Entertainment

What it is: Take snippets from some of the country's best-known magazines, leading world newspapers, scientific journals and, yes, even tabloids. Condense them into succinct story summaries, in many cases giving opposing editorial viewpoints from competing publications. Then compile them into a slim 40-page weekly digest covering politics, business, science, arts and leisure. Voila: The Week is born. What it's all about: In spring 2001, Dennis Publishing – better known for its randy men's magazines Maxim and Stuff – launched the American version of The Week. (A same-named British version has been in existence for almost a decade.) Editor-in-chief William Falk describes the publication as "a briefing for intelligent people who are simply too busy to read everything they'd like." More immodest claims pepper the front cover, where the magazine's tagline ("All you need to know about everything that matters") shares space each issue with a laudatory blurb from any of a number of media movers and shakers, such as Reason magazine editor Nick Gillespie ("The Week has completely redefined the newsmagazine for the 21st century") or National Public Radio personality Bob Garfield ("I love, love, love this magazine").

The 2005 Winterfresh SnoCore Tour blows into Spokane today for a night of rock with headliner Chevelle. Before crashing the Big Easy Concert House, this all-brother band, which has been together since 1995, has been busy touring the world with rock's elites and fine-tuning its live performance.

If you've tuned into KCDA-FM 103.1, you've heard Sam Hill telling you the name of each artist and song after it plays. And that's about as close as the jockless adult contemporary station ever came to having a DJ personality before adding its Local Lounge show this winter.

Jeans and a new swimsuit have one scary thing in common – you never know exactly how much weight you've gained, until you try one on. Every now and then, if we're lucky, a friend will tell us the truth about how we look, but generally most people lie. We can't blame them, especially men. If they dare say anything other than "You look great babe," they know they'll be getting the cold shoulder for awhile. But jeans and a swimsuit – how we actually feel in them – they never lie.

"Mama" has escaped primetime censors, and the eternal geezer is embracing her potty mouth. "This is my opportunity to be Chris Rock," said Vicki Lawrence, the entertainer who introduced Thelma Harper as "Mama" on the "Carol Burnett Show" and carried the character into "Mama's Family." "This is not a kids show. This is not the 'Mama' from 'Mama's Family.' "

Q: I'm a 20-something single woman who has been seeing this 40-something married man. We have been dating for more than two years. The man currently is going through a divorce. His wife has not lived in his house for at least five years. We're "in love" and have discussed tons of topics from babies to marriage. He conveyed an interest in marrying me, but shouldn't his divorce be over by now? My dilemma is this: I don't want to be the stupid girl who falls for a married man who claims to want her but only screws her and goes back to his wife in the end. Technically he is still not my man, and I don't want to wait any longer. How should I proceed?

CLUBLOCATION/PHONETONIGHTSATURDAYNEXT WEEK*The B-Side (S)230 W. Riverside, 624-7638The Shirkers, The Jailbirds (original)The Creeps, Dee Farmin Army, The Federales*Blue Spark (S)15 S. Howard, 838-5787Planetary Refugees (original)Open mike with Flyreal on Monday; Breezy Brown and Supervillian on Thursday*The Blvd. (S)333 W. Spokane Falls Blvd.La Cha Cha, The Weapons, Shim (original)Jim Basnight (original) on Thursday*Dempsey's Brass Rail (S)909 W. First, 747-5362DJ Scott (top 40); drag showsDJ Scott (top 40); drag showsMonday and Wednesday (karaoke); '80s night on Thursday*Europa Pizzaria and Bakery (N)125 S. Wall, 455-4051Sidhe on Sunday and Monday*Spike Coffee (N)122 S. Monroe, 838-1614First for the Worst (original)Open mike on Tuesday*The Wine Cellar (N)313 Sherman, Coeur d'Alene, (208) 664-WINELindell Reason Trio (jazz/blues)Lindell Reason Trio (jazz/blues)Rachael Bade Trio on Tuesday; Riverboat Dave on Wednesday; Lindell Reason on ThursdayAki's (N)523 W. First, 747-4266DJs Messiah, ElevationAnkeny's515 W. Sprague, 838-6311Soul Proprietor (soul/R&B)Soul Proprietor (soul/R&B)Auntie's Bookstore402 W. Main, 838-0206Gary Burris (guitar)The Bayou Bar (S)Greenacres, 892-3750Karaoke Sunday (karaoke)Bear Creek Lodge24817 N. Mt. Spokane Park Drive, 238-9114Mr. Happy (variety)Beverly's (N)Coeur d'Alene ResortRobert Vaughn (listening)Robert Vaughn (listening) Big Easy (S)921 W. Sprague, 244-3279Club Mardi GrasClub FusionThursday (karaoke)Bigfoot Pub and Eatery (S)9115 N. Division, 467-9638Sammy Eubanks on Sunday; Bourbon Brothers on Monday; Exit 7 on Thursday (both country)Blue Dolphin (S)16 S. Robie, 924-7168DJ on Sunday and Tuesday; open mike on WednesdayBluz at the Bend (S)2721 N. Market, 483-7300Riverside Rhythm and Bluez ReviewRiverside Rhythm and Bluez ReviewTalent Showcase on SundayBobby D's7102 E. Sprague, 921-9250KaraokeKaraokeWednesdays & Thursdays (karaoke)Bottom's Up13921 E. Trent, 892-1778DJ Jeremy DDJ Jeremy DBourbon Street (S)921 W. SpragueTotal Request Live on WednesdaysBrickwall Comedy Club (S)Budget Inn, 110 E. Fourth, 484-2431Susan Rice (comedy)Susan Rice (comedy)Open mike on Sunday; Monday and Tuesday (karaoke); Brad Tassell (comedy) on ThursdayBrotherhood of Friends (B.O.F.)933 W. Third, 624-5159The Variety Pack (ballroom)The Variety Pack (ballroom)Bucer's CofferhouseMoscowMarcel St. Jazz QuartetBuckhorn Inn (S)Airway Heights, 244-3991Native Son (variety)Native Son (variety)CJ's (S)Moscow, (208) 883-3147Club Night (top 40)Club Night (top 40)Wednesday and Thursday (karaoke)Casey's Bar (S)2126 N. Monroe, 326-4111KaraokeKaraokeWednesday and Thursday (karaoke)Catacombs110 S. Monroe, 838-4610Live music on MondaysCaterina Winery (N)905 N. WashingtonSidhe (original)Charlie's and Mom's122 S. Bowdish, 926-3876KaraokeKaraokeThursday (karaoke)Charley's Grill (S)801 N. Monroe, 328-8911KaraokeConstant Creations Tatoo524 W. First, 747-8600The Art of Music w/Breezy Brown and Jason CorcoranCrazy 8 Sports Club (S)20 E. Lincoln, 467-1363DJ Brian BeatDJ RyndogDJ on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday; Monday (karaoke)Dragon Garden (S)4824 E. Sprague, 533-9001KaraokeElla's Supper ClubCenterStage, 1017 W. First, 3rd floor, 747-7078Nick Herman (guitar), The Chris Teal Trio (jazz)Nick Herman (guitar), The Chris Teal Trio (jazz)Jazz Jam on Tuesday; Jonathan Nicholson, Jim Templeton on Wednesday; Arnie Carruthers; Rhymes With Orange on ThursdayFat Tuesday's (S)109 W. Pacific, 489-3969Five Foot Thick (original)Seaweed Jack; RAWK Final Four (original)Reflux, The Warriors, Calico System on Sunday; comedy on Monday; Manntis, Clintch, Skies of Fire, Burden of Guilt, Rivet on ThursdayFizzie Mulligan's (S)331 W. Hastings, 466-5354Rock Bottom (variety)Rock Bottom (variety)Sunday jam; Exit 7 on Tuesday; Wednesday (karaoke); Sammy Eubanks on ThursdayThe Flame (S)2401 E. Sprague, 534-9121Sneaks (top 40)Sneaks (top 40)Tuesday-Thursday (karaoke)Goodtymes Bar & Grill (S)9214 E. Mission, 928-1070Pink Cache (variety)Pink Cache (variety)DJ and comedy on Sunday; Tuesday and Wednesday (karaoke)Hedge House (S)2606 N. Monroe, 326-2297Holly Holmes (variety)Holly Holmes (variety)Holly Holmes (variety) on Wednesday and ThursdayHuckleberry's926 S. Monroe, 624-1349Doug Porter (acoustic guitar)John's Alley (S)Moscow, (208) 883-7662Jazz night on SundayKay Lon Gardens (S)2819 N. Division, 326-1333KaraokeKaraokeLariat Inn (S)Mead, 466-9918KaraokeLone Cactus (S)415 W. Hastings, 468-2672Bob Juhlin (listening)Bob Juhlin (listening) on ThursdayMatthew's (S)2104 N. Pines, 893-9481KaraokeKaraokeWednesday and Thursday (karaoke)Medley's (S)14415 E. Sprague, 927-4555Spokane Blues Festival (see page 5 for lineup)Spokane Blues Festival (see page 5 for lineup)Open jam on Sunday; Riverside Rhythm & Bluez Review jam on Tuesday; Wednesday and Thursday (karaoke)Mizuna (N)214 N. Howard, 747-2004Save Lefty (acoustic rock)DJ Breezy Brown, Cheddar ChadMoscow Food Co-opMoscow, (208) 882-8537David Roon (original) on TuesdayO'Shay's Irish Pub 313 Coeur d'Alene Lake DriveOpen mike on ThursdayPanama Jack's (S)11003 E. Sprague, 921-7600KaraokeThursday (karaoke)Peacock Room (S)Davenport Hotel, 455-8888Noah Peterson (jazz)Noah Peterson (jazz)Chris Rieser on Wednesday-ThursdayPeking Palace (S)11110 E. Sprague, 924-3936KaraokeKaraokePercy's CaféU-City, 924-6022All City Jazz QuartetKaraokeSunday-Thursday (karaoke) Picnic Pines ResortMedical Lake, 299-3223Sammy Eubanks (blues)Sammy Eubanks (blues)Prospector's (S)Airway Heights, 747-5579Chris Rieser Acoustic TrioChris Rieser Acoustic TrioPuerto Vallarta (S)6915 E. Sprague, 922-2632KaraokeKaraokeThursday (karaoke)Remington's (S)Ramada Inn, 838-5211Theresa McKay (variety)Theresa McKay (variety)Theresa McKay on ThursdayThe Retro Fit206 S. Main, MoscowThe Mumbles an PurlRock Inn (S)8122 E. Sprague, 922-4649Ray Vasquez (variety)Ray Vasquez (variety)Sunday and Monday (karaoke); Cary Fly Evolution Jam on TuesdaySaddle Inn (S)Cheney, 455-8324Karaoke2 Late with Don Smet on SundayThe Sage (S)3248 E. Sprague, 534-9908KaraokeKaraokeThursday (karaoke)The Satellite (S)425 W. Sprague, 624-3952Cary Fly Evolution Jam on SundayShore Lounge (S)Coeur d'Alene Resort, (208) 765-2300, ext. 7118Chill Factor (variety)Chill Factor (variety)The RaDio Sun on Thursday; Sunday (karaoke)Spokane Eagles315 E. Francis, 489-3030Flat Blastard (variety)Flat Blastard (variety)Spokane Valley Eagles (S)16801 E. Sprague, 928-2063Mingo & The DesperadosMingo & The DesperadosSpokane House (S)4301 W. Sunset Highway, 838-1471Diane Copeland (variety)Diane Copeland (variety)Diane Copeland (variety) on Wednesday and ThursdayStatz Blue Keg (S)12303 E. Trent, 892-0598Michael (karaoke)Michael (karaoke)Studio K (S)2810 E. 29th, 534-9317Larry (karaoke)Larry (karaoke)Wednesday and Thursday (karaoke)Susie's Steakhouse9611 E. Trent Ave., 924-6632KaraokeKaraokeTuesday-Thursday (karaoke)Sweet Ole Bob's (S)3243 E. Trent, 534-4843KaraokeTalotti's 211211 N. Division, 747-8940JesusLovesCompany on WednesdayTrick Shot Dixie (S) 321 W. Sprague, 624-4549The Nerve (variety)The Nerve (variety)Wednesday (karaoke)Twilight Room112 S. Monroe, 456-5654DJ Ovey on Tuesdays; DJs Messiah and Learn on ThursdayVFW #1474 (S)3004 E. Queen, 487-3784Mavericks (country)Mavericks (country)Mavericks (country) on SundayVillage Tavern (S)13119 W. Sunset HighwayKaraokeThursday (karaoke)Volcanoes Bar (S)20 N. Raymond, 893-3667DJ Tune Man Dance PartyDJ Tune Man Dance PartySunday and Monday (karaoke)Willow Springs (S)809 First, Cheney, 235-4420KaraokeKaraokeWednesday and Thursday (karaoke)The Wine BarPullmanMarcel St. Jazz QuartetYardley Bar & Grill1302 N. Stanley, 533-0011KaraokeBen & Sherry (variety)

Even if you'd never seen a romantic comedy, "The Wedding Date" still would seem painfully stale. They're all there – every cliché of the genre. You can sit in the audience with a list and check them off. A neurotic and slightly klutzy heroine who has closed off her heart to the possibility of love? Check. (Oh, and she lives in New York, but – remarkable as it may be – Debra Messing's character, Kat, doesn't work at a magazine.)

Editor's note: Staff writer Dan Webster recently returned from seven days at the Sundance and Slamdance film festivals in Utah. These postings are excerpts from his exhaustive blog. Stay connected to www.spokane7.com/ moviesandmore as he blogs Spokane's International Film Festival this week. People watching in Park City: It's a job

Brooches have gone down in 2004 history. And boulders of the Harry Winston variety were conspicuously absent from the recent Golden Globes décolletage.

My effort to pry loose Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway Co.'s upgrade plans for its leak-prone North Idaho refueling facility has been derailed. So now I need your help to get the investigation back on track. Our story so far: BNSF crushed a plastic pipe designated to carry wastewater and spilled diesel between the Hauser platform and its holding tanks. The resulting leak violated two state laws and degraded the aquifer more than 400,000 of us rely on for drinking water.

Consumer Reports for February no doubt will catch eyes with a teaser on the cover, "CR tests condoms: 2 to avoid." Condoms remain the only method of contraception that also can help prevent sexually transmitted diseases, so this is not a choice to make lightly.

Admit it. You've always secretly wanted someone to read your mind. Or a kindred spirit to notice that look in your eye and ask all the right questions until they discover what's weighing on you. If only your spouse/friend/general practitioner could hone that skill! And good luck with that. Worthy pursuit. In the meantime, there's 20Q, a handheld game that's rising from its modest roots to cause quite a stir. Retailing for $9.99 at Target, Wal-Mart and various toy stores, the device uses artificial intelligence to guess what you're thinking by way of 20 yes-or-no questions.

A woman I work with has an annual so-bad-it's-fun movie night, and I can't wait to tell her this year's stinker should be "Alone in the Dark." The unintentional hilarity begins with boob-flashing party girl Tara Reid, cast as a brilliant archaeologist.

Q: I'm a 24-year-old male who is shy when it comes to asking a female for a date. Could you guys give advice on how to break the ice? Steve: Forget the date. First get to know her. Have casual conversation. Do some research. Google her. Find out her interests. After you get to know each other, it will be easy to ask her out.

What can be said about Clint Eastwood that hasn't been said before? That he's American film's last and best classicist, a 74-year-old director who's aged better than a "Sideways" pinot noir? That his increasingly fearless and idiosyncratic choice of material has made him more of an independent filmmaker than half the people at Sundance? That he continues to find ways to surprise audiences yet remain inescapably himself? It's all true, and never more so than in Eastwood's latest, "Million Dollar Baby."