This is not the B.O. you were looking for.
Rich Smith
Rich Smith writes about politics, books, and performance for The Stranger. You can hear his impersonations of Bernie Sanders and Jeff Sessions on Blabbermouth, and you can read his poems at www.richsmithpoetry.com
Posted inSex
The Secret History of Romantic Customs: Why We Kiss, Give Flowers, Write Cards, and Draw Hearts
Originally published January 31, 2018. Charles Mudede would tell you we inherited the practice of kissing from other primates, who kiss as a way to create and test bonds. But an anthropologist might disagree. KATI LACKER In Austria, it was once customary for young women to dance with slices of apples tucked beneath their armpits. […]
Posted inUncategorized
A Bracelet for People Who Are Tired of Dating Apps
The creator of the Offline Movement talks about the world of dating beyond apps.
Posted inPolitics
The State of the Union Is For Sale
ICYMI the President has monetized the State of the Union address.
Posted inBooks
What’s Wrong with Thomas Kohnstamm’s Lake City?
The author, smoking a joint in his native habitat. Lester Black If you’re from someplace like “Lake Shitty,” a North Seattle neighborhood most known for its used car dealerships and shadily managed strip clubs, everything in the culture will tell you that life is elsewhere. But if you do end up escaping to get “good” […]
Posted inBooks
Wow, There Are A Lot of Drugs in Mattilda Bernstein Sycamore’s New Novel Sketchtasy
Sketchtasy revisits the gay club scene of the ’90s Boston without glamorizing anything—except for good hair and great dancing.
Posted inMovie
Bird Box Is About Twitter and That’s the Last I Want to Hear About It
If you do not agree with this take, then John Malkovich’s mean character will haunt your days.
Posted inEnvironment
The President of the United States Should Be This 15-Year-Old Girl From Sweden
Greta Thunberg would give Jay Inslee a run for his money.
Posted inFood and Drink
PSA: Toss Your Romaine Lettuce Until Further Notice
It might be contaminated with E. coli.
Posted inMusic
Mountain Man Shouted Abortions, IUDs, and Condoms in Seattle, They Play Portland Tonight
Mountain Man, doing the Lord’s work. Rich Smith Editor’s note: This show review is from our Seattle-based sister paper The Stranger and describes Mountain Man’s show last night in Seattle. Mountain Man play the Doug Fir tonight. Well, okay, the three singers that form the folk group Mountain Man didn’t “shout” about their reproductive health […]