Stage
Some might say that serving in the military is no laughing matter. Jennifer McMillen -- a former seaman in the U.S. Navy and an Army wife -- aims to prove them wrong. McMillen of Yelm is producing Red, White & You, a comedy show by and about people who've lived the
Online Newspapers
Walla Walla means "many waters," but these days, the charming Eastern Washington town is better known for its many wines. The once-sleepy town of 32,000 is drawing winos - er, tourists - from far afield. The New York Times has taken note. Some say it's poised to become the next Napa
Travel
Ashland, Oregon, the charming small town that's home to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, is quite likely the Shakespeare capital of the United States. There are plenty of other reasons to visit - nature, culture and fine dining among them - but if you're going to drive almost to the California border,
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The Olympia Food Co-op's focus on local, organic and bulk foods sets it apart from many grocery stores. But underneath what's on the shelves and in the freezers, there's another difference: The co-op is a community - a community of workers who make decisions collaboratively and a community of shoppers, most
Online Newspapers
If you have a question about wine, chances are Justin Wilkes can answer it. Which wine pairs well with paella (or pad Thai, or pizza)? Could you recommend a bold red for a casual evening at home? A Champagne for a special occasion? Could it be organic? Wilkes runs The Wine Loft in downtown
Stage
Unlikely though it might seem, a troupe of Olympia actors is helping to train medical personnel at Madigan Army Medical Center. Members of the Heartsparkle Players play the roles of patients who interact with interns, residents and others getting advanced medical training at Madigan's Charles A. Andersen Simulation Center. Last week, Heartsparkle
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This year, The Christmas Revels - an interactive holiday performance and celebration - will bring to Tacoma the customs, culture and music of Wales. "Wales is a singing culture," said Mary Lynn, executive director of the Puget Sound Revels. "They sing in multi-part harmony at rugby games." It's a perfect subject for
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The holiday season is upon us, that time of tree trimming, menorah lighting, cookie baking, gift buying - and show seeing. No kidding. You might think there'd be enough to do at this time of year, but holiday time is a big time for families to dress up and go out
Features
Ah, the joys of a sunny day at a marina: the smell of the water, the sounds of the seagulls, the sight of the water. That appealing atmosphere is bound to draw appealing people, right? Apparently that's the case at Boathouse 19, voted Best Place to Meet Someone in the Volcano's Best
Outdoors
They say every dog has his day, and these days it seems every dog has his day out: More canines are hitting the road come vacation time. "The Northwest is really dog-friendly," said Holly Anderson of Mud Bay stores. "If you're just walking around sightseeing, everyone is very relaxed about it,
News Front
When you see them in the rink, roller derby dames look pretty tough. They push. They shove. They suffer bruises and broken bones. They adopt derby names to telegraph their toughness. The women of the Bettie Brigade, Joint Base Lewis-McChord's roller-derby team, are no exception. The team opens its season Saturday
Features
There's something green at Olympia burger shack Big Tom - and it's not on the menu, which is bare of all vegetables save the humble potato and a few lonely burger toppings. Instead, it's just about everywhere else. Owner Michael Fritsch has taken the classic drive-in and made it green, with
Features
If baguettes and levain are The Bread Peddler's bread and butter, the bakery also subscribes at times to the motto, "Let them eat cake." Those hoping for a fresh loaf would be smart to call ahead if they plan to arrive much after noon. But there are plenty of other items
Bars & Clubs
At Dillingers Cocktails & Kitchen - winner of both Best Creative Cocktails and Best Manhattan - everything old is new again. "Sherilyn (Lightner), who did most of our menus, really stuck to the classics from the twenties and thirties," said Lela Cross, co-founder of Dillingers. "There's a history behind that, and
Military Life
At this time of year, Christmas concerts are almost as ubiquitous as holiday sales and flashing lights. Live Gregorian chants, though, are about as common as sightings of Rudolph with his nose so bright. If you want to hear one of these rare performances, we know of only one place in
Stage
Back in the days before online shopping and YouTube videos of cats, holiday entertainment meant TV specials and variety shows hosted by the likes of Perry Como. Like the gelatin salad with fruit and vegetables and a nuts-and-cream-cheese topping, these old-fashioned mixtures of song, dance and comedy - all held together
Attractions
Santa spends most of his time at the North Pole, where he's not easily accessible to anyone who doesn't have magic reindeer. Perhaps he's shy. After all, he visits in the dead of night, when everyone is asleep. And if you're awake at that time, he's probably not going to bring
Music
In December, virtually all entertainment revolves around the winter holidays. Sure, life as usual goes on, but you'd never know it by listening to the radio, where carols and the unfortunate "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer" take over many stations. Or by watching TV, where special holiday episodes give way
Outdoors
On Saturday, Gig Harbor celebrates the return of the salmon - a little early. The ninth annual Donkey Creek Chum Festival offers walking tours, boat races, touch tanks, crafts and music but not many salmon, other than dead ones - some that kids will coat with paint to make salmon-printed T-shirts
Outdoors
Come rain or hail or dark of night, Duncan Green can be spotted riding his bike through the streets of Olympia. As the coordinator of Intercity Transit's Bicycle Commuter Contest, Green promotes bicycling as transportation. But riding a bike is also one of his favorite recreational activities. He favors rides on
