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The cradle of the Pacific
Northwest, shrouded in rain and far from traditional
power centers, Washington has carved its own destiny the
way the Native Americans once carved their totems. The
state -- led by explosive growth in Seattle -- has
emerged as an economic force to be reckoned with, and an
accompanying mythology has emerged to explain the
phenomenon. Think Bill Gates, Starbucks, and the Inland
Empire; think Nirvana, rain, and Mt. Rainier. The newest
land of opportunity has lured droves of Easterners away
from their cramped cubicles, up from the subways and
trains, and into the great outdoors. From Seattle to
Spokane, Washington is a land of amazing diversity, with
seemingly limitless opportunities for every recreational
and professional interest.
Accompanying the state's booming commerce is an
equally vibrant and diverse cultural life. From Pearl
Jam to Picasso, no aspect of artistic expression goes
unexplored or unexpressed. Native American traditions
rub shoulders with avante garde performance art.
Simultaneously, the old West influence emerges at rodeos
and county fairs throughout the state, where more
conventional values and expressions are given voice.
What can we say? Washington's far-ranging economy,
unique environment, and raw natural resources reinforce
its reputation as the happenin' place to be.
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