle this week, we're gonna be honest … we just didn't feel like writing a clever intro. In lieu of that, here is a soliloquy from "Ghostbusters" as delivered by a possessed Rick Moranis. Enjoy.

"Gozer the Traveler will come in one of the pre-chosen forms. During the rectification of the Vuldronaii, the Traveler came as a very large and moving Torg.

Then, during the third reconciliation of the last of the McKetrick supplicants, they chose a new form for him, that of a giant Slor! Many Shuvs and Zuuls knew what it was to be roasted in the depths of the Slor that day I can tell you."

       
 

Seattle Picks for Men:

 
  1

Where Eagles Dare
 

Considering that most of us don't have the time or instincts to study up on the newest styles, shopping at Blackbird is like pulling your desk closer to the smart kids and copying all the right answers.
 
Nested in the aesthetic apex of the Ballard district, Blackbird's "classic meets modern" style fits in perfectly with the cobblestone streets and modernized architecture that surround it. Migrating from mod styles to urban styles and between too many exotic locations to mention here, the Blackbird buyers know what's up. And, as though they're out to prove that being on the cutting edge of fashion doesn't have to hurt, the lion's share of their collections boast minimalist prints, agreeable colors, super-soft fabrics, light weaves and only the most informed accents.
 
Iconic lines such as Obey, Paul Frank and Cheap Monday will get you in fashion without clipping your wings, while those willing to pay the price for higher education will find high-end, limited-edition items from around the globe to get them to the head of the class.
 
Blackbird
Men's Clothing & Effects
5410 22nd Ave. NW
Seattle, WA 98107
206.547.2524
www.helloblackbird.blogspot.com

       
  2

Fit for a King

Take it from us, this Ballard hot spot is definitely worth a trip over the bridge. It’s called King’s Hardware and frankly, if they did sell hardware we could see ourselves finishing a lot more home-improvement projects.

Instead, we’ll join the crowd on Wednesday nights, drawn to the Jersey shore skeet-ball, as this former hardware-store-turned-bar hosts weekly tournaments. Beer is served by the can, by the pint or by the pitcher and they boast a wide selection of small local microbrews on tap—though tall boys of Rainier seem to be the favored nectar here, and most choose to consume them on the back patio. Large propane heaters keep the patio reasonably warm, and on days absent of rain they open up the outdoor bar to make sure you are never left empty handed.

King’s is great for parties with loud, wild, beer-drinking friends, as it takes a lot to offend the staff. They seem more interested in getting everyone out after last call than taking offense to the slurred drunken comment your buddy just made. Plus they have delicious pub grub to soak up the booze. Which is important, because the ladies love a guy with a steady skeet-ball hand.
 
King's Hardware

5225 Ballard Ave NW
Seattle, WA 98107
206.782.0027

       
  3

The Fluid

"Man this place is cramped," remarked one patron at Seattle's Fluidride. If it has two wheels, knobby tires and rolls quickly downhill, these guys can fix it, teach you how to use it and most of all sell you what you will need to get out there.
 
Tucked neatly away among dry docks and marine mechanics, this small (and we mean small) bike shop is the place to go for all that is downhill cycling. With a full-service repair shop, bike rentals in the summer and a slew of classes that will have you tearing it up at Whistler or just trailblazing cross-country with your friends, this is your one-stop shop. And with a new shop that just opened in Issaquah and the I-5 Colonnade Mountain Bike Skills Park as one of their major undertakings, they're pretty busy year-round.

A staple amongst the gravity bike crowd, Fluidride has been a major supporter of riders and races alike, as well as teaming with the Back Country Bicycle Club to open new trails throughout the Northwest.
 
Fluidride
723 NE Northlake Way
Seattle, WA 98105
206.547.0712
www.fluidride.com

       
  Gratuitous Photo of the Week
 


Lifestyles Condoms ran a promotion showing ten different pictures and asked guys to vote on 'em. Personally, we're leg men here, but it looks like the winning pic (seen here) speaks volumes about men's collective love of the trunk.

www.lifestyles.com

 
       
  Mandatory Gear:  
  1

We Don't Need No Stinking Frames

You know your friend who goes on vacation and sends you a link to 200 digital images online? This is for that guy. Take matters into your own hands and send one of his favorite photos to Plywerk—they'll turn his handiwork into a very cool piece of art.

It's deceptively simple—they place the photo on plywood so you can hang it on your wall—but it's also highly graphic and really eye-catching. Genius.

www.plywerk.com

       
  2

ins, Zwei, Drei

It's a fact, gentlemen, that reaching for a condom in the middle of heated passion is not exactly, well, conducive to the mood. Spending any more time than necessary can be the difference between a slight blip in the process and a full-blown monkey wrench. 

Leave it to the Germans to implement efficiency accordingly. Just pull effortlessly from this beautifully functional stainless steel dispenser, and let that be the last thing you do like a German for the evening.

www.canoeonline.net

       
  3

Put Your Money Where Your…

A lot of us Seattleites earn our dollars in pretty creative ways, but carry them in unimaginative black wallets. (Like the one you didn't even clean out until your chiropractor insisted it was necessary for back health…)

While looking for a more dynamic way to carry our hard-earned cash, we found these interesting artist-series wallets from Northwest outfit Tinymeat. Sure, they might not be taken too seriously, but it's what's inside that should do the talking.

www.etsy.com

       
 

Hip Happenings:

 
  1

Learn To Travel Through the Back Door

With the U.S. dollar now trailing behind the Loonie and worth only slightly more than the dollar-down-under; you may be hesitant to jet off to Europe this summer to be violated by the Euro—but fear not, there are plenty of other currencies on the continent to play with. Join Rick Steve's crew Saturday and learn about some of them for free.

What: Free series of travel courses
When: Saturday, May10, 9 am–5 pm
Where: Europe Through the Back Door;
130 4th Ave. N, Edmonds
Call: 425.771.8303
Visit: www.ricksteves.com

       
  2

Obligatory Film Festival

Take 160,000 people, hundreds of films, a dozen locations and you get SIFF, the country's largest film festival. This year's event starts May 22 and runs through June 15. Search through movies, buy tickets online and check out everything that's happening around Seattle.  

What: Seattle International Film Festival
When: May 22 through June 15
Where: All over Seattle
Call: 206.324.9996
Visit: www.siff.net

       
  3

Alternative to the Obligatory Film Festival

Is a month-long film festival too long for you? Then try the Seattle Film Race 2008. Filmmakers all over Seattle will compete over a 24-hour period to write, film, and edit the best hastily produced short film around. Screenings will take place on May 14 at the Egyptian.

What: Seattle Film Race
When: May 9–10, screenings on May 14
Where: The Egyptian, 805 East Pine St.
Visit: www.filmracing.com

       
 

Do us a solid and tell your friends to sign up for SPFM!

       
       
 

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