The word "cult" is a subjective term—a group of people are only considered cult members when their devotion is committed to something or someone else than what is generally believed in mainstream society to be an acceptable object of devotion. A religion has government, military and general institutional backing; a cult has none of those. As the number of believers grow, so does their transition from cult to religion grow more solid...MORE

I’ve had the good fortune of having been raised at the knees of a crafty mother, attending more quilting bees and tagging along to more fabric shops than I can count. Her transition from bowling league to quilting bee in the late 1970s wasn’t as smooth as she’d have liked, but the draw was identical—the almighty hub of shared interest....MORE

Subverting the traditional one-on-one dating patterns that are ingrained in most societies, swinging singles or couples get together with one shared interest in mind: fucking. But how do they find each other and what dynamics are involved?...MORE

The hobo-like outfits, face paint, and outrageous behavior are the trademarks of a number of Northwest residents who dress like clowns for fun and mayhem. Seattle is home to two clown groups, the Temple of the Necronomiclown and the Kooks Club, and there are dozens more worldwide....MORE

The Burning Man festival, held annually in the Black Rock Desert of Nevada, has become one of the most notorious gatherings in the world. A seven-day event held in the second largest and flattest expanse of land in the United States, Burning Man attracts up to 40,000 people each year, and continues to grow in popularity. ...MORE

You've seen us on the streets of Capitol Hill, the U. District, and Wallingford. Yes, you've seen us in our white shirts and ties in the summer. When winter comes, you've seen us in our hoodies and cardigans. We permeate the city. We are all around you. ...MORE

None of those other cults float your boat? Here's a few more: The Cult of Leathermen, The Cult of O, The Cult of the Rope, The Cult of Chuck...MORE

Many people operate under the assumption that cult leaders are simply fueled by power, greed and insanity. The belief is often that these instigators have a special gift, a mission that requires the recruitment—and possible brainwash—of others. However, some of us become cult leaders by accident....MORE

By Jonathan Lawson

Got problems with the establishment media? Of course you're not alone. News, commentary and entertainment programming across the national media are slanted toward the interests of well-off white people whose politics, if any, range from "centrist" to conservative. ...MORE

By Tania Kupczak

What’s the best thing about a cult? The outfits, of course! If you’re being forced into a grey tracksuit, say “no thank you” and move back into your parents’ house. If, however, the uniform involves fishnets and corsets, raise your cup of Kool-Aid and sign over your bank account. ...MORE

This month’s question: If you were to start a cult, what would it be called and why?...MORE

The Seattle Drinking Directory
With Jenny from Hooters behind the bar ...MORE

The Portland Drinking Directory
With Mark from Space Room behind the bar ...MORE

By Miranda Pinero

I’m the sort of person who has very few friends. A scant (if beloved) handful, really. Though much of the world seems able to keep a village, a cell phone or an address book’s worth of fast friends, drinking companions, nodding acquaintances, amiable co-workers and just-entertaining-enough relative strangers. ...MORE