When you call your memoir Avoid Boring People, as Dr. James Watson did, and then go around the country talking about it, you've set yourself up for a rather easy dig. "I took Watson's advice...and walked out!" you can imagine the snarky wit writing. Of course, there's one way around this, and that's to consistently entertain. And Watson, who appeared last night in front of a sold-out crowd at the IMAX theater, surely did. Guided......

If kaboom-style fireworks aren't the bang you're looking for, stop in at ACT for the theatrical fireworks of David Hare's Stuff Happens, reviewed here. It's the play about Iraq and the rockets' red glare, the difference between the spark of liberty and the blinding torch of neocon ideology. (The title refers to Donald Rumsfeld's disingenuous retort to questions about U.S. forces' disregard of post-"liberation" lawlessness.) By all accounts, it's a thought-provoking (almost 3-hour) imagining of......

Watching David Hare's dramatization of the run-up to the 2003 invasion of Iraq last night at ACT, we were reminded of an email exchange we had that summer with an old college friend. Our friend, a Brit, was at the time starting her career as a history teacher, and if we recall correctly, we wrote her something to the effect of, "You know why World War I started, you know why World War II or......

The Solstice Parade in Fremont was as cool as we've ever seen it this weekend and our personal highlights were the pink riot cops, the Ents and the water monsters. The water monsters were a part of a float that was based on the theme of the privatization of water and one of their characters was shouting "free water!" as they approached. It was, however, particularly disappointing to learn that they meant "free water" as......

Dammit, she auditioned in Seattle. Can't we claim her? It probably wouldn't be fair, since she's from Arizona, but last night it was the closest Seattle got to blowing minds on American Idol. Sparks gave us chills and goosebumps, proving that she has what it takes to be the runner up for this year's show. She still hasn't quite shut MindyDoo down, but chances are nobody really will. MD came out and rocked it......

Kurt Vonnegut, up there with Twain and Melville and Kesey as the most original American novelists ever in the history of writing stuff, died tonight. He was 84. He'd been in the hospital since a fall a couple of weeks ago. Attention kids: this is what happens if you chain-smoke for 73 years. Based on our cursory search of local newspaper archives, Vonnegut's last local appearance would seem to be at Eastern Washington University's GET......

This was not a very happy week for the -ist network as one of our own, Phillyist co-editor Star C. Foster, passed away early in the week. Her wit, intelligence, and good nature shone through the site, making Phillyist an immensely fun read. She was loved by many and will be missed by all. Phillyist paid tribute to her this week with a heartfelt letter to her and an obituary. And now, the awkward......

With the playoffs underway we thought it would be fun to look at all of the former Mariners you may come accross DODGERS Derek Lowe—Last year he went through a very public divorce after it was revealed that he was having an affair with Carolyn Hughes, a reporter for the Dodger’s pre-game show. The name of the program: ‘Dodger Insider.’ Giovanni Carrara -- “I’m-a gonna strike-a you out Delgado.” Aaron Sele—Quick note to the Dodgers......

From time to time we residents of this unique/Northwestern/American city develop blindspots into which it's difficult to see. Jonathan Raban has made a good go of assisting us in these situations --sometimes just by nudging the mirror a little-- so we contacted him hoping he could help with a little perspective on our viaduct dilemma. He doesn't disappoint. Discussed are the Viaduct, the waterfront, South Lake Union, Aurora Ave North, the Tube, traffic, money, legacies,......