Meltdown Survival Handbook

Sure, the recession is bad: Nearly 10 percent of Washington was out of work as of earlier this summer, and more than 55,000 Seattleites lost their jobs between May 2008 and May 2009. Now it’s time to buck up, get proactive, and start living your life again. Read 20 ways to stop worrying and thrive in the recession.

Included: Video coverage on a new way to do business, courtesy q13fox.com

By Matthew Halverson, Jessica Voelker, and Laura Cassidy

The Doctor Is In a Fix

Seattle is a relative bright spot in the health care picture, with better-than-average care, better general health, and lower costs. Martin Cahn—the last primary care doc left in lower Fremont— went into general practice to help people and unravel the mysteries of their ailments. Now he just wishes someone could do the same for a health care system gone critical.

By Eric Scigliano

Top Doctors 2009

Our list of 347 of the best doctors based in the Seattle area in 80 specialties, including General Medicine, Internal Medicine, Oncology, Pediatrics, Psychiatry, Surgery, and Alternative Medicine.

Researched by Stefan DurhamWith contribution from Rachel Solomon and Connor Guy

Letters to the Editor

Letters about previous articles from the Seattle metropolitan community.

Reunited and It Feels So…Meh

During the Yankees’ four-game series at Safeco Field, Ken Griffey Jr. and Alex Rodriguez—the Mariners’ two biggest stars of all time—will step onto the diamond in Seattle together for the first time in a decade. A look back at the last 10 years…

By Matthew Halverson

Ill-Advised Exports of the Month

Starbucks’s Barista Blade Grinder and the face-plant prone Novara Trionfo bikes from REI cause the Seattle companies to issue recalls.

By Karen Quinn

Neighborhood Watch

The vacant lot at 23rd Avenue and East Union Street transforms into an interactive art installation. The Corner: 23rd and Union is the creation of KUOW producer Jenny Asarnow and records the changing nature of the Central District neighborhood.

By Steve Wiecking

Nickels Reelection Watch

The August 18 primary will determine which two mayoral candidates will compete for office this fall. Greg Nickels’s chances of making it past the primary threshold are good; City Councilmember Jan Drago and former NBA player James Donaldson are the likely contenders for the coveted second spot.

By Karen Quinn

Fire Fries

In the past three months, residents cooking French fries have caused six Tacoma home fires. The culprit? Cooking oil.

By Karen Quinn

Just Charge It

In late July, Seattle landed one of only six Tesla Motors showrooms in the country. The company calls the car an investment in the future of affordable gas-free transportation, but for $109,000, it comes with some other savvy features, too.

By Matthew Halverson

Twelve Things I Learned While Reporting the Election This Summer

What I learned about Seattle politics from tweeting public forums, City Council meetings, legislative district meetings, press conferences, and campaign kickoffs.

By Johnathon Fitzpatrick

Art of Craft

Turn a cultural outing into a craft fair: Explore Seattle’s best museum gift shops.

By Laura Cassidy

Knock ’Em Down

To solve Seattle’s vacant-home problem the Department of Planning and Development considers easing codes for leveling lost-cause property. Plus, sales are surging just east of Federal Way. Three homes illustrate what you can find there now.

By Matthew Halverson

Desperately Seeking Susan

Just who is Susan Hutchison, the former KIRO TV news coanchor leading the race to fill Ron Sims’s King County executive post? Her campaign runs on fame, game, connections—and a flash of indignation.

By John Michael Hood

To the Lake House

Spend two perfect days in Lake Tahoe biking, boating, exploring, and dining.

By Paige Williams

Let It Float

For Bjarko Serra architect Chris Serra and his partner Valerie Wersinger, updating a Seward Park, Paul Kirk split-level home meant honoring an artist in transition—and keeping owner Frances Locke happy, too.

By Brian J. Barr

GOOSED!

Gooseberries are in season—find them at Schuh Farms and Grouse Mountain Farm farmers markets stands—and just right for pie, jam, and chutney. Matt Costello of the Inn at Langley shares a recipe for Gooseberry Chutney.

By Jess Thomson

The Seattle Freeze

Bartenders at Tini Bigs, Naga Cocktail Lounge, Barrio, the new Tavern Law, and Vessel are stone-cold serious about ice.

By Jessica Voelker

Eurosip

Value red wines from France and Spain.

Recipe for Success

Wallingford’s rustic Cantinetta provides a blueprint for opening a restaurant in uncertain times.

By Kathryn Robinson

Street Eatin'

Street carts are where Seattle’s eating right now. Here are six mobile vendors you don’t want to miss.

By Kathryn Robinson

Ring Leader

Robert Spano, the internationally acclaimed music director of the Atlanta Symphony, in August leads the mighty opera The Ring, the Seattle Opera’s signature Wagner production.

By Thomas May

Who's Calling?

A woman can earn her own financial independence, be fully the agent of her own body, freely pursue her own dreams. She is more than a man’s chattel; more than his romantic ideal. She walks alongside a man as his partner. But for all of feminism’s great advances, there’s still just one hitch: Boys and girls are equal, but God help any girl who thinks the unwritten rules governing courtship are.

By Kathryn Robinson