Op-Ed: 'I still love living in West Seattle'

It almost felt like it was too much to bear, but with the work from home order in place it seemed like as good a time as any to live on an "Accidental Island".

Photos: Carnation, WA - home of the World's Champion Milk Cow statue

Her name was Possum Sweetheart, and in 1920 she obliterated the single cow world record for milk produced by pumping out 37,361 pounds of milk.

Review: The liveliness & energy of 'Raya and the Last Dragon' are undeniable

The world has spoken, and Disney has listened. The latest admission into the Disney vault is "Raya and the Last Dragon", a female-led, swashbuckling action-adventure set in a fictional Southeast Asian land, featuring an all-star cast of Asian voiceover actors.

Artist of the Week: Nida Ansari

"I passionately believe that you do not choose art, but art chooses you, and it is up to you to put in the work to refine your skills."

Review: 'Pixie' has us asking a loooot of questions

"Pixie" is a hard one to pinpoint

Maple Valley academy teaches anyone & everyone to be a Rock 'n' Roller

Dace & Arielle founded the non-profit music academy back in 2005. Since then they've taught thousands of students, from the young - to the young at heart.

Review: 'Land' is small in scope, enormous in emotional implications

Robin Wright stars as Edee, a woman who ditches the big city for an eerily remote cabin at the top of a mountain. Living is now about surviving and ensuring that she has enough food, cover and warmth as the seasons turn and nature runs its course.

That makes two! Second Seattle contestant Philip Murphy to appear on 'American Idol'

The new season of ABC's American Idol is underway, and while we introduced you to one PNW contestant already (Benson Boone from Monroe), guess what - there's more?! Philip Murphy is originally from Baltimore, but now lives in Seattle and travel the country playing music. Though he's had many hardships in his life, including being born half blind, he maintains a positive outlook and that came shining through in our chat with him. Seattle Refined: Thank you so much for talking to us today!

Seattle's Durandy pays homage to Duran Duran 's 40th anniversary with coffee table book

Right here in Washington, one super-fan has made it his mission to collect and preserve as much of the band's legacy as possible. And he's written a book about it.

Capitol Hill bookshop takes a novel approach to bibliotherapy

There's a shop in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood that's truly a new chapter for book lovers. Kari Ferguson is the owner of Oh Hello Again, and she literally went by the book when it came to organizing the space. "Typically, books are organized by author’s last name within sections like fiction or science fiction or fantasy YA, Romance," she said. "So we’ve kind of turned that all on it’s head here. " (Image: Malia Karlinsky / Seattle Refined)

The Colorization Collective: Seattle area teens' initiative promotes diversity in the arts

Through a mentorship program (in collaboration with Seattle's TeenTix), they aim to support teen artists of color by pairing them with adult artists of color, who provide education and resources about maintaining a career in the arts.

Movers & Shakers: Mutsuko Soma is only West Coast chef rolling traditional soba noodles

Chef Mutsuko Soma is on a quest, and a delicious one at that. Her endeavor? To put the Soba noodle on the world map.

RUFFined Spotlight: Tanner the Chow Mix

Likes: Walks. Dislikes: The sound of the answering machine.

Get those steps in! Couple sets pandemic goal to walk every street & alley in Queen Anne

The final stats are incredibly impressive: 85 walks totaling 228 miles and 21,319 feet of ascent, requiring three days 18 hours to complete.

Photos: Meet Everett's giant fiberglass Muffler Man, one of four in WA

The Stevedoring Muffler Man is one of four in Washington, though the remaining structures are either privately owned or only make special appearances during annual events.

Photos: Visiting WA's 'Little Grand Canyon' at Palouse Falls State Park

You don't have to drive across state lines to see a glimpse of the famed Grand Canyon - just pack a Discover Pass for an equally amazing vista.

Artist of the Week: Mariah Belgrod

"I used to stand on the landing of my grandmother's stairs and steal her fancy hats to perform weekly cabarets for everyone."

Review: 'Billie Eilish: The World's a Little Blurry' is raw, unassuming & fascinating

If you're under 25, you may not know Billie Eilish, the 19-year-old musical phenom who swept the Grammys in 2020, winning five statues including Best New Artist and Song of the Year.

Tojo Commissary creates a space + community for small food-processing companies

Jody Haynes and Tomer Shneor, owners of ZIVA Mediterranean Foods, welcome other small startups into their food incubator space, Tojo Commissary.

Meet Tyrah Majors: Traffic Anchor, Author & Illustrator

Tyrah Majors is the new traffic reporter at KOMO News - but she's ALSO an author and illustrator!

Photos: #ThatNWBus is an iconic roadside attraction outside Washtucna, WA

Seattle toilet paper company gets big-name backers like Paltrow, Kutcher & more

Ryan Fritsch is the first to tell you, he didn't expect to end up in the toilet paper business. He studied political science during his undergrad days at the University of Washington. But as Fritsch and his good friend Austin Watkins looked into ways that could make a positive impact on the planet, the duo realized something as simple as T. P. could have a serious impact. That's why they founded Cloud Paper.

Movers & Shakers: Melanie Granger created a kids space for & by the South Park community

Granger's South Park Hall is used for events (before COVID), but also as an affordable indoor play space for children to learn through exploration and social interaction called We Free Hearts.

Expecting a Baby During a Pandemic: The McCain Family

Ashley has been pregnant nine out of the 11 months of the pandemic, and is due late February.

RUFFined Spotlight: Najat the Gorgeous Flop Muffin

Likes: Nose Boops. Dislikes: Puddles.

Refined Review: Cute Refillable Sanitizer Sprayer

I tested how difficult it is to attach this product to a child (mine, not some random kid) and it was pretty hard to clip the Sanikind Mini to a moving target.

'Tales of Quarantine': Initiative challenges students to submit their pandemic stories

Submit a piece of art addressing the theme for a chance to earn $1500+ in prizes!

Photos: Spokane is home to the World's Largest Radio Flyer Wagon

The structure is said to comfortably hold up to 300 children at a time.

Artist of the Week: Mike Reid

"Each month in each season draws me into nature in different directions."

Asian-Owned Businesses & Restaurants in Seattle You Can Support Right Now

Intentionalist. com is a fantastic resource for you to "Spend Like It Matters" - because it does. They compile information on small, local businesses throughout the country so you can make more informed decisions about where you eat, shop, get your hair done (when that's allowed again), and generally spend your money. We used their amazing resources to compile and amplify these Asian-owned businesses in the Seattle area.

Review: 'Nomadland' named 2020's Best Picture by Seattle Film Critics Society

The film details the life of a newly minted, modern American nomad who lives and travels the country in a van, working odd jobs and surviving thanks to the community of like-minded people.

8 things I added to my morning routine to feel a little more human

Every morning around 5:30, like clockwork, my cat gets out of bed and starts to meow — anyone who owns a cat, you know exactly what I'm talking about. At this point, I'm not sure if it's him who has conditioned me to wake up at the same time every morning, or vice versa. Regardless, every morning, I slug out of bed to feed him, or else that meow transforms into what I can only describe as a howl, and no one needs to hear that.

Six Washington castles you didn't even know existed

Castle curious after binge-watching Bridgerton?

Eddie Vedder and artist Keegan Hall raise $100k for charity - in one hour

"I’m a Pearl Jam fan and I know we’re all diehards but even that was like WHOA! That was wild."

After painting +150 healthcare worker portraits, local artist to self-publish book

It's all about the eyes. At least it is to Jayashree Krishnan when she is painting one of her portraits of a healthcare worker treating patients in a COVID unit. That's essentially the only part of them you can see through all the personal protective equipment they wear. This has been the Seattle-based artist's passion project since May of 2020 — painting portraits of the healthcare workers on the frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic.

Cougar Gold Candles light the way for young athletes thru Hilinski's Hope

If you're ever visited the Washington State University campus in Pullman, chances are you've stopped by the WSU Creamery, home of the 'World Famous Natural Cougar Gold'. This delicious cheese already enjoys a local cult following - and the now the secret's out. It's recently become famous outside of our state afterBon Appétit Magazinepublished a glowing review about the 'cheese in a can'. It was that iconic can itself that sparked an idea for Seattle's Christine Smithberg.

Preserving the legacy of Seattle's first Black-owned bookstore

L. E. M. S Life Enrichment Store, Seattle's first Black-owned bookstore, faced hardship after the passing of its owner, Vickie Williams, in 2017. Today, William's granddaughter Tylicia Messiah is spearheading preservation efforts of this iconic and beloved space. L. E. M. S (which stands for Learning, Education, Materials and Software) started off as a Christian bookstore that was founded by Messiah's great-grandma and great-aunt.

Photos: Seattle's Great Wheel now offers a four-course meal service

Talk about dinner with a view!

Review: 'Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar' is a tad messy

At its core, "Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar" is not the worst conceit Hollywood has inflicted on paying audiences. Coming from an SNL alum in a film that relies almost completely on a comedian's ability to play a silly, hyperbolic part, it's safe to call an Adam Sandler-audible and say we've seen far, far worse. Kristen Wiig takes on perhaps her most popular character: a hokey middle aged Midwesterner, here named Star.

This Seattleite spent months making a kinetic LEGO sculpture honoring Alex Trebek

I'll take "creativity" for $800, Alex.

Snowmageddon 2021: The Capitol Hill Scene Report

Doesn't everything just look better with snow on it?

Review: 'The Map of Tiny Perfect Things' is a tale as old as time

Then time again. Then time again. Then time again.

Review: 'Minari' is a sweet, melancholy look at the immigrant experience

"Minari" by writer-director Lee Isaac Chung is a simultaneously sweet and melancholy look at the immigrant experience, based off that of Chung's family, who immigrated to America from Korea and settled in rural Arkansas.

Open Now (or Soon): Seattle area museums, landmarks and other activities

Museums, landmarks and aquariums - oh my!

Photos: Snow day scenes around Western Washington

Benson Boone from Monroe, WA sings his way onto 'American Idol' premiere

The new season of ABC's American Idol is getting underway, and we all have someone to cheer for. Seattle Refined has been there over the years as local folks auditioned in person - but this year has been different, with auditions happening over Zoom. Benson Boone from Monroe, WA gave us the scoop on auditioning online, how he discovered his passion for singing and his crush on a certain American Idol judge.

Photos: Get Your Heart Pumping on a Nighttime Snowmobile Tour

Experience the sparkle of fresh snow on the headlights of a snowmobile with Leavenworth Snowmobile Tours

5+ events to honor, celebrate Black History Month in Seattle

While we may not be able to gather in person these days, there are still so many wonderful ways to celebrate Black History Month. "Black History Month was established almost 100 years ago in 1926 by Dr. Carter G. Woodson" said LaNesha DeBardelaben, President and CEO of The Northwest African American Museum located in Seattle. "It was established as Negro History Week and it has thus expanded. It calls us all to honor and to uplift Black lives, Black brilliance, Black excellence, Black voices. "

Meet Lenny the Lizard, Cle Elum's own Up-and-Coming Chef

Lenny the Lizard is a central bearded dragon who lives in Cle Elem with his 'ghostwriter' Valerie Musser.

Free Little Art Gallery pops up in Seattle's Queen Anne neighborhood

Move over, Free Little Libraries!

Local concert series hopes to raise human trafficking awareness in Seattle & PNW

Seattle Against Slavery(SAS) is a grassroots coalition doing incredibly important work in our own backyard.

Movers & Shakers: Seasoned entrepreneur Jane Park moves brand to brand, seamlessly

Jane Park, CEO/Founder at Tokki ranks high on the list of most impressive 2020 pivots.

RUFFined Spotlight: Toby the Terrier Mix

From Guadalajara to Ballard!

Through the Lens: TV Shows & Movies starring the Space Needle (real or fake)

For those born after 1962, it is hard to comprehend what Seattle looked like without its most prominent landmark, the Space Needle. It has become so synonymous with the city, that many movie and TV series has used this unique skyscraper to help establish locations. However, many of these productions weren't even filmed in town, and would just use some stock footage of the icon. For instance, the movie "Where’d You Go Bernadette? " was actually shot in Pittsburgh.

Artist of the Week: Michi Tsuji

"Inspiration comes from the story of each individual towel."

Review: 'Bliss' leaves plot, characters open to frustrating interpretation

"Bliss", which stars big names Salma Hayek and Owen Wilson, is still swirling around my mind days later, and not quite in the can't-stop-thinking-about-it, wow-what-a-work-of-art kind of way you'd hope. The film is a sci-fi drama with romantic implications - kind of?

Photos: Go Red for Women! Raising awareness for heart health

Review: Zendaya gives a powerhouse performance in 'Malcolm & Marie'

"Malcolm & Marie" is unexpectedly contemporary, yet also enduring.

Local actor Yuji Okumoto kicks butt in 'Cobra Kai'

Seattle's own Yuji Okumoto is reprising one of his most famous roles as the character 'Chozen' from the film "Karate Kid Part 2."

'Micro Weddings': New Ballard event space created just for COVID gatherings

Seattle couple Sean and Laura decided to make their wedding "micro" and in doing so, found a solution not only for themselves, but for couples in the same boat.

Where is the longest running retail store in WA? Ocean Park

A sign in the window tells it like it is: "An Old Store. Lots of Stuff". Both of which have made this retail store infamous, at least around these parts.

The Weeknd's 2022 concert is first show to be announced at Climate Pledge Arena

Well, this sure feels like a taste of "before times. " The Weeknd officially announced his After Hours World Tour, which includes stops in both Seattle and Tacoma come 2022. Lucky for us here in Western Washington, huh? The Weeknd will perform atClimate Pledge Arena on March 4, 2022 — the "first of many" big performers slated to perform at the brand new venue. "We look forward to continuing to reveal upcoming music and entertainment acts, including the arena's opener.

Go Red: This Friday, wear Red to raise awareness for women's heart health

Did you know that cardiovascular disease is the #1 killer of women, claiming more lives than all forms of cancer combined? It's a fact that's not well known, as the American Heart Association (AHA) has recently noticed a decline in awareness around the issue. Too many woman are unaware - particularly our youngest, most diverse female populations who are disproportionately at risk for heart disease or strokes. This Friday, we're teaming up with KOMO, STAR 101.

A Ghost Bowler in Puyallup? The legend of 'Daffodil Don'

Daffodil Bowl is a Puyallup institution that first opened its doors in 1957. While many people have bowled there over the years, employees said at least one bowler never leaves. “We have a ghost that loves bowling,” said owner Brad Swartz. Swartz bought Daffodil Bowla few years ago from a longtime previous owner, and it wasn't until they closed during the pandemic that he noticed something.

We talked to Bachelor Matt James on his season of 'firsts'

If you're watching this season of The Bachelor, you'll undoubtedly be aware that this season is one of many 'firsts'. Matt James is the franchise's first Black bachelor, he's the first non-Bachelor Nation lead (meaning he's never been on any other Bachelor franchises), and it's a season where we've seen more bullying from the women in the home than, in our opinion, we've seen in Bachelor history.

It's a girl! Woodland Park Zoo welcomes new baby gorilla

SEATTLE - Woodland Park Zoo has welcomed a new baby gorilla into the world. After an eight to nine month pregnancy, 24-year-old Nadiri gave birth at 10:25 a. m. on Friday. The newborn female is the second baby for Nadiri, and the first between her and dad, 21-year-old Kwame.

Movers & Shakers: Roshita Shreshta brings authentic Himalayan fare to Seattle

Welcome to Movers & Shakers; a series where we look deep into PNW life for people who are making moves, doing big things, and who are just - in general - being rad. Seattle is full of multi-talented and multi-faceted people, many at the intersection of technology and the arts. How do they find the time? What's their secret? Well, friends, we're here to find out. Meet Movers & Shakers; aka Seattle Refined attempting to capture the not-so-secret lives of impressive locals.

Artist of the Week: Nathan Nzanga

"When I was five, my mom put my siblings and me in church children's choir, and I've been performing ever since."

Review: Denzel Washington is compelling, believable in 'The Little Things'

"It's the little things that get you caught," says Denzel Washington's character Joe "Deke" Deacon, a former Los Angeles detective who had “the best clearance rate in the department but 15 years without a promotion”. He drove himself mad with the unsolved murders of a few female prostitutes, costing him his marriage, his job and his life. He relocated to a quiet, unassuming town somewhere "up north", working as a nondescript officer of the law until fate drew him back into the fray.

Top 6 Day Trips for Snowshoeing near Seattle

Most complete with truly unbeatable views on a clear day.

'Seattle deserves a team': Coach George Karl on Sonics glory days, our city's NBA future

Former Sonics coach George Karl is one-in-a-million when it comes to coaching: passionate, competitive and always unplugged. "I can'y deny, I miss the game," said Karl when we caught up with him recently via Zoom. Coach Karl lead the Supersonics to 384 wins in his seven years here in Seattle, taking the club to the playoffs every season - including the NBA finals. "There's no question I think my career has had a lot of blessings," he said.

Teen sisters are serving up free lessons and gear through Time to Tennis

Many young people in our area are utilizing their time and talent to help others out during this pandemic, including local high school studentNate Hempstead, who's using his 3-D printing skills to make facemasks for medical professionals — orBellevue teen Sophie Sanjani, who built a website to help restaurants and customers connect. One thing that's been missing for kids since the COVID-19 health crisis started is the opportunity to play sports.

Movers & Shakers: Kanchan Schindlauer pairs wine & wit, while also confronting gender bias

Welcome to Movers & Shakers; a series where we look deep into PNW life for people who are making moves, doing big things, and who are just - in general - being rad. Seattle is full of multi-talented and multi-faceted people, many at the intersection of technology and the arts. How do they find the time? What's their secret? Well friends, we're here to find out. Meet Movers & Shakers; aka Seattle Refined attempting to capture the not-so-secret lives of impressive locals.

RUFFined Spotlight: Truffle the Micro Poodle

Everywhere Truffle goes, she brings smiles to everyone!

Study finds WA nurses make avg. $86,170 yearly; 29th best-paying state in U.S.

Nearly three million nurses are working in the United States, and when it comes to how much they're paid, Washington ranks #29 in the country for best-paying states for nurses in 2021 — according to Business. org. The team at Business. org found that the average salary for a nurse in Washington is $86,170 (or $41. 43 an hour) — which is nearly 39% more than the average salary of other occupations in the state. They also found that nurses need to work more than 32 hours to afford a month's rent.

Review: 'Our Friend' is a love letter & thank you note to friends who always show up

As hard the film is to watch - particularly knowing it really happened to one unfortunate family - it still offers plenty of levity, thanks to the three leads whose chemistry is palpable.

Lake Stevens teacher & viral TikToker featured on inauguration special

Mackenzie Adams stole the hearts of many with her viral teaching TikTok videos, and Wednesday night, she got to be a part of the inauguration special, "Celebrating America. " TheGlenwood Elementary kindergarten teacher introduced Seattle's own Foo Fighters for their performance of "Times Like These" after a message from the President thanking the hardworking teachers who have gone above and beyond during the pandemic.

Photos: Thursdays are for the Burien Winter Market

Come one, come all!

Photos: Welcome Azul, the first female Malayan tiger at Woodland Park Zoo

Born in 2016 at the Bronx Zoo in New York, Azul made her way to Seattle and has spent the last month or so in quarantine under the watch of WPZ's veterinary care team.

Backyard Chicken Boom: The Eggcellent trend that's come to roost

"We have, I’m estimating now, ninety-five chickens, twenty-five quail and five ducks. We started with three when we lived in town. Chickens are the gateway farm animals, and it kind of snowballed!"

Photos: Hundreds gather in Seattle to honor life, legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.

The 39th Annual Seattle MLK Jr. Day march and rally took place midday at Garfield High School in Seattle's Central District, where hundreds gathered to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

A Geek's Guide to 2021 in the Pacific Northwest

Artist of the Week: Stacey Pollard

"During this crazy time, painting has been a way for me to be normal and just try to make something instead of doomscrolling."

Review: Four icons walk into a hotel room in 'One Night in Miami'

"One Night in Miami", the directorial debut of actress Regina King, imagines what the interaction (based on a real night from the history books in 1964) would look like when four historical figures shared a hotel room.

Review: 'Promising Young Woman' is a dark comedy that both thrills & chills

Sex, drugs and... a pernicious vendetta.

Documenting Love: Jenny & Ryan's Story

"Since we've moved into our new house, our beach walks have been my favorite thing. We sometimes go late at night when the tide is down, or in the morning on the weekends with a cup of coffee."

This year, take the 1,000 Hours Outside Challenge

If you do the math, this works out to be roughly three hours per day or twenty hours per week.

Edmonds pup is a bone-afide skateboarding sensation

Darrel The Doge is skating through life and delighting everyone along the way!

New BAM exhibit focusing on 'Natural Flavor. Artificial Color'

Yellow No. 5 is a cornucopia of color, ideas and expression.

Pantone's Color of the Year expert lives on Bainbridge Island

Every year, as the calendar turns to a fresh year, folks all over the world look forward to learning what color has been chosen to represent "the color of the year. " For the past two decades, that color has been chosen by the experts at the Pantone Color Institute. But there's a very cool local tie. Bainbridge Island resident Leatrice (Lee) Eiseman has been leading the influential group since the beginning.

Movers & Shakers: Clara Veniard & Martinique Grigg carry on history with Coro by Salumi

Fun Fact: Coro by Salumi happens to be the country's only woman-owned certified salami company.

RUFFined Spotlight: Lily the Jindo Mix

We heart Lily.

Artist of the Week: Amy Lisa Anderson

"I have been creating work since the first moment I can remember."

Review: 'Herself' is a sweet drama with an imperfect ending

Clare Dunne stars as Sandra, a battered wife who finally finds the courage to leave her abuser.

KOMO Blood Drive: Donate now to keep our community supply strong

You can save a life.

Trebek urges support for COVID-19 victims in 1 of last shows

NEW YORK (AP) — In a message taped for what turned out to be his final week as "Jeopardy! " host, Alex Trebek urged the game show's viewers to honor the season of giving by helping victims of the coronavirus epidemic. Trebek's plea aired in the opening moments of the show that aired on Monday. "We're trying to build a gentler, kinder society and if we all pitch in just a little bit, we're going to get there," he said.