PATRISIA GONZALES & ROBERTO RODRIGUEZ--Leading journalists Gonzales and Rodriguez talk about the work they've done together (Gonzales & Rodriguez: Uncut and Uncensored) and apart. Gonzales has a forthcoming book titled The Mud People: Anonymous Heroes of Mexico, and Rodriguez is the author of Justice: A Question of Race. Elliott Bay, 101 S Main St, 624-6600, 1 pm, free.
FRI-16*KOON WOON & CATHERINE WING--Two interesting and talented local poets read as part of the "Passion for Poetry" series. Koon Woon's collection, The Truth in Rented Rooms, documents his experiences in low-rent Seattle International District haunts and the blurring of mental illness. Wing's work has appeared in journals such as Poetry Now and Bellowing Ark, and she organized the Poor Man's MFA, a poetry group. Barnes & Noble, 31325 Pacific Hwy S, Federal Way, 253-839-7541, 7 pm, free.
PAUL ANDREWS--Seattle Times computer tech reporter Andrews breaks out of the headlines with How the Web was Won: Microsoft from Windows to the Web: The Inside Story of How Bill Gates and His Band of Internet Idealists Transformed a Software Empire. Whew! Elliott Bay, 101 S Main St, 624-6600, 7:30 pm, free.
SAT-17SUSAN ZWINGER--Zwinger brings some green from Whidbey Island with her book The Last Wild Edge: One Woman's Journey from the Arctic Circle to the Olympic Rain Forest, a naturalist's study through the lens of a poet. Elliott Bay, 101 S Main St, 624-6600, 7:30 pm, free.
SUN-18*BEN JACKLET & LAYNE MAHEU--Jacklet and Maheu hand off chapters in their collaborative work, Bird People, a memoir/meditation supported by the King County Arts Commission. Bird People eyes society through birds (and the society of birds) in beautifully written descriptive prose, with personal experience and historical detail. This is a Soft City Prose reading, curated by Charles Mudede. Pistil Books & News, 1013 E Pike, 325-5401, 7 pm, free.
LENE GAMMELGAARD--Another side of Mt. Everest is told by Gammelgaard, in her account, Climbing High: A Woman's Account of Surviving the Everest Tragedy. Elliott Bay, 101 S Main St, 624-6600, 3 pm, free.
MON-19*SAM HAMILL, CHRISTOPHER YOHMEI BLASDEL, ELIZABETH FALCONER--Copper Canyon Press' new project combines music and literature on CDs; the forthcoming Heart of Bamboo features poetry by Hamill, accompanied by Blasdel on the shakuhachi (bamboo flamesute) and Falconer on the koto (a stringed instrument). Both musicians are formally trained masters. Hamill's poetry, erudite and elegant, fits neatly into what should be a rewarding event. Hugo House, 1634 11th Ave E, 322-7030, 7:30 pm, $5.
WILLIAM HAIG--In its second edition, Haig's tutorial The Power of Logos: How to Create an Effective Company Logo continues to--um--leave its mark. Elliott Bay, 101 S Main St, 624-6600, 3 pm, free.
CAROL MONTPARKER--Tickling the ivories tickles Montparker's fancy in her well-received new book, A Pianist's Landscape, a meditative account of the author's life as a concert pianist. Elliott Bay, 101 S Main St, 624-6600, 7:30 pm, free.
TUES-20GORDON VAN GELDER--Clarion West presents another of its fine graduates: Gelder is an editor at St. Martin's Press, and also edits The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction. He reads from his own work and answers questions about publishing (but try not to ask, "So, how do I get published?"). Elliott Bay, 101 S Main St, 624-6600, 7:30 pm, free.
WILLIAM HAIG--See Mon July 19 listing. Barnes & Noble, Pacific Place, 264-0156, 6 pm, free.
WED-21*PO BRONSON, GARY RIVLIN, KARA SWISHER--See Calendar Box. Borders, 1501 Fourth Ave, 622-4599, 6 pm, free.
CRAIG ARNOLD--Chosen by W. S. Merwin as 1998 Yale Younger Poet, Arnold's collection Shells combines food and sex, sex and food, and all sorts of oral delights. Elliott Bay, 101 S Main St, 624-6600, 8 pm, free.
OPEN MIC
Note to regularly programmed open mics: The Stranger will list events only if we receive an announcement--regular listings will be dropped unless we are notified that the events are in fact ongoing.
THE PEARL--Turn irritation into beauty: bring fiction, poetry, film or drama. Every first Thursday celebrates Dead Poets. The Pearl, 4215 University Way NE, 547-3326, 8 pm, free.
SUN-18RED SKY POETRY THEATER--Continuing its 18th season of readings, spotlighting local writers plus an open mic. Globe Cafe, 1531 14th Ave (off Pine), 633-5647, 7 pm, free.
MON-19LIVINGROOM--Every Monday about this time, people read and rant and play music. Tonight features Scott Huntington. Habitat Espresso, 222 Broadway E, 689-8661, 7:30 pm, free.
TUES-20HOMELAND--The homiest of open mics, with Meg Rook and espresso chocolate chip cookies. Globe Cafe, 1531 14th Ave (of Pine), 324-8815, 7:30 pm, free.
WED-21SEATTLE POETRY SLAM--In the ballroom of the most delectably dilapidated hotel in the city, the Slam continues to rock the foundation of performance poetry. OK Hotel, 212 Alaskan Way S, 621-7903, 9 pm, $3 (21 and over).
COFFEE MESSIAH--Come to confess your sins, stay for a cookie. Open mic for poetry, stories, music, rants, and more. Coffee Messiah, 1554 E Olive Way, 860-7377, 8:30 pm, free.
