Sasquatch is Uninspired

I just can't seem to get excited about any of the headliners at Sasquatch this year. R.E.M., the Cure, and the Flaming Lips are all good bands, no one can argue that, but who gets excited about them? Are there really any die-hard R.E.M. fans left? Were there ever any? I mean, we all tolerated them in the 90's, but headlining a giant festival in 2008? Maybe Sasquatch isn't that big of a pull for big bands. I like the Cure, I like the Flaming Lips; but to haul my ass over to the Gorge to see them? I think I'll save my time and money for a line-up and show that actually gets people excited. Sasquatch 2008 is blah.

The Kids in the Hall

We all know how nice and funny Canadians can be, and The Kids in the Hall outfunny them all (with the big Jim Carrey exception). 'Braincandy' wasn't the best movie ever but then again skit comedy should stay short and sweet and absurd; no doubt the show at Qwest Field will include some of their old characters like Chicken Lady and 'He's Hip! He's Cool! He's 45!'. If anyone can fill that giant stadium with laughs, it's the Kids in the Hall.

So Much More Than That Album Cover...Bruce Springsteen!

You know the one I am talking about, right? If you were over the age of 8 in the 80's then I guarantee the image is burned into your retinas: Born in the USA. Me too! Bruce rocks, you know it, go dance in the dark.

Down the Rabbit Hole

We all have a special, secret place deep in our hearts reserved for Alice's Wonderland, a magical world we all knew when we were young and before we were burdened by the trapping of adulthood. Adulthood Schlamulthood- the Children's Museum reminds us all of the fantastic imaginations we all have if we would only use them instead of watching TV. Just try to believe as many as six impossible things before breakfast, and you will find your way into Wonderland.

I Like to Study Demonology

Demonology is so badass they had to add another show next week! It is an hilarious look at gender roles in our society. It is a satire but we all know the point of the genre is to make points that can't be brought up in polite society. Weird name, funny play, two nights, don't miss it!

Let's Get to the Point: Tom Petty is a Legend

That's right; you know the hat, the hang-dog face, the chillerific songs and the wacky way Tom Petty delivers them. Will Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers fill up The Gorge? No way, but I will be there ready to get down and get to the point.

B52s Are Still Around

Where have they been? Roaming around the world? In the love shack? I don't know but if I was in seventh grade (and it was 1990) I would SO be at this concert, in a big fat blue beehive.

The Frye Art Museum

The Frye Art Museum will always be free and will always have a place in the hearts of Seattleites. The collections change of course but the contemporary art focus remains, particularly devoted to Munich-based artists of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In the summer the outdoor cafe is a pleasing place for a light meal or latte, and any time of year The Frye Art Museum is a wonderful place to get your art on.

Pike Place Market is Seattle

Please don't call it Pike's Market, or Pike's Fish Market, or whatever other combination tourists invent for the Seattle icon, Pike Place Market. Sadly I avoid this place in the summer because of the massive crowds, but I stopped by the other morning on a random walk and thoroughly enjoyed myself. Though the flowers aren't as spectacular in the winter months, the market itself is ten times as nice. The veggies are out, the trinket sellers, the tee shirt shops which SOMEHOW are still selling "Sleepless in Seattle" shirts, and the restaurants acutally have space for me to sit and have a Mac N Jack's and a plate of deep fried salmon and chips. I am in love all over again with Pike Place Market.

Come to Analog VIII unless you hate to dance

Because that's what is going down this Friday at Rebar! Analog is always a mad dance fest no matter who is performing, and the House lineup this time around is SICK: Beefer, Pressha, Lovevirus, and Flave! Are you ready, Seattle?

No Bullcrap Ballet Here: The Walrus Theater

Capitol Hill's Walrus Theater always presents performances that challenge the audience's idea of art and dance and creative expression. The non-profit dance center chooses to put on shows that are "vulnerable, risky, and poignant," supporting avant-garde performers and choreographers from the Seattle area. You will not yawn in The Walrus Theater

Ballard is Weird

Not funky like Fremont, or crazy like Capitol Hill, but just weird. I know a lot of Seattleites madly defend their neighborhood, but every time I go out in Ballard it just feels off. Maybe it's the slightly older, yuppie-ish drinking crowd, I don't know but I would rather be entertained in Pioneer Square, or Fremont, or Capitol Hill. Maybe I just like to have too much fun for the more sedate Ballard aura. One area where Ballard rocks it? Golden Gardens, geez, give me a break! It's my favorite park in Seattle. Beach + Mountains + Sunset + Fire = One fine night in Ballard.

SoulFood Books Makes Me Hungry

Soulfood Books should be closer to my home in Seattle, not way out in Redmond, but it is worth the drive. Besides books in the mind/body/soul genre, they also sell yummy candles, local art, and unique jewelry. Soulfood hosts classes and drum circles as well; my only complaint is that the cafe has no fried okra, cornbread, or beans and greens. A shame.

University Book Store, for Students and Nerds

I was one of those freaks in college who loved the heavy reading load of my Liberal Arts classes; I loved going and buying my books every semester to see what I could look forward to. Now this bookworm frequents the University Bookstore for her fix of Spanish literature, astronomy charts, and purple UW pencils. It is huge and it rocks; just avoid it at the beginning of the year!

Seattle Mystery Bookshop

The Seattle Mystery Bookshop in Pioneer Square is the holy grail for mystery book lovers. They have heaps of books: detective stories, whodunits, true crime, thrillers, suspense, and spy stories! You can't go wrong. Also they have book signings, it is always neat to meet the authors who write my favorite books.

Books are My Addiction, and Borders is My Dealer

I love all bookstores, but the downtown Borders is close to everything and easy to stop by for my afternoon fix. They have to cafe or coffee shop, which is junk, but at least it makes it a little easier to get out of there within 5 hours! Borders is the bomb.

Elliott Bay Book Company is the Best in Seattle!

Where else can you find bestsellers and used and rare books on cedar shelves, a cafe serving organic coffee and food? The readings and other events have a real community feeling to them, and I love the exposed brick in the store. Elliott Bay is a Seattle legend!

King Cobra is 100% Rock and Roll

King Cobra has thrown off the vestiges of Sugar's bad rep and is now devoted to thrashing, screaming, wailing,- that's right, rock and roll. The sound is fantastic (by which I mean really freakin' loud) and there is a long upstairs area to watch the bands play below. If yo: change your sign outside- it looks just like the old one from Sugar. A new appearance would help trigger in people's minds that it is a new club. And a bad ass one!

Sports by Day, Piano by Night, and Speed Dating at 88 Keys

88 Keys Dueling Piano Bar has a weird mix of sports and piano music that somehow works out. Baseball fans will love the 20' screen, piano enthusiasts will love the easy music, and everyone will love the full bar. 88 Keys also hosts parties and speed dating night: ready, set, MEET YOUR SOULMATE!

Jazz, Blues, & Hushpuppies at the New Orleans Creole Restauran

That's right; where else can you have fried catfish smothered in tabasco sauce but at the New Orleans Creole Restaurant in Pioneer Square? The music is good and the venue is a classic, but I go for the comfort food, the southern cookin', the deep-fried deliciousness that can only be Creole cuisine. Let the good times roll.