Jean Godden

Jean Godden wrote columns first for the Seattle Post-Intelligencer and late for the Seattle Times. In 2002, she quit to run for City Council where she served for 12 years. Since then she published a book of city stories titled “Citizen Jean.” She is now co-host of The Bridge aired on community station KMGP at 101.1 FM. You can email tips and comments to Jean at jgodden@blarg.net.

Goodbye to the Germy Handshake

Folklore has it that extending an empty hand was a sign of trust, showing that one's hand was free of weapons. The gesture of "shaking" hands did double duty, serving to dislodge knives or other objects concealed in a sleeve.

Weather Wimps get the Collywobbles over a Heat Wave

There are reasons that the weather wimps have collywobbles. We can't drive in snow (or plow it), and Seattle is the least air-conditioned big city in the nation.

Wealthy Women Giving Generously: MacKenzie Scott

Women are more visible in philanthropy today because they've been fighting for a seat at every table for decades. Gender matters in philanthropy. Men and women engage in giving differently; not necessarily better, but differently.

Lights Out: To All the Restaurants We’ve Lost during COVID

The average life of a new restaurant is a single year. I repeat: One year. Running a restaurant is not just about creative cooking; it requires real talent and hard work. We have a duty to support these brave souls.

Happy Pig War Day! (my favorite war)

The Pig War took an admirable place in world history. It signaled that there are ways nations can peacefully resolve competing claims. Bloodshed can be averted by compromise and arbitration. And so it is that the Pig War remains an altercation where the one and only casualty was a pig. It is my favorite war, the war that ended before it started.

Amy Klobuchar: Why we need new Anti-Monopoly Laws (and to enforce them)

She describes how she happened to write the book, beginning with a phone call that arrived shortly after she was sworn in as a new U.S. senator in 2008. A pharmacist at Children's Hospital in Minneapolis called asking for help: the price of a life-saving drug used to treat premature babies had suddenly increased astronomically in price.

An epic Charter Divide: Public Battle over Seattle Homelessness Proposal

Five former Seattle City Councilmembers penned an op ed attacking the Charter Amendment proposal. Another former councilmember, Tim Burgess, fired back.

Lummi Carvers Send a Totem Pole to President Biden

The totem is a gift from the Lummis -- Lhoq'temish (people of the sea) -- to President Joe Biden. Carved from a 400-year-old red cedar tree, the totem will be displayed at the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian.

Bumber-Shot: A Beleaguered Seattle Festival goes Back to the Drawingboard

This year would have marked the beloved music and arts festival's 50th anniversary. Instead, owing to continuing virus concerns and insufficient lead time, Bumbershoot has been postponed until 2022.In typical Seattle style, the pathway ahead has been handed over to a committee.

Trouble in Paradise: Lummi Islanders React to a National Expose of its Famous Restaurant

Noted a long-time resident of the Island, "Chefs at the Willows may be world famous but we have a lot of good cooks on the island. I can't wait 'til we can go back to the island's Potluck Dinners."

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