Booze and pills! Costco wants everyone to have liquor, SPD seizes a load of drugs, and Rob McKenna is in a tizzy over the "turf war" in Seattle. Ah, Friday. more ›

Are we beginning to see gang violence rise again within Rainer Valley? Seattle Police Department's gang unit was brought in to investigate the drive-by shooting--injuring one man--that occurred last night around 10:30 p.m. on the 7400 block of Rainier Avenue South. With the help of witnesses, the officers found the identified car, recovered a gun and took five people in the shooting into custody (go SPD!). more ›

• Seattle Metblogs sent Josh over to The Croc for last night's Soundcheck, and true to form, he brought back a report and some photos. Jealous!
• Mmm, fry bread. And mmm, justice! West Seattle Blog gives ups to the Duwamish tribal "Fry Bread For Justice" event happening this weekend.
• Andrew over at Seattle Transit Blog speaks up in support of the federally funded overpass between Microsoft's campus sections.

Not everybody agrees graffiti has social value. One "artist's" urban enhancement is another man’s vandalism. We’re of the opinion that when left to the talented it’s generally a colorful and unique improvement to the city landscape. We understand those who disagree, but suspect they naturally hate anything to the left of the standard Belltown earth tone, which this city and its developer overlords keep insisting jibe with the character of the area. more ›

Seattlest is not sure what to do with this P-I story about a poll on kids' perception of violence. The gist of the article is that according to Junior Achievement's survey, a startling percentage of kids in the U.S. don't seem to feel like violence in their communities is all that noteworthy--and that data resonates profoundly with the experience of many in South and Southeast Seatte. Presumably, the poll was faulty in some way, phrased poorly or not asking the right questions, because there's not a non-sociopathic kid in the world who isn't concerned when their friend gets shot at the mall. (Even as a young kid, we could recognize that "when is it okay to hit somebody?" was a dirty trick question.) It is conceivable, however, that street violence feels so entrenched in some Seattle neighborhoods that a kid could take the attitude that change isn't possible. more ›

An off-duty Seattle Police detective and the Hells Angels biker that he shot during a bar brawl at this years Sturgis Motorcycle Rally will both face criminal charges in South Dakota. The off-duty SPD detective is charged with aggravated assault, perjury, and carrying a concealed weapon without a permit. The Hells Angel he shot is also facing aggravated assault charges—punishable by up to 15 years in prison in South Dakota. Another off-duty Seattle Police officer involved in the event has also been charged with carrying a concealed weapon without a permit. A court date has not been set for trial and the SPD has yet to release a statement on the charges. more ›

It was only four days ago that a friend of ours mentioned that shoes hanging from a power line meant it was a "safe" area for dealing drugs, or that it had to do with gang territory. He couldn't remember exactly. We thought that was stupid. We've always thought it was simply the work of some shithead bully. more ›

While out and about the other day, we ran across these items. Now, seeing shoes hanging from wires is nothing new, of course. Like you, gentle reader, we've been seeing them everywhere ever since we can remember. What is new, though, for us is seeing a pair of boots up there. We're kinda surprised we haven't seen this much sooner. Also, we are thankful that the utility crews hadn't gotten around to taking them down before we finally photographed this important cultural artifact. more ›

We want to know where's the scariest place to live or hang out within Seattle city limits. (Sorry, Skyway and White Center. Check again after annexation.) more ›

Later this month, the 5th Avenue Theater opens what they're calling a 50th-anniversary production of West Side Story, recreating the original Jerome Robbins choreography. This isn't a touring show starring some washed-up 70s sitcom star--the 5th Avenue is using local talent. Hoorah! more ›

-Starbucks is recalling 70,000 espresso makers due to their tendency to go all laptop battery on unsuspecting owners. more ›

Amazon launched its grocery service recently and it's got us all nostalgic for a bygone age. Back in the day our ass never had to lift out of the Aeron to get produce, DVDs, books, clothes, art, exotic pets, and a human toe delivered right to our office by a scooter messenger. A six pack of Oly and a head of lettuce please. Because we fucking can! Then we were all fired and a few rich guys got slightly less rich. more ›

Not that a huge coke bust isn't a story (and won't the Hill be so much sleepier this weekend with those 20 lbs off the street) but the story within the story is the grandfatherly manner in which the P-I talks about gangs. Hey, not that there's no one younger and hipper than Seattlest out there, but that doesn't stop us from pointing and laughing at the many shades of translation from street to cop to reporter to copy editor. more ›

"Un bel di"! That's from Madame Butterfly. Seattlest knows from culture, see. Now we will pour ourselves some Moet while we fill you in. more ›