True Hoop's been running a fascinating serial written by Gregory Dole, who was Leandro Barbosa's interpreter when he worked out with NBA teams before the 2003 draft. Part IV talks about Barbosa's work out with the Sonics, wherein he wowed the top of the Sonics' org chart, including then-poobah Howard Schultz. Barbosa had a great workout, hitting his shots, blowing past defenders, and unleashing a nasty crossover that caused Kirk Hinrich to fall on his......

Nick Collison gets a few double-doubles and suddenly your sports section is filled with articles like "Collison excelling front and center". Now, since we are ignoring the Sonics, we haven't actually seen this new, improved Nick Collison, but we're willing to bet that his production has more to do with playing time than with any Great Leap Forward. We've long called this phenomenon of a crummy player accumulating impressive stats "The Christian Laettner Theory." Remember......

MUSIC: Subtle at Neumos. Between van accidents and van robberies, anticon affiliates Subtle has had a rough road the last few years, but they've luckily managed to produce music interesting enough to endear them with both critics and fans. With the robbery last month they need all the support they can get, so come do your part. - credit Donte 9:00 pm // Neumos // $10 adv. READING: Martin Amis's latest book, House of Meetings,......

After ending an ugly six-game losing streak with a win over the lowly New Orleans Hornets on Friday, the Sonics posted an impressive 15-point victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday afternoon. Friday's win, on fan appreciation night, clinched the Sonics' first ever Northwest Division Championship. Actually, it was the first ever Northwest Division championship for anyone, since the NBA created the division this year. The post-game celebration was cursory. Rookie center and season-long......