Welcome to Questionland's Book Club. We're reading Charles Portis' True Grit. Post your discussion questions here, and we'lll all chat about it. Get your copy on sale now at Elliot Bay Book Company.

It is wise to learn how to defend yourself. There are many ways to approach this, and many disciplines to consider. We have gathered some folks who teach Taekwondo, Karate, and general stretegies for how to carry yourself and recognize the warning signs of trouble. Here's your chance to ask about the best ways to keep yourself safe.

Discipline is one of parenting's most difficult challenges. It's an art and a skill, and these folks can help you get better at it.

Roslyn Duffy is one of the co-authors of the much lauded "Positive Discipline."

Her husband Vinnie Duffy is the director of Learning Tree- a Montessori Preschool.

Lenore Rubin is a child psychologist.

Barry Wright is an elementary school principal. And principals know all about discipline...

If you are having trouble figuring out the right tactic to guide your kids and increase harmony in the home, ask here.

When Pride Week comes along, Seattle feels like a great place to be. We have a posse representing all the shades of the homo rainbow including Josh Friedes-(Executive Director of Equal Rights Washington,) a lovely mom from PFLAG, Senator Ed Murray, Vy Chu- a doctor specializing in gay and transgender health, Rachel Venning from Babeland, writer, musician and blogger Gina Young, writers David Schmader and Adrian Ryan and...YOU.

Noise for the Needy starts next week. A bunch of the bands are here this week to answer your questions.  If you are a fan of See Me River, Fresh Espresso, Mal De Mer, Soul Senate, The Pharmacy, Yuni in Taxco or Princess, here's your chance to pick their brains.

You can also ask about the festival itself, or this year's recipient charity- Real Change.

Ask away!

By now, Susie Bright is legendary. Writer, blogger, teacher and speaker, Susie Bright is a visionary on the subject of enlightened sexuality. She was one of the first to embrace sex-positive feminism, and she continues to put forth startling, intelligent ideas about sex. Her latest memoir Big Sex, Little Death just came out on Seal Press. She'll be answering your perverted questions until May 24.

For Questionland's first Book Group, we're reading A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan. Read along with us, and post your book discussion questions here. Read more about this endeavor here.

DJ Riz is Seattle's spiritual mayor. DJ Riz spins the best music around. DJ Riz is hilarious, and righteous and fascinating and will make you feel good. Check him out on KEXP  and here's an article about him in The Stranger. He has graciously agreed to answer questions all week long. So ask!

The Seattle International Film Festival is one of the few things that distinguishes Seattle as a world class city. Clinton McClung is a programmer for the festival, and knows everything there is to know about the films this year and the nuts and bolts of SIFF in general. Ask him for film recommendations.

This Saturday is Free Comics Day. So we thought, what the hell, let's round up some comic artists and comic industry folks and see what happens. Ask here about how make comics, how to make it in comics and who are the artists to read and follow these days. Our panel includes Eric Reynolds and Jacquelene Cohen from Fantagraphics, and comic artists Matt Southworth, Tony Millionaire, Jason Lutes, Megan Kelso and the infamous Pete Bagge.

Kelly Cline is one badass mothertrucker. She bakes like woah, cooks like zowie, shoots pictures like kaboom and although she hasn't cured feline AIDS or anything, she sure cures the hooey out of meat. Ask her about her signature burger on the Blue Moon menu or which chef's food was the most fun to photograph. Ask her who she's going to feature next on Q13's food segments or where she got the ramps she put in her friends' Easter basket. Go ahead, punk, make her day.

Let's talk about marijuana! Should it be legal? What's it going to take to legalize it? How can you grow it? Where can you buy it? If you get busted, what recourse do you have? We have experts on hand to answer all of these questions and more.

Our awesome Swallowing Seattle intern, Ms. RM, makes some pretty rad stuff--homemade cereal, seed bombs, squid art, kombucha, liqueurs--and is always looking for more projects. Ask her about her current obsessions, next pursuits, and pick her brain about your own DIYs.

Ask Jen Graves about the threat that 4Culture will lose its funding.
Read all about it here.

For three days only, Seattle living legend Dina Martina will answer your questions. You shouldn't be afraid to ask Dina ANYTHING.

1 in 6 kids in America is obese, significantly increasing their risk of life-threatening disease. Our heart, nutrition and exercise experts want to help you turn that around.  Ask them how.

We love Mexican food. A whole lot. But sometimes it's hard to find exactly what you're looking for. So, this week we've invited some Mexican experts (Mexperts?) to answer your questions about all things hot sauce, tacos, y huevos. ¡Preguntales!

The new Seattle Public School Superintendent, Dr. Susan Enfield has promised to usher in a new era of transparency to SPS. In this spirit, she has agreed to answer your questions directly. Ask here about the direction Seattle Public Schools will be taking, how they are dealing with the budget crises, plans for opening/closing schools etc. On April 13, she will answer at least ten questions.

Passover is coming and matzoh ball soup is delicious and we thought it was about time to talk about some traditional Jewish food. So, how bout them latkes, eh? Got a craving for kreplach? A need to nosh? You're in good company. Ask some of our favorite Jews how to whip up some killer kugel and what exactly the deal is with that no shellfish thing.

Do you know what the difference is between a drum roaster and a fluid bed? Have you spent hours upon hours thinking about the glory of Coffea Arabica trees? Well, whether you're a seasoned coffee lover or new to the game, chances are you've had at least a couple good cups of joe. Wanna know how to take a green coffee bean and make it into something beautiful? Ask our experts all about roasting coffee at home.

Spring is almost here and you can evict Old Man Winter from your living space. It's time to shake it out, toss it out, air it out. Super highly efficient organizational experts Denise Allan and Beth Award are back to help you figure out ways to lighten up your spaces, as are interior designers, Sara from Nest, Rebecca Ross and Piper Lauri Salogga Interiors.

Have the urge to hang a shank from your ceiling? Contemplating the joys of straining curds and whey in your kitchen sink? This week on Questionland, we've brought in some experts on charcuterie and cheesemaking to help you make all your animal product production dreams come true.

Drinking locally doesn't get any more personal or fun than when you are sucking down your own suds or Syrah. Here to help you with your malt and hop selections, stomping and aging questions, are some local home winemakers and brewers. Bottoms up!

There is so much delicious produce available in Seattle, but sometimes it's hard to use it all when it's fresh. Happily, canning and pickling fruits and vegetables are great ways to prolong the magical flavors, or create new ones. On hand are expert canners who will help you with everything from creating a delicious brine to keeping out bad bacteria.

It's time to talk about how we act at public eating and drinking establishments. Here to help are bartenders, servers, Front of the House Managers, sommeliers, bar/restaurant owners, baristas, and the like. They'll help you figure out the answer to those burning questions, like: is it okay to leave pennies in a tip? and if a restaurant closes at 10, is it okay to come in at 9:59?

You must do your taxes or you'll go to jail!

Where do school meal ingredients come from? How many and what kind of calories should a student eat at lunch? What can parents do to help Seattle Schools improve nutrition? Seattle Public School Nutrition Services Director Eric Boutin is becoming a leader in Seattle’s slow food movement and wants that to drive school foods. He knows kids nutrition for optimal learning, you know your kids. Ask away.

Get to know Eric by reading his interview in Seattle's Child

The term "sustainable" has been thrown around so much, it hardly means anything anymore. But when it comes to fish, these folks will help you understand a little more about how eating lower on the food chain helps our oceans to stay healthy. Ask Patricia Majluf, a conservation biologist from Peru, and Becky Selengut, author of the upcoming book "Good Fish," about the best and worst fish to eat, how to prepare little fish, and what exactly an Anchoveta is.

Valentine's Day is dreadful. Did you know that people tend to break up on Valentine's Day more than any other holiday? In the spirit of this dismal season, we've gathered couples counsleors and divorce lawyers to try to salvage what's left of your relationship, or to at least end it cleanly.

Smooch!

What time is it? It's time to talk to your kids about sex! Quit twitching. Sex- educator Amy Lang is here to answer your questions about how to have smart, fun conversations about sex with your kids. She's been helping parents with this important task for years, and she can help you too.

In keeping with our gloomy January themes, this week our special topic is recovery. Are you, or someone you love afflicted with mental illness, depression or addiction? Here's your chance to ask a professional panel some questions, and take some steps forward. We're with you all the way.

Hard times, these. If you're looking for a job, or thinking about changing careers, you can ask some of these career professionals for advice on resume writing, the school application process, temp work and how to get a job you actually like.

Get Fit!

On December 31st you drunkenly resolved to get off your ass, quit smoking, lose a few pounds, and try yoga or meditation. We have a squad of caring professionals ready to help you achieve all of this.

Dr. Barak Gaster can help you to quit smoking. Anne Phyfe Palmer from 8 Limbs Yoga can answer your yoga questions. Sally Pechstein can answer your nutrition/weight loss questions, as can Dr. Ellen. Now you have no excuse.

Gift Ideas for Kids

Looking for the present that will bring a smile to the face of your 4-year-old -- or your 14-year-old -- and hold their attention for more than two minutes?  Hoping to not break the budget this year? Share the favorite gifts you've given in the past and ask our clever community for advice on the right something for the under-18 people on your list.

Best of 2010: Cooking and Cocktails

It's been a long and tasty year for Seattlites. We've seen dozens of restaurants open, and a ton more close. Farmers markets have flourished and shoppers have eagerly rushed to grab up the best seasonal ingredients. And we've gotten drunk--very, very drunk--on some pretty fantastic cocktails. As the year comes to an end, let's do a little run down of the best of the year.

What do you think was the very best restaurant, food trend, chef, farm, etc? Ask our uber-qualified panel of experts: Jill Lightner, Editor of the amazing Edible Seattle Magazine, Chris Nishiwaki, freelance writer and wine afficionado, Laurel Miller, travel and food writer and contributing editor for culture magazine, Becky Selengut, super rad food activist and personal chef, Jesse Smith, bad-ass chef turned bacon-makin' pig farmer, Shannon Borg, wine writer for Seattle Magazine, Michael Natkin, author of herbivoracious.com and knower of most things vegetarian, Victoria Castillo, Theonista and gluten-free cooking maven, and Sheri LaVigne, cheese freak and owner of The Calf & Kid.

Doing Good

It's the holidays and you want to do a little do-gooding. Maybe you don't have the bucks to donate to charity, but you have some time to give. Here is your space to find out about organizations in Seattle that are going great work, and need volunteers.

 It's time to get or make or do things for the people you care about. One way or another, it's Festivus...

If you hosted Thanksgiving dinner this year then you probably have a lot of extra food lying around. Don't get stuck eating turkey sandwiches for the next 2 weeks. Find out other ways to enjoy all your leftovers.

Noise

Musicians and DJs- here's your chance to ask an army of sound engineers about how to craft your sounds.

No, it isn't snowing yet. But it's totally gonna! And when it does, you're going to want to go, go go. Here is the place to ask about gear, places to go, lessons and just generally how to have a little fun in the snow.

Cherie Priest The beloved local author of Boneshaker and (most recently) Dreadnought has helped elevate Steampunk as a genre.

Welcome to Questionland University! We've assembled an eclectic cabal of university professors (and one grad student) to answer your random, esoteric questions. Always wondered about  a certain passage in The Odyssey? Can you stump the math guy? We even have a pirate expert. Ask and learn.

Female sexuality. What the hell is it all about? We've assembled a formidable team of experts: Susie Bright; Pepper Schwartz; Rachel Venning; Heather Corinna; Allena Gabosch. They will answer your love, sex, and relationship questions with the dainty touch that only a lady can provide. 

This is the place to ask all your halloween questions... be it costumes, places and parties to go to, pumpkin carving ideas, where to buy just the right prop, how to make scary looking treats... you get the idea.

The rainy season is nigh signaling the move into interior spaces. Alas, distraction interfered with the well-intentioned spring cleaning and general repairs, making the inner prospects look glum. Fear not, that incessant faucet drip can be fixed, those drafty windows sealed and life can be organized and simplified. We have the experts, if you have the questions.

Sexual and reproductive health is the topic this week. We are joined by Charles Wilson (AKA Dr Snip) of The Vasectomy Clinic and from Planned Parenthood of the Great NW, Anna Kaminski MD (Family Doc) and Anna A. (Clinician).

Want to know how The Stranger's arts editors choose their genius selections every year? They're in Questionland all week to answer your questions about the process, as well as any questions you may have about this year's winners and their work. Also: be sure to check out all the 2010 Geniuses at the Genius Awards Party this Friday night at the Moore Theatre. You can buy tickets here.

If you are in search of great parenting advice, we have the experts online and ready to be challenged by your questions about your brood. This week we are featuring a great panel: including Janelle Durham (Program Dir. for PEPS) and Roslyn Ann Duffy (co-author of "Positive Discipline") among our other special guests.

Here's your chance to find out how the experts mix those delectable concoctions. We have a stellar panel: Murray Stenson from ZigZag (voted best bartender in USA 2010); Kathy Casey (Kathy Casey Food Studios- Liquid Kitchen); Raphael Nicas (Tulio Ristorante); Mark Sexauer (Lot-3 and Barrio); Justin Freet (Liberty); Paul Clarke (The Cocktail Chronicles); Stevi Deter (Cocktail ingenue).

Filmmaking Week

Looking to get into the film industry? Or need some tips about making your own movies? We have the experts to answer any and all questions you may have! Our superstar panel includes Stephen Gyllenhaal (writer and award-winning director of both film and television), Jennifer Roth (executive producer of Black Swan and The Wrestler), Charles Mudede (writer of Zoo and Police Beat), Adam Sekuler (filmmaker and program director of NWFF), Jane Charles (producer of $5 Cover Seattle), Sean Porter (cinematographer for Bass Ackwards and Grassroots), Eugene Mazzola (actor, producer, and assistant director), Grant Cogswell (who has not only made movies, but had a movie made about him!), and James Keblas (director of Seattle's Office of Film + Music). They're here all week--ask them your questions now!

Alternative Medicine

We have a naturopathic physicians to answer your questions about naturopathic medicine and alternative medicine. Dr. Kris Somol specializes in women's health and adolescent medicine and Christian Dodge, ND, focuses on general primary care, treatment of injuries, and chronic pain. Ask them your questions now!

What Happened to Questionland?

We decided it was high time to give the mushroom and gnome a nicer place to live and to give our Qlanders a nicer place to visit. Take a stroll around and if you're wondering about what, why or how we did it, we've got the designer and everyone else on the Questionland team here  to answer your questions.

Farmers Markets & Eating Local

Learn more about shopping Seattle's farmers markets and eating locally! Our experts are on hand to answer your questions about where to get the best produce, what time of year is best to buy what, how to get involved in your neighborhood market, and more! Have a question about the wonderful selection of food available right outside your door? Ask our experts now!

We are surrounded by spectacular beauty. This summer get something other than a sidewalk under your feet. This week we have experts on fly-fishing, hiking, climbing, biking and hosted tours: Tammy Guill from WA State Toursim; Dan Moore, owner of Evergreen Escapes; Flygirl our expert fly fisher and others.

It's Geek Week! Whether it's Mac or PC, IPhone or Android, you have questions: What should you get, what's an app and how do you make these darned things work? We have the experts and a geeky community, so just ask..

Why buy holiday presents when you can make them? Some of Seattle's best craft experts are here to offer you tips on what to make and how to mass-produce them. Panelists include:

Marlo M, AKA IMakeCuteStuff and current organizer of EtsyRAIN.com; knitting maestro YarniaPDX, Rosalie, waterproof Shower Art maker and founder of Unanimous Craft; Moxie, fiber artist and President of Urban Craft Uprising; Schmancytoys, creator of cute and soft things and owner of Schmancy; and Team Stitches, all the employees of Capitol Hill's fabric store Stitches.

Are you always in search of the perfect steak or aching to sink your teeth into something new? We've got the meat experts here to help you navigate your way to deliciousness:

Wayne Johnson, Chef of Andaluca; Gabriel Lee Claycamp of Swinery Meats and Carrie Oliver, founder of Artisan Beef and the Oliver Ranch! 

Pride Week is here and 200,000 odd-people (odd as in approximately) will be showing up for the many events and spectacles - planned and spontaneous. You probably have questions. Our expert panel definitely has answers. Featuring Dan Savage, David Schmader, Adrian Ryan, Gina Young and Marcus Wilson (AKA Ursula Android).

The Panel of Experts:

Brett Stav, Sr. Planning & Dev. Seattle Public Utilities;  Tom Watson, EcoConsumer Program; Marcia Rutan,  Community Recycling, Green Schools; Tom Gannon, Sr.  Planner, Seattle Public Utilities.

This is the A-Team, so ask away.

Fetch hither le fromage de la belle France! And what wine would go well with that? So many choices, so apparently simple and yet - there are always questions... now you can ask the local experts:

Doug Nufer of European Vine Selections, Shane Wahlund of DeLaurenti, Julia Wayne of Edible Seattle, Sheri LaVigne of the Calf and Kid and Shannon Borg from 106 Pine. 

With over 400 movies to choose from SIFF can be a little overwhelming. Let The Stranger experts guide you, because SIFF is like a box of chocolates... and you don't want to bite into one of the gross ones. You can also see The Stranger's SIFF Notes for the ultimate guide and reviews.

Tip: Tell them what movies you like and they match it with something to see at SIFF 2010, you know, matchbook-style!

It's Bike Week. If you have questions about getting a bike, fixing a bike, where to ride your bike, who to ride your bike with, then ask the experts.

Ask members of the local music community questions about everything you need to know about the music industry--from booking a show to signing a record contract. Panelists include Eli Anderson of the Crocodile, Michelle Smith of the Comet, Nick Heliotis of Hardly Art Records, Ben London of the Recording Academy, Vincent Gates of Commontone Studio and Eric Grandy, Megan Seling, Dave Segal of The Stranger, and more.

Monday May 3 - Friday May 7.

It's art week on Questionland. Joining us are Charles Kitching (Ambach & Rice Gallery), Jesse Oleson (Cakespy), Miguel Guillen (Artist Trust) Sharon Arnold (Artist) and Jen Graves (The Stranger).

So if you have any questions about art in Seattle, they'll have the answers.

Could it happen here? Why, yes it could.
Jonathan Golob of The Stranger's Dear Science Column and  Bruce Schoonmaker of Earthquake Prepared is on deck to answer your questions.

420: The Straight Dope About Pot

Starting Monday April 19 and going all week
Seattle is one of the most pot-friendly cities in America. We've got experts - from marijuana enthusiasts to prosecutors - to answer your questions about Seattle's favorite plant. How should someone grow it? How should they avoid getting busted? Here's your chance to find out...

The Panelists: Norm Stamper, Former Chief of the Seattle Police Department. Peter Holmes, City Attorney, Seattle City Attorney's Office. Alison Holcomb, Drug Policy Director ACLU of Washington. Philip Dawdy, Campaign Director, Initiative Co-Author Sensible Washington. Ben Livingston, Cannabis Defense Coalition/Seattle Cannabis Resource Center. Kevin Bjornson, Hydrotech Hydroponics.

DO NOT DELETE THIS UNTIL ALL QUESTIONS ARE UN-FEATURED!

DO NOT DELETE THIS UNLESS ALL QUESTIONS HAVE BEEN UN-FEATURED!