The Stranger

Every fall, the inebriates and reprobates at The Stranger put out an issue of advice for college students, and actually, it’s pretty good advice—on everything from what majors to avoid (cough, sociology) to how to come out of the closet (ASAP!). Now the best of our collective wisdom has been assembled in attractive book form, along with tons of new material (some by Lindy West!) and Dan Savage’s college sexytimes advice. Come tonight (after you VOTE), find out why even adults/dropouts will die without this book, and enjoy free beer (while it lasts) and tacos (also free with book purchase). (Elliott Bay Book Company, 1521 10th Ave, 624-6600, 8–10 pm, free) by Bethany Jean Clement

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Billed as “a skateboarder’s Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,” Machotaildrop is the surreal and quirky action fantasia written and directed by Alex Craig and Corey Adams, featuring the awesome skating theatrics of the Vancouver skate crew the Manwolfs. Tomorrow brings a Machotaildrop-inspired art show to 35th North skate shop. But tonight brings the film that inspired it all, as Northwest Film Forum screens this blossoming cult classic with the actual Manwolfs in attendance. (Northwest Film Forum, 1515 12th Ave, 7 pm, $10, www.nwfilmforum.org) by David Schmader

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When she moved to Seattle from Buffalo three years ago, Nancy Kress instantly became one of the five best sci-fi writers in town. This year, she’s kicking everyone else’s ass by publishing two great books: A postapocalyptic time-travel novella called After the Fall, Before the Fall, During the Fall and a DNA-themed short-story collection titled Fountain of Age. Kress has already written one modern classic—Beggars in Spain is a nerdy must-read about sleeplessness, exceptionalism, and obligation. Either one of her new books—or both of them—could become a fixture in the Nerd Canon in years to come. (University Book Store, 4326 University Way NE, 634-3400, 7 pm, free) by Paul Constant

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Last year, a few Seattle nerds had the brilliant idea to launch a convention celebrating women in geek culture. The result was a sold-out smashing success, and this year, they’re gunning for a repeat. The two-day lineup includes everything from roundtable discussions on the female characters in Star Wars and the gender dynamics of Doctor Who to Buffy sing-alongs, steampunk sewing classes, and presentations on how to combat misogyny online. Basically, this con packs everything nearest and dearest to your geeky feminist heart into one empowering weekend. (Washington State Convention Center, 800 Convention Pl, www.geekgirlcon.com, 9 am–6 pm, $30, through Aug 12) by Cienna Madrid

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This documentary chronicles the bizarre case of a young Frenchman who convinces a Texas family that he is their teenage son who vanished three years earlier. How could they fall for con man Frédéric Bourdin and his wacky story? Through interviews with Bourdin and members of the family and reenactments of events, the story unfolds in astonishing twists. Why did they accept him into their family? Shouldn’t a mother know her own son? Is the family hiding something? Could it really be him after all? This true story is unbelievable. (SIFF Cinema at the Uptown; 511 Queen Anne Ave N; www.siff.net; 2:45, 5, 7:15, 9:30 pm; $7–$10) by Gillian Anderson

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This bustling restaurant in the heart of the International District has a wide range of Chinese cuisine, but I always go for their Canton-style stone-pot dishes. Choices include seafood with black bean, braised tofu with vegetables, shrimp paste with pork belly and tofu, seafood with pumpkin, soft tofu with shrimp cake, eggplant in Szechuan sauce, roast duck with bitter melon—the list is big and goes from pretty tame to very adventurous. The stone pot cooks all the ingredients together in a delicious savory gravy and keeps the food sizzling. Your taste buds will be delighted. (Hong Kong Bistro, 507 Maynard Ave S, www.hkbistro.com, 11 am–2 am) by Gillian Anderson

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