The Stranger

3 days ago | thestranger.com | Nathalie Graham

Photos by Natalie Grammer At the back of Southgate Roller Rink near the skate rental area, a group of scantily clad people removed a fiberglass tile from the ceiling. The stripper pole needed to fit somehow. Chantilly Tempo, the host of the first-of-its-kind Roll & Poll event, glided around to check on the progress, the light-up wheels of her skates reflecting off her white knee-high socks. She wore a brown and white gingham bra and skort and a pearl-studded ribbon swished from her ponytail.

1 week ago | thestranger.com | Nathalie Graham

More Misery for Microsoftees: It's hell over there in Redmond. Microsoft is planning to lay off "thousands" of employees next month as it pares back its numbers and funnels spending into artificial intelligence. Most of the cuts will hit the sales department. These layoffs follow the 6,000 jobs Microsoft axed in May. Powerless in South Seattle: Power outages struck Seattle City Light customers in Tukwila and South Seattle on Wednesday afternoon. A fallen branch is the likely culprit.

1 week ago | thestranger.com | Audrey Vann |Janey Wong |Lindsay Costello |Shannon Lubetich

WEDNESDAY 6/18  Rocking with William Shatner & Neil deGrasse Tyson (SCIENCE) Beam us up, Scotty. Actor William Shatner, who played Captain Kirk in the Star Trek franchise for over 25 years, and astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson are sitting down for a cosmically candid convo, spilling stories "from Earth, space, and their recent Antarctic journey." I had no idea these two were buddies, but it honestly tracks. And, their matching jackets are pretty sweet.

1 week ago | thestranger.com | Dan Savage

Dear Readers: I’m at a family event — a happy one — this week. This column originally appeared in July 2013. Back with a new Savage Love next week. — Dan I’m a 26-year-old straight female. I’m writing because I need to ask someone what to think right now. I just fucked a guy while on holiday in Costa Rica. I thought I was sex-positive and adventurous, so why do I feel so ashamed? I’m dating a boy back in the US who I absolutely adore, but we’re not necessarily exclusive.

1 week ago | thestranger.com | Julianne Bell

A sign hanging above the door of Shikorina Bakeshop & Cafe greets guests with the welcoming message: “You deserve a sweet little treat.” If you heed its siren call and enter, you’ll find yourself ensconced in a cozy queer oasis with lofty ceilings and a soothing lavender interior. Lesbian and gay pride flags are proudly displayed front and center, and a pastry case beckons with enticing treats like homemade Pop-Tarts, cookies, banana bread, brownies, pie, and whimsically decorated cakes.