The Scout

Hot Spot
Seattle attempts a return to cool status with the Frank Gehry-designed Experience Music Project (EMP), a mishmash of artifacts, multimedia presentations, and exhibits all hailing rock & roll.
OK COMPUTER The museum is funded by software billionaire and ex-Microsoft biggie Paul Allen.
PLAY THAT FUNKY MUSIC Objects on display include Jimi Hendrix's Woodstock Fender Stratocaster; a Bob Dylan harmonica; a Janis Joplin feather boa; rap pioneer Grandmaster Flash's Technics SL-1200 turntables; and some of Kurt Cobain's handwritten lyrics.
MAGIC CARPET RIDE The city's Monorail tracks run through the EMP building, which sits near the famed Space Needle.
AT THE HOP The opening bash (June 23-25) will include performances from nearly 40 artists, including No Doubt, Bo Diddley, Eurythmics, and Napster enemies Dr. Dre and Metallica.
ROCK LOBSTER At the museum's restaurant, visitors can nosh on goodies like the Dungeness Crab Chowder.
BILLS, BILLS, BILLS Typical logo-embossed souvenirs join Gehry-inspired paraphernalia in the gift shop.
BREAKING UP IS HARD TO DO Hendrix proved an inspiration for the architect: The building's multicolored stainless steel exterior is meant to evoke a smashed electric guitar.

Wheel Cool
Rev up for a Thunderbird comeback. Detroit's slice of Americana gets a second chance to road rule when Ford releases its 2002 T-Birds next fall. Stars like John Travolta and Elton John already have their eyes on the curvy redo, which harks back to the zippy drive of Beach Boys fame. Designed by automotive guru J Mays, the man behind the new VW Bug, the estimated $35,000 car may have a retro feel but ''it's going to be totally modern in its driving dynamics,'' promises Ford's Bill George. Fun, fun, fun.

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