That's how Mayor Ole Hanson described the beginning of the general strike that was held in Seattle February 1919, one of the few general strikes ever attempted in the U.S. The Bolsheviks had just won their revolution in Russia two years earlier and the Red Scare was coming into play in our country. Add 35,000 striking shipyard workers. Subtract the city's more moderate labor officials - They were in Chicago for a vote. Those left behind broached the subject of a general strike with other unions and the city was shut down on February, 6, while rumors of poisoned water, blasted dams and union heavies en route from Chicago kept everyone else either locked in their homes or fleeing for the country. In an effort to keep the peace, or kick a lot of union ass anyway if the peace got queered, the mayor brought in soldiers from Fort Lewis and deputized 2,400 frat guys and student organization members whom he armed with clubs and guns. The city teetered towards open war in the streets. more ›

Not many Seattle sports icons can call themselves champions. Mandatory All-Star participants, yes. Champions, no. more ›

We can continue giving Death Cab hometown welcomes when they breeze through town, but we should keep in mind that it only takes one certain television appearance to give them a new home in the eyes of the outside world. Gibbard and co are taking their show across the pond in February and when people report on this there's no mention of "trading the soggy streets of Seattle for the soggy streets of London." Instead we get this from Pitchfork: more ›

After a failed run for governor last year (or perhaps he won, we're still going through old voting rolls) Ron Sims will be seeking his third term as King County Executive this fall. more ›