Stories for March 9, 2011

The oddness of Ash Wednesday

Wed, Mar 9, 1 p.m.

The ritual might be strange, but the message is simple and universal: Life is short, so live it well, and wisely.

Crosscut Tout: A lively Italian piano-percussion trio joins with NW Sinfonietta

Wed, Mar 9, 12:15 p.m.

The program features Ravel, Stravinsky, and music from 'West Side Story.' Take your pick from three performances this weekend (March 11-13) in Seattle, Tacoma, and Puyallup.

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How great corporate power shadows Gregoire on coal shipments

Wed, Mar 9, 7:52 a.m.

By Daniel Jack Chasan

This month is the 40th anniversary of Starbucks. In this reprinted story, our author well remembers the first Starbucks store and the first day of business, March 30, 1971, since he happens to have been the very first customer.

Bill for cultural districts dies in the House

Wed, Mar 9, 5:48 a.m.

By David Brewster

(With an update) The measure, allowing counties to pass new taxes to support arts and education, had been revised to get Speaker Frank Chopp's support, but lack of support in the House Democratic caucus killed it again this year.

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Scared sober at the DESC homeless shelter

Wed, Mar 9, 2 a.m.

By Timothy Weglin

If you're homeless and need a bed for the night, and you’ve been boozing instead of taking your antipsychotic meds, the overnight shelter at the Downtown Emergency Services Center is your last resort. It can also be a path to real changes.

Huckabee, Palin likely to fade as GOP looks for a winner

Wed, Mar 9, 2 a.m.

By Ted Van Dyk

Mitt Romney and a potential late entrant, New Jersey's tough-guy Gov. Chris Christie, would have much better chances in an election that will be a referendum on Obama.