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Local NewsDanny Westneat
Real-estate bargains in the mist
It's being called a liquidation. A fire sale. A chance to "cash out the entire stock, wipe it off the books in less than an hour. " What's being sold...
Seattle City Council divided over future streetcar lines
The Seattle City Council will consider Monday whether to support an expansion of the city's streetcar line.
Relative of slain Carnation family talks about the aftermath
As Ben Anderson sits in jail awaiting prison for identity theft, he can't help feeling that he let down his mother, who must cope alone after the slayings of six members of their family nearly a year ago in Carnation.
State suspends Seattle doctor's license in sex case
The state Department of Health has suspended the medical license of a Seattle doctor accused of fondling and having sex with a patient.
Seattle man held in assault on 2-year-old girl
A 30-year-old Seattle man is in custody in the Regional Justice Center in Kent for investigation of assaulting a 2-year-old girl who remains hospitalized with multiple injuries.
Man charged in rapes of 2 women in SeaTac
A 29-year-old man was charged Tuesday with raping two women in two separate incidents over the past five weeks.
Snohomish County weighs sales tax to expand drug treatment
The Snohomish County Council today will consider a one-tenth of 1 percent sales tax to expand chemical-dependency and mental-health services. Advocates say the tax could save the county money spent on jail costs, police, courts, foster care, emergency-room visits and psychiatric care.
Path With Art: An opportunity to rediscover artistic roots
Deep breaths, she told herself. Try not to cry. Ruanda Morrison stood before the crowd gathered inside the Pioneer Square art gallery. Her donated suit was...
Former council candidate denies DUI, attorney tells court
Venus Velázquez, who lost her bid for the Seattle City Council last year after being arrested on suspicion of drunken driving, is challenging her arrest during her criminal trial this week.
State signs lease for new dock to expand Maury Island mine
Outgoing state Public Lands Commissioner Doug Sutherland signed a lease Tuesday crucial to the expansion of a controversial gravel mine on Puget Sound's Maury Island.
Convicted child killer's parole hearing is set
Twenty-five years later, Diane Downs still insists that she is innocent of shooting her children, one fatally, in a crime that riveted Oregonians and was recounted in an Ann Rule book and a TV movie starring Farrah Fawcett. Next Tuesday, she comes up for a parole hearing.
Gregoire says state needs $600M economic stimulus
Gov. Christine Gregoire says Washington state needs at least $600 million in federal money for short-term road and bridge projects to help kick-start the state's struggling economy.
Plans for UW branch delayed again over site
Lawmakers from Snohomish County have been unable to agree on a location for a new state college north of Seattle, effectively delaying the timeline for opening a new branch of the University of Washington.
Local Digest
Police say suspect has switched cars
Police say a man charged with killing his ex-wife in her South Seattle home on Sunday has apparently switched cars. The silver BMW reportedly...
Federal prosecutors will seek 45-year sentence for would-be millennium bomber
Federal prosecutors in Seattle on Wednesday will ask a judge to more than double the 22-year sentence he gave to an al-Qaida-trained terrorist convicted of plotting to bomb Los Angeles International Airport at the turn of the millennium. Tue, 12/02
Canadian man pleads guilty in Hells Angels drug operation
A 38-year-old British Columbia man pleaded guilty this morning in U.S. District Court in Seattle to drug and money-laundering charges for his role in selling drugs on behalf of the Hells Angels motorcycle club. Tue, 12/02
DSHS Children's Administration chief resigns
Cheryl Stephani, the Department of Social and Health Services assistant secretary in charge of the Children's Administration, will leave the agency at the end of the year, according to an announcement released late Tuesday afternoon. Tue, 12/02
Man charged with raping two women in separate attacks
A 29-year-old man was charged this afternoon with raping two women in two separate incidents over the past five weeks. Tue, 12/02
More links sought for streetcar expansion
The Seattle City Council's transportation committee voted today to support an expanded streetcar system for the city, but members say they want to be assured that any additional lines would be linked to one another if there is money to do it. Tue, 12/02
NEW - 09:01 PM
Notorious Oregon child killer Diane Downs up for parole
Twenty-five years later, Diane Downs still insists that she is innocent of shooting her children, one fatally, in a crime that riveted Oregonians and was recounted in an Ann Rule book and a TV movie starring Farrah Fawcett. Next Tuesday, she comes up for a parole hearing. Tue, 12/02
NEW - 10:04 PM
Seattle doctor loses license over sex accusations
The state Department of Health has suspended the medical license of a Seattle doctor accused of fondling and having sex with a patient. Tue, 12/02
Slain woman had sought to end relationship with ex-spouse
Noemi Lopez had tried for several years to break off her relationship with her ex-husband and the father of her three children, a man her friends and relatives described as "no good." Tue, 12/02
UPDATE - 09:22 PM
State OKs dock for Maury Island gravel mine
The Washington Department of Natural Resources has granted Glacier Northwest a lease to build a dock to expand its controversial gravel mine on Maury Island in south Puget Sound. Outgoing Public Lands Commissioner Doug Sutherland signed a 30-year lease with Glacier Northwest on Tuesday. The approval allows it to build a barge-loading pier on state aquatic lands. Tue, 12/02
NEW - 10:32 PM
Study says Washington colleges flunk affordability
Washington colleges are not affordable, study says Tue, 12/02
E. Wash. University's president on medical leave
SPOKANE — Eastern Washington University's president is taking a one-month long leave of absence because of medical reasons. Tue, 12/02
Former Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber doubts he'll get Obama cabinet job
Former Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber says he thinks it's "extremely doubtful" he'll be picked to be interior secretary in the Obama administration. Tue, 12/02
Gregoire says state needs $600 million economic stimulus
Gov. Christine Gregoire says Washington state needs at least $600 million in federal money for short-term road and bridge projects to help kick-start the state's struggling economy. Tue, 12/02
Missing Ore. boy found near home
Authorities say a 12-year-old boy missing overnight has been found near his home in a rural area of Washington County, Ore. Tue, 12/02
Ore. city manager resigns after assault charge
REDMOND, Ore. — Facing assault charges, Redmond's city manager has resigned. Tue, 12/02
Ore. woman dies at 107
GRANTS PASS, Ore. — Irene "Stella" Johnson, who was believed to be Josephine County's oldest resident, has died. She was 107. Tue, 12/02
Oregon statehouse to be dog-free
In an effort to instill a more professional atmosphere in the Oregon statehouse, and protect their expensive new furniture, legislative leaders plan to ban dogs from the statehouse. Service dogs, such as those that assist the blind, would remain welcome. Tue, 12/02
Police car stolen when officer leaves it running
BELLINGHAM — A police car in Bellingham was stolen outside a restaurant after an officer left the car running while responding to a call. Tue, 12/02
UW north campus plans delayed again
EVERETT — Lawmakers from Snohomish County have been unable to agree on a location for a new state college north of Seattle, effectively delaying the timeline for opening a new branch of the University of Washington. Tue, 12/02
White House nixes ornament backing impeachment
The White House now says it won't display a Christmas tree ornament by a Seattle artist that includes a message supporting President Bush's impeachment. Tue, 12/02
Nation & WorldMumbai attackers went high-tech
As evidence mounted of a Pakistan link to the terrorist attacks in Mumbai last week, emerging details about the 60-hour siege suggest the attackers made sophisticated use of high technology in planning and carrying out the assault that killed at least 174 people and wounded more than 300.
Chambliss, Republican senator, wins runoff in Georgia
Saxby Chambliss, a first-term Republican senator, was re-elected by Georgia voters Tuesday, ending Democratic hopes for a 60-vote majority...
"Impeach Bush" ornament nixed
Let's just say this isn't the time to post calls for impeachment on the White House Christmas tree.
Meltdown brings identity crisis to China
The stifling Olympic crowds are gone. Even the smog has cleared. But something new is in the air: Fear.
Religious contradictions striking in China
Perhaps, as with so much of modern China, the juxtaposition of relics from Christianity and communism posits a conundrum that's best not examined too closely.
Obama offers help with stimulus plan
When President-elect Obama strode into Congress Hall on Tuesday beneath a bust of Benjamin Franklin, 48 governors rose and applauded, illustrating the unusual degree to which Obama has assumed the trappings of national leadership amid the economic crisis.
Religious debate roils Capitol Visitor Center
Protests by conservative lawmakers led architects to promise to add "In God We Trust" as the national motto and to engrave the Pledge of Allegiance in the new $621 million Capitol Visitor Center.
Asian workers protest conditions in Iraq
About 1,000 Asian men who were hired by a Kuwaiti subcontractor to the U.S. military have been confined for as long as three months in windowless warehouses near the Baghdad airport without money or work.
Cruise ships a new target for pirates?
The luxury American cruise ship steaming across the Gulf of Aden with hundreds of well-heeled tourists just might have been too much for Somali pirates to resist.
Unrest unusual before Thai king's birthday
This is supposed to be party time for Thais. Each year they celebrate their beloved king's birthday, a national bash that draws throngs...
Richardson tapped for commerce post
President-elect Obama will name New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson as his pick for commerce secretary today in Chicago, Democratic officials said.
Tensions — and balloons — rise in South Korea
Park Sang Hak, a North Korean defector, launches balloons bound for his homeland. They carry bags of leaflets accusing North Korean leader Kim Jong Il of being a drinker of pricey wine, a seducer of other men's wives, a murderer, a slaveholder, a dictator and "the devil."
Officials recommend 18 years for Simpson
State authorities are recommending O.J. Simpson and a co-defendant each be sentenced to 18 years in prison for the armed robbery and kidnapping of two sports-memorabilia dealers, according to documents filed Tuesday.
Self-embedding disorder found
Researchers evaluating a new technique for locating and removing objects accidentally embedded in the body said they may have uncovered a new form of self-mutilating behavior in which teenagers intentionally insert objects into their flesh.
Odds and Ends
Mrs. Bush leaves hospital
Update Mrs. Bush leaves hospital Former first lady Barbara Bush, 83, was released from a Houston hospital Tuesday, nearly a week after surgery...
Nation Digest
Emaciated teen flees; 2 arrested
A Girl Scout leader and her husband were arrested after an emaciated, terrified and nearly naked 17-year-old showed up at a gym with a chain...
World Digest
Italians say terror plot broken up
Italian anti-terrorism police on Tuesday dismantled an alleged Islamic extremist cell accused of plotting to bomb a military base, police...
UPDATE - 11:50 PM
US official: India attack may have Pakistani roots
U.S. and British citizens were the targets of the violent siege in Mumbai last week, although most of those killed in India's financial capital were Indians, Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Tuesday. Tue, 12/02
Panel: Bio attack likely in next 5 years
A bipartisan commission is asserting the country should expect a terrorist attack using nuclear or biological weapons sometime in the next five years. Tue, 12/02
US soldiers re-enlisting because of poor economy
Sgt. Ryan Nyhus spent 14 months patrolling the deadly streets of Baghdad, where five members of his platoon were shot and one died. As bad as that was, he would rather go back there than take his chances in this brutal job market. Tue, 12/02
Piano for the queen: Condi Rice plays the Palace
Live from the palace - Condi Rice on piano! Tue, 12/02
'Chemical Ali' sentenced to death in Iraq
Saddam Hussein's notorious cousin "Chemical Ali" Hassan al-Majid received a second death sentence Tuesday - this time for crushing a Shiite uprising in the wake of Iraq's defeat in the 1991 Gulf War. Tue, 12/02
China says 300,000 babies sickened by tainted milk
China has dramatically raised the toll from its tainted milk powder scandal, saying six babies likely died and 300,000 were sickened, figures that back up months of complaints from parents and show the government is beginning to acknowledge the scale of the crisis. Tue, 12/02
Obama vows to help states weather economic woes
President-elect Barack Obama promised swift action Tuesday on an economic plan "to solve this crisis and to ease the burden on our states," and he cast governors as his partners in crafting a recession-rebound strategy. Tue, 12/02
UPDATE - 11:40 PM
Thai airports reopening after PM ousted by court
Victorious anti-government protesters lifted their siege of Bangkok's two airports Wednesday while leaders of the ousted government named a caretaker prime minister to lead the politically chaotic kingdom. Tue, 12/02
UPDATE - 10:35 PM
2 arrested in alleged torture of teen, who escaped
A Girl Scout leader and her husband were arrested after an emaciated, terrified and nearly naked 17-year-old showed up at a gym with a chain locked to his ankle, saying he had just fled his captors, authorities said Tuesday. Tue, 12/02
Airliner lands safely with cracked windshield
A regional airliner with a cracked windshield was diverted to Kansas City's airport and landed safely Tuesday. Tue, 12/02
Canadian governor general mulls government's fate
Canada's governor general cut short a European trip Tuesday to deal with an unprecedented political crisis that could force the second national election in two months or see an opposition coalition take power. Tue, 12/02
Capitol Visitor Center in DC opens to public
Hundreds of visitors got their first look at the Capitol Visitor Center - an underground museum and now the first stop for people touring Congress - as it opened Tuesday three years late and $360 million over budget. Tue, 12/02
Man sentenced for videotaping tots smoking pot
One of two men videotaped coaxing two toddlers into smoking marijuana pleaded guilty to reduced charges and was sentenced Tuesday to up to seven years in prison. Tue, 12/02
Study: 1 in 5 young adults has a personality disorder
Almost one in five young American adults has a personality disorder that interferes with everyday life, and even more abuse alcohol or drugs, researchers reported Monday in the most extensive study of its kind. Tue, 12/02
Activists blast U.S. at climate-change talks
Environmentalists criticized the United States and other rich countries Tuesday for failing so far to make meaningful commitments at a U.N. conference on climate change. Tue, 12/02
Barbara Bush discharged from hospital
Former first lady Barbara Bush was released from a hospital Tuesday, a week after she underwent surgery for a perforated ulcer. Tue, 12/02
UPDATE - 10:50 PM
Nixon records show aides dishing dirt on critics
In Richard Nixon's time, all the president's men fretted about threats on every front: disquiet out on the streets, disloyalty inside the administration and trouble from political opponents who had to be discredited at any cost. Tue, 12/02
Fundraiser Rezko has Jan. 6 corruption sentencing
A federal judge on Tuesday set a Jan. 6 sentencing for political fundraiser Tony Rezko, who helped bankroll campaigns for Barack Obama and Gov. Rod Blagojevich. Tue, 12/02
Grandson of anti-Hitler plotter seeks restitution
Friedrich zu Solms-Baruth was swept up by the Gestapo the day after a failed 1944 bombing attempt on Hitler and thrown into the secret police's notorious Prinz Albrecht Strasse prison in downtown Berlin. Tue, 12/02
Mormon-owned press releasing Joseph Smith journals
It's written by a man many consider a confident and charismatic religious prophet, but Joseph Smith's journal immediately betrays an inkling of self-doubt: His first sentence is scratched out. Tue, 12/02
U.S. wants N. Korean nuke verification deal in writing
The top U.S. negotiator in talks to rid North Korea of nuclear weapons said Tuesday that Pyongyang must agree to a verification of its disarmament activities and the deal must be put in writing. Tue, 12/02
High tide wallops Venice for 2nd straight day
Strong southern winds pushed the Adriatic Sea into Venice again Tuesday, submerging parts of the lagoon city a day after an unusually high tide caused the worst flooding in 20 years. Tue, 12/02
Group: Palin not only one with donor-funded duds
Turns out Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin wasn't the only candidate with donor-financed duds. Tue, 12/02
11 girls die of poisoning at school in north China
Eleven girls died of carbon monoxide poisoning at a school in northern China's Shaanxi province, an education official said Tuesday evening. A news report said the girls had lit a fire to keep warm. Tue, 12/02
Bad economy could boost Europe's 'slave-like' illicit labor market
Europe has a hidden labor market in which migrants and even children are working in "slave-like" situations, a European Union official said Tuesday. Tue, 12/02
Va. GOP chief: Obama remark was stupid but true
Virginia's Republican chairman said Tuesday that his remark tying Democrat Barack Obama to Osama bin Laden during the presidential campaign was stupid, but he refused to apologize. Tue, 12/02
Business & TechnologySeattle software company Entellium files for bankruptcy protection
Seattle software company Entellium filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection Tuesday, asking a federal judge to approve a rescue plan to keep the company operating while its assets can be sold.
Seattle's Union Gospel Mission sells shelter in Chinatown
Seattle's Union Gospel Mission has sold its longtime women's and children's shelter building in the Chinatown International District to developers who plan to convert it to apartments or a hostel.
Airlines consider reducing flights
Executives of major U.S. airlines, already seeing signs of slumping travel demand, said Tuesday they were ready to cut more flights, and Delta Air Lines hinted at more job losses as the carriers jockey to survive the deepening recession.
Big Three in overdrive to sell bailout request
Humbled and fighting for survival, Detroit's once-mighty automakers appealed to Congress with a retooled case for a bailout as large as $34 billion Tuesday, pledging to slash workers, car lines and executive pay in return for a federal lifeline.
Targeted Genetics cuts payroll through layoffs, pay cuts
Targeted Genetics said Tuesday it has cut its payroll by 25 percent through layoffs and senior executive pay cuts, and has shifted its research efforts in a bid to survive a cash crunch.
Report of buyout interest boosts Yahoo stock 7%
It takes only a glimmer of hope to excite Yahoo shareholders these days.
UPDATE - 12:55 AM
Auditors fault Treasury policing of bailout funds
Lawmakers want the Treasury to do a better job of insisting that banking institutions sharing in the $700 billion bailout comply with limits Congress imposed on executive salaries and use the money for its intended purposes.
Analysis
Blink and you may miss the market bounce
Investors may feel better playing defense in a bear market. But once the market comes back, the gains are likely to be "fast and furious," locking out investors who are on the sidelines, says Mark Riepe, senior vice president for the Schwab Center for Financial Research.
Big Three survival bailout requests rise to $34B
Humbled and fighting for survival, Detroit's once-mighty automakers appealed to Congress with a retooled case for a bailout as large as $34 billion Tuesday, pledging to slash workers, car lines and executive pay in return for a federal lifeline. GM and Chrysler said they needed an immediate cash infusion to last 'til New Year's, and warned they could drag the entire industry down if they fail. Tue, 12/02
Entellium files for bankruptcy protection
Entellium, a troubled Seattle software company, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection today, paving the way for some assets to be sold to financial software maker Intuit. Tue, 12/02
Delta details planned capacity cuts
Delta Air Lines Inc. hinted Tuesday that more job cuts could be on the way as it disclosed that it will reduce consolidated system capacity by 6 percent to 8 percent in 2009, compared to the current year. Tue, 12/02
Stocks rebound in seesaw session
Investors staged a stock-market rebound today, seesawing through the session trying to recoup some of the ground from the previous session's enormous decline. Tue, 12/02
Targeted Genetics lays off staff, shifts focus
Targeted Genetics (TGEN) said today that it has cut about 10 percent of its workforce and shifted its research efforts in a bid to survive a cash crunch. Tue, 12/02
Potlatch to spin off pulp and paper business
The board of Potlatch (PCH) has approved a plan to create a spinoff company called Clearwater Paper to separate the forest product company's pulp and paper business from its timber holdings. Tue, 12/02
Premiums for workers' comp insurance to rise 3%
The state Department of Labor and Industries said Monday that premiums for workers' compensation insurance will rise an average 3 percent... Tue, 12/02
SportsBigger offensive lines have been trouble for Seahawks
In games against the NFL's three heaviest offensive lines, the Seahawks averaged 0.7 sacks. In all other games, they have averaged 2.7.
Boys Basketball Preview | Federal Way at the top
Michael Hale is a gifted guard who loves sharing the basketball. Hale's dilemma this season might be just who to share with. After transferring from district...
Huskies Coaching Search | Texas Tech coach Mike Leach meets with UW
Among the latest of the "lots of people" UW has discussed the job with, sources said, is Texas Tech coach Mike Leach, whom sources said flew to Seattle on Monday to meet with UW officials.
League confirms Sounders will open the MLS season
Major League Soccer announced the first weekend games and home openers for each of its 15 teams Tuesday. Sounders FC's first road match is at Toronto FC April 4.
WSU Basketball | Klay Thompson helps Cougars rise to 6-1
...
Steve Kelley
Now is not the time for selfish athletes
In the suburbs of Detroit, where so many people are spending the holidays worrying about their financial futures, Allen Iverson awoke on...
Sideline Chatter
Sports would rock if they learned this
Some things that sports could learn from Rock 'n' Roll, from Lorne Chan of the San Antonio Express-News: • BCS concept: "The right...
UW Women's Basketball | Huskies seek first road win
The Washington Huskies will try to get their first road win of the season at 7 p.m. today at Pepperdine before taking a two-week break in...
Baseball | Team in Japan signs teen girl
A 16-year-old Japanese girl signed with a regional baseball team Tuesday, becoming the country's first female professional baseball player...
College Football | Brian Kelly says he intends to stay at Cincinnati
Coach Brian Kelly tried to end speculation Tuesday that he is leaving 13th-ranked Cincinnati, saying he is happy with the program's development...
NBA Notebook | Tracy McGrady to miss next three weeks
Houston guard Tracy McGrady will miss three weeks to rehabilitate his sore left knee, another blow to an injury-plagued season for the Rockets...
Pac-10 Football | Oregon picks Mike Bellotti's replacement
Mike Bellotti is Oregon's head coach for now. Chip Kelly has been picked to eventually replace the man who's been leading the Ducks for...
Prep Basketball Notebook | Seattle Prep downs O'Dea, 52-47
Jon Humphrie had 14 points and six rebounds and Julian Mason added 11 as No. 10 Seattle Prep beat fifth-ranked O'Dea 52-47 Tuesday night...
College Basketball | 4th-ranked Duke pounds No. 9 Purdue
Kyle Singler collected 20 points and 12 rebounds, and No. 4 Duke beat ninth-ranked Purdue 76-60 Tuesday night in an ACC/Big Ten Challenge...
NFL Notebook | Giants suspend Plaxico Burress rest of season
Plaxico Burress will not play for the Giants for the rest of the regular season or in the playoffs. He has been suspended without pay and...
Community sports & recreation datebook
professional lessons, camps and coaches clinics are being offered by Steve Goucher and the Jazz staff. Details: Steve Goucher at 206-230-9011...
NW Briefs | Seattle U. women end streak to SPU
Seattle University took advantage of a nine-minute scoring drought by Seattle Pacific and went on for a 70-56 nonconference women's basketball...
Briefs | NHL: Crude comment results in suspension for Dallas' Sean Avery
NHL Avery asked if TSN camera was present before making remark: The NHL suspended Dallas Stars forward Sean Avery indefinitely Tuesday for...
UPDATE - 10:10 PM
WSU Basketball | Cougars beat Idaho St. 60-41
Freshman Klay Thompson scored 14 points as Washington State beat Idaho State 60-41 Tuesday night. Aaron Baynes added 11 points and eight... Tue, 12/02
Giants suspend Super Bowl hero Plaxico Burresss
Super Bowl hero Plaxico Burress is done for the year. The Giants fined and suspended Burress on Tuesday after he accidentally shot himself in the right thigh over the weekend at a Manhattan nightclub. Tue, 12/02
EntertainmentNancy Leson
Good old Abruzzi's is back
Excerpts from her blog, All You Can Eat Rick Sakoda was beside himself when he wrote to me last week with this happy news: "The much-loved...
A gala to support culinary studies, and more food news
South Seattle Community College teams up 15 local chefs, 30 Washington wineries for annual Gifts from The Earth gala; new executive chef at Evergreen Hospital Medical Center; prix-fixe anniversary menu at The Pink Door; Dine out tonight to support the University District Food Bank; Volunteer to help Food Lifeline; Theo Chocolate and Caffe Vita produce coffee-inspired chocolates for the holidays.
Seattle filmmaker Lynn Shelton honored
Seattle filmmaker Lynn Shelton, director of "My Effortless Brilliance," has been nominated for a 2009 Spirit Award by Film Independent.
What's on TV through this week
Tonight: Break out the egg nog and park your tail on the couch for "Christmas in Rockefeller Center. " For many, the Christmas season doesn't...
A&E Dispatch | Bumbershoot 2009 tix on sale to BumberFans now
Bumbershoot, Seattle's arts and music festival, Bumbershoot, is offering $60 three-day passes through http://bumbershoot.org/bumberfan, on sale now as supplies last. Tue, 12/02
A&E Dispatch | Britney Spears to play Tacoma Dome April 9
Britney Spears has announced a 2009 North American tour, stopping at the Tacoma Dome on April 9; tickets go on sale Dec. 6. Tue, 12/02
Extra jump rope for lingerie models pre-show
Let's take a moment to savor this little tidbit: Even Victoria's Secret's handpicked "angels" ramp up the cardio and cut out the carbs before they parade around in their underwear for a nationally televised broadcast. Tue, 12/02
Few surprises on Walters 'Fascinating People' list
There aren't many surprises on this year's list of "The 10 Most Fascinating People." Tue, 12/02
'Scrubs' returns with a 'friend' as its guest star
"Scrubs" will have a new medical plan when it returns next month. After seven seasons on NBC, the hospital comedy will air on ABC starting Jan. 6, with Courteney Cox Arquette in a guest role as Sacred Heart's new chief of medicine. Tue, 12/02
Coming soon to Blockbuster stores: concert tickets
Blockbuster Inc. will begin selling concert tickets at about 500 of its video rental stores, bolstering its effort to create a one-stop shop for entertainment. Tue, 12/02
Families move into homes that Pitt built
It was a bittersweet moment for Brad Pitt, walking through the Lower 9th Ward neighborhood where families were preparing to spend their first holidays since Hurricane Katrina. Tue, 12/02
Swayze says he's winning fight against cancer
Patrick Swayze is angry about tabloid reports that say he doesn't have long to live. The actor, who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer earlier this year, issued a statement Tuesday affirming that so far he is winning his fight against the disease and responding well to treatment. Tue, 12/02
TV soaps and their stars face cost-cutting
The troubles that are part of imaginary life on daytime dramas are hitting those shows for real in the form of budget cuts and dismissals. Tue, 12/02
LivingMake dinner your Christmas star
Chef Greg Atkinson offers a Christmas dinner of Beef Tenderloin and a collection of sides.
Wine Adviser
Toasting the holidays on a tighter budget
It's no secret that consumers are trimming their wine budgets. According to wine-industry analyst Jon Fredrikson (quoted in Los Angeles...
Plant Talk
Choices to keep garden blooming into autumn
Q: We've had this long, beautiful autumn, and the leaves in our yard fell so early. It's been bare and bleak for a month already. Can you suggest plants...
Commentary: Staying in to save reaps unexpected riches
A commentary on how the uncertainties of a slowing economy seem to have forced us all to slow down, think about what's important in life and reintroduce ourselves to quality time with friends.
Food books serve up holiday inspiration
Looking to add some holiday cheer to your bookshelf? Check out these recent offerings: Susan Matheson and Lauren Chattman's "The Gingerbread...
Let there be light during the long days of winter
Four options for improving your home's lighting. Xenon, compact fluorescent, rope and halogen lighting each have their advantages.
Garden calendar | A listing of garden events, classes and sales.
Dates and times are subject to change. Call ahead to confirm.
Do-it-yourself clubs offer help with home projects
Got a home project you'd like to do yourself but need a few helping hands? Try joining or forming a do-it-yourself club with others interested in improving their house or garden. Working with a group makes home repair less overwhelming. It also saves on money on tools, since you can borrow instead of buy. Tue, 12/02
Travel & OutdoorsRick Steves' Europe
Finding holiday joy far from Europe — in Nicaragua
Travel writer Rick Steves goes afar for holiday celebrations — to La Purisima festival in the city of Leon, Nicaragua Tue, 12/02
American tourists staying home, leaving some European businesses hurting
Travel is pinched by global financial crisis, and European cities are feeling the lack of American tourists Tue, 12/02
Even Southwest, usually the growth-happy U.S. airline, is suffering
Southwest Airlines won't increase its fleet next year; carrier suffered 10.7-percent drop in passengers in November compared to year ago Tue, 12/02
Major U.S. airlines poised to cut more flights in 2009
Airlines ready to dump more flights next year as travel demand slumps because of global financial meltdown Tue, 12/02
Some travelers cancel India trips after terrorist attacks; others are undaunted
Terrorist attacks in Mumbai prompt some travelers to cancel India trips; U.S. issues travel alert Tue, 12/02
California company announces its first space tourist for 2011 flight
Xcor Aerospace names its first passenger for space flight; company is competing for space tourism with Virgin Galactic Tue, 12/02
India siege raises fears — and security — at some U.S. hotels
Terrorist attacks in Mumbai a wake-up call for U.S. hotels, say some security specialists Tue, 12/02
Thai tourism faces long-term pain after airport blockade
Long-term slump in Thailand tourism feared even after Bangkok airport reopens later this week Tue, 12/02
OpinionEditorial
Selling Puget Sound cleanup to lawmakers
Lawmakers and the public are essentially in the same place. No one opposes the restoration and maintenance of a healthy Puget Sound. The next assignment for the Puget Sound Partnership is sharing how it will happen and what needs to be done. Tue, 12/02
Seattle school closures: District has no choice but to downsize its property holdings
Education funding is a problem that can't be outrun. Seattle Public Schools cannot afford to be one of the city's largest property managers. School officials must show how a smaller district creates efficiencies and improves academics. Tue, 12/02
U.S. automakers' plan should include a return to romance
Once the Big Three United States auto companies restructure and have better technology in place, they can turn to winning back the American public. Tue, 12/02