A Grown Man's Guide to Skydiving for the First Time (with only minimal crying)

I’m not a fan of heights. Not phobia status or anything. I just prefer to have my feet planted firmly on solid ground. So, as you might expect, the thought of going skydiving, of jumping out of a perfectly good airplane, rarely crossed my mind. When it did, it was quickly followed by another thought. ‘I would never do that’. Most of my family doesn’t share my fear. My brother went skydiving on his 21st birthday, and my mom, well, simply put she’s hardcore.

Rapping with the King of Old School: Seattle's own Sir Mix-A-Lot

Seattle's own Sir Mix-A-Lot, true rap royalty, rules the airwaves at HOT 103. 7 from 5 - 9 a. m. weekdays. He's spinning throwback hits, and making his listeners laugh! "It's like the best thing in the world - I'm not kidding! ," said his producer Tracy Sing. "To do to work everyday and to know what I get to work with the 'King of Old School. ' It's like - c'mon! Sometimes I need to pinch myself. " The 'King of Old School' was born Anthony Ray, and he was raised right here in Seattle.

Photos: Dave Matthews held a secret concert in Columbia City last night

Photos: 'Save the Showbox' rally brings crowds to City Hall before public hearing

Take a Step Into the Past at Hovander Homestead Park

Close your eyes and imagine all the places you pass on your way to Canada. First you go through Everett, then there is the tulip town, then Bellingham and Western Washington University. After that, it’s Blaine and the border crossing, right? Wrong! Tucked between Bellingham and the border, there are a number of darling places, one of them being Hovander Homestead Park in Whatcom County’s city of Ferndale. The place is gorgeous!

Photos: You have four more days to get your [WA State] Fair Food on

5 Hidden Green Spaces near Downtown Seattle

It’s no secret that Seattle has an abundance of lush city parks, but sometimes it feels like everyone is visiting the same spots. Beat the crowds by exploring these lesser-known city parks and private spaces that few people realize are open to the public. Downtown Rooftop DeckEnter the office building located at 4th and Madison, take the elevator up to the 7th floor, and follow the sign for the public garden.

Photos: Of the 225+ vessels at The Boat Show, the Afterglow is the largest

A 100 percent Dog-Friendly Day in Seattle

Ahh, Seattle. Where pups prevail over people - quite literally. Why do we have more puppy pals than children in this city? See below, and hence the whole reason for this article - and probably the reason you clicked on it. We love our dogs and want to incorporate them into as many parts of our lives as possible. Meet Kenai, my trusted colleague on this day-long excursion. In honor of Seattle’s bond with our pups, Kenai and I traced a perfect dog’s day around Seattle.

Photos: The most unusual boat at The Boat Show was a 32-foot trimaran

Oh my gourd! A glass pumpkin patch is coming to town

Now that September is officially upon us, it’s time for pumpkin, spice, and everything nice. So why not trick-or-treat yourself with some Fall fun? Schack Art Center, an admission-free visual art gallery in downtown Everett, is hosting their annual Schack-toberfest from September 13 to 23. That means 10 days of glass pumpkins, art activities, and one exclusive, adult-only evening of beer and local art.

Thousands swarm downtown Seattle for Storm's WNBA victory parade

Hundreds of fans crowded into downtown Seattle Sunday as the Seattle Storm paraded through the city. Trolleys full of coaches and players chugged along Broad Street in front of the Storm faithful. The team won their third WNBA title after sweeping the Washington Mystics in three games. Not only is the Storm the number one team in the WNBA, but in the city as well.

Photos: The oldest boat at The Boat Show also used to belong to Kenny Rogers

Photos: Toby Keith rocks the night away at the Washington State Fair

Review: 'White Boy Rick' is a too-crazy-to-be-real story, that actually is real

Rick Wershe Jr. It’s a name you probably don’t know. He was an FBI informant who helped bring down drug kingpins, a gaggle of rotten cops and other gang members in ‘80s Detroit. When law enforcement ended their contract with him, Wershe turned to selling drugs, taking over the game he helped expose. He then became a target, was eventually arrested and sentenced to life in prison. All this before he turned eighteen.

Photos: Onboard the most expensive yacht at The Seattle Boat Show

Dog People: We found your new favorite movie

Dog lovers, beware. There’s a new Marley & Me in town, and this one’s tailor-made to suck you in and spit you out of the theater with a saccharine, if not somewhat insipid, feeling by the time the credits roll.Pick of the Litter follows five Labrador puppi

This woman talks to animals, and she says you can too

Like most pet owners, Joan Ranquet adores animals. But that connection goes beyond cuddles and walks - Ranquet says she can communicate with them too. "I talk to dogs, cats and horses of course," she said. "But I also take people on wildlife trips and talk to lions, dolphins and whales. " But don't call her a pet psychic. Ranquet is an internationally-renowned Animal Communicator, and she says it's a skill anyone can learn.

Waitress Star Desi Oakley is Serving Up A Slice of Ins-PIE-ration Onstage

Start with a story of friendship and romance. Mix in some singing and dancing. Add a dash of magic. It's the winning recipe for the musical Waitress at Seattle's Paramount Theatre. Actress Desi Oakley shines on stage in the lead role of Jenna. "Jenna is a fighter. Her friends call her the queen of kindness and goodness," explains Oakley. "She's been through a lot. but she wouldn't tell you that she's been through a lot, and she breaks my heart on stage... she doesn't realize her potential. "

Photos: Diamonds were our best friends at Ben Bridge's Grand Re-Opening

Storm sweeps Mystics for 3rd WNBA Championship, parade scheduled for Sunday

FAIRFAX, Va. (AP) — Sue Bird and Breanna Stewart fretted following the regular-season opener after the Seattle Storm lost at home to the Phoenix Mercury. "We thought, 'Oh, crap, what kind of year is this going to be? '" Bird reminisced. The answer came nearly four months later with a championship. Stewart led the Storm to their third WNBA title Wednesday night, scoring 30 points in a 98-82 victory over the Washington Mystics in Game 3 of the best-of-five series.

Photos: A Puyallup performance, Seal-ed with a Kiss

RUFFined Spotlight: Moose the French Bulldog

Documenting Love: Tressa & Geoff's Story

We could not be more excited that photographer/blogger/genius Alexandra Celia has joined our team here at Seattle Refined. She has devoted her career to documenting love in its purest and most original form - which you'll see in her photos. Every now and t

Happy Endings Do Exist: Thelma & Louise finally have a new home

Last month we introduced you to two very special pups who stole our hearts. Thelma and Louise were two feral dogs who went through an incredible recovery with the help our friends over at Saving Great Animals, but were in desperate need of a loving home. After some time, Thelma and Louise were finally adopted by the O'Brien family!

Photos: Florence and the Machine kicks off the 'High as Hope' tour in Seattle

Photos: Portland's Rose City Comic Con saves the best for last on its final day

Photos: Sam Smith and his amazing voice come to the Emerald City

Photos: Day 2 of Portland’s Comic Con highlights the craziest costumes

Photos: Portland's annual Comic Book Convention brings hundreds to Rose City

Review: 'The Nun', sure as all that is holy, does not leave a mark

Often the crux of the horror film genre is religious iconography and folklore. There wouldn’t be "The Exorcist" without the belief of the Catholic Church that demons can inhabit human bodies. There’s the mythology that the devil can implant his spawn into a woman’s womb, as portrayed in "Rosemary’s Baby". Heck, even vampires, arguably the most overplayed mystical villain, can be taken down by two pieces of wood and a sprinkling of water.

The Weekend Report: What's Cookin'

Welcome to the Weekend Report - where we tell you what's up in Seattle this weekend, the things you definitely don't want to miss. Why should we have all the fun at these events? Most of the things we are previewing here, we will be at - so if you see us s

Prepare to be WOWed by Cirque du Soleil's 'VOLTA'

Mesmerizing. That's the word to describe VOLTA, the new Cirque du Soliel show now playing at Redmond's Marymoor Park. It's the 15th year Cirque has wowed audiences in the Seattle area, but this particular performance is really something special.

Photos: The Game of Thrones Live Concert Experiences comes to KeyArena

Review: Jennifer Garner makes a disappointing return to crime-fighting in 'Peppermint'

Here’s the deal. Jennifer Garner, lovable and talented as she is, has been taking on softer, family-friendly roles. Her IMDb page includes some critical acclaim in the last five years with "Dallas Buyers Club" and "Men, Women & Children", but it’s become rarer and rarer that she agrees to a film that doesn’t involve talking cats ("Nine Lives"), a PG rating ("The Odd Life of Timothy Green") or, worst of all, a multi-story feature by Garry Marshall ("Mother’s Day").

The Do's and Don'ts of Social Media

I realize that generally speaking, this article is not needed for most people under the age of 19, however, even as an avid social media user, it’s so easy to just post away (or not post at all) without even thinking. I used to be one of these people and i

Serving up a winner for Refined's 'Waitress' Pie Contest!

This musical 'Waitress' tells the story of Jenna,  a waitress slash pie maker and her dreams of saying *so long* to her small town and loveless mariage. A baking contest may be her best chance at changing her life. Refined wanted to help some of our viewers see waitress on stage at the Paramount Theatre! So we whipped up a contest, and asked them to write in and share the story behind their favorite homemade pie. Entries came pouring in like fruit filling!

RUFFined Spotlight: Eppley Jas the Tabby Cat

PNW Concert Guide: September 2018

If you are a music fiend like me, you pour over ticketing websites at the beginning of the month to see who is bringing their tour to our city. Without further adieu, I bring you our monthly concert guide so you won't miss your favorite artist when they co

Get to know the next Bachelor, Colton Underwood

Ready or not, Colton Underwood is the next Bachelor, so lets take a walk down his memory lane.

79 of the very best costumes at PAX 2018

Photos: 2018 Penny Arcade Expo saves the best for last on final day

Photos: The final day of Bumbershoot Festival may just have been the craziest

Photos: Hundreds in costume attend Day 3 of gaming convention in downtown Seattle

Photos: Day 2 of Bumbershoot brings hundreds of fans to Seattle Center

54 photos of elaborate ensembles at Day 2 of PAX

Photos: Lil Wayne, The Chainsmokers kick off Day 1 of Bumbershoot Music Festival

Photos: Annual Penny Arcade Expo brings crazy costumes to Seattle

Photos: Zac Brown Band brings thousands to downtown Seattle

The Weekend Report: What's Cookin'

Welcome to the Weekend Report - where we tell you what's up in Seattle this weekend, the things you definitely don't want to miss. Why should we have all the fun at these events? Most of the things we are previewing here, we will be at - so if you see us s

Hundreds of hopefuls audition for 'American Idol' in Bellevue, WA

Hundreds of people from all over the Northwest packed Bellevue's Meydenbauer Center hoping to take the first step towards stardom. Everyone's goal, the same, become the next American Idol. With just one chance to impress producers the contestants were going for it. Refined sent a team to hear the highs and lows of the audition. Watch the clip and enjoy! The hit series is set to return to ABC in early 2019.

Can you guess which WA cities have the 'safest' drivers?

I, personally, think that every driver in Washington is the worst, except for myself and my mother. Okay, I said it.Quote Wizard, an online insurance comparison marketplace, compiled a list of ten cities in Washington that have the safest drivers. They use

Rondeau's Reviews: 'Operation Finale'

What does evil look like? And would you know it if you saw it? That's the question I kept asking myself during Operation Finale.The film tells the true story of the raid and capture of notorious Nazi Adolph Eichmann by Israeli Mossad agents in Argentina ci

Photos: Seattle City Hall becomes Kitty Hall for the day

Inside the 60th Reunion of the very first graduating class of Mercer Island High

It felt like the fabulous fifties when the Mercer Island High School Class of 1958 gathered at a local drive-in to share hugs,  kisses and heartfelt memories.The pages of a time-worn yearbook show faces full of promise and potential as the very first gradu

Coy Bowles, guitarist from Zac Brown Band, talks Seattle, music inspo & life on the road

Let me first start out by saying that this was a fun interview for me. I love me some rock ‘n’ roll-country-soul and Coy Bowles, a guitarist from Zac Brown Band, served me ALL OF IT through his thick southern drawl and his pure love for music.The wildly po

Ready to take your yoga practice to the next level? Try a retreat

Yoga is a Hindu spiritual and ascetic discipline, a part of which, including breath control, simple meditation, and the adoption of specific bodily postures, is widely practiced for health and relaxation. Years have now passed since its first inception, an

RUFFined Spotlight: Donna the Chihuahua

Photos: We visited a medieval English village this weekend

To Parents, From Teachers: Our Best Advice Before the School Year Starts

My mom is a teacher. My sister is a teacher. My best friend is a teacher. Which means, around here, the end of summer and the beginning of fall is all about school!These gals live and breathe school. Their classrooms are like their second home; their stude

Tito’s Vodka is all about spirit—the spirit of saving lives, that is

Seattleites shook up their weekend plans by sipping summer cocktails for a good cause. On Saturday, August 25, Tito’s Handmade Vodka took a stand (quite literally) to help find a cure for breast cancer at Seattle’s Standup for the Cure.This festival-style

Photos: Locals dance their way around Seward Park at annual SAMBAthon

Photos: Car enthusiasts come out in droves to enjoy the 41st LeMay Annual Show

Photos: It's a Sea of Pink as Hundreds Stand Up for the Cure on Lake Sammamish

Movers & Shakers: Anthony White is taking Seattle's art scene by storm

Arguably one of Seattle’s hottest up-and-coming artists in his own right, when we talk to Anthony White, he has much more on his mind - and plate - than the plethora of personal wins he’s riding the high of.The recent Cornish College of the Arts grad has,

Rondeau's Review: 'The Happytime Murders'

Let's get one thing straight right off the top - if you're looking for an important movie that's going to get a lot of Oscar buzz - The Happytime Murders is not the film for you.But if you're looking for a totally gross sophomoric laugh out loud comedy tha

The Weekend Report: What's Cookin'

Welcome to the Weekend Report - where we tell you what's up in Seattle this weekend, the things you definitely don't want to miss. Why should we have all the fun at these events? Most of the things we are previewing here, we will be at - so if you see us s

5 Amazing Hot Springs in Washington State

Relaxing in a hot spring either tucked away in nature or in a more luxurious location is one of life’s greatest pleasures. We’ve gathered our favorite hot spring locations in Washington state, ranging from family-friendly spots with lots of pampering to pr

Photos: Smoke lifts just in time for Summer at SAM Closing Celebration

Rondeau's Reviews: 'Papillon', 'A.X.L.' & 'The Happytime Murders'

PapillonIf you're looking for a white knuckle thrill ride, Papillon seems like just the ticket. The remake of the 1973 prison escape drama stars Rami Malek and Charlie Hunnan as inmates sent to a penal colony in French Guyana. I missed the screening for th

Paris Jackson's Breast Cancer Journey: A Story of Friendship, Family & Faith

Mornings are always bustling on the KOMO 4 Morning News set. For the past five years, anchors Kelly Koopmans, Seth Wayne and Paris Jackson have been a tight knit team. But what viewers might not realize is that friendship they see on screen doesn't stop at

Photos: Smoke casts an eerie shadow on popular Seattle viewpoints

It's like something out of a film noir...

Photos: Incredible prizes at Standup for the Cure this weekend

This weekend is Stand Up for the Cure in Lake Sammamish! Enjoy a day on the lake and raise money for early breast cancer detection, treatment and education. More info at komonews.com/standup.

KOMO News Radio's Carleen Johnson shares why she's Standing Up for The Cure

Carleen Johnson has made a career of telling other people's stories as a reporter and anchor or KOMO News Radio. But now, Johnson is sharing a personal story of her own.Exactly three years ago, Johnson went in for a routine mammogram, and right away - she

Spot the Mammogram Van at Standup for the Cure

It’s almost here - Standup for the Cure! Come have fun in the sun, support an incredible cause, and be proactive in taking control and educating yourself on your health.Early detection is SO important in increasing survival rates in breast cancer, so feel

RUFFined Spotlight: Russell the Boxer

The first Bungee Workout Studio on the West Coast just opened in Seattle

A new workout has bounced its way into Seattle! Coreo Fitness in lower Queen Anne lets people leap their way into shape...while attached to a bungee cord. Needless to say there's nothing else quite like it around, in fact - it's the first bungee workout st

Photos: Detailed, brilliant & stunning chalk murals line the streets of Redmond

Delta's new marketing campaign guilt-trips Seattleites to visit their moms

Okay first of all - CALL YOUR MOM. Because she misses you.Delta Airlines launched a new marketing campaign that gives long-distance moms with adult children living in Seattle an opportunity to persuade their children to COME HOME. Delta's ne

Seattle Gold Grills is in the business to bling out your smile

It was back in 2006 when St. Louis rapper Nelly hit number one on the Hot 100 with “Grillz,” his ode to the blinged-out oral grin, proclaiming “If I could call it a drink, call it a smile on the rocks.”Now, over a decade later, Fred Bennett Jr., of Seattle

Photos: Hundreds get inked at the 2018 Seattle Tattoo Expo

Fans recall their favorite memories at The Showbox

Seattle's Showbox has been temporarily saved by the city council and we are EXTREMELY thrilled about it After rumors of a Vancouver, B.C. developer coming into our city to tear down the music mecca, locals went wild.Seattleites and big names like Ben Gibba

9 Photos of the Emerald City's Coolest Doors

Photos: Nope, that's not the wildfires - that's Seattle's 2018 Hempfest

The Weekend Report: What's Cookin'

Welcome to the Weekend Report - where we tell you what's up in Seattle this weekend, the things you definitely don't want to miss. Why should we have all the fun at these events? Most of the things we are previewing here, we will be at - so if you see us s

A Beginner's Guide to Puzzle Rooms

I want to start things off by saying - I'M A COMPLETE FAILURE. Have you heard of puzzle rooms, or escape rooms? They're popping up all over the country, and are basically a giant interactive game that requires people to gather in a themed room with an intr

Spicy, Sexy, Sassy: The 2018 Latin Music Awards are HOT HOT HOT

Take the #BoldforBlood Challenge at KOMO Plaza & Save Lives!

Head on down to KOMO Plaza tomorrow, Friday, August 17th from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. to donate blood! There will be a Bloodworks Northwest bloodmobile for their #BoldforBlood campaign.The blood bank is at critically low levels for blood right now, especially O ne

25 Years Later: 'Sleepless in Seattle' is still unlike any other rom-com in the market

I was twelve when the popsicle stand finally blew. My parents were going their separate ways. As a child whose greatest accomplishment was beating Bowzer in Nintendo 64, I couldn’t imagine anything worse. What would that mean for me? And, more importantly,

RUFFined Spotlight: Stevie the Devon Rex

Documenting Love: Alan & Allison's Story

Note from Seattle Refined: We could not be more excited that photographer/blogger/genius Alexandra Celia has joined our team here at Seattle Refined. She has devoted her career to documenting love in its purest and most original form - which you'll see in

An Exclusive Sneak Peak into the Kirkland Performance Center's NEW Season

The Kirkland Performance Center is a unique venue where you can catch some of the brightest stars on stage in an intimate one-of a kind setting.It's a great place to see a show, there's only four hundred seats in the auditorium in the venue and the back ro

The Ultimate Survival Guide to Wedding Season

It’s that time of year where your friends start asking, “how many weddings do you have this summer?” Whether you’re attending as a friend, part of the bridal party, or just there for the free food and drinks, there’s no doubt that wedding season is in full

You don’t want to miss the glamour, music, and salsa at the Latin Music Awards

If you’ve ever dreamt of going to the Grammy’s, this is going to be one party you don’t want to miss. Get ready to get glam, as Seattle’s 3rd annual Latin Music Awards kicks off at the Pacific Science Center on August 16.This exclusive after-hours gala wil

MoPop's Pearl Jam exhibit is Ready to Rock!

The Pearl Jam, Home and Away exhibit at MoPop is a showcase of priceless memorabilia from the hometown rock heroes' rise to stardom and continuing influence on the music scene around the world. Jacob McMurray is a curator at MoPop and says this collection

Photos: Zero gravity experience returns to Seattle