Goodbye year two-oh-oh-seven. Hello me trying to start running. That's my new fitness goal, and I'm taking it very seriously.  After an amazing visit with my new friends at South Sound Running (I'm never buying a running shoe anywhere else), I took the mini-me down to Grassi's Flowers & Gifts and Garden Cafe for a little girl time and tea. Oh, and some lunch. If you consider a little lettuce with your Caesar dressing, then yeah, I took a couple of bites of lunch.

I felt my tummy rumble, paid quickly, and then headed down to the bathroom. Yep, you have to go downstairs, through some piles of stuffed animals, over multiple racks of clothes and through the jungle of a florist area. So don't wait until the last minute if you have to drain the vain whilst at Grassi's.

The bathroom was really charming and way comforting to my over-lactosed-lunch I was now dealing with. My daughter held her nose while I sat and pondered the top 10 things I've learned in the year 2007.

1. Avoid minivans in drive-throughs at all costs. Soccer moms in minivans and Steph DeRosa don't mix, especially when they are filled with undisciplined nose pickers.
2. There is no way on earth, no matter how hard you try, to make a PT Cruiser look appealing. No matter how much fake wood paneling, red flames on the sides or corporate logos on the doors, you look like a total asshole when you drive a PT Cruiser.
3. If you simply spread your legs, put your arms up at shoulder level, then hop up and down and side to side, you can pretty much master any hip-hop dance that is out there.
4. Nobody can hear you when you fart while running on the treadmill. Trust me.
5. My underarm hair grows at an alarmingly fast rate of 1/month.
6. It's possible to get a parking ticket in front of the Grand Cinema for being a couple of inches in the red. City of Tacoma Parking Nazi's! Take your f***ing thirty dollars! F-U! (See actual picture.)
7. the view from on top of the stage at the Gorge Amphitheater is amazing. I'll tell you how I know this later. Get ready to be jealous.
8. Women are bitches. And I'm one of them. There, now you've learned something in the year 2007 as well. Consider it a lesson and a warning.
9. The TNT considers Kevin Freitas more picture worthy in a Soundlife cover story about the Tacoma Beer Society than the actual FOUNDERS of the Tacoma Beer Society. This leads me to believe that Mr. Freitas is somewhat of a picture whore. Hmpf.
10. Money cannot buy you happiness, nor can it buy you the thinking man statue at Wright Park. That thing's not for sale. But I guarantee if you offer any guy at a bar $20 for the shirt off his back, he'll sell it to you. Try it. I dare you.

So I wash my hands, spray the Febreeze (Who the hell puts Febreeze in a bathroom? Get some Glade, people), and resuscitate my daughter. Of all the things I've learned this year, the most important thing is to be thankful for what I have. Well, be thankful for what I have aaaand life is fun when you have a fast car and don't wear panties.

Dare to be daring in 2008!¬" Steph DeRosa

I can’t believe you are already awake after that NYE insanity.  You are such a Viking â€" take the day off, sweetie, and drink lots of water. â€" Susy Stump

THE FESTIVAL
Model Train Festival
There are some hobbies better kept to yourself. You know, the ones you do alone in your basement late at night. And then there are some truly cool hobbies, like model railroads. These should be celebrated and dragged out in the open for all to admire. Which is why the 12th Annual Model Train Festival, downtown Tacoma’s biggest model railroad exposition (taking into account, of course, the relatively small size of the subjects at hand because they are, of course, models), is being held through Jan. 1, instead of like, a half-hour. This gives you plenty of time to enjoy every floor of the Washington State History Museum filled with operating modular layouts.  But remember to look both ways before crossing, and keep your pennies to yourself.  â€" Ron Swarner

[Washington State History Museum, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. $6-$8, 1911 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.272. 9747]

FILM
“Juno”
Very smart, very funny and then very touching; “Juno” begins with the pacing of a screwball comedy and ends as a portrait of characters we have come to love.  Ellen Page in an Oscar-worthy performance as a pregnant 16-year-old who decides to keep the child.  With J.K. Simmons and Allison Janney wonderful as her parents, older and wiser than most parents in teenage comedies.  And Jennifer Garner and Jason Bateman as the would-be adoptive parents, and Michael Cera, shyly winning as Juno’s boyfriend.  Screenplay by Diablo Cody, directed by Jason Reitman; the best movie of 2007. Rated PG-13. ★★★★ â€" Roger Ebert

[Grand Cinema, noon, 2:10, 4:20, 6:35 and 8:50 p.m., $4.50-$8, 606 Fawcett Ave., Tacoma, 253.593.4474]

MORE FILM: On local screens today.

THE MUSIC
Tribute Show
Finicky folks always say you should take it easy on the day after, when you wake up bleary-eyed with a hammering head: Eat toast, drink liquids â€" not the kind you indulged in last night â€" and sleep in. Pshaw. Or maybe you’re the sort who can’t even seem to stay awake until midnight on New Year’s Eve, so you missed all the fun anyway. Whatever. If immoderation is what you seek on this New Year’s Day, consider treating yourself to fake people and gambling. Danny Vernon as Elvis, Carrie Asher as Faith Hill and Buck McCoy as the Tim McGraw take Red Wind Casino’s stage tonight. These performances are dead on. â€" Suzy Stump

[Red Wind Casino, 6:30 p.m., no cover, 12819 Yelm Hwy., Olympia, 360.412.5000]

MORE MUSIC: In the clubs tonight.

If I could kick 2007 in the ass and out the door I would.  Wait, I did.

Last night I properly said good-riddance to 2007 at First Night and in style.  Apparently all the other Weekly Volcano scribes had plans already, so I was asked to emcee.  That’s right, baby, Vee-Eye-Pee (VIP). To me this was an honor.  Not only did I get to represent this wonderful rag, but also I got to be a part of one of the coolest events to ever hit the streets of Tacoma.

I was running late, of course, but made it with 13 minutes to spare before introducing Valentines Performing Pigs at the Rialto Theater.  Don’t laugh.  This act is serious shit.  They’ve been on Leno, Oprah, and Letterman. 

After navigating my way out from the bowels of the Rialto Theater, I found KAke chillin’ to some Loose Gravel.  I scored some free hugs from a couple of really cool strangers, and we danced a bit before heading off to El Toro. I’m pretty sure we got there just in time as the place filled up and there became a line out the door for at least the next hour straight.  Volcano scribe Brad Allen and his League commanded a corner table.  I saw many shots thrown back.

I hightailed it over to Sanford & Son where I introduce Folksingers From Hell, hug Cheryl and Alan, then speed back to finish my dinner at El Toro.  I was gone maybe 30 minutes when I come back to find Carmen schmoozing KAke and our families.  Leave it to Carmen to bring some spectacles only Elton John would be proud of.

After eating I run back to Sanford & Sons to emcee one of the coolest performance acts I’ve ever seen â€" Abztract Synergy.  I watched in awe as I thought to myself, “This is why I love Tacoma.  The ability to sit in this cozy, unique little library in the basement of an antique store, and be this close to such free spoken art.”  I think I might’ve even felt a tear come to my eye.

I get the texts from KAke and Mr. DeRosa that they’re at The Elephants inside TAG’s old digs.  I crawled down front just in time to catch the end of my and KAke’s girls dancing away.  The fiery breeze of talent displayed up on stage of the Broadway Center made it easy to smile, feel the beat, and love life.

Just as the girls were getting cranky, we walked outside to the Pierce Transit Park right as Handful of Luvin’ began playing.  Um, wow.  Just wow.  Good gravy in all that’s made from butter, I am in love.  I was so drawn in.  The voice, the violin, the rhythm, I couldn’t help but want to dance.  I was drawn to the stage, and immediately began taping.  The crown was nuts, the dancing, the energy, and vibes of happiness.  These people loved this band, and I craved more before they were even done.  I will definitely be seeing more of them soon.

First Night was perfect.  Parking was easy, tons of people there, but not overcrowded.  It was organized well, and there was a ton of variety.  Thank you Bennett Thurmon, First Night Brain Trust, Pierce County, City of Tacoma, all the performers, sponsors and volunteers who made it all happen.  And thank you Weekly Volcano for allowing me to be a part of it. â€" Steph DeRosa

THE GAME
Knowledge Night
If somewhere in the deep, dark recesses of your noggin there lurks the knowledge that actor Abe Vigoda is six-foot-four and grew up on New York’s Lower East Side, then this listing is for you. Every Wednesday Doyle’s Public House in Tacoma hosts Knowledge Night where individuals or teams answer two pages of brain teasers, trivia and current events for shirts, tickets and gift certificates. It’s a challenging, fun night. â€" Brad Allen

[Doyle’s Public House, 7 p.m. every Wednesday, no cover, 208 St. Helens Ave., Tacoma, 253.272.7468]

FILM
"The Great Debaters"
An affirming and inspiring film, retelling the story of a remarkable team and their coach. Little Wiley College in Marshall, Texas, in the heart of the Jim Crow 1930s South, fielded a debate team coached by Melvin Tolson (Denzel Washington) that won the national championship. But there's much more to the story than just their victory; the film, directed by Washington, portrays the racist society against which they endured and prevailed. One of the year's best. Rated PG-13. ★★★★ â€" Roger Ebert

[Century Olympia: 1:05, 4, 6:55, 9:50; Lakewood Cinema 15: 12:30, 4:05, 7, 10:10; Longston Place 14: 11:05 a.m., 2:25, 7:05, 10:10; Regal Martin Village 16: 11:10 a.m., 2:05, 5, 7:55, 10:50]

MORE FILM: On local screens today.

DJ
Salsa Night
So you were born with two left feet â€" so what? Down some liquid courage and head to 21 Commerce for one of the most happening Latin nights in the city. DJ Benny Rivas â€" originally from Puerto Rico and played AAA baseball there before relocating to Tacoma â€" will spin classic salsa and merengue as well as music-of-the-moment reggaeton, leaving little choice but to dance. You won’t need lessons (although they are available) â€" just a little rhythm and a lot of energy. With the help of a few mojitos, you’ll be pulling moves Shakira would envy. ¡Baila morena! â€" Suzy Stump

[21 Commerce, 10 p.m., 9 p.m. lessons, $3, 21st and Commerce, downtown Tacoma, 253.272.6278]

MORE MUSIC: In the clubs tonight.

Aside from the 50 bucks I lost this year playing fantasy football (not to mention my dignity), I'm not much of a gambling man. I am currently sporting a beard like the gambler Kenny Rogers, except mine's not white. But that's neither here nor there.

If I were a betting man, one thing is certain. There's no way in hell I'd bet against Zeke's show at Hell's Kitchen Friday, Jan. 4, with Neutralboy, Artimus Maximus, the Atomic Thrill, Toxic Holocaust, and the Altarboys.

Zeke is, far and away, one of the best hardcore punk bands around. That's what I like to call "common knowledge." Hopefully you also know about Zeke's digital release, Kings of the Highway, which found its way to the Internet on Dec. 11. For a taste of the seven-song effort, which includes three new songs from the band, "Lords Of The Highway," "Kings And Queens" and "Hay Bailer," and a cover of GG Allin's "Die When You Die" thrown in as an extra bonus, check out here.

Get 'em while they're hot â€" digitally, that is.

And don't miss this show.

Screwing up either recommendation would be tragic. â€" Matt Driscoll

If you miss being in party mode, need a break after going back to work, have post-holiday blues, want something last minute to do after work today, or simply just need a beer â€" stop by The Red Hot tonight after 6 p.m.

I will be there with a hot dog for you to color while you have a beer and help Chris Trashcan decorate his bathroom.  Remember? His stuff was stolen?  Broken News?  You guys really need to catch up here.

It'll be fun, laid back, and tasty.  Bandito Betty and I will be there at 6.  See you there? â€" Steph DeRosa

SOCIAL
Green Drinks
If you’re unfamiliar with this monthly happening rapidly gaining momentum in the South Sound, we’ll enlighten you. It’s a get-together for Green people â€" No, not individuals from other planets, but rather those interested in the environment, conservation and sustainability.

The force behind Tacoma’s Green Drinks is Karin Van Vlack, the South Puget Sound outreach coordinator for the Northwest Earth Institute, a nonprofit group out of Oregon.

Van Vlack explained the Northwest Earth Institute brings people together in small groups to tackle issues such as global warming. The group develops course books, which it supplies to corporations like Starbucks, organizations such as the city of Tacoma and individuals who want to host courses on issues including Choices for Sustainable Living and Healthy Children â€" Healthy Planet.

Tonight’s Green Drinks will be held at the Tempest Lounge. For more information about Northwest Earth Institute check out www.nweipugetsound.org. If you just want to find out more about Green Drinks, visit www.greendrinks.org. â€" Jamie Forsythe

[Tempest Lounge, 6-8 p.m., no cover, 913 Martin Luther king Jr. Way, Hilltop Tacoma, 253.272.4904]

RECREATION
Tacoma RV Show
There’s nothing more American than a recreational vehicle. Here’s a car that’s literally as big as a house, equipped to the nines with every sort of modern amenity you can think of, a brazen gas-guzzler ready to tear giant swaths of land apart, highway by scenic highway. Indeed, the modern RV is an apt metaphor for the United States.

The show will feature hundreds of new RVs, ranging from Class A motor homes to lightweight pop-up trailers, including toy haulers, the 40-foot 2008 Allegro Phaeton with HD TV and solid tile floors, and the 40-foot Fleetwood Discovery 40X with a 42” HD TV, side aisle, huge bath and solid surface counters.

Go big! â€" Suzy Stump

[Tacoma Dome, Jan. 3 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Jan. 4-5 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Jan. 6 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., $7-$9, 12 and younger free, 2525 E D St., Tacoma, www.otshows.com/TRV/tv.htm]

MORE EVENTS: Get off the couch today.

POP ROCK
The Reaching
Formed just under 11 months ago, the quartet of Kyle McGuire (guitar), Mark Blaney (bass/vocals), Ericka Wallace (drums) and Jake McVay (keys/guitar/vocals) cleverly mix electronica with organic for a sound that is similar to early Radiohead. With inventive and complex guitar riffs and bass lines, they have a definite U2 vibe and are lyrically as prolific as Bono. They have only three tracks posted on their MySpace but they are all brilliantly produced and radio-ready. No full-length to promote yet, but they are currently in the studio with an expected release date of mid-2008. â€" Tony Engelhart

[Jazzbones, 7:30 p.m., all ages, $5, 2803 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.396.9169]

MORE MUSIC: In the club tonight.

THE DAILY WORD
Learn it, use it, spell it

Repercussion â€" Noun

1. an effect or result, often indirect or remote, of some event or actions: The repercussions of the quarrel were widespread.
2. the state of being driven back by a resisting body.
3. a rebounding or recoil of something after impact.
4. reverberation; echo.

USAGE EXAMPLE: Bobble Tiki is still waiting to access what the repercussions of his annual New Year's Eve drinkathon will be.  It has now been three days since the ball dropped and '08 came to be, and only one thing is certain â€" never once, in all of Bobble Tiki's experiences, has Bobble Tiki ever done anything he's proud of on New Year's Eve.  From what Bobble Tiki remembers this year's celebration was no different.  Bobble Tiki assumes that by week's end some embarrassing New Year's Eve photos of Bobble Tiki will surface on the Internet, and Mrs. Tiki will soon want answers.  Stay tuned.

THE MORNING NEWS

TACOMA: Fewer homicides. Yeah!

UNIVERSITY PLACE: Town Center creeps along.

BREMERTON: Dog spies on private parts.

NEW MEXICO: Good thing tattoo wasn’t a grenade.

HUSTLER OF CULTURE
You can stand atop the mountain and scream your naked desires to the universe or shed that synapse epilepsy and hug the South Sound today with your fellow man:

MUSIC: If Thursday is the new Friday, does that make Friday the new Saturday, and Saturday the new Sunday? Bobble Tiki isn't sure, and quite frankly, all of this calendar reorganizing makes Bobble Tiki's head spin with confusion.  If Thursday is the new Friday, that makes tonight the perfect night to hit the town.  If you're in search of something to do, Who Cares will join the monthly White Trash Night at Hell's Kitchen and the Reaching and Kris Orlowski will play Jazzbones.  If you've got any class in your body Bobble Tiki recommends the show at Jazzbones. If you don't Bobble Tiki recommends you join him at the Kitchen. 

MORE MUSIC: What's on tonight.

BAR EXAM: New Volcano Web-only column. Neat.

THREATS AND PROMISES COLUMN
Bobble Tiki’s coverage of the “Pianorama” concert at Jazzbones Friday, Jan. 11 is more challenging than most assignments. All week Bobble Tiki has had pianist on the mind, and he’s beginning to wonder about himself. Bobble Tiki’s been researching pianists, thinking about pianists, e-mailing pianists, and writing about the fact that three of the biggest pianists in the Northwest will be at Jazzbones for “Pianorama” next week. If Bobble Tiki looked at one more pianist on the Internet this week he may have exploded. Check out his discovery here.

Breakfast with Bobble Tiki runs Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.  Deal with it.

The tabloids claim humans have latent psychic abilities. Some call it intuition, some call it a hunch, some call it indigestion. Read music columnist Angela Jossy's local music scene predictions after she tapped into her collective consciousness.