Rumor has it that Paul Allen and his company, Vulcan Northwest, are trying to broaden their radio empire. (In addition to its KEXP partnership, Allen's Vulcan owns two stations in Portland and three in New York.)

Sources told The Stranger that Allen recently offered to buy three Ackerley Group radio stations--KUBE, KJR, and 95.7 The Beat--for somewhere around $156 million. Ackerley reportedly declined. PAT KEARNEY

Protesters on Parade

The Pike Place Market Historical Commission, the organization dedicated to protecting the Seattle landmark, had its worst fears realized last weekend. On July 14, the Sidran Truth Squad--a group of liberal activists--protested at mayoral candidate Mark Sidran's Pike Place campaign headquarters. Over 50 people with anti-Sidran signs and leaflets squeezed into Post Alley to hear speeches from community activists and homeless youth.

Ernie Garron, who lives near the Market, echoed the commission's concerns that the campaign office would draw protesters. (In April, the commission tried to block Sidran's campaign from moving into the Market, but got foiled in court.)

"It interrupts business," Garron said, standing near the Market's bronze pig. "And it could get votes for Sidran." AMY JENNIGES

Rock and Roll Council

In a nod to the five city council members who tried in vain last summer to nix the Teen Dance Ordinance, Capitol Hill Block Party organizer Dave Meinert invited each one to introduce the day's music acts. Unfortunately, the politicians blew their opportunities for a little rock and roll street cred.

Mudhoney, "the band we first heard in Singles," was introduced by Richard Conlin, and "Pedro and the Lions" were introduced by Peter Steinbrueck. NANCY DREW

Auto Attack 2

More questions have surfaced about advertising company Autowraps ["Auto Attack," Pat Kearney, July 12]. After Seattleite Kim Larson's car was wrapped in PowerBar logos, she was supposed to get free samples of the energy bar. Larson didn't get the bars for several weeks, and says Autowraps blamed PowerBar for the delay--claiming that the food company sent Autowraps expired bars. Autowraps CEO Daniel Schifrin refused to comment, but urged us to call PowerBar. We did, and PowerBar spokesperson Connie Sarvanandan denied the Autowraps claim. "I confirmed the shipment to Autowraps, and [the bars] do not expire until October 2001," Sarvanandan says. PAT KEARNEY