Author Mark Kurlansky doesn’t always write about food, but it has been the subject of two of his bestselling books (Cod, Salt) and his newest book, The Food of a Younger Land (he's reading at Elliott Bay tonight, 7:30 p.m., free admission). But don’t call him a food writer. more ›

WTF, HISTORY?: It was George Santayana, if we recall, who issued the famous dictum about people who don't learn from history having to re-take it or something...honestly we weren't paying attention and apparently neither was anyone else, which is sort of the subject of historian Roger van Oosten's talk tonight at MOHAI: what are the differences and similarities between today and the Great Depression. And he should know, 'cause unlike all the journalists with their accursed similes, he actually studies the '30s and is a recognized expert on WPA art. more ›

This morning we went on a MOHAI-hosted walking tour of Seattle Center. And we remembered to bring our camera. The Center is hopping this weekend, with KEXP's Concerts at the Mural, and BrasilFest on Sunday, from noon to 8 p.m. All the capoeira and samba you can shake stick at. Then on Monday, the City Council votes on funding for the Century 21 Master Plan that will determine the look and use of the Center the next 20 years or so. more ›