As a former subscriber to the Movie Malingerer Movement, an organization dedicated to bringing obscure foreign films to the attention of sloths and other disorganized persons who never get to the right film festivals, the Weekly Volcano appreciates subtitles. (Sometimes we wonder why British sitcoms don't have them, since we typically got about one in every 12 of the insults that Edina and Patsy traded on episodes of "AbFab," but as usual we digress.)

Anyway, "Shinobi,” which opens the Tacoma Pierce County Sister Cities 6th Annual International Film & Food Festival Feb. 7, is probably just as violent even without the Japanese subtitles. It’s the story about two Shinobi tribal villages that each send five of their great warriors to battle until death. Neat.

The International Food & Film Festival program pulls together movies from each of Tacoma’s sister countries and offers nights of all things cultural that include music, dancing, talks, food and film screenings. The events run at the Blue Mouse Theatre, which seats about 220. Most, if not all, of those seats will be filled during the 12-night run of the festival.

When: Feb. 7-April 7, every Thursday, doors at 5:45 p.m.

Where: Blue Mouse Theatre, North 26th and North Proctor, Tacoma, 253.752.9500

Tickets: $18 available at:
     Northwest Shop: 2702 N. Proctor, 253.752.2242
    Blue Mouse Theatre: North 26th and North Proctor, 253.752.9500
Buy a pass online and save 20 percent.

LINK: food.org">Tacoma Film & Food

Tacoma’s nightlife scene is continuing to grow, and I’m going to introduce you to a word that will be important for you to know in April:

Maxwell’s.

This is a soon-to-be restaurant and lounge at 444 St. Helens, in the Walker Building, which is undergoing a gorgeous, historic redevelopment into condos and the restaurant space.

Forecast Approach, LLC, put the concept for Maxwell’s together with Troy Christian and Sean Quinn. Maxwell’s will be operated by two restaurant-industry powerhouses in Matt Coloney as executive chef, who helped to open the Pacific Grill, and Tewfik Boulenouar as general manager, who most recently was the general manager of Coupage in Seattle.

The name Maxwell’s came up because it’s a timeless one that fits the seductive historic theme of the Walker Building. It’s also the name of the son of Casey and Gwen Ingels. Casey and Gwen are from Metropolitan Real Estate Development Group, the developers of the Walker project.

The plans for Maxwell's have just got the go-ahead on all of the construction permits, and this restaurant and lounge is targeted to open by April 1.

The Weekly Volcano will bring you all of the news about this establishment as Maxwell’s gets closer to opening, but until then, here’s the scoop on what we can expect from what will be a hot addition to Tacoma’s dining and nightlife scene.

Maxwell’s will aim to offer a comfortable, warm and elegant ambiance with plenty of booths and the type of atmosphere that makes the entire establishment feel like a lounge. Every accent will have an art deco feel with music playing that will match this genre.

This space is approximately 4,000 square feet, and there will be a 50/50 split between the restaurant and the bar.

In terms of food, you’ll be able to sink your teeth into inexpensive Northwest, fresh, provincial and comfort food. Think traditional mac and cheese, seafood, chicken pot pie and osso buco. Executive Chef Coloney will have the utmost latitude and creativity in the final development of this menu, and I can’t wait to see what he comes out with, which will rotate seasonally.

Not only will the restaurant serve its patrons in the actual establishment, but it will also offer the same menu as room service to the eventual Walker condo residents.

Keep your eyes open for full story as we get closer, but until then, add the word Maxwell’s to your Tacoma nightlife lexicon. â€" Natasha Gorbachev

Still have that music gift certificate you scored at Christmas?  Consider The Shackeltons self-titled release that hits the stores today.  Check out Tony Engelhart's review of this little treasure.

ART
“Remembered Light”
U.S. Army Chaplain Frederick Alexander McDonald may no longer be with us, but he lives on through his memories and shards of glass he collected during World War II. These stained glass pieces from sanctuaries damaged or destroyed when the war wreaked havoc on Europe, and McDonald’s personal recollections come together in a breathtaking exhibit on display at the Washington State History Museum. 

“Remembered Light: Glass Fragments from World War II, The McDonald Windows” features 25 windows in diverse media including ceramic, silk screen, vinyl and glass created by 13 international glass artists. These stunning works of art reflect the despair and the hope, the destruction and the renewal Seattle-born McDonald experienced as he traveled through Europe with General Omar Bradley’s 12th Army Group from 1944-45. â€" Jamie Forsythe

[The Washington State History Museum, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.,  $6-$8, 1911 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 1.888.BE.THERE, www.WashingtonHistory.org]

MORE ART: In the galleries and museums today.

FILM
There Will Be Blood
"There Will be Blood" Daniel Day-Lewis in a virtuoso performance as an obsessed loner, starting with nothing and becoming a California oil tycoon, in a live dominated by greed, duplicity, hatred and loneliness. Paul Thomas Anderson's epic is ambitious and relentless as the study of a human monster. Magnificent visuals created by cinematographer Robert Elswit and set designer Jack Fisk. A debatable ending, and its reach exceeds its grasp, which is not a dishonorable thing. Rated R. Three and a half stars. â€" Roger Ebert

[Century Olympia: 12:55, 4:35, 8:05; The Grand Cinema: 4:40, 8. Thurs, Jan. 31 1:30, 4:40, 8; Lakewood Cinema 15: 11:45 a.m., 3:15, 7, 10:30; Regal Martin Village 16: 11:55 a.m., 3:25, 7, 10:25]

MORE FILM: On local screens today.

JAM
Billy Farmer
A gifted guitar player, Farmer plays acoustic with a folk style, electric in a Chicago blues stomp style and knows his way around the Delta, too.  His arsenal of strings includes a reliable 12 string, Dobro, mandolin and banjo. When he needs a little oomph, Farmer plugs in his Les Paul or Stratocaster. Farmer is a master of mimicry and can imitate everyone from Jagger to Cash.  Farmer leads the Tacos & Jams Open Mic tonight. â€" Tony Engelhart

[O’Callahan’s, 7:30 p.m., no cover, 15610 92nd St., KPN Key Center, 253.884.9766]

MORE MUSIC: In the clubs tonight.

THE DAILY WORD
Learn it, use it, spell it

Fop \FOP\, noun:
A man who is overly concerned with or vain about his dress and appearance; a dandy.

USAGE EXAMPLE: While football fans already know that Tom Brady was awarded the National Football League’s MVP award this year, for his record setting performance in the Patriot’s unbeaten season, many don’t realize he was also awarded the MPF Award â€" given to the league’s most pretentious fop.

THE MORNING NEWS

WASHINGTON: New border-crossing rules suck.

OLYMPIA: Regulate subprime mortgage lenders?

WARSAW: I’m not dead yet. I think I’ll go for a walk.

GERMANY: Fly the naked skies.

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: Tonight at Le Voyeur in Olympia, Bobble Tiki’s favorite destination for the weird and unorthodox, an event dubbed “Synthstravaganza” will go down. As you may have gathered, the night will feature plenty of synthesizers, in addition to the electro magic of Johnny Wulf and Street Without Joy. If you need an appetizer, a taste of Street Without Joy can be found here. The evening should be enough to make you remember why you love hot electronic beats, and why you asked for that Casio keyboard for Christmas when you were 12. 

MORE MUSIC: What's on tonight.

FILM: Catch a movie today.

THREATS AND PROMISES COLUMN
Bobble Tiki is a fan of Masa restaurant and its owner John Xitco. “House Blend Thursdays,” which will bring big name music to Masa’s cozy confines every week begins Thursday, Jan. 31, with a performance by Jason Webley and Handful of Luvin’.  Check out the details here.

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

Once upon a time on a street far, far away, but close enough to walk to, there was a tiny little coffee shop called Black Water Cafe. From the outside it made you tired, it wanted you to come in and rest, and you couldn't wait to drink the black gold you smelled upon entrance. Rachel the owner has superhero powers. When she calls your name and hands over your liquid treasure, the super power is transferred over to you. All of the sudden you feel the strength to pop open that laptop and get busy.

One of my favorite things to do is sit back and listen to people comment on the Weekly Volcano as they peruse the pages. It's always good; nothing bad about my favorite rag, but it always reminds me that this is, in fact, Tacoma. It's still a relatively small community when you think about it. The six degrees of separation is always in existence, and you never know who is listening. Hell, I overheard someone say Brad Allen had a heart the size of a small raisin. They had no idea that I was right there and that I had in fact once cut open Brad's chest only to reveal that his heart is not the size of a small raisin. More like the size of a prune, maybe an apricot on a good day.

My tasty Americano eventually sends me to the bathroom, and as you know by now, this is where I do all my best thinking.

I think about Brad's small, fruit shaped heart. Then I ponder the size of my huge Texas grapefruit heart. I would like to think I'm a pretty giving person, that I do a lot for people, and that I make a difference. What I don't understand is people who think they can make a difference with politics. Ugh, the dreaded topic of politics. Oh, and while we're at it, let's throw some religion in there as well.

So, I'm driving around good ol Federal Way, trying to scout out a Nintendo DS (nowhere to be found within a 25 mile radius), and I hit the corner of 320th and Pacific Highway. I am immediately visually over-stimulated, making me all of the sudden forget how to drive. There are people everywhere, on every corner, across all 32 lanes of traffic at this gaping intersection in Federal Way. They're holding handmade signs that read Impeach Bush! Oh good gravy, seriously folks. Do you think some Republican is going to drive by and say, Oh, man, I've always kinda liked George Jr., but now after reading that sign I am convinced otherwise! Yes! I will now change my vote, and it's all because of your homemade sign! I agree with freedom of speech, and I respect all opinions¬" just don't shove them in my face.

Like the doorknockers. You know whom I'm talking about, let's not pretend you don't. I don't care what religion you are, no one is going to be grateful for you saving them from their sins when you come a knockin during a Mariner's game. Trust me, you can ask my neighbors. I think everyone got an earful that day.

If I'm going to change my opinion about religion or politics, it's going to be from something that's evolved in my huge Texas grapefruit heart, and not from some bumper sticker I saw. (That's another thing I don't get¬" why would you advertise your political view on your car? Yes, I see showing support, but I almost think it would be an invitation for someone to key your car, or slash your tires. Given the extreme mentality of some politic-following folks.)

So there. I'm done with the potty, and I'm done reading all of the little posters and flyers taped to the Black Water bathroom wall. Thankfully, none of them are political, nor are they religious. I wash up; play a bit with the lights hanging from the wall, and head out. Hopefully to a world where everyone can respect other's opinions and views, and just shut the hell up.¬" Steph DeRosa

ART/MUSIC
Threads that Bind Community
What: Tacoma Art Museum celebrates Black History Month with a free festival loaded with art, music, poetry and more.
Why: While they celebrate the African-American experience, these events go far beyond race, offering an educational (and fun!) environment for all.
When: Sunday, Feb. 3., noon to 5 p.m.
Where: Tacoma Art Museum, 1701 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.272.4258.

MUSIC
Ron Jeremy’s 3 Ring Circus
What: Porn star Ron Jeremy and his friends the Motley Crüe tribute band, Wildside, will headline Ron Jeremy’s 3 Ring Circus.
Why: If you can’t get enough Crüe but are tired of waiting for another inevitable reunion, Wildside will scratch your “Dr. Feelgood” itch. Chicks, don’t forget the chicks, the night is sure to be sinfully satisfying.
When: Wednesday, Feb. 6, 9 p.m.
Where: Club Vertigo, 5240 South Tacoma Way, Tacoma, 253.678.3593.

Hey Tacoma!  Jaime Kay will be making 75 cent tacos at her Top of Tacoma Bar during the Super Bowl.  She’s also sliding down the bar $1 man cans of beer, aka tall boy PBR, High Life and Rainier. Nice.

Where will you be Sunday? â€" Brad Allen

WE HAVE UPDATES!

Puget Sound Pizza
Happy Hour All Day Sunday in the bar, which means $5 Personal Pizzas! They also promise killer deals on drinks and other appetizers. After the game Colin ste sup his Karaoke Empire and gets down with his bad self.

There’s no joy quite as satisfying as the joy derived from a really good bitch session.  And in times like these â€" winter, of course, what did you think I meant?  Everything else is perfect, silly â€" complaining nonstop is really the only way to go. Especially if you’re not a skier.  But should you grow weary of kvetching (and there are reports of this happening, though they are about as common as the word kvetch), there is a cheaper alternative. Something Weird Saturdays. Stop laughing. What could be better than watching a double feature of B movies?  Not much.

The brain trust behind of Something Weird Saturdays will screen “Two Thousand Maniacs” and "Wizard of Gore” this Saturday at the Capitol Theater.

It will be kvetastic! â€" Suzy Stump

[Capitol Theater, Saturday, Feb. 2, 9 p.m., $5-$7.50, 206 Fifth Ave. S.E., Olympia, 360.754.5378]