For Today

For Saturday

Neighbor Appreciation Day

Neighbor Appreciation Day is sort of like Valentine's Day, only without the expensive prix fixe dinner menus, the boxes of waxy chocolate, and the nearly intolerable sense of obligation. Instead, it's all about looking around your neighborhood and saying "You know what? You're all A-Okay."

Hundreds of community members and businesses across the city will be throwing special events including book exchanges, board game parties, potlucks, and more. Over a dozen Seattle fire stations will also be hosting open houses.

So how can you celebrate your neighbor in lieu of celebrating Valentine's Day?

"Just simple things like make your neighbor cookies or invite them over for a glass of wine," says Lois Maag, Dept of Neighborhoods Community Relations Advisor.

Well that could certainly send some mixed signals.

"Okay you might not do that. If nothing else it's just to have a day to recognize your neighbors, to thank them for whatever it is, like that time you borrowed a rake or a cup of sugar."

Neighbor Appreciation Day, Sat, Feb 14, Various Locations

In his book American Reckoning, the most important domestic legacy from the Vietnam War (other than the hundreds of thousands of lives either lost or otherwise ruined) is how the war completely shook up our national identity. Turns out, America can lose. And lose ungracefully. 

Appy argues it was the hangover from this particular defeat that has profoundly influenced everything thereafter, from popular culture to current Middle East policy. His talk will break down these points, as well as offer advice on how to move forward.

Christian Appy's 'American Reckoning,' Mon, Feb 16, 7:30pm, Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Ave, $5