"Jobs" would put you in the hospital.

How about a swig of beer every time he says "progress", and a shot if he says "one percent"?

After searching the Googles, I'm gonna go with Clark Gable, in "Dear Mr. Gable" by Judy Garland (1937).

Seattle Weakly

A jive turkey is someone who "talks out of their ass"

The 5 Point Cafe downtown on Cedar between 4th and 5th. Cheap, large portions, and open 24 hours. It's not exactly diner atmosphere (think dive bar with a capable kitchen), but I think it's what you are looking for.

This time of year, you're probably limited to something on the Sound or otherwise low elevation. How about Lake Crescent on the peninsula just past Port Angeles? It's a beautiful spot, and they have cabin rentals for around $100/night (or less if you don't need indoor plumbing). 

For less rustic options, you could also look into Whidbey Island (just an hour or so drive, including the short ferry ride from Mukilteo) or Port Townsend. Each has several B&B type places to choose from, though under $100 could be a challenge.

I lived there for a couple of years in the early 90's. Luckier gave a good answer. Lots of restaurants and thrift shopping around 4th Avenue.

I'll add a few more things ...

On the (modern) US history front, you can check out the Titan Missile Museum. It's an old missile silo buried in the desert that you can go down into. Very creepy.

And, if you want to make it a military themed day, also check out the Pima Air & Space museum, where there are hundreds of old aircraft mothballed in the desert. Apparently, the military puts stuff out there because it never rusts.

I'm not sure what you mean by "reasonable" distance, but Bisbee is an old copper mining town that is 90 or so miles away. On the way, you'll pass through Tombstone (of Wyatt Earp and gunfight at the OK Corral fame). Definitely on the touristy side, but worth a visit.

For live music, check out Hotel Congress in downtown Tucson. Meat Puppets there on Dec 30th! (if that's your cup of tea, it would be mine).

For authentic food, the Mexican food in Tucson really can't be beat. There are a thousand good places, with the most authentic (along with less expensive and less crowded) on the south side of town. Mi Nidito is an old favorite. Christmas is also tamale season, so don't miss the green corn tamales. It's not uncommon to see little old Mexican ladies going from bar to bar selling them out of ice chests. Probably $5-10 for a dozen. Buy some.

The Audacity of Poop

If you're at 4000 rpm's and rolling backwards, then you need to release the clutch more. Once you start moving forward, completely release the hand brake.

If you are doing all of these things already, and still rolling backwards, then there is a chance it's time to get a new clutch. A quick test is to try to accelerate from a stop in 2nd gear (on flat ground). Does your engine rev high instead of stalling? That means your clutch is slipping. Given the age of your car, it's probably about that time.