Seattle Landmark and secret weapon!
Happy 60th Birthday, Space Needle!
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In 1962 the Space Needle opens to the public.
Every time I see it —which is most days as there is a terrific view of it from my neighborhood— I am reminded that we Americans were once optimistic about the future and science and being in the space age. It is hard for me not to hum The Jetson’s theme looking at it.
Pre-pandemic, I used to go to the top at least yearly and certainly whenever people were in town. I have not seen it since the recent remodel (the outside deck now is glass floored, and I don’t know if my fear of heights can take that), and I feel cheated that 3 years later I have not been back.
I just love this goofy thing more than I can say.
Mock Paper Scissors 
Visited Seattle in ’97 and took in a private poker party up top of the needle. Love Seattle.
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I’ve been to Seattle and been by the needle numerous times. I’ve always wanted to visit, but for some reason or another never got the chance. It’s at the top of my bucket list. Also, on another level (like TG), I believe that as a nation we have lost our optimism about science, the future, and our society. If we can possibly manage to heal (heel) ourselves, it will take years for the crazies to abandon their full on Harpy mode (no offense to women intended, but the foul malign creature part is apt)…
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I’ve been to Seattle numerous times over the years and gone up the Space Needle twice. The one thing that freaks me out a bit is the feeling that the observation deck is canted downwards oh-so-slightly from the middle to the outer edge so that one might sail into space somehow approaching the windows!
The other goofy thing about this part of the City is the Seattle Monorail that takes you there! Sooooo retro it’s nostalgia-sad in a big way for that lost optimism one speaks of. VERY I.G.Y. and you can’t go back in time-ish.
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Stood at the base of The Needle when I was 4. Nuh uh, no way was I going up there. Finally went up when I was 40ish. Once. For me that elevator with a view brings out the worst of my height aversion. 🫣 But I hear the food is good.
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Growing up, we used to go to the St. Francis on Union Square in SF to ride the elevator to the top (it was glass and was on the outside of the building part way up), and it was an express and super-fast. The way down we would jump in the air and it felt like you were suspended in air for just a moment longer than usual. It was very fun!
Rgds,
TG
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I discovered that glass elevator on a late night arrival. I usually had a room in the old building but that trip I was in the tower. I know where the stairs are now.
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We spent an afternoon in Seattle on one of our national parks trip, between North Cascades and Olympic. We stopped by the Space Needle but visibility was very poor that day and decided not to go up. One of my favorite T-shirts is this indigenous interpretation.
https://eighthgeneration.com/collections/louie-gong/products/our-home-shirt-1
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Seems like it was only yesterday …
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I was excited to go to Seattle specifically to see the Space Needle. It was opened to the public when I was six and the news coverage of it thrilled me. When I finally visited, yes, I sang the Jetson’s theme song and walked around, adoring the views, and the optimistic vision the SN represented to America.
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I had no idea you lived in Seattle, hello neighbor…
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