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Friday, November 21, 2008 - Page updated at 06:37 p.m.

Today's updates

NEW - 05:52 PM

Editorial

Applause goes to Wallace Foundation

Seattle art organizations' audience-development and outreach efforts are receiving timely and substantial support from the Wallace Foundation.

NEW - 05:48 PM

Leonard Pitts Jr. / Syndicated columnist

Rewriting the legacy of George W. Bush

Despite recent attempts to burnish the image of President George W. Bush, here's the truth: He has overseen a government of legendary intellectual incoherence, where ideology is valued above competence, accountability is valued not at all and one is daily dared to believe the evidence of one's lying eyes.

NEW - 05:48 PM

Owners of wandering livestock face fines, loss of animals

Two Kennewick sisters whose horses and cattle were seized this summer after they'd wandered onto neighbors' property in Benton County have been ordered to pay $38,409 in restitution to Benton County, and their livestock will be put up for auction on Saturday.

NEW - 05:47 PM

Maybe it takes a community organizer to lead a country

Barack Obama's weekly addresses (being carried on YouTube), combined and strengthened by "social networking" through his motivated Internet-linked network, might be the right combination for the times — presidential leadership combined with community organizing, mobilizing us to act on the most pressing 21st-century challenges.

NEW - 05:47 PM

Guest columnist

Use these hard times to stimulate a regional infrastructure renaissance

Given the options for stimulating the present recessionary economy, infrastructure needs should be given top billing. If state and local political leaders can act with dispatch, there are legitimate ways to increase employment using public funds.

NEW - 05:46 PM

Obama's assembling an impressive team

The personnel decisions made by Barack Obama and his transition team have been superb. He's off to a start that nearly justifies the hype.

NEW - 05:46 PM

Editorial

Legislature, governor must find $5 billion in spending cuts without raising taxes

The state of Washington can cut $5 billion from its 2009-2011 biennial budget if it has to — and it must.

NEW - 05:40 PM

David S. Broder / Syndicated columnist

Vital signs for health-care reform

Developments at both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue last week pointed up the urgency of the nation's health-care problem and the prospects for seeing significant action early in Barack Obama's presidency.

NEW - 05:40 PM

Guest columnists

Port of Seattle: Don't increase tax revenues

The Municipal League of King County urges the Port of Seattle commission to reduce its $8.1 million increase in the proposed 2009 real estate tax. This translates to a increase on property owners whose values are going up and is unwarranted during the current economic downturn.

NEW - 05:40 PM

Paul Krugman / Syndicated Columnist

Coping with a lame-duck economy: Can we afford two months of policy drift?

How much can go wrong with the nation's economy in the two months before Barack Obama takes the oath of office and replaces George W. Bush as the nation's president? A lot.

NEW - 05:39 PM

Froma Harrop / Syndicated columnist

Why the Democrats aren't spanking Joe Lieberman

Democrats were right not to expel Lieberman and for a simple reason: Because he says he wants to be among them. No one has to love him. And, as Indiana Sen. Evan Bayh has noted, Democrats can always revoke his chairmanship later if he acts up.

UPDATE - 05:30 PM

Geithner likely treasury pick; Clinton 'on track'

President-elect Barack Obama intends to name Timothy Geithner, president of the New York Federal Reserve, as his treasury secretary to confront the nation's intense economic turmoil, senior Democratic officials said Friday. The stock market soared on the news. Word of Geithner's likely selection emerged as New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, in line to become secretary of state, said through a spokesman that discussions were on track for her appointment but no final arrangement had been made.

NEW - 05:16 PM

Columbia Winery staying in Woodinville

New owner of Columbia Winery signs long-term lease to stay in Woodinville.

UPDATE - 05:05 PM

Obamas choose private Sidwell Friends School

President-elect Barack Obama and his wife have chosen Sidwell Friends School for their two daughters, opting for a private institution that another White House child, Chelsea Clinton, attended a decade ago.

UPDATE - 05:05 PM

Neb. lawmakers OK age limit for safe-haven law

Gov. Dave Heineman signed into law Friday a bill adding a 30-day age limit to a safe-haven law that allowed 35 children - including teenagers as old as 17 - to be abandoned at state hospitals. The law, approved hours earlier by the Legislature in a 45-3 vote, goes into effect Saturday, and makes Nebraska the 14th state with a 30-day age cap. It had been the only state with a safe-haven law without an age limit.

UPDATE - 04:55 PM

Germany drops attempt to ban Scientology

Germany is dropping its pursuit of a ban on Scientology after finding insufficient evidence of illegal activity, security officials said Friday. Domestic intelligence services will continue to monitor the group, officials said. The German branch of the Los Angeles-based Church of Scientology has been under observation by domestic intelligence services for more than a decade. Top security officials asked state governments in December to begin gathering information on whether they had sufficient grounds to seek a ban.

UPDATE - 04:50 PM

Pressure on Citigroup builds, shares fall below $4

Pressure intensified on Citigroup to sell part or all of itself as its stock fell below $4 a share on Friday and fears escalated about future loan losses.

UPDATE - 04:45 PM

Automakers need to make case for government aid

Democratic leaders ordered Detroit's Big Three automakers Friday to submit what amounts to a detailed loan application to Congress so lawmakers can decide whether to give the beleaguered industry an emergency $25 billion lifeline.

UPDATE - 04:20 PM

Wal-Mart names Duke to succeed Scott as CEO

Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the world's largest retailer, unexpectedly announced Friday that its chief executive will retire in February and be replaced by the head of its international division.

NEW - 03:47 PM

A&E Dispatch | Seattle Theatre Group offers half-price ticket sale

Seattle Theatre Group is having a half-price sale tickets sale for shows at the Paramount and Moore Theatres. The sale goes from 10 a.m. Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, Nov. 27 to 10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28.

UPDATE - 03:45 PM

FDIC will guarantee up to $1.4T in bank debt

Federal regulators will guarantee as much as $1.4 trillion in U.S. banks' debt in a bid to get the distressed financial system pumping again. They also took steps Friday to make it easier for private investors to buy banks seized by the government.

NEW - 03:45 PM

"John Doe" identity thief gets 30 months in prison

A Seattle man who had wrapped himself in dozens of false identities for years was sentenced to 30 months in prison today, a lenient term considering the nature of his offense. A federal judge said Scott Andrew Shain's mental health was the only reason he didn't get more time.

UPDATE - 03:24 PM

King County closes $93 million funding gap and protects deputies and courts

Metropolitan King County Council budget leaders presented a 2009 budget today that would protect 19 endangered sheriff's deputy positions and the special courts that send drug addicts and people with mental illness to treatment instead of jail.

UPDATE - 03:20 PM

Bob Jones Univ. apologizes for racist policies

Bob Jones University has apologized for racist policies including a one-time ban on interracial dating that wasn't lifted until nine years ago and its unwillingness to admit black students until 1971.

UPDATE - 03:05 PM

GM to extend holiday shutdown, will cut production

General Motors Corp. will extend its holiday shutdown or make other production cuts at five factories at as it deals with a continued U.S. auto sales slump and fights to stay solvent.

NEW - 02:38 PM

A&E Dispatch | Get your Kanye West preview listen today at MySpace

Preview Kanye West's highly anticipated fourth album, "808s & HEARTBREAK" before its official release on Nov. 24; it's available now at www.myspace.com/kanyewest.

Former Sen. Fred Thompson plans return to acting

Former U.S. Sen. Fred Thompson is going back to the small screen after his foray into Republican presidential politics over the last year.

DOT offers holiday travel tips

The state Department of Transportation has a Web site — www.wsdot.wa.gov — that will provide the best times to travel the state's highways over the Thanksgiving weekend. Most highways and local roads are expected to be busy on Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving, and the Sunday after Thanksgiving. The information here may help travelers avoid delays.

Yosemite to close many popular park cabins because of rockfall danger

Yosemite National Park closing one-third of cabins at popular Curry Village because of rockfall danger

Teen wins 'Twilight' car on 'Tyra Banks Show'

Sometimes it pays to have your heart broken.

A&E Dispatch | Benham Gallery (slightly damaged) art sale starts today

Benham Gallery is holding a nontraditional holiday party and "$#*! Happens Sale." The gallery is selling slightly damaged artwork, Nov. 21-30, and holding a raffle for a photograph of singer-songwriter Tom Waits.

Honda to cut global output amid slowing demand

Honda Motor Corp. said Friday it will cut production in Japan and Europe by 61,000 vehicles, as it continues to grapple with slowing global demand.

Comedy review | "D-List" star Kathy Griffin brings her "A" game to the Paramount

Comedy review: Kathy Griffin brought her acerbic brand of celeb-skewering comedy to the Paramount Theatre Thursday night, for a four-show stand that continues through Nov. 22.

Mukasey returns to work after collapse

With briefcase in hand and a smile on his face, Attorney General Michael Mukasey returned to work Friday after collapsing during a speech the night before and spurring a 14-hour scare about his health.

Snoqualmie Pass to expand with 9 new and rebuilt lifts

Snoqualmie Pass ski resort says it has Forest Service approval for expansion; plans to build six new chairs, three surface lifts

Madonna, Ritchie granted preliminary divorce

After the wedding in a Scottish castle, the mansion on a green English estate and the drinks in their own pub, Madonna and Guy Ritchie's eight-year marriage ended Friday in a dreary London courtroom.

WHO: 294 deaths in Zimbabwe cholera outbreak

The World Health Organization said Friday that 294 people have died from a cholera outbreak exacerbated by the country's collapsing health care system.

ZymoGenetics' longtime CEO is stepping down

ZymoGenetics CEO Bruce Carter will step down in January, and will be replaced by Douglas Williams.

Passenger stays for three months at Mexico City airport

Japanese traveler has long layover at Mexico City airport: Hiroshi Nohara has been there for three months and has no plans to leave

Palin pardons turkey while others slaughtered

Gov. Sarah Palin has granted the traditional Thanksgiving pardon to one lucky turkey, but the video that shocked some viewers captured what was happening in the background.

AIDS official: HIV spreading fast in Russia

A top Russian anti-AIDS coordinator on Friday lambasted the government's approach to fighting HIV, saying the number of registered cases was growing 10 percent a year despite increased federal funding.

Buffett says automakers need bailout or bankruptcy

Billionaire investor Warren Buffett says U.S. automakers need a new business model to better compete, whether it takes bankruptcy or a government bailout to achieve.

Airbus says it benefited from Boeing strike

The recently ended Machinists strike at Boeing benefited Airbus, the European jet maker said, because it gave stretched suppliers more time to focus on Airbus orders.

The DOT's recommended travel times for Thanksgiving weekend

The Thanksgiving weekend is the busiest holiday weekend of the year for drivers going over Snoqualmie Pass and those heading south of Seattle through Olympia. The state Department of Transportation has released its recommended travel times so motorists can avoid gridlock.

World's biggest cruise ship launched; will carry 6,300 passengers

Newly launched cruise ship is world's biggest; Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas will carry 6,300 passengers and 3,000 crew

Court: Molester can be banned from contacting wife

The state Supreme Court says a convicted child molester can be permanently banned from contacting his wife, even though the woman was not a direct victim of his crimes.

Franklin HS student, 15, says boys tried to assault her in bathroom

Seattle police are investigating allegations by a 15-year-old Franklin High School student who says a boy tried to drag her into a bathroom and sexually assault her, while two of his friends held the door closed.

Dow rebounds to close up 494, above 8,000 level

Wall Street got a boost of confidence late today following a report that President-elect Barack Obama plans to name New York Federal Reserve President Timothy Geithner as Treasury secretary.

More animals found in Ferndale-area abuse case

FERNDALE — More abused animals have been discovered in a home on the 7000 block of Tall Cedars Lane near Ferndale.

Dance review: Alonzo King re-imagines ballet for a new century

Alonzo King's LINES Ballet performs "Long River, High Sky," a fascinating blend of ballet and kung fu, at University of Washington's Meany Hall. Review by Jean Lenihan.

Oregon man held after abuse complaint about children, mustangs on farm

Oregon state officials placed six children in protective custody Thursday after following up on a neglected and starved horses complaint near Foster Reservoir.

Wash. state preps for December execution

WALLA WALLA — A sturdy metal gurney, topped by a thin foam mattress and backboard, dominates the small chamber that awaits Darold Ray Stenson for his Dec. 3 execution at the Washington state Penitentiary.

Guards: Crowded Calif. prisons neglect ill inmates

Inmates with open, bleeding wounds routinely use communal showers and suicidal prisoners are sometimes kept for hours inside small cages, witnesses testified in a lawsuit over state prison crowding.

Ashlee Simpson-Wentz, Pete Wentz have baby boy

Ashlee Simpson-Wentz and Pete Wentz are the proud parents of a baby boy, and they're celebrating with some Bronx cheer - this one is a good one.

Concert review

Russian conductor's talents showcased in return engagement

Conductor Vassily Sinaisky leads Seattle Symphony in a distinguished performance.

Famous NYC food critic loses job in sour economy

One of New York City's most famous food critics is out of a job.

Myanmar court hands comedian 45-year prison term

Myanmar's courts continued a crackdown on activists Friday, handing out a 45-year prison sentence to a comedian who went to the delta to help cyclone victims and criticized the junta's slow relief response.

Dance review: "Lost Action" weaves a sobering tale

Choreographer Crystal Pite's "Lost Action," performed by Canadian dance company Kidd Pivot, is a thrilling and sobering work about soldiers and loss. Review by Michael Upchurch.

Islamists say they'll fight Somali pirates

A radical Islamic group in Somalia said Friday it will fight the pirates holding a Saudi supertanker loaded with $100 million worth of crude oil.

Bug-sized spies: US develops tiny flying robots

If only we could be a fly on the wall when our enemies are plotting to attack us. Better yet, what if that fly could record voices, transmit video and even fire tiny weapons?

Colorado Marine posts bail in Washington State

PORT ANGELES — A Marine arrested in Washington state on desertion and contempt of court charges has posted $5,000 bail.

Boeing warns of possible layoffs in 2009

Boeing management warned workers Thursday that employment will fall in 2009 and that layoffs are possible, an ominous sign that even the previously booming aerospace sector is staggering from the worldwide economic downturn.

Bad economy won't stop massive road projects

The Legislature is grappling with two transportation projects at a time when a recession appears unavoidable and the state operating budget has a $5 billion hole. But leaders may have a way to build support for replacing the Alaskan Way Viaduct and Highway 520 bridge: Call it a jobs package.

Officer defends his actions on Aurora Bridge

The Seattle police officer who unsuccessfully tried to handcuff a man who plunged from the Aurora Bridge defended his actions Thursday, saying he had no choice because the man was beginning to lose his grip after clinging for more than two hours to the outside rail.

Nicole Brodeur

Teaching moment springs from school's shared sadness

Parents have started a series of after-school clinics to ensure that the Laurelhurst Elementary community is immunized. Students. Teachers. Parents.

UW, WSU presidents' salaries affected by budget crunch

Washington State University President Elson Floyd will voluntarily take a $100,000 pay cut starting Jan. 1, and University of Washington President Mark Emmert has decided to forgo a pay raise this year, in response to news that the state's higher-education funding may be cut by 20 percent.

King County cities on hunt for new jail site

A group of King County cities has begun looking for a possible jail site in Bellevue, downtown Seattle, Shoreline and an unincorporated area near Kirkland and Redmond.

Local men arrested in credit card, ID thefts from gyms

Authorities have broken up a gang of gym thieves they say was responsible for using stolen credit cards to buy computers and other electronic equipment, which was then sold for millions of dollars on eBay, according to federal charges.

Former teacher suspected of sexual misconduct

A former Bellevue teacher, Deene Juncker, was arrested on suspicion of having sexual misconduct with a minor and bail was set for him Thursday.

Washington State Academy of Sciences launched

Washington's new academy of sciences will offer technical advice to policymakers grappling with some of the region's toughest and most controversial issues.

Tribal head pleads guilty to cigarette trafficking

Thursday in U.S. District Court in Seattle, Eddie Goodridge Jr., 33, pleaded guilty to trafficking in contraband cigarettes and agreed to repay the state $25.7 million he'd failed to collect in state taxes as an owner of the Blue Stilly Smoke Shop at Smokey Point, Snohomish County.

FAA employee suspected of stealing plane, yachts

Federal prosecutors say a U.S. government worker from Southern California helped himself to some perks from his job illegally — including a plane, yachts and heavy-duty trucks.

Local Digest

Caregiver held on assault charge

A man is being held on $200,000 bail for allegedly assaulting a quadriplegic man he was hired to care for.

Will poor economy affect fundraising efforts to renovate UW, WSU football stadiums?

Washington and Washington State hope the failing economy won't hurt their chances to get funding needed to renovate Husky Stadium and Martin Stadium.

Mariners' left-hander Eric O'Flaherty claimed by Atlanta Braves

Eric O'Flaherty, once considered a top pitching prospect by the Mariners, was claimed on waivers by the Atlanta Braves.

Seahawks believe they'll rebound

The Seahawks are hoping this season's misfortune is an aberration that they can set right in 2009 and return to the top of the NFC West.

Tony Thompson took long path to WSU lineup

Tony Thompson, son of former Cougars standout Jack Thompson, was too small in high school to get scouts' attention, but after working to impress WSU coaches, he has earned a roster spot.

UW Basketball | Justin Dentmon, Isaiah Thomas lead UW to comeback win

Early on, as their shots rattled out and visiting Florida International appeared poised for an upset, Justin Dentmon's and Isaiah Thomas'...

Walk-on Fred Wiggs followed brother Sekou to UW

Despite Washington's lack of success, Fred Wiggs says, "There's nowhere else I'd rather be."

Jerry Brewer

If the Huskies have quit on this season, you'll see it on Saturday

For the Huskies, there's no joking about one aspect of the futile Apple Cup. It will provide the definitive answer to whether they quit on this season.

Sky's the limit for Skyline brother, sister

Brother and sister Kasen and Kiara Williams of Skyline High School are fierce competitors, but there's no sibling rivalry.

Sideline Chatter

The Apple Cup upside: A state team will win

If Saturday's woeful Washington-Washington State game produces a touchdown dance, it ought to be the Kan-Kan. As in Kansas vs. Kansas State, 1987-88. "The...

3A Volleyball | Bishop Blanchet, E.C. advance to semifinals

They've been playing with no fear all season. So the Eastside Catholic Crusaders aren't about to doubt themselves now. Not with their first...

Baseball | Owners rule on playoff weather

There has never been a rain-shortened game in the postseason, and now there never will be. Commissioner Bud Selig announced the sport will...

College Football Notebook | Ga. Tech runs over Miami 41-23

This is the way they draw up the triple option. Ruining Miami's return to national prominence, Georgia Tech ran for a staggering 472 yards...

Football quarterfinal playoff schedule

FRIDAY'S GAMES Ferris (10-1) at Central Valley (10-1), 7 p.m. Auburn (11-0) at Skyline (11-0), 1 p.m. Bothell (8-3) at Issaquah (9-2), 7...

Golf | Annika Sorenstam struggles in tour finale

Annika Sorenstam arrived at the first tee Thursday morning, shook a few hands and got a kiss on the cheek from Donald Trump. Then she turned to...

NBA Notebook | Greg Oden builds up Portland hopes

The Rose Garden fans got their first regular-season look at center Greg Oden, and he did not disappoint. His "Thank You" was a two-handed...

Prep soccer championships at a glance

Class 2A, 3A and 4A Where — Harry Lang Stadium, Lakewood. When — Today and Saturday. Today's semifinal schedule: Class 2A &...

Volleyball state tournament scores

At Toyota Center, Kennewick Bishop Blanchet def. Sumner 25-16, 25-19, 25-23 Meadowdale def. Holy Names 25-22, 18-25, 25-13, 25-22 Shadle...

Seahawks Notebook | Big plays add to big points allowed

There is one big reason why Seattle is allowing 7. 5 points more this season than a year ago, the largest increase of any team in the league...

Men's Basketball | No. 4 UCLA falls to Michigan, 55-52

Showing poise down the stretch and playing stellar defense, Michigan pulled off its first win over a top-five team in 11 years. DeShawn Sims scored 18...

NFL Notebook | Steelers' defense stymies Bengals in 27-10 victory

The Steelers honored defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau with a pregame ceremony for his 50 years as an NFL coach and player. His league-best defense found...

Women's Basketball | Cardinal bounces back with easy win

After a lopsided loss at Baylor, Stanford wanted to give its home crowd something much better. The Cardinal was aggressive from the opening...

NW Briefs | Falcons advance in soccer tourney

Midfielder Meredith Teague scored in the 16th minute of overtime to give Seattle Pacific women's soccer a 1-0 victory over Western Washington...

Briefs | Soccer: Columbus midfielder named MLS MVP

Soccer Schelotto helped Crew to MLS Cup: Columbus' Guillermo Barros Schelotto, a midfield wizard who was a longtime star in his native Argentina...

Microsoft wants judge to boot "Vista Capable" class-action lawsuit

The company disputes PC buyers' claims that Microsoft's "Vista Capable" software marketing program deceived them.

Biotech startup GPC-Rx taps Accelerator venture capital

Seattle biotech startup GPC-Rx gets backing from the Accelerator to pursue drug design.

Retail Report

Seattle game company signs deal with Universal Studios

Interest from the likes of Universal Studios is as big as it gets for an operation so unassuming that it relies on curtains to separate its Denny Way offices from another building occupant.

WaMu cuts 1,600 Bay Area jobs

About 1,600 Washington Mutual employees in the San Francisco Bay Area will lose their jobs in the next few months, according to spokeswoman Darcy Donahoe-Wilmot.

Leaks dampen Obama's plans

Barack Obama was famously able to impose discipline and control over his presidential campaign, but it didn't take long for him to discover running a transition is quite different.

5 detainees to be released

A federal judge rejects the government's claim that 5 Algerian men are dangerous enemy combatants. One will remain incarcerated.

Big Three get more time to make case

Congressional leaders agreed Thursday to give Detroit automakers more time to make their case for a $25 billion emergency bailout, but they demanded that General Motors, Ford and Chrysler provide detailed plans for using the money.

Close-up

Call of the wild — via cellphone?

Yellowstone is a focal point as National Park Service officials, environmentalists and people lost without their electronic connections debate whether to let cellphone antennas sprout freely in America's great outdoors.

CIA misled Congress in Peru probe

The CIA repeatedly misled Congress and the Justice Department in their investigations of the 2001 shoot-down of a Peruvian plane carrying U.S. missionaries, according to findings of an internal CIA probe released Thursday.

Iraqi debate: Worries that security agreement gives Shiites too much power

Through the televised parliamentary brawling, the battle lines are becoming clear in the Iraqi political debate over a security agreement that would govern the last three years of the U.S. military presence in Iraq. And the pact appears not to be the main problem.

Not much of tobacco money aids health care

In 2006, Alaska desperately needed cash to complete a museum featuring a mummified bison and other natural wonders of the frozen north. So the state dipped into its share of the landmark 1998 tobacco settlement.

Study forecasts weaker al-Qaida, but U.S. dominance also to ebb

A new study of the global future by U.S. intelligence agencies suggests al-Qaida soon could be on the decline, having alienated Muslim supporters with indiscriminate killing and inattention to the practical problems of poverty, unemployment and education.

Today's pirates "not just unskilled bandits"

The U.N., African Union and Arab nations struggled Thursday to respond to the surge of attacks, authorizing sanctions and calling for international peacekeepers to address the chaos in Somalia that has spawned an upsurge in sea banditry.

Putin vows to protect economy

In a nationally televised show of unruffled resolve, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin vowed Thursday to protect an increasingly anxious country from a return to economic chaos.

Sandinista victory declared

Nicaragua's ruling Sandinista party won the large majority of municipal races, including leadership of the capital, Managua, in local elections that have sparked allegations of fraud and violent clashes, authorities announced Thursday.

Sen. Stevens' farewell marks end of an era

There, for a final time at his Senate desk, stood Ted Stevens: longest-serving Republican senator in U.S. history; shepherd of Alaska statehood; felon.

HIV tests yet to be routine in hospitals

Two years after the government urged making HIV tests as common as cholesterol checks, there are small gains but still one in five people infected with the AIDS virus doesn't know it, scientists said Thursday.

"Handshake Man" says he won't be at Inauguration

A confounding and perhaps divinely inspired Inauguration Day tradition is coming to an end: Handshake Man said he can't make it to the celebration Jan. 20.

Anniversary of WWII battle noted

Maj. James L. Fawcett died in September at the age of 89. He wanted his ashes taken to the spot where half of his 50-man platoon was killed during the Battle of Tarawa, one of World War II's most brutal battles.

Post-turkey-day receipts may be for the birds

After pushing steep discounts throughout November that are usually reserved for the day after Thanksgiving, retailers from Kohl's to Toys "R" Us are offering even bigger cuts and promotions for Black Friday in a frantic bid to pull in shoppers.

Scientists: Remains of Copernicus ID'd

Researchers said Thursday they have identified the remains of Nicolaus Copernicus by comparing DNA from a skeleton and hair retrieved from one of the 16th-century astronomer's books.

Odds and Ends

Bush takes crusade south

Celebrity gossip, famous birthdays and other tidbits, compiled from Seattle Times news services.

World Digest

19,065 victims ID'd from May quake

A Chinese official said today that 19,065 of the people who died in May's massive earthquake in Sichuan province have been identified. Li Jiang, from the...

There's something funny going on around here

It's a funny fall: Comedy stars like Kathy Griffin, Joel McHale and Robin Williams will all be headlining in Seattle soon, and the Seattle International Comedy Competition is in full swing at local comedy clubs.

Restaurant review

Art of the Table restaurant: Welcome to his kitchen, now make yourself at home

Dustin Ronspies' Art of the Table serves contemporary American-style comfort food two ways: "Supper Club" Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights is like a private party, with a single seating for a four-course, prix fixe menu; and "Happy Mondays," featuring small plates.

Night Watch

10 well-documented days in the life of Head Like a Kite

Seattle indie band Head Like a Kite has been filming a new reality TV program, called "On the Brink," this week in six cities, with the final gig Saturday, Nov. 22, at Neumo's in Seattle.

Dining Deals

Authentic Salvadoran food and culture at Mi Chalateca

Restaurant review: The culture — and food — of El Salvador thrives at Mi Chalateca Restaurant and Pupuseria in Federal Way.

Visual arts

Grant Barnhart finds the dazzle and dada in American culture

Witness a star being born at Grant Barnhart's exhibition "Remember Me When" at OKOK Gallery.

Visual arts

Signs of the times at Martin-Zambito Fine Art

Martin-Zambito Fine Arts pulls out a timely selection of American art and Northwest regionalism from the mid-20th century, including work by Spencer Moseley, Glen Alps, Paul Horiuchi and Ida York Abelman.

Movie review

"A Christmas Tale" is a miraculous gift

"A Christmas Tale": French director Arnaud Desplechin's film is a marvel of intimate character study, revealing a wealth of behavioral complexity among the members of a dysfunctional family gathering for Christmas. The outstanding ensemble cast includes Catherine Deneuve and Mathieu Amalric.

"Boom": an apocalyptic dating game

Theater review by Misha Berson: Seattle Repertory Theatre stages a terrific script by playwright Peter Sinn Nachtrieb, "Boom," which plays Nov. 13-Dec. 14 at the Rep in Seattle Center.

Movie review

"Fuel": A persuasive argument for kicking our addiction to oil

"Fuel," directed by Josh Tickell, is a dynamic and persuasive documentary about clean energy sources and America's doomed addiction to oil. It's a must-see, and not just for environmentalists.

Movie review

"JCVD": A black belt in self-deprecation

"JCVD" is an unexpectedly ambitious vehicle for Jean-Claude Van Damme. He essentially plays a version of himself as JCVD, a washed-up action hero who returns to his native Belgium to revive his career — and suddenly finds himself in the middle of a real-life hostage crisis.

Movie review

"Obscene": The gutsy publisher who brought the underground to light

"Obscene": A fondly scruffy homage to Barney Rosset, the impish publisher of Grove Press who inspired profound cultural change with books such as "Lady Chatterley's Lover" and "Tropic of Cancer."

Book review

"White Jade and Other Stories": Average lives caught in the geopolitical swirl

"White Jade and Other Stories," Washington State University writer-in-residence Alex Kuo's newest collection of short fiction, tells of the anger, humor, irony and confusion you feel when you come from two worlds, neither of which really accepts you.

Cheap dates

Dates and times are subject to change. Events Live Music on the Market Stage Today-Sat Crossroads Bellevue live music; singer-songwriter...

Colbert, sir, you are no Rudolph

"A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All!" — with Stephen Colbert singing, dancing and musing about the true meaning of Christmas — airs Sunday on Comedy Central.

Director Danny Boyle's Mumbai memories

Danny Boyle, director of "Trainspotting," talks about Bollywood, Mumbai and his latest feature, "Slumdog Millionaire."

Director seeks essence of Willa Cather's "My Ántonia" for Book-It staging

Seattle's Book-It Repertory Theatre presents a new adaptation of "My Ántonia," the classic Willa Cather novel of 19th-century immigrant life on the Nebraska prairie.

Movie review

From "Slumdog" to hero

Danny Boyle's "Slumdog Millionaire" is the story of a young man's journey from rags to riches, by way of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire."

Go nuts for the holidays at Country Village

Country Village welcomes holiday shoppers Saturday, Nov. 22, to get a jump-start on their lists while enjoying the festive atmosphere of the village.

HBO quenches thirst for girl-meets-vampire stories

Catching the wave of a public fascination with vampires, HBO's "True Blood" has steadily increased in stature to become the cable network's...

Movie review

Hit by hard times in "Days and Clouds"

In Silvio Soldini's well-acted "Days and Clouds," Margherita Buy and Antonio Alabanese play a couple hit by hard times.

Joan Baez: Hopeful, haunting new songs and old from a folk legend

Folk singer Joan Baez comes to Seattle's Moore Theatre on Nov. 28, the culmination of an international tour supporting her recent hit album, "Day After Tomorrow."

Nancy Kelly and Houston Person drop by Bake's Place

Nancy Kelly and Houston Person will perform and record a live CD at Bake's Place jazz house in Issaquah, Nov. 22-23, 2008.

NKOTB: The boys are back in town

The New Kids on the Block will perform Nov. 22 at the Tacoma Dome.

Spectrum explores a "Chekhovian Resolution" for the Middle East

Spectrum Dance Theater's "A Chekhovian Resolution," by Donald Byrd in collaboration with Israeli dancemakers Nir Ben Gal and Liat Dror and Palestinian composer Wissam Murad, takes an abstract look at how space is divided in the Middle East.

DVDs released this week

A weekly listing of new DVDs.

Jazz Etc.

Taj Mahal is still doing it his way after 40 years

Taj Mahal plays a long set at Jazz Alley, Nov. 21-30, supporting his latest album "Maestro" (Heads Up), which features guest appearances by Angelique Kidjo, Ben Harper, Ziggy Marley, Los Lobos and Jack Johnson.

What other movie critics are saying

"Bolt" Colin Covert, Star Tribune (Minneapolis) May I gush? "Bolt" is a jolt of joy, a computer-animated delight that is delirious with...

Ticket alert

Tickets on sale this week.

At a Theater Near You

Zeitgeist films, Jimmy Stewart and a wonderful wizard

Zeitgeist films, Jimmy Stewart and "The Wizard of Oz" alight on Seattle-area screens this week.

"Recountdown" with Henry Rollins

Henry Rollins, the hard-core punk-rocker turned spoken-word performer, has a gig at Seattle's Moore Theatre at 8 p.m. Nov. 26.

Erwilian performs in Renton

Erwilian, which makes acoustic music with dulcimers, dobros, didgeridoos and other instruments, appears in concert at Renton Civic Theatre, Nov. 21-22.

2009 Hyundai Genesis: Luxury at a deep discount

The chocolate-brown leather is softer than a Hershey bar in a cop's back pocket. The topstitched upholstery across the dash and doors seems...

Automotive Q&A

Tires need to roll the right way

Q: What is a directional tire? A: Directional, also called unidirectional tires, are designed to offer optimum straight-line acceleration...

Uptick in car-buying interest detected

Are auto sales headed for a turnaround? That's probably too much to hope for, considering that the U.S. economy is reeling, credit markets...

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