January 30, 2003 · VOL. 12, NO. 20

FRONT OF BOOK Letters: It should come as no surprise to regular Stranger readers that, as this week's letters section showcases quite well, the most coherent, sensible writing to be found within this publication's pages routinely comes from the paper's own readers.... Last Days: David Schmader's column is undoubtedly the only reason most Stranger readers continue to pick up the paper.... NEWS After weeks of slumber-inducing news sections, this week's section shows minor signs of life. The operative word here is "minor".... SHORT FEATURE Wm. Steven Humphrey "eulogizes" the wonderful Nell Carter in typical Stranger fashion--i.e., with backhanded compliments and a snide, childish tone.... FEATURE A lengthy "analysis" of "punk pornography" by "writer" Sean Nelson. Would it be possible for The Stranger to publish one issue without a reference to, or piece about, pornography?... FILM Skimmed.... BOOKS Also skimmed.... ART Didn't read.... THEATER Also didn't read.... FOOD See Art, Theater.... MUSIC A decent section this week, including a rather sincere mourning of a closing local music store (a store, it should be added, that The Stranger has been in conflict with for years--though said conflict most surely has more to do with The Stranger's imagination, or desire to continually aggravate and insult, than with an actual disagreement).... ETC. It's My Party: Didn't read.... I Love TV: Skimmed (as I wish I had done with Humphrey's short feature).... Control Tower: Didn't read.... Savage Love: Dan Savage points out a fellow journalist's "incompetence," and a collective chortle can be heard rippling throughout the city of Seattle.... Celeb I Saw U: Too gay....