A shop after my own head, Bernie Utz Hats (sometimes inexplicably spelled "Byrnie" Utz), may or may not move next year, the Puget Sound Business Journal reports. Seattle's last downtown specialty hat store has been at Third and Union for 68 years. I wouldn't mind it moving nearby, but I'd love it to stay as is.

I'm trying to figure what to say about the beloved, loud, crowded Crocodile, it of the tasty bar grub and the long lines, the way past-their-pull-date ceiling hangings and the exterior windows still (partly) commemorating the place's 10th anniversary in 2001. The opening party for Loser took place there in 1995; I took care to place hand-scrawled signs at the door, warning that it wasn't a secret Pearl Jam show. I fell in love several times in that building, and out of love at least once. Darn, I hope someone figures out how to revive the place.

As you might have heard, twelve ex-Mariners are on the list of baseballers who've allegedly used or trafficked in steroids. P-I columnist Art Thiel compared the whole scandal to "a look through the keyhole at a ballroom full of elderly, naked dancers. Something exotic is going on, but exactly what isn't clear, and few are in any trouble aside from embarrassment. At least the line for the keyhole is short."

Another urban church is thinking of selling its historic building. University Baptist, a local leader in diversity and social-justice causes for more than two decades, hasn't decided what to do yet, but has decided to offer up the building and see what offers show up. SAD NEWS: Anita Rowland, a fixture in local sci-fi fandom and one of the first Seattlites to call herself a "blogger," passed away in mid-December after a long bout with cancer. She leaves a husband and many dear friends.

Back when "Meetups" were the latest WWW-world novelty, Rowland helped start the Seattle Webloggers' Meetup. Even after the meetup fad passed its peak, Rowland continued to run two monthly gatherings (one in Belltown at Ralph's Grocery and Deli, one in Bellevue), where folks new to the online self-expression game could learn a thing or two from those of us who'd been at it a while.

Rowland was always gracious and giving of her time and wisdom; even as cancer and chemo took their toll. Her guidance directly touched the lives of many people in this area, and indirectly helped dozens of online writers and hundreds of online readers.

And there was a beautiful remembrance in the Seattle Times in late December for Dr. Vernon Skeels, who passed on in November at age 89. I've had the privilege of knowing Skeels and his family since 1982. (He's the father-in-law of my fellow Stranger vet Doug Nufer.) Skeels was one of the genuine ones, a gentle soul with a bright wit and a manner of quiet elegance. He'll be missed. FLATSCREEN FOLLIES (formerly Cathode Corner): Broadstripe Cable (formerly Millennium, formerly Summit, formerly Seacom) has added ABC's Soap Net (ah, the young Kate Mulgrew on Ryan's Hope!). Still no Boomerang or Oxygen, and still too few HD channels.

YOU DON'T LOOK A DAY OVER 90: The Moore Theatre threw a delightfully casual centennial party in December. It was a textbook lesson in how to mount a fun, populist gala. It hewed to the spirit of the Moore's original purpose as a vaudeville palace.

Volunteer-run tours didn't include the Moore's notorious, long-disused basement swimming pool, but did visit the theater's seldom-used top balcony. Originally, this was the only part where black patrons could sit; it was accessed from a separate side entrance.

Buskers performed outside and throughout the lobbies. Free drinkies and snackies abounded. Original posters and playbills hung everywhere.

Civilians were invited to consume wine and popcorn on stage, while one act after another appeared: Operetta, tap dancing, trapeze, burlesque, modern dance, standup comedy, folk music, soul music. The night started with an old-time theater organist. It closed with a pick-up rock band, including guitarist Kurt Bloch and singer Kim Virant.

Would that all theatrical parties were this much fun. (Hint hint, Seattle Repertory Organization.)